Oct 12, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
New Georgia Shellfish Harvest Area Permit Status Inquiry
Efforts on behalf of boaters regarding Georgia’s anchoring restrictions continue with this letter by Ted Arisaka to the USACE. See Georgia HB 833 and Expanded Shellfish Areas.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Savannah District
Regulatory Division
.
Dear Sirs:

I am a recreational boater who enjoys the coastal waters of our East Coast and in particular, the coastal waters of Georgia. I have followed with interest, the evolution of Georgia’s regulations around navigation / anchoring in their estuarine waters, starting with House Bill 201 in 2019 and replacement House Bill 833 in 2020.

As a result of HB833, GA DNR has updated their definitions of no-anchoring zones as published on their website:

https://gcmp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b5a616ad152a462bad0b73cdb5eeb107

Among the various zones, one in particular, “shellfish harvest” areas (shaded in green) have expanded dramatically between 2019 and 2020. These shellfish harvest areas are portrayed as “approved” on the GA DNR website and among the multiple requirements for approval is to receive a permit from US ACE for those areas in navigable waters. If one examines the published maps, there are many areas in navigable waters as well as established channels demarcated by Aids To Navigation by USCG and charted by NOAA. This also includes portions of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, which as you know is important not just for recreational boaters but also for commercial navigation.

The reason for my email is to inquire as to the status of USACE approval of these shellfish harvest zones.

Thank you,

Ted Arisaka
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Oct 11, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
US Hurricane Trends – Specialty Fuel Services
Hurricanes cause approximately $28 billion in damages to the United States economy per year, according to government estimates. In addition, the U.S. government expects to pay about $18 billion per year in hurricane relief and recovery. Since 2006, Specialty Fuel Services has been supplying emergency fuel to locations affected by unexpected catastrophic events. Editor’s note: be sure to see the list of resources at the end of this article.

US Hurricane Trends
specialtyfuelservices.com
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Oct 9, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Great Gale of 1878 Brought Nights of Terror
For two days and nights in October 1878, the 11th hurricane of the season thrashed the North Carolina coast and ships offshore, with dramatic ocean rescues and loss of life.

Great Gale of 1878 Brought Nights of Terror
Coastal Review Online
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Oct 8, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

Elevate Your Travel Experience With Makers Air, Staniel Cay, Bahamas

staniel

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, is excited to be welcoming guests as coronavirus restrictions are eased. With commercial airlines limiting and cancelling flights regularly, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

Click Here For Sky High Savings At Chub Cay Resort and Marina and Makers Air

Book Two Nights at Chub Cay Resort and Marina and Get Your Third Night Free if you fly with Makers Air!

Out Island Travel does not have to be stressful or inconvenient. We understand your individual needs and can provide an array of options to ensure everyone in your group is covered. Let us remind you what travel should feel like!

Get Hooked On Chub Cay

Whether you are fishing the pocket, exploring what lies beneath with Chub Cay Divers, or wining and dining poolside, this is one destination you should not miss! With daily flights direct from Fort Lauderdale, it has never been easier to enjoy this private island paradise. Contact Makers Air and Chub Cay today to book! And as always, have a Chub-Tastic Day!

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2331 NW 55th Ct Hangar 19
Fort Lauderdale, FL | 33309 US

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Oct 7, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

Beyond the Lens with National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, beginning Oct 20

Ever wonder how the experts capture that perfect photo to convey the wonders of our ocean and Great Lakes? Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for a series of virtual seminars and intimate discussions with world class photographers on October 20th, October 27th and November 10th.

Ever wonder how the experts capture that perfect photo to convey the wonders of our ocean and Great Lakes? What kind of technique, experience, and, yes, luck yield the beautiful images that transport us to faraway atolls and underwater seascapes?

Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for a series of virtual seminars and intimate discussions with world class photographers on October 20th, October 27th and November 10th to celebrate the launch of America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration, publishing on October 20 from Smithsonian Books, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary system.

Buy Tickets

Each of the three sessions will feature an expert ocean photographer sharing their stories of getting the perfect shot, finding their inspiration, and answering your photography questions. Tickets will be limited for each session.

Oct. 20: Keith Ellenbogen, underwater photographer, Stellwagen Bank

Oct. 27: Melody Bentz, photographer, Hawaii

Nov. 10: Stephen Frink, underwater photographer, Florida Keys

Tickets can be purchased for individual sessions or as a package, and include an option to receive the America’s Marine Sanctuaries book at a reduced price.

Photo credit: Stephen Frink

Register today to join us for this special access event. Mark your calendars – we will see you on October 20th, October 27th, and November 10th!

Learn More About the Event

About America’s Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration

Our ocean, rivers, and lakes inspire feelings of awe, serenity, and a desire to know what can be found in their mysterious waters. America’s Marine Sanctuaries gives you an intimate and immersive look at our nation’s marine sanctuaries, and it will be sure to enchant you.

The fourteen underwater gems that make up the National Marine Sanctuary System are celebrated for their beauty, history, and importance in this striking volume. The full-color photographs allow you to dive right into the waters where sunken wartime ships and wildlife are protected. Whether you love maritime history, scenic coastlines, or cute creatures like otters and dolphins, this book offers something for everyone.

America’s Marine Sanctuaries is a testament to the ocean’s incredible ecosystems and landscapes, from kelp forests to deep-sea canyons. The marine sanctuaries, which range from the Hawaiian Islands to Stellwagen Bank off Massachusetts, ensure that our ocean waters, coasts, and Great Lakes are preserved. This book is a gorgeous reminder of what’s at stake in our efforts to conserve the world’s most critical and beautiful environments.

Buy the Book!

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

8601 Georgia Ave, Suite 510

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

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Oct 3, 2020by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Great Dismal Swamp – The Life of a Lockmaster by Kathy Bohanan Enzerink
Until his recent untimely death, Robert Peek served as Lockmaster of Deep Creek Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal for 24 years. See In Memorium Robert Peek. Our thanks to Donna Steward, Director of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and longtime friend, for sharing this 2012 Facebook article on a typical day in Robert’s life.

Great Dismal Swamp – The Life of a Lockmaster
Kathy Bohanan Enzerink
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Jean claude Fontaine - October 7, 2020 - 1:01 pm

It was a very nice person we enjoyed this lock and it is parts of our best lock souvenir. Rest in peace
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Oct 2, 2020by: Larry Dorminy 4 Comments
Death of a Legend – In Memorium Robert Peek
The stories of Robert Peek’s “customer relations” are indeed legendary throughout the cruising community. Here is a man who loved his job and did not hesitate to share that love with boaters locking through Deep Creek Lock. Our thanks to Donna Stewart of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this notice and to Kim Russo of AGLCA for sharing Robert’s obituary.

Our hearts are heavy, as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Deep Creek Lockmaster Robert Peek. Please keep his beloved wife Jackie and family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts in this time of loss. No one will ever fill his shoes.

Robert of Deep Creek Lock squeezed 18 boats in the lock yesterday – we were like sardines in a can. I found the whole thing quite hilarious! Arnold Parkinson

Robert smiling.
Robert getting ready to play his conch shell, for which he was famous. Phil and Karen Barbalace

Robert Leslie Peek Obituary
Sturtevant Funderal Home
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Comments from Cruisers (4)

Penny Leary Smith -  October 5, 2020 - 5:39 pm

I am sending this email to inform you Robert Peek who has been the lockmaster at the Deep Creek Locks in Deep Creek Va on the Dismal Swamp Canal died October 1, 2020.
Robert was an icon with the boaters for years. His caring personality and dedication will always be remember. If you could info the boating community through your publication this would be greatly appreciated.
I am Penny Leary Smith (retired) former Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thanks.
Penny
Reply to Penny

Bob Volkwein -  October 4, 2020 - 9:08 pm

We first met Robert in 2013 as M/V Yinzer passed through his lock. As we departed the lock, he saw that our Homeport was Pearl Harbor, HI. He picked up one of his conchs and yelled “I bet you know what this is” as he blew it. In Hawaii, in bygone years, the blowing of a conch signaled the coming of royalty. Several years later we took two of our younger grandchildren (ages 8 & 10) on the Albemarle Sound loop and as we returned to the Chesapeake stopped for the night at the free dock located between the Great Bridge bridge and his lock. I told Robert via channel 13 that we were spending the night there and that I had two apprentice conch shell blowers onboard. He naturalling inviting us over for coffee and pastries the next morning. The children took our shells with them. He said that the “blow hole” was too big for the children lips so he picked up a couple of smaller shells and promptly made ones sized for them. We will always remember and cherish the moment.
Bob Volkwein
M/Y Yinzer, Mainship 390
Reply to Bob

Mike Camarata -  October 2, 2020 - 3:25 pm

If you met Robert once, you were a friend. For life. We met, chatted with and were invited to breakfast several times. He was generous with his time, his knowledge and, of course, coffee and danish. Because of storms, dredging and lock repairs we were unable to take the Dismal for couple of years. We were looking forward to seeing Robert this year. Shocked and saddened by this news. It is a terrible loss for the entire boating/cruising community. Our best wishes and condolences to Jackie and his entire family.
Mike and Carol
Improbability
Reply to Mike

Donna Steward -  October 2, 2020 - 12:39 pm

You all are in the boating world and know the giant shoes Robert Peek wore for our beloved Dismal Swamp Canal. He was lockmaster, host, grounds keeper, maintenance man, historian, ambassador, entertainer, and most importantly, genuinely caring of his boaters. Everyone was a friend, and he wins a trophy for Hospitality. Everyone knows Robert, and if you didn’t, you wanted to meet him.
So you all know how devastated we are in sharing the news of his sudden death yesterday morning. I like to picture him laughing with God, having a cup of coffee and sweet breakfast treat, debating a few matters and having a good laugh while enjoying the heavenly companionship. I’m sure he has reeled in a few angels who could not stay away from the engaging conversations. Robert is just that way. He was a dear friend, and he will never be replaced.
Please remember his beloved wife Jackie and their family in this time of shock and loss. Also his co-workers at US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE. If you would like to send any form of condolences please send them to:
Jackie Peek and Family
c/o US Facilities, Inc.
2509 Reservation Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322-5217
We have been assured they will be given to Robert’s family. Jackie has given me permission to tag her on our Facebook page, although we are working out those wrinkles. So anything you share from our page she will have knowledge of. Please feel free to tag us with comments. There are already thousands of people who have seen the post late yesterday afternoon.
Our sympathy goes out to you, as well. We know Robert had many friends in the boating community who are feeling the loss, too. Please feel free to share this message with anyone you feel would care to know. On a personal note, I took this image of Robert when he was assisting with Paddle for the Border, and my husband, daughter and grandson are on the boat with him. His genuine laughter is just contagious, and his conch is front and center. One of my favorites.
Donna
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Oct 1, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0558,-76.6119999
Fall Colors, Cooler Temps & Edenton Nature at its Best, Edenton, NC, Albemarle Sound

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A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events including safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.

Fall Colors, Cooler Temps & Edenton Nature at its Best

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
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Oct 1, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.623,-76.549999
Lookout Closer to Becoming Dark Sky Park, Cape Lookout, east of NC AICW Statute Mile 205CW

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The popular Cape Lookout Bight anchorage is practically in the shadow of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. In rough offshore weather, cruisers with shallow draft may choose to access the anchorage via Taylor Creek and Barden Inlet which separates Shackleford Banks and Core Banks. These shallow, sparsely marked waters require a constant eye on the depth finder.

Lookout Closer to Becoming Dark Sky Park
Coastal Review Online

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage
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Oct 1, 2020by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.37,-82.61839999
Relax at Longboat Key Club Moorings, GIWW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota Bay, FL

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Dock at one of the most accommodating marinas, CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Long Boat Key Club Moorings, and get off the boat for a few days to enjoy Longboat Key Club’s recently renovated rooms and resort special areas. It will renew your inner-most appreciation of Florida’s West Coast.

Click here for Get the Look: Longboat Key’s Oh-So Yacht Sleek – Opal Unpacked
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