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    • Nov 19, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sailor Looks for Post Hip Replacement Cruising Advice

      If any fellow cruiser has advice for Captain Wilmington, please click follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” button/link to the above right. We will post your replies for all to share.

      Any fellow sailors/boaters out there who have had a total hip replacement. I would like to know how you adapt/adjust your movements so that you can still enjoy the Big Blue!. My replacement is 3 weeks old, and I am looking forward to spring boating.
      Thanks
      Capt Mike Wilmington

      Mike,
      I had a total hip replacement (anterior method), Jiffy Hip, in 2007. I was ambulating the same day and left 3 months later taking our boat from Yorktown, Va to Savannah, GA with no problems. We have since cruised Chesapeake Bay and just spent 5 months last winter in Charleston, SC on the boat. My doc put no restrictions on me and I haven’t needed any. I can’t speak to the traditional posterior method that involved cutting the glutemus maximus muscle. Hope this helps.
      Jake Smith

      I had a total Hip replacement on 8/1/11, and was back on my trawler 10/ 10/11. That was after both knees in 4/10/11. The hip was a piece of cake, compared to the double knees. We cruised the whole winter/spring of 2011/12, and are now cruising again, since 9/12.
      Roger Hayes

      I am in my mid-70’s and still active. I had hip replacement surgery in 1999 (right hip) and 2007 (left hip). I carefully followed my surgeon’s recommendations following surgery. If your surgeon recommends therapy, do it. After three months I was able to ride my horse, ski, bowl, play golf, and boat.
      To have a good result you must not stress the implant while it is fragile and your muscles are still weak. Avoid falling and sports like tennis that include twisting and short stops.
      I recently had knee replacement. After three months I was back bowling and golfing. Boating waited for good weather.
      Good luck!
      Ann Kendrick

      Thanks for the good advice, and thanks to the Cruisers Net for posting my message. My doc says the 90 degree rule is forever, and that rule puts a crimp of sorts into my singlehanded sailing. The advice boosts my spirit and I am ready for spring!!!
      Capt Mike,
      Wilmington NC

      Mike,
      I would recommend you get a second opinion from a surgeon who uses the Jiffy Hip anterior method of hip replacement. The 90 degree rule does not apply.
      Jake

      Jake, my surgery was posterior, and I was sent home with 3 rules’¦’¦no crossing legs, no pointing of foot inward on op-leg, and no bending at the waist more than 90 degrees’¦.
      Mike

      You might want to check this site about hip replacement: www.zimmer.com

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    • Nov 19, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Warnings of Swift Current at the Harborage at Ashley Marina, near AICW Statute Mile 469

      The Harborage at Ashley Marina - Click for Chartview

      The Harborage at Ashley Marina lies along the northeastern shores of Ashley River (on the Charleston peninsula), between the charted 56 foot fixed bridge, and the 18-foot Highway 17 bascule bridge.
      While we certainly have NO argument with either Captain Koerner’s or Captain Jay’s advice to be on the lookout for swiftly moving waters when approaching this facility’s piers, I might just add, “welcome to the South Carolina Low Country.” Strong tidal currents are part and parcel of almost every anchorage and marina from south of Myrtle Beach to St. Marys River.

      I keep my sailboat at this marina. Last April she was T-boned by a trawler whose captain used hiS bow thrusters to turn the boat around during a strong ebb tide. Boat never made the turn.
      A powerboat struck another powerboat yesterday while trying to back in against the current (which seems to run 45 degrees to the shore, rather than parallel).
      And this morning, a transient sailboat was unable to back ouy against the current and was T-boned against the pier before striking another sailboat in his slip.
      THIS IS NOT A DANGEROUS PLACE ‘“ JUST RESPECT THE CURRENTS! COME IN ON SLACK WATER, BACK OUT WITH THE CURRENT!!
      HB Koerner

      I second HB’s advice. I’ve stayed at Ashley’s a couple of times as a transient, and usually ask if I can stay on the outside dock so I don’t have to deal with navigating the interior slips with the current.
      Dennis Jay
      `Delta Blues’
      Annapolis, Md.

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Harborage at Ashley Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Harborage at Ashley Marina

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    • Nov 15, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Georgia Waterway and Report from Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602

      The AICW follows the narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years.

      Captains Glen and Jill Moore provide an excellent picture of and approach to this long-time trouble spot where depths can change quickly due to the narrow channel. And we heartily agree that these miles of undeveloped and unspoiled Waterway in Georgia are well worth the necessary planning and navigational care.

      We traveled through Hell Gate on 11/9/12. The shallowest spot observed on our path was 8′ MLW south of floating R90. Using the large Georgia tides to your advantage, Hell Gate depths provide a good margin of error on your course through this narrow stretch of the ICW.
      Some cruisers avoid the Georgia ICW due to stories of shallow water. They miss one of the best cruising areas of the southeast coast. Those on a delivery schedule, just trying to get south or north as quickly as possible, can save much time by going outside. It is about 115 sm from Hilton Head, SC to the St. Marys River entrance at the Florida line, while traveling between the same destinations following the ICW is a curving course of 150 sm. But, for cruisers searching for memorable experiences, it is 150 miles of natural beauty, 100’s of anchorages, and many interesting places to visit.
      The term ‘Problem Stretches’ may be part of the problem, adding to a level of fear causing cruisers to avoid Georgia. Yes, there are areas that require attention and planning, all of which are documented on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net website. So, there should be no surprises. The site’s new feature of recently sounded and recorded depths by ARGUS research vessels, detailed directly on NOAA charts, provides accurate and easy-to-understand information on depths. Spending a little time researching the waterway on SSECN, annotating information directly on your charts, will provide a valuable guide to safely cruising Georgia’s section of the AICW. Navigation of these waters is a bit more challenging, but the challenge of navigation should be one of the experiences enjoyed in cruising ‘” a n endeavor rewarded by the outstanding cruising experiences these waters can provide.
      The narrow, and sometimes shallow, Georgia passages should be viewed as `Areas of Concern,’ requiring increased levels of attention and planning. Often in life, the greatest of rewards require higher effort to achieve.
      PBS created a documentary of the Georgia barrier islands which provides a visual and narrative description of the history and beauty of one aspect of this area: http://www.gpb.org/secretseashore#
      Glen and Jill Moore
      DeFever 40 Last Dance

      Very good to hear positive comments about the Georgia ICW.
      Sonny

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Nov 14, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      BLAST OFF! Florida’s Indian River Anchorage – Captains Mark and Diana Report (Statute Mile 882)

      On the Water GuidebooksLike Captains Diana and Mark, over the years, we have swung on the hook in the below described Indian River anchorage and watched all sorts of spacecraft being launched, including the now defunct space shuttle. All of these sights are of the “never fogotten” variety.
      As Mark and Diana note, there is NO protection on these wide waters, so be sure there is a good forecast in the offing before committing to a stay on these waters. Otherwise, GO for it whenever a lunch is due!

      Hi Claiborne,
      An anchorage in the middle of nowhere … What’s the big deal?
      Yep, Indian River Anchorage is a nondescript stopover with no protection and no shore access ‘” but with the memories of a lifetime!
      All you have to do is time your overnight stay with a rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
      There may be no nearby shore access or services, but you’re talking front row seats for the Cape Canaveral launches!
      Fortunately, rocket launches only proceed with perfectly calm conditions, the same conditions you’ll want in order to stay at this unprotected anchorage along the Indian River at STM 882.2.
      Located a full two statute miles off the ICW, there is a pocket of 7-foot depths in the middle of the incredibly wide Indian River (see the sample page from our AnchorGuide series below).
      We’ll never see another shuttle launch like the one pictured here but there are three more launches currently scheduled for this year, two of them Atlas rockets!
      Plan ahead by checking KSC’s rocket launch schedule at: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events.aspx
      On November 13th an Atlas V rocket will launch the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, a U.S. military prototype spaceplane.
      On December 6th an Atlas V rocket will launch a NASA communications satellite.
      On December 15 a Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Dragon spacecraft on a cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station.
      Pretty exciting stuff for a “boring” anchorage in the middle of the Indian River!
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      We have had the same great view for the last four launches from our slip at the Cocoa Village Marina. Which usually
      includes a launch party at the beautiful Club house.
      Capt Bob Onboard ALLEZ!

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Indian River Spaceport Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Indian River Spaceport Anchorage

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    • Nov 13, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      IMPORTANT – ARGUS Data Now Being Updated Continuously By Two Research Craft Heading South Down the AICW

      Back on 10/11/12, we brought to the attention of the cruising community BIG news about the updating of our “ARGUS” data layer (on our site’s “Chart View” module). Once again, the strategic partnership between the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, Survice Engineering’s ARGUS Project and EarthNC (Earth Nautical Charts), was yielding BIG dividends!

      NOW, THERE IS EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS ON THIS FRONT! And, as always, this superb service is being made available to the cruising community at NO CHARGE. You don’t have to buy anything, join any organization, nor even provide a user name or a password! How’s that for an “offer you can’t refuse!”

      First, let’s hear directly from ARGUS’s creator, Captain John Hersey, of Survice Engineering:

      Claiborne,
      The new ARGUS ICW solution set that you posted in the article about on your website (see /argus-solution-sets-updated-just-in-time-for-the-fall-2012-cruising-season/) reflected all new data gathered through September of 2012. Since then, as the two ARGUS research vessels, Altair and Chez Nous, have been moving south, we’ve been updating this ICW solution set daily to reflect their incoming soundings. This test of near-real-time updates provide Chez Nous (the follower in this case) with the benefit of Altair’s observations from the day before, as well as your other readers with the same updated look at current conditions as both vessels travel south.
      Thanks,
      John

      OK, please allow me to translate. Where before, updated ARGUS data was being fed into our EarthNC produced “Chart View” pages on a more or less quarterly basis, now, this data is being updated DAILY as the two research vessels, Alair and Chez Nous, work their way south down the AICW.

      As usual, an example is worth another thousand words, so let’s look at a real instance of how this new data has been integrated into the existing ARGUS sounding information.

      Please follow this link, which will open a Chart View page centered on the AICW, just south of Fernandina Beach, Florida:

      /cruisersnet-marine-map/?ll=30.649836796880713,-81.47873295183024&z=14&argus=1

      First, be advised that I have set this link to automatically open the ARGUS layer, but if you were just going to any of our Chart View pages, it would be necessary to find the “ARGUS (MLLW)” check box just above the chart image, in the second (moving left to right) vertical row of check boxes. After clicking the “ARGUS (MLLW)” checkbox, the ARGUS legend will appear, as well as the color coded sounding circles, indicating MLW adjusted depths gathered by the ARGUS research craft.

      Take a look at the voluminous sounding data recorded on this section of the Waterway, NOW FRESHLY UPDATED BY THE JUST GATHERED SOUNDINGS SUBMITTED BY ALAIR AND CHEZ NOUS!

      THINK THIS MIGHT JUST BE A SIGNIFICANT TOOL IN ANY NAVIGATOR’S ARSENAL! We think so too!

      One question we are often asked is how our users can easily get to our Chart View pages. Well, of course, by clicking on ANY of the chartlets in our various marina or anchorage directory listings, you will be taken to a Chart View page automatically centered on and zoomed to the marina or anchorage in question. You can then drag the chart in any direction, and for any distance you need to reveal your waters of interest. HOWEVER THERE IS ANOTHER, VERY USEFUL WAY TO FIND YOUR WAY TO OUR CHART VIEW SERVICE!

      Locate the red, vertically stacked stacked menus on the right side of all Cruisers’ Net pages, and then select your coastline of interest, “South Carolina” for example. Click on “South Carolina” and a drop down menu will appear. Now, locate “SC Chartview” and click on this menu item. A sub-sub drop down menu will appear, with a list of South Carolina’s ports of a call. To continue this example, click on “Georgetown, SC.” A Chart View page will open, centered on Georgetown. Activate the “ARGUS” layer by clicking the ARGUS checkbox, and look at all the good, just updated sounding data on the Sampit River, bordering the downtown Georgetown waterfront. Again, you can then drag the chart in any direction, and for any distance you need to reveal other waters of interest.

      This feature works in exactly the same fashion for all our coastlines. not just South Carolina. Take a few moments to give it a try.

      We know the cruising community will find this updated ARGUS data to be very useful. Please join with me in thanking Survice Engineering as well as EarthNC for making this service possible, partnered with the Salty Southeast Cruiser’ Net. OK, go to our site and check those latest soundings. Good luck and good cruising to all!

      Cruising News:
      Just wanted to say that we just used the argus readings from Fernandina to Cocoa and they were extremely accurate and very helpful..Thanks for the good work..it took some of the stress of the ICW away..We have a 61/2 four draft and the ICW can be very interesting..
      Roberta

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    • Nov 13, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Anchorage with Shoreside Access in Ft. Lauderdale: Middle River (St. M. 1063.4) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

      On the Water GuidebooksThe Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased to publish the latest in the superb series of articles authored by our good friends, and strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water Chartguides.” This story centers on a body of water, Middle River, which provides excellent anchorage. This stream lies off the AICW’s western shores a few miles north of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Bridge.
      I know this area well, as my parents used to rent a winter home which fronted onto Middle River. As a boy of ten our so, you could find me almost daily piloting either my sailfish or our 16-foot Boston Whaler around these waters. Those were truly golden, broad days.
      But, now, back to the present. Let’s hear what Diana and Mark have to tell us!

      Hi Claiborne,
      South Florida’s AICW is a bit like a “Tour of Homes” as you motor by impressive and varied waterfront lots.

      We love gawking at the mega-mansions with million-dollar poolside landscaping and the pink bungalows with flocks of plastic flamingos.

      But the downside of wall-to-wall canal-front real estate is that shoreside access is much harder to come by. Shore is all private property, often within private developments that prohibit any dinghy dockage. That’s why Middle River anchorage, with shore access at Fort Lauderdale’s George English Park, is so special.

      Middle River, at STM 1063.4, is a deep and relatively quiet (by South Florida standards!) anchorage, convenient to the AICW, in a no-wake-zone river lined with homes and park land.

      Exit the ICW southeast of G3 and proceed northwesterly up charted Middle River, north of the large east-west canal home island. Anchor in the river’s wide spot, with the fixed bridge (vertical clearance 5 feet) to the north. Middle River is substantially deeper than charted: we surveyed depths of 15-26 feet (at 2.3′ above MLLW).

      Shore access is at the George English Park boat ramp to the north, upriver just past the low-clearance fixed bridge. The park is 20 acres, with a recreation center, tennis courts, and a walking/jogging trail. Many restaurants and Galleria Fort Lauderdale are nearby, including a supermarket across the bridge to the west.

      I’ve included a photo of the anchorage as well as a sample page from our new AnchorGuide series showing the anchorage location, the actual versus charted depths in the Middle River, and the location of the park boat ramp.

      Unfortunately, for all the park’s excellent amenities and access, the park does not allow dogs.

      Best and see you On the Water,

      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Middle River Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Middle River

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    • Nov 12, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      North Mouth of Alligator River AICW Problem Stretch – Captains Mark and Diana Report (St. M. 81)

      On the Water GuidebooksBelow, our strategic partners Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, give a concise and accurate report of the current situation at the northern mouth of the Alligator River, where the AICW flows south from Albemarle Sound into this body of water. Note that Diana and Mark confirm our earlier posting here on the SSECN (see /?p=98565), that the infamous “magenta line” is charted on the WRONG side of marker #8A. Be SURE to pass this marker to its EASTERLY side!

      Hi Claiborne,
      Diana and I crossed the Albemarle Sound southbound last week and re-surveyed the known Alligator River Entrance ICW trouble spot … with its westward shoal and mis-charted Magenta Line.
      As you can see from the attached screenshot, the depths are fine if you follow the navaids, NOT necessarily the Magenta Line.
      Southbound, you would honor R6 and the G7-R8 pair, then (importantly) depart the charted Magenta Line, honoring floating navaid Red 8A, to stay off encroaching Long Shoal Point, finally re-joing the ICW and the charted Magenta Line at G9.
      I’ll re-survey the other known ICW trouble spots as we continue southbound and share these with your SSECN readers.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Cruised through the northern Alligator River dog leg. No problem. Follow the marks.
      Raymond W. Smith

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the North Mouth of Alligator River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Nov 12, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Tarpon Springs and Turtle Cove Marina, off the Anclote River, Gulf Coast

      Turtle Cove Marina - Click for Chartview

      Turtle Cove Marina is located off the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs channel, west of Marker #50. Detailed channel instructions are found in our Western Florida Marina Directory listing for this facility, linked below.

      Tarpon Springs is one of our favorite stops on the Loop, lots of great food, music, marina life, fresh sea food and a good place to rest up after a long crossing. Last year we stayed at Turtle Cove Marina for a week (good weekly rate) and found it to be close to everything. To read more and see photo’s of Tarpon Springs, the farmers market and more you can click on the following link: http://trailertrawlerlife.com/?s=tarpon+springs&x=0&y=0
      Opa,
      Jim & Lisa Favors

      Fish Market

      Sponge Docks

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Turtle Cove Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Springs and Spring Bayou

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    • Nov 12, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “The Crab Shack” on Sixmile Creek (off the St. Johns River, south of Green Cove Springs)

      There was a recent discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about the famous Crab Shack Restaurant, just off the St. Johns River, south of Green Cove Springs. Over the years, we’ve had many postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about this WONDERFUL place to slake a healthy appetite. From time to time, though, it’s good to recall this St. Johns River dining attraction!
      To access this facility, cruise into Palmo Cove, along the eastern banks of the St. Johns River, well east – southeast of river marker #22. Be sure to avoid the long tongue of shoal water which stretches out from this cove’s northside entrance point.
      Sixmile Creek stretches out from the southeastern corner of Palmo Cove. Be advised that you may have to cruise through some 4 1/2 foot soundings to reach the stream’s mouth, and again as you approach the restaurant’s docks.
      If you can stand these depths, the effort is well worthwhile!

      The Crab Shack is on 6 Mile Creek, off the St. Johns eastern shore, south of Green Cove Springs. It has a long, long dock capable of hosting many boats. While I have not stepped it off, it is close to 1000 feet. On weekends, many runabouts cruise there for lunch or dinner. There is a shoal entering 6 Mile Creek. Food at the restaurant was at one time outstanding, but currently would rate at good. It is well worth a stop, in our opinion.
      Glen Moore
      DeFever 40 Last Dance

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palmo Cove and Six Miles Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, In Satellite Photo (“Hybrid”) Mode, Zoomed To the Location of the Crab Shack on Six Mile Creek

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    • Nov 8, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      “Shakedown” at Green Cove Springs City Dock ?, Green Cove Springs, FL

      Green Cove Springs City Dock is on the St. Johns River between Jacksonville and Palatka. This facility should NOT be confused with Green Cove Springs Marina, which sits a bit farther upstream, in the heart of the old Navy Base.
      As for Capt. Hoskins’ experience described below, we can’t be really sure this is a shakedown or a miscommunication, since Green Cove Spring’s municipal website, as well as a confirming phone call made by the SSECN to City Hall, lists charges only for overnight stays. See below. Accordingly, Capt. Hoskins should NOT have been charged for daytime use without electric or water.

      This is an excerpt from the Green Cove Springs website which clearly states that: “There is no fee if a boat stays all day and uses no electric and/or water”.

      The City Pier provides a gateway to the City of Green Cove Springs by way of the St. Johns River. The pier provides a centrally located covered pavillion with handrails that are handicap accessible. The 12 floating finger boat slips allow visitors to dock and explore the City of Green Cove Springs.
      Boat Slip Information:

      $10.00 – Overnight Stay
      $10.00 – Use of Electric and/or Water

      Maximum stay is 48 hours. If a boat stays overnight and uses no electric and/or water the fee will be $10.00 per day. If a boat stays overnight and also uses the electric and/or water the fee is $20.00 per day. There is no fee if a boat stays all day and uses no electric and/or water. Overnight fees are based upon use from after dusk and until dawn.

      http://www.greencovesprings.com Go to “Parks and Recreation”, then to “City Pier”

      Cruising News:
      Chief of police in Green Cove Springs,Fl. and his officers are demanding 10.00 daily dock fee for dinghy or boat if they think you are a live aboard even though signs are posted for overnight and utility usage only. Today I complained to city manager and am awaiting news of actual statute or “resolution” pertaining to this now old shakedown tactic for money that is not posted on any sign at the dock. It happens that the police station is in Spring Park right near the docks so they keep an eye out for potential “victims”. Beware…
      Alan Hoskins

      It seems that I am caught up in a discriminatory battle between the city of Green Cove Springs and its corporate statute enforcers and the live-aboards who have remained at anchor off the city in the St. Johns River in the quaint cove to the south of the city public docks for a period deemed `too long’ by the powers that claim to be. I have been denied use of a public dock for the reason stated above unless I pay a fee that is not required by the general public and that is designed to force me to comply or leave the area which feels and seems to be the case. This is clearly a case of the NIMBY syndrome (not in my backyard) that is causing Fl. to enforce statutes that are not even on the books. We as a species are devolving not evolving and are acting as territorial baboons fighting for existence! Folks when you buy a box on the waterfront and hook it up to the grid and dull your mind in front of the boob tube, try to remember that you only bought the box, you did not buy the view out of your window because I am in it and I am not for sale! Best Regards’¦../)’¦’¦
      Alan Hoskins

      Click Here To Read More Information about Green Cove Springs City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Green Cove Springs City Dock

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. David Burnham -  November 27, 2016 - 12:23 pm

        Damage to the floating docks on the Green Cove Springs City Dock has closed this access to the city until further notice. At least until repairs have returned the floating docks to a useable condition. There is no date specified when work will commence or be completed. However, NO TRESSPASSING signs ARE posted. There is a locked gate across the middle of the pier preventing access to the shore from the floating docks.

        Reply to David
    • Nov 6, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      An Enthusiastic Thumbs Up for Hinkley Yacht Services, Thunderbolt, Georgia (just outside Savannah, GA, St. M. 583)

      Having just returned from a personal research visit to Hinkley Yacht Services on 11/2/12, I agree with Captain Day’s description. This truly seems like a quality operation!
      The Savannah/Thunderbort version of the venerable Hinkley Yacht Services overlooks the Waterways’ western banks, immediately north of the Thunderbolt high-rise bridge.

      In September 2011 we hauled our 34 year old, 44FT. Thompson Trawler, LILY MARIA at the Chesapeake Marine Railway, Deltaville, VA { Contact:J. Farinholt. {804}776 8833 } for serious bottom work.High pressure water utilizing a special nozzle removed old paint.Voids and dings filled, sanded and two coats of West Marine Premium Gold ablative anti fouling applied. This was our second visit to Chesapeake Marine Railway and have always been pleased with there work and consideration to customer needs. Good people!.
      In May 2012 we short hauled for an insurance survey and seemingly the overly enthusiastic pressure wash removed most of the still active ablative paint.Four months in Georgias fast flowing, nutrient rich rivers found LILY MARIAs bottom reminiscent of a tropical rain forest, with abundant slime, weed and small barnacles. A marine biologists delight , a skippers horror show!!.
      What to do?.Haul in Geogia or wait until we returned to Marathon for the winter?. Greatly reduced speed, slugish manouvering and no doubt increased fuel consumption favored Georgia.
      By telephone we contacted 7 reputable boat yards including 2 in Florida where we had hauled in prevous years for quotations. For a fair comparison we reduced each quote to a $ per foot cost. The quotation from Hinkley Yacht Services in Thunderbolt GA came right in the middle of our tabulation. After several discussions with Gebel Seese , Hinkley Service Manager, {Contact: {912} 629 2400 } it became apparent to us that Hinkley offerred the best possible value consistent with top quality materials and skilled labor.
      We found the Sea Hawk web site informative and following Gebel Seese advise we specified Sea Hawk, Tropikote, based on proven longevity and effectiveness of anti fouling properties. Further, via Sea Hawks appointed applicators a written guarrantee is issued which appealed to Jean and I.
      Haul out day saw LILY MARIA in the slings for a full 8 hours while she was scraped,pressure washed and lightly sanded. Of special note,the running gear and scoops were restored to bare metal by the addition of a small amount of silicone sand added to the pressure wash water.This coupled with the extensive work undertaken the prevous year at the Chesapeake Marine Railway has restored the bottom of LILY MARIA to a clean fair surface. As one interested bystander said “Your 35 year old boat now has the bottom of a 4 year old”. We especially appreciated the care and hard work in prepping the bottom on which the finished job would depend.
      Metal primed, 2 coats of Tropikote applied with 3 on the waterline and LILY MARIA was ready to be launched within 5 working days.
      Durring the haul out we lived aboard with minimal inconveience. Hinkley provides good clean shoreside facilities adjascent to the work area. The work areas are tidy, well organized and the work scheduled so the job progresses without interruption.
      The labor force,many of whom worked at the old Palmer Johnson yard, are experienced, skilled craftsmen and proud to carry on the the quality work that Hinkley is renowned for. This full service yard maintains many boats that are not Hinkley built and despite there insistance on customer service and quality there priceing is most competitive.Hinkley is not a do it your self yard.
      We are extremly satisfied with our Hinkley experience which was beyond our expectations. The job was completed on time, within budget and to a high standard. On the run south we have noted at least a 1.25 increse in speed at cruising RPM plus resultant fuel savings.
      Jean sums it up best of all by saying “the only problem I see with Hinkley is that we now have no choice but to return for all future haul outs!!
      Colin Day
      Jean Henderson

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hinkley Yacht Services

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hinkley Yacht Services

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    • Nov 1, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Focus Your Binoculars and Cameras on Seabirds

      This message comes to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net from our strategic partners, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, founders and principals of On-The-Water ChartGuides. Please join with Diana, and participate in this most worthwhile project!

      I’d like to encourage any cruisers who are interested in birds or wildlife to participate in the “SeaBC Sea Bird Count” this November, December or January. Participation is easy: simply tally or photograph the birds you see during an hour watch on a coastal transit or offshore passage.
      This citizen science project, in its second year, is organized by a group of nine cruisers from around the world, including Wendy Clarke, Diana Doyle, Brenda Free, Yvonne Katchor, Beth Leonard, Katharine Lowrie, Devi Sharp, Jeanne Socrates, and Dorothy Wadlow.
      Last year’s inaugural count spanned 100º of latitude, from Maine to Antarctica. The Caribbean 1500, Baja Ha-Ha, Salty Dog Rally, and ARC are all encouraging their boats to participate.
      If you are a novice seabirder, you can still make a huge contribution by taking digital photos of any seabirds you see trailing alongside your boat and then noting the lat/long. The birding-aboard community at Facebook.com/Birding.Aboard will help you identify and report the species when you make landfall.
      Your sightings matter! There aren’t many scientists who have the time and resources to log the sea miles you do. All data goes to Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird database (http://www.ebird.org), where it becomes a resource for
      scientists and citizens worldwide.
      An instruction and tally sheet (under SeaBC/Resources) and additional information is available on the community page at http://www.Facebook.com/Birding.Aboard or by emailing organizer Diana Doyle at Diana BirdingAboard com.
      Please join the count in any way you can and contribute much-needed information about pelagic birds!
      Diana Doyle
      m/v Semi-Local
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

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    • Oct 30, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Key West Anchoring WILL Be Allowed Around Christmas Tree (Wisteria) Island and West of Fleming Key

      In an earlier, now corrected, story here on the Cruisers’ Net (see /?p=96458), we opined that under the new, now approved Monroe County Anchoring plan (part of the Florida Keys’s participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field program) anchoring around Key West’s Christmas Tree Island (charted as “Wisteria Island”) and on the waters west of Fleming Key was prohibited. That is the way we and others read these regulations.
      However, just a few days ago, we received the following inquiry from Captain RMW:

      I think your statement that anchorages won’t be allowed around Christmas tree Island and Fleming Key is incorrect and you need to modify it. It frightened me before I did more research on my own. I think these are considered `unmanaged mooring fields’ by the gov’t. Without those anchorages, there would be NO place for cruisers to anchor while visiting Key West. However, there is no `managed mooring field’ west of Fleming Key, so I assume there is no exclusionary `buffer zone’ there, which only applies to `managed mooring fields’. The only `managed mooring field’ in Key West is at Garrison Bight in the Seaplane basin, on the east side of Fleming Key. The way I read the rules would apply to Key West, is that the `buffer zone’ would apply to the Seaplane basin, around the mooring field at Garrison Bight. That would make more sense, the water is shallow, and in the places where it is not, has poor purchase for anchors. Your article is suggesting that all of the anchorages around Key West would be eliminated. There seems to be no such plan in the works, as far as I can tell. Please clarify.
      RMW

      Well, that really sounded hopeful. We are GLAD to acknowledge mistaken interpretations, particularly when the correct take is beneficial to the cruising community. So, we got in touch with Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, our very special Florida Keys correspondent, and the founder of BARR (Boaters’ Anchoring Rights and Responsibilities, and asked her to look further into this matter. Here is her response:

      The guy is correct in his statement that anchoring will be allowed off Wisteria (Christmas Tree Island) and Fleming Key. You may be thinking about the prior plans to put moorings off Wisteria, and making the entire west side of Fleming Key a sanctuary area for marine life–thus barring anchoring. That whole proposal got scrapped when the ownership of Christmas Tree Island became questionable. It appears the US Navy owns it.
      Thought for a minute about what the problem was as far as confusion with KW and anchorages. The entire area basically comes under the “managed anchoring” zone category which means you can anchor there but are subject to the rules and regs as established by the Pilot Program. No time limits or anything just pumping out and commonsense stuff. The only place that is different is on the east side of Fleming Key where the mooring field is…that is now a NO ANCHORAGE buffer zone. It’s a small area and very open to rough water. Most cruisers do not use it.
      Charmaine

      And, more input from Captain RMW:

      I just called the FWC yesterday and the man I spoke with there (I was connected to someone with knowledge on the topic of mooring) confirmed what I wrote to you previously. The areas west of Fleming Key are considered “managed anchorages” and will be checked for compliance with the regulations as such. That does not mean that you can’t anchor there. The man acknowledged that people live on board boats in Key West, and for many, he said, it’s “affordable housing”. The area in the seaplane basin (east of Fleming) around the city mooring field is the “buffer zone” around the “managed mooring field”, and that is where anchorages are not allowed.
      As far as Key West is concerned, I don’t see any problem with these rules – they are just putting teeth into rules that were always there.
      I think it’s a good thing – who wants sewage and derelict projectiles around their bedroom? Also I think there are allowances for composting toilets, etc.
      One more thing, when I asked him if additional funds were allocated for enforcement, he said there are no additional personnel.
      R.M. Walter

      So, it would appear that even under the new Monroe County anchoring plan, anchoring will be allowed around Christmas Tree/Wisteria Island and east of Fleming Key. HAPPY DAYS! We were never so happy to be proved wrong!

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Northwesterly Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fleming Key/Man of War Harbor Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key West’s Anchorages

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