For several years now, there’s been a concern about MLW depths on the Hawk Channel side of the Snake Creek Channel. (See /?p=105412) The shallow water is a real problem, as Snake Creek is the only really reliable route for cruising sized craft to cruise from the Florida Keys Inside Route to Hawk Channel, or the other way around, between Angelfish Creek and Channel Five. Captain Robinson’s observations confirm that shallow depths reported earlier are still present.
Went out with a handheld depthsounder yesterday Oct. 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm, one hour before low tide and measured 4.5′ on the hawk channel side just before the channel where the chart reads 4′. Measured 6′ on the bayside next to each of the red markers at 3:30 PM. Jules Robinson
Snake Creek has been this shallow for years. Any sailing cruisers should be using Channel Five and never attempt Snake Creek. Jim
It is with more sadness that I can possibly express in words that I must inform the cruising community that my faithful, first-rate, first-mate Karen Ann Williams Young passed away in my arms this morning (Saturday, October 12, 2013) at 6:45 am, after a five year, courageous battle with never smoker’s lung cancer.
Karen will be mourned and missed by her loving family and many friends, as well as many members of the cruising community. There is now a hole in our hearts which will never be filled, and her like will not be seen on this earth again!
In her battle with lung cancer, Karen set the bar incredibly high for the rest of us. She endured over sixty chemotherapy treatments, including three clinical trials, two rounds of radiation therapy and three brain radio-surgeries. Through all of this, she kept her spirits high, and always tried to live her life one day at a time, and get the most out of every day possible! She never forgot her family and friends, and always thought of their needs first.
Karen was devoted to all her animals, including Tiger, George and Martha Washington, Annie, Lucky and Shadow, Sonny, Midnight and Snowball. She was an ardent supporter of the Alamance County Humane Society, the American Humane Society and volunteered at the Burlington Animal Adoption Center.
Karen loved life and loved to travel, and was always ready for a new adventure. She loved to cruise with me, and was the best first-rate, first-mate and navigator that could possibly be imagined. She helped me explore almost every nook and cranny of the Southeastern coastline during the last thirty years.
Karen was an avid gardener, and loved working in her garden. Her heart showed in everything she grew!
There have been so many members of the cruising community who have sent us words and notes of sympathy and understanding during this long battle. I cannot thank each of you individually, but please know that every word, every thought and every prayer will be remembered always.
I am going to need some time to get myself back together again, and to say goodbye to the dearest partner that any man has ever been lucky enough to have by his side. Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, will be running the SSECN ship for awhile, but I will return. Karen and I discussed this frequently before she passed away, and she made me promise to keep the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net dream alive!!! I will honor that promise, but, right now, I just need a little time and space.
And so passes the dearest love of my life, and one of most wonderful people who ever walked this green earth. Goodbye Karen! You will never be forgotten!
Note: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Alamance ‘“ Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215
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Comments from Cruisers (44)
Rob and Dee Dubin- October 22, 2013 - 11:37 am
So sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. Though we never met your wife I still remember how you spoke so fondly of her when we sailed together.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just heard and am so sorry to have missed giving you condolences in person. I remember meeting Karen when you were first a couple engaged, going to your first house together, visiting her basket creation store, seeing her at the bank. Every time I ever saw Karen I have always thought what a lovely and kind person she was. I know how close you both were and I know how you must be grieving for your soul mate. You have so many wonderful memories together. I pray that they bring you peace and healing. Cathy DeWitt
Our hearts and our sympathies go out to you at this difficult time. Thanks goodness you had those thirty years of cruising together. Hopefully those wonderful memories will help to sustain you. We thank you both for all that you have done for the cruisng community. D and Don Wogaman of SV SOUTHERN CROSS
Claiborne: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Karen. Our paths do not cross often, but when they do I always speak about my friend Claiborne. Please call on me if you should need anything. With sympathy, Mark Podolle
We were sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. We did not know her, but she certainly made many friends during her short life. Please take care of yourself and we look forward to reading all your observations in the future. Rick and Donna Cass
Clairborne, We are so sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You and your wife had been an inspiration to us since we started cruising. May all your memories always keep her close and help comfort you at this time. Greg and Donna Lady in Red
My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Claiborne. My mother passed on Oct. 12, 2002, with my husband and me by her side. As hard as it was for me as a daughter, the pain of losing a spouse must be indescribable. May God hold you in His arms, as the cruising community holds you in their hearts. Karen will be with you always, and as you heal, you will see her signs. Carolyn Frazier Double Dragon
Claiborne, Ginger and I were so saddened by the news of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we will continue to follow the Cruisers Net as we prepare to head south on Ginger’s Mercedes again. Jake Smith
Clairborne: It is with heartfelt sadness we read about the loss of Karen. She fought a good fight during her illness. Having you at her side through it all was the greatest support she could receive. Our sincere condolences at this time and heartfelt prayers. Bob & Helen M/Y ALLEZ!
Marie and I send our condolences to Claiborne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We only had a chance to meet you and Karen once, but though of you each time we read your columns and Salty Southeast. Regards, Bob and Marie Austin
Our sincere sympathy, may God Bless you during this sad time. You and Karen have inspired us to follow our cruising dreams. Peace be with you. Pat & Gail s/v Cynthia Gale
Dave and Connie Boxmeyer- October 13, 2013 - 8:54 am
Claiborne, we are so sad to hear about your loss. Having just lost our son to cancer, we can feel your pain. I’m told that the pain will diminish with time; while hopefully the memories of all the happy times will remain. We will say a prayer for both of you.
Dear Claiborne: Although we have only met a couple of times at SSCA Gams, I wanted to write and send our condolences and prayers with the loss of your wife and dear partner, Karen. Peace to you! Ginny and Jacques Filiatrault
Claiborne, we are so sorry for your loss. Sitting here at Cabbage Cay, one of your favorite sites in Western Florida, we will be thinking of you. Richard & Karen Williams
Claiborne – Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers now and the days ahead. God bless you and all who Karen touched in her life. Paula Sue and Todd
I too lost my wife to cancer ten years ago, so I know what you are going through. I miss her every day. All my prayers to you and your family at this very sad time.
Claiborne, what a flotilla is greeting Karen now beyond our horizon! You know how boaters love to celebrate when someone we know and love comes into our anchorage. You are in the thoughts and prayers of so many friends, many of whom you’ve never met, but all of whom treasure the work that you and Karen have done. Call on this great community of friends for support; we’ll be there for you. Julie Stocksdale
Ann and Bob are so sad of your loss! Your site has been our guardian during our coastal cruising. We offer our sincere condolences and hope that Providence will give you the strength. Our prayers are with you and your family! Ann and Bob s/v Jule III
Claiborne, our sympathies and prayers are with you. You take all the time you need. Remember she is still with you in spirit and in the many memories you shared with her. Susan & Elden
From me and all of your friends at tbe Seven Seas Cruising Association I offer heartfelt condolences. May her memory always be for a blessing. Judi Mkam
Oh my. How sad and tragic this news is to me Clairborne. Her pain is gone now and yours is acute but will recede to a dull ache over time with someone so loved missing from your life. You’ve written a lovely memorial to all she meant to you and others and those memories will comfort you in the days and years ahead. Take all the time you need…then come back to the community that will miss you while you are gone. May Karen rest in peace. George Barr
What can we say Claiborne. We are so sorry to hear this. We can only hope and pray that she is in a better place and will not have to suffer any longer. Chuck and Susan
Wow, this is the kind of message that we all live for around here. THANKS to Captain Jon Parmet for taking the time to share such wonderful words!!!! The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net “bunch’ wishes him good luck and good cruising!
I just wanted to say thanks for the hard work in keeping such a valuable website up and going; there is nothing else out there that compares. Fair Winds & Following Seas, Captain Jon Parmet http://www.YachtCaptain.us http://www.LearnToBoat.net USCG 200T w/ STCW95′ US Coast Guard Veteran PADI Advanced Open Water
Our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report below, relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the AICW/New River Inlet/New River intersection on 9/03/13. Note that the Doyle’s soundings were taken near low tide, so you must only subtract .3 feet from the depths portrayed on the Doyle’s graphic, to discover MLW soundings. Despite some earlier reports of shoaling, Captains Mark and Diana, as you will see below, discovered nothing less than 8 foot MLW soundings at along this perennial AICW Problem Stretch. Incidentally, Diana and Mark have just published a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place an order!
Hi Claiborne, Diana and I are continuing our survey reports with depth-annotated tracks for ICW Trouble Spots. This one is for the ICW and New River Inlet intersection. Good water this season along this ICW Trouble Spot with depths ABOVE 8 FEET MLLW. Hopefully, SSECN readers transiting the area will find these reports useful. Best, Captains Mark & Diana Doyle m/v Semi-Local www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
We think all of you computer savvy folks (note that we didn’t say “nerds”) will appreciate this website that has webcam still shots of St. Lucie Inlet and Manatee Pocket. http://www.stlucieinlet.com/ A spokesperson for the webpage relates that they have been having some problems with the website and with the cameras, including an irregular updating of the webcam pictures. They hope to have all issues resolved soon and can post a schedule of picture updating. Note: checked the website today, 10/16/2013, and it seems to be updating the photos properly.
For years now, a debate has raged here on the SSECN, and virtually EVERY other nautical web site and forum, about the so-called “Magenta Line” which appears on NOAA charts covering the various Southeastern USA waterways (and probably in other USA regions as well). The “magenta line” is SUPPOSED to show the best path to take, in order to keep to the best depths. HOWEVER, as many have pointed out, that is NOT always the case. In fact, sometimes, following the magenta line can leave your vessel high and dry! Now, apparently due more to budgetary considerations than complaints that the “magenta line” does not (at least in places) properly portray the correct channel, NOAA is considering dumping this chart feature entirely. NOAA is asking for comment and input from the cruising community concerning this deletion. See linked article below for URL’s and e-mail addresses where your point of view can be recorded. Our thanks to Captain Quinn for sending us the latest official bulletins from the Department of Commerce re the status of the Magenta Line. And our thanks to Captain Jim Healy for first passing along this question from the SW Florida district of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. All boaters should respond to Federal sources given below, or to Mr. Michael Henderson, S. Florida and Caribbean Navigation Manager, OCS, at southflorida.navigation@noaa.gov. And, by the way, this proposed deletion has brought a FLOOD of comment from the cruising community, both on the SSECN, and on other nautical web sites and forums. Follow this link for LOTS MORE information on this subject, and a sampling of cruising community reaction and input:
Latest NOAA Chart 11472 Showing New Marina Entrance Channel
Fort Pierce City Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) has been undergoing a massive improvement project for many months now. In an interview conducted by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with our good friend, and Fort Pierce City Harbormaster, Captain Dean Kubitschek, on 10/1/13, we learned this undertaking is almost finished. While there are still a few “punch list” tasks to perform, the many construction barges and cranes have largely departed the scene, and all will be gone, and the artificial island building project fully complete, within a week. Among many other improvements, a series of artificial barrier islands have been constructed east of the marina dockage complex (see photo below). These isles will act as a wave break during foul weather, and will be a huge improvement over the old, open to wind and wave, arrangement. Next, the Fort Pierce entrance channel has now been dredged to a minimum MLW depth of 7.5 feet, with typical MLW soundings of 8.75 feet. That’s really GOOD news for skippers who pilot vessels drawing 6 to 6 1/2 feet. And, the channel is now newly marked and FINALLY correctly charted, providing much easier access to this first-class facility! Throughout this entire renovation project, transient wet slip space has been available, and THAT IS STILL VERY MUCH THE CASE! Fort Pierce City Marina is looking to welcome a host of visiting cruisers as the fall, 2013 transient season progresses!
New Fort Pierce City Marina Barrier Islands
Two other improvements well worth noting are upgraded Wi-Fi internet access throughout the harbor, and seriously upgraded men’s bathrooms, complete with NEW, climate controlled showers. The women’s facilities, which were in much better shape originally, will be improved within the next several months! Next up, construction of new floating docks will begin in February, 2014, with construction being complete in approximately 14 months.This will allow Fort Pierce City Marina to accommodate any size vessel. About the only less than positive news is that the marina’s fuel tanks are in the process of being replaced, and neither gasoline nor diesel fuel is currently available. This situation will be resolved within the next six weeks, and skippers can once again fill their hungry tanks at the Fort Pierce City Marina fuel dock.
The renovations and improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina are a clear case of the best just getting better. Going back to the days when I wrote my paper, “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida,” we have noted time and time again that never will you find a better managed municipal marina that the Fort Pierce operation. May we be so bold as to strongly suggest that all cruisers heading south for this fall and winter cruising season give their highest priority to a Fort Pierce City Marina visit! You won’t be sorry!
Cruising Up the Sampit River To the Georgetown Waterfront
Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season A Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Editorial And Guide by Claiborne S. Young
By now, just about everyone has heard about the tragic fire which destroyed seven buildings in the “700 block” of downtown Georgetown, South Carolina on 9/25/13. The loss caused by the fire to this historic, waterside community is not inconsiderable, BUT there are still innumerable attractions unaffected by the conflagration, and cruisers WILL want to be sure to make Georgetown one of their ports of call during the fall, 2013 cruising season, and thereafter. This editorial’s purpose is to briefly outline some of the reasons that cruisers do NOT want to bypass Georgetown. And, over and above taking advantage of all the many attractions and services outlined below, let’s all spend some time here, and do our part to help this friendly community recover!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will publish a separate article concerning the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show in a few days, but for now, let’s do note that THIS EVENT WILL STILL TAKE PLACE, on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 11 AM ‘“ 6 PM. Lots more information can be obtained concerning this truly fun festival at https://woodenboatshow.com/.
Smokehouse Bay is a very popular southwestern Florida anchorage that sits in the heart of northern Marco Island. Access is gained by way of a marked channel which breaks off from the main Marco Island to Naples unofficial waterway channel, just east of Capri Pass, and runs southwest and then southeast across Collier Bay. Smokehouse Bay also hosts Esplanade Marina on its southeastern shores. Transient dockage is available at Esplanade Marina. Back on 4/20/12, we reported, by way of a message received from Captain Noel, that Esplanade Marina would no longer allow dinghy dockage at their piers, unless those who came ashore were strictly there to patronize the shops and restaurants of the Esplande (see /?p=86219). As part of this same posting, we appended a lengthy message from Esplanade Marina dockmaster, Captain Kris Greenough, explaining his facility’s policy, and stating that this prohibition was not a new thing. Then, early in 2013, we received a message from SAMI (Sailing Association of Marco Island) member, and a good friend of this writer and the SSECN, Captain Lee Oldershaw, to the effect that the restrictions on dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina had been lifted. Then, a short time later, a second note arrived informing us that this situation was not yet resolved. On 9/20/13, we received an e-mail from Dockmaster Greenough, stating that Captain Oldershaw’s postings on our site were now dated and inaccurate. This led us to investigate the situation, and we agree that the two earlier postings concerning dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina are now dated, and, for this reason only, we have removed them from the SSECN. There is far more to this story, however. According to multiple sources on Marco Island, this controversy began when another SAMI member, Captain Herman Diebler, discovered that in the original permit granted for the building of the Esplanade complex, a provision was included that required the marina associated with this property to provide dinghy dockage for anyone wishing to come ashore to Marco Island. SAMI brought this matter to the city government of Marco Island’s attention, and communication was made with the parent company that owns the Esplanade complex. We are told that they originally agreed to lift the “Esplanade only” restriction for dinghy dockage, and that was the source of the first message we received and posted from Captain Oldershaw. Then, we are again told, the Esplanade condo owners association and marina association stepped into the picture, and objected to a dinghy dockage policy that would accommodate all cruisers who wished to come ashore. And so, “the signs stayed up” and dinghy dockage remained available only for those patrons of the Esplanade. Far more recently, a meeting took place between the Marco Island city government, and the attorney representing the Esplanade condo and marina associations. We are told that the results of this meeting were far from conclusive, and that the situation regarding open dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina remains “fluid,” and the “waters have been muddied.” The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will continue to follow this situation and bring you news of developments as they occur. For the moment, though, cruisers anchoring on Smokehouse Bay should not expect to find dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina, unless their shoreside activities are confined to the Esplanade Complex!
Red Square Denotes the Location of Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne's Gut
Those of you who have been following the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net know we published a major article/editorial last week (on 9/19/13), verifying the polices in place for the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut. Partly due to all the discussion raised around this posting, and the negative reviews which appeared on OTHER, non-moderated nautical web sites and forums, and partly due to the happy news that Belhaven has now completed a SECOND town dock, the decision has been made to completely revise the dockage pricing, and clearly set forth maximum stay limits, for both Town Docks. This posting completely supercedes our SSECN article of 9/19/13, and that story has been discontinued. First, the bad news. There are no more free overnight stays allowed at the original Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut. Instead, as you will see below in the note from Captain Les Porter, dockage at this facility now costs $1.00 per foot, per night, with an additional charge of $5.00 per night for a single 30 amp power hookup. A maximum stay of 72 hours is allowed. The Wynne’s Gut dock has the advantage of being located in the heart of downtown Belhaven, with its several restaurants only a few steps away.
Red Square Denotes the Location of Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
The new Belhaven town dock, which shall hereafter be referred to as the “Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock” is located farther upstream on Pantego Creek, a short hop from marker #12. Overnight dockage at this new facility is currently free, with a maximum stay of 72 hours allowed. Berths here are composed of finger-pier type piers, set onto a fixed wooden dock. No power or water connections are yet available, though the town of Belhaven hopes to add these services soon. Cruisers should also know that it is a 5 block walk into downtown Belhaven, from the Cooperage Dock. This is still very do-able, but not as convenient as the Wynne’s Gut dock. We are honored that the town of Belhaven has chosen the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net as the FIRST means of relaying their new dockage policy to the cruising community!
Hey Claiborne, The town manager and I have reviewed the recent concerns from the skippers with the early check out times (9am-11am) and the short length of stay allowed for free at the Wynne’s Gut town docks. In an effort to allow a longer stay and a later check out time we have moved our free dock location to the newly constructed Cooperage Town docks and have changed our policies to the following: Our Belhaven Town docks at the Wynne’s Gut location on Pantego Creek are now rented at a daily rate of $1.00 per foot, per night with a maximum stay of three nights. Electrical is $5.00 for a single 30 amp hook up and water is available. Registration is required upon arrival and the check out time is 11:00am. Dockage is along side with tall pilings and the controlling depth is 6 feet. The docks are located just 100 yards past the green number 9 day marker and on the North shore in Wynne’s Gut. Our Belhaven Town free docks are now located at the Cooperage landing on Pantego Creek just past the red number 12 day marker and 100 yards to the north shore. This site has newly constructed fixed docks with slips having finger piers and pilings, no water and no electrical. Controlling depth is 7 feet. The docks are available on a first come first serve basis with a maximum stay of 72 hours. Thank you for all your help Claiborne, Les
I am sorry to report that, after a telephone conversation with a reliable, local source in Belhaven, Captain Styon’s description below of the Belhaven “Cooperage Town Dock” is accurate. Cruisers will want to take all these unfortunate characteristics in mind before deciding to coil their lines here.
I rode to Belhaven by car last Wednesday to check out the docks, as we were planning a trip and this was on our list of stops. Boy am I glad I did! There are no free docks down town. They are as you said 1.00 per foot plus power. The free docks are a long way from town. I have hard time calling these town docks. They are up a path I wouldn’t think about walking at night. The docks were completely covered with sea gull poop! No lights. I can not imagine someone staying at these docks. I would feel munch safer anchored. Our new plan is skip Belhaven. Danny Styons
WOW! People actually complaining about not getting a free dock?? Has anyone tried to get a permit for a dock lately? And why threaten to skip these small towns and not help them pay for the upkeep of their docks. Will you be happy when no shoreside facilities are available to us transients. Jim
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