Palm Beach Boat Show Rescheduled for May 14-17, West Palm Beach, FL
Originally scheduled for March 26-29, the show has been rescheduled for May 14-17 in West Palm Beach.
PBIBS20: New May dates picked for Palm Beach boat show
The Triton
CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
FREE to use due to the generosity of our sponsors - please patronize them
FOCUS ON Windmill Harbour Marina
Windmill Harbour Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on Skull Creek, on the shores of Hilton Head Island.
WINDMILL HARBOUR MARINA
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Okay, you are planning your cruise and you want to really enjoy the beauty of the coastal Carolinas. Checking around you find Hilton Head Island popping up on your radar. In the words of the master Jimmy Buffett, there is this “One Particular Harbor” and this one is Windmill Harbour Marina on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, one of only three privately locked marina harbors along the east coast of the USA. The best port in a storm or at any other time! Located along the Atlantic ICW at mile marker 558. Need a little more detail? Well, Windmill Harbour Marina is one-half mile south of the Pinckney Island Bridge; 500 yards south of Green #27 channel marker and one-half mile north of Green #29 in the Calibogue Sound.
GPS Latitude: 32° 12′ 54.49″ N
GPS Longitude: 80° 46′ 59.57″ W
Windmill Harbour is the South Carolina Lowcountry’s best-kept secret as one of the most gorgeous waterside communities around. With its direct access to the Atlantic ICW, Windmill Harbour is the natural home to a variety of different boaters, from small center console fishing boats to larger cruising and sportfishing boats. There is also a significant fleet of Harbor 20s participating in class racing. In fact, there are numerous cruising and sailing activities including the Calibogue Cup, Harbour Town Cup, and Ocean Challenge.
Each year in May, Windmill Harbour Marina hosts Hilton Head Island Boat Show with over 80 boats on display, equipment demonstrations, seminars, live music, and plenty of friendly folks to chat with, supplemented with delicious food and beverages.
There will be over 80 boats on display, equipment demonstrations, seminars, live music, and plenty of friendly folks to chat with, supplemented with delicious food and beverages.
Windmill Harbour welcomes transient boaters cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway. This marina’s lock system is one of its biggest attractions since it offers protection from tides, strong currents, and storms. The marina’s boats are in deep water all day, every day, without an 8-foot rising or falling tide. At Windmill Harbour, there are no half-hour or longer trips in “no-wake zones” to enter or exit the harbor, and you can experience “tide free” docking. The Harbour staff are onsite seven days a week and will welcome you with easy instructions to enter the lock. It will accommodate vessels up to 70-feet long with a beam of up to 19ft. Visitors from cooperating Yacht Clubs can ask for a guest membership for dining at the on-site South Carolina Yacht Club.
Windmill Harbour Marina has all the facilities and amenities to make you feel as “at home” as possible.
- High Speed Fueling
- Wifi from OnSpot Wifi
- Ships’ store
- Pump out facility
- Easy access to Hilton Head and Savannah Airports
- Harborside restrooms and showers
- Laundry facilities
- Current and tide free docking
- Constant 8′ depth
- 258 slips from 25′ to 70′
- 15.5-acre harbor
- Direct access to Intracoastal Waterway and Calibogue Sound
- 24 hr security
- Yacht sales and brokerage
- Transients welcome
- Pet-Friendly neighborhood with dog park
- Boat slip sales and rentals
- Reasonable rates
- On-call maintenance includes boat cleaning, engine repair, electronics, and canvas
- Home of the elegant South Carolina Yacht Club with fine dining, swimming, tennis, sauna, hot tub, showers, and locker room
- Close to supermarkets, restaurants, shopping, lodging, and golf
Upon your arrival you will find yourself nestled in a unique residential environment of southern charm and old Charleston style homes; where you will be greeted and treated with all the warmth of South Carolina hospitality. Windmill Harbour is South Carolina’s Lowcountry’s best-kept secret.
The unique history, breathtaking beauty, and meticulous planning surrounding this unique harbor have made Windmill Harbour a premier marina community in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Its vibrancy and growth are a testament to its founders and its residents.
So, as you start charting your course north this spring, be sure to enjoy all that Hilton Head Island has to entertain you. Set a course that includes some time at Windmill Harbour Marina to enjoy true southern maritime hospitality.
Give them a call now and reserve your spot. Watch springtime in the South burst forth in all its splendor.
Contact Jake McMillan, the Harbourmaster, on VHF Channel 14 or by phone at 843-681-9235 for transient or long term Boat Slip rentals. Or email at windmillharbourmaster@gmail.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Windmill Harbour Marina
Be the first to comment!
NOAA: Progress Report: Unmapped U.S. Waters
The progress made in mapping U.S. waters through 2019 represents the cumulative work of federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private contracting partners, and crowd-sourced contributions.
NOAA announces new progress report on mappingU.S. ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes watersNOAA released the first annual report on the progress made in mapping U.S. ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes waters. Knowledge of the depth, shape, and composition of the seafloor are foundational data elements necessary to explore, sustainably develop, understand, conserve, and manage our coastal and offshore natural resources. The 2019 Presidential Memorandum on Ocean Mapping of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone and the Shoreline and Nearshore of Alaska and the global Seabed 2030 initiative make comprehensive ocean mapping a priority for the coming decade. The Unmapped U.S. Waters report tracks progress toward these important goals.“The progress made in mapping U.S. waters through 2019 represents the cumulative work of federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private contracting partners, and crowdsourced contributions,” said Rear Adm. Shepard Smith, director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. “Partnerships and advances in technology are key to making significant progress toward our common goal of completely mapping U.S. waters.”Pulling from an analysis of publicly available bathymetry, the report presents the percentage of unmapped U.S. waters by region and shows our progress towards filling these basic bathymetry data gaps with each passing year. At the end of 2019, the latest analysis yielded the following results:Percent of U.S. waters that remain unmapped in 2019:- U.S. total – 54% of 3,592,000 square nautical miles (snm)
- Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico – 43% of 472,200 snm
- Great Lakes – 95% of 46,600 snm
- Caribbean – 42% of 61,600 snm
- Alaska – 72% of 1,080,200 snm
- Pacific (California, Oregon, Washington) – 24% of 239,700 snm
- Pacific Remote Islands and Hawaii – 50% of 1,691,700 snm
Multibeam and lidar surveys are the two primary sources of bathymetry needed to fill these gaps. In support of the integrated ocean and coastal mapping goal to “map once, use many times,” all of the data collected in this effort are publicly available to benefit numerous user communities. For the latest status on these efforts and how you can contribute, visit http://iocm.noaa.gov/
seabed-2030.html. The pdf version of Progress Report: Unmapped U.S. Waters is available from: https://iocm.noaa.gov/seabed-2030/mapping-progress- report2020.pdf. 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.# # #
NOAA Office of Coast Survey, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3 #6509, Silver Spring, MD 20906Be the first to comment!
Bahamas Chatter: Corona virus
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: Corona virus
Corona virusPosted: 17 Mar 2020 05:31 AM PDT
Does anyone know if the Bahamas are going to close their borders to cruisers due to the Corona virus?
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Beth
As of today March 18, borders are open to North Americans. Closed to Europe, South Korea, China and a few other Hot spots. There will be a 10 AM update from PM today
-
“Going North” by Bob Sherer, March 19, Stock Island Marina Village, CANCELLED
This presentation by author and experienced cruiser, Bob Sherer, HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Robert Sherer March 2 at 12:24 PM “Going North” from Key West to Hampton, VA by Bob423 I will be giving a “Going North” presentation (see agenda below) at the Stock Island Marina Village on 3/19/2020. There is no fee for the event. Come one, come all. It will be informative and fun. There will be door prizes too! The event is open to all.
https://stockislandmarina.com/12:30 – 1:30
Have lunch with Bob423, meet and greet. I will need lunch and you’re invited too at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar, it’s excellent!
1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Be the first to comment!
Florida’s Gulf-side Clearwater and Sarasota
Florida’s Gulf-side Clearwater and Sarasota offer low-key adventures for beachcombers and ocean lovers of all kinds.
The forgotten coast
Dallas Voice
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
ARNOLD WAYNE JONES | Executive EditorBe the first to comment!
Bahamas Chatter: EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY
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 READYPosted: 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
Don’t go to The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos without it!
1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Be the first to 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 2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to James
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.
-
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.
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.
2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions
Be the first to comment!
THE WATCH – March 11, 2020
News you can use from NOAA Planet Stewards.
Planet Stewards Program – The Watch – March 11, 2020
Be the first to comment!
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.
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!
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.
Be the first to comment!
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
2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions
Be the first to comment!
Local Knowledge Sought on Gordan Pass, Naples, FL
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 McMahonS/V WindchaserComments from Cruisers (5)
- Reply to Brian
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 MY
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 Brian
Thank you very much for the intel on Gordon Pass.
- Reply to Brian
Winston, thank you so much for the update on Gordon Pass. You are the best!
-
NOAA: SHIPWRECKED! Ocean Today Full Moon Video Collection
More excellent educational articles and videos from NOAA.
Click here for SHIPWRECKED! Ocean Today Full Moon Video Collection
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Winston
I spoke with some folks who used Gordon Pass in late February 2020 and all was very good.
-
CCCC 2020 Cruise to Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Matanzas Pass, Gulf Coast
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 Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Be the first to 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)
Living on the Water by Bill and Geni Steveson
Great account and photos of their journey from these Loopers’ completion of the Great Loop!
Bill and Geni Stevenson: Living on the water is retirement
CapeGazette.comBe the first to comment!
Bahamas Chatter: Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour
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 HarbourPosted: 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.
Be the first to comment!
FOCUS ON Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay, Florida
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 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
Be the first to comment!
Boating Tips for Living Aboard – Washington Daily News
If you are living aboard and are typically very independent minded, you will find agreement and disagreement in this article of suggestions.
Boating tips for living aboard
thewashingtondailynews.comBe the first to comment!
Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com
Comments from Cruisers (1)
HOPEFULLY NOT TO SOON TO HAVE RESCHEDULED AGAIN