Shared Photo – Captiva Sunset
Greg Allard shares a photo of the beautiful sunset on Captiva Island, FL.
Captiva Sunset, Captiva Island, FL by Greg Allard
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A Boater Grieves the Loss of Anchorages
Sadly, as Steve Ramsay bewails, what seemed unthinkable ten years ago is now a reality, not only in Florida, but along much of the east coast: free, public anchorages are becoming pay-for-use municipal mooring fields. (Enter “mooring” in the Search window above for a perspective on the battle that was waged against mooring fields in Florida several years back.) While welcomed by some who see the moorings as an alternative to ever rising dockage fees, those of us who boat on a budget and find the moorings restrictive, along with the prohibitive cost of boating in general, are in agreement with Steve, to the point that we can no longer afford to spend much, if any, time cruising. Steve is replying to A Disturbing Message about Anchoring.
Like so much of our culture today, it is a case of the “HAVEs” versus the “HAVE NOTs.” We hear you Steve!
I moved here from New England and as a boater since age 2, I am very disappointed with the availability of moorings here (Tampa area). Boating is such a healthy outdoor activity for the whole family. Go to New England, you will see boats on moorings as far as the eye can see, and they only have a 4 month season. I had planned on buying a 24 ft. sloop, but I am afraid I will have to abandon the idea altogether. Personally, at $400 per month for a mooring, I am forced to leave my favorite past time to a high end class of people who will continue to enjoy sailing as much as I did. I have been priced out. It seems like boating here is discouraged rather that encouraged and fully advocated for.
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to edd
It seams to me that the big marinas are really controlling the cost of docking more so than ever, in St. Petersburg the safe harbor group will get control of the city docks soon, that means they have a monopoly controlling all the docks and moorings in St. Petersburg.
As for anchoring I don’t have any problems with this except that Most anchorage’s have bad boat that are in kept and in danger of abandonment also there is a problem with pumping out this is a federal regulation that is always over looked
Anchorage for transit moorings and dingy docks is a good idea for everyone at a minimum price if not totally free. - Reply to Jerry
You are absolutely correct,Steve. I traveled in a trawler from North Carolina to Louisiana for many years and enjoyed the many towns and anchorages along the way. Not nearly as many anchorages as there used to be. And many more restrictions on the ones that are left. Florida, especially , seems to discourage boating. Especially transient boating. I got tired of the hassle and high cost of marinas, moorings, and dockage and got out of boating. It’s not affordable for the average pocketbook anymore. It’s just one more thing that belongs to the people with a lot of money. The middle class will soon be no more.
My opinion,
Jerry
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Praise for Downtown Marina of Beaufort, SC, AICW Statute Mile 536.5
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Downtown Marina is located north of AICW marker #239, a short distance west of the Lady’s Island swing bridge, in the heart of downtown Beaufort. Our thanks to Charlie and Jackie for these good words.
9-20-18. Over night at Downtown Marina at Beaufort. As usual terrific spot. Deck hand Troy- very experienced and nice- helped with lines. On inside of face dock. Bath house nice, decent ships store. And the most very nice ladies that take reservations are in the store. Pleasure to deal with. Always a must stop- especially with all the restaurants, shops, etc all so close. There is a new day dock- just for transients to tie up for lunch, etc. Very large and substantial– even looks nice. Good wifi and many air tv channels, but they also have cable.
Charlie and Jackie on TravelerClick Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Marina of Beaufort
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Post- Florence ICW Conditions by Seven Seas Sailing Association
Our thanks to the Seven Seas Sailing Association for this detailed report. NOTE that Socastee Swing Bridge at mile 371 south of Myrtle Beach is closed due to high water, see NAV ALERT. And note that conditions are changing on a daily basis, so stay connected to an active site like Cruisers’ Net for up to the minute news.
Post-Florence news for those cruising in the Eastern U.S.
Both North Carolina and South Carolina suffered and continue to suffer ongoing flooding damages. As of Sept. 20th, 2018, two ICW bridges in Virginia south of the Atlantic Yacht Basin opened for marine traffic, the Centerville Turnpike Bridge and the North Landing Bridge.
This now allows transit from Elizabeth River to Beaufort/Moorhead City, NC via the major ICW route. Vessels that had been collecting at anchor or marinas up the Elizabeth River/Hampton or at the basin are now able to head down the ICW to Beaufort and points south. Boats at Coinjock, where many sheltered from Hurricane Florence, are now moving to Beaufort as well; the ICW waterway is likely to be crowded.
Many areas south of Beaufort, NC, where flooding occurred/is ongoing, are in recovery. Oriental just got power to the marinas in the last day or so, as of Sept. 20th. However, due to the fact fuel pumps and tanks require power, as well as EPA certification to re-open, it will be on a case-by-case basis for fuel availability; at least four more days for Oriental Marina and Inn, who usually has fuel for boaters.
There may be some slips, but high water caused damages. Whittaker Pointe Marina is open with some slips/without fuel, but again, call ahead. Pungo River showed major flooding (water up to windows on buildings), so checking in that area is critical.
As to fuel, Beaufort Docks have fuel and slips; making slip reservations are advised, though. Many boats are leaving from that location heading to Charleston, SC as their next stop. Common sense suggests the ICW will be impacted by floating debris, so night travel is certainly not advised; offshore is possible with great care. At all times, manning the helm with eyes visually scanning the water during passage is critical. Some inlets are likely shoaled, and the information is limited until the USCG checks out buoys and depths.
Osprey Marina in Myrtle Beach, SC is open and has fuel, per their dockmaster as of September 20, 2018. So, if a jump to Charleston, SC is too far, stopping in Myrtle Beach could be an option for fuel needs.
For those boats heading south to the Chesapeake Bay, the various lower bay marinas are open and fuel is available; it’s business as usual. Newly dredged to 8+ feet Saltponds Marina has slips and fuel, as does Bluewater Marina, Old Point Comfort, Cobbs Marina, Tidewater Marina, Norfolk Waterside, Portsmouth Public Docks, Ocean Yacht Marina, and Atlantic Yacht Basin to name a few. Mill Creek Anchorage at Fort Monroe near Old Point Comfort YC has a new floating dinghy dock just completed; this allows anchored vessels to tie up their dinghies on the main street of Phoebus, with easy walking to local eateries and grocery stores. Car parking is available nearby. No damage was experienced only minor flooding; marinas/anchorages are all open and fuel is available.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Rod
Top Rack Marina is an additional marina in the Chesapeake, Virginia area (just around the corner from the entrance to Dismal Swamp Canal) on the Elizabeth River. 11 Slips available for $35 (fixed price) on first come first served basis. Economical diesel and gasoline prices as well. Draw back is only the first 5 slips have power, and no water directly at the slips (but available at the fuel dock). No services near by, but good restaurant on site. Uber available in the area.
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An Update from New Bern Grand Marina, New Bern, NC, off the Neuse River
The New Bern Grand Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between Trent River highway and railroad bridges. New Bern took a direct hit from Florence and the community has experienced extensive flooding.
All,Millissa here,I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their rock-solid and uplifting feedback regarding how the entire team (staff and or marina community) pooled together to secure the marina for Florence. I’m nothing less than amazed by the support of the local and extended boating community and their genuine concern. Jeremy and team have been tasked with an extensive list of tasks that would frazzle the minds of most, but are relentlessly pushing the marina forward to the next phase of updates an repairs and will assume an aggressive round of replacements and updates in the upcoming months. They are exhausted so please be patient. Not a single one of us would enjoy most of the things they are doing.Since my client acquired the property, a progressive list of updates and repairs have been made to the marina on a planned schedule, however this next round of updates and repairs may prove to be a bit more extensive as we must seek the counsel of marine contractors. As most would agree, this next phase will ensure our beloved marina continues to be one of the best and most affordable destination marinas in eastern North Carolina, so again, please be patient as we move forward.Also, all ramps to the docks have now been repaired. All docks are accessible and now also have water.
Remember, through the miry mud of weary tired souls, the best efforts of many will make us grand.Thank you again for being who you are!(Please see an important message from Jeremy below)Millissa———————————————————— —————————— —————————— —————- Important Message – Hurricane Florence Aftermath Preparation & InstructionsAs you come back to the marina please take into account all the work vehicles and trucks in the area. Note-be aware of tripping hazards on the docks as repairs are being made.Entrance: to the marina and docks: the entry point to the marina will be at the Craven Street walkway. The hotel will be blocked off and there will be a walkway to the marina. This will be the main and only entrance.ID’s: everyone needs to have IDs to walk around town. The NB police and National Guard will be checking IDs and your reason to be downtown. It’s also recommended to have a document from your boat. I am providing the Police and Hotel staff a list of those in the marina to verify their entry. I will have it to them by tomorrow.Ramps: I am working on the ramps for F and D dock. I hope to have them up in the next couple days.Power: expect power to be off for the next month. I have spoke to the city and we are on the list. All transformers for each dock have been damaged.Water: I was working on finding the water main today and will continue tomorrow. The main has been covered up by sand, dirt and debris. Unfortunately it’s been a bear to find. I hope to find it soon to assess any damage and effect repair quickly.Mail/ Packages: all mail and packages will come to the sales office for now. I have advised the postal service and will advised UPS and FEDEX.We will be here everyday to try and assist with limited hours at the Administrative Office, but will be on the docks and about the marina so please call the cell number posted on the door for assistance. Contractors and adjusters will be around. Please give them room to evaluate, repair, and do their jobs.Thank you all for your effort, patience, and resiliency. We will do our best to answer any calls, texts, and emails as they come. A current time, we do not have phone or internet service at either office, so please give us time to respond by cell.Thank you,Jeremy McConnell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
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Time to Think About Going South by Bill Parlatore
Our thanks to Bill Parlatore for permitting Cruisers’ Net to post articles from his excellent blog, Following Seas.
Time to Think About Going South
It’s an exciting time of year to begin planning for the fall trip south. So many choices, so many new things to see, it is a wonderful experience.Be the first to comment!
Intracoastal Waterway Flooding Forecast in SC and NC
While flooding in the Waterway might solve some depth issues, it creates an entirely new set of problems: off-station markers, shifted channels – especially at inlet/ICW intersections, floating and submerged debris washed from shore, swift currents in normally calm waters, etc. If you are navigating in the upper South Carolina and North Carolina ICW, use great caution and TAKE YOUR TIME! And remember, your wake may be washing into someone’s living room!
FIRST ALERT: Intracoastal Waterway flooding now forecast to surpass Matthew record
WMBFHere is when and where forecasters say the Waccamaw, Little Pee Dee Rivers will crest
Myrtle Beach Sun News1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Darryl
Please advise how flooding of Intercoastal Waterway flooding will impact Brighton Woods subdivision?
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BoatUS: How to Recover Your Boat After a Hurricane
A fine article from BoatUS on vessel recovery.
BoatUS: How to Recover Your Boat After a Hurricane
BoatUS Catastrophe Team salvage operations begun
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Special Report on NC/SC AICW Conditions by Tom Hale
Our sincerest thanks to Tom Hale for sharing this detailed look at Waterway conditions following Hurricane Florence in North and South Carolina.
Sept. 17, 2018
As previously suggested and as hoped, the Northern part of the ICW between Norfolk and Beaufort NC is partially operational. Some facilities are fully up and running. Some facilities are damaged but running. Some facilities are closed. However the ICW seems passable with dockage, fuel and water available in places between Norfolk and Beaufort, NC. Those facilities which are open for business are anxious to have cruisers come through. But be aware that many homes and businesses are flooded and already damaged. Be even more careful about your wake, as in flooding conditions your wake is hitting homes and yards. The ICW south of Georgetown SC is operating normally.
But that 125 miles between Beaufort, NC and New River (Myrtle Beach) is still flooding, is lacking electrical power and phone lines, and is several days away from being able to fully report, and weeks or months from being back to normal water levels.
- Great Bridge bridge and lock are fully operational.
- According to USACE Norfolk District Dismal Swamp Canal is open and the locks and bridges are operating on a normal schedule.
- All is OK at Coinjock. Over 20 boats have left and headed to Hatteras, Wanchese, Beaufort and points south! They have not heard of any reported problems in any of the canals and creeks to Beaufort NC.
- Alligator River Swing Bridge is operational.
- Dowry Creek has power to the office and heads, still working on the dock power. The water is below the docks but is still up 2.5 feet. USCG has been through Alligator Pungo Canal to check ATONs. There are damaged ATONs.
- Wilkerson Bridge now at about 60.5 feet
- River Forrest Marina has no fuel but is taking reservations. Transient space is limited to smaller vessels. Grocery store is open, downtown restaurants are “drying out” after 4’ of flood water. Main streets are dry this morning, but only just barely. Many parts of town are still flooded. .
- 9/17 A tug and barge headed north in AP canal this morning, so commercial traffic is resuming.
- Hobucken USCG has covered about 20% of their territory. So far AP canal to G7 in Adams creek has been checked. ICW has damaged ATONs.
- Jarrett Bay is closed. No Power. Area is devastated. 2 USCG boats went north bound in Adams Creek this morning 9/17.
- Homer Smith Docks had no damage. Still has no power but is taking transients. They report that boats are moving up and down the Beaufort waterways with no trouble.
- Morehead City Marina is not answering their phone.
- Beaufort City Docks are operational. No Power as of noon 9/17. A generator is wired to the fuel pumps, so fuel is available. 2 x 100’ yachts are inbound from Coinjock today.
- Onslow Beach Bridge phone not working 9/17
- Surf City Bridge phone not working 9/17
- Figure 8 Bridge phone not working 9/17
- Wrightsville beach bridge 910.256.2886 not answering 9/17/18
- Southport NC: All the marinas were spared major damage. There is still no electrical power in the area. The city potable water system has had several major breaks and it is unclear how long it will take to get the water flowing again. All of the roads leading into Southport are washed out and flooded. At this time there is no vehicular access to Southport. The Cape Fear river is expected to crest later this week. There will be significant debris washing though.
- Myrtle Beach YC is fully operational with power and water. Center console boats are running in the ICW
- Wrightsville Beach Bridge not answering 9/17/18
- All bridges in Horry County SC (Myrtle Beach area) are operational! Socastee Swing Bridge, Barefoot Landing and Little River Swing Bridge. Flood waters are still rising inland and it is entirely possible that the bridges will be non-operational at some point as the rivers crest. The 65’ bridges aren’t! Water still high and rising. After Matthew it took weeks for the water to get back to normal levels.
- Myrtle Beach YC is fully operational. Center console boats are running in the ICW
- Osprey Marina reports that they survived with no damage. The Waccamaw crest is expected Thursday . It could be worse than Mathew. Expect floods and a slow speed zone through Socastee. The 65 foot bridges in Socastee are far less than 65′ right now.
- Port of Georgetown is open. Marinas are open and selling fuel.
- McClellanville, Leland Oil open reports USCG has checked channel. They have not heard of any problems.
- Isle of Palms Marina is fully operational and taking transients. No word yet on the condition of ICW to Georgetown. No boat traffic in ICW except center consoles and work boats.
- Ben Sawyer Bridge is now operational and back on normal schedule.
- Port of Charleston Open. Charleston Marina is taking transients.
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Larry
Never mind my earlier post. Let’s try again:
Do we have a closer timestamp on the observation of the Wilkerson Bridge?
- Reply to Larry
Thank you for this report. Was the clearance reported for the Wilkerson Bridge adjusted to MHHW?
Advice on Hurricane Damaged Waterfront Property
Good advice for all ICW property owners from Georgia’s DNR Coastal Resources Division.
Was your beach front property, private dock, bank stabilization, marina, commercial dock, or other structure within coastal waters, marshlands or along barrier island beaches impacted by Hurricane Matthew?Emergency Repair of Structures in Tidal Waterways, Over Marshlands and Along Shorelines
• Secure any structures that pose safety or health concerns immediately
• Call the Georgia Emergency Response Team at 1-800-424-8802 to report a fuel or oil spill
• Remove any debris from marshes, beaches and waterways that originated from your structures to the extent practical and safe
• Take photos to document damage from Hurricane Matthew
• Compile any documents, permits, and photos to show the pre-storm condition of the structure
• Call DNR/CRD at 912-264-7218 to report the need to rebuild damaged structures
• In order to be eligible for emergency authorization, you must make a request by Wednesday, November 2, 2016
• CRD staff will call back within 1-2 business days with guidance or verbal approval for repairs pursuant to state law
• Emergency authorizations will be limited to repair of structures in their original location and in their original size and configuration
• Some repairs may require authorization from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or local authorities. CRD staff will provide guidance based on the extent of the damage and location of the structure.
• Non-essential projects currently under review and new permit applications for non-essential projects are temporarily suspended until emergency requests are addressed
DNR Responds to Impacts of Hurricane Matthew
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