Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8395,-81.08729999
Corps Announces More Restrictive Operating Times at Moore Haven Lock, Okeechobee Statute Mile 78

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Moore Haven Lock - Click for Chartview
Moore Haven Lock is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78, hard by the Moore Haven waterfront. This notice is from the Jacksonville District of the USACE.
Posted 10/19/2013
Release no. 13-088
Contact
John Campbell
904-232-1004
john.h.campbell@usace.army.mil
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has announced changes in operations at the Moore Haven Lock that will take effect next week.
The changes affect lock operations on Wednesdays and Thursday in Moore Haven. The locks will open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Lockages will only take place every two hours, at 8 a.m.,10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. with the final lockage at 5 p.m. The locks will continue to operate from 7 a.m. ‘“ 7 p.m. the other five days of the week. The changes will take effective on Oct. 23.
`This adjustment is being made to accommodate a change in the staffing pattern at Moore Haven Lock,’ said Tim Murphy, Assistant Chief of Jacksonville District’s Operations Division. `Our intent is to implement this change in a manner that causes the least inconvenience to those who navigate through the Moore Haven Lock.’
Moore Haven Lock was constructed in 1935 for navigation and flood control purposes. It is the third lock from the west on the 152-mile Okeechobee Waterway, which allows safe passage of vessels from the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers to the Atlantic Ocean near Stuart. It is located in Moore Haven on the western side of Lake Okeechobee.
A Notice to Navigation has been issued on this subject. For more information on navigation notices concerning Ortona Lock or the rest of the Okeechobee Waterway, please visit the following website:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Moore Haven Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven Lock
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Oct 18, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Depths through AICW Statute Mile 52, North River, south of Coinjock, NC
Marker #129 - Click for Chartview
Captain Kipnis brings good news in response to a Navigation Alert for shoaling in the North River (/?p=104373) that we posted last December, 2012.
Didn’t see less than 11.8′ mid channel between Red 128 and the new floating G129.
Barry Kipnis
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at North Carolina Cut
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Oct 18, 2013by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Dockside Yacht Club Off-Limits to Transients, Morehead City, NC, AICW Statute Mile 205
Dockside Yacht Club - Click for Chartview
A phone call to Dockside Yacht Club confirmed that transients are no longer welcome at their docks. Our thanks to Captain Land for bringing this change of policy to our attention.
Forget this yacht club in Morehead City, NC as they no longer allow transient docking and threaten arrest if anyone dares to pull up to their docks. There are elementary magic marker signs posted everywhere with threats of arrest for trespassing.
Jackson Land
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dockside Yacht Club
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Bill Achtenbereg - July 6, 2020 - 4:08 pm

Dockside Yacht Club is a private marina. Each slip is assigned to a member of the club and is part owner of the marina. The club no longer owns any slips which is why there are no transient slips anymore. There are transient slips available nearby at Morehead Yacht Basin, Town Creek Marina, Homer Smiths, Morehead City Docks and Beaufort City Docks.
Reply to Bill
Oct 18, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Duckweed Largely Cleared at Both Locks and On Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route
Our thanks to Director Stewart of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) for this update and photos below. For earlier photos, see /?p=124791. And we remind you of the “Event Along the Waterway” scheduled for this coming weekend /?p=120878
As many of you may have heard there is Duckweed in the northern part of the Canal. I wanted you share with you although you must come through the Deep Creek lock to get here, we are clear. I have a boater who had problems after locking through on Saturday and ended up being towed here to our dock on Sunday.
I do believe the folks on the north end are doing everything they can to try to alleviate the problem. I know Robert has relayed they have had challenges. My boaters who had come through heading south last week stated they got out of the weed at about mm14. But we did have 5 boats come through earlier today and our stranded boater talked to 5 of them. He said only one stated an issue with having to clean his strainer’¦’¦..I don’t know what to say, other than I would suggest you contact the Deep Creek lock for their status. Our South Mills lockmaster says he is clear as we are and we took these photos this afternoon (after Tom Hale called) to verify we are clear as well. I called Elizabeth City yesterday to see if they had complaints outside of the South Mills lock to ECity, but Susan reported she had not received any reports of problems. I’ll try to see if one of our boaters here tonight will call me and advise me of the conditions as they head south.
If we receive further useful information, I’ll let you know.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
10/18/2013
We had several boats come in yesterday afternoon and were expecting four more after we left at 5pm. The boaters I spoke to said they had no issues locking at the north. Charlotte Underwood at the Elizabeth City CVB also asked her boaters about the trip from the South Mills lock to ECity and they reported no problems. This is what I’ve heard so far. Thanks for trying to keep all informed. Robert was not working at the lock yesterday, but the lockmaster on duty said he felt they were back to normal. I’ll try to check on the status when I go in this am.
Donna
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Oct 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Michael Ahart, “Waterway Guide News Editor” Shares Editorial on the Magenta Line Issue
With special permission from Captain Michael Ahart, News Editor for our respected and respectful competitor, “Waterway Guide,” (http://www.waterwayguide.com/) we are very pleased to share with the cruising community his extremely well thought through, insightful editorial on the entire “Magenta Line” issue.
Many thanks Captain Michael. You are a true class act!
Here’s my “short” version, and the gist of my comments to NOAA Coast Survey. I’m trying to get support for a “dashed line” to depict sections that change often or have frequent shoaling issues. This is my personal opinion and does not necessarily match the opinions or policies of Waterway Guide, or its management or other editors.
I think that removing the Magenta Line will cause many more groundings.
A skipper should know better than to blindly follow any single `input’ ‘“ and certainly should follow what the nav aids and the water is telling him/her. I think that skippers treat the line as the `general route’ rather than a specific path — or at least do so after a grounding or two. However, in most sections the Magenta Line correctly depicts the navigable channel as it has been for decades. It also shows an arcing route from nav aid to nav aid where appropriate. A little research in any guidebook or cruiser’s website will alert boaters to the problem spots, and the charts could also depict these problem and shifting areas with a dashed line. (If you were following the Magenta Line on your chart and it changed into a dashed line, wouldn’t you say `hmmm’¦I wonder why it’s dashed here.)
It would be great if every skipper knew exactly what they were doing all of the time, but the ICWs are really the proving grounds for new cruisers ‘“ and the monotony can throw even old salts off their guard. Without the Magenta Line, many skippers will `miss the turn’ — perhaps steering the vessel to a dangerous ocean inlet, or just up the wrong creek’¦one that’s likely not ever surveyed or dredged, and certainly not monitored by the cruising community. Getting stuck far off the beaten path can mean long delays in getting assistance, especially from other cruisers — but also from tow services. (Remember: The markers have those tiny, easy to miss triangles and squares denoting the ICW, but the charts do NOT.)
I am also concerned that the removal of the Magenta Line may lower the already low priority of maintaining many sections of the ICW, especially in an environment of reduced federal and state funds competing with an urgent need for the deepening and maintenance of commercial channels to accommodate `Post-Panamax’ cargo vessels.
Be sure to register your opinion by Dec. 26 with the Coast Survey whether you think the Magenta Line should stay or go.
Also — regardless of your opinion on this topic, it is very important for the boating public, trade groups, businesses, advocacy groups, and municipalities along the waterway to join together to help our representatives understand how much the ICW means to the economies of these towns, states, and the nation. This historical waterway should be maintained for posterity, and should no longer be treated as an ad-hoc project without clear jurisdiction or priority.
Send your comments to NOAA Coast Survey at CoastSurveyCommunications@noaa.gov. Here’s the official notice:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/09/26/2013-23440/intracoastal-wate
rway-route-magenta-line-on-noaa-nautical-charts.
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Oct 14, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shallow Water Confirmed at Entrance to Snake Creek From Hawk Channel, Florida Keys, near Islamorada
Snake Creek - Click for Chartview
For several years now, there’s been a concern about MLW depths on the Hawk Channel side of the Snake Creek Channel. (See /?p=105412) The shallow water is a real problem, as Snake Creek is the only really reliable route for cruising sized craft to cruise from the Florida Keys Inside Route to Hawk Channel, or the other way around, between Angelfish Creek and Channel Five. Captain Robinson’s observations confirm that shallow depths reported earlier are still present.
Went out with a handheld depthsounder yesterday Oct. 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm, one hour before low tide and measured 4.5′ on the hawk channel side just before the channel where the chart reads 4′. Measured 6′ on the bayside next to each of the red markers at 3:30 PM.
Jules Robinson
Snake Creek has been this shallow for years. Any sailing cruisers should be using Channel Five and never attempt Snake Creek.
Jim
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Snake Creek
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Oct 14, 2013by: Claiborne Young 44 Comments
In Memoriam – Karen Ann Young (1955 – 2013)
In Memoriam - Karen Ann Young, 1955 - 2013
It is with more sadness that I can possibly express in words that I must inform the cruising community that my faithful, first-rate, first-mate Karen Ann Williams Young passed away in my arms this morning (Saturday, October 12, 2013) at 6:45 am, after a five year, courageous battle with never smoker’s lung cancer.
Karen will be mourned and missed by her loving family and many friends, as well as many members of the cruising community. There is now a hole in our hearts which will never be filled, and her like will not be seen on this earth again!
In her battle with lung cancer, Karen set the bar incredibly high for the rest of us. She endured over sixty chemotherapy treatments, including three clinical trials, two rounds of radiation therapy and three brain radio-surgeries. Through all of this, she kept her spirits high, and always tried to live her life one day at a time, and get the most out of every day possible! She never forgot her family and friends, and always thought of their needs first.
Karen was devoted to all her animals, including Tiger, George and Martha Washington, Annie, Lucky and Shadow, Sonny, Midnight and Snowball. She was an ardent supporter of the Alamance County Humane Society, the American Humane Society and volunteered at the Burlington Animal Adoption Center.
Karen loved life and loved to travel, and was always ready for a new adventure. She loved to cruise with me, and was the best first-rate, first-mate and navigator that could possibly be imagined. She helped me explore almost every nook and cranny of the Southeastern coastline during the last thirty years.
Karen was an avid gardener, and loved working in her garden. Her heart showed in everything she grew!
There have been so many members of the cruising community who have sent us words and notes of sympathy and understanding during this long battle. I cannot thank each of you individually, but please know that every word, every thought and every prayer will be remembered always.
I am going to need some time to get myself back together again, and to say goodbye to the dearest partner that any man has ever been lucky enough to have by his side. Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, will be running the SSECN ship for awhile, but I will return. Karen and I discussed this frequently before she passed away, and she made me promise to keep the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net dream alive!!! I will honor that promise, but, right now, I just need a little time and space.
And so passes the dearest love of my life, and one of most wonderful people who ever walked this green earth. Goodbye Karen! You will never be forgotten!
Note:
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Alamance ‘“ Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215
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Comments from Cruisers (44)

Rob and Dee Dubin -  October 22, 2013 - 11:37 am

So sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. Though we never met your wife I still remember how you spoke so fondly of her when we sailed together.
Our condolences.
Rob and Dee Dubin
Reply to Rob

Cathy DeWitt -  October 17, 2013 - 8:11 am

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just heard and am so sorry to have missed giving you condolences in person. I remember meeting Karen when you were first a couple engaged, going to your first house together, visiting her basket creation store, seeing her at the bank. Every time I ever saw Karen I have always thought what a lovely and kind person she was. I know how close you both were and I know how you must be grieving for your soul mate. You have so many wonderful memories together. I pray that they bring you peace and healing.
Cathy DeWitt
Reply to Cathy

Debbie Hogan -  October 16, 2013 - 2:51 pm

I am so sorry for your loss Claibourne. She sounds like she was a very special lady.
Debbie Hogan
Reply to Debbie

Mike and Jan Ahart -  October 16, 2013 - 2:50 pm

Our sincere heartfelt condolences. I hope the love of all your friends will help you navigate through.
Mike and Jan Ahart
Reply to Mike

D and Don Wogaman -  October 16, 2013 - 12:16 pm

Our hearts and our sympathies go out to you at this difficult time. Thanks goodness you had those thirty years of cruising together. Hopefully those wonderful memories will help to sustain you.
We thank you both for all that you have done for the cruisng community.
D and Don Wogaman of SV SOUTHERN CROSS
Reply to D

Bill and Mary Dixon -  October 14, 2013 - 8:27 pm

What a beautiful memorial. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bill and Mary Dixon
Reply to Bill

Mark Podolle -  October 14, 2013 - 8:26 pm

Claiborne:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Karen. Our paths do not cross often, but when they do I always speak about my friend Claiborne. Please call on me if you should need anything. With sympathy,
Mark Podolle
Reply to Mark

Chase -  October 14, 2013 - 8:24 pm

So sorry for your loss Claiborne, what a brave woman.
Chase
Reply to Chase

Howard and Jackie Mason -  October 14, 2013 - 6:30 am

We join with the cruising community in sharing your grief.
Howard and Jackie
Reply to Howard

Rick and Donna Cass -  October 13, 2013 - 8:41 pm

We were sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. We did not know her, but she certainly made many friends during her short life. Please take care of yourself and we look forward to reading all your observations in the future.
Rick and Donna Cass
Reply to Rick

Greg and Donna -  October 13, 2013 - 8:41 pm

Clairborne,
We are so sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
You and your wife had been an inspiration to us since we started cruising. May all your memories always keep her close and help comfort you at this time.
Greg and Donna
Lady in Red
Reply to Greg

Carolyn Frazier -  October 13, 2013 - 8:40 pm

My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Claiborne. My mother passed on Oct. 12, 2002, with my husband and me by her side. As hard as it was for me as a daughter, the pain of losing a spouse must be indescribable. May God hold you in His arms, as the cruising community holds you in their hearts. Karen will be with you always, and as you heal, you will see her signs.
Carolyn Frazier
Double Dragon
Reply to Carolyn

Jake Smith -  October 13, 2013 - 8:40 pm

Claiborne, Ginger and I were so saddened by the news of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will continue to follow the Cruisers Net as we prepare to head south on Ginger’s Mercedes again.
Jake Smith
Reply to Jake

Bob and Helen -  October 13, 2013 - 4:10 pm

Clairborne: It is with heartfelt sadness we read about the loss of Karen. She fought a good fight during her illness.
Having you at her side through it all was the greatest support she could receive. Our sincere condolences at this time and heartfelt prayers.
Bob & Helen M/Y ALLEZ!
Reply to Bob

Bob and Marie Austin -  October 13, 2013 - 4:09 pm

Marie and I send our condolences to Claiborne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We only had a chance to meet you and Karen once, but though of you each time we read your columns and Salty Southeast.
Regards, Bob and Marie Austin
Reply to Bob

Bob and Susan Parker -  October 13, 2013 - 4:09 pm

Claiborne, Our prayers and sympathies are with you. May you find comfort in knowing that you are in the hearts of many who care.
Bob and Susan Parker
Reply to Bob

Elaine Reib -  October 13, 2013 - 4:08 pm

I know your pain Claiborne. No words will help but my prayers are sent to comfort you. God bless.
Elaine Reib
Co-founder, Skipper Bob publications
Reply to Elaine

Pat and Gail -  October 13, 2013 - 1:20 pm

Our sincere sympathy, may God Bless you during this sad time. You and Karen have inspired us to follow our cruising dreams. Peace be with you.
Pat & Gail s/v Cynthia Gale
Reply to Pat

Larry and Brenda -  October 13, 2013 - 1:19 pm

Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Larry & Brenda M/V Abreojos
Reply to Larry

David Marcussen -  October 13, 2013 - 1:18 pm

Prayers outbound to you and your family… God’s love and mercy during this time of mourning.
Gunny
Reply to David

Sharon&Jack Witt -  October 13, 2013 - 11:04 am

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Sharon&Jack Witt
S/v Misty’
Reply to Sharon&Jack

Rich Gano -  October 13, 2013 - 10:04 am

The cruising and general boating community grieve at your side.
Reply to Rich

LuAnne & Lyman s/v Dulces Suenos -  October 13, 2013 - 9:22 am

Dear Claiborne our hearts are heavy with sadness for your loss. May Karen rest peacefully.
Reply to LuAnne

Gus and Di -  October 13, 2013 - 9:10 am

We are very sorry for your loss.
Wind Rider
Reply to Gus

John Y. Jackson -  October 13, 2013 - 9:02 am

The sun will continue to rise, and you will move forward but always remember many sunrises that the two of you shared in quiet anchorages.
John and Georgie Jackson
Reply to John

Pat and Amber Amodei -  October 13, 2013 - 9:02 am

May your heart find peace and comfort, Claiborne.
Reply to Pat

Dave and Connie Boxmeyer -  October 13, 2013 - 8:54 am

Claiborne, we are so sad to hear about your loss. Having just lost our son to cancer, we can feel your pain. I’m told that the pain will diminish with time; while hopefully the memories of all the happy times will remain. We will say a prayer for both of you.
Reply to Dave

Ginny Filiatrault -  October 13, 2013 - 8:47 am

Dear Claiborne: Although we have only met a couple of times at SSCA Gams, I wanted to write and send our condolences and prayers with the loss of your wife and dear partner, Karen. Peace to you! Ginny and Jacques Filiatrault
Reply to Ginny

Richard Williams -  October 13, 2013 - 7:51 am

Claiborne, we are so sorry for your loss. Sitting here at Cabbage Cay, one of your favorite sites in Western Florida, we will be thinking of you. Richard & Karen Williams
Reply to Richard

Bob and Stephanie VanDegejuchte -  October 13, 2013 - 6:56 am

We are so very sorry to hear your news, Claiborne. Such a huge hole will never be filled. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Reply to Bob

Bill Jacobs -  October 13, 2013 - 6:51 am

Claiborne,
As you have guided so many of us through difficult and, sometimes, uncharted waters may you have the hand of the Lord to ease your journey.
Bill
Reply to Bill

Paula Sue Russell -  October 13, 2013 - 6:51 am

Claiborne – Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers now and the days ahead. God bless you and all who Karen touched in her life. Paula Sue and Todd
Reply to Paula

Jody Argo Schroath -  October 13, 2013 - 6:39 am

Claiborne,
Rick and I send all our sympathies and support. Happily, those we love stay with us forever in spirit.
Reply to Jody

Jack Lohman -  October 13, 2013 - 6:34 am

I too lost my wife to cancer ten years ago, so I know what you are going through. I miss her every day. All my prayers to you and your family at this very sad time.
Jack
Reply to Jack

Ken & Tammy Palmer -  October 13, 2013 - 12:20 am

Claiborne, You have our heartfelt condolences, also our prayers for the coming days.
Ken&Tammy Palmer
LoKi
Reply to Ken

Dave & Mary -  October 12, 2013 - 9:41 pm

Our prayers are with you at your time of sorrow, Karen is in a better place, we will be watching for your return.
Reply to Dave

Dave and Kathi -  October 12, 2013 - 9:21 pm

On behalf of the Cruiseheimers Net we send our heart felt condolences to you and your dear family. We are truly saddened by your loss.
Reply to Dave

Julie Stocksdale -  October 12, 2013 - 9:02 pm

Claiborne, what a flotilla is greeting Karen now beyond our horizon! You know how boaters love to celebrate when someone we know and love comes into our anchorage. You are in the thoughts and prayers of so many friends, many of whom you’ve never met, but all of whom treasure the work that you and Karen have done. Call on this great community of friends for support; we’ll be there for you.
Julie Stocksdale
Reply to Julie

Bob Barnes -  October 12, 2013 - 9:01 pm

Claiborne, I’m am so sorry for your loss! This is very sad news indeed! God bless you!
Bob Barnes
Reply to Bob

Ann and Bob -  October 12, 2013 - 9:00 pm

Ann and Bob are so sad of your loss! Your site has been our guardian during our coastal cruising. We offer our sincere condolences and hope that Providence will give you the strength. Our prayers are with you and your family!
Ann and Bob s/v Jule III
Reply to Ann

Susan and Elden -  October 12, 2013 - 8:59 pm

Claiborne, our sympathies and prayers are with you. You take all the time you need. Remember she is still with you in spirit and in the many memories you shared with her.
Susan & Elden
Reply to Susan

Judi Mkam -  October 12, 2013 - 8:58 pm

From me and all of your friends at tbe Seven Seas Cruising Association I offer heartfelt condolences. May her memory always be for a blessing.
Judi Mkam
Reply to Judi

George Barr -  October 12, 2013 - 5:14 pm

Oh my. How sad and tragic this news is to me Clairborne. Her pain is gone now and yours is acute but will recede to a dull ache over time with someone so loved missing from your life. You’ve written a lovely memorial to all she meant to you and others and those memories will comfort you in the days and years ahead. Take all the time you need…then come back to the community that will miss you while you are gone. May Karen rest in peace.
George Barr
Reply to George

Chuck and Susan Baier -  October 12, 2013 - 3:29 pm

What can we say Claiborne. We are so sorry to hear this. We can only hope and pray that she is in a better place and will not have to suffer any longer. Chuck and Susan
Reply to Chuck
Oct 11, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Heart Warming Words!!!!!
Wow, this is the kind of message that we all live for around here. THANKS to Captain Jon Parmet for taking the time to share such wonderful words!!!! The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net “bunch’ wishes him good luck and good cruising!
I just wanted to say thanks for the hard work in keeping such a valuable website up and going; there is nothing else out there that compares.
Fair Winds & Following Seas,
Captain Jon Parmet
http://www.YachtCaptain.us
http://www.LearnToBoat.net
USCG 200T w/ STCW95′
US Coast Guard Veteran
PADI Advanced Open Water
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Oct 11, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Depths Survey As of 9/03/13 of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 246)
Our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report below, relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the AICW/New River Inlet/New River intersection on 9/03/13. Note that the Doyle’s soundings were taken near low tide, so you must only subtract .3 feet from the depths portrayed on the Doyle’s graphic, to discover MLW soundings.
Despite some earlier reports of shoaling, Captains Mark and Diana, as you will see below, discovered nothing less than 8 foot MLW soundings at along this perennial AICW Problem Stretch.
Incidentally, Diana and Mark have just published a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place an order!
Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I are continuing our survey reports with depth-annotated tracks for ICW Trouble Spots.
This one is for the ICW and New River Inlet intersection.
Good water this season along this ICW Trouble Spot with depths ABOVE 8 FEET MLLW.
Hopefully, SSECN readers transiting the area will find these reports useful.
Best,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
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Oct 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Webcam Pictures of St. Lucie Inlet and Manatee Pocket, near AICW Statute Mile 987
We think all of you computer savvy folks (note that we didn’t say “nerds”) will appreciate this website that has webcam still shots of St. Lucie Inlet and Manatee Pocket. http://www.stlucieinlet.com/
A spokesperson for the webpage relates that they have been having some problems with the website and with the cameras, including an irregular updating of the webcam pictures. They hope to have all issues resolved soon and can post a schedule of picture updating. Note: checked the website today, 10/16/2013, and it seems to be updating the photos properly.
St. Lucie Inlet - Click for Chartview
Manatee Pocket - Click for Chartview
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Lucie Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manatee Pocket
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Oct 2, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
The Infamous “Magenta Line” – Going, going . . .
For years now, a debate has raged here on the SSECN, and virtually EVERY other nautical web site and forum, about the so-called “Magenta Line” which appears on NOAA charts covering the various Southeastern USA waterways (and probably in other USA regions as well). The “magenta line” is SUPPOSED to show the best path to take, in order to keep to the best depths. HOWEVER, as many have pointed out, that is NOT always the case. In fact, sometimes, following the magenta line can leave your vessel high and dry!
Now, apparently due more to budgetary considerations than complaints that the “magenta line” does not (at least in places) properly portray the correct channel, NOAA is considering dumping this chart feature entirely.
NOAA is asking for comment and input from the cruising community concerning this deletion. See linked article below for URL’s and e-mail addresses where your point of view can be recorded.
Our thanks to Captain Quinn for sending us the latest official bulletins from the Department of Commerce re the status of the Magenta Line. And our thanks to Captain Jim Healy for first passing along this question from the SW Florida district of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. All boaters should respond to Federal sources given below, or to Mr. Michael Henderson, S. Florida and Caribbean Navigation Manager, OCS, at southflorida.navigation@noaa.gov.
And, by the way, this proposed deletion has brought a FLOOD of comment from the cruising community, both on the SSECN, and on other nautical web sites and forums. Follow this link for LOTS MORE information on this subject, and a sampling of cruising community reaction and input:
READ MORE – Click Here
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Oct 1, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good News and Many Improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina (Statute Mile 966.5)
Latest NOAA Chart 11472 Showing New Marina Entrance Channel
Fort Pierce City Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) has been undergoing a massive improvement project for many months now. In an interview conducted by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with our good friend, and Fort Pierce City Harbormaster, Captain Dean Kubitschek, on 10/1/13, we learned this undertaking is almost finished. While there are still a few “punch list” tasks to perform, the many construction barges and cranes have largely departed the scene, and all will be gone, and the artificial island building project fully complete, within a week.
Among many other improvements, a series of artificial barrier islands have been constructed east of the marina dockage complex (see photo below). These isles will act as a wave break during foul weather, and will be a huge improvement over the old, open to wind and wave, arrangement.
Next, the Fort Pierce entrance channel has now been dredged to a minimum MLW depth of 7.5 feet, with typical MLW soundings of 8.75 feet. That’s really GOOD news for skippers who pilot vessels drawing 6 to 6 1/2 feet. And, the channel is now newly marked and FINALLY correctly charted, providing much easier access to this first-class facility!
Throughout this entire renovation project, transient wet slip space has been available, and THAT IS STILL VERY MUCH THE CASE! Fort Pierce City Marina is looking to welcome a host of visiting cruisers as the fall, 2013 transient season progresses!
New Fort Pierce City Marina Barrier Islands
Two other improvements well worth noting are upgraded Wi-Fi internet access throughout the harbor, and seriously upgraded men’s bathrooms, complete with NEW, climate controlled showers. The women’s facilities, which were in much better shape originally, will be improved within the next several months!
Next up, construction of new floating docks will begin in February, 2014, with construction being complete in approximately 14 months.This will allow Fort Pierce City Marina to accommodate any size vessel.
About the only less than positive news is that the marina’s fuel tanks are in the process of being replaced, and neither gasoline nor diesel fuel is currently available. This situation will be resolved within the next six weeks, and skippers can once again fill their hungry tanks at the Fort Pierce City Marina fuel dock.
The renovations and improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina are a clear case of the best just getting better. Going back to the days when I wrote my paper, “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida,” we have noted time and time again that never will you find a better managed municipal marina that the Fort Pierce operation.
May we be so bold as to strongly suggest that all cruisers heading south for this fall and winter cruising season give their highest priority to a Fort Pierce City Marina visit! You won’t be sorry!
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
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Sep 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season
Cruising Up the Sampit River To the Georgetown Waterfront
Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season
A Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Editorial And Guide
by
Claiborne S. Young
By now, just about everyone has heard about the tragic fire which destroyed seven buildings in the “700 block” of downtown Georgetown, South Carolina on 9/25/13. The loss caused by the fire to this historic, waterside community is not inconsiderable, BUT there are still innumerable attractions unaffected by the conflagration, and cruisers WILL want to be sure to make Georgetown one of their ports of call during the fall, 2013 cruising season, and thereafter. This editorial’s purpose is to briefly outline some of the reasons that cruisers do NOT want to bypass Georgetown. And, over and above taking advantage of all the many attractions and services outlined below, let’s all spend some time here, and do our part to help this friendly community recover!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will publish a separate article concerning the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show in a few days, but for now, let’s do note that THIS EVENT WILL STILL TAKE PLACE, on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 11 AM ‘“ 6 PM. Lots more information can be obtained concerning this truly fun festival at https://woodenboatshow.com/.
Please Click Here To Continue Reading This Important Editorial/Guide
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Sep 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dinghy Dockage Controversy on Marco Island’s Smokehouse Bay Remains Unresolved – Background and Outlook (Southwestern Florida Coastline)
Red Square Denotes Location of Esplanade Marina
Smokehouse Bay is a very popular southwestern Florida anchorage that sits in the heart of northern Marco Island. Access is gained by way of a marked channel which breaks off from the main Marco Island to Naples unofficial waterway channel, just east of Capri Pass, and runs southwest and then southeast across Collier Bay.
Smokehouse Bay also hosts Esplanade Marina on its southeastern shores. Transient dockage is available at Esplanade Marina.
Back on 4/20/12, we reported, by way of a message received from Captain Noel, that Esplanade Marina would no longer allow dinghy dockage at their piers, unless those who came ashore were strictly there to patronize the shops and restaurants of the Esplande (see /?p=86219). As part of this same posting, we appended a lengthy message from Esplanade Marina dockmaster, Captain Kris Greenough, explaining his facility’s policy, and stating that this prohibition was not a new thing.
Then, early in 2013, we received a message from SAMI (Sailing Association of Marco Island) member, and a good friend of this writer and the SSECN, Captain Lee Oldershaw, to the effect that the restrictions on dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina had been lifted. Then, a short time later, a second note arrived informing us that this situation was not yet resolved.
On 9/20/13, we received an e-mail from Dockmaster Greenough, stating that Captain Oldershaw’s postings on our site were now dated and inaccurate. This led us to investigate the situation, and we agree that the two earlier postings concerning dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina are now dated, and, for this reason only, we have removed them from the SSECN.
There is far more to this story, however. According to multiple sources on Marco Island, this controversy began when another SAMI member, Captain Herman Diebler, discovered that in the original permit granted for the building of the Esplanade complex, a provision was included that required the marina associated with this property to provide dinghy dockage for anyone wishing to come ashore to Marco Island.
SAMI brought this matter to the city government of Marco Island’s attention, and communication was made with the parent company that owns the Esplanade complex. We are told that they originally agreed to lift the “Esplanade only” restriction for dinghy dockage, and that was the source of the first message we received and posted from Captain Oldershaw.
Then, we are again told, the Esplanade condo owners association and marina association stepped into the picture, and objected to a dinghy dockage policy that would accommodate all cruisers who wished to come ashore. And so, “the signs stayed up” and dinghy dockage remained available only for those patrons of the Esplanade.
Far more recently, a meeting took place between the Marco Island city government, and the attorney representing the Esplanade condo and marina associations. We are told that the results of this meeting were far from conclusive, and that the situation regarding open dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina remains “fluid,” and the “waters have been muddied.”
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will continue to follow this situation and bring you news of developments as they occur. For the moment, though, cruisers anchoring on Smokehouse Bay should not expect to find dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina, unless their shoreside activities are confined to the Esplanade Complex!
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Sep 26, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Belhaven, NC Changes Town Docks Policies (Statute Mile 135.5)
Red Square Denotes the Location of Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne's Gut
Those of you who have been following the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net know we published a major article/editorial last week (on 9/19/13), verifying the polices in place for the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut. Partly due to all the discussion raised around this posting, and the negative reviews which appeared on OTHER, non-moderated nautical web sites and forums, and partly due to the happy news that Belhaven has now completed a SECOND town dock, the decision has been made to completely revise the dockage pricing, and clearly set forth maximum stay limits, for both Town Docks.
This posting completely supercedes our SSECN article of 9/19/13, and that story has been discontinued.
First, the bad news. There are no more free overnight stays allowed at the original Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut. Instead, as you will see below in the note from Captain Les Porter, dockage at this facility now costs $1.00 per foot, per night, with an additional charge of $5.00 per night for a single 30 amp power hookup. A maximum stay of 72 hours is allowed. The Wynne’s Gut dock has the advantage of being located in the heart of downtown Belhaven, with its several restaurants only a few steps away.
Red Square Denotes the Location of Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
The new Belhaven town dock, which shall hereafter be referred to as the “Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock” is located farther upstream on Pantego Creek, a short hop from marker #12. Overnight dockage at this new facility is currently free, with a maximum stay of 72 hours allowed. Berths here are composed of finger-pier type piers, set onto a fixed wooden dock. No power or water connections are yet available, though the town of Belhaven hopes to add these services soon. Cruisers should also know that it is a 5 block walk into downtown Belhaven, from the Cooperage Dock. This is still very do-able, but not as convenient as the Wynne’s Gut dock.
We are honored that the town of Belhaven has chosen the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net as the FIRST means of relaying their new dockage policy to the cruising community!
Hey Claiborne,
The town manager and I have reviewed the recent concerns from the skippers with the early check out times (9am-11am) and the short length of stay allowed for free at the Wynne’s Gut town docks.
In an effort to allow a longer stay and a later check out time we have moved our free dock location to the newly constructed Cooperage Town docks and have changed our policies to the following:
Our Belhaven Town docks at the Wynne’s Gut location on Pantego Creek are now rented at a daily rate of $1.00 per foot, per night with a maximum stay of three nights. Electrical is $5.00 for a single 30 amp hook up and water is available. Registration is required upon arrival and the check out time is 11:00am. Dockage is along side with tall pilings and the controlling depth is 6 feet. The docks are located just 100 yards past the green number 9 day marker and on the North shore in Wynne’s Gut.
Our Belhaven Town free docks are now located at the Cooperage landing on Pantego Creek just past the red number 12 day marker and 100 yards to the north shore. This site has newly constructed fixed docks with slips having finger piers and pilings, no water and no electrical. Controlling depth is 7 feet. The docks are available on a first come first serve basis with a maximum stay of 72 hours.
Thank you for all your help Claiborne,
Les
I am sorry to report that, after a telephone conversation with a reliable, local source in Belhaven, Captain Styon’s description below of the Belhaven “Cooperage Town Dock” is accurate. Cruisers will want to take all these unfortunate characteristics in mind before deciding to coil their lines here.
I rode to Belhaven by car last Wednesday to check out the docks, as we were planning a trip and this was on our list of stops. Boy am I glad I did! There are no free docks down town. They are as you said 1.00 per foot plus power. The free docks are a long way from town. I have hard time calling these town docks. They are up a path I wouldn’t think about walking at night. The docks were completely covered with sea gull poop! No lights. I can not imagine someone staying at these docks. I would feel munch safer anchored. Our new plan is skip Belhaven.
Danny Styons
WOW! People actually complaining about not getting a free dock?? Has anyone tried to get a permit for a dock lately? And why threaten to skip these small towns and not help them pay for the upkeep of their docks. Will you be happy when no shoreside facilities are available to us transients.
Jim
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
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Sep 24, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Much Appreciated Word of Praise
We just received the message below from Captains Rich and Helen, who are cruising the Florida Keys, and earlier sent us a now published review of the Upper Keys Sailing Club (see /?p=123778). Their kind words have really made our collective day around the SSECN headquarters, and we just had to share their generous sentiments!
I am astonished by how on top of things you are! We are all fortunate to have you.
Rich and Helen
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Sep 24, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Upper Keys Sailing Club, Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1143
Upper Keys Sailing Club - Click for Chartview
Upper Keys Sailing Club occupies the sharp point of land, west of the twin charted “Micro Trs,” south of the charted position of Newport, depicted as facility #35 on chart 11451 (off the Florida Keys/Florida Bay Inside Route).
We have visited here many times over the years, and can say with some expertise, this is an informal, but unfailingly friendly, spot to coil your lines for a day to two. Advance arrangements by telephone are strongly recommended, as the docks are by no means manned on a regular basis!
Once you are tied to the piers, be sure to check out the small clubhouse on the grounds. You will probably find a very convivial gathering of fellow cruisers here many evenings, and a good time will be had by all!
These folks could not have been nicer or more accommodating. The facility is small and an eclectic mixture of weekend-use boats from J-boats to a pristine Island Packet to major-project live-aboards. The walk to stores and restaurants is about 1/2 a mile. One caution is that the gates to the marina are locked at 9pm.
Rich and Helen
Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the Florida Keys Marina Directory
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Upper Keys Sailing Club
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Sep 19, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Fees TRIPLE !! and North Carolina Registration REQUIRED For Federally Documented Vessels after 90 Days
As a native North Carolinian, and normally proud of it, I never thought I would see the day when the Old North State would follow the example of Florida, and require state registration of Federally Documented vessels, after being in NC waters for 90 days or more. Just how that one slipped through the legislature in Raleigh, I have no idea. The very first we heard about this was when the note below from Captain Kamp was received.
And, if that’s not cause enough to raise your blood pressure, NC vessel registration fees TRIPLE in price after 10/1/13! The boys and girls in Raleigh must really feel the need for more revenue. Too bad it’s coming at the expense of North Carolina boat owners, and cruisers who wish to visit our state’s waters for more than 90 days.
Do note that this is NOT a tax issue. It is a registration fee issue. It has ALWAYS been the case, at least since the 1970’s, that Federally Documented vessels which reside in NC waters for longer than 90 days ARE subject to Ad valorem (property) taxes. Some tried to avoid this tax by moving their boats out of state for a time, or just hoping the state department of revenue would not realize they had a Federally Documented boat in NC waters, but over the past decade or so, North Carolina has gotten quite adept at seeking out such would-be tax dodgers.
No, this is a case of some vessel owners having to pay a registration fee, and a triple fee at that, which was not heretofore necessary. Ugggghhhh!
Our sincere thanks to Captain Kamp for bringing this information to the SSECN’s collective attention, and a special nod to Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, for exhaustively researching this issue. The remainder of these introductory remarks are authored by Larry!
Captain Kamp’s information is correct: NC state registration IS required after 90 days, effective October 1, 2013. Since Federal regulations typically supersede state regulations, we will have to wait to see if this will be challenged in the courts. In the meantime, the fees more than triple on October 1!
I received a post card from the above agency advising that vessels that are USCG documented and occupying NC waters for over 90 days are required to be registered with that agency, effective October 1 this year, due to a new law enacted by the NC Legislature. This will effectively be a new tax disguised as a fee. Previously USCG documented vessels were not required to be registered in NC , but if they were in state waters they were placed on the tax rolls of whichever county they were slipped in if there over 180 days. I am not sure if this has changed or if the registration requirement is an attempt to identify vessels not on a county tax roll.
Steve Kamp
From the NC DNR website: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/RegistrationTitling/RegisteringyourUSCoastGuarddocumentedvessel.aspx
Registering Your U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessel in North Carolina
Effective October 1, 2013, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) documented vessels that have been in North Carolina for more than 90 consecutive days, must be registered in the state. However, federal law restricts states from issuing titles for documented vessels since the USCG issues a Certificate of Documentation (COD) to owners of documented vessels which supersede a state title. To register a documented vessel you will need to submit a copy of your COD as proof of ownership, a completed and signed VL-1 Form and the appropriate fees for registration only.
Got the postcard; registered my documented sailboat yesterday. It’s $40 for three years before 10/1; apparently $150 per year after 10/1. The NC sticker needs to be displayed on your starboard bow, but your registration number does not need to be displayed if you’re documented, according to NC Wildlife, who administers the registrations.
Jim Starr
Capt. Starr is correct that the fees are going up October 1st. The fees for vessels less than 26ft are $30 a year or $90 for 3; over 26ft, $50 for a year and $150 for 3. Certainly an incentive to register before October 1!
I am a resident of NC and the above information sounds like all I have heard lately EXCEPT effective October 1 the $40 fee for three years jumps to $150 for three years. I think there is also a $50.00 per year registration. Needless to say I am taking my documentation to a registration office today or Monday and getting a three year $40.00 permit rather than wait until after October 1 and pay $150.00.
John Y. Jackson
On the documented vessels, between now and Oct 1, you can register your boat at the old rate of $40 for 3 years instead of $50 for one year! I and others have done it. Act fast.
Sam Curry
New Bern, NC
Consider the similarities of this situation and the Florida requirement.
To register while in State over 90 days and or obtain a $135.00 cruising permit good for 11 months.
Steve Kamp
According to the NC website (above), their state registration fee (before October 1) for documented vessels is $15 for 1 year or $40 for 3 years. There is no mention on the website about the new fees effective October 1! There is also nothing mentioned on their website about a cruising permit similar to Florida’s Sojourner permit.
I called the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and asked for a citation to the NC Genreal Statutes. All they had was a Senate Bill number and not even a Session Law number. I looked up the Senate Bill number and found that it was the budget bill! They just slipped it in without any debate that I heard.
Norwood Bryan
This type of thing just makes it more and more difficult for snow-birding cruisers why might be very interested in settling down at a nice dock in NC for a stretch of time. Who wants to go through the hassle of registering and unregistering your boat every 90 days? Say you spend summers in New England, the fall in North Carolina, the winter in Florida, and the spring in the Chesapeake’“you might have to re-register your boat four times in a year!
John Kettelwell
As a resident of Maryland I have been looking for a place to escape to. This is compounding my delima.
Jim Davis
For a lengthy discussion on vessel registration, see /?p=106014
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Sep 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Melbourne Harbor Marina, and A WONDERFUL Nearby Restaurant (Statute Mile 919)
Melbourne Harbor Marina features a well sheltered harbor, and it’s within a very quick step of the community’s downtown business district. I have not heard of “The Mansion” restaurant (see below) before, but you can bet we’ll be checking it out the next time our bow finds its way to this facility!
The admiral found a quaint British shop in downtown Melbourne on the Internet and made the decision for us to stop in Melbourne, FL. We found the harbor marina to be a great location within walking distance to the downtown area.
We found several unique shops including a homemade soap store, but the real highlight was a new restaurant called The Mansion! It has been recently remodeled, is clean, great food (from sandwiches to steaks) and it has a wine market and liquor store within a block of the marina.
The best part for me, was the 73 craft beers on tap and available on the shelf to purchase and bring back to the boat.
Dean & Beth are the owners, 1218 East New Haven Ave is the address. Hope you like it as much as we did.
http://www.thebigmansion.com
Bill Borchert
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Melbourne Harbor Marina
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Sep 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
VERY IMPORTANT – Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (FWC) Asks The Cruising Community’s Opinion of the Pilot Mooring Field Program
It has been almost two years since yours truly journeyed to St. Augustine, Florida by “land yacht” to speak at a public forum dedicated to considering what local anchorage regulations should be enacted in regards to this community’s participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. I came away with the frustrated feeling, which proved to be correct, that the city of St. Augustine was going to recommend a 30-day anchorage limit for boats which dropped the hook outside of the official mooring field. Fortunately, the FWC shot down this limit, and it was never put into effect.
There followed months and months of local forums and countless messages and editorials here on the Cruisers’ Net about what sort of anchorage regulations should, or should NOT, be adopted in the cities selected for the Pilot Mooring Field Program. A group in the Florida Keys, known as BARR, even sprang into being for awhile, with the sole purpose of fighting for sensible anchorage regulations in the Florida Keys (all of Monroe County, which encompasses the Florida Keys, is one of the selected Pilot Mooring Field sites).
The Pilot Mooring Field Program has been going forward in multiple Florida locales for almost a year now, and, wonder of wonders, it looks as if the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWC”) IS ACTUALLY ASKING FOR INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY AS TO HOW THIS PROGRAM IS WORKING! THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR COLLECTIVE VOICES TO BE HEARD WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net urges as many of our readers as possible to FOLLOW THE LIVE LINK IN THE MESSAGE BELOW, AND LET THE FWC KNOW HOW YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE MOORING FIELD PROGRAM!!!
For those of you who have had your head in the proverbial sand for the last several years, as part of the new Florida Anchoring Law, passed by the Florida Legislature in 2009, there was a political give and take included in the negotiations which surrounded this bill. This is a vast oversimplification, but, to summarize, in return for taking away the power of Florida cities and counties to regulate anchorage, the bill included a “Pilot Mooring Field Program,” which would allow a multi-year study, in multiple Florida cities, as to how mooring fields would serve the needs of cruisers and land owners alike, and what, if any, anchorage regulations might be appropriate for vessels that drop the hook outside the official mooring field, but still within the corporate limits of the communities participating in the pilot program.
The law which authorized the Pilot Mooring Field Program has an automatic sunset date in July,2014. Thereafter, the idea is that the Florida legislature will take all the lessons learned from this trial program, and ENACT A PERMANENT, UNIFORM, STATEWIDE SERIES OF ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS! Now, do you see why it’s SO important for the voice of the cruising community to be heard!!!
PLEASE READ ON!
Greetings,
In 2009, the Florida Legislature enacted a temporary pilot program to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of
non-live-aboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields. The City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Petersburg, the City of Sarasota, the City of Stuart in conjunction with Martin County, and the cities of Key West and Marathon in conjunction with Monroe County were granted temporary authority to regulate mooring in their jurisdictional waters through local ordinance. All ordinances enacted under authority of the pilot program will expire on July 1, 2014 and will be inoperative and unenforceable thereafter, unless reenacted by the Legislature.
You, your partners, and interested members have the opportunity to provide valuable input on the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking help from cruising boaters, local boaters, and residents in evaluating the effectiveness and fairness of the temporary ordinances and the pilot program.
FWC has created and posted a survey at http://www.myfwc.com/anchoringsurvey which should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The Survey will be available from September 18th until October 7th, 2013. Your prompt participation would be appreciated.
There is also a survey link on our Boating and Waterways webpage at http://www.myfwc.com/boating/.
Thank you for your time and effort.
Sincerely,
Tom
Captain Tom Shipp,
FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways
It is important for cruising boaters to answer in order to counteract the claims of those pushing this anti-anchoring law. Basically, the bottom line is the law promotes the opposite of one of its stated purposes’“to promote access to the waters of the state. Obviously, if you put in moorings nobody can anchor in those waters, so unless you want to pay to play and like using a mooring, you’re out of luck. And the moorings prevent anchoring 24/7, year-round, whether or not there is someone on them. I have personally been anchored in the tiny portion of water still available in Marathon and observed the majority of mooring balls empty, while the anchorage was jam-packed full. Sure, in high season the moorings are popular, but year-round they prevent anchoring in most of the harbor. It is very simple, this law was pushed through for one purpose’“to chase away anchored boats, and it has done so.
John Kettlewell
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