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    • Hale Report: Lockwoods Folly, NC AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 322


      Our thanks to experienced cruiser and Cruisers Net friend, Tom Hale, for sharing information on his recent passage of Problem Stretch Lockwoods Folly. See also Local Notice 10/24.

      October 30, we transited Lockwoods Folly. What I found may be useful new information for southbound cruisers. I notified Bob of my observations just after we cleared the area.

      · The first important note is that the USCG moved G47A, on October 29. It does not show on any charts yet. I have drawn a blue cross on the attached screen shot at the approximate location I noted in passing.

      · As you approach from the north you will now see that R46, and G47 and G47a are almost in a line.

      · You can transit this area by leaving R 46, 50-60 feet to starboard, and then steer half-way between the greens and the shore. The shore is very steep don’t be afraid of it!

      · After passing G 47a make a very slow turn turn toward R48 following Bob’s route. Then make a lazy turn at R48 as you head down the center of the channel.

      · Both R46A & 46B were physically removed months ago but NOAA has not caught up.

      · There is a route laid out on the Aqua Map charts by Bob423 following the USACE way points. I’d recommend that waypoint #2 be placed 60 feet south of R46. It will make the course through here much easier to follow as you will have visual aids to help you, and this route has acceptable depths of 8’+ at MLLW.

      · You can probably get through here, even at low tide, just honoring the ATONs. I drove through here using Navionics Sonar Charts and the ATONs, but laid a track in Aqua Map at the same time which is the blue line you see below. It seems that either on of these apps will get you around this shoal.

      Cheers,
      Tom

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Healy Report: Alternate Route, St. Andrew Sound, GA AICW Statute Miles 685-690


      Several route options to navigate St Andrew Sound, especially in foul weather, have been posted on Cruisers Net. Type St Andrew Sound in our Homepage Search window for those reports. Experienced cruisers and frequent Cruisers Net contributors Jim and Peg Healy share their ships log and navigation watches as M/V Sanctuary travels south on the FL/GA Waterway. Thank you Jim and Peg!

      About 2012, I plotted an alternate route across the northern part of St. Andrews Sound, but I never had the nerve (conditions) to run it.  Last year, Bob Sherer (Bob423) published an alternate that was nearly identical to mine.  To test the route, I wanted high tide and good sea conditions.  Today was the day.  High tide, bright sunshine, SSW 15 – 20.  I could feel Claiborne [Claiborne Young, founder of Cruisers Net] looking over me as I motored forth, laughing and chuckling approvingly!
       
      Here are my tracks southbound through St. Andrews Sound at today’s high tide:

      The alternate route is 6 statute miles from Jekyll Creek back to the Cumberland River.  The route is significantly more protected that the ICW route.  Note also, the “ICW Route” I follow is NOT the charted ICW route; I cut the bottom of Horseshoe Shoal, but I don’t recommend that unless the captain knows the route and tides well.As luck would have it, just as I turned off the main ICW route, I passed a sailboat running under power.  OK, I travel ever so slightly slightly faster than most sailboats, but when I rejoined the main ICW route in the Cumberland River, that sailboat was still behind me, just about where I’d left him.  I’d guess I didn’t lose more that 10 – 15 minutes taking the alternate route, and I never saw less than what would be 10 feet depth at MLLW.  I did pass two ActiveCaptain hazard markers.  Neither were representative of what I actually saw.  So my net is, keep this alternative route in mind for those days that aren’t so ideal on St. Andrews Sound.  It works.The actual .gpx route can be downloaded from http://fleetwing.blogspot.com, which is Bob Sherer’s website (Bob423).  It’s name is BStAndAlt. [Also try http://bobicw.blogspot.com. Thank you Hank}
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the AICW’s Passage Across St. Andrew Sound

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Jon Bryant -  March 17, 2020 - 8:56 pm

        Transited St Andrews Sound yesterday March 16. NE wind 20 to 25 knots. I followed the ICW route, it became terribly rough. Steep four to six foot waves with a period of 2 to 3 seconds. In a 31 foot sailboat it was nerve wracking. So of course today I see the alternate route. Lesson learned, check Cruisers Net and Bob 423.

        Reply to Jon
      2. Larry Shick -  November 1, 2019 - 8:25 am

        You meant fleetwing.blogpot.com

        Reply to Larry
    • Bahamas Chatter: Status of Customs and Immigration in the Abacos

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

      Bahamas Chatter: Status of Customs and Immigration in the Abacos
      Status of Customs and Immigration in the Abacos

      Posted: 31 Oct 2019 05:33 AM PDT

      Can someone tell me the status of customs and immigration in the Abacos post Dorian. Also locations where we could find them.

      thanks

      Bob

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    • Still More and Photos from Capsized Vessel, St. Simons Sound, GA, near AICW Statute Mile 677

      The pilot on board the capsized car carrier Golden Ray deliberately took the vessel out of the channel and grounded her, according to a report in The Brunswick News. The 656-foot vessel capsized on September 8 in St. Simons Sound while heading out to sea with 4,200 vehicles onboard. See LNM Capsized Vessel.

      Golden Ray: Rock Operations Commence
      Maritime Executive

      Inside Golden Ray – A cargo assessment has taken place on the ninth deck
      Maritime Executive

      Rocks to be Placed Around Golden Ray
      Maritime Executive

      White Smoke Coming from Golden Ray
      Maritime Executive

      Golden Ray to be Disassembled on Location
      Maritime Executive

      Overturned cargo ship to be disassembled in St. Simons Sound
      WTOC via Chip Plyler on Save Georgia’s Anchorages

      Pilot Deliberately Grounded Golden Ray
      Maritime Executive Newsletter

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Bruce Hildreth -  October 11, 2019 - 6:36 pm

        I went to the wreckage area in my boat and observed that the Golden Ray was lying perpendicular to the edge of the channel. To me, that adds credence to the intentional grounding theory.

        Reply to Bruce
    • Liveaboard Shot by FWC Officer, Key West, FL

      Cruisers Net is not privy to any more details than mentioned in this report and cannot confirm or deny the accuracy of the report. We post this only because of the recent issues revolving around freedom to anchor. Further information should arrive soon.

      Click here for Key West: FWC CAPTAIN SHOOTS LIVEABOARD ON HIS HOUSEBOAT

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Healy Report: the Okeechobee Waterway East to West, Central Florida

      Once again, Jim Healy graciously imparts his experience in response to a Looper’s questions on AGLCA’s Forum with an excellent description of the Okeechobee Waterway. Jim is a true cruiser helping cruisers! Thank you Jim.

      1) How many days should we anticipate to cross Florida going west at 9 knots. Currently thinking 1 day to Pt Mayaca, day 2 to Clewiston or Moore Haven, then day 3 and 4 from Moore Haven to Alva, FL (WP Franklin Lock).
      “It all depends.” This trip is “Old Florida.” This is orange grove and sugar cane country. On the St. Lucie Canal, there are marinas at Stuart and Indiantown. There is a Corp Of Engineers dock at St. Lucie Lock with is $15/day with a Golden Age Pass. There’s not much/nothing to see at these stops, so one night overnights are typical for cruisers. A place to shower and sleep. So, typically, what we do is stop at the anchorage in Stuart. Then, Stuart to Clewiston. Then, Clewiston to Ft. Myers. I recognize that is a longer day than some people may want, but we do this trip twice a year, and as I said, very little to see. We stay at Roland Martin’s in Clewiston. Very nice Tiki Bar, and a relaxing place. Sammy the dockmaster is a wonder to enjoy. There are nice public docks in Moore Haven with power and water for $1.00 per foot. There are public docks at the library in Labelle. First come, first serve; Med Moorings. Good wifi. It’s the only place in the canal system to actually see a town. There is also a COE dock at the WP Franklin Lock; also $15/day with power and water. There are two locks on the St. Lucie Canal and three on the Caloosahatchee end. The highest lick is St. Lucie; around 16 feet vertical lift.
      2) Where best to dock/anchor along the route?
      You are permitted to anchor in the canal after closing at 1700. No one does [anchor] on the St. Lucie end except at the lock, on the north side.. You cannot anchor in the canals during the daytime hours of lock operation.
      3) Is it better to cross the lake (route 1) or go the rim route (route 2)? What criteria to decide?
      DO NOT TAKE THE RIM ROUTE WITH A 5′ DRAFT. PERIOD. We have never taken the Rim Route. The cross lake route is shallow enough, and even more so this year. The Southwest Water Management District has been holding the lake level down to avoid large water releases of the vile Lake O water into the canals. Not sure it’s doing any good, but check the Route 1 water depths. In the spring, we crossed when there was only 5′ of water, and the place that will affect you is the 5-mile channel from the lake into Clewiston.
      4) What water level reading do we need from COE for our 5′ draft?
      Five feet, of course. There are two places where the control depth is measured. One is in the channel out into the lake at Port Mayaca, the other is the channel from the lake into Clewiston. STAY IN THE CLEWISTON CHANNEL. The lake bottom is limestone, not sand. The Clewiston channel is dug, so the edges are rock. Much like the “Rock Pile” in South Carolina. There is no tide in the lake, but winds can change water levels at the north and south by as much as a foot or more. Watch winds that have been blowing for many days…
      Bonus Question: What the current status of the Red Tide?
      Yes. Red Tide is a problem on the gulf, not in the lake. IT IS A NATURAL PHENOMENA, NOT RELATED TO POLLUTION. It’s blue/green algae that you have to worry about in the canals and lake. Both conditions are problems in Florida. DO NOT SWIM IN THESE WATERS. They do contain nasty bacteria, but there are larger reptile hazards here, too. Big lizzagators live here. We wear nitrile exam gloves when handling lock lines.

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      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Gail A Byrd -  October 28, 2019 - 9:34 pm

        Heading East to West consider 1) sunset bay marina & mooring field @ Stuart ( 2) transient docks at Indiantown Marina (3) Clewiston Roland Martins transient docks or Clewiston City Docks (4) Moore HAven City & (5) stop at Ft Myers City Marina at downtown There might be newer facilities since I have not crossed in many years. Enjoy.

        Reply to Gail
    • Bahamas Chatter: New Fees for Cruising Permit

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and Exumas

      Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

      Bahamas Chatter: New Fees for Cruising Permit
      New Fees for Cruising Permit

      Posted: 18 Oct 2019 07:50 AM PDT

      As you prepare for a trip to The Bahamas, be aware of changes to the charges and length of stay given on your cruising permit.

      The new policy on fees for pleasure vessels clearing into the Bahamas is:

      Under 35ft–$150 for 3 months; $300 per year.

      35-100ft– $300 for 3 months; $600 per year.

      100-150ft–$500 for 3 months; $1,000 per year.

      150-200ft–$800 for 3 months; $2,000 per year.

      Over 200ft–$1,000 for 3 months; $2,000 per year.

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    • FEMA Denies Individual Assistance, but Approves More Assistance to Outer Banks Communities

      The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied North Carolina’s application to provide assistance to individuals in Dare, Hyde, Carteret and New Hanover counties who suffered losses due to Hurricane Dorian, OBX Today reported Wednesday. On 10/20 Fema granted request for additional funding to the community.

      FEMA Denies Individual Assistance Request
      Coastal Review Online and OBX Today

      10/21 FEMA Grants Request for More Assistance
      Coastal Review Online

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    • Shared Photo – Sunset at Palmetto, FL

      A beautiful sunset shot by Cruisers Net Team member, Winston Fowler.

      Some kind of sunset last night in Palmetto, FL Winston Fowler

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    • Interesting Strategy When Your Vessel Is Being Boarded by Law Enforcement Personnel

      Claiborne,
      I tried this and it worked.
      Took about fifteen minutes of discussion, but the officer, after making three phone calls, said he was not authorized to sign any document. He wished me a “good day” and left.
      Captain Robert Lucas
      S/V Aquitaine
      Bradenton, FL

      VESSEL BOARDING AGREEMENT

      The Fourth Amendment (Amendment IV) to the United States Constitution is the part of the Bill of Rights which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause, “The right of the people to be secure in their person, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated….”

      Search and arrest should be limited in scope according to specific information supplied to the issuing court, usually by a law enforcement officer, who has sworn by it.

      In Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961), the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment applies to the states by way of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

      In Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347 (1967), the Supreme Court ruled that the amendment’s protections apply only when the searched party has a “reasonable expectation of privacy”.

      The Supreme Court has also ruled that certain searches and seizures violated the Fourth Amendment even when a warrant was properly granted.

      Oath of Boarding Officer:

      I ______________________________, acting as an officer of _________________________

      assert that I have probable cause to board the vessel _________________________________ for the following reasons:

      ___________________________________________________________________________

      ___________________________________________________________________________

      ___________________________________________________________________________

      I accept responsibly, under law, that this boarding is necessary and does not violate the protections of the fourth amendment to the constitution of the United States of America and the statutes of the state of _______________________.

      I waive all legal rights to defense of this boarding that the Captain of this vessel may raise under law.

      _________________________________________, Boarding Officer

      As agent of ________________________________

      Boarding is:

      Granted _______ , ________________________________ , Captain , Date :_______________

      Denied ________ , ________________________________, Captain, Date: _______________

      Fourth Amendment -Vessel Boarding Agreement

      BRAVO! and bravo again! I always wondered just which bureaucrat or politician gave up our Fourth Amendment rights regarding unreasonable search. My guess is that printers are humming already (if you’ve got one aboard). I hope we can find some more results of this tactic!
      Capt Mike
      S/V Blue Skye

      Captain Lucas:
      In checking the regs, I found:
      Coast Guard may go aboard any United States vessel at any time, anywhere to conduct a documentation and safety inspection.
      A search of a U.S. vessel beyond this type of inspection is subject to limitations under the United States Constitution. If a search extends beyond this narrowly defined scope, a court may be asked to evaluate the legality of the search by balancing the individual’s right to privacy in the specific circumstances of the search against society’s interest in detecting criminal conduct.
      Captain Whitney

      I printed it. We’ll see!
      Kevin R. Quinn

      Certain officials have standing search warrants. The Coast Guard does indeed have a standing warrant for the purpose of determining the seaworthiness of a vessesl for the intended purpose(voyage). A fire fighting offical has a standing warrant to enter a building for the purpose of fighting a fiire and for rescue purposes. Why would we need to ask any official to sign anything? Just ask them for the warrant that they have!! If it is a standing warrant, they must still provide proof. If they do not have a court approved warrant, deny the boarding!
      Thomas P. Sangston

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    • Reminder: Cruisers Net’s Problem Stretch Listings by State

      Our thanks to Jim Healy for reminding AGLCA’s Forum readers about AIWC trouble spots and let us remind you about Cruisers Net’s easy to research, state by state and region by region listing of Problem Stretches  from North Carolina to Florida. Open ink below for Hell Gate Problem Stretch in which  dredging was completed on October 1, 2019.

      There are several “Hell Gates” around (Maine, New York, Georgia), but the one this post refers to is at MM600 in Georgia, between the Ogeechee and Vernon Rivers. “Heading north to Savannah…” from – let’s say – Florida, you will have to pass through Georgia’s version of Hell Gate.”

      The tides in that part of the East Coast run to 8 feet or so; there are SEVERAL known ICW trouble spots in that region that become issues at low tide and especially at celestial low tides. You WILL want to know about them. Altamaha Sound, The Little Mud River, Hell Gate and Elba Cut all come to mind. Start with Tom Hale’s great information at Sail Magazine (https://www.sailfeed.com/2019/09/icw-observations-updates-september-2019/). Join the Facebook Group run by Bob Sherer (Bob423) called ICW Cruising Guide. Facebook is so hard to use and get meaningful information from quickly that you might be better off with Bob’s website first, at Fleetwing.blogspot.com. These two guys are actively cruising the ICW seasonally, so their information is both timely and current.

      If you don’t have Aqua Maps Master for a cell phone of tablet, get it. The Master add-on gives you US Army Corps of Engineers sounding information that is highly useful.

      You don’t say where you’re starting, but there are several historic trouble spots in North Florida, too. READ UP ON THE ICW BEFORE YOU GO, or make sure your towing insurance is paid up… (OK. That was stupid… I lost track of the subject line. But if you’re familiar with Jekyll Creek – and the history thereof – you should understand the words “ICW Trouble Spots” all too well…)

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Hell Gate

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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