Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.1673,-81.4149999
Ridley Report: Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles, AICW near Statute Mile 676

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Charlie and Jackie make another entry in their log with this report from Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles which lies along the southern reaches of the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge.
5-4-16 Now at Morningstar Marina at St Simons. At MM590. One of my favorites. Restaurant at top of docks is very good- under new management and got liquor license last Thursday. Great app’s and a great margarita!! Make res’s as very busy. Mitch- dock hand- is the beat. Current can be very bad and combined with wind can make docking no fun. Listen to Mitch (or Chick) and he’ll get you in safely. Showers are very nice and laundry also. If on south end of face dock, long walk to take out dog, go to Coastal Kitchen or borrow the loaner car (but we need the exercise!!) A very nice CRV loaner. 1 hour limit. Of course best things are the muffins and newspaper delivered to your boat every morning– best muffins anywhere!!! one of our favorite marinas!! Almost forgot– if need diesel mechanic that I think is not only good but honest– ask for Wayne. He impressed me and that is not easy!!
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles
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May 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9796,-81.05619999
Ridley Report: Isle of Hope Marina, Savannah, GA, AICW Statute Mile 590

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The Ridleys continue their log with a report on Isle of Hope Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! which lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of Waterway marker #46A. And in case you missed their FOCUS ON, see /150925.
5-3-16 Now at Isle of Hope Marina at MM590. Went to fuel dock first– $2.09/gal. Dock (34′) and 30 amp for $75.00. great place to walk around old homes, etc. cable not work but pulled several channels off antennae. Put us on very northern end and very weak wifi. OK for email but not much else. Loaner car and bicycles available and a reasonable ships store. Strong Verizon. Really a great place to stop.
Jackie and Charlie on Traveler.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Hope Marina
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May 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.1561,-80.85619999
Ridley Report: Bull Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 565.5

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Charlie and Jackie continue their journey north with a report on these two anchorages, southern and northern upstream, on the waters of Bull Creek, south of Calibogue Sound and Hilton Head Island, east of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #34.
5-2-16 Now anchored in one of our favorites– Bull Crk east off ICW just south of MM565. Anchored in front of house where water not so deep. Good holding and usual tidal current. Good verizon. Look out over Calibogue Sound and Hilton Head island. Nice.
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Bull Creek Anchorages
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May 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.6459,-80.27669999
Ridley Report from Tom Point Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 495.5

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Skippers Charlie and Jackie Ridley have submitted several reports documenting their voyage north on the Waterway, beginning with Tom Point Creek anchorage, one of the best south of Charleston, as a number of you have commented.
5-1-16 Anchored in Tom Point Creek just past MM 495. Easy in and out. In about 8′, good holding and plenty room for other boats, but were none. 3-4 bars on Verizon–great views!! Tide current usual.
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.
5-14-16 Anchored in Big Tom Creek about ½ mile in from MM613, Wide channel and easy in and out of creek. Anchor set first try. Decent Verizon. Beautiful sunset!! will stop here again.
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Tom Point Creek Anchorages
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May 18, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: “Mapping Issues/Help” plus 1 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: “Mapping Issues/Help” plus 1 more
Mapping Issues/Help
Posted: 17 May 2016 02:33 PM PDT
This weekend I was in West End fishing and noticed that my map was off by quite some distance. I am using a Garmin 7212 and the map source is from Lewis Offshore, explorer charts. When I was offshore West End the map was showing I was in 50ft of water but my depth sounder was recording about 600ft. It seemed to happen all the way along the coast of Grand Bahama up to White Sand ridge. Near Memory rock where the water is super clear, I could tell we were very deep (dark blue color) while the mapping program was stating we were in shallow 60 ft, depth sounds reading 800 ft or so. While I am back in the states, this does not happen as the maps seem very close to the depth sounder and even bottom contour. My question is, was I doing something wrong? or are the maps that far off over in the near Bahamas on the garmin chartplotters?
Explorer Charts
Posted: 17 May 2016 02:30 PM PDT
Garmin Chartplotters come with preloaded maps for all U.S. coastal areas and the Bahamas. The current release (February 2015) does NOT have Explorer Bahamas data for the Little Bahama Bank, most of Grand Bahama, the Abacos, Great Inagua, and the Turks and Caicos.
I ordered Garmin V2 charts, does it have Explorer information, if not will an App help bridge the information I might need?
Thanks
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May 18, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: Safe Boating Saves Lives

FWC: safe boating saves lives
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 05/17/2016 01:15 PM EDT
For immediate release: May 17, 2016
Media contact: Rob Klepper, 850-617-9666 or Robert.Klepper@MyFWC.com
FWC: safe boating saves lives
Although Florida’s boating season never really ends, the traditional start is marked by National Safe Boating Week, May 21–27. The week is a time for boaters to focus on simple and effective steps that make boating safer. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants all boaters to remember to boat safely. As the boating capital of the world, Florida leads the nation with nearly 1 million registered vessels across the state and is known as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors. Each year, FWC officers respond to far too many tragic and preventable boating accidents.
CLICK HERE for the full article.
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May 17, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shared Photo: Christ of the Abyss
Christ of the Abyss , N Grecian Rocks Key Largo by Tony Pozun
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May 17, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.3575,-80.7259999
Good Words for Cocoa Village Marina, Cocoa, FL, AICW Statute Mile 897

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Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge and only a few quick steps from the downtown Cocoa business district!
Great place, friendly, well designed and maintained. Staff are very helpful, and we found electrical repair services right away. Wi-fi is awesome.
Rick Cass
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina
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May 17, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.1381,-80.8129999
FOCUS ON Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Hilton Head Island, SC, AICW Statute Mile 565

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Harbor Town Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies just off the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway on Calibogue Sound, below Statute Mile 565 at Marker 32, right in the heart of The Sea Pines Resort.
Recently voted the 2015 “Marina of the Year” by Marina Dock Age magazine, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin has been a place for visitors and guests to enjoy world-class accommodations for over 40 years. Located in the heart of The Sea Pines Resort and on the Calibogue Sound, this full-service marina offers everything: shopping, dining, entertainment, watersports, fishing charters, cruises, and much more. Irrefutably Hilton Head Island’s most famous and visited marina, our amiable and experienced staff and Harbourmaster are dedicated to providing each visitor and guest with lifelong memories all amidst the spectacular backdrop of the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.

The Harbour Town Yacht Basin was built in 1969 by legendary founder, Charles Fraser. Modeled after a famous harbor in Portofino, Italy, Harbour Town Yacht Basin was designed to attract visitors while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. This included preserving the Liberty Oak, which was incorporated into the layout of the marina in lieu of building more slips. Centuries old, the Liberty Oak has stood as a symbolic landmark for wedding venues and concerts, but the most iconic image of the yacht basin is the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Constructed the same year as the marina, the lighthouse has welcomed visitors to one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth while offering one-of-a-kind views.

Harbour Town Yacht Basin is an intimate marina that offers over 100 docking slips where visitors can dock nightly, monthly, or even for a lifetime. Modern facilities and exceptional service continue to contribute to the world-class resort experience that keeps guests coming back year after year. Guests and visitors at the yacht basin can enjoy world-class facilities throughout The Sea Pines Resort, such as the Harbour Town Clubhouse, the Sea Pines Beach Club, the Plantation Golf Club, and the luxurious Inn & Club at Harbour Town.

Guests can enjoy charter fishing, cruises and sightseeing tours, as well as watersports at Harbour Town. Explore fertile fishing grounds with the island’s most experienced captains on a three-hour or overnight excursion aboard a fishing charter, observe various marine life from aboard a multi-passenger yacht during a sightseeing tour of Calibogue Sound and Daufuskie Island, or close up on a waverunner, kayak, or paddleboard.
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Harbor Town Yacht Basin
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May 16, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0462,-81.42259999
Detailed Report from Jekyll Creek, Jekyll Island, GA, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

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Robert Sherer is author of 2015 ICW Cruising Guide: A guide to navigating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. See /?p=150181. SSECN is grateful for Captain Sherer’s willingness to share his knowledge and experience with our readers. Jekyll Creek is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina.
I’ve been through Jekyll Creek a dozen times and although there is a channel with 5.7 MLW depth, the problem has always been how to find it. This time through I found a good fit using ENC charts as displayed on the iPad app, Charts and Tides. I would think that any app that used NOAA ENC charts would display the same route (my laptop with ENC charts showed the route correctly).
At Jekyll Creek just south of the bridge
Sitting at anchor just south of the bridge on 4/22/216, we were astounded when we saw two huge tugs with several hundred feet of dredging pipe go through Jekyll at dead low tide, one tug on each end of the pipes. I followed in my dinghy. The mud stirred up was incredible. They stopped multiple times and rev’ed up the engines and plowed through. It took 20 min to round G19. In other words, they created the channel and successive runs is what keeps the channel open.
After they passed I got in my dinghy to measured the deepest spot by G19, R20 and R20A, going side to side with a portable depth sounder and found that 80 to 100 ft off each mark was best, at least now after the two tug plow team.
Route notes:
– Do not hug any marks, stay off R20A, R20 and R19 by 80 to 100 ft.
– Garmin charts are useless here but NOAA ENC charts work well.
– The depth readings were taken the day after two tugs passed (plowed!) through.
– A GPX file of the route is available here or go to http://tinyurl.com/hvugdss
Route depths:
Bridge 10.6 MLW, use as a check on general water depth, the bridge height gauge read 65 ft (it was near high tide when I passed through but all readings have been corrected to MLW)
Heading north:
– 1/2 way 6.7 MLW
– R20A 8.3 MLW
– 1/2 way 6.2 MLW
– R20 6.6 MLW
– By docks 9.2 MLW
– 1/2 way 8.1 MLW
– G19 5.7 MLW (80 ft off )
– At shoal mark 7.6 MLW
– G17 9.1 MLW
– R16 7.8 MLW
Deeper the rest of the way north.
I don’t claim this is the best route but it worked on 4/22/2016 for 5.7 MLW.
Robert Sherer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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May 16, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.2846,-80.08359999
Good Words for Lighthouse Point Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 1052

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Lighthouse Point Yacht Club lies south of Waterway marker #68 on the large canal making into the western shores of the Waterway and well south of the Boca Raton Inlet.
Wonderful marina – good location that is right off the ICW in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Transit boaters are welcome at the Restaurant and it is open for lunch and dinner – check current schedule for day & hours of operation. Zack Rice, their Marina and Harbor Manager is very friendly and can accommodate most requests. Lovely pool area, super wi-fi connection and very calm inside the marina basin.
Joanne Kindlund
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Lighthouse Point Yacht Club
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May 14, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.6478,-81.86979999
Praise for Fort Myers Yacht Basin, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135

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City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east. Our thanks to Ralph Winkler for these good words for one our finest sponsors.
Over the last ten years I’ve visited the Ft Myers Yacht Basin on several occasions as I’ve cruised the cut to the AICW but I’d not visited there in the last year or so, boy have they done a nice remodeling of the cruisers men’s and ladies restroom/showers. This morning I talked to Brian the manager and complemented them on the nice upgrade to the facilities. This marina is a great location if you’re east or west bound thru the cut, fuel and ships store prices are very good, the location is within walking distance to Ft Myers historical district including several great pubs, eating choices and even a very highly acclaimed theatre is just a couple blocks away. Try it! you will not be disappointed.
Ralph Winkler
Punta Gorda, FL
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Leif Lustig - May 17, 2016 - 3:59 pm

Thank you Mr. Winkler,
We are glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and we look forward to helping you to enjoy your boating in the Fort Myers area in the future.
Sincerely, Leif, Brian and the FMYB Crew
Reply to Leif
May 14, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.3004,-76.2189999
Wanting to Crew on a Sailing Vessel North to Elizabeth City, NC

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If you need crew to handle a sailing vessel and can use Erica on the short trip from the Cape Fear River to Elizabeth City on the Dismal Swamp Route, let us hear from you! Elizabeth City is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
I am near Wilmington looking to crew on a sailing vessel heading north towards Elizabeth City. I will be working on a sailboat here until then. Please email me if interested! Manneaej@gmail.com
Erica
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
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May 13, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.9569,-81.73039999
Suggested Route from Marco Island to Islamorado, Gulf Coast to the Keys

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These good suggestions come from AGLCA member, Dave Fuller, as posted on AGLCA’s Digest.
If this is your first trip from Marco to the Keys, I recommend coming out Capri pass and proceeding south. Going the back way is a little shorter, but MUCH shallower and requires you to pay close attention. The Cape Romano shoals are the first area you need to avoid, so look at your chart and plot your course accordingly. Depending on your speed, you should consider an overnight and Little Shark River (marked by a Green 1 on a 16 ft. pole) is a well protected anchorage. Depending on wind conditions, you may want to go further up river to use the mangroves to break the wind and waves. It is plenty deep quite a ways in so you should not have a hard time finding a suitable spot. Just be aware of small fishing boats zipping by so make sure you are well lit at night. For a general route, try to stay outside the boundaries of Everglades National Park. You will notice what looks like I-beams marking the park boundaries. Inside the park boundaries, you will have less crab traps to negotiate, but the tradeoff is that the water is much shallower. So much so that I had to shut off my depth alarm as it was constantly in alarm mode, but we never touched bottom. There is one place on the chart that you must observe. I don’t know the name of the banks on either side, but it is called the “yacht channel” and is a fairly narrow opening in the bank where you make a sort of S turn. It is clearly marked on the charts. There are a number of places to cross over from Florida Bay to the Atlantic such as Channel 5, Seven mile bridge, and others depending on where you are going. When we last did the trip, we went straight to Islamorada to visit friends so we skipped Marathon. Have a fun and safe trip.
Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller
WACI 3
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marco Island
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May 12, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2436,-77.95199999
Life on El Galeon, from Port City Marina, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
LIFE ON EL GALEON: AN ALMOST SPANISH SAILOR’S LOG
On May 10, 2016, El Galeon Andalusia maneuvered her majestic mast beneath the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and returned to Port City Marina, what last summer’s crew called the tall ship’s “most successful port visit.”
Life at Sea
Indeed, record numbers of wannabe pirates, history buffs, and tall ship enthusiasts flocked to Pier 33 to tour the 170-foot replica of the 16th century Spanish galleon.
“We had more than 2000 visitors each of the 10 days we were there,” shared Chef David Garcia Gallardo, one of the Spanish crew. “And Port City Marina was very comfortable, with nice bathrooms!” he said, with a laugh. “This is important to sailors arriving in port!”
CLICK HERE for the full story
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
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May 12, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Reply from Minister of Tourism in the Bahamas

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: Reply from Minister of Tourism in the Bahamas
Reply from Minister of Tourism in the Bahamas
Posted: 11 May 2016 12:39 PM PDT
I have also received a reply from the Minister of Tourism. Here is the response.
“Bruce
I have reviewed your and the concerns of others relative to security. Be assured that we are addressing this issue with urgency. We do not intend to allow any person or persons to destroy our country and the wonderful relationships we have with so many. Thank you and be assured that we will resolve the issues.
Sent from Outlook Mobile
On Sun, May 8, 2016 at 8:01 PM -0700, “Bruce Bogdanoff” wrote:
Minister of Tourism
Obie Wilchcombe
One of the reasons we choose to cruise the Bahamas and the Exhumas is due to your excellent record of security for our sailing craft and dinghies and motors. Although I have not been affected yet, it has come to my attention, that theft that was not there of our motors and equipment, is now becoming commonplace. If this continues, we will need to look for other cruising locations and monies that would go to your economic development will need to go to security.
I strongly urge you to review my concerns and share it with the appropriate security authorities for actions that need to be taken to insure our safety.
Thank you,
Bruce Bogdanoff
S/V Help Me Rhonda”
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May 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 8 Comments
Intracoastal Waterway Deepening Project Underway, Fort Lauderdale, FL
This tax supported dredging to accommodate the yachts of the wealthiest of the wealthy clearly shows to whom Florida politicians bow. You will pay for the project, but will it aid you in any way?
FLORIDA – AICW – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – FORT LAUDERDALE: Intracoastal Waterway Deepening Project
The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) is sponsoring a project to deepen the AICW channel to -15 ft MLW in a ±2-mile section from 17th Street Causeway to just north of the Las Olas Bridge. Material from the AICW channel will be mechanically dredged by Cashman Dredging, Inc. and placed into a barge. The material will be dewatered and temporarily placed at a Dredged Material Management Area (DMMA) located at Port Everglades. Dredging will begin the first week of May 2016, and is expected to continue for about 50 weeks. The Dredge CAPTAIN A.J. FOURNIER will work daylight hours only. During the project, every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate normal, safe navigation operations. However, mariners should be aware that clearances within the AICW will be reduced and navigability will be limited during dredge operations. Mariners are urged to subscribe to daily email updates at IWWDredgePosition@jaycashman.com for operation reports and potential impacts to navigation, or call Stephen Tobin (877) 294-9990 or (888) 280-9630 for general questions concerning the project.
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Comments from Cruisers (8)

Gene Fuller -  May 20, 2016 - 3:15 pm

I think Larry and others are largely missing the point. This project has almost nothing to do with navigating the ICW or special privileges for megayachts. After all, it is only a couple of miles in length. The real reason for the project is for economic support of local businesses. Not a whole lot different than a new highway to support a large factory or deepening a harbor to support commercial shipping.
Gene
Reply to Gene

George Barr -  May 20, 2016 - 2:05 pm

The CONTROLLING depth of the ICW is 12′. I think Larry is reacting as I did to the 15’depth of the project using taxpayer money in a section of the ICW that has few reported shoaling problems from cruisers. It is clearly for the benefit of the megayachts who visit the port. It is about 20:1 from my experience on Foreign vs. USA registration…. and there are numerous spots on the FL ICW that don’t even carry 6 ft. without tidal help where the money could have been better spent. I’d suggest that if FT LAUDERDALE wants to deepen it’s waters…they should fund it from their tax base… or impose fees on marinas catering to those depths…. and let the taxpayers deal with NORMAL maintenance of the ICW which should be funded by users through fuel and use taxes… not the general public.
Reply to George

Joseph Schnaufer -  May 14, 2016 - 1:08 pm

I think all the mega yachts contribute far more to the community finances than the smaller recreational boats!
Reply to Joseph

Fred -  May 16, 2016 - 9:44 am

Considering that most of the mega yachts that will need these additional depths in this area are mostly foreign flagged vessels that avoid taxes in the U.S.
Whereas US tax payers and local boaters cannot find affordable dockage and other marine services, these funds are being spent purely for the wealthy.
Reply to Fred

Capt. Mike Wright -  May 20, 2016 - 1:21 pm

Amen brother

Gregory Yount -  May 13, 2016 - 8:40 pm

I think Larry is dead on. How many recreational boaters are needing or clamoring for 15′ depths?! Re-work Matanzas Inlet, Jupiter Inlet or one of the many ICW shoal areas.
Reply to Gregory

Heidi Hasenfus -  May 13, 2016 - 2:11 pm

I, too, find the tone odd… The dredging project is to accommodate deep draft vessels, which spans many economic ranges, both private and commercial. And the positive about this 1% you mention, is that they spend a lot of money, as their vessels, guests, and crew require a range of services ranging from high end boutiques and restaurants to neighborhood hardware stores and fast food restaurants to mechanics and professional services. That’s a lot of employment creating more taxpayers and more spending. Circle of economic life.
Reply to Heidi

Bill Marett -  May 13, 2016 - 9:48 am

I find the titling of this article odd. Larry seems to be adopting the non-boat owners’ view that all boaters are wealthy and that improvements to the nation’s waterways is “welfare for the rich.” Certainly that characterization is wrong. What I suspect Larry meant is that the money for this deepening project could be better spent elsewhere to the benefit of cruisers who rely on the ICW. A fair point, but to describe the project as is done in the title gives the wrong impression and is a disservice to the very idea that the waterways are for all boaters, not just the rich.
Bill Marett
Reply to Bill
May 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
A Plea to Cruising Boaters from Boater’s Heritage Freedom PAC
The legislative restrictions on anchoring recently enacted by Florida’s politicians is causing much anxiety among cruising boaters. All coastal states may well be affected by the Florida legislation restricting anchoring.
May 11, 2016 Richard Herman raised this question concerning the PAC:
I’m confused. Are the SSCA Cruiser’s Rights Fund and the Boater’s Heritage Freedom PAC one and the same organization, or are they different? Are their goals the same? Does a financial contribution to one benefit both?
Could you please clarify for me? Perhaps there are others who feel the same way.
Sincerely,
Richard Hermann
m/v Avocet – Great Harbour N37
And Phillip Werndli responded:
Richard,
Good question. The two funds are linked to the anchoring rights issue, but have very different purposes. The GoFundMe campaign was established by SSCA to fund cost for lobbying including expenses for the lead volunteer and a professional lobbyist. That fund was endorsed by MTOA and AGLCA. The Boarer’s Heritage Freedom PAC was established by the above three organizations to provide funds for political campaign contributions to favorable legislators. We need funds for both, they work hand in hand.
Phil
April 28, 2016
The passage of the anchoring bans in five anchorages in South Florida is only the tip of the iceberg that cruisers are headed for in Florida. The passage of this bill is the result of frustrated residents in Broward and Dade counties who have been waiting for legislators to enact a method for local communities to regulate anchoring since 2009. Why is this just the tip?
There are over 80 cities and counties in Florida that presently have some form of ordinance to restrict anchoring. These range from a complete ban to comprehensive mooring/anchoring regulations. All of these ordinances were invalidated in the 2009 Anchoring Pilot Program legislation, except for the five pilot areas. That program will end in June 2017. The repeal of only one small section of law will allow all of these ordinances to go back into effect. You can bet that all of these communities will be lobbying their legislators to allow them to restore their ordinances ending up with a patchwork of regulations that no boater will be able to know.
Seven Seas Cruising Association, Marine Trawler’s Owner’s Association and the American Great Loop Cruiser’s Association formed the Boater’s Heritage Freedom PAC to raise funds to contribute to legislators who are friendly to our cause of preserving anchoring rights. The time is now for you to dig into your pocket.
All Florida legislators are running for election this fall and the campaigns are in full swing. We need to support our legislative supporters with our pocketbooks so please act now. When the election is over, it will be too late.
Click on the PayPal button below to contribute. If you are a Florida resident, you can also help by attending local candidate forums to urge them to support boater’s rights. This is most important. There will be a strong fight this next session and we need the members to know we are a force. So contribute now.
Phillip Werndli, Chairman
Boater’s Heritage Freedom PAC
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KUAECXWUYWYFS
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Bill Murdoch - May 13, 2016 - 7:43 pm

Where is BoatUS in this mix? I don’t see them mentioned. Those of us who have been in Miami Beach this winter know where SeaTow is on the similar and equally important subject of dinghy landing restrictions. BoatUs has a similar arm, TowBoatUS.
Reply to Bill
May 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Response from Minister of Tourism

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: Response from Minister of Tourism
Response from Minister of Tourism
Posted: 10 May 2016 07:28 AM PDT
One of the cruisers who responded to the Chatter correspondence regarding boat thefts in the Bahamas received this reply from Obie Wilchcombe, the Minister of Tourism:
Thank you for taking the time to write and raising the Flag on the issue that is troubling and must meet affirmative action. We are and will intensify all efforts and prevent the small few from destroying our land of friendship and hospitality
Thanks for your support and your contribution to our nation.
Obie
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May 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Free ‘Wellness at Sea’ App Launched
This launch of a free wellness app announcement comes from Eric Haun of Marine Electronics. This app will be useful to Intracoastal cruisers as well as offshore cruisers.
‘Wellness at Sea’ App Launched
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 | Posted by Eric Haun
Sailors’ Society, one of the largest seafarer support charities operating internationally, has launched the free Wellness at Sea mobile app, which aims to help put health and well being at sea in the hands of seafarers.
“Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea coaching program has been well received by the industry and we were keen to take it to the next level by putting the tools to enhance and monitor well being in the hands of seafarers themselves,” said Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society’s deputy chief executive.
“The Wellness at Sea app is a fun and interactive way for seafarers to improve wellness whilst providing practical information including local maritime welfare services and ship tracking data,” Welch said.
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