Our thanks to Southern Boating for allowing Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net to post this excellent edition of Southern Exposure.
Bermuda, Bahama, Come on Pretty Mama
Traveling to The Bahamas just got a whole lot easier.
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years. Naturally, they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! The entrance to Coquina Harbor lies on the north side of the Waterway opposite Marker #13. Our thanks to Charles Ridley for this report.
7-5-17. Left Harbor Village at 6:15am. Beautiful day all day. Changed plans when realize get into Southport way too early and changed to MBYC at mm346. Fueled up– 80 gal/stb. And 62.2 in port -total 141.6. With Boat US dockage was $34!!! (my boat is 34″) $5 for electricity- 30 amp. Gene was as competent as cute helping us dock and take on fuel. Have a pass to get in the club’s grill- taco and tequila sunrises on very special! Shower secure, clean and even the soap dispensers had soap. Wifi strong on A-10. Easy to take dog out. No current and maybe a foot tide fall. Docks in great shape. We are here for only 1 night but may be a very good place for several days since so much going on around here. We will be back – most definitely.
Charles Ridley
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
From the description below, we assume that Hunky Dory was taking the direct Lake Route and not the Rim Route. Our thanks to Dan and Peggy for sharing their experience. See /165580 for advice given to Dan and Peggy by fellow Loopers.
For those that asked about Lake Okeechobee crossing….. In the Clewiston Channel heading East…. We hit rocks about 1 mile out from the lock. Apparently, the locals know which side of the channel to favor when you head out. We were definitely between the markers and were trying to stay right in the middle. According to Bill with Lake Tow, who got us safely back to the lock, you have to favor the green marker. Fortunately, the Roland Martin Marina is right inside the lock. The lock is open 24 hours a day right now. It’s a small marina with services, fuel, a restaurant and to top it off, The Tiki Bar. The restaurant and bar have very good southern comfort food, so all was not lost on this part of our adventure.
We’re not going to chance another try at the Lake. We are heading around through the Keys when we get all of the repairs completed. We were just the first to arrive at River Forest Yachting Center with damage from the Lake. Just as few hours later, a boat that was totally disabled arrived from hitting the bottom.
Very helpful information on the Keys. We were trying to plan out our stops from Fort Myers to Miami and realized that we will have to take the Hawk Channel because of the shallow water on the inside. The lack of anchorages and many miles from Marathon to Key Biscayne had us wondering what to do. Now we know that Channel 5 can be a stop over if we need it.
We are a 50′ Ocean Alexander with a 4.5′ draft, if this info will help anyone else.
Thanks to everyone from Dan and Peggy Stricklin, aboard Hunky Dory.
What green mark? Do you have a lat lon? We were through a few months back with no issues drawing 4.5 feet.
[Editor’s note: from advice given in http://cruisersnet.net/165580 by Jim Healy, the green marks were possibly G9, G9A or G5.]
Dan and Peggy – Thanks for the report. It would be helpful if you could identify exactly where you struck the rocks by reference to the numbers and color of the nearest markers or buoys. If you have a chart plotter and it was recording your tracks, you should be able to see an interruption or a blip in the track at the place where it happened, which would also give the lat/lon. I didn’t see the date of your incident, or what the water level was reported to be on that day.
Jim Healy’s comments elsewhere on this site about Clewiston channel are quite accurate: there are no obstructions if you stay within the channel. That can be difficult sometimes, since some of the markers in the Clewiston channel are single marker poles, and we have seen some vessels not stay close enough to the single ones, in effect “splitting the distance” – swinging too wide -on the way to the next marker on the other side of the channel. Jim also correctly comments on the need to watch for the boat crabbing sideways in the channel, due to current or wind. If you aren’t looking aft every minute or so, to see how you are lined up, it’s easy to go off track.
I hope that you can provide the exact location for all of us who use the Okeechobee.
We crossed through the Clewiston cut on June 18th of this year. The Corp of Engineers reported the level of the lake to be 5.93′. Our draft is 4’7″, and the shallowest actual depth we recorded was 6’6″ in the Clewiston cut.
Sorry for your troubles. Enjoy the rest of your cruise, wherever it takes you.
Greg Allard
M/V Meander
If you cruise with a dog aboard or wish you did, you will enjoy the photos in this article by Nina K. Jussila in theLog.
Annie
CLICK HERE FOR DOG ABOARD ROUNDUP
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: Miami to Bimini to Great Harbor Cay (Berry)
Miami to Bimini to Great Harbor Cay (Berry)
Posted: 03 Jul 2017 03:25 PM PDT
We are looking for a buddy to cruise from Miami to Bimini on July 15th and then to Great Harbor Cay on July 16th.
My boat is a Formula 37 and cruises at 17 mph.
Oriental is home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, Oriental Marina and Nautical Wheelers! Oriental Marina is on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor.
7-2-17 . Last time here 7 1/2 years ago and just as great then as now!. Left Belhaven for Oriental. Tom and Joe helped us tie up. Tom owner. Pole docks with small finger slips. Tiki bar and Toucan grill still open and food great. Wifi strong as is Verizon. Great dog spots right off back of boat. Showers great- even provide towels. Very sheltered marina and Joe-dock hand- the best. Don’t know yet re the w/d or cable. Small grocery less than a mile away- nice for bicycle ride. Still one of our very favorites! Ice cream across is a must stop!!
Charles Ridley
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
I agree 100%!!!!
7/18/17 – We can confirm everything Charles said. I would add that they have no pump out facility at Oriental Marina, the free Oriental Town pump out was not functional when we visited and reportedly had recurring issues. We were able to slip over to on Whitaker creek into Deaton’s travel lift slip and self pump out for a nominal $5 charge.. very boater friendly community.
Will this be a permanent addition to the Outer Banks or just a visitor until the next hurricane?
A new island has emerged off North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras, with speed that has surprised observers and tourists alike. PHOTOGRAPH BY CHAD KOCZERA
New Island Appears Off U.S. Coast
It appeared out of nowhere in April just off North Carolina’s Outer Banks—a new land mass poking through the surf, a brand new Atlantic Ocean island.
CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY by Craig Welch of National Geographic
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: “Looking for a buddy cruiser Bimini to Chub” plus 1 more
Looking for a buddy cruiser Bimini to Chub
Posted: 30 Jun 2017 04:13 AM PDT
We are leaving the Bimini Big Game on Tuesday July 11th. We cruise at 10kts. We would love to cruise with another boat.
Thanks Dynamic Duo Plus
Bimini’s downward spiral continues.
Posted: 30 Jun 2017 04:11 AM PDT
We rarely go to Bimini anymore as for the last 10 years or so it seems the island has been in a downward spiral. I am so glad I got to experience the real Bimini, a pretty, welcoming and unmolested island just across the Stream.
We went back a couple of weeks ago and it looks like Bimini has hit a new low in just one year since our last visit. Overall the island is dirty, smelly, with junk is everywhere from rusty golf carts to trash and unfinished structure.
Anyone remember the trail running along the beach under the pines on the north west side? All gone all is left is the beach on the north east side, which is very nice and a good spot to anchor in light winds but I wonder how far will Resort Workd continue to expand. Will this last stretch of natural shoreline disappear too?
The destruction of Bimini’s natural beauty continues at resort world with constant bulldozing, dredging, filling and expansion.
Mother Nature hasn’t helped with currents and wave action continuing to erode the beach at honeymoon harbor on Gun Cay. Most of it is gone now…
All that remains of the Bimini of old days is the fishing and the wreck of the Sapona, still visible for miles and still worth a snorkeling stop. Ironic how a wreck is the symbol of this wrecked island.
Sad
This report might be of interest to those of you who have left a number of your hard earned $$ with West Marine.
West Marine acquired by private-equity firm
Posted on June 29th, 2017
West Marine is being acquired by New York-based private-equity firm Monomoy Capital Partners for $12.97 per share and will be privately-held following the transaction.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from Soundings’ Trade Only Today
Popular Banks Channel has two anchorages, Northside Anchorage and Southside Anchorage which is located south of the Banks Channel’s flashing daybeacon #15.
Good anchorage at N34 degrees 12.149′, W077 degrees 48.250′
Room for 5-7 boats and MLW is about 12′. 2 knot current. Quiet at night.
Charles Hagen
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Banks Channel
Some of the very best spots to be to watch fireworks are often on the water. But please remember that the hour following the display is one of the most dangerous times for boaters, especially if alcohol has been enjoyed during the display. As boats weigh anchor and get underway in the darkness, speed must be kept in check and all hands must be on watch for other boats.
Enjoy the fireworks, but be a responsible captain and get your guests safely back to the dock.
Florida saw a 20 percent increase in deaths from boating accidents in 2016.
FWC urges Fourth of July boaters to be careful, use beacons and enjoy Florida’s waterways
During the Fourth of July holiday, many people take to the water to celebrate Independence Day. The warm, sunny days of summer combined with viewing fireworks puts many more boats and people on the water in close proximity to one another.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges boaters to use caution while boating on this busy holiday. Many boating accidents are caused by inattentiveness or improper lookout.
“Boat operators have a personal responsibility to make sure their passengers are safe and they are not creating a hazard for other boaters,” said Capt. Gary Klein, Florida’s boating law administrator. “We all expect to have a good time when we celebrate the Fourth of July. No one expects anything to go wrong, but that can all change in an instant if someone is not paying attention or is operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
During this weekend, boaters can expect to see an enhanced law enforcement presence and increased messaging about safe boating practices.
Beginning July 1, Floridians have another great reason to purchase and register an emergency locator beacon. Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature have instituted discounted vessel registration fees for anyone who owns a recreational vessel equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or a Personal Locator Beacon.
“For many boaters an EPRIB or PLB can make a big difference if an emergency occurs,” said Klein. “These devices send a signal via satellite to search-and-rescue agencies so rescuers can more quickly locate the boaters in need.”
More information on EPIRBs is available at MyFWC.com/Boating by clicking on “Safety and Education.”
More information on the new discounted vessel registration law can be found at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ website.
And this from Jacksonville’s Time Union:
Oh, my aching back and arms! Our thanks to Sue Morgan for sharing this story. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Rowing to New York from Miami – What a Daunting Journey!
By Sue Morgan, Marketing Director, Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc.
Last Thursday, on a hot and sticky June evening, Old Port Cove Marina had the pleasure to host Greg Dougherty, President of the Covington Diocese World Apostolate of Fatima Division in Kentucky and his 18’ rowboat. You see Greg, is on a rowing excursion, a mere 1400 or so miles, from Miami to New York in an 18’ rowboat named the “Santa Maria de la Fatima.” Upon meeting Greg, of course, my first question was “Why would you undertake such a monumentous trip.? In a gentle voice filled with purpose he explained a great desire to raise awareness, show his dedication to and inspire children and families to have a relationship with Our Lady of Fatima. His desire was born following an event that occurred while in the tail effects of Hurricane Bertha in an ocean row boat 100 miles off the coast of Barbados. I can only imagine…or maybe I can’t!
I found Greg to be an inspirational man with humor and wit and we joked about how skinny he’d be at the end of the trip. Suffice it to say, we were thrilled to contribute albeit it in a very small way his big journey. While the row boat was docked for the night, Greg stayed at the Passionist Monastery Retreat nearby. I’m certain he was much more comfortable there than the previous when circumstances led up to him sleeping onboard in West Palm Beach. Greg does have a rowing partner Gerald Sargent, a British Catholic but he had been delayed due to his duties with the Royal Marine. They trained together in the English Channel.
I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage our marina neighbors along the eastern seaboard, to welcome Greg and his team with open arms to help them along their way. Also, please take pictures and post them to your social media channels to help spread the word!
The entire crew here at Old Port Cove Marina wish Greg & Gerald fair winds and calm seas for the remainder of their inspirational rowing adventure!
To learn more, click the following website, Rowing4Fatima.com
Sue Morgan, Marketing Director
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
This information is important, especially in light of recent issues with a commercial website in California: /164085
The US Coast Guard is in the process of upgrades and changes to their websites as part of the Cybersecurity initiative. One of the latest and most visible changes is to the National Vessel Documentation Website. The story is at http://mariners.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/06/26/6262017-natl-vessel-documentation-center-website-transition-effective-june-29-2017/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MaritimeCommons+%28Maritime+Commons%29
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.
Enjoy Georgetown – a great stop. As with any cruising along the GA, SC and NC coasts, be mindful of tides and follow markers carefully. We strongly recommend Harbor Walk Marina in Georgetown – pet friendly for sure and immaculate restrooms/showers. Be sure to tell Chris, the owner/dockmaster, hello from Midas Touch.
Mike and Marian Warlic, on AGLCA’s Forum
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
We have spent MONTHS at Harbor Walk and love both Georgetown and the team at the marina. Be sure to visit Radar and crew at Coffee Break Cafe and enjoy their superior omelets. Shrimp & Grits are excellent at the River Room, Aunnie’s Country Kitchen has excellent eats. Be sure to see the SC Champion Oak next to the Indigo Society Hall. Our dogs loved the place and had great fun on many extended walks. For 5 years we spent one month going south and another month going north in this excellent town.
Cap & Linda
S/V Zydeco, B473
I would agree 100%!!!!
I would also agree 100%!!!!
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: Staniel Cay Yacht Club Temporary Closing
Staniel Cay Yacht Club Temporary Closing
Posted: 26 Jun 2017 08:35 AM PDT
SCYC doesn’t normally close in the fall, but we will be closing most of the SCYC facilities in October, 2017 for renovations.
The Hotel and Restaurant will close Oct. 6 and reopen November 2.
During that time, the Marina will be open for dockage, fuel, ice, and bait. However, the Marina will also be having work done on various parts so any boaters should expect construction noise if they chose to tie up.
The Bar will also be open, but in a limited capacity (no food).
Both the hotel property and the marina will be receiving significant improvements.
• All bungalows will be completely refreshed, both interiors and exteriors.
• Property walkways are being redone as well as upgrading landscaping and outdoor lighting.
• The restaurant will also be receiving expanded kitchen space to allow for greater capacity and quicker service.
• The marina docks will be completely refurbished and resurfaced.
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: Rum Cay visit
Rum Cay visit
Posted: 25 Jun 2017 04:01 AM PDT
We visited Rum Cay on June 23. It was our second attempt to anchor near the Government dock, due to strong winds. We tendered in to what remains of the marina, and were shocked to find the marina entrance completely closed in with sand. There is no entrance possible, and some boats are trapped in what remains of the basin. We went over to Kaye’s Restaurant (which is now also the island store in one corner.) Dolores’ daughter, Kaye, was most cordial, cooked lunch for us, and answered all our questions with grace and poise. Since Hurricane Joaquin, many buildings remain damaged. The mailboat dock is pilings only, but the mailboat still comes. Kaye told us that the marina is closed and the ownership is still tied up in court. She said there is no regularly scheduled air service, although the airport is open. We hope these resilient people (approximately 60 residents) get back on their feet. Kaye’s guest log shows that sailboats frequently stop by.
Emerald Isle is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Crystal Coast and is located entirely on Bogue Banks. Bogue Banks protects the path of the Waterway through Bogue Sound. Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle is a small boat station, located at the tip of the western end of Emerald Isle, NC and around the point from the Bogue Inlet.
CLICK HERE FOR THE USCG 5TH DISTRICT BLOG
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Emerald Isle Coast Guard Station
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Church Street Dock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Church Street Dock
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River. This fine facility has now expanded their ship’s store!
Our Fully Stocked Marina Store is Now Open! |
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is happy to announce that our remodeled Marina Store is now open! Enjoy easy access to all of your boating needs, located right here on the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral property. |
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You Have the Boat. We Have the Parts! |
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The marina store carries a variety of parts, nuts, bolts, and fluids for your boat. Whether you are working on a D.I.Y boating project, or a repair, the Marina Store has what you need in-stock or available by special order. |
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Your Chance to Win a Harbortown Marina – Canaveral Boater’s Bundle! |
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To celebrate the opening of our new marina store, here’s your chance to WIN a Harbortown Boater’s Bundle (Over $60 Value)! Here’s how to win: Click here to visit our Harbortown Marina – Canaveral Facebook post and answer the contest question to win! Tell us why you love keeping your boat at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral. Or, if you do not currently keep your boat at Harbortown, tell us why you love boating! Winner drawn at random. Winner to be announced on 6/28/2017. You must comment on the original post on the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral Facebook page by 12:00 PM (noon) on 6/28/2017 to enter! *This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. |
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Harbortown Marina – Canaveral 2700 Harbortown Drive Merritt Island, FL US 32952 |
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Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Harbortown Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harbortown Marina
Our thanks to Kim Russo for sharing this good news via AGLCA‘s Forum and also to Mike Bodin of MTOA. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that in the future this law will stand up to the pressure on legislators from wealthy landowners to restrict anchoring.
Great news! I was just notified by our lobbyist that HB 7043 was approved by the Governor. It is law. As of now, no local municipality or county in the state of Florida may ban, restrict, or otherwise regulate an anchorage in Florida coastal waters.
Loopers’ interest in this issue and financial contributions helped prevent the enactment of any setbacks that could have resulted in the elimination of any existing anchorages state wide.
Congratulations to all Loopers, members of MTOA, SSCA, and others who supported this effort, stuck with it, and made your voices heard! You have made a difference to the boating community. Special thanks goes out to Jerry Paul of Capitol Access for his diligent efforts on our behalf. His guidance and hard work made all the difference.
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
And this from Mike Bodin, MTOA Public Affairs:
Thank you AGLCA, SSCA, MTOA and DeFever, for
your continued support. Florida’s anchoring Bill now
is law.
Florida’s new Mooring & Anchoring bill has become law. The Governor just approved HB 7043.
It is law. As of now, the new law explicitly states no local municipality or county in the state of
Florida may ban, restrict, or otherwise regulate an anchorage in Florida coastal waters. This
plainly worded section of the new law eliminates each community from setting its own
regulations. If this section was not plainly worded it would have resulted in many lost
anchorages over time with boaters challenging cities for the right to anchor. Instead, we got
the pre-emotion provision … preventing any local government from banning an anchorage.
It was important for us to ensure there were no unreasonable setbacks in this bill. But, as I have
said in the past, the single most valuable piece of this bill is the preemption provision. This seals
off local governments. The only way that a new anchorage can be banned is by an Act of the
entire Legislature and Governor. We can almost always kill such a bill. Moreover, we can likely
kill any future effort to overturn the preemption or add new band and ranges in state statute.
With the state level preemption and no local control, we are now in a position of strength. It is
a home-field advantage for our side. Without preemption, however, the entire issue is a home
game for all the anti-cruisers in EACH of their local communities… an infinite number battles
that we would not be able to fight piecemeal.
Moreover, SSCA, AGLCA, MTOA and DeFever prevented the enactment of any setbacks that
could have resulted in the elimination of any existing anchorages state wide.
Finally, you did a lot to rehabilitate some of the negative imagery about anchoring cruisers that
had made its way to the Capitol.
Congratulations to each of you, this team, and all the members of MTOA, SSCA, AGLCA,
DeFever who supported your effort, stuck with you, and made your voices heard… to protect
the freedoms of cruisers.
The above is from our Tallahassee “Boaters Rights” Lobbyists Jerry Paul of Capitol Access who
skillfully guided this legislation through six committee hearings with unanimous approval.
Of major importance was the fact this was the accumulation of Florida’s 9-year, multi-million
dollar, anchoring study resulting in a 256 page report. It was thought Florida’s new law may be
a precedent for other states along the waterway. This was a primary cause to eliminate as
much as possible harmful to boater’s language which would be in the new law. Counties, cities,
waterside home owners and condominium groups were for local control to establish nonanchoring
zones. Local control was totally defeated. Today the new law requires very high
standards for counties to satisfy to even approach the state to establish new non-anchoring
zones.
Another major accomplishment, within the original FWC report, waterside residents were
insistent for non-anchoring setbacks of 150’ up to 300’ along the waterway. This would have
eliminated many now popular anchorages. The new law eliminated these setbacks for boaters.
During this same time, we were instrumental with Florida’s new Derelict Vessel law, the
previous bill was defeated because we felt it was too harsh for the boat owner, fines to high
and did not give adequate time for owner removal. The new Derelict Vessel Law corrects these
items.
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
And this from BoatUS
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Florida Bill Strengthens Derelict Vessel Fight,
Promotes Environmentally Sound Public Access
BoatUS thanks governor and legislature
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 27, 2017 – The results of an eight-year pilot program are in, and Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature have acted. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) congratulates the governor and legislators on Friday’s passage of HB 7043 that promotes environmentally sound public access and helps address the issue of improperly stored, abandoned or derelict vessels. “These are sound regulations supported by responsible boaters,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy.
When the pilot program was enacted in 2009, a patchwork of local anchoring regulations sometimes made stopping difficult. Some boaters reported fearing a visit from law enforcement advising that they had “overstayed” their visit and needed to move on.
Conducted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and five local governments including the City of St. Augustine, City of Stuart/Martin County, City of St. Petersburg, City of Sarasota and Monroe County/Marathon/Key West, the pilot tested a variety of methods of regulated anchoring, while still protecting the anchoring rights of the active cruising public. It also sought to reduce the growing population of derelict vessels in the state.
BoatUS expressly thanks Gov. Scott, Reps. Matt Caldwell (Lee County) Holly Raschein (Monroe County), Sen. Lauren Book (Broward County) and the FWC for their work on the bill.
Some of bill’s measures include:
providing commonsense anchoring regulations in and around mooring fields and waterway infrastructure.
broadening the definition of a “derelict vessel”; for boats in use, adding new penalties for those whose vessel registration is expired beyond six months; and making it illegal to affix a vessel to an unpermitted, unauthorized or otherwise “unlawful object,” affixed to the bottom of the waters of the state. This could include an unpermitted mooring or an old engine block.
giving local governments the option to require proof of pumpout after vessels have been anchored for 10 days or longer in federally managed no-discharge-zones (portions of the Florida Keys and waters off Destin).
Really good news!
That sounds like great new for boaters, just to clarify when you say no bans, restrictions etc. on coastal waters does this include the ICW or not?
Thanks,
Bill Cole.
Hey Marco! How do you like us now???
This special report by Greg Allard is typical of the excellent reporting and gorgeous photos our readers have come to expect from Greg’s contribution. And, as always, SSECN is deeply grateful!
Report from the Bahamas – Grand Bahama: West End & Port Lucaya
Hurricane Matthew tore through the Bahamas in early October of 2016. When it reached Grand Bahama, it battered the island with sustained winds of 140 mph. This is a report on the current conditions at two of the marinas which are often used by cruisers.
1) West End – Old Bahama Bay – West End is one of the key locations for cruisers either entering or leaving the Bahamas. Old Bahama Bay Marina, at West End, was closed for months after the storm, and then re-opened for dockage at $1.00 a foot since the marina was still without power.
We visited Old Bahama Bay earlier this month (June 12-14, 2017). The marina is now in full operation, and it looks the same as it did before the hurricane. There had been minimal dock damage (all now repaired), thanks to the substantial jetty/sea wall which surrounds the harbor. The main damage had been to the electrical system, since the storm surge had risen about four feet above the level of the fixed docks, destroying all of the power posts and transformers. Those have now been replaced with brand new ones, the repairs to the power supply were completed about two months ago, and power at the docks is solid, at good voltage.
Generally the resort property at Old Bahama Bay looks excellent. The grounds and buildings are in very good condition, the pool and restaurant are open and there was a lot of activity. Unfortunately, the tiki-bar by the beach at the north side of the property was completely destroyed, as well as a small nearby “shack” which handled diving tours, towels, kayaks, etc. Wisely, the resort rebuilt a temporary tiki bar, which serves drinks and food. Old Bahama Bay has plans to start construction in September on a permanent building at the site, which will include a tiki-bar, dining tables, bathrooms, and other facilities. The Customs/Immigration office at the marina is fully operational.
The temporary tiki-bar at the beachfront is at the left. The beer was cold and the food good. Eddie’s Gully Wash booth reopened, as did the two local booths run by Miss Anne (a legend at Old Bahama Bay) and Cora, both residents of the West End settlement, which is a small village about two miles east of the resort. That settlement was devastated by the hurricane. We spoke to one resident who – at the height of the storm – had to swim with her family out the back door of her home, toward higher ground.
Many of the residents of that settlement work at Old Bahama Bay, the only real source of employment in the area. It is worth taking some time to visit the settlement. If you want to help with their recovery efforts, make a donation at the St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal/Anglican church. Then, have some excellent conch salad at Shevo’s Conch Shack which was rebuilt and is right along the waterfront; try one of their specialties – a delicious tropical conch salad.
The resort property is in fine condition. The pool was clean, with all new poolside furniture.
Dockage at Old Bahama Bay is not inexpensive at $2.99 a foot. Membership in the Royal Marsh Harbor Yacht Club (RMHYC) entitles you a 20% discount, and allows you to waive the mandatory $20 a day water charge; no discount on holidays.
If you regularly cruise in the Abacos, you should consider joining the RMHYC, which offers discounts on dockage in many places in the Abacos, and in a few places elsewhere in the Bahamas and in the U.S. (At the Leeward Yacht Club on Green Turtle Cay, the RMHYC card not only gives you a 10% discount on dockage, but also on food and drink at their restaurant.) Here’s the RMHYC link: http://www.rmhyc.com
Many cruisers find Old Bahama Bay at West End to be perfectly positioned. It’s not just a marina but a resort, so while the dockage charges seem high, you do have access to all of their facilities. We found it a restful stop on our return from three months in the Bahamas.
2) Grand Bahama Yacht Club at Port Lucaya – About 30 miles east of West End, on the southern coast of Grand Bahama, is Port Lucaya. There are two major marinas there, both owned by the same company. As you enter the harbor through Bell Channel, the Port Lucaya Marina is to port, and the Grand Bahama Yacht Club (GBYC) is to starboard. On our way to the Bahamas, four months ago, we stayed at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club, which was our first stop as we entered the country from the U.S. Contrary to current postings on another web-site, there is no fuel at Port Lucaya Marina, and no Customs/Immigration – both of those operations have been moved months ago to the GBYC. We did not visit the Port Lucaya marina on this trip, but we heard that they had considerable damage – including to the harbormaster’s office which had been completely destroyed.
Grand Bahama Yacht Club also had damage, but is now in full operation. Some of the slips are unusable, but many are fine, and the repair work continues. The marina will not assign you to any damaged slip.
The Grand Bahama Yacht Club’s docks can accommodate boats of all sizes. There are many usable undamaged slips; note the two broken pilings between the first two boats.
This is one of the slips at the marina which is undergoing repair. Apparently a large yacht sought refuge from Matthew at the marina, and was tied to this dock. The hurricane sank the yacht, tearing the concrete dock apart in the process. On the far shore are two other casualties of the storm.
Both marinas in Port Lucaya list their dockage at $2.20 a foot, but discounts can be had after some polite discussions directly with the marina manager; don’t use the US phone number for any reservations, as they are clueless about any discounts. Instead, call the marina directly. GBYC also offers some good longer term rates. The pool-bar and restaurant at GBYC have not yet reopened, but the marina runs a ferry, on demand, which is a five minute trip over to the Port Lucaya Marina, where there are several restaurants and shopping (and often big crowds, bussed in from cruise ships, to shop there.) We much prefer the peaceful, less frenetic GBYC, with its pleasant grounds and friendly staff. Karen is the congenial manager, Fabian and Aaron the excellent, helpful dockmasters. When we were there, the pool was open, but it needed attention.
One of the best, highest rated (and expensive) restaurants in the Bahamas, is diagonally across the harbor from the GBYC. We’ve had exceptional meals there. The Flying Fish restaurant has a dinghy dock, and the water shuttle from GBYC will take you there too. Their bar menu, each day at 5:30 out on the patio/dock, is a good value.
Greg Allard
Note: I have no financial interest in any of these marinas, and received no compensation in any form.
These reviews are submitted for the assistance of members of Salty South East Cruisers’ Net.
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