Eye Witness Account of How Tropical Storm Isaac Impacted Riviera Dunes Marina (off Tampa Bay on Manatee River, Palmetto, FL)
After reading the account below, it makes my very proud that Riviera Dunes Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
From: “First Matey”
Subject: Isaac Preparations and Riding Out of Storm
We were tenants at Riviera Dunes Marina, Palmetto, FL, during the approach and passing of T/S Isaac. This marina has a reputation for being a great place to be during a storm because of its location five miles up the Manatee River off Tampa Bay (thus tidal surges have a lot of space to fill before getting too drastic etc.), but being there during this one was most revealing. Doc Craig, the marina manager, had his crew use lines that the marina owns, (three strand nylon with sizes for each size vessel) actually double line every vessel in the marina. See photo that shows owners lines and the white marina lines…
The marina staff started several days before the storms forecasted arrival in accordance with marina storm preparation “SOP”. Several captains volunteered to help to make sure that all vessels were properly fendered, tied, and prepared for the storm. I have never seen this in my years of cruising, although it is such a great thing to offer, I am sure it exists in some other places. I understand this marina has a special offer to insure a slip during a storm for any captains who may want to insure a spot for the ultimate protection of this 360 protected marina harbor.
As you know, Bradenton – Palmetto, did not get much of the storm effects. Actually the wind is blowing more today, Tuesday, August 28th than it did during the day the storm was to pass. None the less, no damage, no nicks, in fact all is well and in place.
Our prayers are with everyone who remains in the path of Isaac and hopefully all will fair without harm.
We are in love with this area up the Manatee. Palmetto is a slice of old Florida and Bradenton has all that one could want with a beautiful river walk park. It is just nice. And we actually enjoyed riding out Isaac here with the fine folks who run Riviera Dunes, especially their Dockmaster and marina manager, Doc Craig and his lovely wife Linda.
Our prayers are with everyone who remains in the path of Isaac and hopefully all will fair without harm.
Thanks for all you do Claiborne in getting good info out to all.
“First Matey”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Riviera Dunes Marina
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