Happily, Bo Taylor’s experience ended without injury or damage, but it will certainly add fuel to the rented mooring versus personal anchoring tackle, which has been an ongoing debate since municipal mooring fields began to be installed along the Waterway. See /?p=135395. The Titusville mooring field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel leading to Titusville City Marina.
One hour ago, as we were returning to our boat, Sunburst, my daughter said “our boat’s moving”. I said no way, I can see the mooring ball beside it. In the distance, when I saw our boat move past another boat I almost fell out of the dinghy. We caught up and boarded. Five hundred feet adrift without damage to our boat or others that Sunburst had passed. Mooring ball had come loose. Beware! Bo Taylor s/v Sunburst
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. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Their launch of “Bahamas Chatter” and real time cruising information via their web site, www.explorercharts.com is extremely valuable.
Bahamas Chatter: Needed Items for Long Island Needed Items for Long Island Posted: 14 Dec 2015 11:36 AM PST From a Long Island resident, here are some of the many things that would be appreciated for any of the southeast Bahama islands that were hit so hard by Hurricane Joaquin:
Household items is next- pillows, bedding, plates, pots n pans, silverware, cooking utensils- you know. Those things you take for granted till you are missing them- mixing bowls, wooden spoons, serving utensils, storage containers, cutting boards, knives, cups, rugs’¦’¦..Most houses that are being built are at drywall stage. Some still need windows and doors but I know you all couldn’t get away with those!! lol
ANYTHING someone somewhere on this island can use- trust me!
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Pam Valente- December 18, 2015 - 2:37 pm
If I put a box of household items together in Beaufort, NC is there a cruising boat out there that would be willing to pick up the box at the Beaufort Docks and take it to Long Island?
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUSBoat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
The Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund has funded over 11,000 boat ramps since 2004.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
`Backbone’ of America’s Boating Safety and Angling Conservation Reauthorized
ALEXANDRIA, Va., December 7, 2015 ‘“ In a victory for boaters and anglers, Friday’s passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act also includes reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through the year 2020. After significant lobbying by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) along with other boating and angling organizations, in 1984 Congress passed legislation establishing what was then called the Wallop/Breaux Trust Fund. Now called the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, it continues to serve as the backbone of boating safety, infrastructure, clean water and fisheries conservation funding in the United States.
The practical `user pay, everyone benefits’ program uses federal boat fuel and fishing tackle taxes to protect natural aquatic resources, enhance boating safety and provide more recreational fishing and boating opportunities. Since its inception, more than $7.5 billion has been collected and allocated to the states. More recently since 2004, over 3.8 billion fish have been stocked, 11,000+ boat ramps and access sites have been created or renovated and over 1,100+ transient boating facilities built, 4.7 million students taught aquatic education, over 63,000 acres of fish habitat protected, and over half a million boaters, sailors and anglers have completed an approved state boating safety education course.
BoatUS, as a longtime champion of the Trust Fund along with other members of the Angling and Boating Alliance (ABA), has worked tirelessly to make certain it continues to be used for key boating and fishing programs. Said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich, `Some in Washington might have viewed these boater and angler tax dollars as a way to solve their own budget problems. BoatUS along with the ABA made certain this reauthorization ensures that the money boaters and anglers pay stays intact for the intended use: saving lives, keeping our fish stocks healthy and making it easier to enjoy the water.’
Podlich went on to state, `We appreciate the leadership of the multiple House and Senate Committees that included the Trust Fund in the FAST Act. Congressman Bill Shuster, Senator James Inhofe, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator John Thune and Senator Bill Nelson are all to be commended for their continuing support of America’s boaters and anglers.’
###
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
As first reported in this from WPBF 25 News these containers are now confirmed to be adrift east of West Palm Beach and will require a sharp lookout for vessels sailing offshore. Our thanks to Jeff Graham for this submission.
Coast Guard responds to container barge accident At least 25 containers believed to have fallen off barge RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. ‘”Coast Guard crews responded to reports of multiple containers falling off a barge Sunday off the coast between Port Canaveral, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida. The U.S. flagged 136-foot Capt. Latham, was headed to Puerto Rico as it tugged a 340-foot barge, Columbia Elizabeth. The crew noticed several cargo containers hanging over the port side of the barge and believed more had fallen into the water while in transit. The Capt. Latham terminated their course toward Puerto Rico and diverted to the Port of Palm Beach for further investigation. A Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter crew from Air Station Miami and a crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell responded to the report to assess the barge. At approximately 3:00 p.m., the vessel moored safely in the Port of Palm Beach. It was then determined that up to 25 containers were unaccounted for, with an undetermined amount falling overboard. Several of the containers were confirmed to be carrying batteries. One of the containers washed ashore in Port Canaveral. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident and plans to launch an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to begin searching at sunrise.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. ‘”Thousands of coffee containers are washing up on beaches in Central Florida and South Florida, officials tell WESH 2 News. Thousands of bright yellow cans of coffee are washing ashore in Brevard County, many people rushing to pick them up. The cans may have fallen off a passing cargo barge, WESH 2 News has learned. Along the coast of Indialantic, bright cans of coffee that likely were on their way to Puerto Rico, are finding their way ashore. Early in the day, the first beach visitors were stunned to find cans of coffee and bricks of coffee thickly strewn on the sand. The United States Coast Guard reports that the containers were from the barge Columbia Elizabeth, which reported losing multiple containers between Cape Canaveral and Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. Marine prevention teams from Coast Guard Sector Miami and Marine Safety Detachment Lake Worth were dispatched to the Port of Palm Beach, where the barge is currently being unloaded.
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. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Their launch of “Bahamas Chatter” and real time cruising information via their web site, www.explorercharts.com is extremely valuable.
Bahamas Chatter: N W Channel Light N W Channel Light Posted: 11 Dec 2015 04:29 AM PST As of Dec. 7 ’15, the new marker at NW Channel was NOT lit. Also noted at present time, is that diesel at Bimini was $4.25, at Chub , $4.90.
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Rick- December 25, 2015 - 1:01 pm
At Bimini a $25 minimum fuel purchase to use a credit card.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Marco Island Marina will be found along the Marco ‘“ Naples waterway’s southerly banks, immediately west of the high-rise fixed Marco Island bridge.
Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Marco Island By Terry and Laurie Carlson
Eleven boats were greeted with sunny skies for the November trip to Marco Island Marina, a destination that had been off the Club schedule for a few years. All boats were neatly snuggled into their slips with the aid of dock master, Elmer Mimas, who located the entire group on one dock for our convenience. Cruise leaders for this cruise were Terry and Laurie Carlson. The boats no sooner got tied up and the fun began as all boaters were introduced to the cruise leader’s Marco Island Poker Run, receiving their score cards and their first playing card. Subsequent cards were issued at different scheduled events throughout the three day cruise.
Tuesday evening was kicked off with Heavy hors d’oeuvres by the pool, followed by a Cape Coral Cruise Club Member Trivia game prepared by cruise leaders,Terry and Laurie Carlson. Participants enjoyed learning little known facts about Cruise Club members that had been gleaned from Bio’s that are soon to be published on the Club website. Gary Taake was the winner of the competition. Valuable prizes were awarded!
Breakfast was served Wednesday morning by the cruise leaders. Main dishes included Apple Monkey Bread, Sausage Hash Brown Casserole, a Stuffed Pancake casserole and more. Pretty sure nobody left hungry. Wednesdays daytime activity was a fun trip to the Marco Island Farmers Market that ended with a nice lunch/drinks at the Esplanade marina. The Wednesday evening meal, provided by the cruise leaders,along with contributions from other cruisers, was centered around the Carlson’s `almost famous backyard smoked’ pulled pork with all the trimmings. After dinner entertainment was provided by John and Patti Queen and their `When the Hell was that?’ competition. Winner was Pat Kryger with runner up Donna Overstreet. Once again, valuable prizes were awarded. CCCC has neat contests’¦
Thursday morning brought yet another breakfast by the pool with Scrambled eggs with cheese, rolls and fruit. Later that morning a trip to the Marco Island Museum was on tap. Approximately 10 people enjoyed learning the history of Marco Island from ancient times to present modern development.
Thursday evening was our dinner out at CJ’s on the Bay at Esplanade. Cruisers were treated to a beautiful facility and marina on the bay at the Esplanade with a wonderful menu that provided something tasty for everyone. The after dinner highlight was the culmination of the Marco Island Poker Run. Final cards were drawn and the winners were Bill and Donna Peterson’¦ and yes, valuable prizes were awarded.
Friday morning all boats cast off, bid a fond farewell to Marco Island Marina and headed back north for a smooth Gulf ride back to the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
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. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Their launch of “Bahamas Chatter” and real time cruising information via their web site, www.explorercharts.com is extremely valuable.
We are Canadian and usually winter in Florida. This year we came with our yacht and are looking forward to spend February in the Bahamas. We are in search of useful info. Thank you Andre Lefleche
Andre, Explorer Chartbooks and their Bahamas Chatter is SSECN’s recommendation for information on the Bahamas. We wish you smooth sailing!
Reports of shoaling south of Fernandina Beach have been coming in for several years and prompted a USCG Hazard Warning in May of last year (/?p=140702). Our thanks to geologist, Bill Aley, for sending these surveys to assist in guiding you through the shoals. See /?p=153488 for further advice.
And, thanks to Robert Sherer, we have the lat/lon locations of the turns indicated in the survey below with WP1 being the first heading south:
Note corrections to WP 2 and 4 below, thanks to Mike. Note also that our chart centers on WP 4.
Hi Larry, This posting is what prompted me to email Taylor Engineering asking for more detail, namely the waypoints for the route turns. I wanted his numbers rather than trying to interpolate from the chart. He was gracious enough to provide them. Perhaps we can nail this section of the ICW so it will never again cause agitation for boaters! Bob
At the request of the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), I’d like to share the attached figure with you. The figure illustrates an area of shoaling in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway within Nassau County, FL that is a potential navigation hazard.
The PDF file depicts some very recent mapping that shows naturally deep water to the west and south of the currently marked channel in this area. Taylor Engineering is currently working with the FIND, US Army Corps of Engineers, and US Coast Guard to relocate the federal channel and corresponding red channel marker #18 and green channel marker #1 to direct navigation traffic towards the deeper waters. Regards, Bill Aley, P.G. Professional Geologist Taylor Engineering, Inc. 10151 Deerwood Park Blvd. Bldg. 300, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone (904) 731-7040 Direct (904) 256 -1313 www.taylorengineering.com
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mike- December 27, 2015 - 3:27 am
I know it’s probably just a typo and obvious when you try to plot it, but waypoint 2 needs correcting. I suspect it came from converting the engineering co-ordinates that were in dd-mm-sec to dd-mm.mm, but the correct Longitude for 2 should be 81-29.073
Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers, sits off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
Great Marina. Stopped specially to fill LPG tank because it advertised refill on site. That is not the case, have to do 1-1/2 mile walk to refill tank. Bit disappointed with the refill situation but overall good experience with my stay. Tracie
In marinas from Mile Zero to the Keys, onSpot WiFi is installing what every internet seeking transient and resident wishes all marinas would install: fast, reliable Hotspot internet connections. If your marina doesn’t have an onSpot WiFi system, pass this information along. You will be glad you did! onSpot Wifi is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Just to let you know what’s been up with us…
onSpot WiFi has just added Riviera Dunes Marina, who serves the Bradenton,Fl area, to it’s growing lists of marinas that offer onSpot WiFi’˜s high speed internet marina Hotspots. `We’re expanding as fast as our quality of service will allow. Riviera Dunes Marina is our latest partnering marina on the west coast of Florida. As soon as our installation team completed, our service was immediately being used in the way it was built. Fast and full time. In the last 3 weeks there has been 400+ users and a Terabyte of data downloaded on Riviera Dune’s new network. For marina WiFi, that’s a lot!! onSpot WiFi offers both 2.4 and 5G access and supports more than 900 concurrent users 24/7… and that number of boating users is growing quickly. Also, we’ve just signed a contract to do all the Loggerhead Marinas in Florida This will add 10 marinas to our list. Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles is coming online Mid December St James Marina in Southport, NC will be up and running before Christmas. Also, we now have 3 marinas where we’ve installed a complex surveillance camera system. We’re starting to add these systems to our offering. Thanks much Merry Christmas and Happy New Year… (I can’t believe it’s already here) Bob Taylor 901 494 6821
Contact onSpot Wifi at info@onspotwifi.com or 954-990-0192
St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, some one nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.
St James Marina has been a nice stop for us as well. Nice floating docks well protected just off the ICW at approx. 315. Dock rate at 1.25 per foot Dec 7, 2015. Nice restaurant, Deli, small store items, and art gallery store that sell items made by the St James Residents only. We found the art gallery to have some very beautiful items. The Restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Laundry machines 1 dollar each. Hot showers/bathhouse, all on picturesque, landscaped grounds, walking sidewalks, tranquil setting. Captain Clay
St James Marina has been a nice stop for us as well. Nice floating docks well protected just off the ICW at approx. 315. Dock rate at 1.25 per foot Dec 7, 2015. Nice restaurant, Deli, small store items, and art gallery store that sell items made by the St James Residents only. We found the art gallery to have some very beautiful items. The Restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Laundry machines 1 dollar each. Hot showers/bathhouse, all on picturesque, landscaped grounds, walking sidewalks, tranquil setting. Captain Clay
Our thanks to Mike Ahart of Waterway Guide for posting this information. Collins Canal runs northeast from Biscayne Bay near AICW Statute Mile 1088. This article was first posted in August of this year. Let us hear from you if you have experienced this enforcement./p>
Miami Beach cracks down on dinghy access Date Reported: Aug 6, 2015 Reported By: Mike Ahart, News Editor Source: WG Staff Miami Beach’s anchorages have a lot to offer to cruisers, including good holding, protection, and a beautiful view of the Miami skyline. Another benefit is the Collins Canal, which allows boaters dinghy access to the beach, stores, and restaurants ‘“ well, maybe not so much anymore.
The City of Miami Beach passed an amendment to an ordinance which now makes it unlawful to tie a dinghy to the canal wall to visit the city. Signs were installed all along the public sections of seawall on May 15, 2015, according to Nannette Rodriguez of the Miami Beach City office. SeaTow has been removing “many boats,” according to a SeaTow representative, who also said that the city is strictly enforcing the 20-minute limit for the dinghy dock at the end of 17th Street.
Larry, We had heard rumors of towing dinghies. I hadn’t seen any news so I called Seatow and the Miami marine patrol. Seatow said they are towing dinghies on orders from the police. There are signs posting this policy on the Collins canal and some sea walls. I spoke with the police and the policy is a result of the derelict boats. They are aware that it “may cause ” an inconvenience to the transient population. He reported some of the difficulties they have dealt with,most recently a 16 month old drowned after falling overboard. He said you can tie at the police dock for short periods. The sign says 20 minutes but also said they have some latitude with that number. He also said the dock at the old Publix can be utilized. That dock is problematic at low tide. The officer also said the whole situation is a moving target and recommended speaking with the marine patrol when we get there. Jim O’Shea svKismet
December 8, 2015 Well we finally made it to South Beach after being pinned down in West Pam Beach and Ft Lauderdale. I haven’t spoken to the police yet but after talking to a local liveaboard it seems that everything I posted earlier is still true. That is, there is some leniency at the police dock and the only “legal place “tot tie your dinghy is at the old Publix on the Collins Canal. It may sound inconvenient but it isn’t as bad as it may sound. The problem is people tying too close too the dock so you can disembark.. This isn’t that unusual so we can adapt. I went a bit further down the wall and walked the small ledge back to the dock. The water is quite high from all the rainfall so I can’t attest to low tide conditions. Another thing would be to have one dinghy take multiple boats in and then pick them up, If they have large loads they could come back and get their dinghy and get the mate and packages from a convenient spot. All in all it is not worth crossing South Beach off the itinerary. Jim O’Shea svKismet
We are anchored off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach. No visits from police or problems with anything! Boats are anchored off Star Island and the Collins Canal, no hassle. Many more derelict looking boats are anchored on the north side of the East Venetian bridge, but they also seem to be left alone. We saw one trawler named Lady J get pulled over by the water police…the officials are especially protective of the sea grass seedlings in this area and the No Wake zone in Maloy Channel, so crawl along those shores! Sunset Lake remains boat free; as well as free of the dingies that were anchored around to obstruct cruiser’s anchoring. How ’bout if we all just leave that spot alone until the “unwelcome” (caused by the fellow who considers himself a Cuba expert who sails a near derelict red boat) wears off (and do let him know if you see him that none of us Snowbirds have appreciated the mess he’s caused for us down here). The good news, that we have not seen posted anywhere on the www, is that there is a wonderful dinghy dock up the Collins Canal across the street from the boater-friendly Publix….not just a chain, a real dock! But, fellow cruisers, please, PLEASE stop jamming your trash into the waste recepticle on the street by the dock! It’s beyond comprehension that anyone thinks this is an appropriate spot for trash bags; and, you are risking this spot to tie up for all of us! The police docks and park wall under the bridge (on the other side of the canal) are all posted Tow Away Zone or 20 Minute Loading Zone No Mooring. Let’s all be welcome visitors and do something helpful while we are here! Pick up your dog’s waste, keep your stereos down, anchor well off folk’s backyards and go somewhere else if you can’t handle the wakes. Best regards, Janice Callum, “Calamus”
I just sent an email to Sea Tow head office informing them that I will use BoatUS for our southern voyages from now on due to their collusion with the City of Miami. Suggest all do the same.
Telling the Politicians and homeowners in Miami that we as cruisers are going to go elsewhere to spend our money is self defeating. That is exactly what they want us to do. The issue of dinghies in the Collins canal has little to do with abandoned boats and all to do with homeowners not wanting any cruisers anchored in the way of their view. If they can limit the places where a dink can be tied up to access the shore, then they can make it difficult for cruisers to stay anchored. If the rule was that no dinghy be tied up in the canal between the hours of 3AM and 5AM that would solve the abandoned dink issue and still allow cruisers to have access to shore facilities. There is also the issue of the Seatow company agreeing to do this towing of dinks. Have they forgotten who they were created to serve.
So sorry to read of this ! This WAS a favorite spot to reprovision, but with all of this activity in Florida to restrict anchoring again and to limit shore access, I feel that FL. Has become cruser un-friendly and will for me be just a place to pass through on my way to somewhere that makes me feel welcome !!! I will vote with my wallet since I can not cast a vote here.
We have enjoyed visiting South Beach on Magic Carpet many many times since first sailing there in 2000. We have always used the Publix cable to secure our dinghy in the Collins Canal and consider it essential to cruise there. Frankly, I am not sure where else to tie up along that canal. Prior to our first visit stepped up enforcement of using of the boat ramp dinghy dock eliminated a safe place in that area. It just gets tougher and tougher to get ashore in Florida.
We gave up on Miami years ago. We now cross the lake and base in Ft. Meyers. Lots to do with prices a lot lower than Miami and a straight shot to Key West.
Errrr, Miami is a giant festering tent city cess pool with colonized causeways, why would anyone go there in the first place? Interfering with the right to navigation is a crime too, it is time for a class action lawsuit based on the US constitution, also I will not be renewing with Seatow ever again.
Is the City of Miami Beach elected leaders not interested in the boating community? What are the names and positions of the elected officials who voted in the spring to not allow dinghies to dock on the Collins Canal apparently because of some unsightly live aboards. What about all the cruisers who provision their boats at the Publix and other stores in Miami Beach before heading to the Bahamas or the Keys? Ft Lauderdale elected officials support the Marine Industry and I will take my business to Ft Lauderdale.
No one seems to measure the money we cruisers spend but the marinas and marine services will notice if we no longer stop in the Miami area. We will no longer stop at Coconut Grove, shop at Publix in Miami or Key Biscayne, West Marine? Not in Miami. Miami boat show in Feb? Nope. A favorite mechanic is in Miami… sorry Lenny. Have to go somewhere else. Maybe these businesses will pressure their polititians if their customers move on. The pols are not interested in us. Not advocating a boycott. We’re just not spending any of OUR money in Miami.
WELL…. these laws are so limiting for cruisers, that wish to stop in Miami Beach, and provision the vessels, or spend money there… I guess we’ll skip Miami, and Miami Beach… and just go straight to the Bahamas, Keys, or the west side of FL. You can’t even get a burger at the B&B in less than 20 minutes… much less shop at the Publix, and return to the dinghy dock.
Seven Seas Marina & Boatyard lies east-northeast of AICW marker #56, and just north of the Port Orange high-rise bridge. And Skipper Charleston is correct, their transient dockage rate is $1.10 for the first night and $1.20 per foot for succeeding nights.
2nd time we have stayed here, same as the first. Cooperative staff. We have a 21 ft beam CAT so we were placed on the fuel dock which is fixed and with a good NE wind, we are rocking a bit. Their fenders are keeping us off the dock adequately. PUBLIX is about a mile, restaurant on site was OK. Nothing is fancy but everything is OK. I will stay here again. Price was $1.20 per foot, not the 0.90 listed here. Bill Charleston
We have stayed at Seven Seas several times and think it is near the top of places in Florida. The cost is very reasonable, and the onsite restaurant is superb for breakfast. We will certainly return on our next trip south.
Snows Cut Bridge crosses the canal of the same name connecting the Waterway between Masonboro Sound and the Cape Fear River, at Statute Mile 295.7, west-southwest of marker #161.
Had to wait for a lower than high tide yesterday to go under the bridge. At 1 hour post high, it was just less than 64 feet. Jesse
Roger Long, a former Maine harbormaster and longtime cruiser, speaks on the issue of anchoring as a right and our responsibilities as boaters. He might be “preaching to the choir”, but he makes good points.
It has amazed me for the decades I have been following the FL anchoring issue that virtually no one ever brings up the essential point. This is the one that the boating community should be hammering, hammering, hammering home. It should be the primary talking point and sound bite because it addresses both sides of the issue and is rooted in the underlying common law.
The `Second Amendment’ of our anchoring rights is the freedom of navigation enshrined in maritime law. A vessel is only navigating if it is capable of movement. That means not only having propulsion but competent crew on board. Anchoring an unattended vessel is poor seamanship as anchors drag. (Attended can mean being ashore shopping and sightseeing but with an eye on the weather and means for promptly returning to the vessel.) The main point is that there should be different requirements for vessels engaged in navigation and occupied and vessels without power or which do not have crew close enough at hand to return within a short period of time.
I will not anchored my vessel overnight unattended as it is irresponsible to other craft and poor seamanship. If you take a road trip, the vessel should be on a mooring or in a marina. FL should simply make it illegal to leave a vessel at anchor unattended overnight. If it is not navigation they have every right to restrict anchoring. If it is navigation, restrictions should be minimal. Navigation requires that a crew be on board or capable of being on board quickly as well as a means of propulsion.
BTW, I am a former Harbormaster from Maine.
Roger Long
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Ronald T. Markus- December 25, 2015 - 4:43 pm
What percentage of this rhetoric comes from people who are basically armchair sailors, or power boaters or even worse: land owners and the condo/homeowners association who should not even have any voice at all in the matter. The key word here is: land owner, or legally speaking the real property owner because there simply are no riparian rights in the Intracoastal Waterway, period.
So why all the uproar? because these are the kind of people who seem to thrive on such moronic compulsive behavior, i.e exercising power over anyone and everyone and anything that they possibly can. This is also why they are wealthy, it is what they do, it is their very nature. Consider the eye of the needle. This is a group of people who also live in an experiential bubble, they do not understand what a sailors life is like, nor are they capable of living that life. The harbor masters statement amongst others here elucidates this point so very well:
“I will not anchored my vessel overnight unattended as it is irresponsible to other craft and poor seamanship. If you take a road trip, the vessel should be on a mooring or in a marina”
What on God’s blue planet is he talking about? poor seamanship? irresponsible? I have anchored my current sailing vessel out safely and without any incident for over an entire 7 years through hurricanes, tropical storms, summer squalls and strong gales and over that period of time I have indeed dragged anchor 3 times. Fully knowing when foul weather was approaching, I was aboard for two of those events. Zero harm came to my vessel, or any real property, I was never grounded and I regained control immediately in all cases without any help. I say, that if you are not competent or capable of safely anchoring a vessel overnight then you are just about a complete and total idiot and indeed probably should not be out there at all. You are the problem. Sadly as we all know this is actually the case so very many times and is really just the tip of the iceberg concerning capable operation of power vessels. I have watched from my cockpit as a single man anchored a 36′ sport fish trash heap with a mushroom anchor, 10′ of dog chain and a clothesline. Just like clockwork as soon as a moderate evening breeze arose that vessel was laying on a bar. Law enforcement, the condo association etc. are nowhere to be found until the photo-op and media event of the “derelict vessel” begins several hours later.
I am truncating the rest of my comment because it involves a pending legal action.
If anchoring is outlawed and I am forced to a marina or mooring ball, I will not be able to justify the extra expense. And will have to leave sailing or downsize to a trailerable boat. I have and do comply with all laws regarding safety and operation of my vessel. For 7 years I have sailed to Florida (my home) and anchored, generally from nov-december through april-may and then departed for the summer. I sail my vessel often during the winter and, if time limits are effected, it would create a confusing and unsafe situation for me. There are currently laws to address permanently anchored non navigating flotsom ,these laws are not being enforced.
Precicely. There should be no penalty imposed upon those who follow the law as it exists now, and who leave a clean wake. More regulations n can only lead to a “papers please” environment, where our lives would be limited by the most authoritarian policeman on the force.
There are really two issues contained in this letter from Mr. Long: 1) the legal right of anchoring and 2) whether or not its prudent to leave an anchored vessel unattended. I will leave item 2 to the judgement of individual boaters.
I’m not sure all of us are comfortable with “Second Amendment” as the analogy, but since Mr. Long – and also the letter from Dick Mills – raises the point on “anchoring rights,” I’ll summarize what I think I know about anchoring rights. I feel all boaters should be aware of this context, since it is what actually gives us our “rights” at law, and that we risk losing if we fail, as citizens, to pay attention, become and be involved.
Early written rules and common-law regarding the right of access of vessels to navigable waters dates to the Romans, and unwritten custom pre-dates that back to the Phoenicians. Modern maritime law is formed by the evolution of custom and common-law into “cross-national,” “multi-national” and “inter-national” agreement.
In the United States today, the US Supreme Court has ruled that all Navigable Waters in the US are the jurisdiction of the Federal Government under Article I, Section 8 (specifically, the Commerce Clause) of the US Constitution. (Citation: http://scholarship.law.stjohns.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3237&context=lawreview). And of course, also by being signatories to international treaties.
Corpus Juris Secundum says, “Moreover, public rights on navigable waters are not generally restricted to navigation in the strict sense but also encompass such incidental rights as are necessary to render the broader rights reasonably available, including the right of the navigator to anchor and to moor without unreasonably obstructing others’ navigation rights.” (Citation: 65 C.J.S. Navigable Waters s. 22, at p. 135.)
Furthermore, there is a Florida Attorney General’s Opinion that states, “These incidental rights include the right of the vessel to anchor so long as it does not unreasonably obstruct navigation. The common-law includes rights of anchorage as an element of the exercise of rights of navigation.” (Citation: Florida AGO 85-45.) Note, this AGO does not extend to the aesthetic interests of wealthy waterfront landowners.
So as I read the above, anchoring in St. Augustine, or at Jensen Beach, or at Sarasota, in a manner that does not obstruct adjacent waterways, and in conformance to other federal and state laws, should be entirely permissible.
In general, the right to anchor indefinitely in one place is probably NOT unlimited, and may well be within state’s right to regulate. So to Dick Mill’s point, “apartment yachts” probably can, and should, be regulated by the state. But as a commercial enterprise, regulated separately from the rights of cruising boaters anchoring in the normal course of a cruising lifestyle.
For those of us who care about this issue, and for those of us who try to influence government to make reasonable anchoring rules, the real issues is to focus on what is reasonable, and where the lines are between reasonable and unreasonable. In many, many areas of modern public life, it seems to me, “we the people” have a lot of trouble coming to reasonable accommodation with one another. That may be why, in Florida, this particular issue never gets settled. And why is spreads to other states, too.
To my knowledge and in my experience as a retired maritime lawyer, Jim Healy is correct. I went to Tallahassee a number of times to lobby the issue for the Marine Industries Associations of the Treasure Coast and Florida, and actually wrote some of the language in ss 327.60, F.S. and others.
This issue is current year after year, in state after state. How can we lobby for a federal court ruling that makes clear that no state has the authority to make such laws?
It is bad policy and dangerous for an individual boater to defy an officer with a gun, protesting thst his state has no such authority.
It also seems pointless to lobby at the state level.
Thank you, Rodger!!!! WE, THE ACTIVE BOATING PUBLIC, AS MARINERS, HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS. Free navigation is one and anchoring is a part of that. These rights are granted by federal law and tradition. The condo owners have the right to free speech, or silence, and that’s where it ends. Capt. Mike Wright M/Y CYGNUS ll Cygnus classic charters
I would take the argument a step further, and assert that the trust doctrine that applies to goverment oversight of nvigable waters entails a duty to protect the free right of navigation and anchoring.
WOW! This is an amazingly bad proposal. There are plenty of communities in Florida that would love this idea. Unfortunately, they would quickly expand it to include the requirement for crew on board at ALL times.
Never underestimate the cleverness of public officials who simply don’t want any anchored boats at any time.
I agree with the basic premise of good seamanship, but this proposal simply will not work in Florida.
Got to agree with not leaving the boat unattended for long periods of time like overnight and beyond. Mooring balls are not an option for us except in a few places where we are assured it will hold our weight, and we feel they are well maintained, but this is almost never.My biggest grievance comes from local boats that take limited anchoring space, like the one south of St. Augustine, clearly marked in all the guide books as a good anchoring spot, only to find it full of local boats on moorings. I think someone who apropriates limited anchoring space is as bad as the homeowner who buys property on the waterway and then wants to remove all the boats with speed limits, and wake limits, and anchoring prohibitions. Yes, we should all have rights to navigate and to anchor, but not indefinitely. Possible exception is, if you own the property, and there is plenty of room for others who might wish to stop temporarily.
Excellent point — simple and articulately stated. This from a couple of long term liveaboard cruisers and occasional contributors to this site who never leave our boat/home unattended at anchor for more than a couple of hours.
Would love to see more mooring fields established! Especially in the keys, where the number of marinas a deep draft boat can enter is small. We are novices, but found mooring fields to be economical and the security of a mooring very reassuring, especially in bad weather.
I challenge the blanket statement that mooring is safer than anchoring. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. Moorings can and do drag. They can also fail completely. It depends on the design and maintenance of the mooring system.
My presumption is that any mooring is untrustworthy unless I know that it is well designed and frequently inspected by divers. An even stricter captain would conclude that no mooring can be trusted until divers under his command have inspected it.
Another of the ways Fishermen’s Village works to make your Holiday Season ever so special! Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River. Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, you will enjoy your visit .
CHABAD OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY OF CHANUKAH AT FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE
The public is cordially invited to join us for the holiday celebration of Chanukah on Saturday Night, December 12th, the 7th night of Chanukah at 7:00 pm in front of the main entrance to Fishermen’s Village. Each night an additional light is kindled until the Menorah is ablaze with eight beautiful lights in celebration of Chanukah. The message of the menorah is a universal one, expressing the importance of bringing light, warmth and holiness to the darkest places.
Chabad of Charlotte County, Rabbi Jacobson, will be among those who will light the candles. Children participating will receive chanukah treats. There will be a children’s performance by ‘The junior jacappelia’. Chabad of Charlotte County is a proud member of the worldwide Chabad movement, dedicated to bringing the message and beauty of Judaism to the Jewish community residing in Charlotte County, by providing educational, spiritual, religious and cultural events and programs in a non-judgmental environment. For more information contact Chabad of Charlotte County at 941- 833 -3381 or www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com
Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. Visit www.fishville.com for full holiday event details.
Kathy Burnam Marketing/Events Manager Fishermen’s Village mkting@fishville.com P 941 575-3007 M 941 258-1327 F 941 637-1054 www.fishville.com Follow us on Facebook!
Thank you Skipper Clueless for sending what amounts to a retraction to your earlier report. SSECN is glad to hear of the needed improvements to be made. Hollywood Municipal Marina lies south of AICW marker #40, on the southern shores of North Lake.
I’ll start by saying, this is beyond `you get what you pay for!’ Spend the money, and go somewhere else! When we made the reservation, we were told that they had 50 amp electric. NOT! We pulled in late (at dusk), and there was know one to answer the radio. I had called ahead, and was given our slip assignment. Once in the slip, we discovered that they only had 30 amp. We found the `security’ guard that checked us in, and asked about moving to where they had 50 amp service. He laughed and said: `don’t know what to tell ya, except you won’t use much fuel to run your generator!’ Since it was dark at this point, we had no choice than to stay in the slip, and run the generator for power. This place is ridiculous! They also would not take cash! LEGAL TENDER!! Had to use a credit card!! Also, had to fill out 3 pages of legal mumbo jumbo! They insisted on a copy of our insurance! All this, and NO POWER! Ugh! Never again. Still Clueless
Happy Ending!
I would like to add (or subtract) from my previous post: Since writing this review, I was contacted by the NEW dock master who explained and addressed each and everyone of my issues. Has also provided a full refund for the stay. This marina is in dire need of several upgrades, and he has assured me that everything addressed will be in the works (if not already) for updating and change. They will immediately start taking cash! I promised, I would return once I have heard of the changes. They are a very inexpensive marina, and in a wonderful location. If you want to give them a try, just ASK about power prior to booking 🙂 Still Clueless
The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports like this one confirm shoaling here, /?p=150841. SSECN stills recommends Mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly.
The next day, Tuesday 11/24/15 I approached the intersection of the AICW and the Lockwood Folly Inlet. A southbound tug was attempting to go through, but was too close to G47 and hit the shoal several times, but was able to power its way through. The next boat through was a northbound sailboat that went aground, but after approximately a half hour was able to free itself and get through. The sailboat also was too close to G47. I passed through keeping well to the right of G47 and had 16 Ft of water. After passing G47, I turned to port and headed directly to R48, however the depth dropped down to as low as 4.5 ft. Consequently use caution in this area. It was almost low tide when I went through. I have a Mainship390 Trawler with a 4 ft draft. Capt Bill Favro EASTNOR Mainship390
With the reported groundings and marker confusion at this intersection (/?p=153195), it is definitely wise to follow the advice SSECN has been giving for some time: do not follow the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW!
I went through the intersection of the AICW and Brown’s inlet southbound on Monday 11/23/15 at approximately low tide. A sailboat that had gone aground was being assisted by TowBoatUS. I waited until the sailboat was towed off the shoal before attempting our way through following the instructions that were posted by previous boaters. Markers R60 and G61 are in a straight line and look as if they are out of place. G61 is fairly close to shore. However by leaving R60 to starboard and zig zagging around G61 leaving it to port we got through without a problem. I went past G61 by keeping the boat in the center between the shore and G61. There was about 9 ft of water. I have a Mainship390 Trawler with a 4 ft draft. Capt Bill Favro EASTNOR Mainship390
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