SOUTH CAROLINA – CHARLESTON HARBOR – CHARLESTON PARADE OF BOATS: Special Local Regulation and Marine Event.
The City of Charleston’s annual Parade of Boats will be held on the waters of Charleston Harbor on December 10, 2022 from 4 p.m. through 8 p.m. This event will consist of approximately 35 powerboats with decorative light displayed on a parade route throughout the harbor. Participating vessels will assemble in Commercial Anchorage B and begin its northern route around Commercial Anchorage A, continuing through Bennis Reach, beyond Patriots Point to the Ravenel Bridge. The parade will then transit south down through Tidewater Reach, and will conclude at City Marina east of the James Island Connector. A special local regulation established in 33 CFR 100.704 will be in effect for this event. No persons or vessels may enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the designated event area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative. Vessels are advised to transit with caution in the vicinity. Official event patrol can be contacted via VHF Channels 16 and 78. For questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division at (843) 740-3184 or the Sector’s 24-hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
Palmetto Park Jam is back this fall! Grateful Dead tribute band The Reckoning returns to headline this live music event at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park on Sunday, Oct. 23.
SCDNR courtesy boat inspections set for July 4th holiday weekend
Officers will perform quick but thorough safety inspections at boat landings across the state July 2, July 3 and July 4
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Independence Day holiday, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will once again be conducting courtesy boat inspections at some public boat landings around the state. The Fourth of July weekend is the year’s busiest weekend on state waters, and officers want to do everything possible to keep boaters out of harm’s way.
SCDNR officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registration. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.
Additional courtesy boat inspections will also be hosted later in July.
To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431. For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit the Boater Education page.
Courtesy inspection sites for July 2, July 3 and July 4:
Date
Landing
Time
County
7/2/2022
Bass Pro Shop – ICW
10am-Noon
Horry
7/2/2022
Lake Murray Dam
10am-Noon
Lexington
7/2/2022
South Cove Park – Lake Keowee
10am-Noon
Oconee
7/2/2022
Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie
10am-Noon
York
7/3/2022
Riverfork Boat Ramp – Lake Hartwell
10am-Noon
Anderson
7/3/2022
Alex Harvin Landing – Lake Marion
10am-Noon
Clarendon
7/3/2022
Bennetts Pt Boat Ramp – ICW
10am-Noon
Colleton
7/3/2022
East Bay Street Boat Ramp – ICW
10am-Noon
Georgetown
7/3/2022
Clearwater Cove – Lake Wateree
10am-Noon
Kershaw
7/3/2022
Galivants Ferry Landing – Little Pee Dee
10am-Noon
Marion
7/4/2022
Remleys Pt Boat Ramp – CHS Harbor
10am-Noon
Charleston
7/4/2022
Greenwood State Park – Lake Greenwood
10am-Noon
Greenwood
7/4/2022
Society Hill Landing – Great PeeDee River
10am-Noon
Marlboro
7/4/2022
Billy Dreher Island State Park
10am-Noon
Newberry
7/4/2022
Twelve Mile Park – Lake Hartwell
10am-Noon
Pickens
7/4/2022
Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie
10am-Noon
York
SCDNR law enforcement officers will offer courtesy boat inspections throughout the state during the July 4th weekend.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Rembert C. Dennis Building 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
The South Carolina barrier island just 30 minutes from Charleston may just be the area’s best-kept secret and, of course, is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Isle of Palms Marina.
Charleston County Parks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is proud to announce the return of Summer Entertainment Series beginning in June. Fun for kids and grandkids at James Island and Wannamaker County Parks.
The lighthouse at Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Resort, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!, is only one of the many attractions at this wonderful facility. Come anytime of year for great dockage, food and entertainment.
Harbour Town Lighthouse Adds New Historical Chapter with Installation of Fresnel Lens
‘Invention that saved a million ships’ now on display for visitors to The Sea Pines Resort
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (May 9, 2022) – The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island has added an exciting chapter to its storied history with the installation of a genuine Fresnel lens to further the power of the light that blossoms from the top. Just over five decades old, the red-and-white striped Lighthouse — featured prominently in CBS’ coverage last month of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage golf tournament — serves not only as a beacon to the many ships that reside in the Yacht Basin but also as a landmark that symbolizes the region and the resort.
Developed in the 1820s for use in lighthouses, Fresnel (pronounced “fray-NEL”) lenses are not only stunning pieces of artwork, but their functionality has led them to be called “the invention that saved a million ships.” For visitors to the Lighthouse, the 114-step trip to the observation deck now offers an additional payoff.
“The Fresnel lens is as beautiful in the day as when it’s illuminated at night,” said Rob Bender, director of recreation and marine operations for The Sea Pines Resort. “There is a great deal of history associated with this Lighthouse and this represented a great opportunity to add to it.”
Bender added the Fresnel lens’ installation is a crowning achievement for The Sea Pines Resort and keepers of the Lighthouse, property manager Mark King and keeper Nadia Wagner. “It’s a great partnership; it took a lot of patience but was well worth it,” Bender said.
Talk of bringing in a Fresnel lens was initiated nearly a decade ago but Hurricane Matthew and other factors played roles in the delay. Final approval was even needed from the United States Coast Guard, a process that took four months alone.
The new Lighthouse lens is a replica of the original Fourth Order Fresnel lens as created and designed by Dan Spinella, a Florida-based artist and engineer who began his research and restoration work on the lenses 30 years ago. To date, Spinella said 46 reproduction Fresnel lenses have been manufactured and installed in U.S. lighthouses as both aids to navigation and as exhibits in lighthouse museums, such as Harbour Town.
At the time of its design by French physicist Augustin Fresnel, the lens was hailed as a scientific wonder and revolutionized the way lighthouses illuminated the waterways of the world. With their intricate design of hundreds of prisms arranged in a beehive shape, Fresnel lenses are not only engineering marvels but also incredible works of art with a futuristic look despite dating back more than 200 years ago.
Harbour Town Lighthouse, which is open 10 a.m. to sundown for daily tours, features numerous historical exhibits as well as a gift shop. Admission is $5.75 per person; children 5 and under are free.
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About The Sea Pines Resort
Situated on the southernmost tip of Hilton Head Island, the legendary Lowcountry destination features five miles of unspoiled beaches, 20 clay tennis courts, 14 miles of bike and walking trails, horseback riding, Eco-Adventures, water sports, and the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve filled with wildflowers, wetlands, and more than 130 species of birds. As the first Eco-planned destination in the U.S., The Sea Pines Resort has become the blueprint for numerous beach developments around the country. Guests can choose from an array of accommodations, including 300 villas, 100 rental homes, and the luxurious 60-room Inn & Club at Harbour Town, a Forbes Four-Star boutique hotel and Preferred Hotel Group member. The resort’s best-in-class collection of golf courses, amenities, meeting facilities, and accommodations makes Sea Pines one of the most sought-after leisure and group destinations in America.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center watchstanders received multiple uncorrelated distress calls on the digital selective calling (DSC) system carried over a VHF marine radio in the Hilton Head and Beaufort area over the past few months.
CHARLESTON, S.C.— The Coast Guard has received multiple uncorrelated distress calls on the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) system carried over a VHF marine radio in the Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina area over the past few months.
These DSC calls are originating from an unregistered radio displaying an MMSI address of 100000001.
The first signal was received by the Coast Guard on April 26, 2021, ceased in July of 2021, and resumed intermittent transmissions in February 2022, causing interference with marine radio traffic in the Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina area.
False distress calls have the potential to mask genuine distress calls and overwhelm the search and rescue system’s ability to respond to emergencies. The Coast Guard urges all mariners to check their VHF radios and contact the Coast Guard if you have any information about the faulty radio at 843-740-7050.
This new law went into effect March 14 and establishes increased boat-to-dock limits on most of South Carolina’s major reservoirs. The law does not apply to the Intracoastal Waterway.
New law increases distance limits between a boat, docks in many S.C. waters, prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet
A new law increases the distance to docks limit for boating to 100 feet on most state waters and prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet on all S.C. waters. (RBFF photo)
New law increases distance limits between a boat, docks in many S.C. waters, prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet
A new law signed into effect March 14 by Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster establishes on most of South Carolina’s major reservoirs a new 100-foot distance limit that boats underway must observe when approaching a dock, a person in the water or an anchored vessel.
The new law, which doubles the previous distance of 50 feet, applies to the waters of Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Murray, Lake Robinson, Lake Russell, Lake Secession, Lake Thurmond, Lake Wateree, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, or the portion of the Savannah River from the Interstate 20 Savannah River Bridge to the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam. The 100-foot distance limit does not apply to Lake Moultrie.
The new law also prohibits “wake surfing” on all S.C. waters within 200 feet of a dock, a person in the water or an anchored watercraft. Wake surfing is defined in the new law as “a vessel that is ballasted in the stern so as to create a wake that is, or is intended to be, surfed by another person.”
Colonel A. Chisolm Frampton, SCDNR deputy director for law enforcement, said: “This is a much-needed change that will increase boating safety for all South Carolina boaters.”
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Rembert C. Dennis Building 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Charleston County Parks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, announces the return of three Yappy Hours at James Island County Park. Pooches and owners are invited for an evening of live music, drinks and off-leash fun. First Yappy Hour is April 21st.
This security zone is beneath the Ravenel Bridge which is parallel to and north of the Waterway’s east/west path through Charleston Harbor. Our thanks to Officer Chad Ray for this notice.
SECURITY ZONE – COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN
Cooper River and Town Creek Reach, Charleston, SC
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone on certain waters of the Cooper River and Town Creek Reaches, near the Arthur Ravenel Bridge during the Cooper River Bridge Run on Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This temporary security zone prohibits persons and vessels from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the security zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.
In addition, Commercial Anchorage C will be utilized for the event’s planning and staging. Marine traffic is encouraged to use Commercial Anchorages A, B, and D, if needed.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston. For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact on scene security assets via VHF-FM Channel 16, Sector Charleston Waterways Management Division at (843) 740-3184, or the Sector’s 24-hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
Coastal Carolinians are very aware of the dangers of “pluff mud” that is exposed with the tidal extremes. The small coastal creeks and waterways are so inviting to small craft explorers and while the pluff mud may look firm, but it is dangerous for humans and pets. Recently a St. Bernard fell off a pier at low tide and was saved only by giving the dog a large flat cushion to climb upon. The experience left the frightened dog exhausted.
Wine Down Wednesday series returns for Spring 2022. Wine, live music and food trucks at Old Towne Creek County Park. Charleston County Parks is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
[WEST ASHLEY] – Charleston County Parks is excited to bring back a spring full of Wine Down Wednesdays at Old Towne Creek County Park! Take a much-needed “hump day” break and enjoy Wine Down Wednesday on March 16, March 30, April 13 and April 27 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wine Down Wednesday is a family friendly event where guests can enjoy live music while exploring this unique county park off Old Towne Road in West Ashley. Admission fees also cover wine and a commemorative wine glass. At each event, two food trucks will also be on site with items available for purchase.
The Spring 2022 Wine Down Wednesday music and food lineup is:
Admission for Wine Down Wednesday is $20 per person in advance, and $25 the day of the event.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, tables and blankets. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on a leash at all times. If an event is canceled by Charleston County Parks, a refund will be provided. Outside alcohol is prohibited. Outside food is allowed.
Old Towne Creek County Park is located in West Ashley off Old Towne Road and is open for special events only. Wine Down Wednesday is a great opportunity for the public to be able to explore and enjoy this site. Old Towne Creek features 67 acres of beautiful open fields complemented by groves of live oak trees. The park will undergo construction later in 2022.
For more information on Wine Down Wednesday, or to register for this event, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. This event is brought to you by your Charleston County Parks.
Owned by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and only open currently for special events, Old Towne Creek County Park is located at 1400 Old Towne Road, Charleston, SC 29407. The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, a skate park, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, a historic plantation site, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities.The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386, or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Images courtesy Charleston County Parks. High-resolution photos available upon request
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission / 861 Riverland Drive / Charleston, SC 29412 / (843) 795-4386
Charleston County Parks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, proudly introduces a 5K trail race series held at some of its most treasured parks for trail runners and walkers.
An uptick in recreational boating has led the state Department of Natural Resources to make permanent its longstanding seasonal no-wake zone for part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
Docks line the Intracoastal Waterway between the back side of the Isle of Palms (left) and Goat Island (right) on April 20, 2017. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources has established a permanent no-wake zone for the area. File
The Charleston District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for 15 navigation projects along the South Carolina coast, stretching from Little River Inlet near the North Carolina border to Port Royal Harbor on South Carolina’s southern coast.
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