AI Prediction System Now Beats the Best Traditional Weather Forecasts – Peter Swanson
 |
When all else fails, try journalism.
CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
FREE to use due to the generosity of our sponsors - please patronize them
Oysters on the Point with Thomas Champagne & Friends, Charleston Harbor Resort Marina, Charleston, SC
adrotate banner=’477′] Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
Looking plans this weekend?Check out Oysters on the Point with Live Music from Thomas Champagne & Friends from 2pm – 6pm THIS Saturday!
Copyright © 2025 Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our websiteOur mailing address is:
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina20 Patriots RoadCharleston, SC 29412
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Be the first to comment!
AIWA Newsletter January 2025
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 likewise, regardless of their homeport.
A Year in Review and Thank You
to our AIWA SupportersWe are honored to begin the 26th year as the Voice of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). We remain focused on fulfilling our mission to support the operations and maintenance needs of the AIWW which generates more opportunities for increased economic activity and waterway usage.
Our collective approach of working with Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has led to the reduction of the AIWW maintenance dredging backlog by over $60 million within the last decade. Waterway projects have been conducted in every state along the AIWW in the last eight years, while new work was executed in 2024, and now underway in 2025.
In the final FY24 appropriations bill passed by Congress in March 2024, waterway funding exceeded $28 million. In addition, the AIWW received $20.5 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for FY24. This is equivalent to an additional year of annual funding and brought us to almost $150 million in total for FY22, FY23 and FY24 funding for Marine Highway 95. We are on track to receive over $30 million in FY25. If the most recent appropriations amount from the House of Representatives bill is enacted, we could top $40 million.
We continued working with Congressional offices to highlight the AIWW’s importance and request increased funding for additional dredging needs for FY25. In March and May, we returned to Washington, D.C. and met with 19 Congressional offices. With the recent election, we look forward to meeting with new members this spring.
We partnered with federal agencies and universities to implement beneficial use projects using dredged material from the AIWW. From in-water placement and bird island creation in Georgia, to re-handling dredged material for beach placement in South Carolina, the AIWW is at the forefront of the beneficial use of dredged material for habitat creation and coastal resiliency. We participated in the Natural Infrastructure Innovation Project Launch (Tidelands) led by Auburn University, University of Pennsylvania and University of Virginia in April, and I serve on their Technical Advisory Committee. We also recently held a panel discussion at our annual meeting with speakers from the Corps, the Tidelands team, and the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems from the University of Georgia.
We participated in regional and national coalitions to increase awareness of AIWW issues. We are on the board of directors and executive committee of the National Waterways Conference, Inc., and we partner with national organizations including the American Boating Congress and National Marine Manufacturers Association, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, numerous Marine Trades Associations, and federal agencies including the Maritime Administration of the U.S. DOT, NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Corps.
The AIWA Annual Meeting was held in Charleston, SC on November 18-20, 2024. Our 25th anniversary meeting was a celebration of previous accomplishments, and the opportunity to identify our future path. We will share more about those future efforts in future newsletters, yet be assured that federal funding for waterway maintenance continues to be our primary mission. You can view presentations from the meeting at the following link: https://atlanticintracoastal.org/annual-meeting-2024
Over our first 25 years, we have successfully worked to highlight the AIWW as an integral part of the nation’s marine transportation system designated as Marine Highway 95. Our collective work is more important than ever with the current situation in Washington, DC. Our members can be certain of our desire to continue as an effective, unified voice for the waterway through advocacy and education, outreach and coalition building with other non-profit and private organizations representing all stakeholders of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Thank you for your continued partnership and financial support to protect the future of the AIWW. Anchors aweigh for another 25 years!Sincerely,
Brad Pickel
Executive Director
The 119th Congress is in Session
President Trump Certified as 47th President
Earlier today on January 6th, Congress certified the presidential election results recognizing Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. This action comes on the heels of the recent swearing in of the 119th Congress and the election of Representative Mike Johnson as the Speaker of the House on January 3rd. In the 119th Congress, we have nine new senators (four Democrats and five Republicans) and 63 new representatives (33 Democrats and 30 Republicans).
While there were no new senators elected along the AIWW, we will have a new senator appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida with the nomination of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. In the House of Representatives, we also have one new representative in a Florida district along the waterway. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R, FL-8) will be representing the area that includes Titusville, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Fortunately for the AIWA, the Florida Inland Navigation District is a great partner of ours and will do an outstanding job to ensure these new Congressional members are up to speed on issues impacting the waterway, while we support their efforts and focus on educating the other 70 new members and administration staff on the value of the nation’s marine transportation system and the AIWW.
On December 21st, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government until March 14th averting a government shutdown. This was the second CR they have passed for FY 2025 and sets up another round of negotiations that must be completed before the March 14th deadline to avert a government shutdown. With the new Congress and Administration now moving into place, we can expect them to include their priorities in the proposed bill. As mentioned in the last newsletter, the CR included over $100 billion in disaster relief, of which a portion will be allocated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. USACE will be required to submit a work plan with identified projects by mid-March and this could include funding for dredging projects along the waterway that were impacted by hurricanes.The table below reflects the current breakdown of funding as it stands today. In addition, the House and Senate have also included the following amounts in the Additional Dredging Needs funding pots which we are eligible to receive.
- General Navigation – House: $931.945 million, Senate: $20 million
- Inland Waterways – House: $50 million, Senate: $64.987 million
- Small, Remote & Subsistence Navigation – House: $90 million, Senate: $329,178 million
We await passage of the next appropriations bill before we are can identify funding amounts for FY25. The good news is that contracted work continues on the waterway, and we are not yet facing impacts from this delay.
Deep Creek Bridge Deviation with Impacts to Transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal
USCG MSIB 001-25Mariners are advised of an infrastructure refurbishment project on the Deep Creek Bridge, mile 11.1 over the Dismal Swamp Canal, in Chesapeake, Virginia. The project will require the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from January 6 through March 21, 2025 to facilitate construction of the new bascule span of the new bridge. During this time period, visitors to Lake Drummond will be able to access the Dismal Swamp Canal via the South Mills Locks in South Mills, North Carolina or from the various boat ramps along the canal. Vessels transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway will need to use the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as an alternate route during this timeframe. Comments or concerns can be sent to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia Waterways Management Division via email at virginiawaterways@uscg.mil.
Photo: The Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina
Copyright © 2025. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved. 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.
Contact:
Atlantic Instracoastal Waterway Association
5a Market | Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-1151 | atlanticintracoastal.orgAtlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association · 5A Market · Beaufort, SC 29906-9107 · USA Be the first to comment!
BoatUS Foundation’s Ted Sensenbrenner Appointed to National Boating Safety Advisory Committee
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
BoatUS Foundation’s Ted Sensenbrenner Appointed to National Boating Safety Advisory Committee
Be the first to comment!
Hatteras Island Oyster Roast (Feb 15) Tickets on Sale!
Hatteras Island Oyster Roast Tickets on Sale!
Hatteras Island Oyster Roast
February 15, 2025
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.Be the first to comment!
US Coast Guard Rescues 4 off Marathon, Keys
The USCG doing what they do best!
News Release U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 786-367-7649
7th District online newsroom01/05/2025 08:25 PM ESTMIAMI – A Coast Guard Station Marathon boat crew rescued four people, Sunday, after their 27-foot vessel began taking on water approximately 11 miles north of Marathon, Florida.
Be the first to comment!
January 6, 2024 Weekly Email Newsletter, City of Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay, FL
The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
Weekly news & updates 
January 6, 2025 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 
Upcoming Events See what’s happening this month.
Senior Center E-news Click here to see what’s happening next.
Library Calendar of Events Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.
Recreation Center Click here to see all classes and activities.
Casino Ballroom Weekly Dances Click here fo weekly dance schedule.
Gulfport Community Update Click here to read more.
Gulfport Arts & Heritage Click here to see upcoming events.
Pinellas County Hurricane Home Repair Program
Up to $30,000 grant for repairs not covered by insurance or FEMA
Application are now open.
Apply Today 
City of Gulfport Flood Zone Permitting Packet and Appeal Process
PDF Document Gulfport City Council Mayor
Sam Henderson
826-7208
Ward 1
April Thanos
826-7138
Ward 2
Christine Brown
826-7311
Ward 3
Paul
Ray
262-2479
Ward 4 Michael Fridovich
826-7355
City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update Gulfport Community Update: December 15 – 21, 2024 Rebuilding After Storm Damage is a guide for Gulfport property owners in flood zones. Learn how the FEMA 50% Rule impacts your property repair plans in designated flood zones, and what steps to take to comply with regulations. Visit https://mygulfport.us/
fema for information. City of Gulfport residents are limited to once a week lawn watering through December 31. Visit https://www.swfwmd.
state.fl.us/business/ epermitting/district-water- restrictionsf/ for information. Read more Upcoming Official Meetings 
City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar January 2025
- January 1, 2025 – City Hall Closed – New Year’s Day Holiday
- January 1, 2025 – Planning and Zoning Board – No Meeting
- January 7, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00 pm (AGENDA)
- January 8, 2025 – Board of Adjustment – 6:00 pm (AGENDA)
- January 14, 2025 – Senior Citizen’s Advisory Committee – 8:00am – Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue South
- January 20, 2025 – City Hall Closed – Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday
- January 21, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00 pm
All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, In Person, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published. Please check the city’s website https://mygulfport.us for updated information.
This Weeks Events & Meetings 
Visit our Website Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, January 7th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
The City of Gulfport, in conjunction with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce (GMC), will host a special, smaller-scale Tuesday Fresh Market on Tuesday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be located along the right-of-way on Beach Boulevard in downtown Gulfport. Enjoy a variety of local vendors and fresh goods in a cozy, community-oriented setting!
Art Center: January Workshops Tuesday, January 7th | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S.
Programs for all ages available afternoons and evenings. Registration required, please email ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to signup. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
GulfportArtsCenter for additional information on upcoming workshops and community art shows. …
[Message clipped] View entire message
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
Be the first to comment!
Nothing on a Boat is Straight or Square – Janice Anne Wheeler
Having rebuilt the cockpit on our wooden Dickerson 35 yawl, where finding a 90 degree angle was cause for celebration, I can absolutely confirm Janice’s title!
SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE ~~ latest addition. I’m very honored that you’re following along. Thank you from the bottom of my writer’s heart.
Ah, the life of a liveaboard Sailor…on a Classic Wooden Sailing Yacht… as of August 2024 we are undergoing extensive repair and refit for the next several months(!). In boating terms we are hauled out “on the hard” in Cambridge, Maryland.
I plan to mix Sailing Stories with the challenges and intricacies of restoring a 90-year-old boat. I’m always open to suggestions as to content….please feel free to weigh in as we manage and learn from this unexpected joust. Thank you! ~J
A Wooden Boat is a strong, intricate entity constructed of Mother Nature’s finest materials.Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Janice
The ongoing support of Cruiser's Net has been fantastic for my morale AND I have come to realize what an incredibly valuable resource this is. I share it at every opportunity and so should all of you, my fellow cruisers!
J
-
Happy New Year from the Charleston Parks Conservancy
One More Day to Make an Impact in 2024
As we say goodbye to 2024 and look ahead to a new year, we want to thank you for your support of our mission to inspire the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community. Whether you have donated, attended one of our events, volunteered your time or simply enjoyed one of our parks, we are grateful to you.
We hope to continue to inspire you over the next year with beautiful parks, engaging and educational programming, and opportunities to connect with and give back to your community through volunteering your time.
There are a few hours left to donate in 2024 and we hope you will consider supporting us. Click the button below, text ‘conservancyparks’ to 50155, or visit our website to explore other ways to donate.
Thank you, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in the parks!
The Charleston Parks Conservancy Staff
Join Us for Upcoming Events
JANUARY
Saturday, January 11
Native Tree Giveaway | freeSaturday, January 18
Early Morning Bird Walk | freeSAVE THESE 2025 DATES
Sunday, February 2
Shucked & Sauced | ticketed fundraiserSunday, March 2
Teddy Bear Picnic | freeSunday, April 27
Picnic for the Parks | ticketed fundraiserSaturday, November 8
Party for the Parks | ticketed fundraiserFriday, December 5
Light the Lake | freeABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks, gardens and trails across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, with a focus on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours annually of free programming including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. Read More.
When parks thrive, people thrive. Donate today to make an impact in our community.
Donate
Our Contact Information
Charleston Parks Conservancy
720 Magnolia Road, Suite 25
Charleston, SC 29407
843-724-5003
http://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org Be the first to comment!
Alligator River Marina & Ramp Closed to Public, Bar and Grill Open, AICW MM 84
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for forwarding this notice from Dec 23 on FB and on Bob423.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
Be the first to comment!
🎉 Announcing the 2024 KLSC Contest Winners! Key Lime Sailing Club, Key Largo, FL
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.
Sailing away on the Sunflower in Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages
And the Winners Are… Congratulations to Meredith Adams (Entry # 43), the winner of the 2024 KLSC Photo Contest! Meredith’s photo showing one of our smaller sailboats gliding through our crystal clear water has won a FREE 3-night stay at our Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages in the breathtaking Florida Keys.
A big congratulations also goes to Bryce Durham, the winner of the 2024 KLSC Video Contest! Bryce’s video captured stunning drone and activity shots, showcasing all the amazing experiences awaiting you at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages. Bryce has earned a FREE 5-night stay!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and voters for making this year’s contest a success. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and support are what make this event so special. Thank you for being part of our yearly tradition!
Win a FREE Vacation
January 1, 2025 to December 15, 2025: We are accepting all entries for this year’s Photo and Video contest. Please read the following information if you are interested in winning free stays at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages (KLSC).
Video Contest
This contest is open to all our guests. Submit a video of your KLSC vacation and get a chance to win a free 5-night stay! We are looking for the most creative and exciting video that tells people about your stay with us.
To our guests who didn’t enter the previous contests, this is your chance!
How to submit: Just upload your finished video to YouTube and email us the URL to your video. All links must be emailed to keylargocottages@
keylimesailingclub.com. Please include the dates you stayed, in which cottage, and under whose name it was reserved. If you send several emails, include this information in each one.
Evaluation Criteria
Videos will be judged by the following criteria:
- Overall Impact (fun and informative)
- Creativity
- Memorable Content and Delivery
- Clear Message about what vacationing at KLSC is all about
- Video quality
Terms:
- Winner must be 25 years of age or older.
- Winner can choose the dates from August 1st to December 15th for their stay (holidays not included).
- Main House is not eligible.
- Winner can add their free nights or extend their established booking nights if the booking is between August 1st to December 15th, and if the cottage is available on those extended dates.
- Chosen dates cannot be rescheduled to other dates. No exceptions. (Please finalize your dates before booking.)
- The reservation will be for two adults and the number of children allowed for the preferred cottage. However, if there are more than two adults, the winner is responsible for the extra adult fee of $35/per adult, per night plus tax. If bringing a dog to one of our dog-friendly cottages, the winner is responsible for the dog fee of $35/per night plus tax.
- KLSC reserves the right to use all submitted pictures and videos for its promotions and websites.
Contest is open starting January 1 to December 15. We will announce the winner on our Facebook page and newsletter on January 15. There is no limit to the number of videos submitted. So, create your videos now and share them with us!
Respect for Existing Copyright
You must be the original author of everything in your video or have permission to use copyright-protected material. Be creative but think carefully about what you put into the video.
If you are considering using existing music, video clips, photos, etc., it is very likely that someone else owns a copyright to that material. In this case, be sure to obtain the copyright owner’s written permission before using the material in your video.
All music basically contains two copyrights: the sound recording and the underlying song composition (music publishing rights). In a video where you are using a cover song, you need to negotiate a synchronization license.
Most of these will go through the Harry Fox Agency. However, many music publishers have entered into license agreements with YouTube permitting the use of the songs they control in exchange for a percentage of any advertising revenues.
So, in some cases, YouTube has already obtained an agreement with the music publisher, so you would be OK covering the song. To determine whether or not a publisher is participating in an agreement with YouTube, you can contact the publisher directly. Publisher contact information may be found at ASCAP or BMI.
You can also go to one of the royalty-free music sites and buy a track for a couple bucks that you can use all you want (e.g., incompetech.com, audimicro.com, etc.). With all that having been said, we do prefer original music, even if you are just humming…
Photo Contest
Pictures can include couples sailing, families sailing, Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages (KLSC) activities (non-sailing), sailing lessons, etc. There will be a voting period on our Facebook page where the owner of the photo with the most “Likes” will get a free 3-night stay at KLSC. There is no limit to the number of photos entered. To our guests who didn’t join the previous contests, this is your chance!
Make sure to include captions with your submissions. Add the dates you stayed, in which cottage, and under whose name it was reserved. If you send several emails, include this information in each one.
Terms:
- Winner must be 25 years of age or older.
- Winner can choose the dates from August 1st to December 15th for their stay (holidays not included).
- Main House is not eligible.
- Winner can add their free nights or extend their established booking nights if the booking is between August 1st to December 15th, and if the cottage is available on those extended dates.
- Chosen dates cannot be rescheduled to other dates. No exceptions. (Please finalize your dates before booking.)
- The reservation will be for two adults and the number of children allowed for the chosen cottage. However, if there are more than two adults, the winner is responsible for the extra adult fee of $35/per adult, per night plus tax. If bringing a dog to one of our dog-friendly cottages, the winner is responsible for the dog fee of $35/per night plus tax.
- KLSC reserves the right to use all submitted pictures and videos for its promotions and websites.
Contest is open starting January 1 to December 15. We will announce the winners on our Facebook page and newsletter on January 15.
Thank you and see ya all in the Florida Keys!
Follow Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Inst
agram, Youtube, Learn ASA Certified Sailing at American Sailing Academy. Call us at 305-587-3205.
Enjoy a snorkel or sunset cruise on the bay side as well as several boats for rent from 22 foot to 37 foot through Morning Star Sailing Charters. Call us at 305-451-7057.
South Dade Marina, Wet and Dry Slips Available. Call 305-247-8730
Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages | 305-451-3438 | 99306 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Florida | www.keylimesailingclub.com
Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages | 99306 Overseas Highway | Key Largo, FL 33037 US Be the first to comment!
6th annual International Culture Fest, Jan 18, Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, FL
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.
Click here for International Culture Fest Flyer January 2025
Click here for International Culture Fest Press Release January 2025
Kathy Burnam
Marketing and Events Manager941.639.8721
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
Be the first to comment!
1.25 Million Views for 2024 – Peter Swanson
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe.. $7 a month or $56 for the year and you may cancel at anytime.
When all else fails, try journalism.
Be the first to comment!
Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com
Be the first to comment!