Most mooring fields are handled by the local municipal marina whom you would contact, by phone or VHF, once you have moored. Phone numbers are listed in our Marina Directory. Some marinas, like Carolina Beach, will actually come out to your boat to collect the fee. Others, mostly in Florida, require that you come into the marina in person and will not accept payment via credit card over the phone. Some marinas, like St. Augustine Municipal Marina, offer launch service when you don’t have a dinghy. Suggest that you see /?p=112455 for experiences/suggestions from other boaters. As to parking your trailer, we’ll have to rely on responses from readers for answers to that. I do know that often launch ramps and parking are adjacent to or near municipal marinas, such as at Fort Pierce City Marina.
I am a newby at this cruising . How does one go about finding out how much and how to pay for these mooring fields and hookups to a mooring ball ?? I have a Macgregor 26s and where do I park my truck and trailer for cruises overnite and longer ?? thanks for any info . Coot
In New England, where there are tons of rental moorings and they are relatively expensive, it is almost universal that someone comes by in the evening to collect a fee, or they do so when they direct you where to tie up. No paperwork, just pay up. In Florida, they seem to require you to register and fill out multi-page forms at a dock, before being asigned a mooring for the night. Trailer parking varies a lot too’“many marinas and boatyards have launch ramps and you can usually park for a fee, some municipalities charge also, while others are free for both parking and launching. There is usually a time limit. Varies a lot. John Kettlewell, author of The Complete Cockpit Cruising Guide
A further thought on this is that moorings in Florida are few and far between. You certainly can’t count on finding a rental mooring every night unless you stay close to one of the few mooring fields. Off hand I think you can find moorings in Fernandina, St. Augustine, Titusville, Vero Beach, Stuart, Dinner Key, Marathon, and Key West. On the West Coast of Florida there are moorings at Ft. Myers Beach, Punta Gorda, Sarasota and in St. Petersburg. There may be a few others I haven’t mentioned, but not enough so you could travel the coast and find a mooring every night. You should be prepared to anchor out, and on occasion use marinas too. John Kettlewell
Click Charlet Above To Open Chart View Page Centered on Edenton, NC
Edenton, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, holds a special place in my own heart. During my younger days, this historic community often served as a “base of operations” as my Father and I searched the waters of all the nearby rivers for that elusive quarry known as the largemouth bass. I won’t preempt Susan and Chuck’s superbly written story below, but let me just quickly say that I totally agree with their premise that Edenton is one of the most attractive, historic and friendly ports of call to be found anywhere on Southeastern USA coastal waters. If Edenton actually sat along the track of the AICW, it would be as popular as Beaufort. With its real-world position on the western tip of Albemarle Sound, it take a bit of effort to reach Edenton’s shores, but, just read on, and we think you will quickly agree the happy results are more than worth the effort!!! We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, contained in the article below. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! Please read on!
Edenton, North Carolina by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
From a boater’s perspective, Edenton, North Carolina is one of those destinations you have to want to go to. We left Elizabeth City and traveled some 15 miles down the Pasquotank River to the Albemarle Sound. The Albemarle is best known for its unpleasant conditions if the weather is not right. Under normal conditions, it’s no different than any other body of water we have transited. Once into the Albemarle from the Pasquotank, the trip is another 35 miles or more west to the entrance to Edenton harbor. (It is more than 40 miles off the primary AICW, North Carolina – Virginia Cut route.) The water depths are fine for the entire trip, but do keep a sharp lookout for the many commercial floats marking traps that can extend far out into the Sound.
Approach to Edenton City Docks
The Edenton town docks have a full time Harbormaster and staff, but they don’t monitor the VHF radio. To make arrangements for a slip, Buddy the Harbormaster, can usually be reached at 252-339-4316. The docks can be reserved in advance, and you can even make reservations for next year if you can plan that far ahead. The best thing to do is to call ahead and let them know you’re coming, and then call again when the boat is in the approach channel to the harbor. The water depths approaching the town docks averaged 10½ to 12 feet all the way in and 11 feet coming into the basin. The docks are surrounded by a concrete seawall that helps keep the waves down from any southerly winds. It can still get a little rolly, but not uncomfortable if the wind kicks up. From any other direction, the basin is completely protected. As you arrive, the first thing that will greet you at the harbor entrance is the old, picturesque Roanoke River Lighthouse that is being restored and will soon open to the public. Inside the protected basin, we had a dockhand waiting to assist us in getting into our slip. The slips vary in size, and for larger boats, there are places to tie up along the inside of the breakwater. There is power and water at the slips and the first 48 hours of dockage is free. The power is charged at $3.00 per day for 30-amp service and $6.00 per day for 50-amp service. After 48 hours, there is an additional fee of $1.00 per foot per day for a maximum of 7 days in a month.
Revolutionary War Cannons Guarding Entry from Albemarle Sound - 300th Anniversary Banner
For boaters, the town offers the use of a vehicle for running errands and provisioning. The grocery and laundry are 2-3 miles from the dock, and other shopping and services are as far or farther. There is a local taxi service for any short hops that might be needed if the loaner car is not available. The docks are located at a park and the restrooms are part of the park building. Separate showers are available and boaters need the combination to access the showers. The restrooms are closed at night after park hours but the showers have heads and sinks. There is free wifi at the docks and water hook ups as well. Dockside services and repairs are available as is a diver if needed. The Harbormaster can provide contact phone numbers and any other information that might make your stay more pleasant. There are kayak and paddleboard rentals right next to the park with very scenic waterways to explore either by kayak or your own dinghy. Beautiful parks line the waterfront for a casual stroll or just relaxing on a bench to watch the world go by. For some major exercise, there are tennis courts and an excellent golf course nearby, The Chowan Golf and Country Club. For those of us that prefer walking as a form of exercise, there are walking tours of the beautiful historic homes and sites, or a riding tour on a trolley for those that prefer their sightseeing a little more relaxed.
Downtown Edenton is one of the prettiest, historic small towns we have visited thus far. The streets are lined with buildings that date back to the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, and the shops are filled with restaurants, galleries and a major hardware store. Byrum Hardware is a combination old style hardware, gift and craft shop and even houses a Radio Shack. There is the historic Taylor Movie Theater showing feature films in new digital format every evening.
Downtown Edenton
The Waterman’s Grill offers excellent food at affordable prices. The Edenton Coffee Shop makes the best cup of coffee, latte or iced coffee we have found anywhere, and hosts a band on Friday nights. The music can range from jazz to gospel. And our favorite, ice cream, can be found at The Soda Shoppe, an old fashion soda fountain style shop that sells ice cream, shakes, sandwiches and snacks. Along with great food and drinks, you will find some of the friendliest people you will meet anywhere. Walking down the sidewalk will get you a smile and a hello, and passing motorists will always wave as they go by. Edenton is one of those laid back towns where we keep waiting for Sheriff Andy and Opie to come around the corner with fishing poles over their shoulders.
The best word to describe the many beautiful historic homes along the tree lined streets of Edenton is spectacular. Never have we seen so many well preserved homes. If you take away the paved streets, power lines and automobiles, it’s easy to imagine walking along in the 1700s and saying hello to the many residents as they enjoy an afternoon on the front porch. One well manicured garden after another can fill an entire afternoon’s stroll. If pampering yourself is in your schedule, there are 3 salons on Broad Street alone and a day spa that is reported to give excellent massages right on the harbor. The Library across the street from the docks offers yoga daily. Edenton truly has something for everyone.
Edenton City Dock Basin
Ah, but we’re not done yet. During this current visit, Edenton was having its 300 year celebration with many events scheduled over the coming months. A Farmers Market is held every other Saturday and the local airport holds `Wings Over Edenton,’ an air show with exhibits, on a regular basis. The annual Peanut Festival is a don’t miss, and you never know what celebration the town has prepared in any month of the year. Tours of many of the historic homes are available on a regular basis, and, during the Christmas Season, you can tour some of the homes and apartments over the many shops in the downtown area. Edenton is rich in our nation’s history and the town has done an excellent job of preserving that history for everyone to enjoy, such as the current renovations to the exterior of the Barker House on the waterfront.
We said you have to want to come to Edenton by boat, the question really is, why wouldn’t you want to come to Edenton by boat? We enjoyed our short time there and our only problem was making ourselves untie the dock lines and continue on our cruise. It would have been very easy to linger for a while and had we been in a position to have more time before colder weather set in, we would have done exactly that. Beach House has visited many friendly harbors in our travels, but we have to say, Edenton, North Carolina shot to the top of our list of the friendliest harbors we have visited to date. You have to go there.
“One and Only Anchorage” lies on the eastern shore of the Waterway, south of flashing green daybeacon #17, and just north of the San Pablo Bridge. It is considered the only safe anchorage in the Jacksonville Beach area, thus its unusual name.
Anchored here now, Tuesday the 22nd of October. We found the 15′ ish spot that was referenced. It’s on the NE side about 200′ yards away from the bridge near the marsh. We were (well, my husband Mike was) able to walk the dogs for a much needed stop. Yes, the traffic from the bridge is not serenity but it’s a nice spot. Only one abandoned sailboat here on the other shore near the docks ‘“ little Cat 22’ if I’m not mistaken. Men on the bridge (lower bridge) are fishing for trout after work. Current is quite strong it seems. That is the report from here. Day two of our adventure on our new boat ‘“ a 39’ Allied Mistress who’s been so well maintained it’s insane. God bless the prior owners, the Diechtrich’s from Canada! Mo & Mike (or Mike & Mo) from S/V Mi Amante
Just be sure not to anchor too close to the marsh ‘“ it drops off like a cliff! Mo and Mike
As you can see from Captain Tony’s report, the locks in the Okeechobee are, and will always be, a source of entertainment and awe by Okeechobee navigators. Having one’s vessel “lifted” so many feet in such a narrow space provides an experience to be fondly (hopefully) remembered.
Background: We have been in the process of bringing our boat from the Florida East Coast (Palm Beach) to the West Coast. We have had little boating experience in Florida, although we have extensive boating experience on the West Coast of the US. The information about the Okeechobee Waterway indicated very shallow water on Route 2. We are fair weather boaters and decided the Rim Route was best for us. We read every thing about the lake, yet it still was a challenge to get around it. The big day arrived after a couple of months driving from Naples to the east coast to stage the boat for the Okeechobee Waterway adventure. We left Indiantown marina Saturday, October 19, 9:45am bound for Clewiston, aboard our 33′ Chris Craft Coho. Arrived at Port Mayaca after a wonderful cruise down the balance of the St Lucie canal. Entered the Lock with no problems. Lake had a light chop and there was plenty of depth for navigating from the lock to beacons “4” and “4B.” The channel is well marked and easy to follow. The trip was pleasant to Torry Island where we encountered hyacinths and water lettuce in the channel at mile marker 60 or so prior to the Torry Island/Belle Glade swing bridge. The channel narrows to about 15 feet wide with a depth of 18 feet. Go slow and there should be no problem; it extends all the way to the bridge. We contacted the Torry Island/Belle Glade bridge operator by calling Slims fish camp, 561 996-3844, who opened the bridge for us in very short time. From there we were able to make our way to Clewiston uneventfully. We entered the Clewiston Lock on the Green Light with a few fishing boats and before we knew it, there was Roland and Martin’s Marina where we had reservations for transient dockage. After a great hamburger and fries we retired for the evening. Sunday morning we were able to watch the parade of boats headed for the east coast of Florida ranging from approx 48′ to 60 feet go by us. Wow, what a tight fit in the lock. We headed out the Clewiston lock after fueling up. We passed a large cofferdam where the levy is being shored up. Arriving at the Moore Haven lock we met a couple who were headed for LaBelle in a sailboat and they offered to enter the lock first. Upon being lowered to the Caloosahatchee River via the lock, we (my wife Linda, Cat Marchello and myself Tony) slapped hands and paw that we had conquered the Great Okeechobee Route 2 waterway and were on our way to Fort Myers. We share this story for those who may be considering Route 2. It’s a great boating experience. Linda, Tony, and Marchello The Cat
Amidst a time of great sadness, with the loss of his first-rate, first-mate, Karen Ann, our co-founder, Claiborne Young, receives one of the most treasured awards in the cruising world.
Captain John Kettlewell
Claiborne Young Presented Skipper Bob Award By John J. Kettlewell
Claiborne first met the late Bob Reib, who most of us knew as Skipper Bob, at one of the first Trawler Fest events held on Solomon’s Island, Maryland back in the ’90s. Claiborne drove up there from North Carolina expecting to see 40 or 50 participants, but instead found himself speaking to a ballroom packed with more than 300 devoted cruisers. After his talk, Claiborne joined a roundtable discussion with other notable and knowledgeable cruising gurus, including Skipper Bob, the author of a series of guidebooks to America’s inland waterways.
Now, some speculate there must be fierce competition between Waterway writers, but in reality most of us get along just great, and we often recommend each other’s books and other products–after a customer has purchased ours! Claiborne told me that he and Bob got to share a booth at the fest, and it worked out great for both of them. Bob would sell one of his own books, and then when the customer wanted even greater detail on a particular area, he would recommend Claiborne’s guides, conveniently being sold right next to each other. Needless to say, there was some friendly back and forth between those two sharing a booth. It’s a wonder the customers could get a word in edgewise!
The reason they got along is that both shared what Claiborne describes as “a passion for getting accurate, on-sight verified information for cruisers.” They both believed in creating a quality product, based on professional research, on-location surveys, and careful writing and editing. And, these high-quality guides would sell well because they truly helped the recreational boating community.
The Skipper Bob Award is given annually to “ordinary people who make extraordinary efforts to assist the recreational boating community and who give selflessly of themselves for the good of others.” Anyone who has used one of Claiborne’s books in the past, or who now logs on to The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, with its motto of “Cruisers Helping Cruisers,” knows why Claiborne received this award. The amount of information available, all for free to anyone, is incredible: marina details, up-to-date charts, the latest shoaling information, bridge schedules, fuel prices (updated every week), and now detailed and recent soundings from the Argus system. Much of this information was simply unavailable at any price just a few years ago, and now it is available to all in order to make your Waterway journey safer, more enjoyable, and less expensive.
Most of you are not aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes in order to provide all of this accurate and up-to-date information. I, myself, have been involved in helping Claiborne to vet tips and new warnings provided by cruisers, and before any of this appears on the website every effort is made to research, confirm, and then properly describe the situation. The community often provides the lead, but then Claiborne applies the professional writer’s touch to verify, clarify, and present it in a easy-to-understand format.
As many of you know, Claiborne’s “first-rate, first-mate,” Karen Ann, recently departed this world, and we must acknowledge her part in helping to create this amazing cruising resource. She not only helped create the Cruiser’s Net, but she also made Claiborne promise to carry on with it, so we will all continue to benefit from her inspiration. Unfortunately, we must take the bad with the good, and my waistline will continue to expand as Claiborne updates his restaurant recommendations! But, hopefully I’ll burn off a few of those calories pulling up the hook while exploring the new, secret anchorages he directs me to. I can’t think of a more deserving winner of the 2013 Skipper Bob Award. I wrote this piece in order to congratulate Claiborne on his much-deserved recognition via the Skipper Bob Award, and the words and editing are solely my own. Fair winds, following seas, and don’t forget the anchor light! John J. Kettlewell Author/Editor of The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook: Norfolk to Miami
Claiborne’s Acceptance Remarks E-mailed To and Read by Captain Ted Stehle of “Waterway Guide” at the AGLCA Rendezvous:
I can hardly believe that the cruising community has honored me with the Skipper Bob `Making It Better’ award, and, in fact, I’m doubly honored. First, I had the rare privilege of knowing the late Bob Reib rather well. At one Trawlerfest, Bob, Elaine and I were lunching together when a fellow cruiser passing our table stopped dead in his tracks, did a double-take, and said, `You two must be really friendly competitors.’ Before I could get my mouth open, and those of you who know me understand that usually does not take too long to happen, Bob said, `we aren’t competitors, we’re friends.’ I have never forgotten those kind words, and I never will. I am also honored because, as most of you know, I have just lost my first-rate, first-mate, Karen Ann, after a heroic five year battle with never smoker’s lung cancer. Karen Ann was not only my life partner, but a very integral part of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. She would be so very proud; no, she IS very proud, that you have bestowed this great honor on me, and I dedicate this award to her memory, which, for those who knew her, will NEVER die! I got into this unusual business of cruising guides and cruising information way back in 1979, 34 years ago, and it has been as rewarding a career as anyone could ever have wished. During all these years, it has been my great privilege to be a member of the cruising community. If, in some small way, I have helped even a few cruisers stay off the bottom, find a better marina, a more beautiful anchorage, or a good place to satisfy a healthy appetite gleaned after a long day on the water, then my life’s work has been more than fulfilled. Karen and I talked many times about what my life would be like after she was gone, and I promised her to keep the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net dream alive, because it was her dream as well. That is a promise I WILL keep, but right now, I just need a little time to pick up the pieces, so please pardon my not being here in person to accept this prestigious and much valued award. I will be seeing all of you more in the future. I sincerely thank all those responsible for recommending me for this award. Really, it should be all of you who receive this award, not me, because you are the ones who keep alive that rarely wonderful avocation of living on the water, with all its beauty, joys and, yes, sometimes frustrations. It is a lifestyle understood genuinely only by those who cruise. Thank you again for this great honor. I will treasure this award always, and use it to help keep the memory of Skipper Bob and my first-rate, first-mate alive! So, in closing, the next time you find your vessel in a beautiful anchorage, with the sun setting, please raise a glass to the memory of Skipper Bob and Karen Ann. I have no doubt they are swapping stories and navigation tips right now. Good luck and good cruising to all!
Hi Claiborne, Congrats on receiving the Skipper Bob Award. Best regards, MikeA Mike Ahart, News Editor, Waterway Guide
Congratulations. It’s wonderful to see you get the recognition you have so long deserved. Chuck Baier
As reported here earlier on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net (see /?p=125276), the controversy over at least one long-time resident of the Oriental anchorage took a bizarre turn when one of the managers at the nearby Inland Waterway Provision Company, Captain Pat Stockwell, out of the goodness of his heart, cashed a check for the “boat owner” in question for $2,980.42. The check turned out to be bad. SSECN strategic partners, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), hatched the commendable plan of “passing the hat” during the recent Hampton Snowbird Rendezvous, to help defray Captain Stockwell’s loss. WE THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA, AND THE SSECN HAS KICKED IN $50.00. We urge other members of the cruising community to contribute whatever might be within their abilities (see below)!
The Hampton Snowbird Rendezvous passed the sea boot around this week and collected $400 for Pat. That’s what rendezvous are all about, cruisers helping cruisers. Whether sharing information, matching up buddy boats, leveraging the intelligence and expertise of the group to inspect rigs, repair refrigeration, or shake down SSBs … it’s great to make sure that the innocent aren’t punished and the kind taken advantage of and forgotten. Pat Stockwell is everyone on the ICW’s buddy and shouldn’t feel embarrassed about trying to help out one of the cruising family. We’re all in that family also. Folks, please consider sending $5 or $10 to: Pat Stockwell, Inland Waterway Provision Company, 305 Hodges Street, POB 466, Oriental, NC 28571. Stay in the deep water, Mark
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has posted reports of shoaling in this Problem Stretch (which the ACOE terms as “behind Breach Inlet”) for months now. (see /?p=120335). Our thanks to the US Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston, SC for providing SSECN with the newest (October, 2013) survey of this Problem Stretch. Once again, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is honored to be the FIRST means by which the US Army Corps of Engineers chose to get this critical information into the hands of the cruising community. By looking closely at the area in the center of the survey, hard by Marker #117A opposite Swinton Creek, you can see MLWW corrected depths of AS LITTLE AS .2 FEET ON THE SOUTHERN (SOUTHEASTERN) TIER OF THE WATERWAY CHANNEL, and even the northern section, which has always been the deeper part, MLW soundings can run to only 4.2 ft depths. Need we say it, cruisers piloting craft of almost any draft MUST time their passage of these waters for mid to high tide!
Pardon us while we pat ourselves on the back, or least, Capt. Lindberg does it for us. We welcome the Lindbergs to the wonderful fellowship of the cruising community – the finest people on earth!
My husband and I are `new’ sailors ‘“ We feel in love with sailing 2 years ago and have not looked back. As such I pour through everything and anything to do with sailing, to prepare for our full time cruising in 5 years. This website is absolutely the BEST. It gives me current information that I would not get out of cruising books or magazines, along with links to almost any info I would need. To all the staff: Thank you so much ‘“ you now have a dedicated new `almost’ full time cruiser. Brenda Lindberg
Little Shark River is an interesting, but sometimes very buggy anchorage that lies well south of Everglades City and a short hop north of Cape Sable. It is one of the most backwater cruising possibilities in all of Florida. Just don’t try anchoring here on a still, summer night, or even in October, as Captain Luby relates. The little guys will come out, pick your boat up, and consume it in the nearby marsh! The SSECN recommends three Little Shark River anchorages in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory, but there are actually several dozen spots you might choose to drop the hook.
Anchored here Oct 2013 and it was fascinatingly beautiful. Though the water is black and nothing much visible below the surface, there were many creatures jumping. One very large creature would surface making a large splash but we could never see what it was ‘“ thinking it would be manatees surfacing. We were alone this night and it was incredibly peaceful and the sky was incredible with billions of stars and no ambient light. Bugs were fierce after dark and cutters held most at bay but a few got through. Hatch screens a must here if you want to sleep. Recommend this as interim between Marathon and Marco areas. Depths going in and out were fine. A little challenging to locate by eyesight so the GPS was required to find it. Have fun. Jim Luby
`A little buggy’ is quite the understatement. This is a fantastic anchorage . . . in January, February. Otherwise it’s mosquito hell. Ed Robinson
We were there on August 10, 2013 with one other boat for one night and had nearly zero bugs. I suppose it was because we had a 15 to 20 knot wind just about the entire time. We had a few of the big horsefly type flies, but nothing else. I suppose we were just lucky, but we were prepared none the less. I was actually able to cook a pork loin on the grill outside without any issues. This is REMOTE and a really fine anchorage ‘“ well protected in just about any direction as long as you choose your spot wisely. A west or southwest wind might be a problem, but when we were there the wind was out of the east. It even has a marker to help you find it, but I would recommend GPS as the coast looks pretty much the same all around. Don’t confuse the larger Shark River just north of here ‘“ it does not have much protection. We had a few fishermen come by in small boats before dark, but after dark, it was dead quiet and VERY dark with zero ambient light. It is strategically located just about the halfway point between Marco and the Keys. I highly recommend this anchorage. Dave Fuller
In the past, we had to hug the shore away from Fl G’1’³ at the entrance to the Little Shark River, as the shoaling came out into the channel there. Not sure what the current conditions would be. Our first visit to Little Shark was during a 50K/12’ seas blow. The conditions inside were `severe calm’. A Great Anchorage! Nils Pearson `Fairwinds’
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:
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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:
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at North Carolina Cut
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