Scheduled closure of the South Mills Lock for electrical repairs on April 20-22, 2026. Our thanks to Sarah Hill of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this information.
Please see the USACE Norfolk District’s Notice to Navigation regarding the scheduled closure of the South Mills Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal, April 20-22, 2026. This temporary closure is for electrical repairs to be made. The lock will reopen on April 23, 2026.
Attaching image from this week at the dock. Boaters are beginning to trickle through during this early springtime period.
Looking forward to many more in this season!
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Chairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority 2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
Scheduled closure of the South Mills Lock for electrical repairs on April 20-22, 2026. Our thanks to Sarah Hill of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center for this information.
Please see the USACE Norfolk District’s Notice to Navigation regarding the scheduled closure of the South Mills Lock on the Dismal Swamp Canal, April 20-22, 2026. This temporary closure is for electrical repairs to be made. The lock will reopen on April 23, 2026.
Attaching image from this week at the dock. Boaters are beginning to trickle through during this early springtime period.
Looking forward to many more in this season!
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Chairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority 2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
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Watching the eclipse: John thought way ahead and back in November got us some proper eclipse glasses.
The author and his wife Pam are cruising the South Pacific aboard Roam, a 2001 Catana 472 designed by Christophe Barreau and built by Catana. You can follow their adventures on Substack. The story was first published in April 2024.
Some days are more eventful than others. Today, we witnessed a total eclipse of the sun and crossed the equator on a small boat.
Thus far, we have been blessed with a fast and uneventful sail across the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) or “doldrums.” This is an area marked by calms, lightning, and otherwise squally weather. Ships would often get stuck here for weeks waiting for the wind to fill in. We’ve sailed the entire time and only dealt with one significant rain squall, which was a welcome rinse for Roam.
The Solar Eclipse
Back when we started planning this trip, John pointed out that it was conceivable we might be able to view the total solar eclipse during our voyage. He promptly ordered some eclipse glasses for us, and they’ve been sitting in the nav station since last summer. None of us thought much about it beyond that. A lot would have to come together for it to work out.
Totality
With a day to go, it became clear we might be able to make it into the path of totality and maybe to the transit longitude of the eclipse itself. A longitude we calculated to be W132:43’.
We tried valiantly to reach the equator at the eclipse transit longitude, but 9-10 knots the night before was just too fast, and we opted to reduce sail and the loads on the boat (and my anxiety).
But we got close enough. We enjoyed more than two minutes of totality and several hours of partial coverage.
We believe we are the only humans to have witnessed the eclipse in the vicinity of the equator today. There was nobody on radar or AIS around us that we could see.
It is nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience. Near-complete darkness. I wonder what the ancients thought when all of a sudden the sun randomly shut off during the middle of the day.
Crossing the Equator
Crossing the equator is a celebrated rite of passage for every sailor. Yesterday was our time, and we crossed at 2306 UTC.
Welcome to the Southern Hemisphere
Pollywogs who cross are eligible to enter the court of King Neptune and become shellbacks.
John was the lone shellback among us, and he held a truly epic and memorable ceremony as King Neptune. He had crossed many years ago as a seaman aboard the USCG cutter, Steadfast.
Pollywog Pam
The ceremony itself is classified, but it includes atoning for one’s sins against the sea, entertaining the king, and committing to stewardship of the kingdom. This is a longstanding maritime tradition, widely practiced even today. And we were all duly awarded our certificates (suitable for framing). If you find yourself crossing the line and in need of King Neptune, you can do no better than John!
500 miles to go. We should be in the anchorage at Hiva Oa on Friday the 12th. Until then, I remain profoundly grateful for this wonderful crew and this magnificent boat that has taken such good care of us.
King Neptune and his shellbacks.
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.
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.
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 MAY Calendars of Entertainment/Events
Anchored in Legacy: BoatUS Celebrates 60 Years of Boating Safety, Advocacy and On-Water Assistance With Grady-White Boat Giveaway
Recreational boat owners association commemorates milestone with giveaway of a brand-new 21-foot Grady-White boat for one lucky winner
Photo Credit: Grady-White Boats
SPRINGFIELD, Va. – April 15, 2026 – This year marks the 60th anniversary of the largest and only boat owner’s association, BoatUS. Founded in 1966 by Richard Schwartz, BoatUS was created to represent recreational boaters and advocate for their interests, especially in the areas of boater rights and boat manufacturing safety standards. Today, BoatUS remains committed to protecting boaters and their rights, as well as paving the way to help make boating safer, more affordable and accessible.
To commemorate its diamond anniversary, BoatUS’s grand prize for one lucky recipient will be to win a Grady-White 21-foot Freedom 215 dual console boat, which is sponsored by GEICO. Designed for versatility and luxury, the 21-foot Freedom 215 delivers big-boat comfort in a compact, family-friendly package. The boat includes plush seating, a lockable head compartment, and aft jump seats with swim access making it the perfect boat for fishing, cruising, and watersports.
“I’m honored to be a part of this exceptional organization as it celebrates 60 years of helping recreational boaters be safe, whether that’s through GEICO’s boat insurance coverage or having the largest on-water towing fleet in the nation. BoatUS will always remain a voice for boaters and continue to help make boating affordable, accessible, and fun for all,” said Heather Lougheed, Vice President of BoatUS Association.
BoatUS will also be giving away a $3000 West Marine Gift Card, a BoatUS Towing Membership valid for five years, two ACR ResQLink 400 Base PLB Survival Kits, and a Star Clippers Cruise.
“We’re delighted to celebrate BoatUS’s 60th anniversary alongside our longtime partner by offering this exciting opportunity for one lucky boater to win a brand-new Grady-White boat! For more than six decades, Grady-White and BoatUS have shared a passion for helping people enjoy exceptional experiences on the water. Our Freedom 215 perfectly reflects that commitment—thoughtfully designed to inspire confidence, deliver comfort, and create unforgettable moments every time you head out,” said Kris Carroll, President of Grady-White Boats.
The giveaway opens on April 15 and closes on June 15. To enter the giveaway and for a chance to win the Freedom 215 Grady-White boat, visit boatus.com/60th. No purchase is necessary to enter. The sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents only and you do not have to be a BoatUS member to enter. Winners will be contacted by telephone or email if selected.
Over the past 60 years, BoatUS has accomplished several key milestones:
BoatUS was the first and only voice on Capitol Hill for recreational boaters. Through advocacy, BoatUS Government Affairs saw enactment of the Safe Boating Act, preventing EPA from imposing a nationwide permit on boaters and protected crucial navigation systems such as GPS.
BoatUS boasts the largest on-water towing fleet, TowBoatUS, with more than 330 locations across the nation ready to assist boaters on the water 24/7 with engine breakdowns, dead batteries, running out of fuel, and soft groundings.
BoatUS Magazine, the largest boating magazine in the country with a circulation of over half a million, brings boaters the latest news; new boats, gear, and technology; step-by-step maintenance and projects; and boat handling techniques and safety tips.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating 60 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe, and our waters clean. For more information, visit BoatUS.com
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Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
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