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    • May 28, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Venice Anchorage (Statute Mile 58)

      The anchor down spot we term the “Venice Anchorage” lies along the marked channel leading from the AICW to my friends at the Venice Yacht Club. It’s then only a short dinghy ride to the city dock at Hiegel Park (right beside the Venice Yacht Club). Overnight dockage is no longer allowed at this city pier, but you can still easily dinghy ashore here. Then, it’s only a walk of some four to five blocks to have dinner at wonderful Crows Nest Restaurant (at Crows Nest Marina). Trust me on this one, fellow cruisers, this one of the very best chow down spots in all of Florida!

      During cruising season, better get here early. This is a very crowded anchorage and people seem to drop the hook anywhere along the channel. I would not use this if other options exist. We were well secured one night and another boat anchored literally on top of our hook. As the tide turned, he came within inches of our boat several times during the night. Needless to say, it was a derelict craft and captain. Why bother?
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Acnhorage Directory Listing For The Venice Anchorage

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    • May 28, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Mandalay Channel Anchorage (Statute Mile 136.5)

      The channel cutting west to Mandalay Channel leaves the Western Florida ICW, north of the high-rise Clearwater Beach Bridge. As Captains Dave and Patty note, this passage is reasonably well marked, and it brought them to a secure anchorage just off the main channel. Note also the presence to two “city supported dinghy docks nearby.” I’ve asked for more info about where these facilities are located, and voila, Captains David and Patty have now provided that data in the second message posted below. Many thanks to this seagoing duo!.

      Because of strong westerly winds, we decided to take advantage of the protection offered by the principal Mandalay Channel. The route off the ICW was easy to follow, was marked well, with sufficient depths for vessels with up to six foot drafts. We anchored off the western banks, near the fixed bridge, in 15 feet of water. There was a fair amount of current coming through the bridge. Because this channel is used by fishing vessels during the night, the Coast Guard did come by to make sure certain boats were not anchored in the marked channel from the bridge. The wind gusted to 25 to 30 knots from the west during the night. There was very little fetch and with 100 feet of chain/rode, there was no threat of dragging. In addition, there were two city supported dinghy docks nearby to give access to Clearwater Beach and to a grocery store. This was a great anchorage with excellent protection from every direction, except the north.
      David & Patty Power
      S/V Two If By Sea

      In response to your inquiry, there are two city/dinghy docks off the Mandalay Channel. For the first one, as you approach the fixed bridge at the south end of the channel, head easterly, past the Island Yacht Club on the north, along the causeway to the south. Proceed past the Clearwater Marine Science Aquarium towards the end of the canal. The dock will be on the north shore. They, at first, appear to be the docks for a restaurant located there. However, there is a posted notice by Clearwater Beach authorizing free use during the day. No overnight dockage. The docks, which consist of numerous slips, appear to be brand new and are in excellent condition. From there, you have access to the free trolley system and a Publix is within one block.
      The other city/dinghy dock is located just off the western shore of the Mandalay Channel, north of the fixed bridge. There are several commercial and residential/condo dock facilities. Then, there will be a city recreational/library facility that includes the new city/dinghy dock, also consisting of numerous slips. It will be obvious. Again, there is a posted notice authorizing free use during the day, but no overnight dockage. A security gate was being installed when we were there and I assume the dock is locked at night.
      David & Patty
      S/V Two If By Sea

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Mandalay Channel Anchorage

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    • May 24, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Gasparilla Marina (Statute Mile 34)

      In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the AICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. This is a large facility which offers a wealth of services, and there is now an on-site restaurant, plus the Fishery Restaurant is withing walking distance. We have not yet sample the bill of fare at the on-site eaterly, but Fisheries is WONDERFUL!!!

      We spent several days at Gasparilla Marina in May 2010. Jeff, Carol and Jennifer were wonderful hosts. They were very helpful. Jeff offered the use of his car if we needed to grocery shop. A Publix is about 2 miles away. Evening dinghy rides to the nearby islands is a sheltered trip. My wife struck it rich in her search for shells on the north end of Gasparilla Island. Now I have a boat full of sand dollars, etc, etc. Restrooms are large and clean. Wi-Fi, excellent. Lounge with TV. Nice sheltered area with tables for evening socializing if other transients are around. Huge service business associated with the marina if you need repairs. Good food (bar food) and music at the on site Watersides Restaurant. The Fishery Restaurant is a short walk. It is also excellent.
      Rick Parish

      Let me reiterate our recommendation of Gasparilla and the on site restaurant.
      Admiral Deb and I give Gasparilla Marina our highest recommendation! We called via cell phone 2 days prior to arriving and talked to the Manager, Jeff. Jeff is ‘˜a prince among men’! We talked with him for several minutes about details of the marina and the surrounding points of interest. Jeff offered us the use of his car (a brand new Crown Vic) to go shopping when we got there. We’d never met him before! On arrival the staff was always very helpful, interested in our welfare and the welfare of our vessel. Their restaurant The Waterside Grill had indoor and outdoor seating, lots of large wide screen TVs and the staff was friendly and efficient. We stayed 7 days, 2/20/10 ‘“ 2/26/10, and ate 2 meals each day. The food there was far superior to the food at the local well known restaurant half a mile away. The showers were private room sized and clean. Wi-fi was fast with no connectivity problems while we were there. Easy in and out, wide fairways right on the gulf ICW.
      Lou Spagna,
      s/v Wu-Hsin

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gasparilla Marina

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    • May 24, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Twin Dolphin Marina (on the Manatee River, off Tampa Bay)

      Cruisers should note that Captain Shanley, author of the message below, works with Twin Dolphin Marina. HOWEVER, since this absolutely first-rate facility supports us by being a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, we are pleased to pass on Mike’s description of his marina. Trust us, you simply cannot find a better place to coil your lines off Tampa Bay!

      Subject: Twin Dolphin Marina – Manatee River
      Cruising News: Cruising the west coast of Florida we found premier resort marina nestled safely along the beautiful Manatee River in Bradenton, Fl. The marina is within walking distance of the historic downtown and is quaint Old Main Street. The historic Bradenton Pier, centrally located within the marina is host to the famed Mattison’s Riverside Restaurant where we enjoyed fine dining in a relaxed waterfront atmosphere . I recommend that all cruisers stop by there and enjoy the best of what the Gulf Coast has to offer. The amenities are as follows:
      Beautiful Heated Pool and Spa
      ♦ Concierge Services
      ♦ Fuel Dock (Diesel/Gas)
      ♦ 225 Wet Slips to 100 feet
      ♦ New Modern Floating Docks and Fixed Docks
      ♦ Pump Out at your Slip
      ♦ Laundry and Private Shower Facilities
      ♦ Yacht Brokerage on-site
      ♦ Upscale and Casual Waterfront Dining at Mattison\’s Riverside Restaurant
      ♦ Full Time Harbormaster
      ♦ Annual, Transient and Overnight Slips
      ♦ Power 50/30 amp, Water, Cable TV and Phone at Each Slip
      ♦ Cable TV Package from Brighthouse Networks, Channels 2-99.
      ♦ Boat Clubs and Organized Groups Accommodated
      ♦ No Bridges to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
      ♦ Superior Business Center Services
      ♦ Fax and E-Mail Service Available
      ♦ High-speed Wireless Internet Service Available
      ♦ Rental Bikes Available
      ♦ Gas Grills Located at the Pool
      ♦ Poolside Parties
      ♦ Designated Clean Marina
      And the staff is spot on incredible. Their website is www.twindolphinmarina.com
      Mike Shanley

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Twin Dolphin Marina

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    • May 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cruising Florida’s Big Bend Discussion

      There has been a lively discussion over the past several days on the GL (Great Loop) list about cruising the “Big Bend” section of the Western Florida coastline. If you are not familiar with this region, there is NO intracoastal waterway that serves the Big Bend region. So, if you’re northbound, cruisers must either cut the corner and head straight across the Gulf for Carrabelle/Dog Island or Panama City (to name only two possible Panhandle ports of call), OR follow the coastline as it curves to the west, staying WELL offshore to avoid the broad band of shallows that extends well seaward from this section of the Sunshine State’s coastline. Ask any three cruisers what is the best strategy to cross the Big Bend, and you’ll hear four opinions. So, with that in mind, please peruse what our fellow cruisers are saying below, and join in this discussion by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below.

      Okay, I need to collective knowledge of the group again. It was invaluable leaving the keys. I’m in St Pete for a few days then river hopping up to Steinhatchee River to do the crossing to Carrabelle.
      What is the best weather window and easiest way to do this? I really appreciate the help here!! Thanks!!
      Ken

      Joanne and I did it a few years ago , but opposite from you . We had anchored out from Carrabelle , Early that morning NOAA was saying the seas would lay down around 12:00 , so we started out in rough seas. As we passed Dog Island , we agreed then, that either the seas would lay down or we would anchor at Dog Island , but we were not going to lose sight of Dog unless we got calm water . Just like NOAA promised the seas laid down at lunch time , to the point it was so calm we we even went on plan for a while , to make up time. Except for the shallow spots , it was smooth sailing . Getting into Steinhatchee and not running aground was quite a job . There was very little water even in the channel. Whole crossing was around 12 hours
      Glenn

      Sea Hag Marina is an Old Florida style marina [in the village of Steinhatchee on the Steinhatchee River]. In fact the whole community is Old Florida . In the evenings the old men wander down to the marina to see what the fishermen brought in . Its a nice laid back kind of place.
      There’s only one anchorage in Steinhatchee and its a small one . We anchored there one night and I being worried about letting out to much rode , didn’t let out enough and we dragged a little .
      Our next visit we stayed at Sea Hag .
      Glenn

      We did it Carrabelle to Cedar, and the next day to Caladesi State Park. First day is a long one, left before down in the fall, but 2nd day was not so bad, time wise.
      See you on the Waterways!
      Capt. Sterling

      Have things changed in the last couple years? When we went in there was a well marked channel with 8′ the whole way in. Don’t remeber what the tide stage was but it’s only around 3′ so unless you hit it at dead low tide or you have a 6’+ draft, it shouldn’t be much of a problem getting in.
      We enjoyed our stay at Sea Hag Marina. I would recommend calling ahead as all but the outer slips dry out at low tide.
      Mike & Tammy

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sea Hag Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Steinhatchee River

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    • May 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Legacy Harbour Marina (Fort Myers – on the Caloosahatchee River – Okeechobee Waterway St. M. 135.5)

      21 March to 13 April 2010.
      We chose Legacy over the nearby municipal marina as it had a reduced weekly rate, a rarity in this part of the world. Staying a second week, it was cheaper paying for a month although we pushed on after three weeks and it was still a bargain. I heartily agree with all of the superlatives previously posted
      Comparing it with the other marina which we visited by foot as it has a nice small marine store with a complete supply of local government charts, Legacy is within easier walking distance to a Publix. The municipal marina is closer to downtown which offers boutique-type shops, restaurants, a coffee house and a newly opened, well-stocked, dollar store. The Thursday farmer’s market is handy to both marinas.
      The big plus for us was metered electricity. Instead of paying up to $12/day for 30 amp service, our entire three-week stay amounted to $5.85, or $.30/day. For the first and only time, we were able to see exactly how much we were paying in excess of our actual usage.
      The fixed break-wall at municipal offers more protection from the swell from river traffic and wind blowing across the wide expanse of river. Legacy’s floating dock break-wall dampens it down but the entrance, open to the north, allows the swell to snake in. Finger dock slips are available extending from the break-wall that offer a nice view of the river but in stronger winds it’s an adventurous trip navigating to shore whilst dodging the odd wave breaking over the dock. We were on a floating dock closer in.
      Most of the cruisers we met at Legacy were repeat customers, coming back year after year to stay for a week or two like us, taking advantage of a reduced rate for a period shorter than a month.
      We made good use of the Fort Myers bus system as well as periodically renting cars for day trips. There is an Enterprise, Avis and Hertz nearby. All offered to pick us up and return us to the marina.
      A nearby restaurant, Sub & Pub, is unique and good value for money. Neither a submarine sandwich parlor nor a true pub, it offers daily home cooked specials ‘“ hearty portions at bargain prices ‘“ as well as regular fare. The relaxed, folksy decor was a welcome change from the restaurant chains. In the latter category, a Joe’s Crab Shack is located on the marina premises, replete with dancing waitresses and loud music. Still, it was hard to resist the odd visit as the irresistible odor of crab cakes and fish wafted over the marina each day!
      Austin Whitten

      I thoroughly agree with Mr. Wittens observations. Legacy Harbor is a great, and well managed, marina! The two downtown marinas do more to help each other help the boaters, than any others I am aware of. Job well done Dave!
      Leif Lustig,
      FMYB Dockmaster

      I heartily agree with the positive comments about Legacy Harbour Marina in Ft. Myers. We were part of a group of four boats from Solomons, MD that went south this past winter. Some of our group had visited Ft. Myers and vicinity by car the previous winter to check out potential places to stay and Legacy Harbour as well as Ft. Myers came out as top choice. All of the perks mentioned above are true. We arrived towards in early February just before it began to blow and blow and blow. Once there, we never left until heading back home across the lake. It was just too cold and windy. Apart from the ammenities discussed above, the cruiser’s group there has potluck dinners each week. There was also a group dinner out each week to a new retaurant with those with cars driving those without. We were tied up on D dock, the outer breakwater and that was an experience when the winds were from the northwest across the river. Dave and his staff at Legacy Harbour really made everyone welcome and went out their way to help out. Another plus coming up in the installation of dockside pump outs for all the docks. D dock will probably be last on the list but, this ammenty is really welcome. After checking out Naples and Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers and Legacy Harbour would surely be our choice for a return visit.
      Curt Larsen

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Legacy Harbour Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For

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    • May 17, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Smokehouse Bay Anchorage – Marco Island

      This is the second posting we’ve had about anchoring on Smokehouse Bay since the first of May (2010). We WILL get this anchorage on the Net’s “Western Florida Anchorage Directory” this week!

      We live in Naples and Marco Island’s Esplanade Marina in Smokehouse Bay is one of our favorite day trips. We simply follow the marked channel into Collier Bay and then Smokehouse Bay. Currents can be strong as you turn from the Marco River into the channel, you need to be alert, but I’ve never had a problem. There is plenty of shallow water in Collier Bay, but you have to get out of the channel to find it. We went at a fairly high tide today and I did not note a single depth indication less than 9′. You may find some shallow water in Smokehouse Bay, but I haven’t. And I frequently see boats anchored there.
      Jeff
      M/V Toto

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    • May 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boca Grande Marina (Statute Mile 28.5)

      Boca Grande is a good marina, though there is a shoaling problem at the mouth of the bayou that leads to this facility, First timers should follow the link below to Boca Grande Marina’s listing in our “Western Florida Marina Directory” and call the dockmaster for entry instructions.
      What really makes Boca Grande Marina so great, is that it’s within walking distance of the village of Boca Grande, one of the great cruising gems of the Southeastern USA coastline. Don’t miss dinner at the Gasparilla Inn, and you can reprovision at Hudsons Grocery. There is sooo much more to see and do in this charming community! Don’t miss it!!!!!

      This was the third night on our trip from Ft. Lauderdale to the Gulf Coast and this was BY FAR our favorite. The marina is a wonderful little place and the staff are the best I’ve ever encountered. They went out of they’re way to help and had wonderful attitudes. There are two restraunts on site, we dined up stairs and had a wonderful meal. The town is a neat place, we rented a golf cart to explore a little and found several neat looking restraunts and a well stocked local grocery store. We didn’t have much time so we didn’t get to see a whole lot but this place is one I certainly want to return to.
      Cahoots

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boca Grande Marina

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    • May 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marina Operations/Marina Jacks (Statute Mile 73)

      While the official name of this facility, located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, is Marina Operations, ALL the locals call it Marina Jacks. That really the name of the restaurant closest to the water, but, hey, who am I to argue with the locals.

      This was the fourth night in our trip from Ft. Lauderdale to the Gulf Coast and it was another great marina. The docks extremely well maintained, the staff helpful and the onsite services excellent. Again, we did not get to stay long but by report they have a local shuttle that is very helpful to resupply and get you around town a little. We are planning a trip back to explore the west coast of Florida hopfully next year and Marina Jack will most likely be our base of operations. Forgot to mention that the onsite dining is excellent. There are several restaurants on site and I forget which one we ate at, but it was excellent and by report all the others are as well.
      Cahoots

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marina Operations/Marina Jacks

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    • May 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Clearwater Municipal Marina (Statute Mile 136)

      Good review of a superior municipal facility!

      This was night five in our trip from Ft. Lauderdale to the Gulf Coast. We had intended to run from Sarasota to Tarpon Springs but got a late start and this was as far as we got before the sundown, and it was a lucky break. We didn’t stay long as we finished cleaning the boat after dark and were off the next morning at first light to cross to Apalachicola but the marina appeared nice and the dock master was very accomodating staying a little late to find us a slip as we were unscheduled to stay here. If we return the west coast we will plan to stay here again as our destination crossing from Apalachicola. There is easy walking access to several restraunts and the beach.
      Cahoots

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Clearwater Municipal Marina

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    • May 13, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cruising From Florida Keys To Cape Sable (Southwestern mainland Florida)

      The two messages below were copied from the “GL” (Great Loop) mailing list. Both were in response to a question about what cruisers could expect while cruising through the Florida Bay waters between the Florida Keys (Marathon or Channel Five) to Cape Sable (south of Marco Island and Everglades City).

      Florida Bay usually isn’t too bad with an east wind because there is so much shallow water upwind of you. There are two strategies that you might consider.
      1. Leave early in the morning. Like at first light. The wind is usually less in the morning.
      2. From Islamorada, go to Old Dan Bank, then Through the “Yacht Channel” at Arsenic Bank and then past Sprigger, Schooner and Oxfoot Banks on your way to East Cape at Cape Sable. It only about 15 miles from Islamorada to Yacht Channel and then less than 20 miles to East Cape. The course is generally NWish so you should have a good trip, even in 20 kts.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

      The water will be choppy but doable. The biggest problem between Islamorada and the southern tip of FL will be seeing the crab pots in the choppy water. After you get off the southern tip of FL you can hug the coast and have smooth water all the way into Shark River. From Shark to Goodland should also be fine in those east winds, you will run out of the crab pots for the most part and have pretty smooth water.
      Been there, done that,
      Todd & Brenda Lanning
      Life’s2Short
      1985 40′ Oceania Trawler

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    • May 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Redfish Pass (between Captiva and North Captiva Islands (near St. M. 13.5)

      Redfish Pass is an inlet that cuts out towards the briny blue between Captiva and North Captiva Islands. I’ve been sounding this pass for 18 years. Sometimes it’s been shallower, sometime deeper, sometimes the marks have been more numerous, other times less. Looks like this channel is now passable, at least according to Captain Power, but always watch out for future shoaling. Note that Captain Power’s message below contains superb, very useful navigational info!

      Subject: Redfish Pass
      Cruising News: This Pass is easily navigable. If coming off the ICW, enter the South Seas Plantation channel off of ICW #38 and pick up their # 24, but NOTE that these marks are for the Pass, so keep red to port. This channel was a minimum of 6 feet or more. Proceed past the resort and follow the markers. Depths range from 7 to about 30 feet right at the Pass. The outer marks in the Gulf, going out are floating marks. Number 1, the outermost mark was at 26 degrees 33.187′ N, 82 degrees 12.699′ W.
      David S Power

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Redfish Pass

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    • May 4, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Uninvited Passenger

      Here’s a little story from Ted Jones, former editor and co-owner of the late, great and much lamented “Coastal Cruising” magazine. This tale signifies to me why we all cruise. Who else could have such an experience but cruisers, and Ted has written it so very well!

      As dusk settled over the ocean on April 29th a land bird suddenly flew into the companionway and landed on Malla’s head as she was working in the galley. Reflexively, she brushed it away, and it flew out over the ocean again only to return, determined to find a suitable perch before nightfall. Malla identified it as a swallow. It had most likely been blown out to sea by the strong westerly winds of the previous several days. Swallows, she said require a perch before dark where they can safely spend the night. Ted was not surprised, having been visited by land birds on several occasions. They rarely survive the experience, and there seems to be no way one can help. We have tried, but the end always seems to be the same despite good intentions. Our little swallow eventually found a roosting place on the extension cord used to connect Ted’s computer equipment when we are dockside.
      Both of us were mindful of our passenger throughout the tumultuous events of the wee hours of Friday morning and were concerned for its safety. Amazingly, it put up with the contents of the ice box counter crashing to the cabin sole at one point and the noise and vibrations of the engine sometime later. It clung to it’s tenuous perch despite the constant motion.
      An hour or so after sunrise, with a `thank you’ chirp, our little bird suddenly took flight, out of the companionway, and with a quick orientation circle disappeared toward land, several miles away. We hope it made it to shore. We will never know, although we told it to say hello to Dorcas when it gets to Vermont.
      Cheers,
      Ted

      Ted’s story about the bird that took refuge reminded me of a similar incident around 1982. While wrapping up a dive trip on the wreck of the City of Richmond some 30 miles or so off the Georgetown entrance a sandpiper landed on the instrument panel’¦and refused to budge. We knew right away the poor critter must have lost it’s bearings and flew out to sea. About the time we approached the Pee Dee entrance it got reoriented and flew away to the beach. Sigh.
      Bill Norris
      (Nobody You Know) Hatteras 40DCMY

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    • May 3, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Words for Gasparilla Marina (Statute Mile 34)

      The entrance to Gasparilla Marina cuts east off the Western Florida ICW, immediately south of the Gasparilla Island bridge and causeway. This facility features a well sheltered harbor, and, judging from Captain Spagna’s message below, offers superior services.
      Also, besides their own on-site dining spot (described below) the Fisheries Restaurant is within easy walking distance. I can tell you from personal experience that the food here is superb!

      Admiral Deb and I give Gasparilla Marina our highest recommendation! We called via cell phone 2 days prior to arriving and talked to the Manager, Jeff. Jeff is ‘˜a prince among men’! We talked with him for several minutes about details of the marina and the surrounding points of interest. Jeff offered us the use of his car (a brand new Crown Vic) to go shopping when we got there. We’d never met him before! On arrival the staff was always very helpful, interested in our welfare and the welfare of our vessel. Their restaurant The Waterside Grill had indoor and outdoor seating, lots of large wide screen TVs and the staff was friendly and efficient. We stayed 7 days, 2/20/10 ‘“ 2/26/10, and ate 2 meals each day. The food there was far superior to the food at the local well known restaurant half a mile away. The showers were private room sized and clean. Wi-fi was fast with no connectivity problems while we were there. Easy in and out, wide fairways right on the gulf ICW.
      Lou Spagna, s/v Wu-Hsin

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gasparilla Marina

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    • Apr 30, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Smokehouse Bay Anchorage – Marco Island

      Here’s a posting about an anchorage that I KNOW needs to be added to the Net’s “Western Florida Anchorage Directory.” My good friend, Captain Herman Diebler, who lives on Marco, has already (quite rightly) been on my case about this.
      The reason I’ve never before listed Smokehouse Bay as an overnight haven, is that having tried to sound this channel some years ago, I ran into 4-foot depths. Those of you who have anchored here, PLEASE share what depths you found, and pass along any tips about how to find the best soundings.

      We visited Smokehouse Bay in April. When entering after the Pass, you do need to hug the condo side of the channel and then follow the markers. Plenty of water and good holding. The marina is boater/dinghy friendly, which is a nice change from Marco River Marina and Factory Bay. I would recommend you do a courtesy checking with the dockmaster at Esplanade. They prefer the dinghies to be docked at certain spots. Smokehouse Bay is only about 10 minutes further in than Factory Bay and is well worth it.
      S/V Two If By Sea

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    • Apr 30, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Caledesi Island State Park Marina (north of Dunedin)

      As I recall, the entrance channel leading to Caladesi Island State Park Marina (from Hurricane Pass) can be a bit of a challenge for first timers, but otherwise, this is a pretty good facility for those who just want to get away from the maddening crowd. It lies just north of the Dunedin and the Honeymoon Island Bridge

      This is a great spot after you get in. We draw 4 1/2 and saw 5 and 4.8 going across the small bay to the marked entrance into the Park. Definitely do it on a rising tide. Great protection once you are in. Avoid the weekends as it is a popular spot for boat clubs. The 100+ slip marina was full the weekend we were there, but during the first part of the week there were only 8 boats. The fairways are narrow and become more so after the 30+ powerboats and sailboats are in the slips.
      S/V Two If By Sea

      Subject: Hurricane Pass
      Cruising News: We just visited Caladesi Island State Park which is near Hurricane Pass, north of Dunedin. Although we did not use it, we saw several sailboats going in and out of it. We talked to one boat who uses it regularly, drawing 4.3\’. He told use that the markers are accurate and he saw nothing less than 6\’.
      David S. Power

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Caladesi Island Start Park Marina

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    • Apr 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Royal Palm Marina (on Lemon Bay, south of Venice, near St. M. 46.5)

      New owners huh, sounds promising!

      We, and 5 other boats, spent the night of April 15 at the Royal Palm Marina. It is under new management and the new owners are bending over backwards to help cruisers. They have opened an on-site restaurant, all the facilities were very clean, and they even presented each captain with a bottle of Cabernet at check-in. The service was outstanding the whole time we were there.
      Chet Parham

      Chet
      Thank you for the kind words. Boating is all about having fun, seeing new places and meeting new people. We’re glad you had a good time and look forward to being your host again. To help anyone else who may be looking for us ‘“ we’re at ICW Mile Marker 30 in Englewood.
      Dale Wentzel

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Royal Palm Marina

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    • Apr 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Gulfport Municipal Marina (near Statute Mile 116)

      I have always been impressed with the friendly, can-do attitude at Gulfport Municipal Marina. You must leave the Waterway, and cruise up a marked channel to Boca Ciega Bay to access this facility, but many will find the trip worthwhile!

      Stored by boat here a few times while cruising. Secure fenced facility, floating transient docks. not really close to shopping. One of the cheaper marina’s around.
      Captain Sterling

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

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    • Apr 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Little Marco Island Anchorage (north of Capri Pass and Marco Island)

      The Little Marco Island Anchorage is accessed from the unofficial waterway stretching from Capri Pass and Marco Island, north to Naples. This one of the best anchor down havens in this region. Give it your most serious consideration!

      Love the anchorage! Always stop here.
      Quiet, except for weekends. In a no wake zone if you go all the way down. Good holding , excellent protection, nice views. Beaches.
      Captain Sterling

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Little Marco Island Anchorage

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    • Apr 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cape Sable Anchorage (Extreme Southwestern Florida)

      Any of you who have perused the Net’s “Western Florida Anchorage Directory,” which lists overnight havens in a south to north format, may have noticed that the first anchorages listed lie off Cape Sable. These are TRULY wide open anchorages, and I’ve always wrestled with the thought of whether I should even list them as potential havens at all. I would value the input of any cruiser on this subject. Just click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your thoughts!

      Miles of Great Beaches and shelling!
      Pick you [fair weather] day as you are exposed, and you also in the Everglades National Park.
      Captain Sterling

      I single-handed Wu-Hsin along the Gulf coast of FL some years back in late August. I found the holding off the north cape at Cape Sable to be solid and protection from the prevailing SE winds excellent. We are home ported in Punta Gorda now with plans to sail south to the Keys and beyond. The Cape Sable anchorages are on our list of preferred anchorages assuming the winds are from the East-anything.
      I forgot to mention that in the summer time the mosquitoes are thick as pea soup but if you get some way on they are not a problem
      Louis F. Spagna

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Cape Sable Anchorages

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