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!
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL BROKERAGE LISTINGS
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net team is excited to announce a completely new version of Chart View was installed this morning.
This new version is completely rewritten and contains many enhancements such as:
Over the new several days and weeks we will regularly post articles describing in detail these new features and their usage.
We hope you find the new Chart View as exciting as we do.
Please let us know if you encounter any issues and also please submit any enhancement ideas you would like to see in future releases.
Click here to check out the new Chart View now
St. Lucie Lock, the easternmost Okeechobee lock, lies west of Stuart, FL near Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 15.
St. Lucie Lock
U.S. Army Corps will suspend water flows to the St. Lucie Estuary beginning Friday
WPTV Webteam
11:50 AM, Nov 3, 2016
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday it will suspend water flowing from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie Estuary and reduce flows to Caloosahatchee Estuary.
The Corps cited falling water levels in the lake as the reason.
It said no water from the lake will be released through the St. Lucie Lock near Stuart. This is the first time since late January that discharges have been suspended from the St. Lucie Lock after a wetter than usual dry season last winter.
However, the Corps says runoff from rain that accumulates in the St. Lucie basin will be allowed to pass through the spillway.
“Drier weather has taken hold and the lake continues to recede,” Candida Bronson, Acting Operations Division Chief for the Jacksonville District, said in a news release. “Barring an unexpected heavy-rain event, we expect the recession to continue. We can safely suspend releases to the St. Lucie and will continue reducing flows to the Caloosahatchee from 2,800 cfs to 650 cfs over the coming week.”
The water level at the lake stands at 15.40 feet which the Corps says is down .21 feet over the past week.
The changes announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin Friday.
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Lucie Lock
We post this complaint only to compare the experience of this skipper with Imron versus Awlgrip. We also trust that the results of this particular work are not typical of Hinkley’s expertise. See Tom Law’s comments below.
You don’t always get what you pay for! With such great reviews we decided to use Hinckley to paint our boat. We got a bid to have our 49 Hylas yacht painted in Awlgrip in January 2016. We have used Awlgrip paint before and found it to be durable, easy to clean and long lasting. A few weeks after we got the bid to paint the topsides in Awlgrip by the manager, we were handed off to [another worker] to coordinate the work we needed done. Then came emails and phone calls to use Imron paint. Imron paint is cheaper than Awlgrip. Although we loved Awlgrip we decided the “professionals” knew better and so we went with their product Imron. We felt that on every step Hinkley encouraged us to do more and more work than we felt unnecessary. It always started with “at Hinckley we do it this way because it’s the best”. They faired the transom and built it up with a compound to fix a few dings. We were not in Florida when the work was done which was Big mistake. When we arrived in late January the first issues started. First issue was we had covered our boat to protect the deck from the harsh Florida weather .We always do this when leaving our boat in storage. Hinckley removed it when they stepped the mast right after we left and never replaced as they deemed it unnecessary. We reminded them to put it back on after the mast was stepped and were assured they would do so. We had new [name] signs put on the boat. When I showed [the worker] that they were peeling, he suggested a little clear nail polish on the edges to keep them from peeling off! I was starting to regret using Hinckley.
Most worrisome was the paint job. The Imron just wasn’t the right type of paint for a sailboat that actually gets used. This became apparent a few months later. We sailed from Hinckley directly to the Bahamas and Cuba for 4 months. The boat was only in a marina once where it was rinsed down and washed. It was there we noticed that salt had etched the paint. When we returned to Hinckley five months after the initial painting we had to haul the boat and they had to use an acid to remove the salt. Even the yard and paint distributor said they had never seen anything like it. Never in 25,000 miles of sailing with Awlgrip had we ever used anything but Awlgrip wash to clean our boat of salt residue. It always looked great. Next issue was discovered by the guys who polished the boa. He t noticed small cracks all over the transom. Brian tried to explain it as fiberglass from under the bonding they used was suddenly erupting through the paint. Riduculous? Of course. But our choice was to stay in Florida and haggle with Hinckley or just consider this a VERY EXPENSIVE lesson. We realized we would never be satisfied and left. We are currently in Europe and have now noticed that everything scratches this paint. Mooring lines that rub remove the paint down to the primer. Bumpers rubbing wear off the paint, a small bump on a plastic dock scratches. Even my finger nail can scratch through the paint! Two professional painters here in Europe laughed at their explanation on why the transom had cracks. Both explained it was too much compound used and the compound was cracking underneath. This of course makes more sense. I will say that Hinckley did reimburse me the costs of the signs. Lessons learned. Never would I recommend Imron paint and never would I recommend Hinckley Boat yard.
Maureen Gapp
I think this refers to Hinckley, Stuart. Not Hinkley, Thunderbolt. Perhaps, a minor point; however, I’m sure it will be appreciated by Hinckley, Thunderbolt. We had our 43 foot American Tug painted with Imron at Hinckley, Stuart, a few years ago and were very pleased with the workmanship and the result. Different boats and different experiences; however, I did want to state a positive experience with Hinckley, Stuart.
The river is Caloosahatchee and the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsors are Legacy Harbour Marina and Fort Myers Yacht Basin. Legacy Harbor Marina entrance is located on the Okeechobee Waterway East of Marker #49 on the Caloosahatchee River. Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.
River District Farmer’s Market opens at new location this Thursday
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2016) – The River District Farmer’s Market will open this Thursday in a new location in nearby Centennial Park.
This move, from the market’s previous location under the Caloosahatchee Bridge at 2000 West First Street, will free up the more than 40 parking spots that were taken up by vendors.
“We are really excited about this change in venue because it now only frees up parking under the bridge for our customers, but also allows for seating under the pavilion and gives us a fabulous back drop of the River,” said Betsy Ventura, who, along with Jean Baer, owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market each week.
The market will take place each Thursday and will be open all year except for Thanksgiving Day but will open on Wednesday, Nov. 23 for a make-up market. Vendors begin setting up at 7 a.m. with everyone in place by 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
According to Ventura and Baer, there will be plenty of lunch options including area favorite food trucks as well as fresh flowers, local fruits and vegetables, Greek olive oils, dog treats, and much more. Complimentary Jimmy Java’s coffee will be given to the first 100 shoppers starting at 9 am.
Baer’s son, Tyler, a graduate of the University of Florida and Ventura’s daughter, Sims, will be joining the duo this season to assist in managing the markets.
In addition to Downtown, Ventura and Baer also operate the Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Coconut Point, Fenway South, Lakes Park, FSW and Boca Grande (beginning Jan. 6) Farmers Markets.
They added that the goal of each of their markets is to strengthen the surrounding community by showcasing vendors that are selling produce and artisan products that are grown or produced locally. Products are packaged by owners in an environmentally friendly way and the locations of markets are clean and safe and reflect a community atmosphere.
Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or providing live entertainment may visit the web site at www.BuyLocalLee.com.
Contact: Melinda Isley, APR, m.creativepr, 239-274-7736, cell: 239-565-1630, melinda@mcreativepr.com
Thank you,
Melissa Moore
Web/Graphics Technician
Anniversary Logo-03
1631 Hendry Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
T: 239.337.1071 – F: 239-337.1076
mmoore@cella.cc – www.cella.cc
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin
We have received word that following Hurricane Matthew, some changes are necessary at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina which sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
We are now instituting an amenities fee for the transient. Daily will be $18, Weekly will be $90, and monthly will be $300. The current list is below.
Kelley
· -24 hour full service marina / 24 hour security
· -Protective breakwaters and Wide floating docks
· -6 pack Charter service available
· -Clean facilities, shower and laundry
· -Wireless Internet Access
· -Access to Harborside pool and Jacuzzi
· -10% off all food & beverage purchased at the Harborside Hotel & Fish House with marina card
· -10% off rooms at the Harborside Hotel with marina card (Except Blackout Dates)
· -10% off Purchases at the Marina Store with the marina card
· -Easy access to Charleston’s #1 beach party, Party at the Point, as well as other events
· *Be sure to ask about our Tenant Referral program
· -Additional Beach Club Amenities
· Unlimited access – year round- to our heated pool(s) with complimentary towel service and poolside cabanas when open.
· Food and Beverage service at the Tiki Bar and Grille or your private cabana
· Use of all Pool amenities including life-sized chess board, bocce ball court and fire pits
· Exclusive invitations to resort hosted events like Party at the Point, Bazaar at the Point, Winterfest, Smoke on the Harbor, Burgers Bands and Brews, & Oyster Roasts, etc. Complimentary admission to these events for registered pool members and their dependents.
· Access to book the Beach Club’s private event space (board room, private movie theatre, yacht club) for member hosted events.
L. Kelley Poe
Director of Marina Operations
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
24 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC. 29464
Tel : 843.284.7065
KPoe@CharlestonHarborResort.com
www.CharlestonHarborMarina.com
www.charlestonharborfishhouse.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
I wonder if we get reduced rate if the internet does not work well out on the docks like in the past?
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: Chub Cay Marina remains closed
Chub Cay Marina remains closed
Posted: 02 Nov 2016 04:43 AM PDT
CHUB CAY, The Berry Islands, The Bahamas — After viewing the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Matthew on Chub Cay, Minister with responsibility for Hurricane Relief and Restoration the Hon. Shane Gibson pointed out, on October 31, 2016 that Chub Cay’s damage affects residents of North Andros, many of whom are still attempting to restore their lives after the Hurricane’s onslaught on that nearby island.
He explained that with the resort at Chub Cay now closed, persons who worked on the operational side were no longer on the job — unless they were able to work on construction and maintenance.
He described it as in fact “a double blow” for those who worked on Chub Cay, and came from Lowe Sound.
Minister Gibson led a small team to the island to view the damage and the work done by the property to address and rectify any issues. He said that it was his first visit to Chub Cay and he was very impressed by the property and the restoration efforts that are already full swing. Minister Gibson also related what he saw during the tour of the property.
“When you look at the homes that were impacted, obviously it is going to be a while before they get back to some sense of normalcy again…. Quite a number of the homes have some damage to them. The marina is closed right now, which is really preventing them from having their normal operations,” Minister Gibson related. “When you look around and see the kind of damage that they have, I think they estimate that they have four or five million dollars in total.”
Minister Gibson met a number of Bahamians who were working on the restoration and construction process, as well as being guided through work being done by a subcontractor, Jones Industrial Maintenance, by the company’s CEO Kristan Jones.
He noted that it appeared to him, the biggest challenge the property will have is getting the company that normally repairs the marina to schedule them in — considering that a number of marinas in The Bahamas and the Southeastern US seaboard where affected by Hurricane Matthew.
Minister Gibson also pointed out that a number of the homes were insured and that the adjustors had already viewed them. The ones that were not insured belonged to high-income owners who would probably address that issue personally, he noted.
When asked about government assistance being considered in the restoration effort, Minister Gibson quickly pointed out, “they are operating 100 percent independent of us.”
He added that some benefit has come to the employees with respect to restoration in that a number of high net worth persons, who own homes at Chub Cay, have already begun repairing accommodations of a number of the employees.
However, Minister Gibson’s thoughts were again on the residents of Lowe Sound, who cannot work on Chub Cay until the repairs and restorations are completed.
“Some of them are not able to work now because the resort is closed and, of course, for most them, they lost all of their belongings,” he said quietly.
Wind and tide play havoc with air clearances during flooding, so it is difficult to determine current heights at any fixed bridge between Virginia and FLorida. The Socastee Bridge at Mile 372 is improving, slowly returning to its full charted 64ft.
If you encounter less-than-charted heights, let us relay that information to your fellow tall-masted cruisers!
Bridge Clearances at high tide from Nixons Crossing through the cut in Myrtle Beach Cruising News.
We have had bridge clearance issues all the way down to Southport, with clearances at 63- at high tide in most places. Hoping this does not continue… Can we get a report on this stretch from others who have gone through today or tomorrow morning? Thanks!
Brad Geddes
The following questions, observations and advice come from our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s Forum. If you have local knowledge of depths in the discussed areas, please share! Venice Inlet intersects the Waterway at GICW statute mile 58 and Boca Grande Pass at statute mile 25 (see/155359).
We are in Clearwater preparing to head south early next week. We have heard reports of boats running aground in the ICW channel through Lemon Bay and have been advised to exit the ICW at Venice Pass, returning at Boca Grande Pass. We would prefer to stay in the ICW due to timing issues with the longer run offshore. But do not want to run aground with our 6′ draft. Has anyone passed through that area recently and noticed any additional shoaling issues beyond those already posted?
Carolyn Chancellor
Be aware the a sustained east or west wind has a bigger effect along the coasts of Florida than the tide (moon effect). A sustained easterly wind will lower the water level along the Florida Gulf coast approximately 2′, and conversely. Be aware of the wind conditions even MORE than the tide tables. Also, much of the coast of Florida is sand, therefore moves substantially in every storm.
John Harris
One thing you need to do if you go down the ICW is pay very careful attention to the markers and ensure that you do not drift out of the channel; keep looking backwards not just forward. We’ve seen lots of boat aground simply because they weren’t paying attention. It only takes a few feet in the wrong direction to find sand.
Tim and Valerie O’Neil
Good point on the east wind. We cruised from the Bradenton area to Venice yesterday with a gusty ENE wind. Sarasota Bay was really choppy but we saw depths as charted along our course so long as we stayed carefully in the channel.
The Blackburn (swing) Bridge (MM 63) is on a maintenance schedule – not sure how long – and is only opening every 4 hours. Someone added a note on the Active Captain bridge description a few days ago, which we had not seen. Fortunately we only had to wait about 20 minutes to pass. With a 9′ closed height, all looper boats need to time their arrival. Openings are at 8, noon, 4 and 8 only.
Carolyn Chancellor
We are safely in Fort Myers at the City Yacht Basin. Thank you to all who offered their insight and recent information! In summary, we were very careful to stay in the channel and had no apparent bottom bumps or groundings. When we lost focus and strayed to the channel edge, the depths came up quickly.
I would echo lots of the advice we received for others following our wake:
STAY IN THE MARKED CHANNEL
Look both ahead and behind to stay centered between the markers
Make note of shoaling posts in Active Captain and other crowd-sourced resources for advice on which side to favor if you are centered in the channel and depths start getting shallow.
Contact local tow services for recent updates on conditions. AGLCA Harbor Hosts can provide contact info.
Talk with local boaters who have recently arrived at marinas along the route; they may have just transited the stretch you are beginning and can provide the most up-to-date depths, especially if they have similar draft to yours. Marina harbormasters may also be aware of shoaling issues nearby.
Watch tides and wind.
Check bridge schedules, especially maintenance schedules, to time your passage. Many of the bridges have limited deep water outside the channel to wait for an opening.
Make sure you know your air draft and your comfort level in clearance above your air draft. Use binoculars to check clearance gauge at the starboard base of each bridge. This records the current clearance at the lowest point above the water. Maximum clearance will be 3′ – 4′ more at the center, but the bascule bridges arc sharply and, if your boat is wide, you need to plan accordingly.
In narrow areas (lots of them), best to have two sets of eyes at the helm to monitor depths and course.
Safe travels to all who follow in our wake! Touch base if you see us along the waterway.
Carolyn & Robert Chancellor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Venice Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Grande Pass
You will also need to check information on the Blackburn Point swing Bridge. It is on a restricted opening of every four hours through the November time frame.
A timely reminder from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission! Extra care is required following Matthew since a number Manatee Warning signs have been destroyed.
For immediate release: Nov. 1, 2016
Contact: Diane Hirth, 850-410-5291; Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459
Photos available on the FWC’s Flickr site: http://bit.ly/2eaNYTc
Watch out for migrating manatees!
Manatee numbers are up and these bulky aquatic mammals are on the move this month! The annual migration of Florida manatees begins in November, as the weather cools and Manatee Awareness Month is celebrated.
Watch out for manatees swimming in Florida’s rivers, bays or coastal waters. Keep in mind this time of year manatees are searching for warmer waters to help them survive winter’s cold.
With the onset of the manatee migration, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people in boats and personal watercraft to slow down to avoid manatees, particularly in shallow areas. Many seasonal manatee protection zones also go into effect as of Nov. 15.
Adult manatees weigh about 1,000 pounds but can be difficult to see, especially when just below the water’s surface. Manatees are easier to spot if boaters wear polarized sunglasses and keep a lookout for signs of manatees such as the circular “footprints” they trace on the top of the water.
Manatee numbers are up. In February 2016, the FWC announced 6,250 manatees were counted in an aerial survey of Florida waters. While that is good news, there have been 91 manatee fatalities caused by boat strikes so far in 2016.
“Boaters who slow down and keep a lookout for Florida manatees are an important reason the overall population of this species is doing better,” said Carol Knox, leader of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management section. “Remember, it is especially important to watch out for manatees during Manatee Awareness Month in November, as they begin their annual migration to warmer waters.”
The FWC spends about $2 million a year on manatee conservation, including research, rescue, management and public education efforts, and works in partnership with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on manatee issues. Floridians contribute to manatee conservation when they purchase the “Save the Manatee” license plate at BuyaPlate.com or donate $5 for the manatee decal.
For information about manatee protection zones by county, including the seasonal changes, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on “Data and Maps.” At the bottom of that same page, there also is information on FWC Manatee COLD-weather changes to speed zones. FWC law enforcement officers will be on the water enforcing these seasonal rules to protect manatees in busy boating areas.
Report sightings of injured, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, #FWC and *FWC on a cell phone, or with a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.
Want to see a manatee? Go to MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on “Where can I see Manatees?”
If you haven’t visited Fort Pierce City Marina since their renovations and expansion, you are in for a treat – it is one super marina! The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
JUST IN TIME FOR FOOTBALL SUNDAY!!!!!!!
The new meeting room for tenants has opened!!!! The new location is upstairs above where the old one was, and the old marina office. You now can look out from the balcony and oversee the events going on at the Marina, play cards, meet with your fellow boaters, make new friends, have a pot luck, the events are endless!!!
ALSO…
They will be replacing the coils in the transformers on the floating docks on Tuesday November 1. Each dock will be worked on individually. The power on the dock will be off for 3 to 4 hours. We don’t know which dock they will start on so please be patient and I apologize for any inconvenience.
NEW VETERANS PARK
Take a stroll down the street from the Marina and see the newly remodeled Veterans Park. While you are there go inside and see what classes are available in the Riverwalk Center. This is going to be a great Season!!!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
These photos are from a recent food festival enjoyed at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina. All proceeds went to Food Bank. There is also a photo of ROCKIT, a 200ft Fed Ship recently docked at Port City Marina, located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina
Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina
Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina
ROCKIT
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port City Marina
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: Gulfstream navigation
Gulfstream navigation
Posted: 27 Oct 2016 04:22 AM PDT
While not a navigation school, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, in Coconut Grove Florida does offer informational sessions as we prepare for our annual “Adventure Rendezvous” which will be coming up in the spring of 2017. We generally have sessions that address Gulf Stream navigation, vessel preparation and safety, local knowledge – customs etc. In the past we have circumnavigated the Florida Keys, gone to Bimini, and the Abacos. For spring of 2017 we are considering the Exumas or Cuba. Please contact lauren simpson at manager@cgsc.org and ask to be put on our cruising and rendezvous email list for future invites to meetings.
Northern Fields Cut is always an area to approach cautiously and at mid to high tide. Our thanks to Captain Hospodar for this update.
My wife Pat and I traveled through Fields Cut on 10/26/16 one hour after low water favoring the outside of each curve and found no less than 12 feet of water from the Wright River to the Savannah River.
Captain George Hospodar
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
The waterway south of McClellanville has been shoaling for years and as this LNM reports: /159671. Even with Captain Hospodar’s favorable experience, SSECN still recommends mid to high tide for passage through this section.
My wife Pat and I traveled from Mile 430 to 435 on 10/24/16 one hour after low water, staying in the middle we found no less than 6 feet of water throughout the area.
Captain George Hospodar
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For McClellanville
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
I agree with George, we came through here yesterday at dead low tide and found no less than 5 foot of water under the boat. We draw 3 1/2 feet. The larger problem are the crab traps. They are everywhere, shore to shore and the channel is no exception. Took us a lot of “S” turns, but we managed to miss them all. You have to really pay attention to the depth finder and out the window in this stretch.
Our thanks to Captain Hospodar for this report which is good news for all 5ft+ keels through this Problem Stretch. However, last year, depths of less than 5ft were reported via ARGUS readings at the south end of the Cut. Tidal range is 5-7ft here and is certainly a factor in deciding to take the Cutoff or use the longer alternate route, see /?p=141157. Be sure to click the ARGUS option at the top of the ChartView page.
My wife Pat and I traveled through the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff into the Coosaw River on 10/25/16 one hour and 40 minutes after low water, staying wide of G “177” then traveling through the middle of the waterway and then slightly favoring the northwestern side of the channel between R “184” and G “185”, we found no less than 7 ½ feet of water throughout the area.
Captain George Hospodar
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Following Hurricane Matthew, it is so good to get more news from our friends in the Bahamas via Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!
Bahamas Chatter: Looking for a Navigation School
Looking for a Navigation School
Posted: 26 Oct 2016 04:22 AM PDT
I am looking for a school to learn basic navigation, especially reading charts, my goal is to get a boat and cross from Florida to the Bahamas Islands, starting with Bimini and eventually Grand Bahama and then Nassau.
If there a school that offers basic navigation, I don’t want to do all self studies, I have questions and need answers.
Following Hurricane Matthew, it is so good to get more news from our friends in the Bahamas via Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!
Bahamas Chatter: ABM reports most marinas open
ABM reports most marinas open
Posted: 25 Oct 2016 04:44 AM PDT
The 47 marina and allied members of the Association of Bahamas Marinas are open for business and are anticipating a busy winter season, almost all members having experienced no significant damage during the recent hurricane Matthew, according to ABM president Stephen Kappeler.
ABM members were reporting full restoration of power and water to their docks and resorts within a day or two of the hurricane, the small eye of which traveled over the Exumas, Nassau, Chub Cay and Grand Bahama Island. All the Exuma marinas including Highbourne Cay and The Marina at Emerald Bay (Sandals) reported no or slight damage with Safe Harbour at Cave Cay soon to repair two damaged docks and fully operational with other docks.
In Nassau and Paradise Island, all marinas escaped unscathed. In the harbour, Bay Street Marina and Nassau Yacht Haven reported no damage and are fully functional. Palm Cay on the southeast coast of New Providence only had a couple of channel markers misplaced while marinas at Lyford Cay and Albany were undamaged. Albany chose to close temporarily to cleanup foliage and make the luxury estate pristine.
In Grand Bahama, Old Bahama Bay & Yacht Harbour is open for business, waiting to be reconnected with power soon. Bradford Marine in Freeport Harbour is up and running with restored power for its dry dock, travel lift and all its repair services. Port Lucaya Marina is open for yachts, having reported a few vessels underwater while Grand Bahama Yacht Club’s clubhouse and docks are fine. On Friday October 21, power and internet returned to Port Lucaya Marina and the power company expects Grand Bahama Yacht Club to have power by Saturday. (From an article in thebahamasweekly.com)
If you have local knowledge of the air clearance extremes at this bridge, let us hear from you. With a charted clearance of 50ft, but noted as 48ft, Brooks – Fort Walton Beach Bridge – crosses the Northern Gulf ICW at Statute Mile 223 – west of the Waterways exodus from Choctawhatchee Bay and unlighted daybeacon #4A.
What height sailboat can pass under this bridge? Ours is 47.5 feet from the waterline to the top of the mast. Info says if 48 or higher you will not pass under. Is this measured at high or low tide?
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Walton Beach Bridge
Charted bridge clearances are measured in tidal waters at mean high water. You will have another foot or two depending on moon phase and wind direction as well as tidal state available in the tide tables. North and west winds lower and south and east winds raise charted tides.
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