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: Lost Dinghy! In need of help Lost Dinghy! In need of help. Posted: 15 Jul 2016 03:22 AM PDT Hello cruisers,
This may be a long shot but we wanted to post to this community. We run marine science sailing Expeditions studying the Bahamas coral reefs each summer. We take early career college age scientists aboard a catamaran, exposing them to off-grid research. We collaborate with Institutions such as University of Miami (RSMAS), Penn State, U. Of Delaware, etc. We are now transiting from Key Largo to Eleuthera aboard No Expectations, a 47′ catamaran. Upon cruising the bank from Bimini to Chub Cay early morning on July 12th, our dinghy came loose. The winds were out of the SE so most likely our dinghy drifted to the NW. It’s a brand new West Marine hypalon 350 RIB with a brand new Yamaha 20hp outboard. She is white with no registration numbers as its 2 days old. We were breaking it in upon crossing. This is a huge loss for our non-profit programs.
Our first stop is Eleuthera arriving July 16 to pickup our research Team. We are then heading down the island chain to Georgetown by July 25. We will be in GT up until August 7, then heading back up island to Eleuthera.
Anyone who feels compelled to help us further we would be so grateful to accept donations to assist us in acquiring a new dinghy. Your donation is a tax write-off. You can easily donate online through our secure fundraising website. You will receive an immediate tax write-off letter. Donate at http://bit.ly/donatesusie
Further, if anyone can help us out this summer and provide us with a spare dinghy for our Expeditions, you can either donate or lend us a comparable dinghy for the dates of July 18-August 18 we would be so grateful! Be in touch with us at the above email.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
A Pokémon Go “gym” is located next to the iconic BoatUS Buoy at the recreational boating association’s national headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
Pokémon Go and Boating: Three Tips from BoatUS
ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 14, 2016 – The reality-game-meets-exercise app currently taking the nation by storm, “Pokémon Go,” now has 21 million users every day – reportedly the most successful mobile game ever in the US. The game features characters called Pokémon that players capture in the real world using a combination of GPS and augmented reality. That also means that Pokémon-mania has also come to the water and with it, BoatUS, the national boating advocacy, services and safety group has three tips for playing Pokémon Go while boating:
1. Be aware: The US Coast Guard reports “Operator Inattention” as one of the five main primary contributing factors in accidents. When searching for a “water type” Pokémon such as “Magikarp” on a waterway, let the first mate or friend handle the cell phone while the captain keeps a safe lookout. 2. Watch cell phone battery use: Users report the game eats up a smartphone’s battery charge. With many recreational boaters today relying on their cell phones for communication, it would be wise to bring along a spare charger, or use battery saving mode. BoatUS also reminds boaters that only a VHF radio can summon emergency help from the closest rescuers, ensuring the fastest response. 3. Have fun: The BoatUS National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia offers a Pokémon “gym” located next to the iconic BoatUS Buoy at 880 S. Pickett Street. At lunch, some BoatUS employees can be seen playing the game. (Insider’s tip: The yellow Pokémon Go BoatUS Marine insurance underwriting team often battles other BoatUS departments, and for a limited time, free boat insurance quotes will be available to all players.)
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS): Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com BoatUS Delivers Over 24,000 Boaters’ Comments Urging EPA to Stop Adding More Ethanol to the Nation’s Gasoline Supply PHOTO CAPTION: Washington DC, July 13, 2016 – On July 11, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) President Margaret Podlich (L) and Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy (R), delivered over 24,000 comments from recreational boaters to EPA Headquarters in Washington DC to urge the agency to stop adding more ethanol to the nation’s gasoline supply. BoatUS had asked the boating public to add their voice to a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply for 2017. If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level ethanol fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into gas pumps and at more gas stations. “A sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning for E15 gasoline,” said Podlich. Most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol, and it is illegal to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in any marine engine. The national boating advocacy, services and safety group has voiced its concern for the significant potential for misfueling, putting boaters at risk by using fuel that will damage their engines.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS): Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. BoatUS is a member of the Smarter Fuel Future.
The state of emergency was put into action June 29th and has now been extended. See /158039. This report comes from WPTV, West Palm Beach.
Martin County extends local state of emergency a 3rd week due to toxic algae WPTV Webteam 3:31 PM, Jul 12, 2016 7:35 PM, Jul 12, 2016 Martin County said it is extending a local state of emergency for a third week due to toxic algae. The decision allows the government to streamline efforts to finance projects that could remedy the algae situation.
The decision came on the same day that Gov. Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation.
The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports confirm shoaling and a channel shift here, /154017 and /156435. SSECN stills recommends mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly. Our thanks to John Winter for this update on this Problem Stretch.
Came through July 12 2016 at .6 feet above low tide. Shallow at 46B. At 8 feet even make sure you follow the nuns. Red nuns are against the rocks [see second link above for channel]. Stay equal distance between Nuns. John Winter
Dredging of this perennial AICW Problem Stretch was last done in the Spring of 2014. From John Winter’s report, dredging is needed again. As always, we recommend caution and mid to high tide for this intersection. Thank you John for this update. /span>
Came through July 12, 2016 at 0.5 feet above low tide and saw 3.9 feet where all the nuns are at one point. Stopped and felt around side to side and could not find any deeper water. We draw 46″ but did not feel bottom. John Winter
Coming south 16Aug16 at +1′ above low. Draw 4′. At idle speed ran hard aground in mid-channel just past green buoy. C-Map charting [updated Sep15] shows channel angles sharply toward red at the green buoy — should have followed its suggestion. My mistake was to “stay mid-channel.” The bottom raised VERY quickly, almost a wall. After backing off, saw above 10′ in area on line between reds.
July 16, 2016 Just touched at Shalotte inlet. In the middle of the marked channel with the tide up 1.7 feet. Our draft 4.5 Ft. Felt like a sand ridge. Fortunately we are a single so no harm done. Captain Jerry Taylor
This Post and Courier article on Charleston was proudly – and justifiably so – submitted by David Rogers of City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Charleston is also home to another SSECN SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA NAMED WORLD’S BEST CITY AND NO. 1 CITY IN THE U.S. AND CANADA BY THE TRAVEL + LEISURE 2016 WORLD’S BEST AWARDS
Rankings’ Effect on Tourism Continues to Positively Impact the Charleston Economy CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (July 6, 2016) – For the first time, readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Charleston, South Carolina the World’s Best City in the 2016 World’s Best Awards. Charleston is the first domestic destination to earn the coveted World’s Best City ranking, and for the fourth consecutive year, the readers of Travel + Leisure ranked the Charleston area the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada. The news was shared by Jacqui Gifford, Senior Editor of Travel + Leisure, on the TODAY Show on July 6.
Charleston exceeded other destinations in the categories of sights/landmarks, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, shopping and value to earn the World’s Best City and the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada designation, scoring 91.66 overall. The complete results of the 2016 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured on TravelandLeisure.com/WorldsBest and in the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 15.
Travel + Leisure Editor Nathan Lump said, “Charleston is a remarkably dynamic place, so it’s no surprise that it has achieved its highest ranking ever in our survey as this year’s best city in the world. The city has managed to preserve all the qualities for which it is widely known—a prime coastal setting, historic architecture, friendly locals—while also nurturing a creative culture that is making it one of the most notable destinations for those who seek out interesting restaurants, bars, and shops that highlight a dedication to distinctive craft.”
The No. 1 rankings continue to positively impact tourism, the number one economic driver to the Charleston area. Since 2012, the first year Charleston was awarded the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking in the Travel + LeisureWorld’s Best Awards, the total economic impact of tourism has increased 14% to $3.68 billion in 2015 according the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston. Additionally, the average expenditure per adult and the total labor earnings has increased.
Dan Blumenstock, Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Director of Hotel Operations of Fennell Holdings remarked, “Readers of Travel + Leisure continue to recognize our destination for its friendly people, renowned cuisine, historic landmarks, flourishing arts community, and celebrated shopping scene. This award is a testament to the vitality of Charleston as a world class destination.” Blumenstock added, “The area’s tourism and hospitality community has enjoyed positive growth over the past four years, due in part to the numerous awards bestowed on the Charleston area. We look forward to continued and responsible economic impact as a result of the No. 1 City in the World ranking.”
In addition to the No. 1 City rankings, The Spectator Hotel, located in historic Charleston, was recognized as the No. 1 Top City Hotel in the U.S.
Michael Tall, President & Chief Operating Officer of Charlestowne Hotels stated, “The Spectator was designed, and is operated, with our discerning guests’ needs and desires for a unique, curated experience. With the hotel only having opened less than a year ago, we are truly honored to be recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure as the No. 1 Top City Hotel in the 2016 World’s Best Awards in the categories of rooms and facilities, service, location, value, and design.”
Travel + Leisure readers voted on their favorite hotels, cities, islands, spas, cruise lines, airlines, tour outfitters, and car-rental agencies. The 2016 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey results (listed by overall and regional rankings) and survey methodology are featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, online at: www.TravelandLeisure.com/WorldsBest, and in the World’s Best Awards 2016.
For an update on the opening-this-fall restaurant at Port City Marina, click the link below. Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.
Even twins can get a right-sized life jacket through the BoatUS Foundation kids’ Life Jacket Loaner Program.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
BoatUS: Largest Map of Life Jacket Loaner Sites in the US
ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 7, 2016 – If you need to borrow a kid’s life jacket for the day or weekend, chances are there is one near you at one of the over 1,500 life jacket loaner sites across the country at BoatUS.org/loanermap.
The website list is “the nation’s largest single source of life jacket loaner sites” according to BoatUS. It includes nearly 600 free BoatUS Foundation kids’ Life Jacket Loaner sites at marinas, boat clubs and firehouses, along with over 900 local community loaner sites to give parents and boaters more options.
Begun in 1997, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water’s kids’ Life Jacket Loaner Program is the nation’s oldest and largest loaner program (all 50 states + District of Columbia), making it easy for boaters to borrow a right-sized child’s life jacket for the day, afternoon, or weekend at no cost. Each year, the Foundation loaner sites lend out life jackets over 140,000 times.
About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
Longtime cruiser and Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, offers thoughts on his and his wife Peg’s favorite spots along the Atlantic ICW. Some of these ports are probably on your list as well and, of course, there are a number of SSECN Sponsors in these stops. And if this will be your first trip along the Atlantic Waterway, you will do well to heed Jim’s advice and visits and navigation.
Elizabeth City, NC, and the “Albemarle Loop:“ Elizabeth City is the anchor town on the Dismal Swamp Route of the ICW southbound from Norfolk/Portsmouth. Elizabeth City has a marvelous small museum dedicate to the region. The Elizabeth City Public Wharf is the Harbor of Hospitality. Docks are free, albeit without services. This is a favorite stop for us to relax and refresh.
The Albemarle sound is a shallow body of water; the “deep water” range is 12′ – 18′. These waters are home to many crab fishermen; crab pot floats are to be found virtually throughout the sound. The sound lies geographically East-West, and the prevailing winds are from the West and Southwest. Winds greater than 15 kts can raise uncomfortable beam seas for North-South crossings. Winds greater that 20 kts can produce uncomfortable chop in all directions.
While not technically part of the ICW, this “loop” is centered around the ICW Routes from Norfolk/Portsmouth to the southbound ICW at the Alligator River in North Carolina.  The “Albemarle Loop” [see /154885] is a cruising route that touches some wonderful and oft-overlooked venues. On the Crystal Coast, the towns of Manteo and Ocracoke are excellent stops. On the Western Albemarle, the towns of Edenton and Plymouth are delightful. The history of the Albemarle dates to the earliest English colonists. At Manteo, visit the Lost Colony Plantation. At Edenton, visit the revolutionary period Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, learn of the ladies of the Edenton Tea Party, and visit many other historical sites. Here is a link to information on the Albemarle Loop: http://albemarleloop.com.
Beaufort, NC: This is a seaport town near Morehead City; it’s a very pleasant, laid-back, “chillaxin'” place with a small but well done Maritime Museum, many shoppes and some nice local restaurants. Â For those who might enjoy a short off-shore (maybe 10 miles) cruise, depart the Beaufort Inlet and head out the the bight at the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Â It a large, well protected anchorage, with access to the beach for campfires and swimming. Â The bight itself is well protected from winds and ocean sea states, but the trip out and back can be too much for some if the wind offshore is up. Plan accordingly.
Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA: magnificent old southern cities with many points-of-interest and fine restaurants; our strategy is to take a tour bus around the city.  Look for a tour company that has same-day on-and-off privileges.  (We do this every time we arrive somewhere we’ve not been before, including Canada).  We take the entire tour circuit first, then go back to places that we think we’d like to know more about.  At Charleston, start at the Welcome Center.  Or, take the tour boat to Fort Sumter; nice aquarium near the Ft. Sumter ferry docks.  In Charleston, there is a water taxi from the Charleston Maritime Center that goes back and forth to Patriot Point, which is where the USS Yorktown is located. In Savannah, there is a nice stage theater within walking distance of the downtown waterfront (http://www.savannahtheatre.com). The Savannah waterfront is very interesting, with a large riverwalk, wonderful park overlooking the River, and large shipping and commercial traffic as well as every kind of small-boat and pleasure craft. There are several architecture tours in both cities, and both have lots of weekly and seasonal activity for visitors. From Savannah (there are marina options in downtown Savannah on the Savannah River or at Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope), boaters can also visit Tybee Island (light house and Fort Pulaski).
Beaufort, SC: from the Beaufort Downtown Marina, take a carriage tour through the historic ante-bellum homes in the area. Â The downtown is friendly with many shoppes and good restaurant options.
Fernandina Beach, FL: City is easy walking distance right at the foot of the docks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina.  Take the tour to Fort Clinch. Visit the house where the Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. Visit Billy Burbank’s trawl net factory; they make shrimp nets; they’re open to the public for tours, and it’s a very interesting afternoon.
St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of
architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent.  There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina. We like the a1a Ale House.
Titusville, FL: Not really remarkable as a destination in itself, but the Titusville City Marina is an excellent place for boaters to stay in order to visit NASA at Cape Canaveral; the public areas and displays at Canaveral are excellent. Â It’s also a great place to watch a launch, if one is scheduled.
The entire region from Charleston to St. Augustine has high tidal ranges, ranging from 5′ at St. Augustine to as much as 9′ in Savannah/Beaufort/Charleston. Â Those high tidal ranges create swift tidal currents, and especially for first-times, docking is easiest in the 1/2 hour before and after slack.
There are many areas of shallow water in the region.  The very best resource for current data on low water and caution areas is available via www.activecaptain.com. Two other websites that all ICW travelers should know about are www.waterwayguide.com and www.cruisersnet.net.  I’m sure you are familiar with the Waterway Guide book series.  The “Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net” (SSECN) is  really a boating group.  It was founded by Claiborne Young.  After Claiborne’s untimely loss, the group continued in operation.  The Cruiser’s Net website specializes on the US Southeast.  There is some duplication of material between the WWG site and the SSECN site, but there is unique value to both.  Both are excellent resources for fuel prices, marinas and anchorages.  These websites would make a good sidebar for any ICW article.  Two of these websites require registration – SSECN does not, but all three are free, and all are very useful to ICW boaters.  Both WWG and SSECN also have smart phone apps that duplicate and augment website information and are very useful on small-format devices.
There are some generalizations that apply to the region, including the stretch from Georgetown, SC all the way south to below Fernandina Beach. Â In some of those areas, boats drawing more than 4′ will want to consider not traveling at low tide; especially celestial low tides. Â The Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for dredging the ICW. Â USACE is funded by state congressional delegations. Â In recent years, the money congress allocates to dredging has been diverted to “more pressing needs,” and so many areas of the ICW are shoaling, and in fact, the ICW resource is slowly being lost; well, allowed to die, really, by congress. Â There is a not-for-profit called the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. Â The Executive Director is Brad Pickel;Â bpickel@seahavenconsulting.com. Â That would make another sidebar for any article on the ICW. Â There are some local knowledge bypasses around some shoal areas. Â All of the cruising sites above can provide additional detail.
Renting a car in any of these venues greatly expands what a boating visitor can see and do. Â Some, but not all, marinas have courtesy cars. Â Generally they can’t be used for long periods, but they are useful for re-provisioning when needed.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Ft. Myers, FL
Be the first to comment!