Makers Air and Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, offer convenient flights to the Bahamas.
Yesterday the Government of The Bahamas executed two contracts for the construction of two airport projects: a terminal and airside works at Farmer’s Cay and also airside remediations at Staniel Cay.
Through initiatives like these, we continue to develop infrastructure, drive growth, enhance the quality of life, and unlock economic potential that supports a thriving economy and brighter future for all Bahamians.
Since the launch of the historic Family Islands Renaissance Project, over 14 airports have been completed or are under active construction, with more to come.
The affirms that all islands deserve the best airport infrastructure. Our Aviation and Airports Project Partners are working HARD to deliver results one island at a time! 🙏🏾🇧🇸✈️
Keep your calendar clear: Every season in Washington, NC brings something new and exciting. Enjoy local festivals, area concerts, or waterfront adventure.
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable and safe. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do the same, regardless of their home port.
Federal funding was a major focus in Washington, D.C. this month with the release of the FY2026 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) Work Plan and the President’s Budget for FY2027.
Final Appropriations in FY2026 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
On April 7th, the Administration released the FY2026 Corps’ Work Plan identifying final funding amounts for the current fiscal year. The FY26 Work Plan can be accessed through this link.
Below are the totals for each state: the first number is the President’s budget, followed by the amount allocated in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill by Congress, and the Final FY26 funding included in the work plan.
VA: Albemarle Chesapeake Canal- President’s Budget- $3.597M, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $3.597M, Final FY26 funding- $3.597M Dismal Swamp Canal- President’s Budget- $1.816M, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $1.816M, Final FY26 funding- $1.816M
NC: President’s Budget- $12.490M, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $16.712M, Final FY26 funding- $16.712M
SC: President’s Budget- $9.213M, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $9.213M, Final FY26 funding- $9.213M
GA: President’s Budget- $6.265M, Energy & Water Appropriations bill – $6.265M, Final FY26 funding- $6.265M
FL: President’s Budget- $4.830M, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $4.830M, Final FY26 funding- $4.830M
Total for the AIWW: President’s Budget- $38.211 Million, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $42.433M, Final FY26 funding- $42.433 Million
Funding for our partners in the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway: President’s Budget- $1.715 Million, Energy & Water Appropriations bill- $1.715M, Final FY26 Amount- $2.135 Million
As you will note, we received an additional $4.222 million in a Community Project Funding earmark from Congressman Murphy over the President’s budget, but we did not receive any additional funding in this year’s Work Plan for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. However, we are happy to see our partners in NJ received an additional $420,000 in work plan funding. We still had a good year with project funding in every state, totaling over $42 million.
President’s Budget Released for FY2027
The President’s Budget for FY2027 (starting in October 2027) was released on April 3rd, and the press book outlining proposed projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is available by clicking here.
The administration is proposing $4.9 billion total for the Corps, which is $1.9 billion less than the final amount of funding they were provided in FY2026, a 23% reduction in their total allocation. Specifically related to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, they are proposing the amounts below:
In addition, they are proposing $334,000 for our partners along the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway.
Overall, the funding amounts aren’t as high as we need them to be, but we have funding in every state again! This is a significant win, especially considering the overall Corps budget faces a substantial reduction. We celebrate this first step in the process, and we thank our Corps’ partners for including each District in the budget. A table comparing FY25-FY27 is included below.
Looking ahead
The next step is for Congress to develop its funding amounts for the FY2027 Energy & Water appropriations bill. We are advocating for earmarks to increase these amounts in the coming weeks and months, and for programmatic funding in a FY27 work plan.
Through his efforts in FY 2026, we received an additional $4.222 million for the waterway in NC and hope to build on that successful effort in FY 2027.
To aid in the identification of real-time impacts from shoaling and waterway maintenance issues, we have launched a Commercial Operator and Corporate Member Stakeholder Group. The focus of this group is to assist the organization in identifying shoaling areas, bridge maintenance projects and other issues impacting use of the waterway; and help prioritize the areas that need to be addressed. With over 1,100 miles of Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and limited funding for waterway dredging and maintenance, we will use the resources created by this group to further refine our educational and advocacy efforts with the Administration and Congress.
The first quarterly meeting was held this month and our next will be in July. If you would like to become a member of this group and further assist us in developing resources to aid in our education and advocacy efforts, please consider joining as a corporate member or sponsor of the association.
SCDES Launches Enhanced Tools to Address Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Along South Carolina Coast
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’s Bureau of Coastal Management (BCM) has announced the launch of new and improved tools to address abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) across coastal South Carolina.
Abandoned and derelict vessels remain a persistent issue in the state’s coastal environment. These vessels can damage sensitive marsh and bottom habitats, interfere with safe recreational use of waterways, and negatively impact the visual quality of coastal landscapes. The newly enhanced tools — available at MyCoast.org/SC/boat and des.sc.gov/adv — were developed through the MyCoast South Carolina platform to improve public reporting, streamline interagency coordination, and increase transparency around ongoing efforts to address ADVs.
“Abandoned and derelict vessels pose real risks to our environment and our communities,” said SCDES Director Myra Reece. “These new tools will make it easier for the public to report problem vessels and strengthen coordination between SCDES, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and local partners — helping agencies respond more efficiently and protect South Carolina’s coastal resources.”
As part of these updates, public boat reports submitted through MyCoast now route directly to appropriate South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division personnel and SCDES compliance project managers for review. BCM also has developed a centralized ADV database to improve communication and coordination among state, county and municipal partners, helping streamline investigations and documentation across the state’s eight coastal counties.
In addition, BCM has launched an updated public, interactive ADV dashboard. The dashboard provides real-time information on vessels under investigation, those eligible for removal, and vessels that have been removed since 2019, offering greater visibility into ADV efforts within South Carolina’s coastal zone.
BCM staff are available to answer questions about the new ADV tools. Learn more about the ADV program at des.sc.gov/adv and view the dashboard at MyCoast.org/SC/boat.
The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
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.
Coast Guard Marathon April 10-12
Everything you need to know for the upcoming Marathon weekend
Coast Guard Marathon is THIS WEEKEND! – April 10-12, 2026.
What to Expect: Increased security measures and street closures along running routes.
This event welcomes 5,000 extra visitors looking to eat and shop (3000 runners plus families and support teams). Let’s give them a warm, Harbor of Hospitality Welcome!
Friday Events
Race Expo & Packet Pick Up
April 10-11, 2026, Elizabeth City, NC
Please join us at the Museum of the Albemarle for our Race Expo and packet pick-up.
We look forward to a weekend full of community and Coast Guard pride!
Thank you to our business community for extending your hours to accommodate the many visitors joining us. This annual event is a major driver of economic impact for our region.
As a designated “Coast Guard City” we are porud to host the Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City & Pasquotank County.
The Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce sincerely thanks you for your patience, support, and commitment to our community.
We’ll see you out there!
Happy Coast Guard Marathon Weekend!
Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce | 502 E. Ehringhaus St. | Elizabeth City, NC 27909 US
Temporary closure of the Dismal Swamp Canal is over. Our thanks to Sarah Hill of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this information.
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REOPENED – DSC Temp. Closure April 6-7
The channel is clear & canal is OPEN- locks & bridges operating normally. We’ve had several vessels (cat, sails & power) that have been through yesterday & today with no issue.
Attaching a few images from earlier this week. Many thanks to everyone for their patience & understanding – wishing safe & happy travels to all!
USACE Norfolk District Navigation Support Team are rockstars- we are beyond grateful for all they do to keep the waterway open & ready for all to experience!
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with saltwater in their veins will subscribe. $7 per month or $56 for the year; you may cancel at any time.
Anna Marie was almost there when Geoff Bradley had to return to Australia for a hip replacement and Jenny Kelly had to care for elderly parents.
It’s been over 6-1/2 years since Hurricane Dorian swept through the Abacos with winds of up to 185 mph. That’s a whole 2,403 days ago. The 89-foot motoryacht Anna Marie was dropped 300 feet from the water on a remote, hardscrabble section of Great Abaco. Not long after, her owners began their epic self-salvage effort, which has evolved over time in a process of trial and error.
It had been a while since Loose Cannon had heard from the boat’s owners, an Australian couple named Geoff Bradley and Jenny Kelly. Then, last week this note arrived via email.
By GEOFF BRADLEY
Thanks for enquiring if we’ve moved on from our project. We haven’t. We had to take a break and return to Australia, I was given a new hip, thanks to a very good and free medical system. I am now well rested and in good shape.
When we returned we had some setbacks that we need to overcome, we left heavy Jack’s, a tool box with jack hammers, circular saws and other tools in a fibreglass box on the swimdeck. Also on the swimdeck was all our parthway lumber that the skates rolled over. Unfortunately when we arrived back they were in the water or had floated away.
The engine room had taken in water that our Bahamian mates had pumped out. We knew there was water ingress through the rear thruster but it surprised us how high the water had been in the engine room. Famous last words when leaving for Australia: Don’t worry about the stuff on the swimdeck, Jenny, if the water gets that high. She’s floating.
We were only here a short time and another big tide was about to hit, we were hopful of pulling her out but discovered the leak that we’d fixed in the thruster wasn’t the cause, we’re pretty sure that water came in the through holes before it had a chance to float. We calibrated how much water was in the engine room as we pumped it out. 14 ton, 28,000 pounds approximately. Plenty enough to stop a potential float.
I don’t think the water got as high as the starter motors, they should be okay. Probably need new fuel transfer pumps and the generator will need to be renewed. Twelve-volt wires that were under water need work as well.
The good news from that unfortunate oversight is the stern moved port two feet even with that water coming in. The problem is the boat is now off its skates and the path, therefore lowering her about two feet and embedding the keel into limestone, particularly the keel tip.
We have also lost airbag jacks that we used to balance the boat and on top of that there was water so cold that there was a big fish kill so working in the water was not an option until recently.
To read any of the prior stories about Geoff and Jenny, enter “Anna Marie” into the search filed at the Loose Cannon website.
Jenny is in Australia for another month helping her parents who are in their 90s get organized for the home straight of what has been a fulfilling life.
One part of that life had been spending a few months on the Anna Marie traveling from Manhattan and through the Erie canal, finishing in one of our favorite places. Kingston, Ontario in Canada. Therefore they got to see an interesting part of the waterways. My father-in-law, being someone who takes pride in his lawn, couldn’t believe the chess-board lawns some American homes have. He must’ve said quite a few times, “Look at that lawn, unbelievable?”
A view of progress from 2022.
So, what’s the plan from here to refloat? We thought about investing $10,000 to get two salvage bags here that will lift and roll, salvage bags are only $1,000 each, add transport and taxes in two countries and the labour required to get them out to the island and there goes another eight grand, we called a salvage guy who uses these bags and asked his advice, he said at 400 pounds per bag you need heavy equipment, backhoe etc. We can’t get heavy equipment here, the area around us is too shallow.
He did have an idea that he’d used previously. He built airtight plywood boxes and suggested we look at that option. We have worked out we can build 4 boxes 2@ 1,700x600mm x1,200mm and 2@2,400×1,200x400mm. Fully submerged this will give us lifting power of 4.5 tons when the boxes are placed under the cockpit/swimdeck and ahead of the rudder prop area.
We also have approximately two tons or more of old generators and other stuff and a tender up top. This will reduce weight and add flotation, we’re also talking about pumping 1,000 gallons of the 2,000 gallons of diesel forward to even out the weight.
In the last big tide we had water go above the load line for the back half of the boat and the water was a foot or so below the load line at the bow.
Fingers crossed with the through hulls blocked, no water ingress, the weight removed and the floatation plywood boxes in place, that we have success. The water was about one foot above the swim deck in the last big tide.
If this isn’t successful, it’s going to be hard because most of the working area is underwater, for example where you place jacks.
Hope this answers your enquiry. We do run into the odd person who recognizes us after reading your articles. They say they wondered where we’re up to with the refloat.
Geoff Bradley at work.
LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.
Few Floridian communities are as welcoming to the cruising community as CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Fort Myers Beach! This is a town that knows how to treat cruisers.
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with saltwater in their veins will subscribe. $7 per month or $56 for the year; you may cancel at any time.
Nicole Kidman plays a menaced woman in this scene from the 1989 movie “Dead Calm.”
This is how the author describes himself: “A sailor, storyteller and cybersecurity tinkerer. He left the corporate grind to circumnavigate the globe by hitchhiking on sailboats—sailing 30,000 miles across oceans without owning a boat from 2016 to 2019.” This is an excerpt from his book on the subject, Global Hitchhiking. He also publishes a Substack newsletter.
Why am I, a man, writing about crewing safety considerations for women?
Because while I can’t speak from experience as a woman at sea, I’ve met many who have crewed extensively and shared their stories with me. This chapter is in part, a compilation of those stories and ideas. I’ve also seen firsthand how critical it is to pick the right boat, and the right skipper for your passages.
If you have any doubts about how dangerous it is for women, crewing on sailboats, just google “sexual assault on a sailboat” and you’ll find plenty of articles on this topic. Of special note is this one:
It’s clear from many firsthand accounts that women face elevated risks of being assaulted, sexually or otherwise, in a crewing situation.
This chapter shares tips and insights to help avoid risky crewing situations and sail with confidence and safety. Many of these come from women crewmembers and sailors that I know, personally.
If you’re a woman who’s been crewing and have thoughts or additional insights-especially if they contradict what is written-I’d love to hear from you. This is a conversation, not a conclusion.
Like Dating, But Not Romantic Dating
As I’ve said in previous chapters, crewing is like online dating: It’s about finding a good match in vibe, skillset and destination.
Unfortunately, some male skippers misuse crew listings as a disguised search for romantic companionship. I’ve heard from women who joined a boat believing they were signing on as just crew, only to find out the skipper had different ideas.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s inappropriate. And it’s something you need to be prepared to detect and avoid.
I once crewed with a man from Tahiti to Tonga whom I didn’t click with at all. By day two, we were clashing. At one point, I suspected he might get violent with me. I had nowhere to go. It took us a week to get to Bora Bora because of some stops we made along the way. When we arrived, I jumped off the boat and snorkeled from boat to boat trying to find another ride. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one.
It was one of the worst stretches of my entire circumnavigation and I say that as someone who usually gets along great with most people.
Now imagine as a woman, that tension isn’t just personality conflict but unwanted attention, power dynamics or boundary-crossing behavior. The stakes are higher. The discomfort is more threatening. And the need to be prepared more vital.
Respect increases when you can demonstrate sailing knowledge. While it won’t guarantee safety, it can shift the power dynamic. Women with certifications and hands-on experience report being treated with greater respect than those without.
Ways to level up:
Take ASA or RYA courses
Practice sailing locally before crewing with others abroad
Learn basic maintenance and seamanship
Join a yacht club or racing team for hands-on experience
Safety in Numbers
One of the best ways to reduce risk is simple: Don’t crew alone with a skipper. Having at least one other person onboard creates natural accountability. It diffuses tension and discourages bad behavior.
Even one extra person helps break toxic dynamics. Group energy keeps people on better behavior . You’re never fully isolated if something goes wrong
Or you can crew on rallies. Rallies are organized sailing events with multiple boats and built-in oversight. A rally can have 20-30 boats, all going together around the world.
They’re safer because:
There’s a community around you
There’s a support team in charge of the schedule and assignments for the entire group. If an issue arises, they can help facilitate a solution. It is easier to jump to another boat, if needed.
Boats are vetted, better funded, and tend to be more prepared
Rally crew/hitchhikers don’t usually pay for rally fees; boat owners do. So, you can get the safety of structure without additional cost.
One sailor I know, did most of her circumnavigation with the ARC Rally. She never had a bad crewing experience, thanks in large part to that structure.
I’m not naively saying that sexual harassment and assault can’t occur on these types of organized events. There are plenty of opportunities where things like this can happen, just like they happen everywhere else in the world. But you aren’t sitting in the middle of the ocean with one other person, completely isolated from any outside assistance. The risk is more easily mitigated.
Crew with Women Skippers
Women skippers offer not only sailing mentorship but a space where you don’t need to second-guess motives. A couple of great examples:
Dana Paredes, who has been cruising the Caribbean for 13-plus years on her Dolphin catamaran, Vida Libre. She’s on Facebook.
Linda Lindenau, a sailing instructor who’s all-women “rolling class” is continuously circumnavigating. Learn more at her website.
I realize that women on women assault occurs, but statistically it is less likely to happen. If you have other women skippers to recommend, please reach out in the comments section below.
Sailing Communities
There are several Facebook groups where women connect, share stories, and find crew or skippers:
Women Who Sail
Sailing and Cruising Women
Women Who Own Boats (Without Men) These communities have unique insights, support, and opportunities. They also act as an informal vetting ground for boats and skippers. If there’s a known boat or skipper, these groups might know about them.
Personal Safety Devices
The challenge with weapons at sea, is every foreign country has different rules regarding them. Most countries will confiscate them upon arrival. Especially guns, mace, tasers, etc. However, here is a list of personal safety devices you can and should consider having with you on a sailboat:
. Personal alarm device (130+ db) to attract attention. Great for enclosed spaces like cabins or marina docks.
Whistles—can be worn as a necklace. Also, an essential part of boat safety devices
High Lumen Flashlight with Strobe—essential boat gear. Most have headlights, but handheld flashlights can be used as blunt weapons in addition to the lights
Door wedge alarms-placed under cabin doors to ensure privacy while sleeping
Padlock or locking latch for cabin safety.
Personal Satellite Communicator with SOS/ GPS Tracker – sends location and SOS message, especially good for remote passages. Set up discrete safety word/phrases for check- ins with friends ahead of time.
Tactical Pen or Keychain Kubotan – not considered a weapon in most countries
Folding pocketknife or multitool.
There’s no single way to ensure complete safety at sea -but there are layers of protection you can add. You should consider carrying something to even the odds in your favor. Consider something from the list above.
Research
Research what is allowed or not allowed at sea or in the countries you will be visiting.
You should also learn more about the countries you will be visiting. What are their laws regarding women and assault? Many foreign countries espouse less rights for women than men. Reporting an assault may not be as effective in those countries. Avoid countries like this if there is a concern.
Attempt to get references for your skipper, especially references from other women. Consider doing a background check on them, to make sure there is no violence in their past. Once again, this is not a guarantee if it comes back clean, but it is a proactive step you can take for your multi-layered approach to safety. It will be time well spent if it comes back with unexpected information, and you avoid sailing with them.
Stand by for a Q&A with Matt Ray about his book.
LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.
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