AT&T Service Out Across Large Area of Florida
Locations with reported outages include all of the South Florida metro area, plus Orlando, Tampa and Windemere.
Locations with reported outages include all of the South Florida metro area, plus Orlando, Tampa and Windemere.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits
Bahamas Chatter: “ABACO UPDATE” plus 1 more
| ABACO UPDATE Posted: 13 Jan 2021 02:16 PM PST ABACOS UPDATE Here are some responses we got back from a query to update you on what is going on in the Abacos. PLEASE SEND US ANY FIRST-HAND INFORMATION YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH FELLOW CRUISERS. GREEN TURTLE CAY: Many repairs going on in Abaco. Green Turtle Cay is doing well all things considered. You can purchase diesel and unleaded gasoline at Green Turtle Club Marina or at Sunset Marine both on Green Turtle Cay Bluff House Marina 242-824-6231(cell) and restaurant and pool were destroyed but are currently being rebuilt. Beach Bar restaurant (Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar) will be open by the 1st of March, rooms and villas are projected to be available for rent by the 1st of May (maybe a few of the villas in advance of that date. Email frontdesk@bluffhouse.com Many restaurants and bars and stores are open, freight boats arriving several times a week bringing in building materials for businesses and home owners that are fixing their homes for rental. Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina is open. Regarding COVID: Keep checking the Bahamas.com website for updates. There is no quarantining currently unless you test positive while here. We have had no confirmed cases on Green Turtle Cay. We are a port of entry; cruisers should call to arrange clearing and regarding the 5 day Rapid antigen test if staying more than 4 nights. Call Green Turtle Club for more information. From Bluff House: We thank all of the Cruisers that have helped people on Green Turtle Cay since Hurricane Dorian and want them to know how hard we are working to be able to welcome them back and are in fact welcoming guests back on Green Turtle Cay already. There are volunteers on the island and volunteers from the island that are currently helping to rebuild homes and to provide drinking water, etc. Things are being built back better than ever. Most people are either back in their homes or close to being back after 18 months of living in other people’s homes. GUANA CAY: Orchid Bay Marina is presently open from Monday – Saturday from 7:00 – 1:00 pm for fuel and boats coming in. Our restaurant is not open at this time. We have gas, diesel, ice, electricity, water and gift shop items. Orchid Bay’s land line 242-365-5175 is working. Grocery store is rebuilding on the front street. The original Guana Harbour grocery is not reopening. Grabbers Bar and Restaurant has reopened; Mama’s Takeaway has reopened; Guana Lumber and dive Guana too. At present, a negative COVID test is required upon entering the Bahamas. After being here 5 days you must have the rapid test done. They apparently have done away with the quarantine. It appears that the cases in Abaco have decreased. LITTLE HARBOUR, ABACO: At Pete’s Pub & Gallery, the Johnstons are overjoyed to be able to welcome everyone back. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns. They hope to see you soon. |
| Inside Report on COVID Posted: 13 Jan 2021 12:58 PM PST From a cruiser in Spanish Wells, we had this up-to-date report on real-time experience: Generally, Store owners are requiring people to wear masks inside their businesses. Yachtsmen are cooperating with wearing masks in public. “With the Bahamas policy we feel pretty sure that most newly arrived cruisers are negative (especially after the second test) but most cruisers are not socializing with each other.” The concern among the cruising community is being careful not to get COVID from the locals. Two private clinics in Spanish Wells Eagles Landing on Main Street (fee for testing) Bahamas Wellness Eagles Landing on Main Street 242-333-4869 or 242-359-7555 M-F ******* Sat/Sun appt only 242-819-1167 ________________________ Free private clinic Bonnie Symonette 242-422-9952 |
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and the City of Gulfport always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.

Virtual Art, MLK + the Vaccine
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
This heart warming story will appeal to all cruisers.

Nephew at St. Jude inspires uncle’s Great Loop boat voyage
Our thanks to Ted Ariska of Save Georgia’s Anchorages for forwarding this GNR link further defining Georgia’s anchoring restrictions. See New Boating Laws. Cruisers Net urges you to contribute to the lobbying efforts of SAGA at this AGLCA link.
A lovely moonset taken from Southport, NC, home of Southport Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
COVID-19’s economic impact on the recreational boating and marina industries has been mixed.
Getting Through COVID-19 – Adaptation and Change for the Marina Market
Marina Dock Age
With fishing line taking more than 600 years to break down in the environment, it is vital that we increase the uptake of recycling of used line and commit to disposing of it correctly.
Help us protect marine mammals and birds by promoting recycling of used fishing line
Rick Wallace, Tackle Village
Here is a book that might inspire you to get outdoors more and to expand your interest in local birds.

Fran James, Special to the Democrat
Former Tallahassee teacher has new book on Gulf Coast birds
Tallahassee.com
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Bahamian Covid
| Bahamian Covid Posted: 04 Jan 2021 05:06 AM PST Just talked to a captain returning from a Christmas/New Years trip to the Bahamas. |
Since you have to COVID free to receive the shots I would hope they would accept us.
I have been following the continuously changing policies for entry into the Bahamas. My wife and I just got our first of two vaccines for Covid (we got Moderna). Is anyone hearing that proof of vaccination may in the future suffice for entry into the Bahamas?
The wreck of the capsized PCTC Golden Ray has taken more than a year to remove from St. Simons Sound, Georgia. This is the first clear view of the autos lost. Also see Safety Zone.
© Savannah Corps of Engineers via Facebook The Golden Ray has been awaiting removal since September 2019, when the 656-foot-long ship caught on fire and capsized with 4200 newly built vehicles on board.
Capsized Car-Carrying Cargo Ship Cut in Half as Salvage Continues
CarandDriver
Video: Stern Section of Golden Ray Removed on Barge
Maritime Executive
Our thanks to AGLCA Director Kimberly Russo for posting this update on AGLCA’s Forum and to Ted Arisaka for his research. See also Update on Anchoring in Georgia.
I’m sharing some information on the Georgia Anchoring issue that was prepared by one of our Coalition members, Ted Arisaka. Ted prepared this information to help show the impacts Coalition’s efforts to preserve our cruisers’ rights in Georgia’s waters over the last few years.
Here we analyzed the 150 unique anchorages as published in Active Captain, Waterway Guide and Cruisers’Net between 2019 Legislation HB201 and 2020 replacement bill HB833, showing the dramatic growth of what Georgia DNR considered approved shellfish harvest areas – impact grew from 19 prohibited anchorages to 50 prohibited anchorages.
SGA Shellfish Harvest Areas 2019 / Early 2020 comparison photo album
After offline dialogue with GA DNR, documenting the impact to 50 anchorages, they greatly reduced these areas to impact “only” 11 anchorages. These maps show the 150 anchorages in Georgia – OK in yellow, Prohibited in red. Bob423 tracks on ICW shown in magenta.
Dec 2020 Maps of Reduced Shellfish Harvest Area Impact to 11 Anchorages
Georgia House Bill 833 Passed Into Law 2020
Here is an interactive map published by DNR showing the various anchoring zones for marine structures setbacks, marina setbacks and approved shellfish harvest area setbacks. (There is a legend for the colors). You can also put Lat / Long in the search field. Georgia DNR Liveaboard Anchoring Illustrative Map
Here is our FB group that has chronicled the evolution of these regs as well as some of our communications and analyses. There are also video recordings of the initial DNR presentation to the public on their stated rationale for the need of the original HB201. Save Georgia’s Anchorages Facebook
GA DNR Page re: Commercial Shellfish Harvest
Cruisers’ Net Update on Steamboat Creek SC including USCG LNM Excerpt
Georgia House Bill 501 (2019) governing Commercial Shellfish
Best Regards,
Ted Arisaka
s/v Little Wing Valiant 42 #186
If you value this kind of work done for the cruising community, please consider contributing to the Boater’s Rights Advocacy Fund. Our coalition is currently fundraising for 2021. We need your help to be able to continue working to keep anchorages open for boaters. Contribute now!
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
During the pandemic, the Gulfport Historical Society continues its educational activities for the City of Gulfport, home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, located on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.

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Exploring 12 locations in the deep northern Atlantic, the project has set a gold standard for future marine research.

Massive, Unrivalled Deep-Sea Project Just Discovered a Bunch of New Atlantic Species
ScienceAlert
Underwater photographer Robert Michelson continues in the second of a two-part series to explore the world of sea jellies and their relatives in North Carolina waters.

Deeper Dive into the World of NC’s Sea Jellies
Coastal Review Online
Here is definitely a case of your needing be sure to look before you leap overboard for a swim or a repair.

First in a two-part series Jellyfish are some of the coolest looking creatures that live in North Carolina’s waters. Found in all coastal areas of the state, there’s a dozen different species that can be observed at various times of year while swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling or simply walking along the beach.
Strange Beauty: Jellyfish of the NC Coast
Coastal Review Online
A sunset as seen from Southport, NC, home to Southport Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Keith – Great photo. It's difficult sometimes to make a good photo of a commercial boat, but you certainly did that.
Greg Allard
Cove Anchorage is found on the waters of the large cove indenting the Waterway’s northeastern banks at unlighted daybeacon #35. Our thanks to James Aughton for this review.
This anchorage is near perfect, in the middle of a No Wake zone and well protected from winds. Unfortunately, this is not a great location during the hot, humid Florida summers. And don’t leave the hatch open after sunset, the no-seeums will eat you up. End of roadway just to the south is a good dinghy landing and short walk east to Publix grocery store.
James Aughton
Click Here To View the Western Florida Anchroage Directory Listing For Cove Anchroage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Cove Anchorage
Englewood Anchorage lies east of the Western Florida ICW, north of marker #25. Don’t confuse this anchor down spot with the Englewood Beach Anchorage while is located west of the ICW’s track. Our thanks to James Aughton for this review.
Good summer anchorage, usually a good breeze and few bugs as you can anchor away from shore. Adjacent to county park with beach and boat ramp/docks for landing. One mile walk to east is Grocery & Drug store.
James Aughton
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Englewood Anchorage
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and the City of Gulfport always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
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