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.
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.
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.
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.
Join a Lowcountry holiday tradition, the Charleston holiday boat parade, as this display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River.
The problem is NOT owners abandoning their boats. The problem is typical government bureaucracy unable to take charge, FINE the most recent owners of these boats AND make THEM pay for removal. Just complaining about abandoned boats does not effect a solution.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans, a nonprofit group, organized Wednesday’s cleanup, working with the Coast Guard and DNR crews to clear five vessels from the Intracoastal Waterway. About 15 derelicts still remain in Horry County’s ICW.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha in the Charleston area. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
Hunt the owners down and force them to pay all fees required to clean up "their mess". Perhaps allow a community group to assist and make it like a treasure hunt.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
This dataset contains mapped boundaries of intertidal oyster reefs and washed shell deposits found along the SC coast. Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for this information.
South Carolina Intertidal Oyster Reef Mapping
This dataset contains mapped boundaries of intertidal oyster reefs and washed shell deposits found along the SC coast. Reefs were mapped through a combination of automated and manual techniques using 4-band (blue, green, red, near-infrared) digital orthophotos with a theoretical ground resolution of 0.25 meters. These photos were taken from 2003-2006 and can be downloaded. The project area covered those sections of the SC coastal zone where oysters had historically been mapped by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in the 1980’s. The area spans 122 USGS quarter quadrangles (DOQQs).
Sixty of the mapped DOQQs were ground-truthed by boat to assess accuracy. The initial mapping process met the overall minimum accuracy requirements of the project (80% correct classification) and was completed through a joint effort between Photo Science Inc. and SCDNR. Since 2006, low-altitude helicopter photography (see photo below) has been used to edit and update the initial data product. In 2016, 18.5% of the mapped oysters had been updated using helicopter photography. Edits and improvements to this data product are ongoing, and this dataset will be periodically updated.
A link is included below for a table that lists initial accuracy and editing status data by DOQQ. Accuracy scores listed were calculated for the initial product and do not reflect the results of low-altitude helicopter photography editing, so these scores should be considered to be the minimum level of accuracy for the edited areas. Areas covered and analyzed by low-altitude helicopter photographs can be considered to have the highest degree of accuracy. DOQQs that have not been edited by SCDNR should be used with caution. Due to variations in image quality and visibility of oysters, some localized areas may not be as accurate as reported values. In particular, some of the oyster flats with sparse or patchy oyster coverage were difficult to map. Instructions and links are provided below for access to the data and associated metadata.
The Horry County SCDNR office is closed due to COVID related staff shortages. The closure has been extended through Labor Day.
—- NEWS RELEASE —-
For Immediate Release
SCDNR Horry County office will be closed temporarily
AYNOR, S.C. (Aug. 24, 2021) — The SCDNR Horry County Boat Titling and License Sales Office will be closed this Wednesday through Friday (August 25-27th) due to staffing shortages and Covid related issues.
SCDNR sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause to our customers.
Recreational hunting and fishing licenses, tags, and permits can still be purchased online at: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/legallicense.html. Please note that a small convenience fee may be included for online transactions.
Licenses and permits can also be purchased at any of more than 500 license vendors located across the state, including big-box retailers and locally-owned sporting goods, hardware, or bait-and-tackle shops, or at regional SCDNR offices.
Boating transactions can be processed by mail. Visit the boat registration and titling page on the SCDNR website for more information, frequently asked questions, downloadable applications and other assistance related to the requirements for registering and titling boats and motors at: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/boating/Titling_and_Registration/index.html
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Rembert C. Dennis Building 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
More watercraft were involved in crashes along the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach than anywhere else in the state last year, according to a 2020 report from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
We made the mistake, while traveling north on the ICW, of passing through the Myrtle Beach section on a Sunday in April. It was awful. We are in a 36foot sailboat. There were many many jet skis buzzing past, swerving in and out. Power boats passing us very closely! It was the most dangerous part of our trip.
I'm not surprised the Myrtle Beach area ICW leads in boat crashes. We see all kinds of craziness whenever we travel through there and I have a photo that says it all.
The Lowcountry Maritime School of Charleston, SC was organized to promote and support their primary mission: educating youth through boatbuilding and maritime skills.
Sarah Reynolds
This dataset contains mapped boundaries of intertidal oyster reefs and washed shell deposits found along the SC coast. Reefs were mapped through a combination of automated and manual techniques using 4-band (blue, green, red, near-infrared) digital orthophotos with a theoretical ground resolution of 0.25 meters. These photos were taken from 2003-2006 and can be downloaded. The project area covered those sections of the SC coastal zone where oysters had historically been mapped by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in the 1980’s. The area spans 122 USGS quarter quadrangles (DOQQs).
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