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    • Rough Passage Through Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statue Mile 690

      Marker #32 - Click for Chartview

      The unpleasant passage experienced by Captain Gorham and crew is the reason we continue to look for alternate routes to avoid the infamous R32 in St. Andrew Sound (see /?p=130801). SSECN has heard similar horror stories and has had a Navigation Alert posted for Marker #32 for some time now.

      We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
      Jonathan Gorham
      M/V Top Cat

      I talked to a ferry captain that crosses the sound twice each day 365 days a year and he advised that a Northeast wind was the worst for the affect on the waves and current. A Northwest wind would be second worst and then next worst would opposing winds and tides, i.e. West winds with incoming tide or East winds and out-going tide. South winds being most favorable.
      Sonny Reeves

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound

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    • Water Can Be Costly At Melbourne Harbor Marine (Statute Mile 919)

      Now, here is an INTERESTING post from Captain Bill which recently appeared on the Cruisers’ Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com), about the cost of filling one’s fresh water tank, IF you are anchored off, and come in to fuel and take on water at Melbourne Harbor Marina. This facility’s entrance channel cuts west, abeam of AICW marker #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.
      Bill’s criticism of the cost of fresh water at Melbourne Harbor Marine fostered quite a discussion on the Cruisers’ Forum (see http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/anchor-outs-not-welcome-117433.html). Some thought the marina’s charges were justifed, others took a different point of view. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net takes no editorial position on this question of cost, but we do think this is information that needs to be known in the cruising community!

      I had an interesting first today. I went into the Melbourne Harbor Marina in Melbourne Florida for a pumpout, some water, and to dump some trash. I visit Melbourne every year for the month of December visiting relatives before continuing on to the Bahamas. In the past I have used the MHM because I have found it to be a friendly and easy place to and get a pumpout and water. In the past what I have done get two pumpout and two water fills during December while anchored out. Melbourne does not have a lot of marina options for Catamarans. Melbourne Harbor Marina cannot accommodate a Catamaran at all. When I’m ready to leave I have always filled my fuel tanks at MHM before heading south and that visit was well over $$300. In the past the pumpout was $10 and water and trash was free. The first time I was in this year the pumpout was still $10 and water and trash was $5. This was perfectly reasonable in my opinion. Water and trash service are not free to the marina and a reasonable charge is not a problem. Today when I went in there The pumpout was still $10 but he asked how much water I needed and I said 80 gallons. Which he said would be $20. I asked him why it was up from $5 only 10 days ago. He said it is what it is. When I pointed out I paid less than this for RO water in the bahamas he went off on a rant about “anchor outs” wanting all these services for free. I asked for absolutely nothing for free. In the Bahamas it costs quite a bit to make RO water from sea water so $.25 a gallon is reasonable. This guy pays .00433 cents a gallon for city water so 80 gallons cost him 32 cents. Five dollars for 32 cents worth of water is a pretty good profit in my opinion even if one includes the capital cost of running a pipe to the end of the dock. He pays a flat rate for a trash dumpster. A bag of trash does not change what he pays so anything he charges is money in his pocket. The city requires that he have the dumpster even if it’s not used.
      Before I retired there was an old business rule about never being rude or nasty to a small customer because you never knew when they might become a big customer or how many big customers he had as friends. Today I was a small customer. The guy I dealt with identified himself as the owner. Needless to say I’ll find some where else to fill my tanks. Maybe $300-$400 worth of diesel is not worth his time, so be it. I don’t know why business owners act like this, do they think cruisers don’t talk to other cruisers? This was the first time I had ever been treated so rudely by a Marina. I might not have been so offended if he did not go off on me for not buying a service he didn’t offer (dockage for my Cat).
      Captain Bill

      Suggest y’all stop at Telemar Bay Marina just North of the Eau Galle bridge and Dragon Point. Very friendly! Plenty of room for cats even 42v footers.
      Russ Davignon

      Telemar Marina guards the Banana River’s easterly banks, just north of the Eau Gallie fixed bridge and Dragon Point.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Telemar Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Telemar Marina

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Melbourne Harbor Marine

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    • Good Words for Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field, Western Florida Coastline, south of the Western Florida ICW’s “Miserable Mile”

      Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview

      The Town of Fort Myers Beach proudly operates and maintains the Matanzas Harbor Municipal Mooring Field. The field boasts 70 mooring balls available for public rental year-round, and accommodates vessels up to 48 feet in length. The mooring field is located east of the Sky Bridge between San Carlos and Estero Islands in Matanzas Pass. For recreational cruisers, the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field is a wonderful destination. Coming ashore at the Town's dinghy dock puts boaters in walking distance to beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and public transportation. Mooring ball rental fees are $13/day or $260/month. All renters MUST register with Matanzas Inn upon arrival. The dinghy dock is available for public use to tie up dinghies 10' or less (no overnight tie-ups). The dock is located beneath the Sky Bridge between Matanzas Inn Restaurant and the public fishing pier. Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field lies east of the 65-foot Fort Myers Beach high-rise bridge on the northern shore of Estero Island. These good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!!

      The Ft. Myers Beach mooring field was a pleasant stay with decent facilities provided. The dinghy dock is just a couple blocks from downtown attractions. A bargain for $13/night compared to $2.50/ft transient slips. It’s the way to go to pack many boats into a small area.
      Archie Faulkner

      We left the Ft. Myers beach mooring field a week ago, and have nothing but great things to say about the moorings and the people at Matanzas Inn who administer the mooring fields. Always professional, pleasant and helpful, these people mad our stay there very pleasant. The pumpout boat is run by a good guy, working for the ft. Myers public works department, and is very helpful with information about the area. Now one of our top five places to stay a while.
      Rick Cass

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field

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    • Results of 12/18/13 Meeting At Boot Key Harbor Marina Between FWC Representatives, Marathon Local Government Leaders, and the Cruising Coummunity

      It is now the morning of 12/19/13, and we have already been on the telephone with “Katrina,” Administrative Assistant for the Boot Key City Harbormaster, and have learned that a meeting did indeed take place last evening, at Boot Key Harbor City Marina with representatives of the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Service), local Marathon, Florida governmental officials, and a host of cruisers. If you have been following this situation both here on the SSECN, and/or on the Cruisers’ Forum (see both /?p=129366 and http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-11.html), you know that a HOST of cruisers have lodged serious complaints and questions about “heavy handed” actions on the part of FWC officers in boarding and inspecting vessels both at anchor, and on the city provided mooring balls, in Boot Key Harbor.
      The Marathon local government became integrally involved in this matter following a very substantial cruising community presence at the last city council meeting. Unfortunately, the on-line minutes of this meeting are not yet available, but we are told the city government expressed serious concern about the actions of the FWC, and it apparently became quite clear that local government was very much an ally of the entire cruising community in this matter.
      One of the prime movers in this entire affair has been the captain of the sailing vessel, “Thin Line.” Late in the day on 12/19/13, the master of this vessel posted a note on Cruisers’ Forum, which we have reprinted below! It makes for very interesting reading, and provides what is probably the BEST summary of the 12/18/12 meeting!
      Back to the timeline, the result of all this early interaction was that a meeting was arranged for the evening of 12/18/13 to bring together all interested and concerned parties. As alluded to above, this meeting was indeed held, and, thanks to our conversation with “Katrina,” we are able to provide a summary of what took place.
      We interviewed “Katrina” on the morning of 12/19/13 at some length about this important gathering, and were told that the meeting encompassed better than three hours, and provided a forum for many cruisers to voice their concerns to Captain David Dipre, lead FWC representative, who “chaired” the meeting. We were told the give and take between cruisers and the FWC “went fairly well,” and many “left with a positive note.”
      Captain Dipre suggested that all cruisers and boat owners who experience future problems with FWC officers, contact him directly at 305-289-2320. He and his fellows also brought along books of Florida boating regulations which were distributed at the meeting, and it was discussed which regs applied to the situation in Boot Key Harbor.
      And now, we will leave our reporting mode, and enter into some editorial comments. ALL CRUISERS AND LOCAL BOAT OWNERS WHO BROUGHT THIS SITUATION TO THE FORE, AND SHONE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE ACTIONS OF THE FWC, HAVE DONE A GREAT SERVICE FOR THE CRUISING COMMUNITY! With this much attention being paid, it’s a very safe bet that FWC officers operating in Boot Key Harbor will be very mindful of courtesy and their own conduct regulations for some time to come!
      It is the editorial opinion of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net that Boot Key Harbor is once again, and will most likely remain so for some time to come, a welcoming place for both resident and visiting cruisers. And, that’s a very good thing indeed, as Boot Key Harbor is the finest and most protected natural anchorage in all of the Florida Keys.
      Be ASSURED that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will continue to monitor this situation closely. Let’s all hope the meeting of 12/18/13 closes this unfortunate chapter which has blemished an otherwise sterling cruising destination in the Florida Keys. Please let us know about your experiences in BKH by sending e-mail to CruiserNet@triad.twcbc.com, or following the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

      And now, PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT WORDS FROM THE CAPTAIN OF THE “THIN LINE:”

      Sorry I haven’t been able to respond until now, our harbor internet is being worked on so I couldn’t write last night and I had to work today.
      Last nights meeting was well attended, both by boaters, the FWC, and other interested parties. There were 2 FWC Capt’s, and 1 officer, 4 USCG, as well as the Mayor and several city council members. While the discussion was at times heated and several times seemed to derail and go off track, overall there was much good discussion. What I find interesting is the varying opinions of the way the meeting turned out. I personally think the meeting accomplished everything we set out to do. We,,

      1. Brought attention to the problem.
      2. They acknowledged our voice by having the meeting, and by those who attended.
      3. They were in PR mode and attempted to put a human face on the FWC, Capt Dupree represented them well.
      4. The FWC acknowledged there were problems with some laws and they are working on getting them resolved.
      5. Cleared up some rumors that were blown way out of proportion.
      6. We were able to establish that almost, if not all, of the questionable interactions were from 1 particular officer. (training issue)
      7. Capt Dupree stated that his officers are being instructed to show greater discretion and more respect for the boaters in Boot Key.
      8. Both Capt’s have instituted an open door policy, as well as gave out personal numbers to discuss issues as they happen instead of letting it come to a head.
      9. Agreed we need to keep this open dialogue and should have a town hall type meeting a couple times per year.

      Sure, some of the people that attended wanted a full blown apology, with FWC admitting they did something wrong and groveling, obviously that was not going to happen. They do have to maintain the integrity of the field officers (even if they were wrong) however the general impression I got was they were there to repair the relationship. The Mayor and the city showed a huge amount of support and validation for us as boaters and wanted to make sure this was resolved. Overall the people that attended were well behaved, well mannered and even though a few wanted to bring pitchforks and torches, they checked them at the door. Most importantly my kids were there from start to finish, they got to see how people can rally together and change things. It was also another example of always standing up for what is right, even if it’s not directly affecting you right now, it could have eventually and it was just plain wrong. Everyone stood together, we made our voice heard and to me, that means we won this battle.
      Thank you to everyone for your support, your phone calls and your kind words, they helped tremendously! For those of you that were going to skip Boot Key, don’t, you’ll be missing out on a strong community of amazing people I’m proud to call friends.
      *_The following is what I said at the meeting when I was asked to speak. I hope I represented the harbor well and I tried to walk a “thin line” between being an upset boater/member of this community, and being a city employee. _*

      *We are here tonight to raise questions, questions we as boaters need answers to. Hopefully tonight we will all leave here a little wiser and with far less anxiety. The FWC’s presence in the harbor starting on Thanksgiving day was overwhelming to say the least. Nightly spotlighting, and late night boarding of vessels without cause brought a sense of fear into Boot Key Harbor. This is a family community of live aboard boaters, these are our homes. I also know that FOR NOW’¦ these are not offered the same protection, but they should be offered respect. A little bit of tact on the part of the FWC officers in question and we might not be here tonight.
      Capt Dupree you said something the other day that stuck with me, it’s something I think might have prevented the entire situation in the harbor if those officers here would have followed your advice. “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should” Just because you can board a vessel at 11pm, waking a family, scaring the children AND the parents out of sleep and into a state of disorientation, doesn’t mean you should. Using discretion and a little bit of tact, goes a long way with the public, just as the decision of your officers went a long way in creating this negative situation. Their actions have reached far beyond the mangroves of Boot Key Harbor. There are articles nationwide in magazines, internet and other media, and the city marina is fielding calls daily from all over the country about this situation. On cruisers forum alone there are over 15k views and word is spreading fast. We all await the outcome of this meeting. Many people have decided to skip Boot Key until this is resolved. This lost revenue creates a ripple effect that also reaches far and beyond the harbor. Cruisers bring money, dispensable income that infuses the economy here in Marathon. These businesses also have an interest in the outcome of this meeting.
      I understand after talking with you, several of these citations were warranted. Many times the one ticket written was the least of the many infractions the individual could have gotten. Other times the citations have been odd, if not just plain bizarre. Writing tickets for things nobody has ever heard of, again, “Just because they can”. Capt Dupree, what we want is consistent interactions and for you to pass this message to your officers in the field. We are not going to live in fear, we will not put up with heavy handed officers, and we WILL call into question at the highest levels, the necessity of actions such as nightly spotlighting and shining into my 8 year old daughters bedroom window. How many nights in a row do you have to “check my registration”? Capt Dupree we welcome the dialogue and the help in returning Boot Key Harbor to the way it was before Thanksgiving. Respect is not something that comes with a gun and a badge, fear does not earn it and it is not blindly given. When it is not given to us we question that authority, so tonight lets try and repair what has been damaged and show each other mutual respect.. Thank you. *

      What was the reason for the heavy handed and (in my view) illegal police activity?
      Captain Mike Wright

      Captain Wright wrote, `What was the reason for the heavy handed and (in my view) illegal police activity?’
      Captain Wright,
      1. What was the answer you received from FWC?
      2. What do you expect to change as a result of the meeting?
      Thanks
      Jim

      My good friend Walt Avery has retired from his career as a marine biologist working in Tampa Bay on seagrass restoration to live aboard his lovingly restores Pearson 39. He is a waterman with as good a knowledge of the rules and regulations as any one I know but he is now fighting a jack-booted FWC in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor.
      He relates the story of a family with children rousted in the middle of the night for inspection.

      I don’t know how aware you or those in the Marine Industries Association are of what is going on but he reports that FWC is running off law abiding yachtsmen with enforcement of obscure regulations (like needing a 12-volt system on your dingy to maintain a yellow over white light over the long winter night.)
      Law abiding yachtsmen are facing criminal prosecution for bizarre laws.
      The restaurants are losing customers who don’t want to get caught taking their dingies back to their boats after dark without full lighting, not just a motoring light.
      Boot Key Harbor, which generally has a waiting list this time of year has a 20% vacancy due to FWC tactics including late night inspections and demands that out of state yachtsmen from states that don’t require registration of documented vessels must now register their boats in Florida if they stay longer than 60 days. Think of having to pay sales tax on your yacht’s value if you want to come and spend money in Florida.
      I want to spread the word. Our marinas could be next.
      Merry Christmas,
      Kevin

      Actions speak louder than words. Hopefully, the meeting will help the situation. But don’t get your hopes up. This has been going on for decades in Boot Key Harbor. I was there in 1988, when they did a joint operation with the Florida Marine Patrol, Monroe County Sheriffs, Customs and immigration, and the FWC.They sealed the harbor on both ends,and using a bullhorn, ordered everyone to return to their boats and standby for boarding. They then spent the entire day boarding boats and writing frivolous citations. I believe Capt Dipre is the same guy who was some kind of spokesman for the FWC at the time. He went on the local radio station and basically said they planned to keep on doing it. Boot key Harbor has been the subject of harassment for decades, with occasional periods of relative calm, followed by more harassment.
      Also see the Sept 2007 issue of southwinds, and scroll down to the `letters’, where this then `officer’ Dipre is mentioned, regarding another raid. It appears he is probably behind most of the harassment, but seems to be softening his image a bit at the recent meeting.
      http://www.southwindssailing.com/pdfs-issues/southwindsseptember2007.pdf
      This Dipre guy has been defending his cops for the past 25 years, with any relief being short lived!
      Scott Kuhnen

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor City Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boot Key Harbor City Marina

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    • IMPORTANT – More on Marker/Charting Confusion and Increased Shoaling on AICW’s Passage Through Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound (St. M. 690), 8/10/12


      OK, ALL AICW cruisers bound through southern Georgia within the next six months (at least), LISTEN UP! It appears we have a serious problem on the AICW’s passage through often ROUGH St. Andrew Sound, south of Jekyll Creek/Island. The data detailed below was sent to the Cruisers’ Net by way of fellow cruising guide author, Captain John Kettlewell.
      Captain John, a good and long-time friend of yours truly, and I have been in close touch about this St. Andrew Sound situation, and compared notes. Unfortunately, neither of us has had occasion to research this portion of the Waterway for a good two years, so WE COULD REALLY USE SOME LATE BREAKING INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY CONCERNING THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION! If you have cruised the St. Andrew Sound section of the AICW within the last 4 months, PLEASE e-mail me directly at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
      With that being said, it appears to both John and myself, that the charted shoal north and northeast of marker #32, may well have built out almost to the northern edge of this aid to navigation. Thus, if any vessel attempts to pass #32 to its northern or eastern sides, that sad sound of keel meeting sand (or mud), will be the result.
      As Captain John notes below, the marker numbering scheme, and the placement of the infamous (and ofter incorrect) magenta line in these waters is truly bizarre. John suggests, with good reason, that #32 might now be an inlet marker, and should be passed to its safe, southern side when cruising east to west through St. Andrew Sound Inlet. I agree with John that this seem plausible, BUT, conversely, the numbering suggests #32 is in fact an AICW marker.
      Our collective best advice at this point, is to be SURE to pass #32 to its western and southwestern flanks, without straying too far from this aid to navigation. Under no circumstances should you attempt to pass #32 to its northerly side. Ignore strangely placed marker #31A. From #32, southbound AICW craft should point to eventually come abeam of marker #33 well to its western side. Note that it’s a long gap between #32 and #33!
      OK, AGAIN, we need to more input on this situation. PLEASE let us hear from you! The SSECN is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!

      Update as of 12/2013

      We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
      Jonathan Gorham
      M/V Top Cat

      Earlier Contributions:

      I came through traveling north on 10/13/2013 at mid-tide following the Magenta Line as usual. No problem. Saw 60′ between Stm 690 and R32 dropping to 16′ just past R32.
      James H. Newsome
      Contributing Writer ‘“ Southwinds Magazine
      s/v Roma ‘“ Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze

      Well, we know that r32 is off station. It is actually north east of the charted position and located on the edge of the shoal that goes bare at mllw; so any vessel with 5’ or more draft can be in trouble. It’s a money maker for Sea Tow.
      The troubling issue is why the course line is drawn incorrectly to the west of that buoy but actually provides a guide thru safe water? Did NOAA know it’s off station and just drew the line incorrectly to give us a hint? Interestingly, if you look at a chart that’s about 10 years old ; you will see the course line is drawn on the correct side!. When a person is piloting the sound for the first time; what should they believe; the buoy or the course line? That could be an interesting debate between husband and wife and/or Captain and owner! I didn’t see any notices to mariners about the buoys location.
      Pete

      Here is what I am guessing, but do not know without some further research. The R32 may now be positioned as a red-on-right marker for those returning from the ocean via the inlet, therefore they want you to leave it to starboard when inbound from the ocean, but in reality you need to leave it to port when headed south on the ICW. This would mean in addition to its red color it should have a fluorescent yellow square on it indicating that it is considered a port-side beacon for the ICW (when southbound). Though according to the most current Light List, those markings are not the case so I may be wrong in this guess. Or, you could be right in that the buoy is simply off station. I will try to find out more and get back to you.
      John Kettlewell

      Claiborne:
      Take a look at the following messages with regard to R32 in St. Andrew’s Sound. For some reason the magenta line on the chart is on the wrong side of the buoy and has been for years, but this fellow says that now the R32 is on the edge of the shoal to the NE and if for some reason you do leave it to starboard when southbound it will put you aground. Do you have any information on the area you can share?
      John Kettlewell

      And, as usual, the cruising community is responding by sharing useful information! There just aren’t any better folk than cruisers!

      Between 2009 and 2011, my wife and I made 4 transits of the sound on our sailboat, which draws 5 ft.. Our last was north bound to NJ in late March 2011. We were traveling with another boat and followed him through. We both treated Red “32” as an AICW bouy and passed close to port, because of the narrow channel. I always monitor closelly my nav instruments and and don’t rememmber the exact depth, but I am sure it was double digits. Everything seemed routine and no different than previous transits. Red ” 32 ” appeared to be in its usual position. As far as the magenta line is concerned, it is not unusual to see it out of place.
      I would add that the sound and behind Jeckel Island are some of the more challenging parts of the waterway and have my respect and full concentration. I remember the crossing well, because the wind was from the SE and blowing around 18 to 20kn kicking up quite a sea. I felt like I was in a washing machine.
      John and Honey Funston
      Hielan’ Lass II

      All Sailors
      We passed thru this area July 23 2012 bound for our home port of St Augustine. Our observations were :
      First , R32 was east and somewhat north of our chartplotter position
      Second , It was half flood tide and depth sounder showed 6 feet on that side ( we left it to starboard per ICW southbound )
      Third , G31A was nowhere in sight
      We have had several nasty storms along this coast in June ( Berrell ) and in July ( Debbie ) and others without names.
      Notices have been posted to be watchful for missing marks, etc.
      Our sailboat,Santana, draws 3 feet 8 inches which is becoming desireable around here Safe sailing to all.
      Captains Matt and Margaret
      PS On the same trip, we encountered 2 , yes 2, funnel clouds in the St Simons/ Brunswick inlet on July 19 and turned around and went back out to sea. They were not forecast!

      We passed St.Andrew Sound red 32 northbound in April this year and kept it close to port as we made the turn. We draw 5 feet and depths were not a problem. The breakers to the northeast were very obvious, very visible. The mark may have shifted since then as there have been two TS’s that have blown through this area in late spring/early summer.
      Steve and Sheila Kamp
      S/V Carolina

      We transited this area last spring and twice last year. We always pass on the southwest side of R32 approximately where the magenta line shows on your chart. We have been skeptical of the channel between G31 and R32 for a years.
      Walter and Ellen Solomons
      M/V Rachel

      In January of this year (2012) we were headed south and kept R32 on the Starboard side, on our return trip in April we kept it to port. We draw 5 feet and had no problem. We did stay close to the mark both times. We do not have a chart plotter, and had a 10 + year old chartbook so gave no thought of passing R32 on the `wrong side.’ If I remember correctly, it does have an ICW yellow triangle on it.
      John and Georgie Jackson

      Passed through here the 6th of May and did pass to the West side of `32’³ as I always do having a draft of 3′. I do this as it allows for a more gradual turn and I never see less than 10′ and this is not overly close to the mark. Has anyone reached out to the local towing services or the USCG for their input???
      Donovan (EOS, TC-44)

      Jim Reed's tracks

      We passed this area on 4/16 going north and got very confused and concerned about the water depth. About 6 ft. I believe we took R32 port side on the way back whereas we might have cut it going south. I have my fairly detailed track files for the trips if they are desirable but they do not show the depths recorded.
      Jim Reed

      We transit this route several times a year. Last transit was June of this year heading north to Brunswick. We have a full keel 6ft draft sailing vessel and usually time our passage close to high tide due to transiting Jekyll Creek. We always pass R32 on the east side of the buoy as the CG stated (the Magenta Line is incorrect in the turn). It is a tight turn and particular attention should be paid to the alignment of G 31A and G 31 as you round R 32 keeping it to port (heading north). It is a little unnerving due to the quick depth change (deep to shallow) but there was at least 15 ft of water at high tide in June. Pretty much the same for the past 3 years. Hope this helps.
      Capt. Jesse Price s/v Wind Dust

      December 18, 2013. Note the Local Advice!
      Passed 32 today. Steered a course from 31 to 32 heading south and passed about 100 ft on the wrong side of 32. Minimum depth at 32 was 15.8 ft. With tide at 6.1 ft over mlw. Locals at marina also advised passing on the wrong side.
      Terry, Orient Moon

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    • A GOOD Idea – Why Not Let ARGUS Define the “New” Magenta Line

      As reported earlier on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, as well as many other nautical web sites and forums, the NOAA charting folks have decided to discontinue the “magenta” fairway line, which was supposed to indicate the best depths while navigating the AICW, and many other USA Waterways. There was some discussion about this decision coming about due to budgetary considerations, but all of us at the SSECN collectively feel the real reason was that, far too often, the magenta line simply did NOT properly indicate where the best depths were to be found. NOAA no longer, if they ever did, has the resources to adequately survey the Waterways to find out where the channels have wandered to lately.
      Then, we received an e-mail and subsequent telephone call from ARGUS founder, John Hersey of Survice Engineering, with what sounds to us like a really GOOD idea. The ARGUS project is already gathering millions of soundings on the AICW and other coastal waters. Why not let the ARGUS data determine where the magenta line really SHOULD be placed on the appropriate NOAA charts?
      Wow, talk about an improvement. Instead of having the magenta line’s position based on surveys (sometimes) from the 1930’s, now its position would be determined by the millions of soundings undertaken by ARGUS cooperating research craft. And, this sounding data is about as timely as you can get!
      John informed us that his company is taking a look at proposing this idea to NOAA, the USCG and the US Army Corps of Engineers.. However, with the current budget climate in Washington, Survice Engineering is not optimistic that the effort would be funded, even though the cost would be a small fraction of a complete Federal resurvey. But wait, there may be an intriguing alternative.
      Captain John made us aware of a program we had never heard of before, known as “Kickstarter” (http://www.kickstarter.com). Quite simply, Kickstarter proposes what seem to be worthy projects to the public at large, and solicits small donations from private individuals. If enough people contribute to a “kickstarter” project, then this seed money may very well bring worthwhile efforts to fruition, that would otherwise have just lain dormant forever. If there is not enough interest, and a project does not receive enough financial pledges of support, no-one has lost anything, and the project is simply cancelled, and any pledges that were received are cancelled and never collected. An interesting concept, and a very interesting idea, all rolled together in one!
      Would you be willing to make a small contribution to Kickstarter to have an ACCURATE magenta line appear on NOAA charts? What do you think of this entire concept? Good idea, bad idea, or just don’t know.
      THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM AS MANY MEMBERS OF THE CRUISING COMMUNITY ABOUT THIS CONCEPT AS POSSIBLE. We will then pass along your “words to wisdom” to both ARGUS and Kickstarter. Please send your thoughts to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.
      We look forward to hearing from you!

      Magenta line, misplaced or just plain missing has one thing ARGUS doesn’t ‘” `sovereign immunity.’ NOAA cannot be sued. Without this protection, ARGUS could be playing `you bet your company.’
      What about chart plotting software companies? They simply convey government charting and geodesy products in a `pass through’ and are very careful to keep their value added layers away from the C&G data. In ARGUS’ case they would be the C&G data provider.
      Explorer charts and a few others may have a liability protection model worth looking at, but until that aspect of this idea is nailed down, I’d say it’s a bit early to fund it.
      Chris and Janet

      Using ARGUS in lieu of the magenta line is a great idea. It enables a skipper to just follow the route that others took.
      No one should mis-interpret the meaning of ARGUS data. It is a rendition of `I took this route, and this is what I found.’ It does not absolve a mariner of the responsibility to navigate in a safe manner.
      Already ARGUS data includes soundings for many places where there never was a magenta line, and other places where prudent skippers deviated from the recommended route. Using ARGUS data points is just a natural extension of this existing program.
      Richard Ross MV Chez Nous

      Generally a bad idea. The magenta line was never intended to indicate the `best depths’. Instead it was intended to indicate to direction of the ICW at crossings, forks, and so on. The folks who insist otherwise and then complain are the reason that NOAA is dropping the line.
      Gene Fuller

      I agree about the liability issue but think this is worthwhile. In the meantime we are building a shallow draft boat.
      Dawn Moore

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    • Bikini Basin Anchorage Recommended, Cape Coral, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 142


      Harney Point - Click for Chartview

      Well, thanks to Captain Jeff Moore, we may have just uncovered a real Western Florida “anchorage find” near the city of Fort Myers, and on the Caloosahatchee River’s shoreline. Bikini Basin is not named on most charts, but it is located south and west of Cape Coral fixed bridge and almost due west of Okeechobee marker #70.
      Based on Captain Moore’s comments below, this is not the most navigationally simple anchorage on the Western Florida coastline, but it sounds like it may be one of the most secure! If anyone else has anchored on these waters, PLEASE let us hear from you. Use the “Click Here to Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send e-mail directly to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.

      A great anchorage in Cape Coral, Florida is in Bikini Basin, inside Harney Point and a few yards down river from marker 70 in the OWW. Unlike Bimini Basin there is no power line guarding the entrance to the anchorage. There is only room for a few boats (3 or 4 at most) but since it appears on no lists of anchorages there is rarely anyone there. I live on Bikini Basin and regularly take my Westsail 42, OSPREY, 5’8’³ draft, in and out at mid-tide rising. The holding is sand and mud. Wind protection is 360 deg.
      Enter the rim canal to the north between mkrs. 1 and 2 a few hundred yards down-river from OWW mkr 70. When the channel forks, take the right fork and hug the green side until you are at Harney point. From there on split the reds and greens until you are abeam the first channel to port and head to port, into the channel. Anchor in the middle. There is no place to dinghy to shore as the basin is surrounded by private property. I have anchored there hundreds of times, waiting for the tide to rise enough to get over the sand bar at the entrance to my slip at the end of the basin. BTW, if coming down-river from Ft. Myers, Don’t be seduced by the first channel to stbd., that parallels the Cape Coral Bridge on the down-river side. It’s 3 ft. deep at MLW.
      Jeff Moore

      After further thought, I would replace the mid-tide rising comment with “1.0 ft. above MLW with a 5’8″ draft, when wind is not a factor.” A strong wind with any north or west in it drains the basin significantly.
      Jeff

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harney Point

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    • “The Cone of iPhone Shame”

      Ok, admittedly, this has very little to do with cruising, but I couldn’t resist. I just swiped this image, posted by fellow nautical writer, Mark Doyle, off the St. Augustine Cruisers’ Net (https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/). It brought on a serious chuckle from this fellow. May it have the same effect for you!

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    • Hearty Endorsement of Carolina Yacht Care (Southport, NC – Statute Mile 309)

      Carolina Yacht Care Wow, what a great endorsement of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, based in Southport, NC! If you are anywhere near Southport, and you need yacht services, NOW YOU KNOW WHO TO CALL!!!!

      While transiting to Miami from the Chesapeake on MV The Gator, my Outer Reef 65, I had the good fortune to stop in at Southport, NC. Southport is a quaint, friendly town with excellent marina facilities. We stayed at Southport Marina. While there we needed a ride to a laundry facility and were referred by marina staff to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) who, in addition to other services, runs a shuttle from area marinas. The shuttle is on demand and inexpensive and we used it several times.
      During our shuttle runs we learned that cYc provides a host of services for transient boaters. One of those services is monitoring boats when owners are unavailable. So, when weather interrupted our plans to continue south and with Thanksgiving drawing close, I left The Gator in their hands for 10 days over the holiday, during which time they monitored the boat daily, made adjustments and kept me informed of her status. We were in touch almost daily and I had the sense that they were looking after The Gator as if she were their own.
      As happens, the delay also impacted my crews’ availability and I found myself without crew to finish the trip. I called Hank and asked if cYc might be able to provide crew. While this was not an advertised service, Hank adjusted his schedule and crewed for me himself. His competency and professionalism underway during the four day transit were typical of the same levels of service he applies to the other aspects of his business. I suspect his 30 plus years in the Navy and experience as a cruising sailor contribute a great deal to his expertise, level of detail and professionalism.
      It is rare when you can truly find a single business dedicated to every need of the transient community and with a singular focus on customer service.
      In short, I would strongly endorse Hank and his crew at Carolina Yacht Care to any transient boater needing services in the Southport, NC area.
      Jim Hammel
      Owner/Captain, The Gator
      Outer reef 65

      As the Marina Manager at South Harbour Marina in Southport I also heartily endorse Hank @ Carolina Yacht Care. Our laundry is right at the end of the dock but we have also used Hank for his shuttle and other services. He is dependable, professional, and his extra customer service efforts certainly makes my marina look good too! He can be trusted to give my customers good value.
      Bill Gregory

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina

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    • Watch for Crab Pot Buoys South of St. Augustine, AICW Statute Mile 778

      St. Augustine - Click for Chartview

      While Captain Lee doesn’t specify a particular stretch of the Waterway, his admonition to keep a sharp lookout for crab pot buoys is a good one to heed, as all you cruisers from the Chesapeake will verify! From St. Augustine Cruisers Net, https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/
      Just a reminder to anyone cruising south of St Augustine on the ICW. The locals have been putting crab pots out in the channel. Be careful you don’t foul a prop.
      Stan Lee

      Call FWC and have them removed. Pots in the marked channel are illegal state wide.
      Dave Bell

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine

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    • Praise for ARGUS and Its Use

      Captain Reeves comments are in response to earlier postings on shoaling waters, such as Little Mud River: /?p=128659, and many other such reports. ARGUS is a great tool in those areas already documented to be shoaling, as well as those where a captain might suspect a shift in the channel.

      If the prudent navigator compares the new ARGUS soundings on all problem areas, there is a clear path to take and it is not the red line. I like the ARGUS soundings, because I can zoom in and see the depths and where they are. I don’t cruise the world now days, but I do enjoy the ICW on the Georgia Coast and it is nice to have accurate information and lots of different views.
      I do hope cruisers can continue to enjoy the ICW by using the excellent resources here and pay attention to their charts, depth sounders and common sense.
      Sonny Reeves, Jekyll Island

      As a long time fan of Argus, we have had the system installed on Beach House for the last year as we cruise. We are happy to contribute to the database and find this an invaluable tool for boaters. Thanks for making the information available on Cruiser’s Net.
      Chuck and Susan, Trawler beach House

      ARGUS Readings through Little Mud River - Click for Chartview

      On any SSECN chartview, simply click the ARGUS box at the top of the screen to bring up the ARGUS symbols.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • “Best” Margarita in St. Augustine

      Hurricane Patty's Bloody Mary (Yummmmmm!)

      For everyone who is a fan of Margaritas, not to mention other “adult beverages,”there is a really good discussion about the “best” spots on the St. Augustine Cruisers Net Facebook page at:

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/permalink/557441387677638/

      Sounds like I (and everyone else) needs to check out “Hurricane Patty’s”! Did a bit of research, and discovered this contact info:

      Hurricane Patty’s
      69 Lewis Blvd
      Saint Augustine FL 32084 US
      904-827-1822
      hurricanepattys@gmail.com
      http://www.hurricanepattys.net/home.html

      Once I looked at the map on Hurricane Patty’s web site, I realized this is the restaurant/bar/really fun dining attraction that’s located on the grounds of River’s Edge Marina (see /oyster-creek-marina/). This facility and restaurant are located on the western side of the San Sebastian River. That means that those docked at the city marina, or in the city sponsored mooring fields, will have to walk a good six or seven blocks to reach Hurricane Patty’s, but after reading the discussion on the St. Aug. Cruisers’ Net, the effort sounds more than justified!!!

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    • Caution Needed if Anchoring in Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 685

      Jeykyll Harbor Marina... a Cool Place to Beat the Heat

      Jekyll Creek ICW Marker #24 - Click for Chartview

      The shallow waters north and west of marker #24 are not, AND NEVER WILL BE, an SSECN recommended anchorage, but as Captain Reeves observes and documents, they are getting a lot of use. Given the narrow, constantly shifting channel that barges must navigate in Jekyll Creek, cruisers choosing to anchor north of marker #24 will be wise to put out a short scope and to stay well west of marker #24. Our thanks to Captain Reeves, from Jekyll Harbor Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST SPONSOR! – for pointing out this potential hazard.
      The Anchorage at Red 24 south of Jekyll Harbor Marina is getting a lot of use this season. My concern is when boats anchor to the east of the marker R24 and are in the ICW. You know we have a lot of BIG barge traffic on this part of the ICW. I am attaching pictures from last night that show a boat anchored in the ICW east of the marker. One boat did not have an anchor light. We had a boat hit 2 years ago by a barge, just the corner! The owner was saved but lost his boat. He was anchored near the public dock east of R24.
      Cruisers are welcome to anchor and visit the Marina in their dingy for shore access or to use the public dock. Of course they are always welcome at the Marina. Call Tow Boat US or the Marina for local knowledge.
      Stop by and visit with us we will be in The Office.
      Sonny Reeves

      Anchored Vessels South of Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina

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    • Albin Rendezvous at Twin Dolphin Marina, off Tampa Bay on the Manatee River

      Twin Dolphin Marina, 1000 1st Ave. West, Bradenton, Florida 34205-7852, 941.747.8300 - fax 941.745.2831, e-mail: harbormaster@twindolphinmarina.com

      Twin Dolphin Marina - Click for Chartview

      Twin Dolphin Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge. In addition to the many recent positive reviews (see /?p=128780), Twin Dolphin Marina will be host to the 2014 Albin Owners Rendezvous.

      The 2014 Albin Owners Group rendezvous will be held April 1 to 4 at the Twin Dolphins Marina in Bradenton, Florida. All Albin owners and enthusiasts are welcome. Contact Joe Milbauer at mrjoelinda@aol.com or 239.652.1101.

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Twin Dolphin Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Twin Dolphin Marina

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    • Potential Problems With Florida Fish and Wildlife Service Patrols (FWC) in Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor

      On 12/9/13, it was brought to the attention of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net that there was/is a lengthy thread of messages on the Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-11.html) about what has been described as “heavy handed tactics” on the part of the FWC (formerly the Florida Marine Patrol) regarding boats anchored, and on the city provided mooring balls, in Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor. This lengthy chain of messages was begun by this article, posted by a local cruiser and employee of the Marathon City Marina, located in Boot Key Harbor:

      Every night for the past two weeks the boaters in Boot Key Harbor have been harassed by the FWC. I understand they need to do their job, however if the following is “doing their job” then I don’t even recognize the place I grew up.
      Shining lights in boat windows at 10:30PM, boarding boats when people are fast asleep. This is my home and my daughters bed is right by the window, what right do they have to shine lights in my house waking us up when not investigating anything, it’s become a nightly occurrence.
      Tonight they tried to tell a group of us on land to leave the area at the city marina. We stood fast and refused to leave since we were in no way interfering with their duties and we paid to be there. Dictating our actions on land when not on the water seems a slight overstep. The boaters of Boot Key Harbor are being harassed by the FWC, they have written unwarranted tickets to people just arriving and boats are leaving because of it. They even forced someone to FL register their boat, the person actually got a refund from the tax collectors because the FWC was absolutely wrong. A boat that was here 19 days received a ticket for not being FL registered, 19 days in the state and they wrote a ticket. The best one I’ve heard was them tell a person they were giving them a warning for having wet life jackets, apparently wet life jackets don’t float
      I understand Marathon is a training ground for the FWC, but if this is the training they are receiving it scares me to think what’s coming. The boaters in Marathon are sick of it and ready to take a stand, we need an attorney to stop the midnight searches, blinding spotlights and floating checkpoints that harass law abiding boaters, we are not the enemy. If anyone can suggest someone in the local area, it would be very much appreciated.
      S/V Thin Red Line

      Unfortunately, after this original, very thoughtful message was published, there followed a long string of submissions about America becoming a police state of some sort. That is certainly not the editorial view of the SSECN, and most of these postings added nothing to a substantive discussion about problems with the FWC in Boot Key Harbor.
      Then, more recently, the “Thin Red Line” recorded the following note:

      First of all I have no problem with the USCG and their authority, this strictly has to do with the FWC in Marathon please try to stay on topic.
      I am sorry I haven’t had a whole lot of time to respond but I have been actively organizing several things including a presence at the Marathon city council meeting this Thursday at 5:30pm. We have contacted the mayor, Keynoter newspaper as well as other media outlets. The harassment has been of ALL boats in Boot Key, both anchored and moored. The city marina is aware but has no pull, the local sheriff also has his hands tied and can do nothing to call them off. The harbormaster attempted to arrange a meeting with a FWC representative and was denied.
      We are encouraging everyone to record any and all interactions with FWC via smartphone, camera etc. People are not enjoying this wonderful community, afraid to simply dinghy to shore, even legally. They are writing “warning” tickets to people for things that do not exist, things they couldn’t actually cite or write an actual ticket for. They hover around the dinghy dock and point to people that aren’t even operating a vessel and shout “come here”. The roaming of the harbor past 11pm while randomly spotlighting vessels, shining their lights in ports and boarding boats without owners is where I draw the line. My 8 year old daughters bed is right at our port window, what right do they have to wake me, or my family for no reason?
      The other night we had a potluck and they hovered around stopping any and all dinghies they could. Once as they were leaving the canal at WELL over idle speed (idle speed in all manmade canals is posted right there) we told them to slow down and they did only to tell us “Hey guys, catch ya later” while laughing and resuming their harassment.
      A few nights ago I called FWC dispatch to report a manatee in distress entangled in crab traps, I was told they were busy and the dispatcher did not even take all of my information. They did call back the next afternoon to find out more, however they were there later that night to harass boaters. I thought they were the Florida Fish & Wildlife? Yet they have no concern when I call for that exact thing? They were too busy writing a ticket for someone having “wet lifejackets” Yep that’s right wet life jackets.. Did you know according to FWC if your lifejackets are wet they won’t float..
      We need help, we need to show them we know the limit of their power and will not accept abuse. I am in a unique position because I am a city employee, however I am also a resident here in Boot Key, but first and foremost I’m a boater and this is my neighborhood too.
      S/V Thin Line

      Originally, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net did not know the results of the Marathon City Council meeting referred to above. However, after including a reference to this entire situation in our “SSECN Alert” of 12/13/13, Captains David O’Neil and Sue Kennedy remedied that situation, and the meeting results are MOST ENCOURAGING. In fact, it is now known that local government in Marathon is very much on the side of the cruising community.
      Before sharing this encouraging news, we need to bring two other very important messages to light, which originally appeared before the local meeting in Marathon:

      This is the response from the FWC. If more of us contact them it may have an effect!!!
      http://myfwc.com/contact/fwc-staff/report-misconduct/
      Dear Mr. and Mrs. Deranek:
      The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) received your email concerning FWC officers in Marathon, i.e. harassing boaters in Boot Key Harbor. We will look into the allegations and inform you of the outcome.
      Sincerely,
      Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
      Office of Inspector General
      620 S. Meridian Street
      Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
      (850)488-6068 (office)
      (850)488-6414 (FAX)

      And, also posted on 12/10/13, there is this tantalizing message!

      The fwc has agreed to a meeting at the marina on the evening of the 18th. We will all be there. Should be an interesting night. I believe that a great deal of the problem is new young officers. They wrote one guy a warning for not having an anchor light on his dingy that was tied to his anchored boat with a six foot line. (His sailboat did have an anchor light) It really has reached the point of supidity. We are paid up till the 2nd, thinking of leaing then and spend the rest of the season in Islamarada.
      Ready2GO

      As alluded to above, after our “Alert” of 12/13/13, within a few hours, we heard from Captain David O’Neil who provided a link to a later “Thin Line” message giving the results of the Marathon City Council meeting, while Captain Sue Kennedy sent us the entire text. The note below proves there can still be GOOD NEWS when it comes to Florida cruising, AND that Marathon local government is as concerned about this situation as those of us in the cruising community. Read on!

      The city council meeting went better than anyone could have imagined. The city manager brought the issue to the attention of everyone before I even had a chance to speak, the mayor and the city council are extremely troubled by the actions of the FWC. I spoke in front of the largest attended meeting in the history of the city of Marathon, our presence was obvious and kudos to everyone that rallied together. The mayor and the city council will be attending our meeting with FWC here at city marina on Dec 18th at 6pm, along with the city manager.
      The FWC Sgt that is representing the FWC at the meeting used to be an officer here in Marathon and still lives here. When he was here the other day we discussed several of the issues at hand and both sides of the story were presented to each other. While I agreed most of the tickets were valid, he also stated that it wasn’t the right way to go about things. “just because officers can do something, doesn’t mean they should” We discussed the fact that while many of the tickets written were law, several of them were ones nobody would ever write. For instance there is a law that states your dinghy, if not tied up beside your boat needs to have it’s own anchorlight. However who writes that ticket? A new officer trying to make an impression that’s who .
      The Sgt will be helping us understand what they are looking for, discussing the legality of their boardings and what they can and can’t do, as well as acting as a point of contact if we have any further problems. On that note, we have not seen and FWC boat in the harbor in 4 to 5 days, maybe someone received a memo? Boot Key is worth stopping, it’s a wonderful place full of families and a strong sense of community. My twochildren are both surrounded by otherkids and right now the harbor has well over 15 kids. The problem appears to be on the mend and things seem to be on their way back to normal.
      Thank you CF and all those that are supporting our cause. Fair winds..
      Thin Red Line

      Clearly, the meeting between local cruisers, Marathon government officials, and the FWC on 12/18/13 will be the key element in hopefully solving this situation once and for all. We will report the results of that conference just as soon as possible.
      In the meantime, THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET CONTINUES TO URGE ALL CRUISERS WHO HAVE HAD DIRECT EXPERIENCE, GOOD, BAD OR INDIFFERENT, WITH THE FWC IN BOOT KEY HARBOR TO LET US HEAR FROM YOU. And, please do NOT send us submissions about how the USA has become a “police state.” This is not useful input, and will not be published on the SSECN.
      HOWEVER, to be repetitive, we DO need to hear from every possible cruiser who has first hand experience with the FWC in Boot Key Harbor. PLEASE follow the “Click Here to Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send us e-mail at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com. Your fellow cruisers heading for the Florida Keys can’t wait to hear from you!

      And, below are some additional messages from the cruising community:

      Time to contact the chamber of commerce and let them know you will not be spending any money there.
      Ted

      I would love to hear all the facts from both sides on this issue. We were planning on visiting for a winter, but’¦..
      I hope the situation is not without repair. It would be nice to know all the facts and circumstances. I have been to Boot Key and the Keys many times without problem.
      Here is the harbor web cam http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/marina-webcam/
      Sonny Reeves

      Here is a link to the OP’s (Thin Line) update on the city council meeting and it’s results regarding the current situation in Boot Key Harbor.
      http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-13.html#post1413678
      David ONeill

      Claiborne,
      There are several different issues here, widely misunderstood, and jumbled together. That is not helpful to reasoned thought and discussion. It amazes me how little cruisers know about this topic and how willing many seem to be to give up their rights and their privacy ‘“ and mine ‘“ so easily.
      First, the legal authority of the USCG comes directly from the United States Congress. There is an excellent article on USCG boarding authority, published in the USCG Summer, 2009, issues of `Proceedings’ Magazine, page 29, here: http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/85792. Those that argue the extra-Constitutionality of USCG boardings would benefit from knowing that the same congress (1790) that gave us the 4th Amendment gave the predecessors of today’s Coast Guard the authority to board all vessels in US waters. That congress, I infer, UNDERSTOOD the meaning of the Constitution that they, themselves, had written. Note that other FEDERAL AGENCIES appear to have that same boarding authority, including the Navy and CBP. Now I grant you, in 1790, there weren’t many live-aboard long range cruisers. And probably none with innocent motives. Nevertheless, that USCG operates with full Congressional authority, and full governmental immunity, for better or for worse.
      Second, what is really at issue in Marathon is the LEGAL authority of state, municipal and `other,’ miscellaneous agencies; the USCG has no role in that discussion. I don’t know if boardings by these state and lesser agencies has been litigated anywhere, but assuming the stories about what’s going on in Marathon are true and correct, I’d guess that FWC is far in excess of US Constitutional authority. Some `federal’ authorities ‘“ USCG, CBP ‘“ may be exempt from the need to demonstrate probable cause, but state, county and local authorities most probably are not. It’s even possible that these agents are operating within their state’s adopted statutory authority, but if that’s so, the adopting state legislature would be unconstitutionally exceeding their authority. This is the same issue cruisers face in the Lower Hudson Valley with 30 +/- local police agencies all doing boardings. And we all remember the armed boarding done by the Volusia County, Florida, sheriff’s department. That got swept under the rug, but it was certainly excessive under the guise of a safety or MSD inspection, and it happened because these agencies operate beyond their authority in the first place.
      From our position as cruisers, the only way this can be stopped is for someone to litigate it through the courts, as Dave Dumas did in the Marco Island anchoring debacle. Until a judge issues a restraining order, jurisdictions and rogue officers can operate any way they wish. That appears to be what FWC is doing in Marathon, or at least, allowing a rogue officer to do. Until a judge issues a restraining order, the only tool we have as cruisers is public opinion and economic withdrawal.
      One last thing. Let me emphasize, I am NOT lobbying for people being allowed to pump overboard or for ignoring unsafe operation. But, I also do not approve of the excessive and inappropriate use of police power by states, counties, municipalities and agencies. There is NEVER a reason for `boating safety inspections’ to take place after dark, and certainly not when people might reasonably be asleep aboard!
      Thank you.
      Jim Healy

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    • More on Peck Lake Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 992

      The Peck Lake Anchorage immediately off the AICW’s path, south of the Waterway’s intersection with the St. Lucie Inlet, on the easterly waters of Peck Lake, east-southeast of marker #19. Our thanks to Captains Healy and Horowitz for these reports.

      As of 11/14/2013, Peck Lake is ABSOLUTELY UNUSABLE by pleasure craft for anchorage. There is dredging equipment on station in Peck Lake, apparently related to dredging at the St. Lucie Inlet. The construction company has placed a network of stakes completely throughout Peck Lake, making it unusable by anything other than kayaks and canoes. It seems completely unnecessary to confiscate all that space, but they did it.
      Jim Healy

      We passed Peck Lake SM 992 this morning, 17 Nov., and it appears that this is no longer a viable anchorage. Secured just east of the main ICW channel, we observed one tug, two barges, a dredge or pump barge, a dormitory barge, a floating, lighted pipeline extending from the dredge to the shore, and the lagoon populated with many white stakes. There were no other vessels there. This might be a staging area for the dredging of St. Lucie inlet.
      Mike Horowitz
      ALTAIR

      12/9/2013 Claiborne,
      I am attaching a note from s/v Calypso, Captain Jeff and Admirable Wendy. There has been a lot of discussion about available anchorage in Peck Lake, FL, and some say you could “maybe” anchor 2 or 3 boats north of the huge barge, Capt. Jeff says he would not recommend it to any of us. For what it’s worth….
      Judy and Dick

      Most of the lake has PVC stakes which make it look like it has been surveyed. There is also a large floating pipeline from the barge to shore. From what it looks like they are bringing in barges full of muck for St. Lucie Inlet and then pumping it shore side. Maybe beach re-nourishment?
      Stay warm,
      Jeff & Wendy

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Peck Lake Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Peck Lake Anchorage

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    • Oriental Merchant Requests Your Aid, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

      Click Charlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Oriental

      The owners of Inland Waterway Treasure Company in Oriental are seeking to determine the location of a vessel that until recently was anchored in Oriental Harbor and subsequently was towed to Morehead City. The red sailing vessel, PrimaDonna (see link below for photo), has since left the Morehead City area and its whereabouts are unknown. If you can assist in locating this vessel, do not contact SSECN, but please contact Pat or Laurie Stockwell directly at 252-249-1797 or IWPC@dockline.net.

      Claiborne,
      Good morning! It’s Paul Fairbank, The Boonedocks, Oriental.
      I don’t know if you have heard of the problems here with a French boat, Primadonna. The owners left this eyesore at anchor in our town harbor for over a year, managed to swindle a local do-gooder out of nearly $3000 and left to avoid a small claims judgment.
      The search is on for Primadonna.!!
      The full story from Towndock at http://towndock.net/news/have-you-seen-primadonna
      Perhaps your readers could help. It might even save them some grief.
      Thanks,
      Paul Fairbank
      The Boonedocks
      Sent by PAUL FAIRBANK
      From “Paul’s Bunker,” at VILLAGE HARDWARE & MARINE SUPPLY
      DO IT BEST No. 3444
      ORIENTAL, NC 28571
      (252) 249-1211

      There may be two sides to this story but the articles are fairly clear. I do hope they can resolve the issue. Another reminder to not co-sign checks or loan money.
      Sonny

      Please let me know when you have the fund raising for Pat. I will be sending money. A person as nice as Pat should never have this happen to him. I am proud to call him friend.
      Vicki Willis

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    • Moored Vessels in Seaplane Basin to be Evicted, Hillsborough Bay/Tampa Bay


      Seaplane Basin - Click for Chartview

      The protected harbor known as Seaplane Basin lies just south of the city of Tampa, on the northern part of Hillsborough Bay. The issue of poorly managed moored vessels there has been festering for years. Some of the boats are in good shape, others in poor condition, and a few completely abandoned. Some of the moored vessels are blocking the seaplane corridor of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. The City of Tampa plans a new mooring field adjacent to the corridor.
      Seaplane Harbor is also home to the Davis Island Yacht club.

      For the full story see: http://www.news-press.com/viewart/20131206/NEWS01/312060023/State-News–Tampa-evicting-boats-in-seaplane-basin?source=nletter-news

      I am trying to muster sympathy for the poor yachtsman [in linked story] who feels so hard done by in being evicted from his squatter site in a seaplane landing area, but seriously’¦ If he can’t park a house trailer beside the north-south runway at TPA, and call it home, it would seem likewise inappropriate for him to expect to be allowed to obstruct a seaplane base. Time to think a new thought, Red!
      Mimi

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Seaplane Basin

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Davis Island Yacht Club

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    • Good Depths found in Ponce de Leon Inlet, near AICW Statute Miles 843 and 839

      Click for Chartview

      Dredging was completed on the Ponce de Leon Inlet Channel in June of this year and, from Captain Ted’s report, the channel appears to be holding, but shoaling is always an issue here. Ponce Inlet (as it is known to all the locals) intersects the Waterway at Statute Mile 839.5, with a second southerly intersection near St. M. 843.

      Passed thru the Ponce de Leon Cut today. Stayed mid channel and saw least depths in the mid teens 1 hour before hi tide.
      Ted

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ponce Inlet

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    • A Frank Discussion of the Pros and Cons of Florida’s New Mooring Fields

      Now, here we have a LIVELY discussion about the pros and cons (in this case, mostly “cons”) of mooring fields in Florida. It is only fair to note that other strings of messages here on the SSECN, and in other forums, have expressed good opinions of the Florida mooring fields.
      Clearly, this is an issue that arouses passions within the cruising community, no matter on which side of the issue you fall.
      WE ENCOURAGE SSECN READERS TO EXPRESS THEIR POINT OF VIEW ON THIS TIMELY TOPIC. Please follow the “Click Here to Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send e-mail to EditorialDirector@CruisersNet.net.
      Let the discussion begin!

      I would like to start a conversation and try to force some changes. I have two problems I have noticed with Florida mooring fields. One is they seem to be placing the boundary marks for the field in a much larger area than they need to, making good anchoring space unusable. The two I have noticed this at are St Augustine and Titusville. The other issue is some are charging the same rate for a mooring as they are for just dinghy dockage. Examples being Marathon and Vero Beach. I don’t think we should have to pay the same fee for less services. If you are anchored that is one more mooring open for them to rent therefore the price should reflect that. They have a lot of money invested in those mooring and the price should be less if you are not using one. They are either undercharging mooring customers or overcharging anchored customers. I hope I am not just ranting and others agree with me. Any comments would be good, and I would like if anyone has any ideas of how to change this. With Florida’s past issues with anchoring I hope this is not a way for them restrict our anchoring. This net seems to get things out there and get people motivated. You do A great service to the cruising community and I thank you.
      Mike ODonnell SV Bay Tripper

      For both Marathon & Vero Beach, anchoring is either limited or not permitted. What those prices tell me is they REALLY want you to take a mooring. If you don’t like it, don’t stop there.
      Tom

      Thanks for the comment. I have gone by and not stopped in the past because of the mooring field, until I found there is still lots of good anchoring room. Vero Beach tried to outlaw anchoring but the court took that down. The mooring field is regularly full and you need to raft three boats together which doesn’t work for me with two young kids. I don’t think anyone wants to pay for a mooring and have a baby in the boat next to them wake them 5 times during the night. I anchored in vero for at least two weeks last year while provisioning for the winter. The marina told me we were not welcome there unless we rent a mooring whether we used the mooring or not. But there are a few other places to tye a dingy in the area so its still a good stop. I was willing to pay them $10 per day for just dingy dockage and no mooring, but they would not do anything less than the full rate. So they got no money from me instead. They could have made a few hundred dollars more and rented the mooring I was not using. There loss not mine.
      Mike

      I’ll just plan my future trips in Florida so that I don’t have to stop at any place with one of these crappy mooring fields.
      Until all the places in Florida who don’t want tourist money are gone, it’s easy to just avoid these places. Every decision in Florida government (I used to live there) is made with a calculator. We just need to make sure the places who make these decisions regret it when they add the numbers up in a few years.
      R. Holiman

      Another complaint I have is the requirement in the Key West mooring field to put one months deposit down. I only had a debit card so they took 600 and change to move in and once I left it took over 2 weeks for the money to be returned. The facilities were decent enough though.
      Dave C

      I have no problem paying the mooring fee for Vero, Fernandina and St. Augustine, but it would really help if these areas were also designated as no wake zones covering the entire limits of the mooring field and not just the marina. Sitting on a mooring in St. Augustine only to be waked by passing powerboats including those belonging to Homeland Security really grates me.
      Bob

      To me it’s simple. Anchoring is a cruising skill that I like to use and perfect, just like many others. It is an enjoyable part of cruising that is an important part of the experience to me. So, I go where I can anchor, and I don’t go where I am forced to take a mooring or else the moorings and dockage so restrict the anchoring area as to make it undesirable or unsafe. My money is spent where I can anchor out. Taking away my ability to anchor is like telling me I am not allowed to raise sails on my sailboat because the powers that be want me to purchase diesel fuel. Plus, money I am forced to spend on a mooring is also money that is not available to be spent by me in local restaurants and shops, and it shortens my stay in a town. In most cases, mooring fields are all about the money, despite the insane justifications made for them with regard to derelict boats, etc. I have personally managed to anchor just outside of the vast Marathon mooring field during the summer season when the moorings were doing the city no good as they were empty growing barnacles. They were simply blocking the harbor anchorage area, meaning those of us who want to anchor were only staying for a short time and then heading elsewhere.
      John Kettlewell

      By the way, as a follow up to my comments above, it should be noted that most of these mooring fields end up being big money losers for the communities that put them in. Most of the Florida fields are paid for by the taxpayers, and then the collected fees almost never cover expenses so the taxpayers end up paying again. Even the giant field at Marathon has only been kept afloat through the injection of hundreds of thousands of dollars from local taxpayers. Maintenance is therefore often neglected or postponed, and I know of several cases of moorings being declared unsafe in Florida. However, there is no standard of inspection required’“you are depending for the safety of your boat on the skill, vigilance, and budget of municipal employees, often hired at low wages. I have personally observed unsafe practices being utilized in the construction of some mooring components in a major field’“I wouldn’t trust my boat to such practices.
      John Kettlewell

      Your right about them not making enough money on the moorings. Marathon told me they raised the dinghy dock fee because they have been undercharging the mooring customers and need to make up for it. Does that make any sense? They don’t want to raise the mooring rate because when they installed the field they told people it would be kept affordable. Again, charging the same price for less services would not be tolerated in any other business.
      Mike

      Mooring fields create another option for cruisers to access marina facilities and communities at a lower price than transient slip fee rates. Some even provide pump out service on the mooring. There are less worries about adequate spacing and anchors dragging. In rough weather, I prefer a mooring ball to being in an anchorage. When I am ready to go, it is nice to drop lines and take off. I agree municipal marinas should, for a fee, provide access to their facilities even if you choose to anchor’¦and many do. I have paid fees in Marathon while waiting for a mooring to open. I have paid fees in Ft. Lauderdale to use the dinghy dock and marina facilities while anchoring in Lake Sylvia. The charge was almost as much as the mooring field, but we did have access to the marina dinghy dock, showers, laundry, lounge, etc. Members of the cruising community should be encouraging communities to invest in attracting cruisers. Providing convenient dinghy access to restaurants and businesses is a must to attract cruisers. Providing marinas and mooring field options with access to marina facilities and community services in my opinion should be encouraged, not complained about.
      Kevin Koehl

      In regard to what Kevin Koehl wrote about providing affordable access, I agree to a point. However, as a serious cruiser, I already have to purchase, install, and maintain thousands of dollars worth of anchoring gear. I didn’t purchase all that gear to just drag it around with me on my boat’“I would rather utilize this thousands of dollars worth of equipment which I know and trust, and costs me nothing additional per day. I have anchored in everything up to hurricanes, so I feel safe and secure when on my own gear. Paying a fee to use gear that I have no knowledge of, have not seen installed, and have not maintained is not a seamanlike way to manage my boat.
      John Kettlewell

      Moorings are a great way to prevent damage to coral reefs, example being the virgin islands. I have used the marathon moorings, and find the price reasonable, the services good, and you do not have to worry about the idiot that does not know how to anchor. Anchoring etiquette has disappeared from the seas. I always ask the vessels that i will be close to how much rode and what type they have out before i anchor. But all that said, i would prefer to sit on the hook in a nice anchorage then be in a slip.
      Nick Chavasse. sv war depart.

      The Ft. Myers Beach mooring field was a pleasant stay with decent facilities provided. The dinghy dock is just a couple blocks from downtown attractions. A bargain for $13/night compared to $2.50/ft transient slips. It’s the way to go to pack many boats into a small area.
      Archie Faulkner

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