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    • Nov 1, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9209,-78.23629999

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


       View In Chartview

      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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    • Nov 1, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 30.9937,-81.41639999

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


       View In Chartview

      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
      3. Larry Shick -  November 1, 2019 - 8:25 am

        You meant fleetwing.blogpot.com

        Reply to Larry
    • Nov 1, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      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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    • Oct 31, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      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
    • Oct 29, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      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 (2)

      2. Wally Moran -  October 29, 2019 - 11:01 am

        Sorry to spoil everyone’s Sunday, but the following video about a Florida Fish and Wildlife captain shooting and nearly killing a boater is something we all need to see and respond to. Clearly, the situation in FL is out of hand. All of us as leaders in boating, in media and as leaders in the fight to preserve the rights of boaters – we need to respond to what is going on.
        Even if you aren’t a Florida boater, or your business/area of responsibility doesn’t include Florida, many of those with whom you deal are, and they look to you to speak up on their behalf.

        In addition to what is represented here in this video, we currently have several communities violating Florida statute 327.60 by enacting/enforcing illegal ordinances, creating permits to anchor, or seeking to create a no anchoring zone – à la Miami Beach. This is something I said several years ago would happen when the SSCA/AGLCA/MTOA capitulated on the issue and gave up the Sunset Lake, Venetian Blvd and Middle River anchorages in Fort Lauderdale.
        Madeira Beach is the most recent new ordinance, and Jacksonville has been reportedly seeking a no anchoring variance from the State. There are other locations seeking restrictions, as we all know.

        I recognize that this video doesn’t represent the entire story, but the situation in Florida is out of control. I understand that the individual who was shot has had ongoing issues with the FWC which involved tickets for non display of hull numbers. However, I very much doubt that an appropriate response by the FWC extends to shooting a man.
        There are conflicting reports on this incident. That concerns me. We need to know the truth about what happened.
        Regardless of what happened to this boater, the testimonies of the people in this video demonstrate that, even without this incident, there is a problem in Florida that needs addressing.
        FWC does have a history of harassing boaters in the Keys as we saw some years ago in Marathon/Boot Key Harbor. A series of public meetings appeared to have resolved those issues, but I recall that the FWC Captain involved in this shooting was also involved in the problems in Marathon.
        These problems involved overly aggressive enforcement and boats – with children aboard – being boarded at night with guns drawn for minor issues such as anchor lights.
        I have asked Key West locals and others to contact me with further details on this video and its background and the people involved. I will update you as more information comes in. I have also contacted local media reporting on this story for further details and background.

        Yes, I agree, a lot of these people such as the houseboaters don’t represent what we see as a boating constituency. Some of the boats are pretty marginal, and that’s being kind.
        But local officials and wealthy waterfront homeowners, as we’ve seen too many times, lump all boats – derelict, transient, liveaboard and gold platers – in the same category and so we need to be concerned about these people. Their problems are, or will be at some point, our problem as Martin Niemöller so clearly showed us.

        I have already spoken to several of you in Annapolis receiving this note about the need for a new organization separate from those now dealing with the anchoring issue. The approach we have used in the past is clearly not sufficient to the issues we need to deal with.
        We’re not getting anywhere, we continue to go on defending – and losing – our rights.
        I’ll expand on this new organization concept in a forthcoming email – in the meantime, this video will outline just how bad things have become and make clear why we need to act.
        When police officers are boarding boats with guns drawn, with people being shot, we need to pay attention to what is going on.
        I will close with this comment – we all must be more involved. We need to comment boldly on these incidents, we need to work together to deal with the problems in Florida, at every level. We need, most of all, to be proactive in finding solutions, not reacting constantly to problems and challenges that come up.
        We need to create programs that educate the public about boating/landowner issues and work with communities to help them resolve their problems with derelicts and problem boats/boaters, show them alternative methods to handling boating/anchoring issues using laws currently in place, educate legislators at every level.
        We need to work towards eliminating what are actually social welfare problems of people with substance abuse issues, mental health issues and just plain poverty issues who are choosing a boat as a place to live – as opposed to a cardboard box under a bridge.
        Most importantly of all, we need to educate boaters so that these problems do not arise.
        If we fail to do these things, the problems are only going to continue to go downhill, as well as migrate to other locations, as we’ve seen happening in Georgia. This battle has been ongoing for over 40 years in Florida – it’s time we took real steps towards ending it.
        Please feel free to forward this email to other industry leaders you feel should be involved, and if you would, please copy me so I can include them in future communications on this issue.
        I look forward to your opinions on this incident, and on how we need to proceed. Here’s the video:

        https://thebluepaper.com/key-west-fwc-captain-shoots-liveaboard-on-his-houseboat/

        Sincerely,

        Wally Moran

        Reply to Wally
    • Oct 28, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      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
    • Oct 22, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      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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    • Oct 21, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      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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