Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 6, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Fuel Delivery Ban in Manatee County, Bradenton, FL
This posting was prompted by a recent recommendation for a fuel delivery service in the Fort Myers area: /?p=113209. Manatee County is the Bradenton area south of Tampa. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear the opinions of our readers on the issue of truck-to-boat fuel delivery.
Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
Cruising News:
Our Homeowners Association in Manatee County has banned the delivery of fuel to vessels in our community. I am trying to find out if this ban is legal. I am aware of three locations where such bans were overturned or rescinded. Dania, North Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. The delivery service we were using is fully insured and has been in business for many years.
Les Martin
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May 3, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
May River and Bluffton (off Calibogue Sound, near AICW St. M. 559.5)
May River, a beautiful stream to explore on a fair weather day, cuts west off the AICW’s trek through northern Calibogue Sound, west of Waterway marker #29. The river channel is fully marked all the way upstream to the historic community of Bluffton. There is just barely room to anchor abeam of the town waterfront.
Bluffton via the May River with a stop for seafood at the Bluffton Oyster Company should not be missed, a link to a fast vanishing past. I woke one morning to find myself in the middle of a fleet of decrepit outboard boats headed out oystering with their crews shouting back and forth to each other in Gullah.
I anchor off the beach just upstream of the BOC. Lots of current so it is a good place for two anchors. Be sure to ask at the BOC for directions to their restaurant.
Roger Long
S/V Strider
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bluffton, SC on May River
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May 2, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A-1 Fuel Services Recommended in Fort Myers to Marco Island Area, West Florida ICW
Legacy Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Well, of course, Legacy Harbour Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!! Legacy Harbour Marina’s entrance is located on the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River, east of marker #49.
Cruising News:
A-1 Fuel Services (239-246-4777) is a tanker service to marinas in the Marco, Naples and Ft. Myers area. Marinas that do not sell fuel will generally allow A-1 to come and fill up vessels. Minimum is 100 gallons and they only deliver on weekdays. They deliver to Legacy Marina in Ft. Myers which does not sell fuel. Among the lowest fuel prices in southwest FL. They need at least 1 day notice and prefer 2 days before delivery.
Mike Negley
Click Here To View the Latest Prices at A-1 Fuel Service
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Legacy Harbour Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Legacy Harbour Marina
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Apr 28, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Hidden Harbor Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 670.5
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club - Click for Chartview
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club, which gladly accepts transients, is located on Troup Creek. This body of water intersects the AICW, immediately north of St. Simons Sound, near markers #237 and #238.
Great find. Small, quaint and clean. Lovely little place. There are currently no showers, but, they do have a courtesy car, kitchen and gas grill. Beautiful views. Would stay again!
Pete and Jorgina Colyn
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hidden Harbor Yacht Club
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Apr 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shoaling Confirmed in Northern Fields Cut, AICW Statute Mile 574
Northern Fields Cut - Click for Chartview
The “AICW Problem Stretch” at the intersection of northern Fields Cut and Wright River was dredged three years ago and was more or less clear through the end of 2012. However, as recent reports confirm and Captain Healy observes, shoaling is once again beginning to occur.
North entrance of Fields Cut is a BIG problem. At +1.2′, a sailboat in front of us grounded mid-channel. We saw less than 5′ on the Green side. Later radio traffic said better water depth was found in the RED quarter, but I can’t personally confirm that. Also, Later radio traffic indicated several groundings.
So, control depth at normal low would less than 4′. Less for celestial low tides.
FOLLOW THE OUTSIDE RADIUS OF ALL BENDS!
Note: we followed small passenger ship American Star through Fields Cut. At +1.2, that small cruise ship can make Fields Cut, Watts Cut and Ranshorn Creek.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Beaufort, SC
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 26, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Up the Savannah River to Savannah, GA (near St. M. 575.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 575.5 ‘“ Who has cruised upstream on Savannah River, and spent a night or two along the downtown Savannah Waterfront? Where did you stay ‘“ the city dock, the Westin or River Street Market? Did you have trouble being jostled by the wake of passing, larger, ocean going freighters or tankers? How did you enjoy downtown Savannah?
Responses follow:
My better half and I have stayed both at the Hyatt dock and at the Market Street dock. Both are accommodating but neither is what I would call a first class facility. Wifi and cable were `iffy’ at best. And yes, to answer your question more specifically, the large boat traffic did keep us bouncing around some, and the clunk of tree limbs and other flotsam on its way to the ocean also created some anx. However, it is all worth it to visit and tour River Street and to take a horse and buggy ride through that beautiful city. Our favorite restaurants are `Vics on the River’, and just off the river, but within walking distance is the `Blue Safire’ Restaurant. We would recommend the visit and these restaurants enthusiastically.
Tom Wilson
We stayed at the City Marina when we went to Savannah. The dock master was very helpful. Easy walk to the shops and all the restaurants. Ate at Paula Deans. Don’t let the line fool you. We only waited about twenty minutes. They have dining on multiple levels of the building. The two nights we were there we only remember a few ships coming by. They were in the middle of the night. The wake was not that bad.
Rho-Jo
We agree with the above posting. The only addition is that if you are tied to any of the docks on the River Street side (Hyatt, City docks) that you make sure your lines are not too tight and that they are long, meaning do not do a short tie from dock cleat to the boat cleat, since when you do get rocked by some of the large ships, your boat had room to `swing’ and not tug on your lines too hard. IN fact, using a smaller diameter line is also better since it can stretch better than a large diameter. If you do not do this, you run the risk of pulling a cleat out of your boat. Use plenty of fenders too since one may `pop out’ during the rocking. This is always good advice anyway in many situations, but especially here. You will see where some cleats are damaged on docks, I suppose from boats that did not heed this advice.
John Winter
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Savannah Hyatt Dock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Savannah Hyatt Dock
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River Street Market Place Dock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Street Market Place Dock
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Apr 25, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New Teakettle Creek Anchorages (Statute Mile 647)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 647 ‘“ who has anchored on New Teakettle Creek, north of AICW marker #273? Did you find this to be a good anchorage? What depths did you find?
Responses follow:
Claiborne,
In response to your request for NE Fl/GA wish list here is New Teakeattle Creek:
We anchored in New Teakeattle Creek on April 5, 2013 for our fourth vist as we were heading home to VA from Marathon on our 37′ sailing vessel. We typically anchor near the charted “13 foot'” mark, but have been further in or closer to the waterway when other boats are anchored. We find the depths to be effectively as charted, we anchor in the middle and use 75′ of chain in the water. We have been here with two other boats with lots of room. Expect to swing 180 degrees with the significant current. We have been here with a good 25 knots blowing steady and gusts to more. We slept well. A favorite spot.
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads
Yes, early 2013. Good depths and good holding.
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the New Teakettle Creek Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the New Teakettle Creek Anchorages
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Apr 25, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Fort McAllister Marina (Statute Mile 603.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 603.5 ‘“ who has departed the AICW at marker #98, and cruised upstream on Ogeechee River to Fort McAllister Marina. Did you find the markers on Ogeechee River between the Waterway and marina adequate? Did you dine at the on-site restaurant? Please give us your overall impressions of this facility.
Responses follow:
This Marina has been completely redone. Dew docks and bot lift. The boat lift is huge. Being new there is plenty of room to dock overnight. The staff falls all over you to help in any way they can. They have a big open patio and usually have a live band on the weekends. Butch Broom runs the restaurant “Fish Tales” http://www.fishtalesrh.com/ He is a great guy and lots of fun. our local sail club and power squadron have events there. You have to party with the locals as there is not much else to do in the area. You can walk to historic Fort McAllister just down the street.
Krquinn
Stayed at Ft McAllister Marina on the evening of 27-28 March 2013. Low tide at Hells Gate and Sea Tow advised not making the transit in our boat due to shallows. Trip up the Ogeechee River was nerve wracking. Hit bottom 4 times as the Marina did not provide the kind of directions that an unfamiliar skipper could follow. Markers were all white so no indication of which side to pass. Simple directions, e.g., stay to the north side of the river and when you see the marina sign on the starboard bank make a 45 degree turn to port and head slowly toward the marina, would have probably made this uneventful. Nice people, low rates and fuel prices, and the resturant at the marina is well worth a visit with ample portions, good food and low prices.
Tom Callan
oo/b Great Escape
53 DeFever POC
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort McAllister Marina
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Apr 24, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
San Sebastian River Marinas (St. Augustine) – near St. M. 780
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 780 ‘“ Has anyone visited the marinas on St. Augustine’s San Sebastian River, particularly River’s Edge Marina and/or Hidden Harbor? If so, please give us your impressions and observations.
Responses follow:
Stayed there [River’s Edge Marina] and it was neat, albiet not a modern place. Eat at Paddys is neat. If you ask, you may get a nice discount. Sailors Exchange is an easy walk, and downtown is not that far either. We prefer it here to downtown. River has some current and turning around in a large boat may be a little difficult (65’+). Not many wakes here, especially versus downtown marina.
John Winter
We much prefer going to Rivers Edge Marina on the San Sabastian River. It’s better protected and less costly than the city marina. It’s closer to the really good restaurants in St. Augustine. We really like The Back 40 Urban Cafe a couple of blocks from the marina. The other good restaurant is Kings Street Bistro. The chef there was chef on Air Force 1 for two presidents. We have not been there because it’s only open Fri., Sat. and Sunday.
Martin Basch
Molly Blossom
We stayed here [River’s Edge Marina] last month. What drew us initially was the opportunity to guy diesel from the truck that the Dockmaster would order for you if you give them prior notice. The fuel price was significantly less than any other marina we had encountered on the east coast of Florida. The truck showed up on time and by us docking at the marina’s fuel dock, it was easy to fuel up. We then moved to a T-head for the night. The docks have seen better days, but are fine. The marina has loaner bikes with large baskets so we could ride to the nearby
grocery store, and the propane tank refill store. All that was very convenient.
Finally the on site restaurant was filled with locals. The seafood was good and very reasonably priced. They give Happy Hour prices to boaters from Rivers Edge at any time that you eat at their restaurant. We like fancy marinas just as much as most boaters, but this is “Old Florida” and we enjoyed the atmosphere. We were very satisfied with our stay.
Marc and Shelley Colby
M/V Rock Chalk
Endeavour 44 Trawlercat
I stayed at Rivers Edge Marina on April 15, 2013. The marina is older with floating docks and a number of liveaboards. There is a great little bar called Hurricane Patty’s with daily specials for marina guests. They have complimentary
bikes and west marine is only a short bike ride as well as grocery store. But the best reason to stop here is the fuel prices. The local diesel distributor will bring a truck to the dock and sell you clean, fresh diesel. I paid $3.75
per gallon including all taxes.
Randy Hondros
Atlantic Beach, NC
32 Grand Banks #855
“Loon
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River’s Edge Marina
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Apr 24, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage and Sea Camp Dock (Statute Mile 711.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 711.5 ‘“ one of our favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW is to leave the water at marker #34, and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel, and anchor opposite the `Sea Camp Dock.’ Anyone taken this trip lately? Did you dinghy ashore? Did you walk across to the ocean side and see the rich, maritime forests?
Responses follow:
We anchored in 14 feet of water close to low tide. Dingyed to shore and tide up. We walked over to the ocean and then along the parrell trails. It is still beautiful. Consider a life time National Park pass if over 62. It covers the fee. We did not have time go to the museum.
Jack Pholeric
We spent a night at this anchorage. We went up the channel past the Park Services dock and opposite the next private dock further north. We anchored in firm mud of 8 ft. It was peaceful and quiet. The next morning we dinghied over to the Park Services dock and walked across the island to the beach. The oak tree forest was spectacular. We were there at 9:00 am and had the entire beach as far north or south as we could see all to ourselves. It was beautiful. We walked the beach south to the path that takes you to the ruins of the Carniege home. After walking the grounds we walked back north on the central road back to our dinghy. It was a pleasant morning and well worth the
trip.
Marc and Shelley Colby
M/V Rock Chalk
Endeavour 44 Trawlercat
Facebook album of hike on Cumberland Island:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2182431100754.84396.1846284215&type=1&l=aa93cdd233
Anchored near Sea Camp dock, walked across the island. Beaches of incredible scale and apparent remoteness. Magnificent dunes at the southern end of the island. We hardly too a single step that was not on top of the hoofprints of unshod wild horses and saw several.
Roger Long
S/V Strider
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
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Apr 22, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Wally Visits Darien, GA’s Blessing of the Fleet
Click This Chartlet to Open Chart View Page Centered on Darien, GA
The text below is copied from fellow nautical writer, Captain Wally Moran’s site, LiveBloggin’ the ICW (http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/). Be SURE to follow the video link below. This very professional looking visual narrative provides a good account of this festival’s FUN times, as well as a good look at the city of Darien’s dockage facilities! THANKS Captain Wally!
Last Thursday, I decided to check out Darien GA – it’s about 8 miles off the ICW, so it’s out of the way. My friend James, from St. Simon’s Island, had written a piece about it for Southwinds – it’s not published yet, but I’ll post the link when I have it – and it sounded interesting. Also, there was a nasty storm on its way, so a dock sounded good.
I arrived in the dark, and was helped to tie up by another sailor docked there. He told me that this was the weekend for the Blessing of the Fleet, the 45th annual shrimp boat festival and blessing. Well, that sounded interesting, and since Darien was providing 48 hours free dockage to encourage visitors – why not?
To be honest, Darien is a different sort of place….very down to earth people would be the best way of putting it, and you know, when the first tune from the band is an old Merle Haggart standard, you’re going to be hearing a lot of country and very little rap. Not a bad thing, come to think of it, and I’m not a big country fan…
Darien partied on all weekend, I made some great new friends, and Gypsy Wind had a front row center seat for the festivities – as loud as they were. And on Sunday, the big event – the blessing of the fleet.
This video gives you an idea of what it was like….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b59nWMMebho
Captain Wally Moran
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Darien City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Darien City Docks
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Apr 19, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
From Boat/US – Annual Vessel Federal Documenation Renewal Free Proposed
This just in from our good friends at Boat/US as of 4/19/13.
Do you own a federally documented vessel? The U.S. Coast Guard is proposingto charge an annual fee of $26.00 for the renewal of certificates of documentation for recreational boats. While the Coast Guard charges to issue new certificates of documentation for boats, currently there is no charge for annual renewal.
This fee will only apply if your boat is federally documented and would be in addition to any state registration fees. For current information on federal vessel documentation, visit the United States Coast Guard Documentation Center
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp#01
We encourage you to share your thoughts with the Coast Guard on this proposal beforeMay 3rd, 2013, by going to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=USCG-2010-0990
Please forward this email to fellow boaters with documented vessels. If you have any additional questions, please contact BoatU.S. Government Affairs at GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com.
Margaret Podlich
President, BoatU.S.
GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
703-461-2878 x8363
BoatUS.com/Gov
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Apr 19, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Latest Update on St. Augustine Inlet Aids to Navigation (Statute Mile 776)
Back in 2011, successful navigation of St. Augustine Inlet had become problematical at best, due to some serious shoaling. A welcome dredging project in 2012 solved most of these problems, but our good friend, Captain Jay Bliss, member of the St. Augustine Port Commission, keeps us up to date from time to time on the very latest inlet navigational conditions.
The account below is taken from a recent Port Commissioners meeting. Note particularly the red colored text. Here we learn about the refurbishment of inlet aids to navigation, and the removal of marker #5A.
Greetings Port Observers,
These notes are one person’s unofficial summary of the many interesting items brought before the StAugustine Port commission on April 16 2013. Our website is not yet up to date; http://www.staugustineport.com will soon be fully operational.
The SummerHaven River restoration still has a formidable adversary: the least tern. A few nests from that species are homesteaded on the filled-in river. Alternate sites nearby are being sought for the tern.
Port is evaluating/pondering/tweaking the text of DEP’s Inlet Management Plan. Florida DEP, County, USArmy Corps of Engineers and FIND will be involved; the goals of restored beaches and a safe inlet are essential; the IMP will be the blueprint.
City Management and Police, County Sheriff, and StJCo Fire &Marine Rescue departments, FWC, and USCG Jacksonville all provided updates. USCG LCdr Butts presented board with a chart of new buoy locations in the St. Augustine inlet. From the outermost safe water buoy, the “STA”, in to marker “8”, we have refurbished buoys and anchors. With the recent dredging, buoy “5A” became superfluous; it’s gone. There’s still a dog-leg out there. Residents of this area enjoy a proficient cadre of on-the-water experts who conscientiously keep our waters under safe surveillance.
Commissioner Barry Benjamin was elected to Chair the Port, Herb Rippe will serve as Vicechair.
CitizenAdvocate Ed Slavin presented us with the concept of a StAugustine Historical Park and Seashore.
Meeting was adjourned at about 5:15; next meeting May 14, 2013
Jay Bliss, Port Commissioner seat 5
Came thru here late April dead low tide and heavy fog . no problem and markers are accurate.
greg and donna on lady in red.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Inlet
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

James Newsome - February 16, 2015 - 8:48 am

The link below to a power point presentation title STA Inlet Buoy Assessment 01-Jun-2013 seems to correlate to the April 16, 2013 meeting notes and provides a good visual and reference to the buoy positions and inlet in general.
http://www.staugustineport.com/projects/04JUN2013_InletAssessment.pdf
Reply to James
Apr 17, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Heritage Plantation Marina (St. M. 394.5) Seeks New Dockmaster
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has been contacted by Captain Darla Spillane, property manager for Heritage Plantation and it’s adjoining marina. We have happily agreed to assist in her search for a new Heritage Plantation Marina dockmaster. If this position is of any interest to you, please follow the link below for a full description of the job requirements. You can then contact Ms. Spillane directly for more information and/or consideration.
Heritage Plantation Marina guards the eastern shores of the AICW/Waccamaw River between marker #79 and Butler Island, a few miles north of Georgetown, SC. While this facility was once open only to residents, over the past several years there has been a change in philosophy, and cruising visitors have been once again welcomed.
Click on the chartlet to the right, and a Chart View page will open, centered on this facility. You will then have a very good idea of its location.
Good luck to one and all who seek this position!
Click Here To Learn More About the Dockmaster’s Position at Heritage Plantation Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Heritage Plantation Marina
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Big Sarasota Pass Discussion
The series of messages below are copied from “The Cruisers’ Forum” (http://www.cruisersforum.com/), an alternate information outlet highly recommended by everyone here at the SSECN!
If you are not familiar with Sarasota, this community actually has two inlets, Big (Sarasota) Pass and New Pass. Having sounded both many times over the years, I can say unequivocally that I do NOT recommend that cruising size craft use either seaward passage. Even with the info very thoughtfully provided by the Sarasota Yacht Club (see below), it’s a dicey proposition at best to run Big Pass. Don’t even think about trying New pass!
A FAR safer plan is to come inside or out into the briny blue via naturally deep Venice Pass to the south or Longboat Pass, just to the north. Some of you may very well have a different opinion about all of this, and we would very much like to hear from you. Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper, right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
A few weeks ago we called a local towing comp. for local knowledge. Fog offshore was very thick. My plan was to enter Sarasota Bay skipping Venice inlet and the company advised us to go further north to Longboat Pass. When I called the bridge tender, he said I will raise the bridge when I see your vessel………. How is he going to see the vessel if i cant see 50ft in front of the bow? As we turned east there it was a few yards away!!!
After a few days I am wondering if it safe to enter/exit BP. I scouted the inlet from the end of Lido Key and could not see any nav aids west of green 9. Are there nav aids showing the inlet? Controlling depth? I understand that under some conditions (NW, W or SW with strong wind) its not recommended to use the inlet/pass.
Thanks
Velero49
It’s a dicey pass. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron has some directions at their website, let me see…
here’tis
http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org/Visitor-Info/Navigational-Items-of-Interest/Big-Pass-Information-405.html
tamicatana
The “pass” at Big Pass moves around a lot, virtually with every heavy weather event, and shoals up very quickly. It would be very foolish to attempt that pass in anything but a very shaol draft yacht. Either come in at Venice and run the ICW or at Longboat Pass although the channel there has moved around a lot as well and does not match the channel that appears on most charts (see various NTM). Note that Longboat is a narrow channel and is subject to sharp, strong, currents. You’ll want to enter there at slack water. If you can’t see the bridge from the channel entrace mark due to fog, continue north and come into Tampa Bay through the Southwest Channel.
svHyLyte
We kept our boat on the West coast for two years. It draws 4 feet. Sarasota Pass was always a no go because of the shifting shoals. We used Longboat Pass on a regular basis whenever we entered the intercoastal. It does have considerable current and is quite narrow. The bridge tenders seem to think that a sailboat can approach closely and remain steady in the strong current before they open the bridge. We never followed their orders and held at least 100 yards from the bridge and told them we would approach quickly once the bridge began to open. Numerous times, we had powerboats cut in front of us or attempt to negotiate the small channel at the same time. They were completely clueless. We also experienced a very rude catamaran charter captain, who used the pass daily, try to intimidate us into moving closer before the bridge had begun to open. We had a very serious conversation once both of us passed through the cut. If you choose to use Longboat Pass, be your own captain, exercise caution and safety and you’ll be fine. Be prepared for other boats also making the transit. Good luck and good sailing.
rognvald
I sail a morgan 28 with a 4.5 draft and have come in and out Big Pass many times. You must check with the Sarasota yacht club, they maintain the bouy markers and are always moving. I have never seen less then 7ft, however it can become very narrow when the monster size boat with his noise high comes barreling through the Chanel with wakes 3-4ft high. As far as being able to moore up a nice spot is just north of the ringling bridge to the east, there is a fishing shop and a nice size cove that will protect from heavey north winds… From Sarasota Bay have fun sailing and hope to see ya around.
Autumns Wind
I am a local, and the pass is more than just dicey these days. Over the past year’¦last week we sailed our Mariner 31 outside and back, drawing 3’10’³, and saw 5’6’³ at high tide. That’s down from 7′ only a few months ago. Be careful if you must come into Big Pass, pretend you are a large barge and make wide turns around the floating markers on your way in.
Captain Ray
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Venice Pass
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Pass
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Pine Island Sound/Matlatcha Pass Area Recommended
While I have sounded Matlatcha Pass several times over the years, particularly the shallow, hard to follow, southern portion of this passage, I must admit, however, to never spending too much time on Pine Island.
This is not the first time I’ve heard of some dockage, and good eats ashore, but shallow depths on the Pine Island Sound side of the island have almost made me hesitant about taking a cruising size craft into the smaller streams which indent the isle’s westerly banks.
Sounds like the effort might be worthwhile though. Of course, you can always anchor just south of the high-rise bridge. There used to be a potentially SHOCKING Issue here for sailcraft, but the powerlines were supposedly raised quite a few years ago, THOUGH THE NOAA CHART STILL LISTS THE VERTICAL CLEARANCE AS 56 FEET.
Has anyone visited Pine Island Sound and/or Matlatcha Pass recently? Do you know if the powerlines at the bridge have indeed been raised? Can you recommend good places to anchor, dock and/or dine on Pine Island?
Your fellow Western Florida cruisers can wait to hear from you!
Matlatcha is a quirky little town at the entrance to Pine island. There is a couple marinas there, and also at each end of Pine island. Pronounced ( matt-la-shay) This is a can’t miss area. There are several quirky art galleries and restaurants in the area. Have lunch or dinner at Bert’s bar and grille. (we like manatees,taste like chicken). Also, at the southern end of Pine island, is St. James City it is nice with several small marinas and restaurants. A little further north is Punta Gorda. There is a waterfront area with dockage and restaurants called Fisherman’s village. this is a nice stop for a walk and some browsing.
haw961
There is a new drawbridge just being finished alongside the old one, and you will currently find work barges and cranes in the vicinity. Work is supposedly being finished by mid-summer. Drawbridge is working, but you might experience delays until all work is cleared. There are NO LONGER any power lines in the vicinity of the bridge ‘“ they’ve been buried! Best anchorage is just south of the bridge. Once anchored, you’ll find Bert’s Bar (highly recommended!) just to the east of the bridge, on the south side, with docks available. Across the street is Andy’s Island Seafood fish store. Follow the shoreline to the west of the bridge around to Matlacha Park, where dinghy dockage is possible. From the Park, you can walk to the west to Barnhill’s Seafood Restaurant, with its attendant seafood store, or continue further west for some eclectic shopping, ice cream parlor, and the Sandy Hook Restaurant at the very west end of Matlacha (accessible by dinghy, if you look at the chart). Another good restaurant lies about 1/2 mile to the east, on the north side of the road ‘“ Miceli’s, offering good food at good prices, with nightly music. This restaurant is also accessible by water, if you look at the chart and take the first opening north of the bridge, on the east side, and follow along the shore.
Access to Matlacha is best from the north, with deeper water and a well-marked channel. From the south, powerlines with a 47ft (sorta) clearance and a very twisty channel, along with less water (maybe 4’ with a rising tide), make it a mostly powerboat experience.
Capt Mike Smith
S/V Blue Skye
M/V Scandalista
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Syd - September 22, 2016 - 1:52 pm

Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha welcomes cruisers.
Transient slips on a limited basis. $1 a foot per night! Safe protected dinghy dockage available for $5 a day (hot showers too!)
Ethanol free gas,bulk ice by the basket (it’s a working Fish House),Fresh seafood market (Really), quality restaurant on site and many more within walking distance. Art galleries, gift shops, Publix is about a mile and a half away,post office,public park, bars with nightly entertainment…
Talk to Lisa about dockage 239-321-3281
As far as draft goes; I’ve been through the North channel on vessels with a 7′ keel on all but low tide.
The south channel from Matlacha bridge to the miserable mile can be done in my boat with a 4.6′ draft. The trouble spots are at markers 22and 38. There’s a big hump @38 that can be avoided by staying West of the marker 100′ or so. Marker 22 should be given a wide berth as well, but only 30′ or so.
As far as the power lines are concerned ; I have a 44′ mast and I only get a mild shock during extremely high tides. (That was a joke). My chart reads 47′ over the channel. I hug the power pole on the west side and gain another 6-8′.
Slow down. Make sure you’re in the channel, and come explore a town that most cruisers bypass. I changed my homeport from Key West to Matlacha 20 years ago.
Reply to Syd
Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Recommendation For Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field, found east of the high-rise bridge, and just north of Estero Island is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. This community is also one of the most welcoming to the cruising community in the Sunshine State. Every year they have a “Cruisers’ Appreciation Day.” How many municipalities show this much welcome to the cruising community?
Best mooring field is at Ft. Myers Beach, and there is a fun, funky beachy tourist strip along the whole island. Not specifically seafood, though they do have a lot of it on the menu, but I always eat at the Plaka Greek restaurant right on Times Square.
John Kettlewell
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
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Apr 13, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Surveys of North Carolina Inlets and Inlet Crossings
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has utilized and posted these surveys in the past to clarify shoaling or hazards in particular areas and we thank Capt. Banyas for mentioning them again. Do keep in mind that certain inlet crossings can shift so quickly that even the latest survey can be misleading. Our recommendation for such trouble spots is to follow the temporary buoys set by the Coast Guard and, of course, read the latest reports sent to us from your fellow boaters.
This link will take you to the latest US Army Corps of Engineer website page for latest .pdf files are available for hydrographic surveys of these inlets.
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys/AIWW/CFRLR.aspx
Both were updated within last month or so. These have always been very helpful to determine exactly where it is shallow and where it is deep. Now they have waypoints included as well which you can input to chartplotter or other navigational instruments.
Pat Banyas
And this link from “Tangent 11” in the first link covers all the inlets and inlet crossings in North Carolina:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys/InletsCrossings.aspx
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Apr 12, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0458,-81.4319999
Derelict Adrift near Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5

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Derelict Vessel - Click for Chartview
The downstream flow of the creek west of Jekyll Harbor is eastward toward the Waterway and, should the derelict drift out of the creek, it could become a hazard to Waterway navigation. Capt. Sonny will keep us updated on the vessel’s position.
Cruising News:
There is a small sailboat in the unnamed creek (to the west of) across from the Jekyll Harbor Marina. It’s last position was approximately 31 02.75 N 081 25.859W. The top of the boat shows at low tide and the boat has moved around somewhat since first spotted. There is no mast. this boat is of no danger to the ICW traffic at this time.
Sonny
Derelict
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Derelict Vessel
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Apr 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Stretch To Sight Eagles on South Carolina AICW, St. M. 416 to 410
Having cruised through the waters referred to below, between the AICW’s southerly exit from Winyah Bay, and the crossing at North Santee River, for well over thirty years now, I can wholeheartedly second Captain Hartsell’s recommendation. This portion of the Waterway is bounded by vast grass marshes which stretch back to higher, well wooded banks. You can see all sorts of bird life along this stretch, in addition to the “eagles” mentioned below.
As Spring is now in full swing, the northern migration is beginning. I’d like to share a place that I have found along the South Carolina ICW for spotting Eagles. Beginning at the North Santee River and ending at Winyah Bay I have found the largest concentration of Eagles, seeing as many as 12 Eagles on one trip along this portion of the ICW. They are often sitting on a branch high in the tallest pine trees along the banks but I have seen them flying and landing along the shoreline as well. For those of you doing the loop this year, I envy you. It is a magical trip, Enjoy!
Leslie Hartsell
m/v Somewhere
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW Between North Santee River and Winyah Bay
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