Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Dec 7, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.5502,-77.34949999
Grounding and Rescue in New River Inlet, AICW Statute Mile 247

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Even with government warnings like this Local Notice from earlier this year, /156571, groundings are very possible in the constantly shoaling New River Inlet.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard rescued four men from a boat in New River Inlet, North Carolina, Sunday.
Sector North Carolina watchstanders in Wilmington were notified that a 27-foot boat ran aground and was taking on water near New River Inlet, at around 5 p.m.
An MH-60 helicopter crew launched and arrived on scene at approximately 7 p.m.
It was reported one passenger experienced chest pains while Coast Guard air crews were en route.
The four men were hoisted and transferred to Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina where they were met by awaiting EMS.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet
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Dec 6, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.4077,-80.6799999
Harbortown Marina Opens New Restaurant, east of AICW Statute Mile 894

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River.
The Wait is Over
The management at Harbortown Marina is pleased to announce that the marina restaurant will soon be re-opening as Island Dockside Grill at Harbortown Marina! The new restaurant will open after a period of renovation – Stay tuned for email updates on the exact opening date.
With a popular location already open in Merritt Island, Island Waterfront Bar and Grill owners Sue Ponte and Phil Johnson will be bringing their passion for a first rate restaurant experience here to our marina. The new Island Dockside Grill at Harbortown Marina will provide a casual atmosphere, delightful menu, top-notch service, and of course, lovely views of the marina.

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Harbortown Marina
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Dec 5, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.5054,-76.35519999
Dismal Swamp Canal Update, AICW Alternate Route

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During Hurricane Matthew, the Dismal Swamp Canal and Locks sustained significant damage in the form of shoaling, fallen trees and other submerged debris leaving the Canal closed to navigation. While the Canal is still closed, the Dismal Swamp State Park is managing to maintain a schedule of public activities, see /161350. Our thanks to William Spaur for this photo of shoaling in the Canal.
One of many deposits left by the floods.
William Spaur

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
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Dec 3, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Advice on St. Thomas, BVI, Requested
If you are familiar with St. Thomas marinas and moorings, let us hear from you.
Hello Larry,
Was wondering if you or anyone had any recommendations on marinas/mooring balls around St. Thomas (as a home base)? Looking for an affordable slip or mooring ball. We just arrived with our Lagoon 52 catamaran a couple of weeks ago from Portsmouth, Virginia to Nanny Cay, BVI.
We had traveled with the ARC Caribbean 1500. We plan on commuting back and forth to Sonoma, California with four weeks hopping the islands and then back home for two or three weeks.
Appreciate any advice and help,
Sincerely,
Steve Skolnik
steve_skolnik@icloud.com
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Nov 30, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.0622,-81.0299999
Causton Bluff Bridge Now Open, AICW Statute Mile 580

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Causton Bridge had been closed to navigation for repairs over this past weekend, but has now been partially repaired allowing traffic through a single span. With a closed vertical clearance of 21 feet, the Causton Bluff – Sam Varnedoe Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 580.
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Causton Bluff – Sam Varnedoe Bridge
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Nov 27, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.0622,-81.02999999
Alternate Route around Causton Bluff Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 580

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Our thanks to David Oneill for this local knowledge to avoid Causton Bluff Bridge, currently closed for repairs, see /161254. Causton Bluff Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 21 ft and no date has been given for comopletion of the repairs.
Causton Bluff Bascules are old, cranky and have a local rep for breaking down. Delay could be long depending on issues.
Alt route for vessels in excess of the 21′ clearance.
Southbound:
At “Fields Cut” / Savannah River Junction (R-50) proceed East along the Savannah River (outbound). Be aware this is a high traffic, large ship channel. Follow the marker chain out through Tybee Roads Inlet. After clearing G-3 proceed SSW approximately 9 miles to 31 53.771N 80 52.434 W. Proceed West to Wassaw Sound Inlet markers R-10 / G-9. Be aware this entrance is shoal to the north 3-3 1/2 mile out. It is regularly used by large (up to 250′) yachts traveling to TBI yard in Thunderbolt. Excellent water after you enter the marked channel. Proceed along marker chain up the South side of the sound and into the Wilmington River. Proceed North to ICW junction at Skidaway River (R-40) or continue on to Thunderbolt.
Used the Wassaw Sound channel for years while I lived on Turner Creek with boats drawing 6′-7′ without a problem. As an area of 7′-8′ tides best to cross bar at high tide, settled weather and good daylight. Plan on burning a full day as it’s a round and about way but may be worth it depending on time for bridge repairs.
David ONeill
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Causton Bluff – Sam Varnedoe Bridge
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32 03.729 North/081 01.794 W
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Nov 27, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: “Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive” plus 2 more
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive” plus 2 more
Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive
New Fuel and Dockage Survey, November 26, 2016
Current status of Customs and Immigration on Andros
Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive
Posted: 26 Nov 2016 08:29 AM PST
In conducting the latest fuel and dockage survey, we found a new expense being charged by some marinas. Two of the marinas we contacted, Treasure Cay Marina and Valentines Marina, advised that their dockage rates were subject to an additional levy of 2% to go to the Association of Bahamas Marinas. At this time it is unknown if all of the 30 member marinas will levying this fee.
New Fuel and Dockage Survey, November 26, 2016
Posted: 26 Nov 2016 07:47 AM PST
Fuel prices were mixed, some up, some down. Some marinas are still repairing hurricane damge. The new monthly Explorer Fuel and Dockage survey is posted on our website www.explorercharts.com. Click on Fuel and Dockage prices in the menu on the left side of the home page.
As always, we appreciate the individual reports you send us of any changes in prices from the date of this survey. Send an email to monty@explorercharts.com for any new prices you find until the next survey.
Current status of Customs and Immigration on Andros
Posted: 26 Nov 2016 03:50 AM PST
Does anyone know if it is currently possible for a cruising boat to check into the Bahamas on Andros? If so, any recommendations as to where are appreciated.
Mark
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Nov 26, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Asking for Crossing Advice on Punta Gorda to the Bahamas
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Responding to an earlier Bahamas Chatter, Skipper Grant is asking for your advice in routing this passage/crossing.
Hi I am wanting to cruise from Punta Gorda to the Bahamas in early February 2017 somewhere around the 7th.
I have a Bayliner 4588 so will be cuising at 8 to 9 knots.
I am presently in Australia and will be in Punta Gorda on the 2nd of February If anyone wishing to cruise as a Buddy Boat or a group of boats Please contact me on Email ( directfire.billings@gmail.com).
Cheers and Happy Boating
Grant Billings
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Nov 25, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999
Fishermen’s Village Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

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Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast and very deserving of this recognition! With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Punta Gorda, FL, November 23, 2016 –Fishermen’s Village today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
“Receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Fishermen’s Village! We would like to thank all of our visitors who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Kathy Burnam, Marketing/Events Manager for Fishermen’s Village. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”
“With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”
The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
Fishermen’s Village Mall, Resort and Marina is located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda Florida. A two level complex, the lower level features independently owned shops, boutiques and waterfront restaurants, water recreation, military heritage museum, live entertainment and special events. The second level sports vacation villas, available for daily/weekly rental. For more information, visit www.fishville.com or call 1 800 639-0020.
TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site**, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors***, and 350 million reviews and opinions covering 6.5 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide.
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
mkting@fishville.com
1200 W. Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
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Nov 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Seeking Deep Water Channel Marina off Northern Hawk Channel
If you have local knowledge of marina entrance channels that can accommodate a 5’5″ draft, let us hear from you. August is asking about Hawk Channel from Biscayne Bay to Marathon.
Our sailboat draws 5’5″. I can’t seem to find ANY marinas on the ocean side We can get in about halfway on the trip. Any suggestions?
August Trometer, email: atrometer@me.com
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Michael Moorehead - November 25, 2016 - 3:34 pm

We too draw 5.5 feet. Best solution I have is to anchor overnight at Rodriguez Key, about half way to Marathon. Marathon and Key West will offer you marina options.
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Mike Curreri - November 25, 2016 - 2:55 pm

Anchoring by Rodriguez Key is the best alternative. Ocean Reef claims to have an 8′ approach at MLW, but I have been told there is a 5′ bump. No personal knowledge yet (going to try it in a few days.
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