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    • Mar 14, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      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: EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY
      EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY

      Posted: 13 Mar 2020 05:25 AM PDT

      The latest edition of the EXPLORER CHARTBOOK FAR BAHAMAS, 7th ed.

      has been published and is ready to ship. Order NOW from our website at

      www.explorercharts.com.

      Don’t go to The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos without it!

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

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    • Mar 13, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Good News re Georgia Anchoring Regulations

      Our thanks to AGLCA and Save Georgia Anchorages for their efforts in bringing about this corrective legislation.
       
      Update on Georgia Anchoring
      Relief is one step closer for boaters wanting to cruise the waterway of Georgia! The Georgia House of Representatives today passed HB-833, a bill that “undoes” much of the damage created by rules put into place earlier this year that were widely viewed as unfriendly towards cruisers, and some of the most restrictive in the nation.
      On January 1, 2020, HB-201 became law in Georgia, giving the Department of Natural Resources broad power to determine where boats may anchor. It also attempted to over-ride federal regulations on discharge of sewage. To implement the law, DNR issued an Administrative Order banning anchoring within 1,000-feet of marine structures and shellfish beds, and within 300-feet of marinas.
      However, Representative Ron Stephens, who happens to be a Gold Looper, filed a bill to help fix these issues and reverse the unfairness of the rules for cruisers. After gathering feedback from DNR and the cruising community, the final version of Rep. Stephens’ bill, HB-833, was issued and worked its way through the legislative process. It passed the House by a vote of 157 to 6 today.
      HB-833 takes back the power from DNR to establish anchoring zones, and instead statutorily sets the setback where anchoring is not allowed at:
      300-feet from a marina
      150-feet from marine infrastructure other than a marina
      500 feet from approved commercial shellfish beds and designated public harvest areas
      Further, HB-833 removes statutory language created by last year’s HB-201 that attempted to override federal regulations by making all the Georgia coast a no-discharge zone. The area cannot qualify as a federal no-discharge zone due to the lack of pump out facilities available. This attempt to side-step federal regulations was removed by HB-833.
      Another change is that HB-833 establishes long-term and short-term anchoring. Short-term anchoring is defined as anchoring a vessel within a one-mile radius of a documented anchoring point where a vessel is anchored for up to 14 cumulative days in a calendar year. If your stay is short-term, the above setbacks apply. However, if you want to stay within a one-mile radius of the same spot for more than 14 cumulative days in a calendar year, you are long-term anchoring and a permit must be obtained from DNR under terms and conditions as the commissioner or his or her designee may prescribe. This is a win for cruisers, as most don’t stay in one place for long, and still gives DNR some additional “teeth” to regulate derelict and nuisance vessels, which was their primary goal with the rules set to implement HB-201.
      The next step for HB-833 is to work its way through the Senate side of the Georgia General Assembly. The session lasts into April. We’ll keep you posted on progress and post any calls-to-action that are needed via the AGLCA forum and social media.”
       
       Here is a link to video capture: https://youtu.be/zdz8L8HyvyQ
       

      Preview YouTube video Georgia Legislature House Day 28 HB833

       
       

      2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. James H Newsome -  March 14, 2020 - 6:02 am

        So much time, energy, and money has been expended to correct the problems caused by HB201. I hope legislators have learned that stakeholders need to be involved and issues vetted in public forums before laws are passed. We could have avoided all this with some discussions ahead of time. Thankfully DNR is now willing to work with us.

        Visit Save Georgia's Anchorages on Facebook for updates on this important issue.

        https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaveGeorgiasAnchorages/

        Reply to James
    • Mar 12, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      FWC to Boaters: Slow Down to Save Manatees

      The FWC is spitting into the wind when asking boaters to slow down. Those of us ICW slow-boaters know from experience that there are skippers who go well above reasonable speeds regardless of the circumstances.

      manatee

      FWC to boaters: Slow down to save manatees.

      The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters and personal watercraft operators to slow down and keep a keen eye out for manatees as they enjoy Florida’s waterways this spring.

      During this time of year, manatees leave their winter refuges and are more likely to be found in rivers, canals and nearshore waters. The sunny spring weather also appeals to Florida’s boaters, meaning that they are likely to cross paths with the state’s official marine mammal.

      “Spring is one of the best times to be out on the water but it’s also a very active time for manatees.” said Ron Mezich, who heads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Boaters can make a big difference and avoid injuring or killing manatees by slowing down and being alert this spring.”

      Some of the same actions that keep manatees safe also keep people safe. Everyone on the water should be paying attention to surroundings and operating at safe speeds.

      From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercrafts. FWC law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take enforcement actions when appropriate.

      Manatees can be difficult to detect when underwater, so it is important for operators of boats and personal watercrafts to be vigilant while out on the water. You can help protect manatees by following these simple guidelines:

      • Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees.
      • Look for large circles on the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below.
      • Look for a snout sticking up out of the water.
      • Follow posted manatee zones while boating.
      • Report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone.

      Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee. Click the page’s “Information & Guidelines” tab for helpful tips on respectfully viewing manatees, additional guidelines for boat and PWC operators, and information on what you can do to help these amazing aquatic mammals.

      Those interested in supporting the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts can purchase a “Save the Manatee” Florida license plate, or donate $5 to receive an FWC manatee decal. Both are available from your local Tax Collector’s office.

      Spring is an active time for many of Florida’s wildlife species. For more information on wildlife in spring visit MyFWC.com/News and click on “Spring Wildlife News”.

      General boating safety information is available at MyFWC.com/boating.

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    • Mar 12, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Action Alert – Boating United

      Boating United is a community of boating businesses and supporters, working together to shape policies that affect boating, angling, and outdoor recreation. See Stand Up for the Coast Guard.

      Image

      ACTION ALERT

      Projects that impact our access to public lands and waters are up for discussion right now, and we need to make sure the needs of our industry are prioritized. Tell Congress to support recreation infrastructure by supporting the Safe Harbors for Our Recreation Economy (SHORE) Act!

      The SHORE Act would require federal agencies to account for recreation’s economic impact when approving infrastructure projects, which in turn support our job growth, access to our waterways, and recreational boating and angling communities.

      Outdoor recreation is serious business, but it has been unappreciated for far too long. There’s still time to act – tell Congress to support the SHORE Act!

      TwitterFacebookLinkedIn

      National Marine Manufacturers Association, 650 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

      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.

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    • Mar 11, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Update on Georgia Anchoring Legislation

      Cruisers Net joins Ted Arisaka of Save Georgia’s Anchorages in thanking you for your support of their efforts to correct the restrictions on anchorages in recent legislation. Keep your fingers crossed!

      Your emails imploring Georgia legislators to support Rep Stephens HB833 have been successful. Today March 10, 2020, HB833 was voted on favorably in The Rules Committee and will proceed forward to the full House floor for vote Thursday.

      Following an anticipated favorable disposition in The House, it will go to The Senate on legislative day 28, aka “Crossover Day”.

      Ted Arisaka, Save Georgia’s Anchorages

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    • Mar 9, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy 5 Comments 26.0916,-81.80739999

      Local Knowledge Sought on Gordan Pass, Naples, FL


       View In Chartview

      Cruising skipper, Brian McMahon, is wisely requesting recent depth information on an area noted for shoaling, Gordan Pass, which is the inlet into Naples, FL. Shoaling is regularly reported in the channel from its entrance to the point where the channel joins the Naples Channel in Naples Bay. Is you can provide local knowledge, please let us hear from you!

      Hi.  Planning on cruising south on Florida west coast this month.  Was hoping for more recent information regarding depth of Gordon Pass.  I draw 5′ and charts don’t really give any information on current shoaling conditions.

      Thank you In advance,

      Brian McMahon
      S/V Windchaser

      Comments from Cruisers (5)

      1. Brian McMahon -  March 17, 2020 - 6:36 pm

        Went in Gordon Pass on 03/15/2020. Favored the red "4" and saw 13' on my sounder with 1' above MLLW, 11' at the Gulf channel entrance. Seems water is deep enough as long as the north side of the channel is avoided. Should also note that during daylight hours traffic in the channel is very heavy and navigation rules are generally not followed.

        Reply to Brian
      2. MY OLOH -  March 10, 2020 - 9:38 am

        This is informational only, of course… OLOH (60' M/Y, 5' draft) transited Gordon pass on 2.12.2020 at 0700 which was 90 minutes before low tide at +.1'. While I cannot report actual depth readings, we hugged the south side of the channel through the pass between G1 and R4 and had no concerns.

        Reply to MY
        • Brian McMahon -  March 10, 2020 - 9:57 am

          Thank you very much for the intel on Gordon Pass.

          Reply to Brian
      3. Winston Fowler -  March 10, 2020 - 8:26 am

        Hi Brian,
        Thanks for checking in with Cruisers Net.
        I have done a quick check with some folks and it seems all is fine around Gordon Pass. Half to high tides never hurt any of us on sailboats however. And one call for some local information on the VHF is always helpful as you well know.
        Winston Fowler

        Reply to Winston
        • Brian McMahon -  March 10, 2020 - 9:58 am

          Winston, thank you so much for the update on Gordon Pass. You are the best!

          Reply to Brian
    • Mar 9, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999

      CCCC 2020 Cruise to Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Matanzas Pass, Gulf Coast


       View In Chartview

      The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and voted Best Small Marina in 2017, overlooks the westerly banks of the Matanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13. Pink Shell Beach Marina is a favorite of the CCCC, see 2019 Cruise to Pink Shell.

      CAPE CORAL CRUISE CLUB

      CRUISES TO PINK SHELL MARINA

      By Captain John Queen, Past Commodore, Cape Coral Cruise Club

      Each month, the Cape Coral Cruise Club takes a scheduled cruise to a different marina in SW Florida and stays there for several days enjoying the amenities and hospitality of that area. We do that nine times a year along with an extended cruise each Spring and take a break during the summer months of July and August. For February 2020, our destination of choice was Pink Shell Marina at Fort Myers Beach.

      Pink Shell has been a popular destination for the club since the Marina expanded its floating docks a few years ago, and this year was no exception. We had 13 boats arrive on Tuesday, February 18th and it was nice to see the long line of yellow club burgees flying on the bow of each boat. Our club burgee sports our club mascot – a dolphin holding a drink of some sort (an adult beverage, I would surmise). After safely docking Tuesday, club members convened in the late afternoon for cocktails, snacks and conversation. The weather could not have been better.

      We fired up the marina’s grill around 5:00 and cooked up hamburgers and hot dogs, and along with a slew of side dishes prepared by club members, had a wonderful feast on the marina lawn.

      After dinner, club members returned to the marina lawn to play a little game I called “The Whoa Nellie Jelly Belly Deli”. Each year, when my wife Pati and I host the Club’s cruise to Pink Shell, I’ve created some kind of crazy game for members to play. In this game, there were 40 numbered plastic cups, each with jelly beans underneath. The object was to match 2 cups that had the same quantity and color of jelly beans. Couples took turns picking cups until all pairs were matched. The winners were the couples who had collected the most jelly beans. Additionally, all of the couples walked away with the cool U.S. Coast Guard holographic cups that were used for this game!

      Wednesday morning, we provided breakfast for all club members consisting of scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh fruits and pastries. We had to let the boat air out for a few hours after cooking up all that sausage!

      After breakfast, club members met at the marina lawn at 10:00 for second game – a scavenger hunt! The scavenger hunt consisted of 10 questions where all the answers can be found on the property of Pink Shell resort and Marina. For example, one of the questions was “Unscramble ‘BISNALE WIVE’ and ‘PICAVAT SLIVAL’ – which one is ‘190’? These letters unscramble to Sanibel View and Captiva Villas, two of the named buildings on Pink Shell property. The street address for Captiva Villas is 190, hence the answer. Easy, eh?

      The rest of Wednesday found many club members relaxing in the pool, walking the beach, or shopping downtown Fort Myers Beach at Times Square. Wednesday evening, the winners of the scavenger hunt were announced and more prizes were awarded. We all took the Lee-Tran open-air tram to Nervous Nellie’s for dinner. We had about 30 members in attendance and the restaurant provided us with great food, drinks, and a private area to dine.

      Thursday morning was another round of prepared breakfast with eggs, sausage, fruits and fresh pastries. Club members spent the rest of the day enjoying Pink Shell resort amenities, visiting with friends, and just plain relaxing. Thursday night, everyone headed off to dinner on their own. My wife and I joined another couple and had dinner at the Fresh Catch restaurant in Fort Myers Beach and enjoyed great food, great company, and a gorgeous sunset!

      Fortunately, Mother Nature was quite cooperative during our stay at the marina and we were truly blessed with lots of sunshine.

      On Friday morning, we slipped lines and headed home. Much appreciation goes to Dave and Craig, the dock masters at Pink Shell Resort and Marina, for their hospitality and special accommodation to the Cape Coral Cruise Club for making our trip a wonderful event to remember.

      The Cape Coral Cruise Club was founded in 1963, and has offered members unique cruising opportunities to a variety of destinations in SW Florida. We hold monthly gourmet picnics at our private island on Caloosahatchee River near Alva, FL. We’re a great club to join if you live in the Cape Coral or Fort Myers area and have a power boat with overnight sleeping accommodations. For more information, contact our Membership Chairman Terry Carlson at (239) 770-6955, or visit our website at: www.ourgrouponline.org/CapeCoralCruiseClub.

      Pink Shell Marina

      Cruise leader Queen giving scavenger hunt instructions

      Dinner at Nervous Nellies restaurant

      Member boats at the marina

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

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    • Mar 6, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Pennies for Potcakes

      The potcake dog is a mixed-breed dog type found on several Caribbean islands. Its name comes from the congealed peas and rice mixture that local residents traditionally eat, as the overcooked rice that cakes to the bottom of the pot would be fed to the dogs. A worthy cause! Donate, or better yet…adopt!

      Click here for Pennies for Potcakes

      Donate at Nassau Humane Society

      See also St Augustine Cruisers Net Facebook Page

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Greg Allard -  March 6, 2020 - 7:38 am

        Yes, potcake dogs are everywhere in the Bahamas, and some areas are overpopulated with them. Many Americans (and other travelers) have brought one home.

        They are generally wonderful dogs, gentle and playful. The Wikipedia site has some good information. They are a mixed breed dog, and often are different in appearance from island to island. Over the years there have been numerous programs to arrange for them to be adopted in the US, and post-Dorian it appears that those efforts have been stepped up.
        Greg Allard

        Reply to Greg
    • Mar 1, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      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: Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour
      Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour

      Posted: 29 Feb 2020 05:49 AM PST

      Both red and green buoys are now missing at the entrance to Bimini Harbour. The shoal extending south from Entrance Point of North Bimini continues to extend to the south across the entrance of the channel to the harbour. Boats attempting to enter the harbour are running aground more frequently because they are relying exclusively on GPS positions on chart plotters and not attempting to look at the water and go where the water looks deeper. Visual piloting must be used here and is more important than electronic navigation in this area and others in the Bahamas. The bottom is easily seen here with good light and weather conditions.

      The Bahamas Government has a long history of not maintaining aids to navigation and this should not be expected to change.

      The current Explorer Chart for the Bimini Entrance was posted here on April 10, 2019. (Go to Posts, View All Posts, Click on Bimini on left menu, scroll down seven posts to “Continued shoaling at Bimini Harbour Entrance,” and click on read more.)

      Expect the shoal to slowly continuing to move south.

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    • Mar 1, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7404,-82.69619999

      FOCUS ON Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay, Florida


       View In Chartview

      Gulfport Marina includes dry boat storage, ship store, bathroom, public boat ramp, parking, fueling stations, lighted range markers and guest docking facility.

      The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, 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.

       

      FOCUS ON Gulfport, Florida

       

      Gulfport is a beautiful, quaint, waterfront “village” with good-ole southern Florida hospitality, charm and civic pride.

      So many things to see and do in this seaside village that honors its past while enjoying the present. Truly a very unique historic village along Florida’s west coast.

      Hosting all who arrive by sea is the comfortable, clean, protected and welcoming Gulfport Municipal Marina.

      The marina is located on roughly eleven acres with over seven acres of marina waters protected by a concrete seawall and with 192 wet slips and 25 dry boat storage spaces. There is a boat ramp if needed and 70 trailer parking spaces available. A Florida CLEAN MARINA with a well-stocked ship’s store, two fueling stations, guest docking facility, showers and restrooms. If the marina is full, there is the Gulfport Mooring Field, also conveniently located near the heart of town. The well-engineered moorings offer a variety of amenities for the transient boater wishing to hangout in the bay. You are invited to stay a day, week or month. Many have even made Gulfport their new Homeport!

      All this is located close to the town’s diversity of amenities and an enjoyable walk among the historic southern Florida homes, many with historic legacies. You can’t miss this town’s sense of community pride. You will find its unique civic engagements throughout the town, bringing daily non-partisan opportunities for the town folks to share a beverage and get involved.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      The town has many very talented artists whose works you will see not only in shops, but throughout the community. On your walks around town, you may find a local artist at work in their favorite studio – their front yard, as this gentleman is illustrating.

      On the first Friday and third Saturday of every month, there is the Gulfport Art Walk, an enjoyable walk on Beach Blvd and chance to witness the many independent artists at work, as well as their exhibits.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      During your walks enjoying the artists’ work, you will often find live music at various venues throughout the town.

      Getting tired of canned veggies? Well, you will not want to miss the chance to visit Tuesday Fresh Market !

      Taking place every Tuesday on the following seasonal schedule.

      October through April – 9:00AM until 3:00PM

      May through September – 9:00AM until 2:00PM

      Gulfport waterfront

      Gulfport has very interesting shops where you just might find that treasure you’ve been looking for, for sooooo long.

      Then, how about celebrating your finds at some of the town’s lively venues for food and beverages, several right on the waterfront, others along charming main street.

      Check out the Visit Gulfport Florida website for more information, so you can enjoy as much as you desire. 

      And, yes sir, tired of walking?  Grab a ride of the Gulfport Trolley.

      Catching a beautiful sunset, walking the quaint streets of a genuine “village town” in the unique settings of Gulfport, is good for the body, mind and spirit.

      So, set your course for Gulfport, Florida, and plan to stay with your perfect local host, Gulfport Municipal Marina or Gulfport Mooring Field.

      Harbormaster, Denis Frain, and his staff will make sure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. The marina is withing easy walking distance from the heart of this quaint and fun waterfront town. It is an easy, refreshing, and often entertaining stroll.   

       

      Enjoy your visit, your stay, and share you experience with Cruisers Net.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

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    • Feb 28, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Legislative Bans on “Wakesurfing” from Trade Only Today

      What implications such bans on this watersport will have on other boaters are unclear at this point, but one would almost forecast an increase in No Wake zones.

      Wakesurfing is a water sport in which a rider trails behind a boat, riding the boat’s wake without being directly pulled by the boat. After getting up on the wake, typically by use of a tow rope, the wakesurfers will drop the rope, and ride the steep face below the wave’s peak in a fashion reminiscent of surfing. Wikipedia

      One of our industry’s hottest sellers, boats designed to deliver perfect wakesurf waves, and boaters who cruise through Georgia could take big hits if legislation and new regulations are approved.

      Earlier this month, State Sen. John Rodgers introduced legislation (SB 69) that would effectively ban wakesurfing in Vermont by prohibiting boat “plowing.” The bill would also allow and/or require the development of regulations to outright ban wake-sports boats from specific public waters.

      Now in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, the bill is believed to be the first to call for a statewide ban of ballasted boats. Preventing this ill-conceived bill from becoming law is a top priority for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Watersports Industry Association and marine dealers in Vermont.

      But dealers nationwide that sell towboats, indeed any boats for that matter, should be on guard for similar proposals in their states. Here’s a terrifying thought: The Vermont bill passes and becomes a model for other state. It’s not a fantasy. Here’s why.

      The New Hampshire legislature has already commissioned a task force to look at wakesurfing from “every angle,” which other states could use to justify their actions and legislation. In fact, legislatures in Indiana, Idaho and Minnesota are now hearing bills related to wakesurfing. The Idaho bill would require a 200-foot buffer from shore or other structures; in Indiana the proposed buffer zone is 600 feet; and in Minnesota there’s a bill calling for 1,000 feet offshore.

      In Oregon, the State Marine Board recently rejected a petition from an environmental group to close the Willamette River to wakesurf boats. However, the board acknowledged it’s in the early stages of considering rules related to wakesurfing. Accordingly, NMMA, MSIA, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and others are opposing the Minnesota and Indiana bills, though not the Idaho legislation. Lobbyists have been retained in Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Idaho and Oregon.

      Dealers and marine trade associations wanting the latest information can contact Dave Dickerson, NMMA’s vice president for state government relations, at ddickerson@nmma.org.

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    • Feb 28, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy 4 Comments

      Don’t Drop Anchor in Georgia from Trade Only Today

      Trade Only Today of Soundings joins the fray to highlight the very restrictive legislation recently enacted in Georgia. See Georgia Anchoring Advocacy Fund.

      Don’t Drop Anchor in Georgia
      Fighting the good fight for boating and boaters never ends.

      BoatUS is leading a push against a new Georgia regulation restricting overnight anchoring within 1,000 feet of any structure, such as public and private docks, wharves, bridges, piers and pilings, except in areas near a marina.

      How did boaters get hammered this way? There was little notice or engagement with recreational boating groups by the Georgia legislature in approving House Bill 201. It was then quietly signed by Gov. Brian Kemp.

      The legislation directed the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to develop rules regarding the anchoring of vessels in estuarine areas of the state. DNR proposed a rule that has rightfully raised serious concerns in the boating community.

      “This 1,000-foot offset needlessly eliminates anchorages all over the state,” says Chris Edmonston, vice president of government affairs for BoatUS. “It will affect numerous boaters, many of whom transit Georgia waters as part of the annual migration along the Intracoastal Waterway. There is no reasonable safety or waterway-management reason for taking such a significant swath of state waters away from the boating public.

      “Boating and fishing,” Edmonston adds, “are the second largest outdoor recreational activity in Georgia, bringing in more than $500 million a year in economic activity. Eliminating scores of anchorages will put a severe damper on this very important economic driver to many coastal areas that gain from boater spending.”

      He went on to acknowledge the so-called “Marina Zones” that will allow boaters to anchor as close as 300 feet to marinas or facilities that provide fuel, dinghy access, provisions, vessel maintenance or other services. But that won’t reduce the negative economic impact of this poorly crafted legislation and resulting rules.

      Perhaps the most persuasive argument is the BoatUS position that the final rule runs counter to the Public Trust Doctrine as codified in Georgia law. It states:

      “The State of Georgia, as sovereign, is trustee of the rights of the people of the state to use and enjoy all tidewaters which are capable of use for fishing, passage, navigation, commerce and transportation, pursuant to the common law public trust doctrine.”

      BoatUS submits that anchoring is an integral part of navigation.

      Georgia dealers, employees and boaters should join the efforts of the grassroots group Save Georgia’s Anchorages, which was created in response to the law.

      BY NORM SCHULTZ

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (4)

      1. Gregory Yount -  February 28, 2020 - 3:16 pm

        As poorly as Georgia maintains the ICW, this is just one more reason to bypass the state when traveling north/south. It's a shame as I have always loved anchoring in the marshes of Glynn, visiting Savannah, etc.
        Instead, I will take my tourist dollars elsewhere. That will also impact marinas such as Thunderbolt, Isle of Hope, etc.
        Too bad they are so short-sighted, all to coddle some wealthy interests.

        Reply to Gregory
        • James Newsome -  February 28, 2020 - 8:30 pm

          "As poorly as GA maintains the ICW." Could you be a little more specific?

          Reply to James
          • Bruce Morrison -  February 29, 2020 - 6:59 am

            James Newsome…Areas like “Hells Gate” mm 600 , or “ The Little Mud River” to name a couple.

      2. C. W. Fowler -  February 28, 2020 - 9:05 am

        BoatUS is always supportive but certainly did not "lead" this effort.

        Reply to C.
    • Feb 27, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      REMINDER: Georgia Anchoring Advocacy Fund, AGLCA

      To contribute to securing lobbying efforts on behalf of boaters, please open the link below. Cruisers Net joins America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association in urging you to get involved to repeal Georgia’s restrictive anchoring legislation.

      Georgia Anchoring Advocacy Fund

      To make a contribution, please visit www.greatloop.org/georgia.

      Thanks!

      -Kim

      Kim Russo
      Director
      America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association

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    • Feb 27, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Navigational Hazard near the Berry Islands

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      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: Navigational Hazard near the Berry Islands

      Navigational Hazard near the Berry Islands

      Posted: 26 Feb 2020 04:56 AM PST

      A large excavator is now resting in approximately 3 meters of water, one and half miles south of the western tip of Little Stirrup Cay, northern Berry Islands. The position of the excavator is 25° 47.552′ N/77° 57.378′ W. It is believed to have fallen off a barge last summer and remains submerged near the surface, near the shoal extending south-southwest from Little Stirrup Cay. Google Earth’s current photo, taken on 8/15/19, shows a tug and two barges anchored next to the submerged object at that location. Apparently salvage attempts were unsuccessful.

      Thanks to Ann and Mike on Beans for reporting the hazard.

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    • Feb 26, 2020by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Update on Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club’s Abaco Relief Efforts

      Our thanks to Scott Coles for this update on Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club’s Continued Efforts of Assistance in Abaco. Well worth your donation!

       
      It has been several months since Hurricane Dorian ravaged Marsh Harbour and the surrounding cays.  Recovery has been slow because the damage was so extensive.  Many great organizations are still on the ground helping with the recovery effort by providing materials and manpower as it is needed.  Some will still be there for years to come.  
      At the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club (RMHYC), held on February 4th in Stuart, Florida,  I announced the results of our Club’s initiative to donate 100% of the dues that we received during the fall renewal season.  These would be memberships renewed for the 2020 season.  I was happy to report that we were able to generate $12,000 for donations to hurricane relief in Abaco and the surrounding cays.  We have been monitoring the situation very closely and looking at various organizations who are on the ground in Marsh Harbour and the cays trying to figure out where to donate our money.  Several of our members are in Abaco now dealing with repair and rebuilding of their homes and had very good input to our decision making.  One of our members, an engineer by profession, traveled with his wife to Marsh Harbour for a 2 week volunteer deployment with Water Mission International to service and maintain the several RO water maker plants they have placed in the area.  The stories that these folks tell about the recovery and rebuilding effort are quite amazing.
       
      The Club decided to divide our donation money among the four organizations who really stood out in the crowd.  When we asked the question, these 4 organizations were always named as doing amazing work for the people of Abaco and asking nothing in return.  We decided to give $3,000 each to:
       
      Samaritan’s Purse  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ 
      Water Mission International   https://watermission.org/ 
      All Hands and Hearts   https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/ 
      World Central Kitchen   https://wck.org/ 
       
      Of course, there are many other worthy organizations who are doing fine work after Hurricane Dorian.  These are just the ones that the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club chose to support.   


        Some of our members have recently crossed over to make the best out of the rest of this season.  Some places like the Green Turtle Club are now open for business.  Still others say they will be open in April.  

      What about next year?  There have been many discussions about that.  Many of the RMHYC members will go back next year.   Next year will be very different for sure but we believe it is very important for the Club to return to Abaco.  Our members make up an important part of the recovery; after all, we are essentially tourists.  The sooner tourists can resume visiting the islands of Abaco, the faster the recovery will be.

       
      Thanks for your support,
       

      Scott Coles

      Commodore
      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club

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