Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Underwater Virtual Reality Dive Gallery from NOAA
With only your computer or with smart phone VR goggles, if you are interested in the health of the coral reefs off the Georgia coast and around our Florida Keys, you will learn a lot from these virtual reality reports from theverge.com.
Take a VR swim around these breathtaking national marine sanctuaries
Dive around a school of Atlantic spadefish and marvel at the coral reef
by Alessandra Potenza@ale_potenza May 12, 2017, 2:25pm EDT
CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORTS
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May 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
CCCC Visits Fishermen’s Village, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast for all seasons. As confirmed by CCCC’s recent report, you will feel right at home on your visit to Fishermen’s Village and Punta Gorda, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
April 2017 Cruise to Fisherman’s Village
By Jeff & Joanne Ziemer
It was great! We had a final count of seven boats who found their way to Fisherman’s Village via the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway for our April 18-21, 2017, cruise. Three boats came all the way from Burnt Store Isles in Punta Gorda! In total, ten boats arrived after braving Charlotte Harbor on a somewhat windy day. We all made it safely and settled in for a fun-filled, three-day adventure.
The afternoon of Day One was a time to settle in, catch up, shop, or take a dip in the pool. We had snacks and docktails and a few rounds of cornhole before dinner. Dinner was pork tenderloin on the grill accompanied as usual, by some superb sides brought by members.
On Day Two, 16 CCCC members came by car to join us for a delightful cruise up the Peace River aboard the Lady Charlotte, a nearly new passenger/cruise vessel. Cruisers were treated to sightings of playful dolphin, beautiful Roseate Spoonbills, and a couple of good-sized gators. The tour was narrated by our own Captain Doug Rhees who is well versed on Florida wildlife! A few more carloads of members drove up from Cape Coral later to join us all for dinner at The Village Fish Market in Center Court of Fisherman’s Village. We had a hungry crowd of 48 diners! What a delightful turnout.
Day Three folks were free to explore on their own. A few took advantage of Punta Gorda’s free bike rentals and, literally, went to town! Other folks walked the hiking trails and checked out the workout stations along the way. Several others peeked into the many shops FV has to offer … I saw shopping bags! (And some of us napped!) Dinner was ‘on your own’ and there were several restaurants in the downtown area waiting to satisfy everyone’s appetite! As it turned out, twelve of us headed in one direction, while eight of us headed in another. After dinner, the evening… and the cruise… culminated with yet another magnificent Florida sunset!
Dolphin break the surface long side the Charlotte Lady
Thanks to everyone who came and helped make this a fun experience! What a great group of people that comprise the Cape Coral Cruise Club!
Roseate spoon bills on a Rookery island on the Peace River
Cruise vessel Charlotte Lady
Members enjoy an outside dinner at the Village Fish Market At Fisherman’s Village
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. Read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
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May 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2747,-82.55789999
Red Tide Concerns on Florida’s West Coast

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It’s hardly a new phenomenon — in fact, it’s been around for thousands of years — but Siesta Key residents fear red tide blooms are getting worse.
by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from YourObserver.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Siesta Key
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May 9, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.3639,-79.28239999
Expansion and Renovation at Harborwalk Marina, Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403

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Georgetown and Harborwalk Marina, both SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, continue to do everything possible to make your visit a special one. Located on the Sampit River, Harborwalk Marina is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food and shopping.
HARBORWALK MARINA
525 Front Street ! Georgetown, 29440 ! PO Box 274 ! Phone: 843-546-4250
E-Mail: stay@harborwalkmarina.com Web: www.harborwalkmarina.com
May 9, 2017
Harborwalk Marina Expansion/Renovation
Georgetown SC
Harborwalk Marina of Georgetown, SC, will double its capacity to serve transient boaters on the Intracoastal
Waterway with an expansion expected to be completed by September. [expand title =”Read More!”]
The marina, an affiliate of Evening Post Industries located on the Sampit River at the foot of Queen Street in
Georgetown, broke ground May 1 on the project that will add 825 linear feet of new floating dock that includes a
new 100-foot fuel dock with new high-flow dispensers for gasoline and diesel.
Improvements will also include a fuel hut on the dock for more convenient transactions, including ice and pump-out
service, over 385 feet of new bulkhead and drainage allowing the marina to be dredged to 8 feet MLW, and
improvements to parking and the marina building that will follow.
“Harborwalk Marina accommodates over 1,600 individual boats a year,” said manager Chris Carroll. “This brings a
major economic boost to the downtown Georgetown area. We are the closest marina to the downtown, and many of
our customers shop and dine on Front Street.
The marina, formerly known as Gulf Auto Docks, has been a Georgetown boating landmark for years. It was
purchased by Evening Post Industries in 1989. It was renamed Harborwalk Marina in the mid-1990s. A major
renovation in 2008 provided travelers with a new building offering climate-controlled showers, restrooms and
laundry facilities, 725 linear feet of floating transient overnight dockage with WiFi, cable TV and clean municipal
water seven days a week. With 7 to 12 feet of depth, the marina can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet. The
building provides space to sell ice, batteries, oils, soaps, shirts, hats and boat supplies along with a wide porch and
rocking chairs for travelers to enjoy the sunsets over Winyah Bay. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
“We like to think, we are not the biggest marina on the ICW,” Carroll said, “but we are one of the best.”
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
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May 9, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6686,-81.21559999
Elske visits Marineland Marina, AICW Statute Mile 796

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Good reports keep pouring in for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina which lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. Our thanks to David and Jaculeyn for sharing their delightful blog.
Folks at Vero Beach has recommended Marineland Marina to us as a “must do” layover. We are very glad we did. This marina is undergoing renovations. Brand-new floating docks have been installed. A new dock-master’s office is under construction. The staff are delightful highly customer-service focused young men who are enthusiastic about meeting the needs of boaters.
The Atlantic Ocean is directly across the road A1A from the Marina. We were able to enjoy walking on the sand but did not go in the water as it was quite rough.
We toured Marineland. The experience can best be described as a “blast from the past.” It is a simple place full of history and yet an active living aquatic experience for visitors today. Jackie remembers going to Marineland as a child, so this was a bit of a memory jogger for her. We had the honor of a “private” 45-minute tour with 2 delightful young women who clearly love what they do. Marineland was started in 1938 as a movie studio and then grew and changed over the years. It was the sight for WWII Naval training exercises. It was the first oceanarium and provided early training of dolphins. The first of whom was Nellie who lived to a very old age, the oldest known dolphin in captivity. Marineland now has an educational and research focus thanks to funding by the Vanderbilt Whitney family, the University of Florida and the Georgia Aquarium. There are no longer “dolphin shows” like Sea World or other amusement parks. It was fun to see pictures of the old TV shows and movies that have been filmed here. Jackie’s favorite was SEA HUNT with a very young Lloyd Bridges. We also got to see the educational part in action with a group of elementary school children on a field trip. They clearly were learning about the aquatic world and showed great enthusiasm for the dolphins and the other sea creatures here.
David and Jaculeyn
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
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May 9, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: “New touring fee at Highbourne Cay” plus 2 more
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “New touring fee at Highbourne Cay” plus 2 more
New touring fee at Highbourne Cay
Highbourne Cay is now charging a $25 landing fee for persons who are not registered at the marina to tour the cay. This fee does not apply to persons just going to the store, the restaurant, or getting fuel.
New fuel and dockage survey
Posted: 08 May 2017 02:22 PM PDT
We just completed a survey of most of the marinas offering fuel and dockage in the Bahamas. Some we were unable to contact at the present time. More diesel and gas prices were up than down.
Please go to our website www.explorercharts.com under Fuel and Dockage Prices to check our latest findings. We will be updating continuously as we get new information.
Bimini Sands resturants..
Posted: 08 May 2017 02:16 PM PDT
FYI…both resturants at Bimini Sands are now closed. To bad, as I always liked taking there bus out there, and enjoy the sand floor bar, and good burgers. There susi bar was always good. Gota wonder what was going on there…more stuff closing down…to bad..DenO
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May 8, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.4504,-80.32249999
Dredging Near Fort Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5

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Our thanks to Captain Chris for this notice of dredging and shoaling near Fort Pierce City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!. The entrance channel runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
South of temporary buoy 188A. Sand bar off FP City Marina
Discharge pipeline goes north to ship channel then out to sea and onto beach south of jetties.
Captain Chris Caldwell

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Bill Marett - May 15, 2017 - 10:28 am

Dredging complete; dredge and temporary buoy R188A removed on 05/15/17.
Reply to Bill
May 6, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Update on ACOE Inlet/AICW Surveys by Robert Sherer
Authors/Cruisers Robert and Ann Sherer published the 2016 edition of their excellent guide and, as they have in the past, the Sherers graciously share their research on Atlantic Waterway inlet intersections with SSECN readers. This update is of a March 12, 2017 report.
Hi Larry,
Here’s an article that might be of interest to your readers. It covers the latest info on all the inlets which I’ve verified in my trip up the ICW this spring. I’ve also included links to charts by the Charleston ACOE covering vital areas such as the Isle of Shoals and others. Here’s the article:
———————————————————————————————
There is even more good news for the spring migration. All of the problem inlets have been dredged, allowing a straight shot through in all cases except New River by Bogue Sound where a zigzag course was mapped out by the ACOE around a newly formed shoal. Even with the dredging, there are a few things to watch out for which is covered in the article.
I’ve also included for the first time charts put out by the Charleston ACOE. They have reformed and now publish surveys with more detail on depths and in full color. Charts as far south as Port Royal as now linked with coverage of the Isle of Shoals, Dawho River, Ashepoo, and other interesting areas.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INLETS SURVEY UPDATE from Cruisng Down the ICW 2017, May 5, 2017
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May 6, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.6862,-77.11959999
Transient Slips Available, Church St. Dock, Swansboro, NC, AICW Statute Mile 229

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As those of you who cruise the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway may know, the quaint town of Swansboro sits right on the northern bank of the ICW. Swansboro is one of those down-east charming coastal villages whose warm hospitality, rich local history dating back to the late 1700’s, with its good eating places, is calling you for a visit at their Church Street Dock. The 10-slip Town Dock is located along the intracoastal waterway at Latitude 34 degrees, 41 minutes, 10.44 seconds and Longitude 77 degrees, 7 minutes, 10.08 seconds. Located at the intersection of Front and Church Streets, centrally located in the historic downtown district, within on block of the Visitors Center and Olde Towne Square.
Church St. Dock – Slip Reservations
The Swansboro Church St. Dock is now available for overnight slip rentals. Slips can be reserved online by clicking Facilities on the left of the page. Slips are $1.50/foot/night for a maximum of 5 consecutive nights. Power is available for $5/night and sewage pump out for $5 per pump out. After Hours contact: 252-725-5400.
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Church Street Dock
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May 5, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cocaine Bust in St. Petersburg, FL
For those of you who still think “not in my backyard!” This epidemic of drugs is so commonplace that it is now genrally ignored.

News Release
May 3, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
(305) 965-4672
Coast Guard offloads $56 million of cocaine in St. Petersburg
Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)
Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse) Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Kelly Clark) More than 3,825 pounds of cocaine await transfer to federal agents Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband was interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)
More than 3,825 pounds of cocaine await transfer to federal agents Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband was interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse) link to photo Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million, and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers to partner federal agencies Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon offloaded approximately 1,735 kilograms of cocaine Wednesday worth an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transferred custody of eight suspected drug smugglers at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.
The contraband and detainees were seized April 12 through April 21 during four separate interdictions by Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Teams (LEDET) aboard several Coast Guard, foreign coalition and partner agency boats in coastal waters along the Central American coastline in support of Operation Martillo.
The most noteworthy and fruitful interdiction took place April 19 when Coast Guard LEDET personnel embarked on the USS Zephyr (PC 8), a U.S. Navy Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship home ported in Mayport, and coalition forces intercepted 750 kilograms of contraband and five suspected drug smugglers while on patrol in international waters 120 miles south west Mona Island, Puerto Rico.
The Zephyr, along with the Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigate HNLMS Van Amstel of the Royal Netherlands Navy, pursued and Coast Guard LEDET boarded a small panga fishing boat in the Caribbean Sea. The crews found and confiscated 750 kilograms of cocaine, a wholesale value of $22.5 million, and detained the five suspected drug smugglers.
“Over all, this offload represents our recent success in securing our borders and preventing illegal, regionally destabilizing narcotics from reaching our streets,” said Cmdr. Willy Carmichael, assistant branch chief of Coast Guard 7th District Response Enforcement. “It is truly an interagency and international effort that directly supports the commandant’s Western Hemisphere strategy.”
The contraband and detainees were transferred and offloaded by the crew of the Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg.
These interdictions were part of Operation Martillo, which is one component in the United States government’s whole-of-government approach to countering the use of the Central American littorals as transshipment routes for illicit drugs, weapons and cash. Martillo is an international operation focused on sharing information and bringing together air, land and maritime assets from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as Western Hemisphere and European partner nation agencies, to counter illicit trafficking.
In the five years since its 2012 launch, Martillo has supported the seizure of approximately 693 metric tons of cocaine, $25 million in bulk cash, 581 vessels and aircraft and the arrest of 1,863 detainees, according to the U.S. Southern Command.
For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.
-USCG-
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May 5, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Harbour Town Yacht Basin OPEN to Transients, AICW Statute Mile 565
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is now essentially open, offering fuel sales and transients slips with water, but no electricity. As stated below, full service is expected to be restored in June. This definitely good news for Spring cruisers! Our thanks to Harbourmaster Nancy Cappelmann for this update.
The marina is now open to transient guests, however, we are still under construction and have limited amenities on the docks. In other words, we have running water.
Our electrical contractor is on site and is working on the new electrical installation, and we should have power restored to some docks in the next 30-45 days. The full marina may not be restored till fall.
Our commercial dock is in place and all of our charter operators are in full swing.
Our fuel dock is open and fully operational.
The Sea Pines Resort is fully operational and all of the restaurants, golf courses, tennis courts, fitness center, beach…all of the amenities are in fantastic condition. [See /164092 and /164507]
While we still have construction ahead, we are very grateful to all of our contractors for their commitment to this project and to all of our returning guests for their patience and understanding. We look forward to the day we are running on all cylinders.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
We appreciate your support!
Nancy
Nancy Cappelmann
Harbourmaster, Harbour Town Yacht Basin
149 Lighthouse Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Office 843.363.8335
Fax 843.671.0433
NCappelmann@seapines.com
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May 5, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 4 Comments 27.6918,-80.3949999
Submerged Hazard, Loggerhead Marina, Vero Beach, FL, AICW Statute Mile 948.5

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This water hazard warning comes to you from John Ellor via AGLCA’s Forum. Thank you John. Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the AICW’s marker #122 in Vero Beach, FL.
We entered the channel to the marina. We had to slow down for a rowing crew that cut in front of us. We were pushed to the south edge of the channel by a strong current and NW wind. All of a sudden we hit something and were unable to move. It was the submerged concrete daymark # 11. We had to be towed to Ft. Pierce having sustained a bent prop. Evidently the marker has been down for some time . There is nothing to mark this hazard, nor did anyone warn us of its existence. The maximum depth of the channel is 6′ with solid rock under the layer of silt. The daymarks have been tipped over twice in the last year because there is no way to anchor the posts on the underlying rock. We will NEVER stay here again. Marina took no responsibility whatsoever.
John Ellor
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Loggerhead Club Marina-Vero Beach
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Loggerhead Club Marina-Vero Beach
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Vero Beach Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Vero Beach Municipal Marina and the Vero Beach Mooring Field
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Comments from Cruisers (4)

Ted Stehle -  May 7, 2017 - 8:21 am

Interesting no one suggests reporting to the Coast Guard so that they can publish in a Notice to Mariners and also take appropriate action. Private nav aids must have a permit to be erected. The permit is issued by the Coast Guard. The permit states that the nav aid must be maintained by the permit holder. The enforcer is the CG.
Ted Stehle, AGLCA Forum
Reply to Ted

Kevin Koehl -  May 5, 2017 - 1:29 pm

The Daymarks to Loggerhead Marina in Vero are listed on the Chart as Private Aids. The Coast Guard does not maintain private aids. It does make note of their presence, location and condition and the Coast Guard should be notified if the Daymark is damaged or destroyed to note the hazard in the notice to mariners. Someone in Vero is responsible for maintaining these private aids. The Coast Guard probably has a record of who is responsible for maintaining these so they can be notified if they receive a report of a damaged or missing private daymark.
Reply to Kevin

Stephen Haigis -  May 5, 2017 - 1:11 pm

The Marker Mr. Ellor refers to is sitting outside the channel. His boat came to lie on top of the marker after not following instructions to stay center channel. I understand he had to avoid some rowers that entered the channel yet did not maintain control of his vessel to stay within the channel. Any one wishing a clear photo of his vessel out of the channel only need ask. we have hundred of vessels in and out of our facility every year without any problem.
Reply to Stephen

Richard B Emerson -  May 7, 2017 - 12:43 pm

Given the currents in the St. Lucie River, should a sudden stop be necessary, as described by Capt. Ellor, current can easily force a vessel out of the channel, And, in this instance, onto an unmarked hazard, the base of a private AtoN installed by the marina. The simple step of buoying the hazard shows anyone, particularly those unfamiliar with the area, the location of a hazard. Blaming Capt. Ellor for failing to see an unmarked submerged hazard, created by the marina, is hardly practicing good customer relations.
Reply to Richard
May 4, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
FL Anchoring Legislation Summary
Our thanks to Kim Russo of AGLCA for posting this summary on Forum.
Here’s a very helpful summary prepared by our lobbyist, Jerry Paul, out-lining the action to date on the current bill and what it includes. [exoand title=”Read More!“]
HB 7043 – “Vessels”
2017 Florida Legislative Session
_______________________________________________
Pursuant to Florida Statutes adopted in 2009, Florida’s FWC (Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission) conducted an Anchoring & Mooring Pilot Program which concluded in 2017. The 2009 law also required the FWC to issue a report and required the Florida Legislature to act on recommendations from the pilot program. It is this mandate that HB 7043 addresses. The bill incorporates many of the findings and recommendations from the pilot program. As of May 1, 2017, the bill has been adopted by the Florida House of Representative and the Florida Senate. The bill has been “enrolled” and sent to the Florida Governor for consideration.
Summary of the bill:
Prohibits local governments (cities and counties) from adopting new laws that ban or restrict anchoring and mooring outside the boundaries of existing mooring fields.This regulatory authority is reserved to the State so that local governments cannot create a confusing patchwork that varies by location.
Provides more flexibility for removal of derelict vessels. For example, a vessel is at risk of becoming derelict if the vessel does not have effective means of propulsion for safe navigation within 72 hours after the owner or operator of the vessel receives notice of such from a law enforcement officer and cannot provide proof of purchase of parts necessary for repair.
The bill does not create any new anchoring restricted areas.The bill does not include the drastic anchoring “set-backs” had been proposed by some local governments and anti-anchoring activists.The bill does, however, include the following setbacks:
Prohibits a vessel or floating structure from anchoring or mooring within 150 feet of a marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility, within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility.
Prohibits anchoring within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field. A local government may establish a distance less than this (but not more) upon notification to FWC.
Provides exceptions to these restrictions in situations such as when weather requires temporary anchoring for safety.
Note: As stated above, the bill does not create any new anchoring restricted areas. Remember, however, that a bill was adopted during the 2016 legislative session that established anchoring restricted areas in the following locations: (a) The section of Middle River lying between Northeast 21st Court and the Intracoastal Waterway in Broward County; (b) Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County; (c) The sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County lying between: 1. Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island, 2. San Marino Island and San Marco Island, and 3. San Marco Island and Biscayne Island.
Prohibits a vessel or floating structure from anchoring, mooring, tying, or otherwise affixing to an unpermitted or unauthorized object that is on or affixed to the bottom of waters of the state.
Allows local governments to adopt the Monroe County/Florida Keys standard program for requiring proof of pump-outs within 10-14 days in certain locations such as no-discharge zones and mooring fields.
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
843.879.5030
Wally Moran adds his thoughts on this legislation via his blog, LiveBloggin’ the ICW
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May 3, 2017by: Curtis Hoff No Comments
Announcing the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net App – Android Version
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Android App has ARRIVED! A year ago we released the iOS App and today we are pleased to announce the first release of the Android App.
True to the SSECN website, all SSECN Mobile Apps are FREE.

Take a look at all that is available to the captain and crew, while underway, using its cartographic features and continually updated information:
All submitted information from cruisers who have just navigated waters where you may be headed is vetted for accuracy. Local Notices to Mariners and Navigation Alerts are readily available to the skipper while underway with high-resolution charts, as well as maps for planning purposes.
Fuel prices and daily postings are automatically updated, so your information is always current.
With the fuel price menu, you can quickly find the best fuel prices nearest you and/or the closest fuel available to you, sorted by type, price, location, and range.
Available on phones and pads for iOS and Android devices.
All this always available on line or off line because of the full support of the SSECN Sponsors whose contact information will also be seen on this new tool for cruisers.
We highly recommend that if you cruise from Mile Marker “0” to Mobile, AL, get it, use it, and report back to us your thoughts and suggestions!!
Thank you,
The Salty Southeast Cruisers Net Team
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May 3, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.876,-78.00089999
Pets Welcome at Bald Head Island Marina, Cape Fear River, NC

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Bald Head Island Marina is located on Bald Head Island on the eastern shore of the mouth of the Cape Fear River just south of the Waterway’s westward turn. Of course, this pet-friendly island is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Hello,
Did you know that Bald Head Island is pet-friendly?
Check out our Pet-friendly rentals!
We’re even offering our Bring Fido gift to guests who bring their pets along on vacation!
Please select “pet-friendly” in your online search or tell our Rental Relations Coordinator about your pet so we can select a home for you that will suit your needs.
-Bald Head Island Property Management
Contact Us: (877) 344-6673
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina
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May 3, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Is It AICW, GICW, GIWW or West Florida Intracoastal Waterway?
Regarding the West Florida intracoastal waterway, Paul E. raises questions about official USCG terminology versus local usage with this comment:
Just a friendly reminder that the ICW by Sarasota is officially part of the AICW and not part of the GICW. While Sarasota in along the Gulf Coast, the GICW goes from Carrabelle, FL to Brownsville, TX.
to which I responded:
Re “GIWW” I try to use the USCG’s terminology. See these recent LNM headings:
FLORIDA – GIWW – TAMPA BAY: Maximo Marina Redevelopment
FLORIDA – GIWW – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – GASPARILLA SOUND CHANNEL: Construction.
FLORIDA – GIWW – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – FORKED CREEK: Private Aid Hazard to Navigation
I know Claiborne always told me that West Floridians hated having the West Florida Waterway referred to as GIWW or GICW. However, for the novice boater, I find it hard to refer to the western waterway as Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Confusing at best.
We welcome your opinions!
Hi Larry,
Actually this getting more interesting. I recall reading some time back that the Gulf Intracoastal waterway extends from Brownsville, TX to Carrabelle, FL. Location along the GICW is measured in statutory miles east and west of Harvey Lock, NO. That is Harvey Lock is 0 StM, the StM values increase east from 0 to 375 StM at Carrabelle whereas westward, the StM increase from 0 StM at Harvey Lock to StM 665 at Brownville, TX. There is a wiki page on the GICW which defines the GICW as ranging from Carrabelle to Brownsville too(but just because it is online does not make it correct).
At some level it is all semantics, in that is there is one ICW, Intracoastal WaterWay, that encompasses all, with regions of the ICW loosely defined(or loosely labled & used). The ICW has many segments, and it is probably not fair to split it in two regions. In fact, historical there were AIWW, GIWW, and the FIWW (plus I’m sure others). The well known Atlantic Inland Water Way, the Gulf Inland Water Way, and the Florida Inland Water Way (West FL & Okeechobee). While the FIWW label is not widely used, the Florida west coast region has it own layout of statutory miles going from Anclote Key (StM 150) to Sanibel/Ft Meyers area (StM 0). In fact, one very trusty online resource, CruisersNet, gets this right and distinguishes this region as “WF ICW”. See: /marinas/060-wf-icw-miserable-mile-to-gasparilla-island/
Actually, I found the attached historical document “History of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway” by the US Army Corp of Engineers very interesting. At one point there were plans to extend the GIWW from Carrabelle through St Marks and down to Anclote Key, making one continuous GIWW which would include the Okeechobee Waterway(which I guess one could be referred as OIWW (or Oke-ICW) since it has it own StM system). Ok, I give up. But I do prefer: Atlantic-ICW, Gulf-ICW, West_Florida-ICW, Oke-ICW, … And I would rather not use the old inland waterway terms like AIWW & GIWW.-
Paul E.
1981 C&C 38 Landfall
S/V Johanna Rose
Carrabelle, FL
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May 2, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
In Memoriam – Woody Sutton, Past Commodore of Royal Marsh Harbor Yacht Club, Abaco, Northern Bahamas
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a popular cruising stop in the Bahamas and Commodore Woody will be missed.
Fellow Members,
It is with profound sadness that I share with you the passing of immediate past Commodore Woody Sutton in a car accident in South Carolina this past Sunday. Woody and his wife Ellen were heading home to Chicago for the summer when the accident occurred. Ellen, thankfully survived the accident with only minor injuries.
On behalf of the Club, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Ellen, a treasured member of our organization. I also wish to send our sympathies to Woody and Ellen’s children and extended family, and of course to their Dock 7 family as well.
Woody will be remembered for his compassionate leadership, his contributions to the Club and the larger boating community, and his enthusiasm on the pickle ball court and in his yoga classes.
Personally, I am grateful for the guidance, wisdom and generous support Woody shared with me over the past few years. His advice, as we have transitioned roles this year, has been invaluable.
Memorial arrangements are currently being planned and I will share that information with you when it becomes available.
We have all lost a great friend. Boat Harbour will never be the same without him. Please keep Ellen and the Sutton family in your thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
Ray Meyer
Commodore,
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club
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Thomas Comber - May 5, 2017 - 1:22 pm

Woody will be soreley missed
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May 1, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Suntex Purchases Loggerhead Marinas
Loggerhead Marinas on the east coast of Florida have been popular with boaters for a number of years and SSECN wishes the new owners the very best.
We are proud to announce the acquisition of eleven Loggerhead Marinas by Suntex Marinas, a Dallas based owner and operator of premier waterfront destination properties. Suntex has owned and operated 37 marina properties across the United States and Caribbean, and we are very excited about adding these properties to our current portfolio of 32 Marinas in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Iowa, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
The Properties that will now be part of Suntex Marinas family:
Loggerhead Marina – South Miami
Loggerhead Marina – Riviera Beach
Loggerhead Marina – Aventura
Loggerhead Marina – Jupiter
Loggerhead Marina – Hollywood
Loggerhead Marina – Vero Beach
Loggerhead Marina – South Lantana
Loggerhead Marina – Daytona Beach
Loggerhead Marina – Lantana
Loggerhead Marina – St Petersberg
The services and quality standards you are accustomed to will remain the same, sustaining the quality reputation that Loggerhead has built over the years. Additional operational support will be provided to the property by Suntex Marinas, which is led by our team of industry professionals. Everyone will be working to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. It is our goal each day to facilitate unforgettable life long memories.
At Suntex our culture drives our daily behaviors. We have a unique set of core values that are essential in every marina we own and manage.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
We hold ourselves and each other accountable.
Find solutions, not excuses. Measure performance to drive improvement. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and get the job done.
MAKE IT RIGHT
We act with integrity, especially when no one is looking.
Commit to quality. Say what you mean, do what you say. Honor your faith and your word.
MAKE IT TOGETHER
We succeed as one Team.
Put the Team before yourself. Seize opportunities and face challenges collectively. Do what has never been done…together.
MAKE IT FUN
We love what we do and it shows.
Work hard play hard. Bring energy and passion to everything you do. Be the reason someone smiles today.
With the change in ownership, many of the properties will see exciting changes in the coming months, such as new dock construction and additional merchandise offerings to name a few. Announcements with more specific information and timing regarding our changes will be coming to you in monthly newsletters beginning soon. We hope you look forward to being part of the Suntex family and partnering together to continue making these marinas THE destination in Florida.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please feel free to give us a call at your local marina office.
Sincerely,
Stephen Lehn
Suntex Marinas, Head of Operations
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marty jones - July 10, 2019 - 2:35 pm

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May 1, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Bimini Sands reopens restaurants and stores
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Bimini Sands reopens restaurants and stores
Bimini Sands reopens restaurants and stores
Posted: 30 Apr 2017 02:22 PM PDT
Gaylord Taylor and Helena Burrows are the new property managers at Bimini Sands on the beach at South Bimini. As new managers they will oversee the grounds, amenities, security and day to day aspects of keeping Bimini Sands running smoothly with a smile.
Grab an ice cold cocktail and enjoy the beautiful infinity pool while Chef George cooks up your catch. The Little Dipper restaurant and bar is now open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Petite Conch will reopen in mid May as the Big Dipper under the leadership of Phylicia (Philly) Ferguson. The Ship Store will also reopen mid May, bringing more amenities and comforts back to our guests. Want to explore South Bimini? Bicycles are now for rent at the office. Head over and see Shelly and start your adventure today.
Nothing ruins a beautiful Bimini day faster than mosquitoes, the management has brought in a new team to tackle this issue. They have started an aggressive treatment program and we are already seeing and feeling a huge difference.
Dockage for most boats is now $2.25 per foot.
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Apr 29, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
All Aboard Florida RR to Impact OWW Boaters
The issue of RR bridge closures by additional All Aboard Florida trains in south Florida was protested and discussed by a number of folks in 2015. See /?p=153595 and /153911. The additional Brightline service is scheduled to begin operation in mid-2017. Our thanks to Ted Guy for reminding us of this potential problem for cruisers.
A big threat to OWW cruisers and local Stuart/Palm City boat owners is AAF’s plan to add 32 trains a day through Stuart over the FEC railroad draw bridge. 32 more trains per day; 20 minute closures for each; you do the math. The bridge will be closed more time than open. Most of the day!
You may want to contact C.A.R.E. for more info: http://www.stuartmartinchamber.org/member_profile.asp?memID=11085
W.E. “Ted” Guy, Jr.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AAF FROM MARTIN COUNTY
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Richard B Emerson - May 7, 2017 - 12:07 pm

In effect, unless someone’s mast is unstepped /prior/ to reaching the Old Dixie Highway bascule bridge, travel to and Sunset Bay Marina and to Indiantown is effectively ended or at least severely restricted (perhaps “catastrophically” fits?) so people can go from Miami to Orlando?
Loggerhead Marina, and possibly small parts of Manatee Pocket, are the only tenable places to stop over or stay in the Stuart area. Anchorage in the open river is constrained by weather and severe waking (Loggerhead isn’t immune on this score). And it’s quite clear that coming ashore by dinghy is, at the least, unwelcome, and often impractical.
Where is the sanity in this? Where is the safety in this? I see neither. Nor do I see a clear cut way to exert pressure to at least limit the number of trips (are 32 trips per day /really/ needed???). Once again the boating community takes it on the neck for a special interest, where money trumps common sense.
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