Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jul 4, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
SLOSH, Storm Surge Program from NOAA
Readers of Mark Doyle’s Sailing and Cruising, Tammy and Bruce Swart submitted this welcome news item:
“NOAA has a new toy for us. Possible storm surge areas! That means you CAN’T go under that bridge that you can normally go under.”
Tammy and Bruce Swart, S/V Dos Libras
The program is called SLOSH, Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes. Go to: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/slosh.php
SLOSH has been applied to the entire U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastlines. In addition, coverage extends to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas. The SLOSH model coverage is subdivided into 32 regions or basins. These basins are centered upon particularly susceptible features: inlets, large coastal centers of population, low-lying topography, and ports.
NOAA
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Jul 1, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.6583,-80.37029999
A Good Visit to Vero Beach Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 952

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Vero Beach Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, lies on the eastern shores of Bethel Creek, moving northeast and north from the Vero Beach/Merrill Barber, high-rise bridge, south of flashing daybeacon #139.
Tucked in at Vero Beach Marina. A very nice city marina with fuel and amenities we liked. The beach is a short bike ride away. Dock master and crew very helpful and accommodating.
Sonny Reeves
Approaching Vero Beach
THE OFFICE tucked in at Vero Beach Municipal Marina
Indian River Veterans Park at Vero Beach

Along the Way
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Vero Beach Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Vero Beach Municipal Marina and the Vero Beach Mooring Field
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Jun 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Public Meeting on “All Aboard Florida” Railway Bridge Closures
Back in April SSECN hosted quite a discussion on the issue of increased rail service across Florida, see /?p=136159. This is one of those easy-to-be-torn conflicts in which one wants to see the increase in rail service to, hopefully, cut auto congestion along the coast, but at the same time, keep vessel traffic flowing smoothly through all those railway lift bridges. We welcome your arguments, pro and con! Our thanks to all who have contributed to this discussion.
NEWS FLASH 6/30/2014:
FYI, this matter will be discussed at the next Jupiter Town Council meeting, this Tuesday, 1 July 7:00 PM. If you know anyone in Jupiter, encourage them to attend. See http://www.jupiter.fl.us/AgendaCenter/Regular-Meetings-4
Beached in Jupiter
I asked Beached in Jupiter to keep us posted and these links were sent:
Tcpalm.com is probably doing the best news coverage of this issue. They have editorial position against AAF.
Palmbeachpost.com also covers but more of a pro AAF position. Miami to WPB favors trains; Jupiter north mostly oppose.
FTL marina industry very opposed due to blockage of New River most of the day. Will kill marinas.
Folks,
A plan, supported by the Florida Governor, to create a high speed rail system from Orlando to Miami will use existing coastal railroad right of way. This right of way is the one which includes the Florida East Coast drawbridge in Stuart and train bridges on the New River, Loxahatchee River, and the St. Lucie River. This plan would include adding 32 ADDITIONAL train crossings a day. The current estimate is mariners could face bridge closings totaling 9-9.5 hours a day — particularly if locales are successful in slowing the trains down for safety reasons as they pass through the highly congested south Florida.
The dialog is highly polarized with jobs being balanced against revenue against safety. Because the issue affects Waterway Navigation, there is room for non-locals and non-Floridians in the dialog. For boaters and residents east and west of the bridges, the principal goal is to move the high speed RR to the west. Others want it stopped completely.
More can be found at:
https://www.citizensagainstthetrain.com/?gclid=CjkKEQjwrLSdBRDYvIL0soO4vo0BEiQABALkqSfz6pCJ2nlGesnyEor14SZ5mT0kq0YV6r57nfmjfjjw_wcB
and
http://www.allaboardflorida.com/
Chris and Janet Waln
Don’t forget the St Johns River bridges, especially near Sanford. They have a new commuter rail system there now.
If you’ll notice on the All aboard Florida [website above] there is no completion date. If it ever happens, it will not be any time soon.
Lorne Cook
Good overview by Chris and Janet Waln, thanks! And thanks Cruisersnet for helping to get the word out on this situation.
Chris and Janet are correct about the bridge closings; Jupiter Inlet District (JID, http://jupiterinletdistrict.org) has monitored and photographed all vessel transits and lift bridge operations at Loxahatchee crossing since January.
In April, JID recorded just shy of 8000 vessel crossings. Not much more than kayaks and dingys can pass under this bridge when down for train to cross; ~4 ft air draft at high tide. Average total bridge closure time was 19 minutes per train. With at least 2 passenger trains per hour and one or more freights, that’s not much time for vessels to pass.
Even if you do not navigate these rivers, this affects traffic on the ICW, as boats back up into the channel while waiting for the bridge to open. Currents at this point can be quite strong with tidal flows, so accidents are a concern. Less experienced skippers may find it difficult to hold position for 20+ minutes. See https://www.google.com/maps/@26.9478155,-80.0897772,16z
The St Lucie bridge is especially problematic due to the great number of vessels moored and berthed in marinas upriver, west of the bridge. With the bridge down most of the time, boaters may be limited to only a few brief crossing times each day. See https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Lucie+River/@27.2062829,-80.2676983,1258m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x88dee87938e18c99:0xc036915cb56e0c0a
The RR bridges are ~90 years old and in poor repair. see http://captainkimo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/florida-east-coast-train-single-engine-crossing-railroad-draw-bridge-jupiter-florida.jpg. RR begins lowering bridge 15 min before trains are due, to make sure they have time for emergency stop without ending up in Loxahatchee, in case it doesn’t work.
Even without passenger service, increases in freight are expected. Freights of course are slower and longer so bridge impacts are even worse.
Draft EIS (for the $1.6 Billion taxpayer guaranteed loan) is due for review something this summer; will be available from Federal Railway Administration (https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0672). Public comment is limited to 75 days so many winter cruisers will likely never know about it. Informal networking is critical to inform the boating community.
More info at http://www.tcrpc.org/special_projects/AAF/AAF4.html,
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2014/jun/26/confidential-document-offers-some-answers-about/ and
http://www.tequesta.org/index.aspx?NID=1167
Beached in Jupiter
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Jun 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Request for Chart Information North of Norfolk
SSECN received these kind words from Skipper Ron and the link he asks about is probably http://www.charts.noaa.gov/ for free downloadable charts. As to an ICW website for north of Norfolk, our recommendation is Waterway Guide, www.waterwayguide.com
The Salty Southeast Cruisers is an excellent site for expert to novice sailors. Is there a site that covers the ICW north of Viginia ? Your organization does an excellent job in keeping the boating community informed. Additionally, I read an article posted on your site that provides marine chart viewing for free. I just can’t seem to find it anymore.
Thanks
Ron
For recent SSECN postings on NOAA, see:
/?p=137994
/?p=140179
/?p=139452
/?p=138499
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Jun 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.1155,-75.98589999
Ocracoke National Service Docks Now Open, Pamilco Sound, NC

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The last report SSECN received was in May of this year (/?p=140772) indicated that the docks were closed for renovation. However, the very nice folks at nearby Anchorage Marina confirmed today that the National Parks Service Docks are now open. So if you have stopped into Silver Lake and can provide further confirmation, please do so! The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks lie on the northern shores of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake, just east of the harbor entrance.
July 2: A spokesperson with the Park Service confirmed that all facilities at the docks are fully functional.
Anybody have an update on the repair/re-wiring of the federal docks???
I have heard all is completed and are now open but cannot get confirmation.
Thanks much
Capt. Ron
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
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Jun 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.124,-80.41979999
Good Report from Tarpon Basin, Key Largo, FL Keys Inside Route, Mile 1139.5

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Tarpon Basin is crossed by the FL Keys Inside Route, just south of Blackwater Sound and Dusenberry Creek. There are at least 3 good spots to drop the hook here, and creative skippers will find more. Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this report and photos.
On our cruise North to Jekyll Island from Marathon we used several anchorages and found some interesting free city docks. Tarpon Basin is a good stop over anchorage with a free dingy dock. Going North exit the creek and head for marker R48. Turn in to basin before R48A stay near north side of basin. Close to shore we found 5-7 ft. On in towards anchored boats we found 7-9 ft and stayed to the north of city docks.
Sonny Reeves
Tarpon Basin from Dinghy Dock
Park at Tarpon Basin
A Quiet Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Northern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Southern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Basin Anchorages
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Jun 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.7085,-78.91979999
Another Accident in the Rock Pile, Myrtle Beach, SC, AICW Statute Mile 350-365

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Skipper Spence was one of the two cruisers who on June 22 encountered the wake of a speeding sportsfisherman in the narrow channel south of Myrtle Beach known as the Rock Pile, see /?p=140570.
And now Paula sends us this online report of a Waterway accident on June 25 in North Myrtle Beach.
Here we go again!
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/06/25/4316013/horry-county-firefighters-responding.html?sp=/99/134/142/
Paula Spence
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Southern End of the Rock Pile
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Jun 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Tribute to Claiborne
This moving tribute comes from the Blackbeard Sailing Club of North Carolina. It was one of Claiborne’s last speaking engagements. He was a legend in his time.
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Jun 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
“Just Do It” – Advice from a Veteran Sailor
Very interesting comments and observations from veteran sailor Dick Mills. Regardless of our individual boating experience, we are sure to see ourselves in these stories.
*Just Do It*
During our annual northward migration, my wife Libby and I encountered a couple in Elizabeth City just starting their cruising life. They had a new boat, with all new equipment, and all of one overnight trip for shakedown
and preparation, before they set out to do the great loop. They were eager for advice and we tried to be helpful. I heard the captain say they had no paper charts. I swallowed and kept my mouth shut. But a bit later he mentioned that he had not yet downloaded any charts for his new electronic chart plotter. Their next stop was Hampton Roads. Fortunately, I was able to persuade him to not go another mile before downloading those charts.
A week later we met another couple in Catskill, New York heading south to Norfolk. They had a very worthy looking Baba 35 from Taiwan. But this couple was so green that they had never used and anchor and never stepped in a dinghy before. The captain asked me to explain how his manual windlass worked. Gulp.
In private, Libby and I expressed our doubts to each other about the chances for these folks carrying out their plans. But then two things hit me.
First, we have been full-time cruising for nearly 10 years now, but in 2005, we too were very green. That first year we made lots of mistakes and we were ignorant of many important things, but that first virgin year was
magic.
In 2005, we thought it would be cool to start with a cruise from New York to Alaska (via Panama) to visit our son. We got as far as Mexico. Then, anchored off Yucatan, we realized that was not what we wanted to do. We turned around and sailed back to The Florida Keys without ever going ashore in Mexico. As blunders go, that was pretty big.
Also in 2005, I saw a sign in the river that said `Dismal Swamp Route’, so I took it. We discovered the Dismal Swamp Canal (DSC), and Elizabeth City and the Rose Buddies and we were enchanted. Everything we did that virgin
year (dumb or smart) is etched into our brains as meaningful life experiences.
Second, we were forgetting the one rule that all veteran cruisers eventually learn. Plans are pretty worthless. So what if they don’t complete the loop, or get to the intended destination? They’ll have a wonderful time and learn many new things nevertheless. The point of cruising is to have fun, not to execute plans.
We also met a third couple. The husband had extensive boating experience and a very level-headed attitude, but the wife had nearly zero experience. They have a very limited budget and a very little 26 foot sailboat. Nevertheless, they plan to cruise to Boot Key Harbor. I’m confident that they’ll make it, and that it will be the adventure of a lifetime.
The point is that these couples (green or not) were doing the right thing. Instead of sitting home year after year dreaming about cruising, they were out there doing it. I say bravo for them.
Flip the coin: We also met a man at the DSC Welcome Center. He had an extensive sailing resume from The South Pacific. He had sailed all the island groups from Hawaii to The Phillpines. But now he bought a motorboat in North Carolina and wanted to bring it to Fort Lauderdale. He was afraid to use the ICW because of all the problems he heard about shoaling, so he was going to ship his boat by truck.
I also think of all the intrepid veteran cruisers who are afraid to try the Dismal Swamp Canal route. Robert at Deep Creek Lock told me that about 9000 boats use the Virginia Cut route each year, and 1000 the DSC route. There
are endless scary stories about DSC; shoaling, deadheads, snakes in the trees, duck weed. The vast majority of our veteran cruiser friends are afraid to try it.
Those who choose to not use the ICW or the DSC because of scary stories, are choosing wrong in my opinion. They are influenced by the stories, but they ignore the thousands of vessels (large and small) that successfully
use these routes every year. Part of it, must be the psychology of scary stories and bad news. If you look at Claiborne Young’s cruisersnet.net you’ll find a section called `ICW trouble spots’. Read the daily paper and
you’ll hear about crime. Non-trouble and no-crime are not news. Boaters love to tell stories, and telling scary stories is often the most fun. But to judge the real risks of go no-go decisions we need to look at statistics
(such as 10,000 ICW users and 1000 DSC users) rather than anecdotal stories.
This is more than a boating issue. It is a life style issue. You can sit at home watching TV magazine shows that inform you about 20 new scary risks every week. But the one warning those shows will never give you is that
senior citizens staying home watching TV and dreaming rather than doing is like having one foot in the grave. Be active! Get out there and follow your dream. Do not let scary stories deter you. You’ll not only be glad that you
did, but you’ll live longer too.
Dick Mills
SV Tarwathie
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Jun 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Four Tips for Picking the Best Boatyard, BoatUS News

The following article from BoatUS on how to choose a good boat yard is certainly helpful, and you can find among our SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSORS! two of the finest yards on the east coast. Sponsors that are helping to keep this service FREE to the cruising community. Those yards are, of course, Atlantic Yacht Basin in Chesapeake, VA and Bennett Brothers in Wilmington, NC.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 24, 2014 ‘“ While boatyards are busy, summer may be a better time to have repair work done on the boat. Why? The typical boatyard and shop warranty on labor is 90 days, giving boaters the time necessary to use the boat and ensure a correct repair. But where does a boater go to get repairs done right? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has some tips:
Use what your eyes are telling you: Sometimes it’s the little things that give you a sign that the yard you are entering isn’t the best. One BoatUS member took his boat to a repair facility and thought that the abundance of boats in the lot meant that the boatyard was popular. It wasn’t until after the yard started giving odd excuses for delays and then made him pay for hundreds of dollars of ineffective engine repairs before releasing the boat, did the member notice that few, if any, of the boats in the lot had been moved in years.
All recommendations aren’t the same: Online recommendations are a mish-mash of good and bad: more reliable ones have real names attached and specific details in postings. Fellow boaters are likely the best folks to recommend a yard, but go one step further: be sure that the repairs are similar to what you need. Another option is to ask a marine surveyor. These professionals are often knowledgeable about the quality of work in local repair yards, as long as they’re impartial and unaffiliated with any shop or boatyard. Look for a boat surveyor having SAMS or NAMS credentials as these surveyor associations require their members to be independent. Another good sign to see is a shop that follows American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) guidelines for repairs, which ensures that crucial safety standards are met. ABYC technicians also get specialized certification in a range of boat systems.
Dealerships may offer more, but don’t write off independents: There are certain benefits to taking an out-of-warranty boat or motor to a dealership, with the best training and equipment being at the top of the list. Dealerships also enjoy better parts connections. On the other hand, most well established independent repair facilities also produce high quality work ‘“ especially those run by former or current factory-trained technicians. And unlike a dealership, they must compete on repair business alone and their prices are usually lower.
Look for shops that specialize: Boats vary in type, size and complexity and so do repair facilities. Don’t bring a 34-foot trawler for repairs to a shop that mostly works on trailer boats, and don’t expect the guy living in a van down by the river to fix your high-tech outboard.
`Always check around first before doing business,’ said BoatUS Director of Consumer Affairs Charles Fort. `Many boaters only have the summer to enjoy their boats, so any problems could lead to a premature end of the boating season.’
http://www.boatus.com/pressroom
Click Here To View the Virginia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers
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Jun 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.394,-81.45999999
Jim King Park and Boat Ramp, north of Sisters Creek Bridge, AICW Statute 740

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Jim King Park is the newest of Jacksonville’s dock/boat ramps and is still undergoing construction of some phases. The ramp is used as headquarters for the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, and is closed to the public during the tournament. The facility is located just north of the intersection of the St. Johns River and the Waterway. All of the facilities are new and the docks are listed as unlimited as to size of vessel. Skipper Reeves sends two good photos of the new floating docks. Sisters Creek bascule bridge has a 24ft closed vertical clearance.

Jim King Park Dock – Sonny Reeves

Jim King Park – Sonny Reeves
For a listing of the facilities, go to:
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/waterways-and-boating/boat-ramps/17—jim-king-park-and-boat-ramp-at-sisters-creek-.aspx
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Sisters Creek Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sisters Creek Bridge
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Jun 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.8859,-81.3229999
Good Report from Rivers Edge Marina, off AICW Statute Mile 780

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Rivers Edge Marina in St. Augustine, FL, is found well off the AICW, on the San Sebastian River, near this body of water’s upstream cruising limits. Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this report and photo.
When we travel the ICW to visit St. Augustine we stay at Rivers Edge, back when it was Oyster Creek we stopped in our sailboat. Why do we stop here for overnights rest and relaxation? Easy in and out, Quiet, No or little current.
Paul the dockmaster is the best! Sure the docks are old and the walkways are some what tricky. Watch you step type of tricky. But there is a fresh fruit and veggies market around the corner with great prices. Hurricane Patty’s is on the site with a discount for boaters that Paul will give you. Low price fuel delivered by truck, Call Paul before hand. Stores and Sailors Exchange in walking distance or ride your bike.
The old city is a long walk or a shot bike ride away. Enjoy!
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Rivers Edge Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River’s Edge Marina
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Jun 21, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.577,-81.19359999
Good Words for Palm Coast Marina, Palm Coast, FL, AICW Statute Mile 802

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Like others before, Skipper Reeves sends good remarks about the facilities at Palm Coast Marina. This marina is found on a small canal which indents the Waterway’s western banks south of St. Augustine and north of Daytona Beach.
Great stop over! Clean restrooms showers, nice dog walk. Easy walk to restaurants and shops. The pizza at Mezzaluna Pizzeria is above average. Very little tide or current. Sheltered from high winds.
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Palm Coast Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palm Coast Marina
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Jun 19, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8726,-78.56969999
Good Advice for Anchoring in Calabash Creek, AICW Statute Mile 342

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Calabash Creek lies to the north of the Waterway, just south of the SC/NC state line. This anchorage can get very crowded during the busy season, but if you can find a spot, there are two fine seafood restaurants accessible just upstream by dinghy.
Take note of Skipper Hetzer’s advice to enter between the two red markers, both “2”. One is a Little River ICW marker R2 with the yellow square – take to Port on entering – and the other is R2 for Calabash Creek. Fortunately, such marker confusion does not happen often along the Waterway.
We’re locals and anchor there frequently in our 35′ Island Packet with 4-1/2′ draft. Enter and exit BETWEEN the Reds, favoring the ICW R2. Anchor in 9-12′ at high tide north of the channel anywhere before the Clubhouse on the north bank. Lots of fishing boat traffic, so anchor out of the channel, but don’t get too close to shore either, lest you swing ashore. Keep your rode as short as you dare. 2-3kts of current at full stream, but good holding on a muddy bottom.
Michael Hetzer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Calabash Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Calabash Creek Anchorage
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Jun 16, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Claiborne S. Young, 1951-2014
Claiborne Sellars Young [1951-2014] passed away on Saturday evening, June 14, 2014 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill following a serious motorcycle accident. He passed into the arms of the Lord at 7:00 p.m. surrounded by family and friends.
Born and raised in Burlington, Claiborne lived there all of his life. He was a well loved, well respected man in all aspects of his life. He was a devoted husband, well-known boating author, speaker, and web publisher. He was also a generous, kind and loyal fellow to the many people who called him Friend. Claiborne will be mourned and missed by family, friends, associates, and fellow cruisers.
Claiborne was a graduate of Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington and NC State University in Raleigh. Following the closing of the Sellars family business in the early 80s, he turned to his next loves ‘“ water and boating ‘“ eventually authoring a series of books for the cruising community from North Carolina to Florida. His first book, the `Cruising Guide to North Carolina’ was published in 1983. He also worked with UNC-TV [PBS] to produce a series of travel videos on the waters and small towns of North Carolina’s coast. More recently, Claiborne went on share his love and knowledge of all things water related and published a successful website dedicated to the boating community and boating legislation. Claiborne was loved by many friends within that community, and always had a place to stay and chat while traveling on his speaking engagements. Those who knew him, found that Claiborne was never at a loss for words!
At home, Claiborne was a loving and devoted husband for 40 years, a motorcycle enthusiast, and animal lover. During the years of their marriage, he and Karen were ardent supporters of the Alamance County Humane Society and the American Humane Society, and surrounded themselves with many four-legged friends. Claiborne was also a self-taught chef who was often found in the kitchen producing the most aromatic and tasty dishes. When Claiborne put on a spread, everyone was happy, full, and sated!
Claiborne was preceded in death by his wife Karen Williams Young who passed away October 2013, and his parents Claibourne Clark Young and Dorothy Sellars Young Brawley. He is survived by family from his Sellars and Young relations, as well as his Williams in-laws.
A service of remembrance will be held at Rich and Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Wednesday, June 18, at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Genie Martin officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening June 17 from 5:00 ‘“ 7:00 p.m. at Rich & Thompson in Burlington and other times at the Young’s home [814 Colonial Drive, Burlington].
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Alamance/Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.
Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.
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Jun 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 112 Comments
CLAIBORNE YOUNG DIES IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT

Claiborne died this afternoon from injuries suffered in a serious motorcycle accident earlier today. He had been in surgery at UNC Hospital for several hours with doctors attempting unsuccessfully to stop internal bleeding. We ask that your prayers and thoughts go out to Claiborne’s family.
Claiborne was Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net and like a giant tsunami, his death has left the staff adrift in a sea of unknowns. We will continue to function as best as possible until the future of SSECN can be determined.
Larry
ADMIN NOTE TO THE SSECN COMMUNITY: If you would like to leave a comment, condolences, tribute or memory of Claiborne please click here and leave a comment or send your message to tribute@cruisersnet.net.
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Comments from Cruisers (112)

Donna Stewart -  June 16, 2014 - 9:37 am

Larry,
I am so shocked and saddened by this loss to the boating community. I am so grateful for all of the help, advice and wisdom Claiborne has shared with me over the last three years since I became Director here at the Welcome Center. He was a major supporter of our Historic Dismal Swamp Canal and he was always willing to take a call. It was obvious the loss of his wife was a devastating blow, and I was encouraged that life was beginning to move forward. We just don’t know what lies ahead. It behooves us all to live each day to the fullest.
I will miss him very much.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Reply to Donna

John J. Kettlewell -  June 16, 2014 - 9:34 am

Larry:
Thank you for letting me know. The message arrived as I was working on my boat and I just lay there onboard thinking of the many times Claiborne and I spoke and laughed together, and of the many, many times I read through his books and his website looking for great advice.
John J. Kettlewell
Reply to John

Michael Lieberum -  June 16, 2014 - 9:32 am

Larry, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you and the family.
Michael Lieberum
Seventh Coast Guard District
Reply to Michael

Bob Todd -  June 16, 2014 - 9:23 am

We heard the news on Cruiseheimers today. Claiborne has been our inspiration while cruising the Carolinas and beyond. We are very sad and our prayers go out to the family and friends.
Reply to Bob

Carol Geiger -  June 16, 2014 - 9:03 am

Thank You. very sad. I met him this past year when he came to speak in Punta Gorda.
I am a member of Punta Gorda Sailing Club and Editor of out monthly email newsletter the Jib Sheet. If I can be of any service to the Cruisers’ Net please do not hesitate to give me a call. Anything, please ask. Like you said, we must continue to be faithful stewards of their dream. My husband and I use the Net all the time during our travels aboard our sailboat.
Blessings to all of you.
Carol Geiger
15 Tropicana Drive
Punta Gorda, Fl 33950
Reply to Carol

S/v Rasselas -  June 16, 2014 - 9:00 am

Words can not express my feelings and sadness this morning. Such a dear friend and what a legacy he has left all of us who knew him. GOD BLESS his family at this time.
Perry
Reply to S/v

Bobbi Lancaster -  June 16, 2014 - 8:46 am

Claiborne and I had just begun a project together with finally getting marina pictures downloaded on the Salty web site. It was exciting to be helping him with this and his enthusiasm was priceless. He never ceased to tire of helping his fellow boaters. So glad his last week was spent on the water in his new boat. My sympathies to his friends and family and to his fur-child, Samson. They will all miss him very much.
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Rick Kane -  June 16, 2014 - 8:10 am

God bless his family and other dear ones. For all my sailing days (NC and beyond), Clairborne has been not just a voice of safety, seamanship, information, and yes indeed, where to go for food and fun, but like a spirit guide, he was right there with the deep reasons we love sailing and the sea so much in the first place. He will be missed, and remembered, his contributions to the richness of boating will carry on forever.
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John Kettlewell -  June 16, 2014 - 8:09 am

The news arrived as I was working on my boat and I could only think of the many, many times Claiborne and I discussed some Waterway development. He was a man who truly believe in what he did and always tried to make the best product possible. The boating community has suffered a great loss.
Reply to John

Mary Dickens -  June 16, 2014 - 5:59 am

So very sorry for your loss. This is truly shocking. Prayers are going out for the family and staff.
Reply to Mary

Dotti Vaivoda -  June 16, 2014 - 5:36 am

I am sincerely saddened to hear about Claiborne ‘s death. He was an amazing man who gave so much of himself to his passion of boating and cruising. He came to Punta Gorda several times and helped our community so much sharing his knowledge and helped us to shape our town to become more boater friendly. We all will miss him terribly. I personally appreciated all the personal advice he gave me for my new business direction. He was always open and provided such sincerity in everything he did and all the lives he touched. RIP Claiborne. You will be missed by all of us.
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Cappy Stahlman -  June 15, 2014 - 11:20 pm

Very sorry to hear of the loss of Claiborne, I learned a lot from him over the years. I will miss his missives greatly.
Reply to Cappy

George Barr -  June 15, 2014 - 10:38 pm

Oh my goodness…we have lost a great, gentle man today. Long before the Cruisers Net, Claiborne was a passionate advocate for cruising and boaters and a friend to all on the water.
There is no replacing him and the cruising community is a whole lot smaller tonight. May he rest in peaceful waters.
Reply to George

Ted and Relinda Broom -  June 15, 2014 - 10:33 pm

It is with great sorrow we acknowledge the loss of Claiborne. I am sure his loss will greatly affect the office. We will standby and hope you are able endure the loss.
Ted and Relinda Broom
Reply to Ted

Eddie Jones -  June 15, 2014 - 10:31 pm

Wow, thanks for the update, Larry. Still in shock over the news.
Eddie Jones
Reply to Eddie

Duane Ising -  June 15, 2014 - 10:28 pm

Larry and the entire staff:
We are so saddened by the news. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his family and all those close to him.
Duane Ising
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Barbara Kipnis, MTOA President -  June 15, 2014 - 7:32 pm

What a horrible shock! Claiborne was a great contributor to our Rendezvous and our organization, plus being a really nice guy. His cruising knowledge helped all east coast boaters travel more easily and safely. He will be greatly missed.
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Cyndi Perkins -  June 15, 2014 - 5:36 pm

Many many prayers going out to Claiborne’s family as we celebrate a one-of-a-kind cruiser, nautical journalist and boater advocate whose presence will remain a guiding force in cockpits around the country. May his good works continue, may we all continue to network as we share our memories and express our appreciation.
Cyndi Perkins
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John Y. Jackson -  June 15, 2014 - 5:15 pm

What a tragedy! I hope the Cruiser Net will be able to continue, it has been invaluable.
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Peggy Bjarno -  June 15, 2014 - 4:53 pm

Such a loss for all of us! Claiborne was so full of life and joy, he shared his enthusiasm and knowledge with great generosity. He will be sorely missed by all of us in the boating community.
Peggy and Hans
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Bob and Liz Stagg -  June 15, 2014 - 3:14 pm

We share your disbelief — and your profound grief. Claiborne has been a friend and mentor. Our boating community has lost a magnificent voice, and we will sorely miss him.
Bob and Liz Stagg, AGLCA
Reply to Bob

Tom Conrad -  June 15, 2014 - 3:10 pm

Again, with a heavy heart, I use this forum to share my sorry and disbelief in yesterday’s passing of Claiborne Young from a motorcycle accident. His guiding hand was always with cruisers and boaters everywhere. His voice of many words will be remembered for a long time.
Claiborne will now join his beloved wife but we will be at a loss without him.
Claiborne, stay safe on your final journey,
Tom Conrad, AGLCA
Reply to Tom

Mike Ahart -  June 15, 2014 - 3:02 pm

I am so saddened by the news. It was one of Claiborne’s seminars that helped inspire Jan & I to gain confidence and live the cruising lifestyle. I was just starting to get to know him personally, as we had some great conversations, alas too infrequently. He was truly a great man, and I have never heard said an unkind word about him, nor have I heard claiborne utter an unkind word about anyone.
If there is anything I or WG can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Mike Ahart, Waterway Guide
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Connie & Bruce Rosenthal -  June 15, 2014 - 2:54 pm

What a gift Claiborne Young was! The gift endures. He helped so many of us traverse the ICW with ease due to his commitment to get important information to us in a timely manner. I never met him but feel the loss nonetheless. Praying for his family and friends. Thanks Claiborne…your life and legacy endure.
Reply to Connie

Chris -  June 15, 2014 - 11:14 am

We only knew Caliborne by keyboard and phone. He had a generous spirit, a clever mind, and a Vision. This will take quite a while to absorb. Our prayers go out to his loved ones — he doesn’t need ours, he’s home already.
Reply to Chris

Chris & Alyse Caldwell -  June 15, 2014 - 10:48 am

Claiborne was a true friend and a southern gentleman. Alyse and I first met Claiborne in New Orleans is the early 90’s when he was presenting a seminar on cruising the gulfcoast. Later we crossed courses at many boat shows and other speaking engagements. We remember his smile, welcoming attitude and of course our first impression, his hush puppy shoes. He gave inspiration to the novice cruiser and well researched guidance to those out upon the waterways and we are so grateful to have known him.
Goodbye Claiborne we will miss you,
Chris & Alyse Caldwell
Reply to Chris

Chase -  June 15, 2014 - 10:15 am

This is very sad news. I really like that guy, and his words have guided many a memorable adventure for some of us. He lived his life fully, I think, right up to the end. My sincerest condolences to his family, whom I hope realize the appreciation that many of us have for his work, and his joviality. There has always been something familiar about his words, over the many years of using his books and website, and they will live on.
I hope that there is some way this [SSECN] can continue.
Chase
Reply to Chase

Julie -  June 15, 2014 - 10:13 am

Claiborne had a life with meaning. His publications, website, and talks have inspired boaters to get out there and enjoy the water, and have given us the information we need to do so successfully. His death is a tremendous loss to the boating community.
Reply to Julie

David Schultz -  June 15, 2014 - 9:54 am

As a past commander of the Greensboro Power Squadron I have had the chance to talk with Claiborne on several occasions in fact we just had him as our speaker at our May meeting. We all loved Claiborn’s wit, kindness and above all his strong devotion to recreational boating and boat safety. We at the Greensboro Power Squadron wish to send out our most sincere condolences to all of Claiborne’s friends and family.
Reply to David

Penny and John Holmes -  June 15, 2014 - 9:40 am

Larry, we are so sad to hear of this great loss to Claiborne’s family and the boating community. We have gotten to know Claiborne as he has made his annual tours to share his great knowledge in a most entertaining and informative fashion. He is with Karen and will forever sail the seas of the here after. Our condolences also go out to the staff of Cruisers Net.
Reply to Penny

Chase -  June 15, 2014 - 9:34 am

Andy, you are so right. I have always valued his work, he will be missed sorely by all of us.
Chase
Reply to Chase

AGLCA -  June 15, 2014 - 9:10 am

America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association shares in the boating community’s loss. Claiborne devoted his life to making boating a better experience for everyone who knew him or read his guides.
With sadness,
Janice Kromer
Executive Director
AGLCA
Kim Russo
Strategic Development
AGLCA
Reply to AGLCA

Carl & Debbie Gaines, s/v Diva -  June 15, 2014 - 9:06 am

Debbie & I are shocked and full of sadness. Our sincere condolences to the Salty Southeast family and to Claiborne’s family and friends. We had the great fortune to meet Claiborne at at New Bern cruisers’ gam about seven years ago. He was a true southern gentleman and a monumental friend of cruisers. I was just about to pen a big compliment and thank you for the website’s help in our locating anchorages and marinas in our new cruising home, west coast of Florida. I am amazed at the quality and helpfulness of the website which mirrors Claiborne’s personal qualities. We will miss him as a trusted, congenial member of the cruising family.
Reply to Carl

Mark Phelps -  June 15, 2014 - 8:56 am

Claiborne was one of our oldest and dearest friends. We got the call from his friend Don Braxton, about 1:35 PM Saturday. Claiborne and Don had been out on a beautiful day for a scenic Bike ride on a country road. A car swerved over into his lane and Claiborne had to lay the bike down at speed and still the car collided with him. We rushed to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC and were the first to arrive and were joined later by Karen’s parents Bud and Shirley Williams and several members of Karen’s family, and friends, along with Don Braxton, who were all distraught as you could imagine. We all stayed there and were with Claiborne at his bedside when he went to join Karen in Heaven. My wife Betty and I have been friends with Karen and Claiborne for 35 years and have been on many adventures with the years. For 8 years in a row we spent a week together on Peaks Island in Portland, Maine and will cherish those memories forever. Once again Karen is his “First Rate First Mate” and they will sail the seas of the hereafter together forever.
Reply to Mark

Paula Spence, M/Y Sea Eagle -  June 15, 2014 - 8:37 am

Jim and I are shocked and saddened to hear this news. What a terrible loss for his family and for the cruising community. Rest in peace, Claiborne, and thank you.
Reply to Paula

Stephanie Wakelin -  June 15, 2014 - 8:33 am

Very sad news, indeed. Claiborne’s books were cruising companions for many years. He will be greatly missed by the cruising community. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
Reply to Stephanie

Hank Pomeranz -  June 15, 2014 - 7:52 am

We are extremely saddened. Claiborne was a guest in our home a few short weeks ago and we got to know him a little beyond his SSECN persona. Claiborne’s death is a great loss to the cruising community. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. Larry, if there’s anything we can do, don’t hesitate to ask. Hank and Lisa Pomeranz.
Reply to Hank

Peggy (and Jay) Bliss in St Augustine -  June 15, 2014 - 7:41 am

We will forever miss you Claiborne!
Claiborne brought enormous awareness to the water community of the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the Pilot Program when being initiated here in Florida. We got to know him over the following years! We loved that southern charm and his unsurpassed wit and grin. We will miss sharing a good glass of rum and the never ending tales as only Claiborne can re-tell them. I know he’ll sure be glad to be with Karen now. His free spirit and karma gets to stay here with us! Our love and prayers are with his family during this unsettling time.
Reply to Peggy

Mike & Jan Ahart -  June 15, 2014 - 7:01 am

Such sad news – he was an inspiration, and the waterways will not be the same without him. Our condolences to his family and to the cruising community.
Reply to Mike

Alyse Caldwell -  June 15, 2014 - 6:16 am

Claiborne’s guides about the coast of the gulf south and up through the Carolinas gave fuel to our passion for cruising. What a legacy he leaves with all of us. A true southern gentleman whose life impacted us in more ways than most will ever know. We are blessed to have known him. Chris & Alyse Caldwell
Reply to Alyse

Stan jones -  June 15, 2014 - 12:45 am

The cruising world lost an icon. I’m happy he is with his first Mate.
Reply to Stan

Susan Sorensen -  June 14, 2014 - 11:52 pm

Just read this terribly sad news on a friends post.
I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Claiborne back in the mid 80’s when we owned a boatyard in St Augustine and he was researching the area for his book. We remained in touch off and on through the years; a gracious and good man who will be missed by many in the cruising world as well as all those whose lives he touched.
Fair winds my old friend. Godspeed.
Reply to Susan

Andy denmark -  June 14, 2014 - 11:32 pm

Tragic news. Claiborne was a gift to the waterway cruisers. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Reply to Andy

Charmaine Smith Ladd -  June 14, 2014 - 9:52 pm

R.I.P. sweet Claiborne. Got an email from you yesterday with the news you were excited and very busy about moving your recently purchased trawler. From such a high to the lowest of lows we can traverse so quickly. Smooth seas my friend, smooth seas. To all who knew and loved you…you will never be forgotten. Much Love, Charmaine
Reply to Charmaine

Chuck Baier -  June 14, 2014 - 9:48 pm

Larry, We are so shocked I can’t put it into words. This is a tragedy.
Chuck Baier
Reply to Chuck

Kathrin & Ron Sagaert -  June 14, 2014 - 9:42 pm

Our prayers are with your family. We have been cruising for years and Claiborne’s input to the boating community has been insightful, beneficial and very reassuring.
Kathrin & Ron
Reply to Kathrin

Chuck baier -  June 14, 2014 - 9:34 pm

Larry, We have lost a good friend today and the boating community has suffered a great loss. This is such a shock and such sad news. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Chuck and Susan
Reply to Chuck

doug jacoby -  June 14, 2014 - 9:23 pm

So very sad… a true loss to family, friends and cruisers. Personally and professionally , greatly missed. What a contribution and legacy.
Reply to doug

Suasn Leaf -  June 14, 2014 - 9:13 pm

Our condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed!
Reply to Suasn

sonny reeves -  June 14, 2014 - 8:12 pm

So sad for the loss. My prayers are
for the family
Reply to sonny
Jun 13, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Video Shows All the Good Qualities of Cruising Crystal River (Western Florida’s Big Bend Region)
Here’s a really neat and useful video that will be of interest to ALL mariners contemplating a cruise of Western Florida’s Big Bend region. Our thanks to Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this very visual aid. Wow, makes me want to visit Crystal River ASAP!
Please check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIAlogIPVhs&feature=youtu.be
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Jun 12, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.5539,-77.35189999
Successful Low Tide Passage through New River Inlet/AICW Problem Stretch Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 246

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The Waterway typically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was begun in November of 2012 and was to have been completed by February of 2013.
June 12. On advise from TowboatUS heading north, kept two Green markers just off to starboard, then hard right past red to my port. Went through with no problem at dead low tide. His advice, don’t inadvertently cut a green, which is mistake many make. Lowest depth I read was approx. 7 feet. I was on a Catalina 42, 5 Ft. wing keel.
Dan O’Brien
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.7212,-76.77779999
Shoaling Reported South of Morehead City, AICW Statute Mile 210

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This reported shoaling is west of Morehead City in a long narrow channel in the open waters of Bogue Sound, where the Waterway runs east/west. Marker #7 sits on the south side of the channel opposite the mouth to Peletier Creek. If you have also experienced shallow water at this spot, let us hear from you.
Shoaling in the channel Bogue Sound, NC near mile 210 south of Beaufort, NC. Ran aground near G’7’³ today. Seems the spoil area has spilled into the channel. We were slightly right of center in the channel, mid tide rising (2.5′ above MLW) when our 6′ draft sailboat was brought to an abrupt haul. It was sand or silt and were able to get free without a problem, but the new shoal extended to near the center of the channel. A large catamaran with 4′ draft was two miles behind us, that we were unable to contact on VHF, also ran aground on the same shoal.
Recommend cruisers be alerted to favor the red side for 12′ plus depths north of mile marker 210 until past G’7’³.
Pete Peterson
We ditto the comment. We got to the green side at this same marker and were in 4.5 feet of water at near low tide.
John Winter
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shoaling
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Jun 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Derelict Facts in the State of Florida
The derelict issue, problem, controversy, whatever one chooses to call it, has loomed large and will continue to be hashed about in political and economic circles all along the Eastern Seaboard until a feasible plan is found to address abandoned vessels. We are grateful to Chris Waln for sharing his research with us. To access the Derelict Vessel map features, click Queries at lower right, select a county, then Search.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (http://myfwc.com/) as an excellent (not yet fully implemented) online tool (https://public.myfwc.com/LE/ArrestNet/DerelictVessel/VesselMap.aspx) for tracking location and essential information on derelict boats. For the Florida East Coast, when the underlying data is parsed it reveals:
66% of derelict recreational boats are Florida registered, and this percentage is slightly understated because the `Registration NA’ boats probably contain some number of Florida registered boats.
Of the derelict boats for which length data is available (87%), the median boat size (all types) is 26 feet and the mean is 27 feet (discounting an outlier). Two thirds are between 22 and 32 feet.
Across both registration categories sailboats account for 40%, cabin-power for 19%.
75% of the 170+ derelicts are in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Brevard and Broward Counties, but’¦
In Broward County 68% of the boats identified as derelict are in slips.
Most of the pictures of `Registration NA’ boats and many of the `FL Registered’ depict hulls so old that removal would entail little legal effort.
Caveats
The few commercial hulks, barges, etc were not counted.
The boat registration and length data is extracted from graphics files in the FWC tool by hand; there may have been a few errors.
What can we draw from this?
The registration data doesn’t support derelict boats being driven by out of state/foreign cruisers.
The size data doesn’t support derelict boats being driven by cruisers, period. Yes, we have taken over 500 and 1000 mile trips in a 23 footer (1976) and a 29 footer (1980), but what we see on the waters today is 35-45 footers. Although to be balanced, 18% of the measured derelicts are 35 feet or greater ‘” the same percentage as boats 21 feet or less.
From the FWC photos, the sailboats, with few exceptions, are not equipped as long range cruisers, they look to be local boats that were either uninsured or insured and totaled, and the local owners just walked away.
Broward County’s slipped derelicts should be discounted when talking about anchoring issues.
Money for removal is more of an issue than authority for removal.
Finally (well, that apparently never happens in this debate), we don’t like looking at or being anchored near derelicts or imminent derelicts any more than any other Floridian. We don’t like them clogging up our few and far between safe anchorages. We don’t like them driving municipalities to create maritime ghettos that wipe out those few and far between safe anchorages.
We believe the data above is a reason for the latest shift to attempting to ban anchoring on the basis of defamatory accusations rather than data. It’s pretty clear from the data, cruisers don’t come to Florida to abandon their boats.
Chris Waln
Derelict boats are completely different than cruising boats. It’s the difference between a car driving down the freeway, or parked at a rest stop, and one jacked up on blocks on the side of the road. I don’t for one minute believe that the people behind the anchoring restrictions can’t make this distinction, and I still believe the derelict boat problem, while a real problem, is being used as a smokescreen/false flag operation, for getting rid of non-derelict cruising boats that are messing up the views from waterfront condos of people who are used to getting their way on everything.
R. Holiman
Interesting analysis. I would add that another important factor in anchorage bans is financial. There are interests that think boaters anchoring for free are getting away with something and they should be forced to pay for the privilege. The funny thing in Florida is that this often involves creating a mooring field at huge expense that is paid for by taxpayers that then forces boaters to pay for moorings and marina space that even then is not self-supporting. The Marathon mooring field and marina only survive due to hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer funds. These fields are not self supporting in Florida. I have yet to figure out why Florida mooring fields are so hugely expensive to construct, but the per-mooring cost is often four or five times what it would cost for an individual to put in the finest mooring set up. You would think that purchasing in bulk, etc. would save money. Someone is making money off of that aspect of this too.
John Kettlewell
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