Albemarle Plantation Marina, a port on the Albemarle Loop and a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just off the AICW on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound on Yeopim River/Creek.
Your new Inner Banks Dream Home is closer than you think!Gorgeous, new move-in ready homes by Chesapeake Homes (with homesites of nearly an acre) means you won’t have to wait to enjoy Albemarle Plantation’s waterfront lifestyle.
Life here is full of pristine, natural beauty, alongside some of the most charming small towns in North Carolina, like historic Edenton. And it’s only about an hour to major metros like Virginia Beach!
With all your daily needs just minutes from the gates, and every amenity you’ve dreamed of right out your front door, no wonder so many neighbors are lovin’ it at Albemarle Plantation!
A proposed regulation that would decimate recreational boating and devastate coastal economies along the East Coast is making its way through the federal rulemaking process, and we need your help to stop it. The rule could become law at any moment – we must act NOW.
Tell Congress to Urge the Administration to Withdraw the Harmful Vessel Speed Restriction Rule
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed expanding its North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule to limit the speed of recreational boats 35 ft. and greater to 10 knots (11 mph) in areas up to 90 miles offshore for a good portion of the year. This would severely limit access to the Atlantic Ocean in the fall, winter and spring, putting lives at risk, as small boats cannot safely travel at these slow speeds in the open ocean. The rule was developed without any input from the recreational boating industry, which supports 812,000 jobs and 36,000 small businesses. The rule ignores existing and emerging technologies that could be deployed to reduce vessel strike risk and save marine mammals.
Make your voice heard – tell your members of Congress to write the Biden administration and urge them to withdraw this harmful rule. Instead of a blanket speed restriction, NOAA must engage with the industry to develop and implement balanced, technology-focused solutions to protect both marine life and the boating economy.
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, 8401 73rd Avenue North, Suite 71, Minneapolis, MN 55428
Boating United is the grassroots platform of the recreational boating industry. It is comprised of boating manufacturers, businesses and supporters who share the common goal of protecting and promoting the industry. Take action, learn about the issues, and more at boatingunited.org .
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
OPEN 2 night 3-30 and 3-31 Last min for some locals Easter Awaits Text Iren 305-451-3438
Escape to Paradise this Easter
Happy Easter from all of us at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages!
Are you ready to escape to the sunny Florida Keys for an unforgettable vacation? Dive into adventure, relaxation, and tropical vibes as you soak up the warmth and charm of our beautiful location.
Whether you’re seeking water activities, tropical exploration, or simply unwinding by the shore, we’ve got you covered. Picture yourself savoring the sunsets, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Find out why we consistently receive 5-star reviews and welcome numerous repeat guests year after year. Join the ranks of those who have experienced the magic of Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages firsthand!
Available Cottages and Dates
We also have 2 night availability for our Captain and Dolphin cottages this Easter Weekend (March 30th to April 1st).
When you book one of our cottages, you get more than just a great escape. You also get free access to water amenities. If you’re a qualified sailor, you can use a 22′ sailboat. You can also take a relaxing kayak ride, paddleboard on the bay side calm waters, or explore the clear waters with our snorkel gear. This is what the Florida Keys are all about, and it is why guests keep coming back to Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages. It’s a hidden gem that captures the true spirit of the Florida Keys, just like in Jimmy Buffet’s songs and Hemingway’s stories.
Plus, if you’re interested in learning to sail, we have a sailing school right on-site. The American Sailing Academy offers a 2-hour Introduction to Sailing, a 2-hour refresher (for those with experience but needing a little refresher), and ASA beginner and advanced certified classes.
You can learn to sail in just 2 days with our in-house sailing endorsement class (non-certification). When you pass the endorsement class, you would have the use of one of our 22′ Catalina sailboats for FREE during the rest of your stay. (Non-guests can rent a sailboat for $300 a day but it’s free for our qualified sailor guests staying at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.)
For more information on the sailing classes, call Capt. g at 305 896 5555, or send an email to captg@keylimesailing.com.
And that’s not all! We’ve got more in store for you such as sailing excursions* which include captivating sunset cruises, immersive kayaking tours, and exhilarating snorkel adventures. Departing from the KLSC docks, these fantastic outings are easily accessible to all our guests. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary sailing excursions; they’re the key to creating unforgettable memories.
*Booked through Morning Star Charters and guests staying at KLSC receive a 10% discount.
Announcement Regarding Our KLSC T-shirts for Sale
To our recent guests. We are reaching out to address a matter regarding the KLSC T-shirts that a very few may have purchased during your visit.
It has come to our attention that there may have been an issue with these T-shirts. After washing, we discovered that the logo printing on some of the shirts has come off, and we think that some of you may have experienced this as well.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us!
If you are one of the guests who purchased these T-shirts, please accept our deepest apologies, and kindly provide us with the following information:
Your name
Date of stay
Number of T-shirts purchased
Sizes of T-shirts
Mailing address for replacement delivery
We are committed to rectifying this situation promptly. Rest assured, we have taken measures to prevent such issues from occurring in the future.
Please reply directly to Jen at klsckeylargo@aol.com with the requested information, and we will be sending you replacements as soon as possible.
Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We value your continued support and patronage of Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.
Get ready to embark on the ultimate musical getaway with Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville”! Featuring the iconic tunes like “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and more, this hilarious and heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been dreaming of. Join us for show dates on April 18, 19, and 20, as well as 25, 26, and 27, all at 7 p.m., with a special 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on April 28. Performances will be held at the Murray Nelson Government Center, MM 102 bayside. Don’t miss your chance to escape to Margaritaville – visit their website for more info and grab your tickets now for an unforgettable journey!
Join us for the ultimate 10-day celebration at the 42nd Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration in Key West! From April 19, 2024, to April 28, 2024, experience the iconic Conch Shell Blowing Contest and Drag Races on Duval, the majestic Naval Parade in Key West Harbor, and the historic Schooner Wharf Wreckers Race Series. This event promises non-stop fun for all ages, with pirates, admirals, and island royalty coming together for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and independence. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience why “We Seceded… Where Others Failed.” For more information and event details, visit their official website and get ready to be a part of 42 years of FUN-Dependence at sea!
28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival
May 1, 2024 – May 5, 2024 – Key West
Join us for the ultimate 10-day celebration at the 42nd Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration in Key West! From April 19, 2024, to April 28, 2024, experience the iconic Conch Shell Blowing Contest and Drag Races on Duval, the majestic Naval Parade in Key West Harbor, and the historic Schooner Wharf Wreckers Race Series. This event promises non-stop fun for all ages, with pirates, admirals, and island royalty coming together for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and independence. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience why “We Seceded… Where Others Failed.” For more information and event details, visit their official website and get ready to be a part of 42 years of FUN-Dependence at sea!
Win Stays at Key Lime Sailing Club
To our past and present guests: Here’s a chance to come back and vacation at KLSC for free! Send us pictures of your stay here and win a free 3-night stay by participating in our 14th Annual KLSC Photo Contest. Check here for details.
Got a talent for video making? Enter our 11th Annual KLSC Video Contest and get a chance to win a free 5-night stay! Check here for details.
We at Key Largo Cottages at Key Lime Sailing Club love our guests and we would love to see you back again for another fun-filled and relaxing Florida Keys vacation!
Enjoy a Snorkel or Sunset Cruise both bay side and ocean side as well as sailboat rentals from 22 foot to 40 foot through Morning Star Sailing Charters. Call us at 305-451-7057.
Spice up your Spring! The Lowcountry Cajun Festival is bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry with a full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, kids activities, and all-around ragin’ Cajun fun!
Embark on an on-water boating course this spring! In just 3 hours, gain vital skills for confident, enjoyable boating—safety, navigation, equipment, and manuevers. Hands-on practice boosts confidence and proficiency, ensuring safer waters ahead. Join us for a thrilling spring adventure!
Moonlight Mixers are back at the Folly Beach Pier!
Enjoy 5 nights of dancing and music this summer
[FOLLY BEACH] – The Moonlight Mixer series on the Folly Beach Pier is back once again! The pier’s Mixers series will kick off on Friday, May 3.
All ages are invited to celebrate summertime with some dancing on the Folly Beach Pier. On five Friday evenings this summer, dancers will enjoy music from a DJ or live band. On May 3, July 26 and Sept. 20, DJ Bill Shelton will spin the hottest oldies and beach music. And on June 14 and Aug. 16, the Dave Landeo Trio will perform a variety of upbeat, energetic covers and originals.
Advance tickets are $10 per person. If the event has not sold out, on-site tickets will be $15 per person. Tickets are limited and the events are expected to sell out, so advance purchase is recommended. Event hours are 7 – 10 p.m.
Beverages will be available for purchase on site. No outside food or drink is allowed, and pets are not permitted at the event. Food and snacks will be available for purchase at the Pier 101 Restaurant and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop, both located at the entrance to the pier. Food, beverages and parking fees are not included with ticket purchase. Chairs are welcome as seating is limited.
The Folly Beach Pier opened to the public on Dec. 26, 2022. The 1049-foot-long pier is 25 feet wide and features concrete pilings and substructure, with a wooden walkway and railings. Amenities at the Folly Beach Pier include restrooms, the Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar, beach access, showers, and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop (which sells gifts, sundry items, refreshments and tackle/bait, and offers rod rentals). The iconic Folly Beach Pier is the perfect location for saltwater fishing, walking, birding and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the “Edge of America.”
Moonlight Mixers offer accessible parking, restrooms, and water fountains, as well as an accessible ramp to the pier and an accessible route to the event area at the end of the pier. KultureCity Sensory Bags are available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis during the event. Visit the event gate for more information on accessibility in your parks. For additional information on the Folly Beach Pier, visit ccprc.com/follypier.
For details or to purchase tickets, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link). This event is brought to you by Dasani and your Charleston County Parks.
Owned and operated by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the Folly Beach Fishing Pier is located at 101 East Arctic Avenue on Folly Beach. The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, a skate park, three waterparks, a historic plantation site, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities.The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information, call 843-795-4386, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
Photos courtesy Charleston County Parks. High resolution photos available upon request
Oriental, NC is home to longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn, lying on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. Our thanks to Flora Moorman for this shot from Oriental Marina.
Spring is almost here, which means things are changing – the days are longer, the air a little warmer, and our parks are coming to life as they thaw out from cold winter days.
One thing that doesn’t change is how each one of us love and support our Outer Banks national parks. Did you know that people like you have played a role in supporting our national parks through donations and other support since they were first thought of as “America’s Best Idea” over 100 years ago?
This year, we carry on that legacy as we celebrate five years helping you support our Outer Banks national parks. A lot has changed in just those five years:
Our parks’ budget continues to tighten, making it more difficult for them to keep pace with our community’s needs.
That’s why your supportis more important than ever this year. When you give a gift to Outer Banks Forever – whether it’s $50 or $500 – you allow us to help our parks adapt to these changes faster and easier. Together, we can ensure that these beautiful places remain a source of inspiration and wonder for years to come.
We can’t thank you enough for being part of our Outer Banks Forever family for the past five years and look forward to the amazing work we can do together this year and beyond!
Our Meet Your Ranger series introduces you to the many amazing people who support our Outer Banks national parks every day!
This month, we’re pleased to introduce you to Robin Snyder, Deputy Superintendent of our Outer Banks national parks!
No two days are alike for Robin as she works closely with the Superintendent and division chiefs of administration, maintenance, visitor services, resource management, and visitor and resource protection to manage park operations for our three national parks!
The Wright Flight Academy: Part I Prepare for Takeoff!
This content is brought to you by our National Park Service partners.
Prepare for takeoff and join Wright Brothers National Memorial on an extraordinary adventure in partnership with Dare County Schools with The Wright Flight Academy!
Experience the start of something special at Wright Brothers National Memorial with the first installment in a series of videos chronicling the extraordinary work being performed by students from First Flight High School. Over the next two years, 23 students will build their very own, two person “flying machine” (I.e., an FAA-certified airplane) on the same grounds where brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved their world-changing first flight on December 17, 1903!
We hope you’ll follow along and cheer these students on as they carry the torch of the Wright brothers’ legacy in The Wright Flight Academy!
We’re proud to support this program by sponsoring this video series created by Rayolight Productions. As videos are made available, we’ll be adding them to our YouTube channel, sharing them on Facebook, and featuring them in our monthly e-newsletters.
If you’ve spent time in the Outer Banks, then you’ve likely enjoyed a beverage brought to you by our friends at OBX Beverage!
OBX Beverage is the only locally owned and operated beverage distributor here in the Outer Banks. When Kiefer and Molly Pirrung purchased the business in 2021, they did so with the mission of contributing to our vibrant community, providing quality beverages and service to locals and visitors alike.
They are also passionate about protecting and enhancing our Outer Banks national parks, and have done so by supporting our Pathways to Your National Parks project!
NPS Explains: What’s Happening at Buxton Beach Access?
This content is brought to you by our National Park Service partners.
From 1956 until 2010, Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Buxton Beach Access, located at the south end of Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton, North Carolina, served our nation as a military base for both the United States Navy and Coast Guard.
Due to decades-long military usage and apparently incomplete restoration of the area, samples taken from the Buxton Beach Access beach tested positive in early September 2023, for petroleum-contaminated soils (PCS).
Additionally, due to coastal erosion, abandoned facilities, construction debris, and septic systems associated with historic Navy and Coast Guard activities have been observed along the beach adjacent to the Buxton Beach Access.
On September 1, 2023, as a precautionary measure, the beach adjacent to the former military site was closed after experiencing beach erosion from Tropical Storm Idalia and Hurricane Lee. The erosion uncovered potentially hazardous infrastructure associated with the Navy and Coast Guard bases and visitors reported a strong smell of petroleum. The Seashore filed two reports with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Spill Response Center.
Sediment samples taken in early September 2023, by the Coast Guard’s Spill Response staff came back positive for petroleum hydrocarbons with characteristics of light fuel oil, and lubricating oil. Since early September 2023, PCS have intermittently been observed on the beach.
On September 25, 2023, the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services, the Seashore, and the Corps, issued a precautionary public health advisory.
On February 9, 2024, Seashore staff noticed a very strong smell of petroleum products and multiple surfers reported that their wetsuits and hair smelled like fuel and noticed a sheen on the water near Buxton Beach Access. A number of reports were submitted to the National Response Center.
Today, it appears that the foundation of the terminal building, including two cable terminal vaults and other infrastructure associated with NAVFAC Cape Hatteras, litter the beach, due to significant coastal erosion over the years.
While the National Park Service remains concerned about the remnant infrastructure and PCS at this site, it is also proud that for 26 years, America’s first national seashore hosted NAVFAC Cape Hatteras, a military facility that played an essential role in tracking Soviet submarine movements and provided valuable intelligence to the U.S. Navy.
The Seashore continues to support the military by providing land to the Coast Guard for important operations out of Hatteras Inlet and Oregon Inlet.
What’s next?
The beach remains closed as a precautionary measure.
The Seashore will continue to communicate observations and concerns about the existence of PCS and debris to the Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard.
The Corps continues to evaluate the situation and if its authorities will allow for the removal of historic building infrastructure and associated PCS.
The Coast Guard is conducting a CERCLA investigation at the site to evaluate the presence of non-petroleum contaminants, which is underway and expected to conclude during the summer of 2024. The contract for the investigation is not related to the PCS observations in September 2023.
To learn more about the history and status of this site from our National Park Service partners, click the button below. You can also learn more from our friend Joy Crist, Editor of the Island Free Press, by visiting her Editor’s Blog.
Join us in celebrating the Ocracoke ponies who have March birthdays!
Did you know you can help these beautiful and unique ponies by symbolically adopting one or supporting the herd? Your support helps cover the costs of their ongoing care and feeding. When you Adopt A Pony or support the herd with a gift of $50 or more, you will receive an adoption certificate and a picture of your pony or of the herd to keep!
Lawton – March 9
Lawton is a handsome paint pony and is the Ocracoke herd’s only gelding. He is named after the late Lawton Howard, an Ocracoke local who generously loved and supported the ponies.
Lawton enjoys playing with his four half-siblings in the herd and showing off for visitors! He’s also known for his loud, very noticeable snore!
Paloma – March 22
Paloma’s name, which means “dove” in Spanish, was given to her by the students at the Ocracoke School. Paloma’s mother was Spirit, a deeply missed member of the herd, and her father is Wentzel from the Shackleford Banks herd.
She is very inquisitive and is usually the first pony to greet visitors at the Ocracoke Pony Pens!
Rayo – March 26
Rayo is one of the beloved ponies of Ocracoke Island. His name means “lightening” in Spanish, and he is a paint stallion with lots of spunk!
He is Paloma’s brother and is the father of Jobelle and Hazelnut. He is known for being very active and curious!
Save the date for our favorite week of the year: National Park Week! We’ll also be celebrating our fifth birthday that week!
This year, National Park Week will take place from April 20 through April 28. Highlights for the week include Earth Day, a fee-free day at Wright Brothers National Memorial, National Junior Ranger Day, and more! Stay tuned for more exciting details to come!
‘Sullivan, James P LT USCG (USA)’ via General Contact
Mon, Mar 11, 10:31 AM (1 day ago)
to D07-SMB-SECTORCHASN-WWM
Good Morning All,
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (DHEC OCRM) is piloting a new preventative Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) to allow boat owners to surrender aging, unwanted, or at-risk vessels (for free) before they become a problem. They will even disassemble and dispose of the vessel at no cost to the owner, using the most sustainable disposal and recycling options available. Although this program does not apply to existing abandoned and derelict vessels, it is a huge step forward for protecting SC waterways.
Please see attached one-pager and text below for additional information. Feel free to forward this email as you see fit.
When is the first Turn-In Event?
The first Vessel Turn-In event will be held in the Charleston area in the summer of 2024. Details will be published by SCDHEC once plans are solidified.
Who is Eligible?
Private citizens and businesses within South Carolina’s eight coastal counties.
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe.. $7 a month or $56 for the year and you may cancel at anytime.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run locally by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
Escape to Paradise this Easter
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