Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.
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There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor, especially with pandemic restrictions easing. While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
We are currently accepting transits and hours of operation are normal. 7:00am to 5:30pm 7 days a week.
Thank you!
Chris Frank
Harbor Master
Fishermen’s Village Marina
941-575-3000
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
There are two operations involved at Fishville for boaters. One is the marina office. The other is the fuel dock.
The marina office has NEVER been open at 07h00, and is NEVER open past 16h00.
We have been seasonal residents at Fishville for 11 years. There is a lot to like, but there are some weaknesses. When we departed this season (May 15th, 2020), the fuel dock was on "summer hours:" 08h00 to 16h00.
Call ahead to be sure whatever facility you need is open at the time you plan to be there.
Our thanks to Fred Braman for this excellent report and chart from Cumberland Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore is a National Park on the east shore of the Waterway’s passage through Cumberland Sound south of Jekyll Island. There are only dinghy docks on the island, which extends over 16 NM from St. Andrew Sound to the Georgia State Line. The Park’s website is https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm. Anchorages may be restricted by Georgia legislation.
Just a note that may be of interest. I visited Cumberland Island last week. The island is as delightful as ever. Only open to private boaters who can get there. Dinghy docks are open at Sea Camp anchorage as are rest rooms and showers in the camping area. No ferries are operating and tour boats are prohibited. The Ranger Station is closed as are attractions like the Ice House Museum and Plum Orchard tours. But the beaches and trails are open, mostly why we go to this delightful place anyway. Happy to answer emailed questions at fredbraman@hotmail.com.
Here is a chart for the Cumberland Sea Camp anchorage. Note that on older chart packs and chart plotters (like mine), Red 34 is Red 40. This series of markers were renumbered years ago. As soon as you turn inside Red 34, look for a shoal marker to port heading in. It marks a sandbar that comes off the tip of the island to the north. Once you spot it, give it plenty of room to port and pick up the first dock complex on shore near a little white building. That’s Dungeness Dock. Head right for it and once near it, follow the shore up to Sea Camp. Don’t wander too far from Cumberland’s shore. There is a sandbar to the west of the main anchorage area. If it starts to get too shallow for comfort, turn towards the island where the deep water is. It sounds more complicated than it is. It’s really straight forward. Plenty of room for dozens of boats. I try to anchor a little to the north of Sea Camp Dock where it gets a little shallower. Depths in most places around 18 ft. Hope this helps.
Fred Braman
Photo by Sonny Reeves
Most marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway have now opened, though some may still have conditions, especially for transients. Please phone ahead to confirm the marina’s status. This list will be discontinued soon.
VA – NC
Atlantic Yacht Basin – 757- 482-2141 – fully open and operational – see Update
MANTEO WATERFRONT – 5/2/We are still closed to transients at the moment but hope we all break out in the near future.! 252-473-3320 See 5/6 Update
RE Mayo Seafood Docks 252-745-5331
Want those in and around our area to know that we are open and welcoming transients. We have fuel and food available while maintaining all the safety precautions necessary during the situation we are facing.”
Penny
McCotters (Washington, NC) is open and will help boaters. Store will deliver to your boat just trying to minimize in store contacts. 252-975-2174
Albemarle Plantation – open 252-426-4653
Morehead City Yacht Basin 252-7366862 open with reduced staff for fuel and essential needs, see 4/10 Update Transient docks are open for overnight stays but our showers/restrooms remain closed to all
Southport Marina – 919-481-3000 see Re-Opening April 22
From Dona Stewart, Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
**Updated 4/3/2020 at 2 pm
* Alligator River Marina (Columbia)~ 252-796-0333 (Normal Operations)
* Cypress Cove Marina (Columbia) ~ 252-796-0015 (Docking Available/Call for information on amenities)
* Coinjock Marina & Restaurant (Coinjock) ~ 252-453-3271 (Normal Operations)
* River Dunes – 252-249-4908 Open
* Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc. (Chesapeake) ~ 757-482-2141(Normal operations)
* Lamb’s Marina & Market (Camden) ~ 252-338-1957 (Docking UNavailable)
* Pelican Marina (Camden) ~ 252-335-5108 (Fri-Sun) or Text the Dockmaster at 251-239-5108 to make reservations (Docking available)
* Maritime Ministries (Elizabeth City) ~ 336-681-0575 (Docking available/ No restrooms or laundry facilities)
* Jennette Brothers (Elizabeth City) ~ 252-338-2187 Ext. 0 (Docking available)
*Mariners’ Wharf & Waterfront Park Marinas (Elizabeth City) ~ 252-337-6864 (Docking UNavailable)
* Waterside Marina (Norfolk) ~ 757-625-3625 (Normal Operations)
*Douglas Road Dock (VA), Elizabeth’s Dock (Deep Creek, VA), Great Bridge Park Dock (All managed by Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism ) ~ 757-382-6411 (Docking Available/ Port-a-Jons available)
* Dismal Swamp Welcome Center (South Mills) ~ 252-771-8333 (Docking Available/ Rest Area Restrooms Open; Visitor Center-closed to public)
* Friends of Dismal Swamp State Park ~ 252-771-6593 (Visitor Center, Restrooms & trails closed to the public)
Donna Stewart, Director www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
SC
Windmill Harbour 4/27 OPEN 843-681-9235 See 5/6 Update
GA
Delegal Creek Marina Savannah GA has re-opened for fuel, 9-4
Hampton River – new hours, Wednesday-Monday open 7-5,Tuesday-open 8-5
Jekyll Harbor Marina – 912-635-3137 Fully operational 7 am to 5 pm
EF
Camachee Cove Marina, 904-8295676 in St. Augustine, FL is open for business following COVID-19 protocols.
Marineland Marina – 904-814-9886 – open; practicing all distancing protocols. Marine store is partially open. Call ahead for transient reservations to make sure space is available
Westland Boatyard and Marina, 321-267-1667 see Update
Palm Coast Marina – 386-446-6370 – open and selling fuel. Marina store closed. Food deliveries available from nearby groceries and Grub-Hub; walking trails open also
Ft Pierce City Marina, 772-464-1245 – open for transient slips, we offer daily, monthly and annual slips.
Halifax Harbor in Daytona ‘temporarily closed’ yesterday, 17 March. No fuel. SEE 3/18 COMMENT BELOW
WF
Gulf Harbour Marina, 239-437-0881 open for ValvTect Marine Fuel sales and offering Boat US discount, see Update.
Long Boat Key Club Moorings, 941-383-8383 is open but not accepting transients until April 30. Please check our Facebook page for updates.
Fishermen’s Village Marina, 941-575-3056 is open: currently accepting transits and hours of operation are normal. 7:00am to 5:30pm 7 days a week.
Riviera Dunes: 941-981-5330 See COVID-19 Update of 4/2
Snead Island Boatworks – The Snead Island Boat Works is deemed an essential business by Homeland Security regulations and we are open for your yachting needs.
Recently Cuomo closed all marinas in NY State.
The governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut implemented a common policy about marina access and recreational boating around May 1st. All three states are open and marinas are available, with guidelines for operation, social distancing, etc. See the respective state websites for details, and be sure to call ahead to your target destinations to see what local rules or practices are in effect at specific marinas.
We've been monitoring this because we have 3 boats in our marina waiting to head north.
Rick Brass
Dockmaster
Washington Waterfront Docks
Washington, NC
St. Johns Yacht Harbor is open with reduced hours and manpower. Management office is manned by reduced staff. The store is closed for walk-in sales until further notice. The fuel dock is open from 10AM-4PM daily. Transient and long term slips are still available. For reservations, call 843-557-1027, use Contact/Reservation page on our newly revised website (www.sjyh.com).
I had bought a boat in Chicago so I am verifying about lock closures in the Illinois River and marina available fuel along the way south to Mobile, AL.
Halifax Harbor in Daytona said they were 'temporarily closed' yesterday, 17 March. No fuel. Didn't ask for the reason.
Just confirmed on 18 March 2020 at 1255 that Halifax Harbor Marina is open for business as usual – both fuel and transient dockage. Yesterday's short fuel dock closure was a temporary technical/mechanical issue.
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas has always been most accommodating to its visitors. This is your chance to return the support for this fine community through these Care Packages via Makers Air in Fort Lauderdale.
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Safe Harbor City Boatyard, formerly Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Safe Harbor Marinas, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
Click for details on Outboard Service Available!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor City Marina
The National Park Service starting May 22 will offer more services to visitors of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Outer Banks Parks Visitor Services to Increase
Coastal Review Online
Another unprecedented situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Greg Allard for sharing.
This photo appears in today’s Wall Street Journal, with the following caption:
“Cruise ships idled off the coast of the Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, as seen by satellite.
PHOTO: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY VIA MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES”
A check of AIS shows the same situation. It’s sad to see the Bahamas become a dumping and storage ground for these ships.
Greg Allard
If you use Marine Traffic or other AIS mapper and pan about the Bahamas and FL, you will see even more. Sad for the trapped crews. I think they are getting bunkered and provisioned occassionally though.
Cruise ships are not allowed to dump over board. They are equipped to treat sewage water, grey water, etc…
No fan of cruise ships but these vessels are not placed in a "dumping" ground as the poster suggested.
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for posting this article in Save Georgia’s Anchorages.
When a Boat Isn’t: Supreme Court Decides
BoatingLaw.com and Great Harbor Trawlers
Historian David Cecelski introduces his 12-part series, “The Story of Shad Boats,” that explores the origins, construction and history of the workboats found on the North Carolina coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Story of Shad Boats
Coastal Review Online
North Carolina State Parks announced this week that trails and restrooms at its parks statewide will open Saturday, including Carolina Beach State Park, Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net’s Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center“>Dismal Swamp State Park, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Fort Macon State Park, Goose Creek State Park, Hammocks Beach State Park, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Pettigrew State Park. This is good news for cruisers wanting to experience the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Coastal Communities Adjust Restrictions
Coastal Review Online
Our thanks to Gene Faatz for sharing his navigation of Lake Okeechobee. Few of us cruisers ever get to see 26kts, so it is interesting to read his report.
Other than a couple of canoes and crew boats we saw very, very little boat traffic on the St. Lucie River to the St. Lucie Lock. After locking through with a 10 ft. lift it was smooth cruising at 26 kts. all the way to the Port Mayaca Lock which was open for pass through. When clearing the lock and entering Lake “O” it is VERY shallow with depths going down to about 4 ft. and you MUST favor the green markers and idle for about 3/4 of a mile to deeper water. The lake has plenty of water even though it was officially at 11.3 ft. all the way to Clewiston at 26 kts., but at the junction of the rim canal it has shoaled on the NW corner but all was good to the Moore Haven Lock which at this time is about a 1 ft. drop.
Gene Faatz
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Moore Haven Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven
Wally Moran’s Cruisers’ Rights Network of North America, see New Boaters Organization, has been focusing on local anchoring ordinances that are in conflict with state anchoring regulations. Most recently the work has been on Florida’s West Coast.
The Cruisers’ Rights Network of North America’s lawyer has today filed a Notice to Dismiss and a Notice of Constitutional Challenge on behalf of Robert Cox, of Gulfport, FL.
Mr. Cox was cited for illegally anchoring in City of Gulfport waters in March. The City’s ordinance is illegal under Florida Statute 327.60.
CRNNA founder Wally Moran was made aware of the situation in March and attempted to negotiate with City officials to discontinue such enforcement, to no avail. We provided them with information regarding the law, as well as put them in touch with FWC officials for guidance. Boat US also stepped in with a powerful letter to Gulfport’s mayor outlining the issues.
Despite all of this, City officials continued to falsely claim, while knowing they were in the wrong, that it was within the City’s rights to continue such enforcement.
With no other options available, CRNNA arranged for Jody Foster of Guy Yudin & Foster LLP, Stuart, FL, to represent Mr. Cox and defend him on this citation. Ms. Foster has previously successfully represented other individuals in similar illegal anchoring ordinance cases, including against Stuart and Miami Beach. In these cases, she not only prevailed, but secured financial compensation and legal fees for her client.
In both cases, the cities also agreed to no longer enforce their illegal anchoring ordinances.
The issues with anchoring in Florida have been ongoing since at least the 1970s. It is CRNNA’s hope that this current legal action and constitutional challenge will serve to put Florida municipalities on notice that they do not have the right to either enact or enforce any anchoring ordinance against non-liveaboard vessels outside of a mooring field. It is the intent of CRNNA to notify every waterfront community in Florida that we will be vigilant in ensuring that boaters’ rights are not infringed, and that legal action will be taken if necessary to deal with such illegal enforcement.
To that end, CRNNA is currently discussing this issue with several west Florida municipalities as well as the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, to ensure that the law is properly understood and that enforcement of illegal ordinances is not occurring. We are pleased to report that these municipalities are listening, and that enforcement has ceased in these communities.
CRNNA recognizes that there are serious issues involving derelict boats and is soliciting its membership on ways to resolve issues surrounding the derelict boats issue in Florida. CRNNA’s members are boaters, many of them full time cruisers living aboard. They see these issues with derelicts play out every day in their anchorages, and CRNNA has already received a significant number of excellent suggestions from them.
CRNNA will be presenting a submission on this issue for consideration by the involved parties, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the State of Florida, and Boat US, and the appropriate committees of the Florida legislature, who will be looking at legislation around this contentious issue.
If you have questions regarding this current legal action, or about anchoring issues in Florida or elsewhere, please contact the CRNNA. Further information on CRNNA can be found at our website, www.CRNNA.com, and updates on current issues are available at our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/
CRNNA invites your inquiries should you need further information.
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As you can tell from the comments of Charlie and Jackie, Church Creek is a long-time favorite anchorage. Church Creek anchorage lies 18 miles south of Charleston. Church Creek, with 13-22 ft. depths, indents the eastern flank of the AICW’s hard by marker #77.
3-27-2020- back in one of our favorite anchorages- Church Crk, about mm 486.8. We always go farther into crk than most- quieter! Anchor held first time- never dragged here before. Great Verizon, 19 over air TV, normal tidal current, no shopping or dog walking. Plenty of swing room for many large boats. Beautiful view is worth the stop. Some protection from southerly wind- more of a moderate weather anchorage. This is in top 5 of our favorites- been here well over 12 times- and will be back in future.
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Church Creek Anchorage
Visitor restrictions will be lifted beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties, including Manteo, home to Manteo Waterfront Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard announces entry for visitors.
Visitor restrictions will be lifted beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties.
The three counties worked together to make the decision after Gov. Roy Cooper Tuesday issued Executive Order 138 that modified the state’s stay-at-home rder and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions and made the announcement Wednesday morning.
Visitors will be permitted entry to Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island, Dare County mainland, Currituck County Outer Banks and Ocracoke Island. Visitors are encouraged to contact their accommodations provider to confirm reservation and arrival plans.
Allowing visitors on May 16 will allow seven days for local businesses, attractions, and accommodations providers to prepare for the arrival of visitors following the new business operating requirements put in place by the governor’s order, according to the counties.
Entry restrictions for visitors to mainland Hyde County were lifted at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Hyde announced. Ocracoke nonresident property owners will be allowed entry May 11. All nonresident property owners should bring their own supplies to sustain themselves in their homes as much as possible such as groceries, medication, paper products and other essentials.
Officials reminded visitors that the pandemic is not over and state and local restrictions are in effect including:
Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Officials stressed CDC recommendations to not travel if you are sick or were exposed within 14 days to COVID-19.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Ocracoke and Manteo, here we come…
Awesome…tell Carl Jordan in Manteo that Cruisers Net sends its very best to one hell of marina manager.😎
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: Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Posted: 06 May 2020 01:45 PM PDT
A REPORT FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS, BAHAMAS– The bridge from Spanish Wells to Russell Island has collapsed, cutting off access to the islands and cutting off the community’s access to its main water supply.
Progressive Liberal Party Senator Clay Sweeting told Eyewitness News a cement truck and golf cart were on the bridge when it collapsed shortly before 2 p.m.
Sweeting said the government signed a contract to replace the bridge in July 2019.
“It’s been deteriorating for some time,” he said.
“The new bridge is in containers on Russell Island waiting to be installed, so right now it’s not too much that can be done. There are a lot of residents on Russell Island that cannot transport themselves to Spanish Wells and vice versa.
“Also the water main is attached to the bridge and that also has collapsed. So now the community over there will be without water for the most part.”
Sweeting added: “Right now we are trying to assess the situation not much we can do. We need to get some heavy equipment in.”
Dataw Island Marina, a former Cruisers Net sponsor, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, but has now rebuilt and is open for business (temporarily restricted to day-time only transients and outside dining.) The marina is located just a short distance south off the Waterway via Parrot Creek, then Morgan River, west of marker #6, along the southern banks of the Morgan River. A wonderful, intimate marina and a great stopover!
We are happy to report that the Dataw Island Marina is once again fully operational with fuel, wet slips, dry stack, a restaurant, and a full-service boatyard.
The Dataw Island Marina has rebuilt their wetslips and has a fuel once again. Gone are the days of being limited to dry stack. Hooray!!!
Laura McCarthy
Click Here For The Cruisers Net South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dataw Island Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dataw Island Marina
That time of year is rapidly approaching. Are you, your crew and your vessel ready?
Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina: Determining your risk
OBXToday.com
Hurricane forecasts will see some changes for 2020: Here’s what will be different
WOGX
News you can use from NOAA Planet Stewards.
Planet Stewards Program – The Watch – May 6, 2020
Bahamas Chatter is produced by A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, Explorer Chartbooks, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Cruising Permit Update
Cruising Permit Update
Posted: 05 May 2020 02:06 PM PDT
CRUISING PERMIT UPDATE – from the Bahamas Customs Department:
“Because of the Emergency Orders that are in place, any vessel in Bahamian waters whose Cruising Permit expires will not be penalized. Once the E/O has been lifted, the renewal process will be resumed.”
Regards,
Geannine R. Moss, Ed.D, MBA, MPA
Comptroller of Customs
Bahamas Customs Department
(242) 604-3021, (242) 604-3116
(242) 322-6223 (fax)
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