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
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