On the morning of 5/16/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net received a telephone call from Francis aboard “Easy Rider.” She reported that they were northbound on the AICW, and had just observed a larger powercraft hard aground, AT HIGH TIDE, on the charted shoal east and southeast of marker #49. She went on to say that this was the very same spot where they had a grounding problem with their own vessel a year ago. While we cannot yet confirm this hypothesis, it seems likely that the charted shoal east and southeast of #49 has built out farther towards the AICW channel. Prudent skippers will pass #49 well to its western and southwestern side. If anyone has any additional information about this hazard, PLEASE use the “Comment” function below and share that information with our fellow cruisers! Our thanks to Skipper Michelle for confirming the advice to favor the west side of the channel.
SeaTow mentioned this area as a problem to our group recently. I went up to check it out yesterday and it is very shallow E and NE of green marker 49. Your suggestion is spot on to stay on the west side of the channel. Michelle
We passed 49 about 150 to the West in about 30 ft of water at just about the beginning of a rising tide without a problem on June 3 at 1140am Diane Jack Toomey
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased and honored to welcome veteran cruiser, Captain Jim Healy, aboard as our first “Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor.” Many of you know Jim from his participation in MTOA and various on-line nautical forums. Many are the cruisers who have sought Jim’s advice about computers, networking and wi-fi aboard. It also occurred to the SSECN that Jim is just a really GOOD writer as well. In fact, one of the best we’ve come across in quite some time. So, after some conversation at the recent MTOA Rendezvous in Fernandina Beach, Florida, Jim has joined the SSECN team, and it’s really GREAT to have him aboard. In his first SSECN article as “Contributing Editor,” Captain Healy guides us from the AICW/St. Johns River intersection upstream to the sprawling city of Jacksonville, and nearby Ortega River with its impressive collection of marinas and repair yards!
Captain Jim Healy
Imagine the portion of the St. John’s River – between the ICW crossroads at Sister’s Creek/Pablo Creek and the intersection of the Ortega River southwest of the City of Jacksonville – as shaped like a hockey stick. Imagine the handle oriented mainly east/west and the paddle turned south. Imagine Jacksonville city located at the transition from the handle and the paddle. This 24-mile stretch of the St. John’s River offers an eclectic mix of vistas which include expansive bridges and overhead power lines, a coal-fired electric generating station that has cooling towers resembling those of a nuclear power plant, large scale military and civilian shipping/seaport infrastructure, large southern mansions, residential neighborhoods with docks lining the shoreline, and undeveloped marshlands. Quite a mix. Between the AICW crossroads and the City of Jacksonville, virtually all of the commercial seaport infrastructure is on the `north’ shoreline. This includes cargo terminals and fuel terminals with docks that extend well into the river. By contrast, the `south’ shore has very little large-scale commercial development. Jacksonville city itself occupies both sides of the river. Beyond Jacksonville city, the river turns south, widens and shallows. The current in the St. John’s can run to 3 knots at ebb, which can be of significant help or hindrance to slow and/or low-power vessels. Navigation of the river can be very easy. Along commercial channels, Sanctuary and crew prefer to operate just outside the shipping channel lateral markers. On the St. John’s, we chose to run the `south’ shoreline. That keeps us well away from the various security zones along the commercial `north’ shore. However, on the south side, we did encounter numerous crab pots, some in as much as 40′ – 50′ of water. Concentration and situational awareness are essential. Vessels encountered on the river will include open rowboats, kayaks and canoes, all variety of pleasure craft, large and small cruise liners, very large tows, research, military and commercial cargo vessels. The large Crowley barge tows accommodate 3 levels of tractor-trailer and RR freight car-sized vehicles. These very large barges are managed by multiple towboats, with one tug pulling the barge, via cable, and one or more tugs handling the stern swing of the barge. On AIS, these tows appear as a tight cluster of slow-moving vessels, but they definitely occupy a lot of river. As might be imagined, there are many law enforcement swift boats from several agencies, including US navy and USCG patrol boats, Customs & Border Protection, Immigration and a plethora of state and local authorities. On the north shore of the St. John’s, approximately 7 miles east of downtown, is Trout River. This creek offers anchorage and marina options to cruising boats. Just east of downtown, there is a public marina with floating docks, power and water. Dockage is free; power is $8.50/day. The stay limit is 72 hours. Downtown at Jacksonville Landing, cruisers can tie up to a free wall. This location is a no-wake zone. There are no services, but it’s fine for the self-sufficient cruiser. Local attractions at the location include Chicago Pizza, Hooters and a variety of local eateries. Just to the west of Jacksonville Landing is the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad bridge. This bascule bridge is normally open except when a train is approaching. Virtually everyone will need this bridge to be open. There is a lighted sign that tells boaters the approximate wait time. If that time is long, tie up at Jacksonville Landing and `stretch your legs.’ Proceeding southwest through the FEC RR bridge, the St. John’s turns south and the character of the river changes. It’s just a short 2 – 3 mile run to the Ortega River. The Ortega River is reached by turning to the southwest (260°) at approximate position 30°17.35′ N, 081°40.6′ W. There are no obvious landmarks except for a large, square building on the western shoreline. The Ortega is marked red-right-returning, and boats coming from the St. John’s are `returning.’ Honor the markers. The Ortega River boat channel carries 10′ – 12′ and is well marked. There is a road bridge (Ortega River Bridge) that most boaters will need opened. The bridge is not restricted. Depending upon final destination, there is a CSX/Amtrak railroad bridge that boaters may need opened. The RR bridge is normally opened except when a train is approaching. The RR bridge is an old single-track bridge that carries the classic Amtrak east coast passenger services, like the Silver Meteor, Silver Star and Auto-train. The RR bridge periodically experiences operational problems. Plan accordingly. There are several large marina and boatyard operations along the Ortega River. Note particularly Lamb’s Yacht Center, which has a 100-ton boat lift and a large, well stocked onsite chandlery. Lamb’s allows liveaboards, and the folks there – staff and residents – are very friendly and helpful. I would suggest that this area is not truly a `destination’ in itself, but if planning to have work done or needing to take cover from nasty weather, it is a good, safe, secure refuge. There is a full-scale shopping center within walking distance. The shopping center boasts a Publix, CVS, UPS Store, West Marine, Belks, and several restaurants. The `Metro restaurant’ is especially good for breakfast. `Tom and Betty’s’ is great for home cooking at reasonable prices. There is a large marine consignment operation (`Sailor’s Exchange;’ http://www.sailors-exchange.com/) and a large `used book’ store operation (`Chamblin’s Book Mine;’ http://www.chamblinbookmine.com/default.aspx) in that immediate neighborhood. Bus service is available to downtown Jacksonville. US Rt. 17 is less than 5 minutes from the Ortega River marinas.
That was a nice informative post concerning the Jacksonville and Ortega area. I have a couple of voyage planning tips to add for those of you transiting the downtown Jacksonville area that may save you some fuel, time and engine wear: As strange as it may seem, slack water does not occur in this area at high or low tide. It can be as much as 2 hours later. So, if you want to transit at slack water or `ride the tide’ to save fuel, consult the Tidal Current Tables not the Tide Tables. If not, you may be bucking the current for a while with much frustration. Also, the Main Street lift bridge in downtown Jax will be under rehab for all of 2014. So, read the weekly USCG Local Notice to Mariners online for updates, restrictions, reduced clearance and Bridge Tender contact info. Dave Chappell
For cruisers wanting to make a side trip to visit historic St. Marys, GA, the St. Marys River departs the Waterway at statute mile 712. This reported shoaling is in the dogleg just a mile east of St. Marys docks. The charted shoal between markers #6 and #8 would suggest that favoring the east side of the channel would be best. For more on the St. Marys River, go to /?p=123715
GEORGIA AND FLORIDA ‘“ CUMBERLAND SOUND ‘“ FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY – ST MARYS RIVER: Shoaling. There is excessive shoaling protruding approximately 15ft into the channel between St Marys DBN 6 (LLNR 6805 [30°42.9620N / 081°32.0850W, 30.716033 / -81.534750]) DBN 8 (LLNR 6810 [30°42.6191N / 081°32.0305W, 30.710318 / -81.533842]). The Coast Guard has re-established St Marys TEMP Buoy 6A in position 30-42-52-379N 081-32-00.613W (30°43.4983N / 081°32.0102W, 30.724972 / -81.533504) . Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11503 LNM 19/14
Aha! I KNEW I was in the channel! Thanksgiving 2013 we were transiting that very section coming out of St. Mary’s and managed to nick the bottom (In a 26 foot outboard with a 2 foot draft no less) while holding a good line between those two markers. Hopefully the repositioning of the markers has fixed that, but as mentioned, there is plenty of water to give those markers a very wide berth. MV Top Cat Glacier Bay 2670
Like the headaches related to the FEC RR bridge in downtown Jacksonville, the Main Street bridge will be less than accommodating as it undergoes reconstruction that requires advanced notice for an opening. See /?p=134950. To make matters worse, the dates and hours that require advanced notice change weekly. A phone call to the tender, 904-891-2191, is still the best way to determine when an opening will be possible. This situation will continue until March of 2015. Skipper Charleston’s frustrations are surely shared by many.
WRONG! I was TOLD this morning that there would be at least a TWO HOUR DELAY after the request is made to open the bridge! The boat behind me requested that the bridge be opened at 10 am today but the bridge tender said she had NO RECORD OF THE REQUEST HE MADE LAST NIGHT SO HE WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AT LEAST 2 PM as he arrived at 10 am as he said was scheduled. I got lucky as a SEATOW worker had scheduled an opening and was tied up at the JAX free dock near the GATOR BOWL (I will never call it any silly bank name, it’s always going to be the GATOR BOWL for me). IF you have to wait, from the NORTH go to the free GATOR BOWL marina sponsored by the City of JAX. From the south, go to the LANDING and have a beer at Hooters, or BBQ or anything. Arguing will not get the bridge opened as I listened to those who came after me until I arrived at the next bridge between me and sleep at the marina. When Small Craft warnings are issued, it is time to sail! What a great ride this week through the Keys and up past Miami on the East Coast. Bill Charleston
Make sure you contact the bridge tender on the phone THAT SHIFT. I heard a boater who had called the day before to schedule an opening and the tender that day had no record of it. Bill Charleston
Green Cove Springs Marina lies on the St. Johns River’s southwestern shores, in the heart of the old Navy Base, upstream of the Green Cove Springs City Dock, between Jacksonville and Palatka. The recommendation below comes fom the AGLCA forum./p>
Green Cove Springs Marina, Green Cove Springs, FL is on the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville. Many Canadians and others store their boats during the summer, upon returning from a winter in the Bahama’s. They also have a work yard that allows live-aboard while working on your boat. Not the classiest place you’ve seen, but it serves the purpose. Next door is Reynolds Park Yacht Center and also Holland marine. King & Sharon Cole Blue Moon – 38′ Gulfstar
By now, just about everyone who has visited the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net within the last 24 hours knows that an effort was mounted in the Florida State Senate yesterday by Senator Margolis from Miami, that would have allowed Broward and Dade counties to pretty much institute any local anchorage regulations they wished. That amendment was withdrawn, BUT there is a new effort TODAY (4/23/14) to attach the same amendment to a Florida House bill. For more on this, please see /?p=139367.
Courtesy of the Seven Seas Cruising Association’s “Concerned Cruisers Committee” we can present to you a video of the debate which took place in the Florida State Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday. THIS IS VERY REVEALING, particularly when Senator Margolis states that “we certainly don’t want to hear from the public,” or words to that effect.
To make this work, without having to watch the entire 8 hours worth of video, you must follow this procedure.
When the page opens, there will be a video window on the left side of the page. Click the play arrow. Let the video begin, and then hover your pointer near the bottom of the video window. A slide will appear. You will need to keep sliding this slider button to the right, until you reach the 462.30 minute mark. The debate concerning the “Margolis Amendment” is shown between time reference 462.30 and 469.5.
It’s not often that members of the cruising community can actually see their “enemy” in regards to Florida anchoring rights, but this is an exception. We urge all cruisers to take advantage of this opportunity. And, oh yes, PLEASE let us know what you think, by using the “Comment” function below!
Claiborne, I believe it is also important to recognize Davis Childs (NMMA rep.) and Bonnie Basham (Boat US rep.) both were there and both had cards in to speak if necessary. R, Phil
I agree totally with Captain Phil’s comment above. Both NMMA and Boat/US have been invaluable and responded at light speed to this “out of the blue” situation! So, THANKS Bonnie Basham and Davis Childs!
I’ve not heard of an instance of a complaint from the boating community when a waterfront private property owner builds a pier or dock out over navigable water that belongs to the boating public. So why should a waterfront private property owner complain when those public boaters are enjoying the navigable waters that were not obstructed by his pier or dock?
Here are several revealing photos of the free docks (no power or water connections), provided to us by our dear friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Susan Landry and Chuck Baier. As many of you already know, Chuck and Susan are the owners owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! One word of warning – I know from personal experience that it can get surprisingly right at the Jacksonville Lnading dock, so keep an eye on the weather and wind!
In December of this year, after a personal visit to this facility, we reported that SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Amelia Island Yacht Basin, was awaiting the arrival of a new, high-volume dredge that would be permanently located here. Amelia Island has always offered superbly sheltered dockage, and full on-site services, including repairs. The rub has been depths both on the canal-like entrance channel and in the dockage basin. Well, all that will begin to change very soon.
New Amelia Island Yacht Basin Dredge
While attending the just completed MTOA Spring Rendezvous in Fernandina Beach, I again made a personal visit to Amelia Island Yacht Basin, and had a most informative conversation with General Manager, Bill Galloway and Office Manager, Kristen Galloway. I was very pleased to learn that the NEW DREDGE HAS JUST ARRIVED! Some piping must still be delivered, but in a few weeks, dredging of the entrance channel will begin. Bill explained to me that this new dredge can “do in a few hours what took our old dredge a few weeks to accomplish.” While it will take a bit of time to get the entrance channel and harbor to the depth targets set by marina management, once that is accomplished the on-site dredge will only need to do a bit of maintenance dredging from time to time. Wow, what a wonderful improvement to an already excellent facility. We’ll keep you informed as the dredging operations proceed!
The entrance to Alligator Creek Anchorages lies north-northeast of the ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #36. The two recommended locations are above and below the mouth of Alligator Creek.
I’ve been here on two occasions, the first time during a howling northwest wind of 35 to 40 MPH and ducked in between the sand bar and shore in about 12 feet of water, just up from the cut. The trees did a great job of sheltering me from the wind and waves. The second time was in March of 2013, the wind was howling from the southeast, and the tide was screaming out. I anchored in the same location and it became real bumpy. Nice place, though. Travlin-Easy
I’ve been here on two occasions, the first time during a howling northwest wind of 35 to 40 MPH and ducked in between the sand bar and shore in about 12 feet of water, just up from the cut. The trees did a great job of sheltering me from the wind and waves. The second time was in March of 2013, the wind was howling from the southeast, and the tide was screaming out. I anchored in the same location and it became real bumpy. Nice place, though. Travlin-Easy
Wow, here is a piece of sobering news from our “man on the scene” in Stuart, Florida, Captain Ted Guy. Ted is a maritime attorney and the past president of the Treasure Coast Marine Industries Association, and is unusually knowledgeable about all things nautical when it comes to Eastern Florida and the Okeechobee Waterway. Looks like we may all have more time to wait at railway bridges in Florida, starting in 2015!
Claiborne, my friend, A local controversy has sprung up in the boating community about FEC adding 16 passenger trains each way each day to about ten or twelve freights each way each day, more than doubling the bridge closure down time per day. It will affect their drawbridges from Cocoa Beach to Miami. The new service starting in 2015 is called “All Aboard Florida”, although I’ve heard they may rename it. Check out www.allaboardflorida.com . W.E. “Ted” Guy, Jr.
This is going to be a huge problem if it ever comes to completion. Some estimates say the bridge will be closed up to 75% of the time for train crossings. In addition the bridge is beyond it’s end of life and the RR company (FEC) does not intend to replace it. A breakdown is very likely. For more information, see the grass roots campaign at: http://www.floridanotallaboard.com/ Paul Sears Sailing Vessel `Aurora’ currently in Palm City to the West of the RR bridge!
Harbortown Marina sits on the northern banks of Taylor Creek, which cuts into the Waterway’s western flank, south of unlighted daybeacon #184, just north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet.
We stayed there after a long day south. The marina is very large, and we were on the face dock. The people were friendly and helpful, and Publix is close. The wifi is not worth trying. I was with tech support which I quit after an hour with no results. I was told there are 4 transmitters and ours was `not well’ although the office acknowledged it has never worked well. Overall, I would return. John Pholeric
Except for the tallest masted of our friends, the high-rise 65ft fixed bridges have been a blessing, unless like some of us old-timers, you actually miss chatting with the bridge tenders, even the less-than-friendly ones! The article linked below from NewDaytonaBeach.com outlines plans to replace the remaining drawbridges across the Waterway in Volusia County. Of the four bridges crossing the Waterway in Daytona Beach, only Main Street Bridge (closed vertical clearance of 22ft) and Memorial Bridge (closed vertical clearance of 21ft) are drawbridges. Seabreeze Bridge and Broadway Bridge are both high-rise fixed bridges.
The issue of derelict vessels in Florida’s anchorages has been brewing for years with much discussion as to how to remedy the situation. New bills now before the Florida congress attempt to offer a solution that will remove the offending vessels without imposing on the rights of legitimate cruisers. It will not be an easy task, since the enforcement of any new regulations will been given to local marine law enforcement which, in the past, has not been on the best of terms with the cruising community, especially transients. The excellent article linked below from KeysNews.com by Timothy O’Hara discusses the bills in detail.
Laws and regulations already exist that cover this issue thoroughly, but nobody wants to assume the responsibility or pay for the operation to remove the boat. The FWC has developed a detailed and logical set of regulations and procedures for dealing with true derelict vessels. It is not lack of laws, but passing the buck that has caused the real problems. In the Keys the headline grabbing costs have mostly been generated by a few large commercial vessels, like the tugboat that sank recently. Most truly derelict vessels are not insured and in many cases the owners have no assets to seize. I suppose you can now throw them in jail, further costing the taxpayers large sums for years to come. John Kettlewell
Lets hope that local law enforcement doesn’t consider any and all anchorages on the ICW to be `adjacent to heavily travelled channels’. I believe that , as worded, this leaves too much open to interpretation. Cambren Davis
Skipper Harmon is referring to a stretch of shoaling at the eastern end of the Okeechobee Waterway where we have had a Navigation Alert posted since May of 2013, (see /?p=113451). Again, our advice, and that of Skipper Harmon, is to ignore the magenta line and follow the markers.
The problem stretch near markers 17 and 17A claimed another boater. I recently completed the Okeechobee Waterway and found the charts make this area very confusing and, the small can marker 17A is hard to see. The charts depict a dredged channel and the magenta line indicates you can pass west of the green marker 17. If you follow this route (magenta line) you will find very shallow water. When I passed the area all east bound traffic was leaving the green markers 17A and 17 to the starboard, west bound to the port. If you are meeting traffic, slowing down will allow everyone to pass 17 safely.
Skipper Jerry is asking for your input into a cruise he is planning. He has given us his email so you can communicate directly. While the bulk of the cruise will be well beyond the waters covered by SSECN, we know that many of you have made the trip he is proposing. If you have advice for Skipper Jerry, give him a shout!
I’m looking for input from SSEC members who have sailed recently to Guatemala through Mexico. I will be sailing from Fort Myers Beach and am interested in any customs problems and piracy issues. jcvillines@gmail.com Jerry
Ponce Inlet (as it is known to all the locals) intersects the Waterway at Statute Mile 839.5, with a second southerly intersection near St. M. 843.
Shoal Warning: Heavy shoaling exists beyond the posted shoaling markers in Ponce Inlet. Please take caution when transiting the area, as shoaling may not be visible. Keep south off the shoal markers and keep them 150′ off your beam to avoid running aground. The yellow line illustrates our recommended course. ***Note: Sand bar conditions can change at anytime and Sea Tow Daytona/Ponce is not responsible for the current accuracy of map.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor is located just off the Waterway’s western shoreline, south of unlighted daybeacon #7 and north of the Vilano Beach Bridge.
Good protected dockage, marine services, full service yard with haul out, restaurant/bar, and sailboat school/rentals at Camachee Cove Marina on the north side of St. Augustine. Capt. Alex
The two St. Augustine mooring fields are north and south of the Bridge of Lions in the heart of St. Augustine. The northern mooring field is nearest the St. Augustine inlet and is more often subject to wind and wave action.
Stopped twice in Nov on the way south. Both times the mooring field was quite uncomfortable from sustained hi winds. Great town to visit but long term on a mooring would not be ideal. xort
Beach Marine is located south of unlighted daybeacon #34, and just northeast of the B. B. McCormick – Beach Boulevard 65-foot, fixed bridge. The review below comes to us from the AGLCA forum.
We were heading north and stopped at Beach Marina in Jacksonville Beach,Florida on March 5 for a couple of days while a COLD front blew through. While there the dockmaster Bryan told us that he hosts a “Tiki Hut Party” on the last Saturday of every month for slipholders and transients. Food, beer and wine are FREE as well as DOCKAGE (pull in as early as you like on Saturday and you don’t have to leave until 4 PM Sunday). You only have to pay for electricity ($8 for 30 amp, $12 for 50). Call the Dock Master, Bryan Reid (904.694.2098) a day or two ahead and reserve a spot at the party and the dock. ENJOY! PS. Great staff; great marina. Bob & Jon Volkwein M/V YINZER
Parker Yachts is located at 225 SW 32nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, (954) 463-1515, www.parkeryacht.com
For the second time on our cruise this year, we’ve had tremendous help from a marine business. This time, we were stranded in George Town, Exumas with two non-working engines. Our catamaran has two T9.9 Yamahas. We’d been down one engine for a couple of weeks, and lost the second engine on our arrival in George Town. After trouble-shooting the issues, we determined we needed a replacement CDI, Pulser Coil, and Charge Coil. These parts were not available in the Bahamas so we called several parts dealers in the States. All estimated at least a two-week delivery just to get the parts to their own shops. Susan at Parker Yachts understood our plight and was sympathetic. She managed to get us all that we needed in a matter of days, and personally delivered them to Reggie Express Air for flight directly to George Town. We can’t say enough about how terrific Susan was to work with. Her communication, sense of humor, professionalism, and ability to get what you need FAST is exemplary. Our thanks to Susan and Parker Yachts for helping us to get our engines up and running and our cruise under way again. George and Karen Schietinger s/v Tara
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position Near AIcW Marker #49, North of St. Augustine.
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