Shared Photo: Night Reflections
Our thanks to Winston Fowler for this unusual photo.
It is the town lights of Palmetto, FL, looking east up the Manatee River.
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Updates on Panama City and St. Andrews Marinas, St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, FL
Panama City, on the eastern shore of St. Andres Bay northeast of Mexico Beach where Hurricane Michael made landfall, suffered devastating damage from Hurricane Michael. Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Marina have been CRUISERS NET SPONSORS for years and Cruisers Net is doing what we can to support their recovery from their losses.
Just spoke with Sandy Wade, the dockmaster at St Andrews Marina. They are not accepting transients. The Marina is basically closed except for those boats already there. Their store is open and their fuel dock is open. Hopefully by next spring, St Andrews may be able to take transients.
Panama City Marina is totally out of commission.
Winston FowlerClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
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Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
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Good Words for Oriental Marina and Inn, Oriental, NC, Neuse River, AICW Statute Mile 181
Oriental is home to longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn, lying on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. Our thanks to Edith and Mason for these kind words as posted on AGLCA’s Forum.
I feel the need to put in a plug for Oriental Marina & Inn as a stop after resuming travel south. There are other dockage options, but this marina has the only fuel in town, Tiki Bar, pool, Toucan restaurant on-site and others within easy walking distance. Grocery store has a shuttle service. Good shopping and an art gallery right across the street, along with coffee, ice cream and other delights at The Bean. Oriental is pet and people-friendly. If you’ve been there, you know– if you haven’t, give it a try!
We completed our Loop in April of this year and are now home in Beaufort. Look us up if you come this way. Safe travels everyone.
Edith & Pat Mason & Bee
Esther Girl OA456 ClassicoClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
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Praise for Historic Edenton, Albemarle Sound, NC
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events for all ages. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound. Our thanks to Ben and Brenda Sanderson for these kind words as posted on AGLCA’s Forum.
Normally, when we find cool little towns, docks and anchorages we tend not to publicize them. [just kidding] Edenton, NC is a treasure that we have visited about a dozen times or so over the tears of traveling the ICW. This small town is very welcoming but has a limited protected town dock that is very nice. There is a hardware store a few with wine steps from the the dock and if still there a Tastee Freez a couple of blocks away. This is a town that you can walk by dozens of Victorian style homes within 5 minutes of tying up and wish you end here up in a dirt home here after years of boating. Great park areas around the water. There is a neat summer league baseball team, the Edenton Steamers (think about the name) to watch. One of the NC gems to visit.
Ben & Brenda Sanderson
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Bahamas Chatter: Green Turtle Club and Cay
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: Green Turtle Club and Cay
Green Turtle Club and CayPosted: 06 Oct 2019 03:31 PM PDT
The Green Turtle Club, though significantly damaged, expects to be fully open by March 1, 2020 with 8 rooms and some villas, marina services of fuel and water, dockage, food and beverages, chandlery and gift shop. Supplies are in and crews are working on rebuilding the Club and the damage to the entire island.
Here is a letter from the proprietors of the Green Turtle Club:
Dear Friends,
We wanted to reach out and express our most sincere gratitude for the heartwarming support you have shown Green Turtle Club over the many years and now especially in the wake of the most catastrophic event we have ever witnessed. We truly believe the love our loyal guests have for Green Turtle Cay and its people is what makes our home unlike anywhere else in the world. We are blessed to be able to share with you that everyone on Green Turtle Cay, including all our extended family staff members, were spared by this devastating storm.
Green Turtle Cay is undergoing an inspiring recovery effort through the collaboration of resilient locals, generous NGO’s, magnanimous private donors, and the Bahamian Government, all orchestrated through the tireless and cohesive efforts of The Green Turtle Cay Foundation. As many of you have expressed interest in getting involved in rebuild efforts of our beloved island, please consider giving to The Green Turtle Cay Foundation. We have included ways to support this beautiful cause below.
The Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina property experienced substantial damage, but relative to some of our wonderful neighbors, was largely spared. We as a family are committed to Green Turtle Cay and its success and continuation as the friendly slice of paradise we all know and love. We have already begun rebuilding efforts and are welcoming our dedicated staff back home and back to work safely together. We anticipate being able to have each aspect of our business back up and running in steady stages with the achievable goal of being fully operational by March 1, 2020.
We are offering full refunds inclusive of flight packages to all upcoming guests. Beginning on October 7, 2019 Noelle will be reaching out to every upcoming guest individually to process each refund in full. We are unable to take future reservations at this time, but will be very excited to share when possible.
We continue to be inspired by the courage, fellowship, and resilience of every member of our community. It is their strength and spirit that assures us our near future will be better and stronger than ever before.
Sincerely,
The Showell FamilyBe the first to comment!
Remembering Bill Biggs, Member of Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, Stuart, FL
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters.
William Elliott Biggs, 59, of Palm City, passed away October 3, 2019. He was born in Stamford, CT. He was the owner of Riverwatch Marina & Boatyard and a Board Member of MIATC.He was a devoted Christian, and also devoted to his family and friends.He was an avid sportsman, including playing ice hockey, boating, snow skiing, riding motorcycles and wakeboarding. The Keys was one of his favorite vacation spots.He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Charlotte Walser Biggs of Palm City; parents, Arthur and Charlotte Biggs of Palm City; son, Bradley Biggs of Palm City; daughters, Alexandra Biggs and Brodie Biggs, both of Palm City; brothers, Arthur Biggs III (Karen) of Palm City and Andrew Biggs (Angela) of Colorado; sister, Catheryne Diprete (Peter) of California; brother-in-law, Robbie Walser of Sewall’s Point; sister-in-law, Allison Boyar (Matthew) and his in-laws, Robert and Sandra Walser.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that plants be ordered, so the family can plant them in their yard, in memory of William.Visitation: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMat Forest Hills Palm City Chapel2001 SW Murphy RoadPalm City, FL 34990Service: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 1:00 PM – 2:00 PMat Forest Hills Palm City Chapel2001 SW Murphy RoadPalm City, FL 34990Be the first to comment!
News from Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear River
Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
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Dismal Swamp Canal Transit Recommendations, AICW Alternate Route
Having just celebrated their 30th anniversary, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a NC DOT Rest Area facility.
Our thanks to these Loopers for their recommendations for transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and Albemarle Loop are CRUISERS NET SPONSORS!
The best source of up to date information is to call the Deep Creek Lock. 757.487.0831. You want to speak to “Robert”. Robert Peake is the lock master and has been working the lock and the Lake Drummond water management for a long time. He will give you real time up to the minute evaluations of the condition and whether it is appropriate for your boat. If Robert is not on duty, go ahead and ask the lock master your questions, but also ask when Robert will be back on duty! Check in with Robert later. Also note that the lock has a schedule. Do not call Robert during the time he is locking boats or opening the bridge. The folks at the welcome center are terrific, however they are not as knowledgeable of the latest conditions of the entire canal.
Also please be aware that there is a sailboat rally of about 15 boats leaving Hampton on October 20. That will tie up the lock and visitor center as well as tying up the docks in Elizabeth city on October 21 and 22. This would be a good time to take the Virginia Cut route, not the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Tom Hale
Tadhana
Helmsman 38The Dismal is our preferred route. Yes, a 5′ draft boat can do it. Single engine with a keel is obviously most desirable. Exposed wheels are ALWAYS at risk everywhere, including the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal.
Techniques for an uneventful transit:
1) The control depth for the canal is 6-1/2 ft. It’s 22 statute miles from Deep Creek Lock to South Mills Lock. The locks open on schedule: 08h30, 11h00, 13h30 and 15h30. There is a speed limit, but it doesn’t matter. You have 5 hours to go 22 miles… If you enter the system at 08h30, and travel at slightly less than the speed limit, you will easily make the opening at 13h30. (Southbound, that plan gives you time to clear South Mills at 13h30 and get to Elizabeth City for the daily Wine and Cheese Gathering.) Do not race down the canal. Plan to arrive not more than 10 minutes before bridge opening/locking time. There is no place to tie up (well, best to assume there won’t be a place to tie up), and the earlier you arrive, the longer you will need to station-keep at the bridge by the lock before its scheduled opening time.
2) there is waterlogged tree fall on the bottom of the canal, and on the bottom of the Upper Pasquotank as well. Go slow. This stuff won’t bother anything if you’re at idle speed. It’s possible you’ll hear a thump. Won’t hurt anything if you’re going slow. We have been through there many time, with no thumps. Yes, we have had thumps. We go slow. No damage because we idles along at 4+ MPH (Statute MPH, not “knots”).
3) If you lock through with other boats, space out about 1/2 to 3/4 mile. That way, if prop wash from a boat in front of you does pick up something from the bottom, it will have time to settle back down before you get to it.
4) there are no lateral markers in the classic sense of dayboards. But there are 2″x2″ sticks painted red and green in some places. Immediately south of South Mills lock comes to mind. Be on the lookout for them, and honor them as lateral markers.
5) When you clear South Mills, you will almost certainly encounter some floating green “stuff.” IT WILL NOT CLOG SEA STRAINERS. It’s on the surface. The patterns in the water make a pretty wake.
Jim Healy
Monk 36 Hull #132The Dismal is scenic. At 5 foot draft you may bump at times. Sailboats go this route all the time but they have protected props. Right now there is a lot of duckweed on the water so you will need to check your strainers.
The route through Coinjock is also very scenic although maybe a little longer. If you have the time come and do the Albemarle Loop.
Bill DenisonWe draw 5’4″ and have gone through the Dismal Swamp canal twice, most recently in late April. We go slow, less than 4 knots, and stay back at least a half mile when following other boats. We bump a few times but no damage resulted.
I have heard other’s say they incurred damage in this stretch, but that hasn’t been our experience. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the canal.
Mike Bell
M/V Inshallah
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
- Reply to Dietrich
We passed through a couple days ago and heard Robert's warning about duck weed but carried on. The strainer was full at the Visitor's Center and easily cleaned out. on approach to the South Mills Lock the temp started to spike. We idled out after the drop and tied to the pilings outside. The entire raw rater system from through hullabaloos to strainer was packed full of duck weed. It took 10 minutes to clear. And then before we pulled into E City, I cleared the entire system 3 more times. This is a Catalina 34 with the intake about a foot below the surface. Much deeper and you won't get much. We draw about 4.5' and had a total of 34 log bumps including ratatatat on the Max Prop. No vibration.
- Reply to Donna
We love seeing boaters coming our way, and want everyone to have a positive experience. Thanks for the good advice. We do have duckweed, a result of a normal small petal plant, which because of heat, nutrients, and no exposure to brackish water, has proliferated. Cold weather causes it to die. The storm debris, leaves and pine straw, sticks from Hurricane Dorian added body to the mix. A drop in temperatures should ease it along. Thanks for sharing your experience.
- Reply to Kathryn
Love the Dismal Swamp!
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An Invitation from Manteo, NC, Pamlico Sound
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina is located on the western shores of Doughs Creek, northwest of marker #10. And Manteo Waterfront Marina now has slips available for annual lease!
Click here for the Cruisers Net Focus-On article about the marina and town.
For the coming southbound cruising season, hurricane Dorian did not spare everyone and has some of our marinas closed along North Carolina’s outer banks. But all has not been lost by a long shot. So as you plan your cruise south this Fall, now more than ever is a great time to explore and discover all that is dotted along the rivers and coastal areas of North Carolina. There are two approaches to the “Old North State” from Virginia, one will take you down the interesting Dismal Swamp Canal and the other through Coinjock,NC into the North River. Either way there are an abundance of quaint, historic, fun places to visit.Lets start with Manteo, NC, invitingly off the well worn path of the ICW, but refreshingly invigorating and such a fun place to visit.Dockmaster, and longtime resident, Carl Jordan of Manteo Waterfront Marina, is extending an invitation to all boaters to visit Manteo, NC, Carl is rolling out Manteo’s red carpet of hospitality, gratefully sharing the welcoming warmth of this coastal land mark town along North Carolina’s outer reaches. The marina was spared major damage from Dorian, with only a few slips being impacted but their transient docks are fully operational and the towns delightful amenities are all open to serve you.When you take Carl up on his offer to stay at the Manteo Waterfront Marina, you not only find hospitality galore, but you will be docked at the center of Manteo’s waterfront activities; the waterfront gazebo, picnic areas, and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, and the George Washington Creef Boathouse. Indeed the center of Manteo, is the Manteo Waterfront Marina. Manteo and Roanoke Island are such a part of our nations history and offers visitors several days filled with interesting activities. One rapidly approaching event is schedule for the weekend of October 26th, and the Wooden Boat Show. This is always a fun event filled with some very interesting crafts…and boats !!Coming down from the north at around MM 070 leave the charted ICW on a heading of about 126* for what some call “The Alternate ICW” into Roanoke Sound, approx 14 NM, to enjoy some of North Carolina’s historic and charming ports of call. The first on the list when heading south is The town of Manteo and your host, the Manteo Waterfront Marina. Here’s what some have had to say about hanging out in Manteo for several days at Manteo Waterfront Marina:
“ The town dock here in Manteo is a great location from which to enjoy local activities and tour the Outter Banks.
Based on our trip up the Pamlico if weather is favorable in the future we will use this route verses the Pungo Canal etc to go north and south as we have done that route a number of times now and advantages are out weighed by the abundance of stumps and deadheads that are ever present –”
“What a swell place to spend a couple of days. There is an excitement in the air as if something was about to happen. Children actually play in the streets here. The waterfront invites residents and tourists alike to walk along its length. BBQ pits and picnic tables! Park benches! I keep looking over my shoulder to see if Norman Rockwell is drawing all this, or is it really happening. “Here’s a brief but excellent video that will give you a skippers perspective on Manteo Waterfront Marina and the town of Manteo:https://youtu.be/M7i95bE__X8
The Manteo Waterfront Marina is located in a tranquil setting less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound. It is a small, deep, and well-protected harbor, and can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length. The marina has only 53 slips available, making it perfect for that extra personal service. There are approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters. Rates are based on length-of-stay and size of boat. We also offer arrangements for repairs, haul out, rental cars, and shuttle services to nearby airports in Manteo and Norfolk, VA. Pump out service is available at the marina and fuel is available nearby.Casual dining, shopping, and supplies are all within walking distance of the marina.All slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, cable television, and free wireless Internet access. The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer. Boaters come to Manteo for its coastal charm and relaxed atmosphere.The Town of Manteo also provides free overnight tie-up with no services on a “space available” basis; or you may anchor in good holding between the Waterfront Gazebo and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and take your dinghy to the dock.
Here is a link to a video to help you with your entrance to their channel if needed…
https://townofmanteo.com/index.asp?SEC=78DEF008-87F3- 4FAE-9CED-AEE39B6B5A35&DE= B8F588D8-6EB3-476D-A6E8- 3C6009483FF2&Type=B_BASIC And after several peaceful, fun, relaxing and enjoyable days in Manteo, consider the Albemarle Loop where other towns and marinas, that were spared the wrath of Dorian, have their welcome mats out and offer even more southern hospitality, local events and culinary delights to tease and please your appetites. Check out the Albemarle Loop and all that the participating marinas offer https://www. albemarleloop.com/
And for goodness sake, as you head on south, there are many other “boater’s paradises” along the western shores of North Carolina’s rivers and sounds. All with their unique contributions to your cruising enjoyment and experiences.
This year, the Fall of 2019, we encourage you to enjoy more of what is often passed by or only briefly enjoyed. That old saying, “It’s not just the destination, it is the journey” is loaded with truth. So create those special smiles that can not be erased, make your journey the objective or destination.
Wishing all blue skies, gentle breezes, good health and good time. Carl Jordan, Your Host, Manteo Waterfront Marina, Manteo, NCClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
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Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina Hosts Happy Hours, AICW Statute Mile 469
Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, resumes its free Happy Hour on the Mega Dock. Charleston City Marina is located along the Ashley River’s northeastern banks, northeast of marker #5.
Safe Harbor Charleston City Happy Hour on the Docks!
It is that time of year again!
We are excited to start the Fall season off right! October and November mean Happy Hour on the docks at Charleston City Marina! Starting Friday, October 4th be sure to plan on relaxing with us under the tent at the entry to the MegaDock.* If you are a visiting Member from Bristol be sure to let our staff know upon exiting the marina at the parking booth.
*Weather Dependent Warmest Regards, Your Safe Harbor Charleston Crew
CHARLESTON CITY & BRISTOL MARINASHours of Operation:
City Marina Dock Office | 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Bristol Marina Dock Office | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Administrative Office | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Copyright © 2019 Charleston City Marina, All rights reserved.
Thank you for your continued MembershipOur mailing address is:Charleston City Marina
7 Lockwood Dr
Charleston, SC 29401-1190
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