Keep your calendar clear: Every season in Washington, NC brings something new and exciting. Enjoy local festivals, area concerts, or waterfront adventure. Visit their events page at: https://visitwashingtonnc.com/events/#/
Please see the below Proposed Notice of Change regarding an Aid to Navigation (ATON) on the Ashley River:
ASHLEY RIVER
The following change is being proposed to the aids to navigation system in the Ashley River. Ashley River Daybeacon 16 (LLNR 3645) will be permanently discontinued. Due to construction for a large marina, DBN 16 impedes the expansion of the waterfront facilities for the new marina. After reviewing the waterway and surrounding aids to navigation the Coast Guard has determined that DBN 16 will no longer be needed.
All comments should be emailed to: D07-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil or andrew.m.engle@uscg.mil with Ashely River DBN 16 as the subject line and be received by October 19, 2025. Comments can also be mailed to Commander (DPW), Southeast Coast Guard District 909 SE 1st Avenue (STE 406) Brickell Federal Plaza Bldg. Miami FL 3313.
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
30 Days Alone at Sea, The legendary Mini Transat and The Dream
This solo sailing project has taught me a lot — including that sometimes, you have to ask for help.
For the past 2.5 years, I’ve poured everything I have into preparing for the Mini Transat — a solo transatlantic race in a 6.5m boat. Thousands of miles sailed, long nights of boat work, moments of doubt, and moments of pure joy. And now — with just weeks to go before the start line — I’m almost there.
But to actually make it to that line in September, I need one last push of support.
That’s why I’ve launched a GoFundMe.
Even if you can’t contribute, sharing this with your network makes a huge difference. Every little bit helps get me closer to the adventure of a lifetime: crossing the Atlantic solo in my 21ft sailboat.
Thank you for being part of this journey — it really does take a community to get across an ocean.
A few years ago, Ambre first learned to sail here at Key Lime Sailing Club. This September, she’ll be on the starting line of the legendary Mini Transat — a 4,000-mile solo race across the Atlantic on a 21-foot boat.
Ambre has spent the past two years training, racing, and preparing her boat to be race-ready. She’s officially qualified and ready to go — but needs a final push of $15,000 to make it to the line. This will cover:
• Race insurance (required to compete)
• Final logistics before departure
• Transport to bring the boat back to France after the finish
It’s a small piece of what’s already been invested in this project, but without it, she can’t start. If you’ve ever dreamed of setting sail yourself, Ambre’s journey is proof of how far passion and persistence can take you.
Interested in learning to sail, we have a sailing school right on-site. The American Sailing Academy offers a 2-hour Introduction to Sailing, a 2-hour refresher (for those with experience but needing a little refresher), and ASA beginner and advanced certified classes.
You can learn to sail in just 2 days with our in-house sailing endorsement class (non-certification). When you pass the endorsement class, you would have the use of one of our 22′ Catalina sailboats for FREE during the rest of your stay. (Non-guests can rent a sailboat for $300 a day but it’s free for our qualified sailor guests staying at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.)
For more information on the sailing classes, call Capt. g at 305 896 5555, or send an email to captg@keylimesailing.com.
And that’s not all! We’ve got more in store for you such as sailing excursions* which include captivating sunset cruises, immersive kayaking tours, and exhilarating snorkel adventures. Departing from the KLSC docks, these fantastic outings are easily accessible to all our guests. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary sailing excursions; they’re the key to creating unforgettable memories.
*Booked through Morning Star Charters and guests staying at KLSC receive a 10% discount.
Win Stays at Key Lime Sailing Club
To our past and present guests: Here’s a chance to come back and vacation at KLSC for free! Send us pictures of your stay here and win a free 3-night stay by participating in our 14th Annual KLSC Photo Contest. Check here for details.
Got a talent for video making? Enter our 11th Annual KLSC Video Contest and get a chance to win a free 5-night stay! Check here for details.
We at Key Largo Cottages at Key Lime Sailing Club love our guests and we would love to see you back again for another fun-filled and relaxing Florida Keys vacation!
Enjoy a Snorkel or Sunset Cruise both bay side and ocean side as well as sailboat rentals from 22 foot to 40 foot through Morning Star Sailing Charters. Call us at 305-451-7057.
SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE brings you aboard as we joust our way back onto the water. We’ve come a long way with a ways to go… Your support is essential. Thank you. J
If you’ve just joined our engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, my introductory piece.…. ~J
Please find this interconnectedness story a pleasant diversion from boatwork. For all of us.
I recounted this story at a friend’s dinner party and we could not stop raising our eyebrows. I’m not a big believer in coincidence; there are higher powers at work. This tale is not fiction. Let’s consider it the power of the universe, if you believe in such things. Or even if you don’t.
A handful of years ago, I booked a window ticket on one of those bulky, world-covering Boeings from Washington, DC southeast across a large portion of the planet; a trip through both time and space to Johannesburg, South Africa. My receipt indicated no stops, seventeen hours in the air. I settled in, gazing out and about. I can never stop myself from wondering how so many people can be going to the same place from the same place at the very same time as I am.
The passenger assigned next to me arrived as late as possible with an eclectic assortment of carry-ons. She settled in as well, clearly a seasoned traveler in colorful garb that emphasized her shiny, exotic, elephant-wrinkled ebony skin and regal air. A brilliantly aged African character in a tall head wrap straight out of National Geographic Magazine was sitting in 29B.
I was awed, and, for once, quietly considered protocol. She leaned her cane between us, greeting me politely but not openly, socks pulled high. The standard take-off rigamarole ensued with the pilot announcing that our arrival in Ghana was estimated to be slightly ahead of schedule. Ghana? Seriously? I scanned the cabin. “You are leaving me there,” she told me in a stunning mix of accents, and then, a completely different topic, “Where’s your husband?” she asked gently while somehow also eyeing me suspiciously. I explained my rendezvous plan to no avail or approval and we settled in, she watching a movie and me reading, dozing, gazing. With barely a glance in my direction, as sunrise arrived with croissants and tea, she began to speak, the same low, lyrical tone and clear command of English I had been treated to the evening prior.
Borrowed from SAA, couldn’t locate mine…
“In my country you pick your husband by his foofoo soup,” was her opening line. I raised my eyebrows, universal for that was unexpected….among other things…she continued, unphased. “Now, you remember dis,” it was a softly commanded request that I pay attention to her story, and her culture, and the importance of both.” In order to be a good husband you have to make foofoo soup. And just right. If he can’t make foofoo soup, he’s no good.” She nodded her elegant, wisened visage seriously, “I taught my son, and he married happy. I just saw him, two months, with a grandbebe.,” She went through the recipe and that, I admittedly, have lost to time, but I recall Cassava, which even as a Caterer I didn’t utilize on my traditional American menu.
As she spoke the animation grew; she told of a boy who failed the test and was heartbroken, and one who excelled and was chosen, assumably to live happily ever after. I was enthralled far more by the telling, even, than by the tale.
As the day brightened we landed on the beach-outlined coastline of Ghana, West Africa, a place I had never expected to be. I stood and she solemnly shook my hand upon departure; ensuring with a single finger in front of my nose that I would always remember what she had shared. Her straight, retreating back is the last thing I recall of her, shrugging off all offers of assistance.
I settled back into 29A and allowed my phone to find a cell tower, regardless of the fees. Those of us continuing on were not allowed to touch the ground here, and we had a tropical two-hour wait. I went through my peeps, especially those I had lost track of and sent them a text that simply said, “The only text message you will ever receive from Ghana.” Those random messages, my favorite kind, elicited interesting responses, amusing me for days. One was something about being shanghaied on a pirate ship; and now I wonder, how’s that for foreshadowing?
Upon my return to DC two weeks later I requested a long UBER ride and found myself behind the driver of a spotlessly clean older model Mercedes, remarkably reminiscent of Thailand and the gentleman I had hired there for pennies on the dollar. He peered at me in his rear-view mirror with a beautiful smile that split his strong coffee-colored face, and was careful to annunciate his words as he read the address of our destination. “Yes, thank you,” I told him, as he focused on his (I assume) lonely customer service job, the one where people aren’t interested, don’t inquire, don’t converse, preferring the comfort zone of their phone. My eyes were tired, my phone tucked away.
I let him navigate Dulles International Airport traffic and hesitated for a moment or two, wondering selfishly if a conversation would be complicated as he was clearly from far elsewhere, and a bit uncomfortable, perhaps, trying to make a living in a foreign land. I had a feeling, call it intuition, six sense, whatever, that I should delve in. “Where are you from?” I inquired, an ordinary go-to, given the circumstances. “Ah. West Africa, Miss. I am from Ghana,” he glanced again in the small rear-view, to gauge my reaction, my knowledge of geography, my inclusion, my acceptance.
“Ah,” I said in return. “You make good fufu soup?” The dark eyes widened. “You know fufu soup?” he was comically incredulous and expressive to hear of something from his homeland, I’m sure of it. I’m no hero, and not trying to be, but let me tell you that the connection I made with that man in that car will never be forgotten. I told him that I had just been there, and it was beautiful, and about the seemingly powerful, impressive woman on the plane. “When did you fly?” he asked, and I considered, finally producing the date. “That is my mother,” he told me, his voice mimicking hers now, “I miss her very much.”
I have never forgotten. ~J
Tell the world about your otherworldly connection, please.
What’s Happening In Your Parks Aug/Sept – Charleston County Parks
Back-to-School Party!
On August 23, join us to convince your kids that being back in school is a good thing. We’ll have a DJ spinning tunes, jump castles, face painting, school supply giveaways, and more. This Back to School Kickoff in McClellanville will definitely be more fun than homeroom on a Monday morning – plus it’s free, no tickets or reservations needed!
Dance the Night Away!
Feel the rhythm, catch the ocean breeze, and dance the night away at our Moonlight Mixer! On August 22, the Folly Beach Pier comes alive with the sounds of the Dave Landeo Band, rolling waves, and happy feet. Secure your spot today and let summer’s soundtrack carry you away.
On the Run
Count down the days to cooler weather – and our fall races! Whether you’re a serious rain-or-shine runner or just need a nudge to get outside and move more, our Lowcountry Trail Run, on October 4, promises a friendly competition and scenic sites along the way. Can’t get enough of running the trails? Trick, Treat & Trail is a festive family fun run in late October and November’s Chili Trail Run offers more dirt-packed fun. Why not sign up for them all!
Breathe In…
Forget about twisting yourself into a pretzel. Gentle Yoga Flow, our new active living program, is more focused on chill than cool. In this six-week series, you can improve balance and flexibility, increase range of motion and enhance your sense of calm.
Our quick 6-question survey takes just a few minutes, and your feedback helps us make our parks and programs even better for you. As a thank you, you’ll be entered to win a Gold Pass!
There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor. While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
Fishermen’s Village September Calendars of Entertainment/Events
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Autumn unwinds in Elizabeth City and you should too!
Our new self-service kayak kiosk at College Park (600 Southern Avenue) allows users to quickly grab a kayak by downloading the Rent.Fun app and scanning the QR code on the kiosk. The launch brings a splash of adventure right to our community’s doorstep! Read more here.
On Friday September 4 at 4 pm, Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. is hosting the First Friday ArtWalk where downtown art studios and businesses host guest artists and musicians.
Tuesday’s in September through September 23rd enjoy free live music at Music on the Green, held at Mariners’ Wharf on our beautiful downtown waterfront at 6 pm. This event is hosted by Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. and free to attend.
On Thursday September 11th at 8 pm, ECSU Community Connections presents, Step Afrika! which blends stepping, live drumming and storytelling into an electrifying performance. This event is free to attend but registration is required.
September 13th at 7 pm, College of the Albemarle Performing arts center presents, The “Original” Moonlighters- One of the country’s premier Motown and variety cover bands. Tickets can be purchased here.
September 26-27 at 2 pm & 7 pm, Arts of the Albemarle presentsthe Manhattan Short Film Fest. Over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents gather to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films . Ticket information can be found here.
September 29th through October 3rd 9 am – 4 pm, Arts of the Albemarle presents, SPLASH Week, a week long artist retreat for artists of all levels and disciplines to create in a communal studio.
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Hello!
“What should I do when I visit Edenton?”
This is a question we get all the time. The answer to that question is a little different for everyone. Are you obsessed with history? We’ve got you covered. Want to spend time out on the water? Sure! Looking to experience art and music? We know when you should plan your trip. In fact, we have a bunch of guides designed specifically to help you answer this question!
Friday nights and Saturdays are busy and full of people, events, and things to do. From a night out on the town, eating at a nice restaurant, or taking in a movie at the locally owned Taylor Theatre, to a day exploring one-of-a-kind historical treasures, there’s a lot to do.
So, what should you do on Sunday? Maybe your feet are tired from walking on Saturday. Or, maybe you want a lazy Sunday brunch.
Booking window: Aug 25 – Aug 31st
Travel window: Must buy and fly by Aug 31st
Call 954-771-0330
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