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    • Dec 9, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      St. Augustine City Marina And Other Good Area Recommendations (St. M. 778)

      Below you will find a bevy of really useful cruising information and recommendations from Captain Jean Thomason, concerning the St. Augustine, Florida area. Notice her news about the new Bridge of Lions. Everyone in the cruising community will rejoice when this construction is finally completed. It seems to have already gone on forever!

      We always enjoy our stay at St. Augustine City Marina. Hopefully the bridge work will be done soon- word is that traffic will start to use the redone Bridge of Lions next month. Of course, they will then be removing the temporary bridge. We had a leaking raw water pump and turned to First Mate Yacht Service to install a replacement pump. They came promptly Monday morning, dealt with the problem and we were on our way before noon. Give them a try if you need help. Sometimes I trek across the bridge and go to the little grocery store on the right a few blocks up. They don’t have everything but do have the essentials, especially meat and vegetables and fruits. Didn’t get to shop this time however.
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

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    • Dec 9, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Unhappy News Concerning the New Dinner Key Mooring Field (Miami, FL)

      Hmmmmm, sounds like the new mooring field at Coconut Gove (Miami) has some real administrative problems.

      We came into the new dinner key mooring field on Dec 1, and they asked us to take a mooring on the outskirts of the field that was a fair dingy ride in and is subject to wakes from boats in the channels before they begin to slow down ‘” we are a 40′ Jeanneau ds40 with a 5’ draft –
      As we dinghied in we noted several 40’+ boats with deeper draft closer in so we asked if we could move closer in as most of the field is currently empty ‘”
      we suggested a mooring number and told to go ahead and move which we did. Now we are told that the mooring we moved to is a 30′ mooring and the original mooring we were on was a 40′ mooring – in fact i would estimate that over 2/3 of the mooring field is designed for boats less than 40′ and we were told that they can not accomadate any boat greater than 42′ – when i told them a 47′ boat just left for the islands they agreed and told us that the boat was told they could no longer use the field because they were too big –
      There is also a very very tiny dingy dock
      Trying not to be to prejudical, it appears if this is a test field for the florida anchoring problem they designed it for failure – in fact you may just want to anchor on the other side of the mooring field and not have to pay which is right next to the 40-42’ moorings
      just my thoughts
      chuck patty and svsoulmates
      miami fl

      Hello,
      As for the engineering of the field I guess what is done is done for now. Short of building a break water all around the field, I don’t know. It’s an unprotected area, so it will be rolly polly from wind, waves and wakes. I suppose the center of the field and closer to land may be the best spot to be in if you have a choice and a lesser draft.
      But in regards to the dingy dock I was told that the larger floating dingy dock by the boat ramp will eventually be available to the mooring customers, once the mooring customer showers, baths and offices are installed. However for security purposes my preference would be where they have it now, well inside the marina and close to the harbormasters office, better a small safe dingy dock than one exposed to the street and to the unsavory characters that hang around the boat ramp at night.
      Hope things improve.
      Jules
      S/V Nemesis
      Dinner Key Marina
      Miami

      I keep my boat (70 feet) in Florida most of the winter and in Nantucket Harbor during the summer. In Nantucket we’re on a mooring, there is a Town-owned and operated pump-out boat running 7 days a week, launch service, two good-sized dingy docks and even delivery service. The Harbormaster’s building, at the foot of the Town Dock where the dingy docks are has nice bathrooms with clean showers. The water in the Harbor is clean, so clean that the Harbor is used for commercial scalloping in the fall and winter, and it is certainly clean enough for swimming. The health of the scallop population is dependent on clean water and healthy beds of sea grass. If boats were anchored instead of on moorings the sea grass beds would be destroyed in a season or two.
      Contast this with Florida where mooring fields are few and far between, pump-out facilities (let alone pump-out boats) are scarse and out-of service much of the time, and amenities of any kind are limited to say the least. I don’t get it. Florida’s waters are just as precious as New England’s waters. I’ve been reading for years about the damage done to coral by yachts anchoring on top of or too close to the reefs. If there was a mooring field close by (but not too close) and an anchoring ban enforced it strikes me that the problem would be at least partially solved.
      Just my opinion.
      Nancy

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    • Dec 7, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      One And Only Anchorage (near Jacksonville Beach, Statute Mile 744)

      I call the overnight haven discussed below the, “One And Only Anchorage,” because it’s the only anchor down spot anywhere near the AICW between the Wateway’s crossing of St. Johns River and the Tolomato River. It is found along the AICW’s eastern flanks, north of the high-rise Pablo Creek bridge, BUT you MUST enter from its northern mouth.

      Dear Claiborne,
      We are back on board and moving south from Jacksonville. Tonight anchored off Pablo Creek on what you call “the one and only anchorage”. We couldn’t find those 10-15 foot depths you mention behind the three islands on the northern part of the creek. 20-35 ft was more like it close to low tide. We anchored in the northern mouth of the creek in 19 feet. There are a couple of old resident sailboats and a couple of moorings farther in behind the islands. Maybe we should have gone nearer to shore?
      Jean Thomason
      DOVEKIE

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For The One and ONly Anchorage

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    • Dec 4, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sunset Bay Marina (Stuart, FL on the St. Lucie River, South Fork and Okeechobee Waterway)

      The accolades here on the Cruisers’ Net keep piling up for Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart, Florida. If any of you do not recognize this marina’s name, it is the new, much improved incarnation of the South Pointe Anchorage facility. It is found on the eastern banks of the St. Lucie River, South Fork, just upstream of the old Roosevelt twin bridges.
      We have visited this facility ourselves on two occasions since its remodeling. I can attest to the accuracy of the good things Captain Emerson has to say below.

      Repeating comments I posted elsewhere on this site, in reply to a `where to stay’ request:
      `We’re currently moored at Sunset Bay Marina, on the south fork of the St. Lucie River, in Stuart. Moorings are $10 / day or $240 / month. There are slips but they’re booked for the winter. The location is about 7-8 miles off the ICW. Boats drawing 7′ or more may be challenged at the river entrance and in the river itself (we draw 6′ and found some `skinny bits’ at the entrance, while following the marked channel). That being said, the marina is a great place to be, with excellent facilities, helpful staff, and easy walking access to Stuart’s shops as well as a Publix, etc. about a half mile along US1.
      We stopped here to ride out some weather, with the plan of moving on to a marina in North Palm Beach for a Christmas break. Instead we’ll leave the boat here for the break, and are glad we found Sunset Bay Marina.’
      Rick Emerson

      I don’t think I can add to the nice things that have already been posted except to say they were nice enough to let us hang at the fuel dock to walk to Publix and to do laundry (laundry room has 5 washers and 6 dryers!) before we went to our mooring. I certainly would return to Sunset Bay in the future! The mooring field is nicely laid out. A first class operation!
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

      We are at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart. It is also very friendly, has a pumpout boat that visits with a phone call, and not rafting up on mooring balls! Get togethers three nites a week if you want and sparkling new, clean facilities. Lots of stuff available within walking distance.
      Great prices too. As of today it is almost full to capacity which is wonderful considering (from what we have heard) some fought adding docks and updating the buildings because its a bit off the ICW and they thought it would not attract enough cruisers. They were wrong!! This place is full and operating just fine at capacity.
      The only downside at this point is that this area should be a no wake zone! We got here late and are on one of the outside moorings and get quite a bit of wake from passing boats. Im not sure why it is not a no wake zone since its between two bridges and nears a marina with hundreds of boats. Would suggest picking up a ball closer in if you can.
      Sami and Barry Shreve

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Bay Marina

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    • Nov 30, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Florida’s Definition of “Minimum Wake” and “No Wake”

      The note below is actually in response to a question on the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page (/category/ask-your-neighbor/). However, I though the contents important enough to post on all the Net’s Floridian pages.

      The Florida Wildlife website lists the following under boat speed limits:
      Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as `Idle Speed – No Wake’ must operate at the minimum speed that will maintain steerageway.
      Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as `Slow Down – Minimum Wake’ must operate fully off plane and completely settled in water. The vessel’s wake must not be excessive nor create a hazard to other vessels.
      However, the determination is up to the officer and there are many officers with differing opinions.
      Doug Kendrick

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    • Nov 27, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Praise for Lambs Yacht Center (Jacksonville – Ortega River, St. Johns River)

      Serving the North Florida area for over 50 years, we welcome you. We are in the process of updating this site. If you need help with your question or additional information, feel free to email us atLambs Yacht Center is the most upstream of the facilities on the Ortega River. This stream makes into the St. Johns River a short hop upstream of downtown Jacksonville. Lambs is a long-time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and we can not recommend this yard and marina too highly.

      We had very good service at a reasonable price at Lamb’s in Jacksonville, FL. After the work was done on our 44 footer, they even let us stay a few days at no cost.
      John aboard “Semper Fi”

      We, too, have had work done at Lamb’s in 2007 and returned again this year for more work, recently completed to our satisfaction. This is very secure and pleasant marina and yard, within walking distance of one of the biggest used book stores we’ve ever seen, and also within walking distance of a pretty good shopping mall.
      We heartily recommend them.
      Peter and Jeanne aboard Watermelon

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Yacht Center

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    • Nov 27, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 2 Comments

      Rockhouse Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 842)

      Captain message below details an anchorage that I have never before research, and, thus, it is not included in the Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory (/category/anchorages-eastern-florida/). If anyone could provide additional details for this haven, particularly a Lat/Lon postion and MLW depths recorded, that would be MOST helpful!

      Subject: Rockhouse Creek anchorage apprx st mile 842
      Cruising News: Lovely spot second time we\’ve spent a night there. Good holding and more than enough swing room for a 55\’ cruiser. There is a charted shoal at the south side of the mouth.
      Ron

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Sami and Barry Shreve -  December 16, 2009 - 7:33 pm

        We have been here three nights. Its a lovely anchorage, with plenty of room and small spits of beach on both sides. One in particular is great for dog walking. Tonight we are swinging around quite a bit but have good holding.
        Dolphins come thru daily feeding and giving a show! We will leave on high tide in the morning.

        Reply to Sami
      2. ron -  November 27, 2009 - 12:36 pm

        80.55.940
        29.03.602
        mlw 7′

        Ron & Audrey
        Lucky Girl

        Reply to ron
    • Nov 27, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cocoa Village Marina (Statute Mile 897)

      The accolades keep rolling in for Cocoa Village Marina. Clearly, this is a GOOD place for cruisers to coil their lines!

      Very nice marina with the swankiest Captain’s Lounge yet. We hit Cafe Margaux for lunch which was outstanding. It’s a pretty fancy spot and not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. Guys’¦suggest you send the first mate to the `cutesy shops’ while you spend an hour wandering through Travis Hardware. You gotta see this place.
      s/v MicMac

      On Board Take Five, 11/30/09. Just dropped by to inquire about rates. There are two areas: one is exposed to northerly winds, the other has a concrete bulkhead. The protected slips have recently been sold at auction. The marina staff will not be able to commit to any renting of slips until Dec 7, when the owners will announce their intentions to rent their slips or keep their own boats in them. Costs for rental of protected slips are based on length of slip, not boat, with 50 foot minimum. Costs of rental at exposed slips based on length of vessel. First impression of this marina is that it is excellent.
      HB Koerner

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina

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    • Nov 27, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Old Port Cove Marina (North Palm Beach, St. M. 1014)

      Like Captain Stephanie (see below), I have always been impressed with Old Port Cove Marina. And, her comment about the good security for the whole complex is spot on, according to my own experience.

      Nov, 2009: Transient rate was $ 1.75/ft less 25% for Boat U.S. 50 amp electric was $ 20/day. Very nice, well-maintained marina with new floating docks ‘” finger piers are long and wide, unlike some marinas where they are short and narrow. Inside a gated community and more difficult to pass through the gate than at the White House! VERY safe place to leave your boat and a very enjoyable place to stay. Monthly rate is pricey.
      Stephanie DiBelardino
      Nordhavn 47

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Easterb Florida Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina

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    • Nov 27, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Harbortown Marina (Fort Pierce, Statute Mile 965)

      Nov, 2009: Convenient to Publix, West Marine and small restaurants. Marina definitely has maintenance problems, and it makes me wonder if the lack of maintenance isn’t part of a larger financial problem. Our boat was damaged because an improperly installed cleat gave way ‘” and for 5 days we were back and forth with the management as to negotiations on payment for the repairs, the car rental expense to bring the damaged boarding door to be repaired, and the slip from the time of damage until the repaired door was returned. Not a pleasant stay and will NEVER return.
      Stephanie DiBelardino

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    • Nov 24, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Latest on Haulover Canal Speed Limit Enforcement (Statute Mile 869 to 870)

      In the spring of 2009, there was a HUGE discussion here on the Cruisers’ Net about a disrespectful law enforcement officer who kept a watch on the No-Wake provisions in Haulover Canal (about which there was MUCH earlier discussion here on the Net’s “Eastern Florida” section), He was giving out tickets, and abusively so, for vessels that were cruising as slowly as they possibley could. Not, below we hear from Captain Aquilla that something similar may be going on again!!

      It happened to me’¦.squeezed under the Haulover Bridge and was repeatedly yelled at by bridge tender that I was going to fast in a `No Wake Zone’ and could kill a Manatee. Facts: 700rpm, and 6.5kts; THIS IS NOT An `IDLE SPEED NO WAKE ZONE’ BUT INSTEAD A `SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE ZONE’ That is the law. Even at the not required idle I do 4,5kts. These people are nuts! Give a small person a little authority and’¦!
      J B Aquilla

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    • Nov 22, 2009by:   Claiborne Young 5 Comments

      Oyster Creek Marina (now Rivers Edge Marina) – St. Augustine (St. M. 779)

      Well, Captain Paul’s note below is news to me. I always thought Oyster Creek was a strictly live-aboard marina, but apparently that has changed.
      This facility is located well upstream from the AICW/San Sebastian River intersection, on the mainland shores. Give them a try, and let us know what you find!

      Subject: Oyster Creek Marina, St. Augustine, FL
      Cruising News: Just West of downtown St. Augustine at Green marker 29 on the San Sebastian River is a nice little marina with floating docks, restaurant, clean showers and Boat US discount ($1.50/ft). West Marine, Sailor’s Exchange and Winn Dixie groceries all w/in 10-15 min. walk. Great live-aboard scene with weekly pot-luck/BBQ’s, much better spot than the marina’s directly on the ICW.
      Paul

      We had the pleasure of staying at Oyster Creek Marina the evening of Oct 29, 2009. We entered at just about dead low and had no problem at all getting to the marina up the San Sebastian River. The location is as billed. Close to West Marine, Wynn Dixie and the Sailors’ Exchange. Also, its a reasonable walk to downtown St Augustine. The floating docks are in good condition and the shower room/heads/laundry facility is clean and brite! We’d stay here again.
      Ed Grygent

      We stayed in Oyster Creek Marina for the summer and had a great time. Paul the dockmaster was always helpful and ready to lend a hand and we feel he has become a friend. As we feel that way about many people we have met there. Pat who kept the washroom and laundry area spotless is a great gal. We found the location perfect for all suppling, just down the street from Winn Dixie about another 5 min walk is also Target and a little farther maybe 10 mins Home Depot. You can take a bus to Walmart as well. To walk downtown is an easy and enjoyable walk, lots to see in St Augustine. On the first Fri of the month they have an art walk on King St (wine for a smail tip) this will lead you downtown and St Geroge St is a must do. Don’t forget to check out San Sebastian Winey as well they have great music on the roof at nights and weekends. All in all we can’t say enough about St Augustine except don’t miss it. Say HI to Paul and the gang there for us if you stop there.
      Linda and Dave
      S/V CHIMO II

      We are docked at Oyster Creek now. They did not answer on channel 16, so we called on the cell and they agreed to answer vhf 71. Go figure. The marina is VERY convenient. Winn Dixie, West Marina, Sailor’s Exchange, and propane refill a short walk. Downtown and historic district an easy one-mile walk on sidewalks. Avis in same shopping center with Winn Dixie and West. The slip we were assigned was to narrow for our Bristol 35.5, so they reassigned us just before we were committed to a too narrow fairway. They re-assigned us to a slip in another fairway, did not know which side the tie-up was on, and it only had about six inches of spare clearance for us between the out piling and the floating dock. Docking was an adventure as it took two tries and a turnaround in wind and current to hit the gap. All the T-dock ends were vacant when we arrived and remain so at this time 4 days later. That said, I would return. The facilities are clean and well maintained. Wi-fi requires a booster antenna from the docks, but is available at the office and the on-site restaurant. The Waterway Guide claims they have fuel, but that is an error.
      Doug

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Oyster Creek Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (5)

      1. Celeste -  March 20, 2011 - 10:52 am

        Visited friends that are at Rivers Edge but will NOT be making the visit again. Music is too loud from the restaurant and there was a rather loud party at the grills that lasted well into the night. The next morning, there was a terrible mess; beer bottles, trash, etc. According to my friends, the prices are very reasonable, but I think that if it were me, I’d pay a little more for a quieter evening.

        Reply to Celeste
      2. celeste -  October 28, 2010 - 2:51 pm

        We were just there earlier this month(October). Found everything close. Bathrooms, laundry room- clean and working. Loved the people here. Capt Eric and Annie were are neighbors and what a help they were. Hurricane Patti’s is right there and offer drink specials to the boats at the marina. This is a DEF for stopping again. Easy to get in and out and you were away from the wind.

        Reply to celeste
      3. Annie & Eric -  October 3, 2010 - 5:19 pm

        We are docked here at the Rivers Edge Marina for the 2010 hurricane season and we really love it here,, great boaters and staff.. super clean marina and the city is the best!!! by far!!! This is our third time staying here now,, (even back when it was called Oyster Creek Marina), and we will be back in the spring of 2011. Check out their new web site http://www.29riversedgemarina.com
        Cheers, Annie & Capt. Eric

        Reply to Annie
      4. Linda and Dave S/V CHIMO II -  November 11, 2009 - 11:02 am

        We stayed in Oyster Creek Marina for the summer and had a great time. Paul the dockmaster was always helpful and ready to lend a hand and we feel he has become a friend. As we feel that way about many people we have met there. Pat who kept the washroom and laundry area spotless is a great gal. We found the location perfect for all suppling, just down the street from Winn Dixie about another 5 min walk is also Target and a little farther maybe 10 mins Home Depot. You can take a bus to Walmart as well. To walk downtown is an easy and enjoyable walk, lots to see in St Augustine. On the first Fri of the month they have an art walk on King St (wine for a smail tip) this will lead you downtown and St Geroge St is a must do. Don’t forget to check out San Sebastian Winey as well they have great music on the roof at nights and weekends. All in all we can’t say enough about St Augustine except don’t miss it. Say HI to Paul and the gang there for us if you stop there.

        Reply to Linda
      5. Ed Grygent -  October 30, 2009 - 10:24 am

        We had the pleasure of staying at Oyster Creek Marina the evening of Oct 29, 2009. We entered at just about dead low and had no problem at all getting to the marina up the San Sebastian River. The location is as billed. Close to West Marine, Wynn Dixie and the Sailors’ Exchange. Also, its a reasonable walk to downtown St Augustine. The floating docks are in good condition and the shower room/heads/laundry facility is clean and brite! We’d stay here again.

        Reply to Ed
    • Nov 19, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Vero Beach Municipal Marina (Statute Mile 952)

      Vero Beach MarinaWell, no wonder Captain Howard had such a great experience at Vero Beach Municipal Marina. After all, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      I visited Vero Beach a year ago and consider it a must stop. They have very inexpensive moorings and expect you to raft other boats. The city busses are free and you can get anywhere. Easy shopping. Excellant thrift stores near West Marine. The showers and laundry are excellant. A great stop to prepare for the Bahamas.
      Howard M.
      Spartina

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Vero Beach Municipal Marina

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    • Nov 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge (Statute Mile 744.5)

      The span reported on below sits in the heart of the AICW’s passage through Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

      Try to hit this bridge at slack tide. Otherwise you will be facing a swift current (4+ kts) which will test your nerves and
      helmsmanship passing under the bridge.
      s/v MicMac

      First off, it’s the ebb current that’s the faster current, with speeds up to 4 kts. The flood is about a knot slower. Moreover, this issue exists only in the immediate vicinity of the Atlantic Boulevard bridge. Looking at the chart, the opening between the bits of land to the north of the bridge taper down, but open quickly to the south. We recently passed through the area with a 3 kt flood current and had little trouble under the bridge and only moderate turbulence south of the bridge. The St. Johns River crossing, by comparison, was harder, with strong cross current and turbulence.
      Rick Emerson

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For The San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge

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    • Nov 16, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Florida “Potty Patrol” Out in Force In And South of Daytona Beach

      Make sure those thru-hulls are locked down, and be ready for the “potty patrol” as you cruise south from Daytona Beach. It is obvious from the many reports below that the Florida “Potty Patrol” is out in force!!!! Make sure those thru-hulls are locked down!!!!
      By the way, some of the messges below were contributed directly to the Cruisers’ Net, while others were copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list.

      We were greeted by the Volusia County Sheriff’s boat on our way south today (11/24/09). I told the officer in the boat’s bow that we have a Type I MSD, he said `A LectraSan?’, I said `yes, a Raritan LectraSan’, and that was it. The officer in the bow said `He’s got a LectraSan’ to another officer in the boat, they hit the throttle, and were off after the boat in front of us. End of story.
      P.S. as I write this, anchored near G `39A’ south of the Memorial bascule bridge, a `potty patrol’ boat is in the anchorage near R `44’³.
      Rick Emerson

      Yes, the `Potty Police’ are out in force, but just doing the right thing. We were boarded today by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Dept. just South of Rockhouse Creek (a wonderful anchorage, by the way). Very polite. After we told them our macerator thru-hull was in our stern locker (and secured!) plus that I was a Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner, they were satisfied. We asked them what % of the boats they boarded were in violation they said about 40% and most were sailboats. To our fellow sailors, please secure your Y valves or macerator thru-hulls and DON’T pump waste overboard. Dilution is not the solution to pollution!!!
      s/v MicMac

      Subject: potty police
      Cruising News: The potty patrol are up and running at the coranado lift bridge on either side. They got me last year and I was stopped again on the 10th/nov. I guess the message worked,because my heads were wired shut this time.
      Martin

      I got stopped this morning on the Mosquito Lagoon by Florida Wildlife for inspection of my head. I have a LectraSan system and they were happy with that. All was polite and non-threatening etc, but, of course, being boarded, itself, is upsetting
      Tom Murphy
      s/v Monday Morning.

      Subject: Potty Police
      Cruising News: We were boarded by Florida DNR yesterday after just passing through the L.B. Knox bridge. They wanted to ensure that our Y-valve was locked to the holding tank position. We had put a small cable with a padlock around it when we entered Florida waters. They approved and proceeded to board all of the sailboats in front of us. They want the valve to be locked…and not just with a wire tie!
      S/V Moondance

      Looks like things are going to get even more strict. See
      http://openregs.com/regulations/view/100494/marine_sanitation_device_discharge_regulations_for_the_florida_keys_national_marine
      Paige

      Just a note …. most boaters are aware that their “Y” valve, if installed, must be wire tied or locked in the holding tank position. If you have a pump out (e.g.: macerator) the thru hull for this system must ALSO be wire tied or locked in the closed position. Being boarded with any valve allowing overboard discharge in the ICW or Atlantic waters inside a 3-7 mile limit (counties vary) will stand the chance of a ticket and a heavy fine. Most of us would not pump out or discharge overboard in these waters, but the county governments are short on cash and will issue summonses where ever they can.
      Peter

      Saturday, working on the boat, in my slip at Halifax River Yacht Club, up walked two Fl Fish & Wildlife officers, in uniform, guns and all. (previous conversation at lunch, I had heard that they were patrolling the docks at Halifax Harbor, and had given out at least two $250 fines because the boat did not have a tie wrap to secure their valves)
      Asked if I had heads on board: Answer, “yes, two”
      Asked if I had lectrasan: Answer: “No”
      Asked if the valves were locked: Answer: “yes”
      Asked if they could come on board and look, Answer: “yes” (I don’t think “no” would have been accepted).
      One of the officers followed me to the aft cabin, I asked if he had a flashlight or should I get one, he answered that he had a light. I opened a locker, and showed him a Y valve with a padlock on it, he was satisfied. We went to the engine room, again, I showed him a second Y valve with a padlock, he was satisfied.
      He then asked to see FL registration, checked it and they left.
      After they left, I got to thinking about the “inspection”.
      They did not check to see in what position the Y valve was locked. They did not check to see what the Y valve was connected to (or if it wasconnected to anything, other than some pieces of hose).
      They did not check to see what thru hull was attached to the output of the Y valve and if that thru hull valve was open, closed, or locked. They did not check the output thru hull valve on the overboard discharge pump. Apparently, seeing two valves with a lock was good enough for them.
      Chet

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    • Nov 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      St. Augustine Anchorage, Dinghy Dockage And St. Augustine City Marina (Statute Mile 778.5)

      Welcome to Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor! Located in America's oldest city- St. Augustine, Florida- Camachee Cove is a fully protected marina adjacent to the ICW, and less than a mile from the St. AugusWow, I had no idea that dinghy dockage at St. Augustine City Marina came so dear. This is a fine municipal facility, however. I’ve always been impressed with its amenities and management, and the entire historic district is within easy walking distance. However, the city marina can not boast of anything like the shelter from foul weather offered by Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, just to the north (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR).
      Pay attention to Captain Jennifer’s maxim about setting two anchors, whether you drop the hook north or south of the Bridge of Lions. The currents here can be wicked!

      Overall, we much prefer the southern anchorage to the northern for room, some relief from swells from the inlet, and better access to the city marina. Note, however, that a shoal exists along a line from the R `12’³ to the R `10A’ and on to the R `10’³, west of this line there is good depth for most boats (we draw 6′). Photos from the air show this bar clearly. We’ve seen two boats (one was a cat) try to run between the `10’³ and `10A’ at high tide and still take the bottom. The only way in or out is to pass north of R `10’³.
      Scenery is in the eye of the beholder – we have no problem with the surroundings. As to derelict boats, they are an unhappy fact of life here. We count about 6 in a very large, and busy, anchorage. Could be worse’¦
      Rick Emerson

      Can’t get much closer to Old St. Augustine than this and we spent 3 nights here to take it all in. Had a minor engine repair which was quickly taken care of by First Mate Yacht Services who showed up on time with the right Yanmar parts. Great lunch at Bistro de Leon which happened to also be the release day for the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau – tasty. If you need meat/produce/basic groceries, walk about 3/4 mile across the Bridge of Lions to Stewart’s (on the South side of highway). Recommend this marina on location, facilities, and staff.
      Pete & Mary Ann
      s/v MicMac

      We thoroughly enjoyed our time in St. Augustine. I think we’ll be going back. Dingy dock rates at the municipal marina up to $10/day. Rather expensive facility but very well run and clean. If we were going to spend a serious period of time there, I don’t think we could afford to use the dingy dock daily but it was worth it for a week. Used their facilities, laundry, lounge, etc. quite a bit.
      One thing we learned, you should always set N and S anchors in St Augustine. Soft silty bottom that my 22lb Delta sliced right through. My Danforth held well there. I initially set only one anchor and our anchor rode fouled on our keel during the tidal changes. VERY strong tidal currents there. Ended up with the rode getting cut through and would have lost our ground tackle if not for some liveaboards who dove on our anchor and retrieved it for us. Visited Sailor’s Exchange (used boat equipment store) for new rode. They are awesome! Once we set 2 anchors, we were fine for the rest of the time there.
      Jennifer Clendinen

      Subject: St. Augustine anchoring.
      Cruising News: The setting of two acnchors in St. Augustine is not only to improve on the holding it is also to reduce the amount of swing at tide change in this crowded achorage.
      Bahamian Anchoring allows the boat to pivot at the terminus of the two rodes thus reducing the swing from, let\\\’s say, 400 feet to less than 100 feet for a forty footer.
      Make sense?
      Dennis Nichols

      Subject: Grocery shopping
      We found a small grocery near the Lightner Museum – The Market at Granda, 6 Granada St – 904-823-9704. This is an easy walk from the marina area, near the St. George street area. Two thumbs up!
      Rick Emerson

      We’re currently lying, in the south anchorage, to a single 35 lb. CQR with 3/8’³ 3B chain. Our boat, a Baba 35, draws 6′ and has a modified full keel. So far we’ve had little difficulty with our ground tackle after several tide and wind changes. We do ride somewhat oddly with wind against current, but this is no different than other anchorages, in SC, GA, and FL, where the same situation has occurred. While dinghying through the anchorage, most boats are riding to a single anchor, with few exceptions.
      Granted $10/day for a dinghy sticker is a little spendy, the facilities ashore are a plus, to say nothing of the city itself. Given there are no real alternatives to speak of, so it goes.
      Rick Emerson

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For St. Augustine City Northern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For St.Augustine City Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Augustine City Marina

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor

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    • Nov 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Fort George River Anchorage (Statute Mile 735)

      Fort George River provides one of the most historic anchorages in Florida, as you can drop the hook within sight of Kingsley Plantation, and then dinghy in for a tour. About a year ago, there was a report here on the Net from a fellow crusier who found some shallow water while entering the river from the AICW. As you will see below, Captain Bill did not find this shoaling, but did discover that swing room and shelter can be a bit on the thin side.

      We’re presently in this anchorage, with two boats near G `3’³ and three closer to G `5’³. We arrived at about half tide and found the bottom coming up uncomfortable quickly (6′ draft) as we approached the dock (shown as two pilings in the chart) for Kingsley Plantation (marked `ruins’), a National Park Service site. We opted for the bight on the north shore near the G `3’³. There’s more swing room and holding is good. One source suggests following a line between Fl R `72’³ and R `2’³ to enter the river – don’t. It leads through a charted shoal. Instead, favor the north shore and follow current charts. Otherwise, this is a standard issue SE GA, NE FL anchorage with lots of marsh, no-see-ums, and tidal currents – but it sure is pretty.
      About the plantation – this is a good trip ashore. The park closes at 5PM but the dock closes at 4:30PM; `closes’ means a ranger comes to the dock and chains the gate shut. Curiously, the same sign announcing the 4:30PM closing time also states that docking is limited to 59 minutes (one wonders what bureaucrat dreamed that up’¦). Plan your visit accordingly.
      Rick Emerson

      After leaving St Mary’s, Kittiwake stopped here for the 3rd time in 5 years. No trouble getting in , with tide rising (about mid-tide, almost full spring Nov 1), but had vibes. Sure enough, aobut 4 AM, front came through with some NW and N wind, and Kittiwake was heading for the plantation docks. Up the hook, ride around in the dark and settled in a little further West until enough light to start traveling. Can’t figure out anything I could have done different, but next time will try the Talbot River anchorage (oxbow on W side of ICW, just N of Ft George River anchorage) – not as much water or room – but talked to the folks anchored there overnight, it had better protection from NW and N in the south end.
      Capt Bill,
      s/v Kittiwake

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Fort George River

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    • Nov 15, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Plummers Cove Anchorage (St. Johns River)

      Plummers Cove indents the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, immediately north of the I-295 high-rise bridge. It is a good spot to drop the hook overnight in calm weather, or with winds wafting from the east, northeast or southeast.

      We have used this anchorage for YEARS as wonderful weekend spot. The holding is great- sand under mud. Wind protection is good. No current. Few wakes. Scenery is nice- bridge is pretty at night. Can be noisy from the bridge traffic if the wind is from the south. Take the dinghy north around the point into Goodbys’ Creek to dock at Hooters and access local stores.
      R. J. McMullen

      We agree with this comment on Plummers’ Cove. We anchored there on the 4th of July, and had an amazing view of FOUR fireworks shows. Great place to drop the hook and have supper.
      Traffic passing under the Buckman Bridge was dicey, as many boaters returning south from downtown Jacksonville were lacking in courtesy.
      Fred Nelson

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s St. Johns River Directory Listing For

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    • Nov 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cruising the St. Johns River, and the Shands Bridge (Green Cove Springs)

      Please note – the discussion below about the St. Johns River was copied from the MTOA List-Serv
      As for the infamous Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs, I myself would never try to take a sailcraft with a 46.5 mast under this span. That is truly flirting with disaster!
      I’m glad to hear (see below) that a new 65-foot high rise bridge is currently under constructions to take the place of the current 45-foot (official clearance) Shands Bridge. This span has long been a barrier for sailors who want to enjoy this magnificent body of water.
      Conversely, cruising the St. Johns River may just be the best cruising offered by the eastern shoreline of the Sunshine State, at least north of Miami. The river is not only beautiful, but if you enjoy anchoring off, you may think you have died and gone to cruising heaven.
      Diesel fuel is a bit scarce along the course of the St. Johns, so fill up at every opportunity. Otherwise, ENJOY!

      My wife and I are planning a trip in the winter of 2010 to St. John’s River. Another couple with a sailboat plan to join us, but have a problem with the Shands Bridge’s 45 foot clearance. Their mast height is 46.5 feet. Is it likely that wind induced variations in water levels will make it possible for them to pass, if we wait for such variations? It appears that the normal tide range at Green Cove Springs is only about 0.7 feet.
      Thanks for any information.
      Norman Mason
      Monk 36, “Peggy Sue”

      We went about half way up the St. Johns River in March, 2009. I don’t know about getting under the Shands Bridge.? Do you have a cruising guide? We used mostly Doziers Southern 2008 Waterway Guide. We stayed a few days at Ortega Yacht Club Marina (we had family near there and it was convenient for us and them).? At that time it was 125. per foot. We also used [Claborne Young’s] guide and if I can find it I will email you that one. How can you not find things on a boat!?!?!?> He has MUCH more information on where to anchor and great little out of the way restaurants up little creeks, etc. I don’t know if your sailboat friends can go up these small rivers. You may have to anchor the sailboat out and take your trawler…we had no trouble with Two Cats Too.
      Good Luck! The St. Johns is BEAUTIFUL…someday I want to go all the way to Palatka!

      Ref the info you asked about for your friends mast passing under Shands Bridge. We live in Green Cove Spgs and pass through Shands on regular basis. 45 ft max height is stated and you can get more clearence with heavy tidal flows but you should not count on it. Heavy rains can keep water higher than normal. Also, Shands like other bridges has a stated 2′ “higher” center clearence. We pass under Shands this morning at low tide and noted that clearence markers gave “46” ft of clearence. Other option; lower mast and cruise all of the river up to Sanford Fl, 150+ miles, many are narrow creeks with deep water, great cruising, but NOT for blowboats!!!
      Enjoy the river, you will love it.
      Gary

      They are building a new 65 foot bridge there. Check Cruisersnet.net to check on progress. The St. John’s has no “tide” variation with or without wind!! We boated on the river for over 20 years. Beautiful!
      Judy

      We have to pass under the Shands Bridge later this week with a 47′ mast (Hunter 30). Gary’“if you’re out there’“can you give us the latest reading on the clearance markers?
      I bought a laser measuring device at Lowe’s & plan to point that up at the underside of the bridge. I’ll be prepared to follow the methods of the `mast tipper’ & heel the boat if necessary. Any other suggestions are most welcome.
      Ted Johnson

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    • Nov 12, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Fernandina Beach Mooring Field (Statute Mile 716.5)

      Fernandina Harbor Marina, as a self-sustaining business of the Marina Department for the City of Fernandina Beach, is dedicated to exceptional service to the community and our customers. As AmbassadorThe discussion below is copied partically from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page (/category/ask-your-neighbor/), and partly from other nautical lists.
      The long popular Fernandina Beach anchorage was converted several years ago to a mooring field. Dinghy dockage as well as many other services are available at the adjacent Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Anyone used the moorings at Fernandina? How hard is it to get one this time of year? Are they good moorings? I’m looking to hold up for Ida’s pass on Tues
      Doug Gould

      Some moorings are held for reservations and some are `first come, first served’, although a call the day of an expected arrival should work, if a mooring’s available (checkout is 11:30). The western-most row of moorings is close to shallow water (~4′ at load tide) and held only for shallow draft vessels. We opted to anchor in Bell River; current is typical for the area and holding seems to be good. The town is attractive, although the view from the water, with paper mills one either side, makes the area seem like a place to skip. Instead, it’s worth the stop.
      Rick Emerson

      We are a 41′ trawler and used them in May 09 and loved it….just call them and they pass you a mooring number and you have full use of all the facilities. Nice town too…..we will go back. Plus it is a great place to get fuel…..
      Knot Tide Down
      Heading to Knoxville on the TN Rvr

      We just used them when we went by last week. Joe guesses when you call, they assign you a mooring ball for your vessel size. We saw some 47-45 footers on them. They are in the open. They have an area inside the marina that is $1 a foot that’s a little tight to get into so they mostly put boats on the seawall’s inside and outside ($1.75 a foot). Get there before too much wind, and if we got into an inside slip I know you can.
      Mik and Joe,
      Asian Lady

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marian

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For The Fernandina Beach Mooring Field

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