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 Kelly notes below, the Fishermen’s Village Marina staff helps you feel right at home on your visit to Punta Gorda, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
My experience with Fisherman’s Village Marina has been excellent. Ron Schebil and his staff have made our extended stay in Punta Gorda a memorable one. They have been helpful as well as just a joy to be around. I highly recommend a scheduled stay when you are passing through. The marina has everything a cruiser needs from a clean hot shower to a free bike rental! Not to mention the fabulous restaurants and specialty shopping available. Thank you to Ron and his staff for the great service! Kelly
Historic Edenton, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, always has an exciting calendar of community events and this article highlights some of the many activities for all ages! Edenton is 300 Years Young! Come and let them prove it!
CLICK HERE for Edenton Shines Along the Albemarle Sound by Renee Gannon
Stick on a decal to show support for Florida’s manatees, sea turtles
There are more manatees and sea turtles in Florida than in any other state. More than 6,000 manatees swim in its coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs, and thousands of sea turtles nest and hatch on its Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches.
It’s easy to show support for these iconic Florida species by sticking on a decal.
Every July the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals available with a $5 donation.
The colorful, waterproof decals are designed to look great on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat. Get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices across the state.
“Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.”
Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.
The decals also address important conservation issues:
“Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water.When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.
“Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conservation efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. That’s a major step in “green” recovery. Remember, “Hands off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.
Dismal Swamp State Park is getting back into full swing as they recover from massive flooding and closure due to Hurricane Matthew. Dredging has begun and the canal is scheduled to re-open to navigation by summer’s end. The State Park is open and continuing programs as weather permits. Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this USACE update.
One step closer to seeing boaters again! My most recent update from the USACE.
7/19/2017 I was able to obtain a few pictures today of the installation of the Deep Creek Lock River Gates. The gates are returning back to the water, where they belong! It was so HOT. But, notice the reflection of the sky in the shot of the newly installed gate on the left. I was told dredging still must be completed at the Feeder Ditch and Turner’s Cut, but this is one more step to getting us reopened. Many thanks to US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE for helping me to get these shots today. Donna
Crane at River Gate
Gate installed Deep /creek
The Deep Creek Dredging has been completed and surveyed with the assistance of the Wilmington District. The Deep Creek Lock gates are scheduled to be reinstalled on Wed., July 19th. Dredging at the Feeder Ditch and Turner’s Cut will continue until work is completed. We are anxious to see boats at our dock again this fall. Donna Stewart, Director Dismal Swamp Welcome Center 2356 US Hwy 17N South Mills, NC 27976 Phone – 252-771-8333 www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Jess is responding to an earlier Cruisers Net posting of an article from Sail Magazine (see below) and now offers an article on how to sail from her blog, Jen Reviews. We are always glad to hear from other writers and researchers and always happy to share their information.
I noticed you mentioned Sail Magazinein your post, and just wanted to give you a heads up that I recently wrote a blog post you might like. It’s a detailed, up-to-date 7,000 word guide on how to sail that is packed with tips and advice.
This is completely free and if you like it, all I ask is for you to link to or share the article on your site. In return, would love to share your post with my newsletter subscribers and followers on social media.
News Release July 18, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Contact: Headquarters Public Affairs Office: (202) 372-4630 After Hours: (202) 603-3281 Coast Guard updates electronic chart policy
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Coast Guard announced today an update to its navigation guidance for the use of electronic charts in lieu of paper charts and publications.
The updated version of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-16 identifies voluntary acceptable equivalencies to paper charts and publications as well as position fixing and plotting requirements under Coast Guard regulations.
The NVIC also provides guidance and recommendations to vessel owners and operators and chart display manufacturers.
“We took into account feedback from agency partners and industry stakeholders to adjust our electronic charts policy,” said Capt. Mary Ellen J. Durley, the chief of the Office of Navigation Systems.
Mariners are not required to use electronic charts or electronic charting systems. The updated guidance offers a voluntary alternative means to comply with U.S. chart and publication carriage requirements.
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a great liveaboard marina located on the western shore of Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg.
Overall a nice place to stay. Doug the master is enthusiastic and helpful. Tied up along a T/A Pier. A couple of places are roped off. Marina only accepts reservations via Dockwa. No phone reservations accepted. Bob McKane
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 Flights to Abacos” plus 1 more
NEW direct service from Nassau to Treasure Cay TCB on BAHAMAS AIR Effective June 22 Bahamasair will reintroduce the Nassau/Treasure Cay service. The flight will operate as follow:
Thurs/Sat/Sun depart Nassau at 6:30 am arrive Treasure Cay 7:40am – (note stop in MHH first) Thurs/Sat/Sun Depart Treasure Cay at 8:00am on the return to Nassau arrive 8:35am.
Mon/Thurs/Sun the flight will depart Nassau at 5:00pm arrive Treasure Cay at 5:35pm – Mon/Thurs/Sun Depart Treasure Cay at 5:55pm arrive Nassau 7:05PM on the return(note stop in MHH).
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
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 fuel and dockage survey New fuel and dockage survey Posted: 14 Jul 2017 12:11 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 down than up.
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.
New products and activities for navigation safety…
The latest news
We are well into summer and Coast Survey has been busy providing commercial mariners and recreational boaters with top notch navigation products and services. Here are just a few things we have been up to.
The council was established in November 2016 as a result of the adoption of amendments to the Convention on the International Hydrographic Organization. It is composed of 30 leading hydrographic nations from the membership of the IHO, and functions much like a corporate board of directors, overseeing performance management and the business side of the IHO.
The new program will grant certificates to up to 13 cartographers per year, through a combination of lectures, hands-on chart production experience, work details to various branches within the Coast Survey, and field trips to working hydrographic survey vessels. The first class (which is already full), will begin in fall 2017 at Coast Survey headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The duration of the program is 51 weeks and comprises six courses.
NOAA hosts first open house on nautical cartography
NOAA hosted the first open house on nautical cartography on Friday, July 7th. The event featured posters, presentations, and tours focusing on nautical cartography, highlighting the field of charting and GIS. Industry partners, international mapping groups, government agencies, and many international charting offices were in attendance. The open house welcomed a total of 200 visitors, representing 24 countries.
This one-day event, held in the Science Center on NOAA’s Silver Spring, MD, campus, was planned in conjunction with with the 28th annual International Cartographic Conference 2017 (ICC) in Washington, D.C. where NOAA also had a presence with an exhibit booth and presentations.
Coast Survey hurricane prep was in full swing before hurricane season started
Official hurricane season didn’t start until June 1, but Coast Survey’s navigation managers were heavily involved throughout April and May in training exercises with the U.S. Coast Guard, ports authorities, and NOAA’s National Weather Service.
Why is Coast Survey involved? With our expertise in underwater detection, NOAA navigation response teams and survey ships are often the first ones in the water after a hurricane, looking to make sure that no hidden debris or shoaling poses a danger to navigation.
This series of articles from Coastal Living on the Intracoastal Waterway features our good friends at Waterway Guide. Especially if you are considering navigating the southeast Waterway, the series is easy reading with lots of beautiful photos. Of course, we hope you will think of Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net as you dream!
Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is now fully recovered from hurricane Matthew and open for business! Located off the AICW, Albemarle Plantation Marina resides on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound on Yeopim River/Creek.
Speaking with the new dock master, James Darnell, today and he wanted me to pass along that their Fuel Pumps are now in full operation and that the prices are as follows:
Non-ethanol Gas: $3.00 per gallon and this includes tax Diesel: $2.20 a gallon Fuel Discount: Ten cents off per gallon with purchase of 200 gallons or more
The waterway passing McClellanville all the way to the Ben Sawyer Bridge has been shoaling for years. And, as Phillip Mullins advises, SSECN still recommends mid to high tide for passage through this section.
Good water up to Jeremy Creek, then you have to wait at least 1 hr. after low tide. Stayed on magenta line all the way to red day mark 42. I draw 5 ft and came through 2 spots that were 4.8 ft but was able to plow through. Rest of the time had 6.0 ft or better. If you are not comfortable with this, I suggest you wait until 2 hrs after low tide.
The intersection of the Waterway and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. It was last dredged in November of 2016. Our thanks to Phillip Mullins for the advice regarding low tide transit.
Follow the buoys and try not to cross at dead low. Phillip Mullins
Our thanks to Phillip Mullins for this detailed report and advice. Boaters are reminded that shoaling and groundings are always possible in the constantly sands of the New River Inlet/AICW Intersection area. See /164006 for an April report from this Problem Stretch.
New River Inlet [heading south]. New red buoy 72A up the river from the waterway crossing at red #72. Must look 90 deg. up river and spot this marker, it has recently been moved. When we made this crossing last week there was a square marker tied to a tree limb directly ahead from red day mark 72 and if you go to it, you will be aground. You must turn to the right and look up river to see the red 72 C buoy and go to it. Phillip Mullins
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.
Exclusive Preview from GPB at Tybee Tuesday
At our next “Gray’s Reef Tuesday” on July 11, we have a treat from Georgia Public Broadcasting: a sneak peek of their upcoming 3-part television special called RARE—Creatures of the Photo Ark. RARE is a project of renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. Throughout the show, scientists and naturalists reveal surprising information about the world’s rare and at-risk animals. The preview will also include footage from right here in Georgia, with video from Georgia Outdoors naturalist Sharon Collins.
We will be joined by special guest Emmalee Hackshaw from GBP who will introduce us to this wonderful experience, followed by our feature film Ocean Frontiers. Meet us at the Tybee Post Theater every Tuesday evening through August 1 for this salty, sea-loving film series!
A Fond Farewell to GRNMS Superintendent Sarah Fangman
The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries recently announced that our wonderful superintendent, Sarah Fangman, is leaving Gray’s Reef to become the superintendent of our sister sanctuary, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Sarah leaves Gray’s Reef in good condition; it is a healthy and productive jewel off the coast of Georgia. We hate to see her go, but we know she’ll be a valuable asset to the Keys. Please join us in saluting Sarah and all the wonderful work she has done on behalf of Gray’s Reef!
Photo of Sarah diving at Gray’s Reef courtesy of Greg McFall, NOAA
The long stretches of No Wake Zones can certainly either try one’s patience or teach it. Whatever your attitude toward those waterfront dwellers, you can be certain that the number of docks along the Waterway will only increase in the future.
Are too many docks crowding South Carolina waterways?
As of this date, this boaters’ needs survey is not aimed at the southeast, but we know many of you continue northward after leaving us and you will certainly be able to respond knowledgeably to the questions. Thank you for your participation. SSECN is not affiliated with the research group and will not profit from our forwarding the survey to our readers.
My name is Diane Rousseau and I am the researcher in charge of the nautical study. Indeed, we are presently conducting a study with recreational boaters residing in specific US States. The study is also being conducted in parts of Canada. The study is for a tourism board looking to identify boaters’ expectations and needs regarding boating activities and tourism. We are looking to speak with boaters who either own or rent their powerboat or sailboat (boats of 22 feet or more).
EMAIL INVITATION – USA Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net
SUBJECT: Help Guide the Future of Boating Destinations
You Can Help Guide the Future of Boating Destinations
We are assisting the Ipsos market research firm in carrying out a study on boating activities and tourism.
As a boater, your responses are important and can assist in better identifying the expectations and needs of boaters.
Ipsos guarantee strict confidentiality to respondents. Individual responses will not be known to anyone but the researcher, and only aggregate results will be reported.
To start the survey, click the button above or click here:
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