Shared Photo: Sunset over Skull Creek
Looking over Skull Creek on Hilton Head Island by Mike Britt
CRUISERS NET
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Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
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MSIB re Causton Bluff Bridge Closures
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for this Marine Safety Bulletin. See NAV ALERT: AICW MM 579.9
Click here for Intermittent Closure Notification for AICW
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Long a destination, Morehead City on road to change, AICW MM 205
The Atlantic Hotel, a long-gone Morehead City attraction, is shown in 1909. Photo: Tabitha Marie DeVisconti Papers, East Carolina University Digital Collections
Click here for Long a destination, Morehead City on road to change
CoastalReview.orgAREA SPONSORING MARINA
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City Yacht Basin
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New Sat Image Shows Extent of Aussie’s Progress More Than Three Years Later – Peter Swanson
Click here for New Sat Image Shows Extent of Aussie’s Progress More Than Three Years Later
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.
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BoatUS Receives $10 Million NOAA Grant for Derelict Vessel Removal
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Click here for BoatUS Foundation Receives $10 Million NOAA Grant for Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Program
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“The Salty Crab” Waterfront Restaurant Opens at Dowry Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC AICW MM 131.5
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Dowry Creek Marina is owned by the Zeltner family who want to roll out the red carpet to transients, offering whatever you might need during your visit. This highly praised and transient friendly marina lies off the AICW/Pungo River north of Belhaven, NC.
“The Salty Crab” Waterfront Restaurant Opens at Dowry Creek Marina in Belhaven
The Salty Crab Restaurant at the Dowry Creek Marina is Now OPEN. The picturesque new 5000 sq foot waterfront restaurant and bar served over 850 customers over the Labor Day Weekend as a steady stream of folks came by boat off the ICW and by road to enjoy the food and check out the new facility. Dowry Creek has plenty of dock space for visiting boats up to 195 ft with 9′ channel depth on the approach. In addition to 30 transient slips for overnight dockage, they have plenty of space for boats stopping in to get VALVTEC fuel and/or fill their own tanks at the restaurant There is also plenty of protected anchorage space in Upper Dowry Creek near the marina and easy access for dinghy parking at the pier. The Salty Crab features Chef Cody Johnson, and is open 7 days a week from 11 am until 10 pm serving a variety of seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more; and features a full bar with 22 beers on tap, a great wine selection and all of your favorite mixed drinks. Pizza, steaks and a full dinner menu will be added over the coming weeks in preparation for the fall boating season as the ICW fills with boats heading south towards the sunshine and warm winter temperatures. With the news, space is going fast, so make your reservations now if you want to reserve an overnight slip for the upcoming season.
Stephen Zeltner
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
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NOAA: Ocean Today – Rip Current Survival Guide Videos for Adults and Kids
The best way to survive a rip current is to relax and float – don’t try to swim against the current. Watch this video to learn more about what to do if you’re caught in a rip current.
Click here for Rip Current Survival Guides
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Maxeon Announces 3GigaWatt Factory in Albuquerque, NM
Our thanks to Lyall and Katie Burgess, owners of Sun Powered Yachts, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, for bringing this good news to our attention.
Maxeon has announced a solar panel factory to be built in New Mexico, so that’s panels made here in the USA, a bonus, and with a potential production output of 3 gigawatts – which to put into context is 6.3 million of the 470W panels being made each year!
Lyall Burgess
Click here for more details Maxeon Announces 3GigaWatt Factory in Albuquerque, NM
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Makers Air Acquires Staniel Air
Makers Air and Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONOR, look forward to seeing you this winter!
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Praise for Windmill Harbour Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC AICW MM 558
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for this firsthand report during Hurricane Idalia.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Windmill Harbour Marina
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St Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, Fort Pierce, FL
Our thanks to Anne Bowen of Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, for sending us this very interesting article.
Click here for St Lucie County Artificial Reef Program
coastalanglermag.comClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
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How Did Portugal Launch the Age of Exploration?
How Portugal’s Seafaring Expertise Launched the Age of Exploration During the 15th century, a small European kingdom with a population around one million—and holding notable advantages in shipbuilding, navigation and mapmaking—initiated an age of maritime exploration that reshaped the world. Find out how. Read More 
Video: Explorers Not Named Columbus From John Cabot to Bartolomé de las Casas, learn more about other notable explorers who sailed the high seas. Watch Now 
7 Ships and Navigational Tools Used in the Age of Exploration These fast ships and navigational tools aided European sailors between the 15th and 17th centuries. Read More 
Polynesian voyagers crossed the Pacific and settled on distant islands using navigation skills based on observing stars, waves and currents. This allowed them to locate more than 1,000 islands without advanced instruments. Read more. 
Columbus: The Lost Voyage Ten years after his famous 1492 voyage, Christopher Columbus, awaiting the gallows on criminal charges in a Caribbean prison, plotted a treacherous final voyage to restore his reputation. Unlock this special and stream thousands of hours of acclaimed series, probing documentaries and captivating specials commercial-free in HISTORY Vault.
Start Free Trial Follow The HISTORY Channel 
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Staniel Cay Yacht Club Important Dates of Closures, Staniel Cay, Bahamas
Even with these maintenance closures, the marina will remain available to boaters, just no services at the bar, dining, and cottage rental.
Please note the following important dates of closure:The SCYC cottages, restaurant, and bar will be closed for annual maintenance from September 17th – October 1st, 2023. They will re-open on October 2nd, 2023.
SCYC Marina and all marina services will remain open throughout this time. This includes the marina office, dockage services, fuel, ice, and bait.Be the first to comment!
NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey releases new Nautical Charting Plan
The Office of Coast Survey’s new Nautical Charting Plan officially released
Outlines Coast Survey’s efforts to meet the needs of users of nautical chart data into the futureDear Colleagues,
I’m pleased to announce that the Marine Chart Division (MCD) within NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey has released a new NOAA Nautical Charting Plan. The plan describes Coast Survey’s continuing efforts to meet the needs of mariners and other users of nautical charts now and in the future. This includes rescheming NOAA’s entire Electronic Navigational Chart (NOAA® ENC) product suite into a regular gridded layout, recompilation of ENC depth curves from feet and fathoms into meters, and other improvements to delivery authoritative, fit-for-purpose navigation products to users in a timely fashion. The Nautical Charting Plan also describes the ongoing program to end the production and maintenance of NOAA’s paper nautical charts and other raster chart products and services, which will be completed by January 2026.
This new charting plan is a major component of our implementation of the new Coast Survey Strategic Plan we announced last week. The new charting plan consolidates, and updates information previously found in the 2017 National Charting Plan, the 2019 Sunsetting Traditional NOAA Paper Charts, and the 2019 Transforming the NOAA ENC documents. Some of the more technical aspects of reschemed ENC design are now available in a new NOAA ENC Design Handbook. The focus of this plan, as it was for the documents that it supersedes, is the transition from the production and use of paper nautical charts to the production and use of NOAA ENCs.
Lastly, I would like to welcome Ms. Julia Powell as the new chief of Coast Survey’s Marine Chart Division, relieving Capt. E.J. Van Den Ameele who is retiring after over 30 years of service to NOAA and the nation. Julia comes to MCD after three years as the Chief of the Coast Survey’s Navigation Services Division and brings a wealth of experience with charting issues and stakeholder engagement. I am glad to have a capable and experienced leader to continue MCD’s work and implement this new plan.
V/r
Rear Admiral Benjamin K. Evans, NOAA
Director, NOAA Office of Coast Survey
NOAA Office of Coast Survey is the nation’s nautical chartmaker. Originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Coast Survey updates charts, surveys the coastal seafloor, responds to maritime emergencies, and searches for underwater obstructions that pose a danger to navigation.
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New South Carolina Boating Law Strengthens Safety Requirements
South Carolina is currently one of only four US states with no boater education requirements. The new bill will add South Carolina to the majority of states that require boating safety courses for some or all boaters.
Click here for New South Carolina Boating Law Strengthens Safety Requirements
Steinberg Law FirmComments from Cruisers (3)
- Reply to Rick
As the article points out, South Carolina is one of only 4 states that did not have a similar training requirement. Whether the boater training is actually adequate or not is open for discussion. IMHO, in person classes done by the Power Squadron or USCG Auxiliary are probably pretty good – the states that only require on-line computer classes that comply with the content standard not so much.
I lived in the Midwest until the mid-90's. My state already had a law back then. And like the South Carolina law, the requirement is for everyone whose birthday is prior to a certain date. Anyone younger than about 45 from my former home has to have had the training by now, or to get it if they acquire a boat.
Since most fatal boat accidents involve excess alcohol, I suspect that you are right that younger boaters in their 20's and 30's are probably involved in a disproportionate share of accidents. Rigorous enforcement of BWI laws would probably have a larger impact on safety than training of young people, but that doesn't make the training requirement a bad idea.
BTW, the USCG publishes statistical data on boating accidents and events like boat fires every year. Look on the Coast Guard website if you want to find it.
- Reply to Phil
As a follow up on my comment last month how about a breakdown on boating accidents by age responsible?
Without that data, we're just blowing smoke and can't be sure we're actually addressing the problem.
Anyone? - Reply to Phil
I would like to see some STATISTICS on boating accidents/fatalities from states that have these laws and those that don't. And do these laws make a difference? 16 years old or younger? Like driving a car, I suspect many if not most boating accidents are caused by older teenagers and those in their 20s.
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Scientist urges more Vibrio awareness as risk moves north
Vibrio is a vicious, flesh-eating bacteria that can kill within 48 hours of exposure to warm, brackish water.
Original locations of the 709 confirmed nonfoodborne V. vulnificus infections reported to the Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance, or COVIS, database between 2007 and 2018 within 125 miles of the coast, in blue. Graphic: “Climate warming and increasing Vibrio vulnificus infections in North America” report
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Ships Store Open to All, Isle of Palms Marina, SC AICW MM 460
The South Carolina barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston may just be the area’s best-kept secret and, of course, is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Isle of Palms Marina.
Cruisers Net was advised this morning that the “Ships Store” at Isle of Palms marina is fully open and available to all. Fully operational. Boaters are invited to visit IOP and enjoy all the amenities.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Isle of Palms Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Isle of Palms Marina
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Buddy Boating – Bob Arrington, Passagemaker
There are a litany of good reasons to travel with other vessels, but due diligence is required to have realistic expectations.
Click here for Buddy Boating by Bob Arrington from Passagemaker, September, 2023
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NOAA Navigational Services Quarterly Newsletter, August 2023
Quarterly Newsletter
August 2023
You are invited to join a PORTS® workshop!
A graphic showing a representation of the PORTS network and how it operates.
NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) is currently conducting an assessment of its Physical Oceanographic Real Time System (PORTS®) Program to better understand data and gauging needs as well as funding required to expand, enhance, or implement PORTS at all U.S. seaports. As part of this effort, we are inviting stakeholders to participate in a virtual workshop and provide crucial insight into the data needed to ensure safe and efficient marine commerce. Several targeted regional workshops have taken place this summer and a few remain.
Upcoming Regional Workshops:
- Great Lakes – August 9th
- Mid-Atlantic – August 24th
- New England – September 13th
Make-up sessions are also available for interested parties in any region. Access the make-up registration link here and select from a date between now and September 19.
Who should attend?
Individual seaports, harbor or terminal operators, marine exchanges, harbor/river pilots, tugboat/assist operators familiar with seaports in the region that 1) either already have access to local NOAA PORTS data or 2) who navigate in locations in need of PORTS gauging. Please feel free to forward this to colleagues in this region who might be interested.
For more information, contact: PORTS_program@noaa.gov.
NOAA releases 2023 hydrographic survey season plans
An image of several survey vessels within the NOAA fleet.
NOAA hydrographic survey ships, navigation response teams, and contractors are preparing for the 2023 hydrographic survey season. The ships and survey vessels collect bathymetric data (i.e. map the seafloor) to support nautical charting, modeling, and research and collect environmental data to support a variety of ecosystem sciences. NOAA considers hydrographic survey requests from stakeholders such as marine pilots, local port authorities, the Coast Guard, and the boating community and considers other hydrographic and NOAA science priorities in determining where to survey and when. Visit our “living” ArcGIS StoryMap to find out more about our mapping projects and if a hydrographic vessel will be in your area this year!
CO-OPS Has Expanded the Cape Cod-Buzzards Bay PORTS®
A graphic showing the location of stations in NOAA’s Cape Cod-Buzzards Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-time System (PORTS®)
Early this year, NOAA expanded its Cape Cod-Buzzards Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®), installing two new stations at New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts. The new stations are now fully integrated into the PORTS, which provides data to support critical maritime decision making on both sides of Cape Cod and through the Cape Cod Canal. As part of this project, a tidal water level station was installed at the southern end of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal (NBMCT), a 29-acre terminal site at the New Bedford Harbor. Additionally, a stand-alone meteorological station measuring wind, air temperature, and air pressure was installed on the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier gate. Data from these stations will be particularly valuable for mariners navigating to and from a robust 1,200-foot-long pier equipped to support heavy lift cargo shipping and specialty vessels. Additionally, wind data from the new meteorological station will provide information for vessel loading operations and aid channel navigation at the Hurricane Protection Barrier.
NOAA Custom Chart version 2.0 now available to the public
Earlier this year, NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey released NOAA Custom Chart version 2.0, a dynamic map application which enables users to create their own paper and PDF nautical charts. The custom charts are derived from the official NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart (NOAA ENC®), NOAA’s premier nautical chart product. The online application uses the latest official NOAA ENC data to create nautical charts with customized scale and extent, which can then be downloaded as PDF files. The data on the chart is presented in a manner similar to traditional paper nautical charts, showing soundings, buoys, beacons and other aids to navigation, compass roses and the like.Ocean and coastal mapping matching fund opportunity
Calling all ocean and coastal mapping enthusiasts; the Rear Admiral Richard T. Brennan Mapping Matching Fund program announcement has been released. This particular partnership opportunity is geared towards non-federal partners (academia, tribes, private sector, states/regions/localities, etc.). We need everyone’s help pushing this notice out to external stakeholders. Please share this opportunity with your contacts interested in ocean and coastal mapping of their waters—all interests are welcome! Questions or interested in learning more? Register for our informational webinar on August 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. (EDT). Federal Register Notice. Nautical
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SAIL ASA Classes Buy One, Get One at no extra cost! Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages! Key Largo, FL
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.
ASA 101 Class – Buy One, Get One Free!July was “National Learn to Sail Month,” and it was a success. So successful that the American Sailing Academy invites you to seize an incredible opportunity!The BIGGEST DISCOUNT of our school history! Enroll to complete any of our ASA courses in August, and Bring a Friend FREE to take that same class, FOR FREE, with you. YES, your FRIEND IS FREE. Buy one, get one FREE. It just does not get any better. Share the love of sailing with a friend! Call Capt g now at 305-896-5555.But wait, LOL, THERE IS MORE.
Maybe it does get better. Stay at our base camp, Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages while taking the class(es) and receive 25% OFF your cottage too!LOL. There is still more. Yes, Paul (the owner) gets a bit nutty sometimes.Complete a few selected classes in two days on-site by taking a hybrid class and doing the classroom/theory portion online before arrival. Then complete the hands-on training and testing at the Academy.Enroll in hybrid classes here: American Sailing Academy OnlineUse the case-sensitive coupon code SUMMERSAVINGSThis code will expire so do it now. Don’t wait; SUMMERSAVINGS will expire when all August classes are filled.Embrace the water and learn to sail with your ASA 101 class at the American Sailing Academy located at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages in Key Largo, Florida, USA.Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance! Secure your spot by reaching out to Capt G via Phone or email before this deal fills up.About ASA and UsAmerican Sailing affiliated sailing schools, including the American Sailing Academy, are renowned for their excellence worldwide. As part of the American Sailing network, they offer a well-established and standardized curriculum, providing a systematic learning experience for students. Experienced and certified instructors ensure a high-quality education, emphasizing safety protocols and practical skills.With a wide range of courses, American Sailing accommodates all skill levels and offers internationally recognized certifications for credibility and global opportunities. Their vast network of affiliated schools makes sailing education accessible around the world, ensuring that aspiring sailors have convenient access to top-notch training.American Sailing provides continuing education programs for those seeking advanced skills and specialization, encouraging lifelong learning and skill enhancement within the sailing community. For anyone passionate about sailing, American Sailing schools stand as a reliable gateway to a world of maritime knowledge and expertise.Offer for new reservations only not combinable with any other offers/discounts etc.
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 13th Annual KLSC Photo Contest. Check here for details.Got a talent for video making? Enter our 10th 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!Reservations is standing by at keylargocottages@keylimesailingclub.com or call 1-305-451-3438. Thank you and see y’all in the Florida Keys!Follow Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages on Social Media:Learn ASA Certified Sailing at American Sailing Academy. Call us at 305-896-5555.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.South Dade Marina, Wet and Dry Slips Available. Call 305-247-8730Sommerset Sails, makers of excellent quality sails for your boat.Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages | 305-451-3438 | 99306 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Florida | www.keylimesailingclub.comBe the first to comment!
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