Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Dec 30, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Sears Landing Restaurant – A REAL FIND!, Surf City, NC, AICW Statute Mile 260.5

Surf City Bridcge - Click for Chartview
Because Sears Landing is not a marina, this restaurant with transient dockage will not be found in our NC Marina Directory, so we are very grateful to the Captain Tigar for bringing this spot to our attention. It certainly sounds YUMMY.
Cruising News:
Heading South on the ICW, just before the Surf City bridge, turn right and make your way in about 120 yards to Sears Landing. This is a restaurant with some overnight dock space. At low tide, you may have less than 5 ft. depth, but the floating docks are nice, a long garden hose gives water even in winter (regular faucets in warmer weather), there are power outlets, and the food is superb. Heads may not be available late night after the restaurant closes — this is a restaurant not a marina. For 11 years, this establishment has been here and gets by without advertising its attractions. Try the grilled or fried seafood, and for a wickedly delicious treat, try the island rolls.
Michael and Jane Tigar
Sears landing is an excellent restaurant and the four slips there, while adequate, are a bit pricey for what they offer. I spent 3 days in Surf City a month ago riding out some terrible weather while headed south. We couldn’t get in the Sears Landing channel (in fairness, it was dead low tide and we draw 4 ft) so we took the channel opposite, also just north of the bridge. The former docks at the south end of this channel are cordoned off with cable stretched across, this because of a foreclosure and resulting liability issues. However, we were fortunate to find a dozen or so slips at the [former] Beachhouse Marina dry storage facility that were available for reasonable price ($1.25/ft) and with full amenities. No water (winter, again) but everything else ‘” clean 24 hr heads, 30 amps, laundry room, WiFi in the lounge, floating docks, supermarket via courtesy vehicle, accommodating and helpful personnel. Despite some storefronts in Surf City looking like a movie set for a spaghetti western, we found the town to have remarkable amenities with excellent restaurants, decent stores for basics (aimed more to the fishing crowd, though), and all within easy walking distance. Sears Landing is a short way across the ICW bridge and I’ll second Captain Jane’s comments about their offerings ‘“ top notch food and service! In all, Surf City is a good stop in a stretch of the waterway where such places are not often to be found. Sadly, as we reported in May of 2012, Beach House Marina has closed (see link below).
Andy Denmark
Click Here To View An Article on the closing of Beach House Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Surf City Bridge
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Dec 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply Is Moving
We just received this late breaking word from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply. PLEASE drop by after the first of the year, and visit these fine people in their new location. And, PLEASE, SUPPORT THEM, as we always ask, whenever possible, that you support all our SSECN sponsors!
Dear Claiborne
Mile Marker 0 Marine supply is moving to 607 High St. Portsmouth Virginia 23704. The phone number is still 757 673-4816.The email is still milemarker0@cox.net. We are still doing the same programs for all of the mariners and look forward to them coming to see us this year. Please come and visit us at our new location January 1,2013 Please let all of the members know.
Thank you for all your help
Bob McBride
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Dec 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Edenton, North Carolina Slated to Hold 300th Anniversary Celebration Cruiser Rally 5/6/13 to 5/12/13
As part of its 300’th Anniversary, the charming and historic town of Edenton, North Carolina, our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is planning on a HUGE event to welcome the cruising community during the first part of May, 2013. PLEASE take a good look below at all the details already in place! We will bring you more information as soon as it becomes available.
Notice the FREE dockage at the city marina (during the week of 5/6/13 to 5/12/13 ONLY!), and the anticipated water taxi if the marina becomes full, and some vessels need to anchor off the town waterfront! Coupled the with this community’s many historic and striking homes and public buildings, CRUISERS HAVE MANY, MANY REASONS TO LEAVE THE COMFORTABLE CONFINES OF THE AICW AND CRUISE WEST ON ALBEMARLE SOUND TO THE EDENTON WATERFRONT! SEE YOU THERE!!!!
Claiborne,
Please see below information on the upcoming Cruiser Rally in celebration of Edenton’s 300th Anniversary that we hope you can be a part of and offer to cruisers you think would be interested:
We have established some parameters for the proposed Cruiser Rally at Edenton and done some tentative planning of a program to tempt some of the ICW cruisers heading North in the spring, to turn left and visit our historic and pretty little town.
Basically, we will throw the doors open between the 6th and the 12th of May 2013 to all visitors by water. We will offer free docking, free trolley tours, free guided tours, free shuttle bus to get to shops for all water borne visitors. There are only 9 docks at the town harbor that have electricity and water available, but overflow can tie up along the inside of the breakwater and we are planning a water taxi service if people elect to anchor in the bay.
As well as the land based activities that concentrate on the historic buildings of Edenton, there will also be kayaking available either using the town kayaks or cruisers own, to explore the creeks that extend on either side of the harbor. These could also be explored in dinks. We are exploring ways of having this as a water borne guided tour.
To help with the passage up to Edenton from the Alligator River, some of our members are planning a cook out in the Yeopim River and the Scuppernong River which effectively splits the journey in two. Cruisers could use these events as a prelude to arriving, but early arrivals could also attend as it is only a half day trip to either or both locations. Dates and further details on these events will be coming soon.
The plan is to have the week act as the collection time for the cruisers then at the weekend have a reception and welcome hosted by the Edenton Yacht Club on the Friday evening, followed on Saturday evening by a presentation by some speakers. We are hoping that you will be persuaded to talk about the various opportunities for exploration around the west end of the Albemarle Sound. In the hope that this will give the cruisers that have made the trip up, something to go and look at before they leave on the way back.
There will be slips available at the Edenton Marina too, but they are somewhat removed from downtown and it would probably be better from a social point of view to anchor off and be part of the action rather than be round the corner and a bit out of it.
Information about Edenton and the 300th celebration can be accessed on their web site, www.visitedenton.com The local marinas can be checked out at http://marinas.com/browse/marina/US/NC/1/E
If you could let your members know that this event is going to happen and get them to pencil in attending that would be much appreciated. I will forward more detailed information as we get closer to the time and it would be nice from an organization point of view if we could get potential visitors to register in some way so that we know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
I had thought that if we pin down the dates and locations of the feeder events in the new year, then we could ask for a commitment, always realizing that stuff happens when on the water and that nothing is cast in stone. But a general idea would be a great help.
Thank you for you help so far. Please feel free to advise and guide us in providing the information needed to attract a substantial crowd to make the trip up the sound to see us. We know that they will find it worthwhile, what do we have to do to make them realize it?
Best regards,
Brian FitzSimons and Nancy Nicholls
Edenton Yacht Club and Chowan County TDA
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Marina)
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor
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Dec 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments 33.0789,-79.469999
IMPORTANT – Serious Shoaling on Jeremy Creek – McClellanville, SC (Statute Mile 430)

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Our contact at the US Army Corps of Engineers has just forwarded copies of an official USACOE survey of depths on Jeremy Creek taken 11/19/12. Take a look at the first three lines of soundings north of the stream’s mouth, in the enlargement of the survey below. You will quickly see why we have designated this posting as “Important” and have set an SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters.
All depths shown on this survey are corrected for Mean Low Water. So, a quick glance will show you that, at low tide, you might be cruising through as little as 2.0 to 2.6 feet depths, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHANNEL! Fortunately, channel depths improve farther upstream.
However, until and if dredging can be accomplished on the southern portion of Jeremy Creek, entrance and exit at times near low water will be relegated strictly to shallow draft vessels!
Now, why is this such a big deal. Well, Jeremy Creek provides the only water access to the charming village of McClellanville, South Carolina, and its recently improved marina, Leland Oil Company. The shoal depths at the entrance to Jeremy Creek are going to be a real obstacle to visiting both this marina and the adjoining community.
Fortunately, there is a 5.5 to 6 foot tidal range in this region, so most cruising craft will be able to navigate southern Jeremy Creek near the time of high tide. Of course, having to time your travel around the tides can be a major inconvenience to cruisers.
A telephone conversation with the dockmaster at Leland Marine on 12/28/12 confirmed the surveyed shallow depths, and we were told that deeper draft boats are indeed having to play the tides when entering and leaving. On the other hand, the dockmaster said he had accommodated several boats this fall season with 5-foot draft, but clearly, these vessels did not arrive or leave at low water.
The dockmaster went on to say that everyone in McClellanville is hoping that the USACOE will dredge Jeremy Creek this year, but he has not heard of any definite plans to do so. Let’s hope this dredging happens soon!
In the meantime, ALL mariners bent on a visit to McClellanville and/or Leland Oil Company, NEED TO TAKE THIS INFORMATION INTO ACCOUNT!

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the southern section of Jeremy Creek
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Dec 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
A Word From the New Director of Marker One Marina (Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 142)
Captain Steve Arndt, author of the message below, and the new dockmaster at Marker One Marina, gained a superb reputation for his welcoming, can-do attitude towards all cruisers during his former directorship at Bay Point Marina in Panama City, Florida. With Captain Steve at the helm, we feel strongly that things will look up very quickly at Marker One.
Now you’ll be able to enjoy that same level of friendliness and service at a new location a few miles farther south! Marker 1 Marina, (http://www.marker1marina.com – my new home in Dunedin, FL) is located on the [Western Florida] ICW just north of Clearwater and is a wonderful stop along the Loop. With grocery stores, restaurants, banks and thrift stores just a few blocks away, you’ll find just about everything you need close by. Caladesi Island State Park (recently named the Best Beach in America) is just a short kayak or dingy ride away. Meanwhile the town of Dunedin is proud of their Scottish roots and has a diverse selection of bars, restaurants and shops that just beg to be explored. And with 300 feet of lay along transient dock, private showers and 24 hour security, your boat will feel right at home, too.
I look forward to sharing my new hometown with many of you in the coming years!
Thanks,
Steve Arndt
Director, Marker 1 Marina
Click Here To View the Westerb Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marker One Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker One Marina
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Dec 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
AICW Shoaling South of Fernandina Beach, FL Confirmed – Captains Mark and Diana Report (near St. M. 717.5)
For some time now, the SSECN has had a “Navigation Alert” posted for less than expected depths on the AICW, south of Fernandina Beach, Florida, near marker #18 (see /?p=32494). Now our stratigic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, originators and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, give some fresh evidence that this shoaling is for real, Pay particular attention to the screen shot that comes from their very nifty recording sounder!
Shoaling South of Mooring Field
Although we recorded depths of 13 to 15 feet throughout the mooring field (at 3.6 above MLLW), we encountered extensive shoaling along the magenta line in the channel area southbound of the mooring field. You can see on the accompanying screenshot’s depth-annotated track some 10- and 11-foot soundings (at 3.6 above MLLW) in two areas. These humps roughly translate to about 6 feet at MLLW. They come up fast and are a bit breath-taking, given the largely deeper surrounding water.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the AICW/Amelia River
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Dec 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Updates on Fernandina Beach Mooring Field – Captains Mark and Diana Report (St. M. 717)
The Fernandina Beach Mooring field lies almost directly west of the city marina, and within easy dinghy distance of the large dink dock at this facility. All the many dining, shopping and sightseeing attractions of downtown Fernandina Beach are within easy walking distance.
Thanks to our strategic partners, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, we can present updated information on these facilities below.

Moorings are inexpensive and convenient to town.
Here are [two] important updates and reminders on the Fernandina Beach, FL area (STM 716.9):
Payment in Person
Some sources mistakenly report that you need to dinghy ashore to pay the mooring fee. In our experience (two visits), this is not the case. If you don’t have a dinghy, or don’t feel like launching your dink, simply phone Fernandina Harbor Marina at 904-491-2090. You can provide your credit card information over the phone.
The rates have increased slightly, posted on their website as: $20/day for a mooring, $3/day for dinghy dockage, and $7/day for dinghy dockage with shower access. Weekly rates are available. More rate details ‘” including the marina’s tiered pricing for inside versus outside slips ‘” are here: http://www.fbfl.us/index.aspx?NID=102
Farmer’s Market
And while you’re in the area, don’t forget the Fernandina Beach Market Place. It’s a popular farmers’ market a short walk from the dinghy dock, gathering every Saturday from 0900-1300 hrs.
These moorings are great in mild conditions. When the wind howls against the tide it is a rough, rough ride. When the tide changes, we have seen boats using not very long bridles carried completely over the buoy pendant. I would not recommend leaving your boat unattended during tidal current shifts. That said, I we found pay by phone friendly and efficient.
Chris
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fernandina Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of
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Dec 26, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Great Account of Cruising Western Florida’s Big Bend Region, North to South
I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Get a dozen veteran cruisers together, put forward the question about the best way to cross Western Florida’s waterwayless “Big Bend” region, and you’ll get fourteen different opinions. For those not familiar with these waters, it’s basically a question of whether to cut the corner, if southbound, and head directly for Anclote Key or Clearwater (this often involves an overnight passage), or, staying well offshore, follow the Big Bend coastline around, with the opportunity to anchor or moor on one of the regional rivers. Almost all of these are naturally beautiful, but all have long, torturous, and sometimes shallow entrance channels from the open Gulf.
Captains Judith and Paul give one of the best arguments below I’ve heard in some time as to the good attributes of taking the Big Bend coastline route.
We opted to travel The Big Bend from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs. The distance is greater than the cross-Gulf trek, but well worth it. This area is of historical significance and is comprised of small/tiny fishing villages among marsh, cypress, fir, hardwoods, palm trees and alligators, not to mention dolphins and a myriad of sea/woods birds. Fishing is the name of the game here. There were large, deep draft boats in all the marinas, but one would have to watch the tides. This would be a much better trip if it were a bit earlier in the year before the northerlies arrive. The ubiquitous crab pots/fishing pots are easily seen and avoided
as long as the seas are 1-2′ and the sun is not in your eyes.
Our first stop was St. Mark’s (20 miles south of Tallahassee), staying at the new Shield’s Marina (showers/laundry/well stocked chandlery/full service) and a couple of anchorages in the beautiful St. Mark’s River. We lunched at the Riverside (Paradise) Cafe, walked the park, museum/fort, and the railroad converted to bike path. The area/fort has been significant historically since the 1500’s (and 12,000 yrs before) under the control of 9 different cultures. The area provided the most important salt for the Confederate troups. They have a post office and a limited grocery store and are the heart of the Stone Crab industry with a festival in October. A man came to talk with us for awhile and loaned us his car to go to the St. Mark’s Wildlife Preserve and The Lighthouse. We saw many alligators sunning. We found out later, the owner will loan you his car for Walmart or the lighthouse/nature preserve tour.
Next we went to Sea Hag marina in Steinhatchee. There is a post office, good grocery store and several restaurants. Fiddler’s Restaurant will come to the marina, pick you up and bring you back. Delicious seafood dinner. We took our zodiac up the river for a few hours as the weather was not condusive for anchoring out.
The wild and beautiful Suwanee River was next on the list, bypassing Cedar Key about which we had not heard good things. We stopped at Miller’s Marina for fuel and a pumpout. This is a very basic place on a lovely pool approached from the river by a leafy narrow canal. A short walk to The Salt River Seafood Company Restaurant provided us with a delicious lunch. We understand they will let you stay the night at their dock for free if you eat there. 350 people call this village home with 750 vacation homes–small is an overstatement. Predicted stormy weather prevented our anchoring out up the Suwannee which we very much wish we had been able to do–you know, the song and all!
After a few hours of being hammered on the open Gulf, we slipped into the first marina on Crystal River, Twin Rivers Marina. They are 6 miles from town, but had a floating dock for us which we prefer, being so small. One
could stay in town at Pete’s Pier. TRW is a full service marina, and we need a wiper repair and a stove repair after our Gulf ride. Crystal River is home to the largest herd of manatees in Florida. Photographing manatees
is similar to dolphins–as soon as you focus, they are gone.
We are waiting here for a window to get down to Tarpon Springs and back on the ICW. We have met friendly people and had quiet, secure havens and would highly recommend Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” to complete your Loop experience.
Judith and Paul
Tranquilo
26′ C-Dory
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Shields Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shields Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sea Hag Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sea Hag Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Millers Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Millers Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Twin Rivers Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Twin Rivers Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pete’s Pier
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pete’s Pier
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Dec 23, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.9483,-81.06579999
Skidaway Narrows Bridge OPERATIONAL!, AICW Statute Mile 592.5

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Our “onsite reporter”, Roger Long, gives us the good news that the bridge has been repaired. Capt. Long had been anchored in the immediate area waiting for an opening since early Saturday. Thank you, Roger! However, he warns that more problems with the old bridge may arise before the new bridge is completed. Skidaway Narrows Bridge crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 592.5. A new high-rise bridge is under construction immediately north of the old bridge.
Opened Sunday evening 12/23/12. In view of the big head shaking gathering by a bunch of people who looked like they had been pulled from church and family activities, I expect there will be more uncertainty about this bridge in its short time remaining.
Roger Long
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Skidaway Narrows Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Skidaway Narrows Bridge
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Dec 21, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Possible Shortcut From St. Catherine Sound to Walburg Creek Anchorage (St. M. 619)
It might help to understand the posting below, if you were first to take a look at the portion of chart which depicts the northern entrance to the excellent Walburg Creek anchorage, from St. Catherine Sound. As you will see, there is a long shoal charted as “Middle Ground” which thrusts into the western flank of the creek’s entrance.
The classic way to avoid these shallows has been to continue cruising east, as if you were going to follow the St. Catherine Sound Inlet to the open sea, and then curl back around to the south and west from a position east of marker #7.
What Captain Long is attempting to do, as described below, is find a way to short-cut the long cruise east to get past #7. Looks like he may have found a way for the moment, BUT, as he notes, depths in this region are subject to rapid and uncharted changes. Cutting the corner may be a risky proposition, and the responsibility to take such a chance rests entirely with each individual captain!

When coming across Saint Catherines Sound in a stiff breeze as I did yesterday, it’s tempting to cut across the long shoal that forms an extension of the north bank of Walberg Creek if you plan to seek shelter there. It’s also tempting at the end of a long run to this beautiful spot.
BobT’s friends in Second Wind ran the magenta line which goes far out into the entrance of the sound to the ocean. This left them with a hard slog under power back up to the creek. It also could have left them in a dicey situation if their engine hadn’t started, being carried out to sea by two knots of current. It would have been tough in those conditions to set sail and beat to windward in the nasty chop.
There have been a lot of changes in this area and the chart is pretty much fictional now. Since it was calm this morning and I planned a very short day, I decided to do a quick survey. My soundings are in red, corrected to MLW with the tide data in my Garmin chartplotter.
The highlighted track shows my attempt to feel my way along the 8 foot sounding line. There are some 10 foot spots along that track but I was shy about pushing right in with a lot of current behind me. When I found the 5 foot spot earlier on, the depth change was quite fast.
Roger Long
And, here is some additional info from Captain Long:
You should probably mention that I took the shortcut over the 9 foot, now 32 foot soundings and went very near the 5 foot sounding early this year and didn’t notice the depths being significantly different than the chart. I may not have been paying as much attention but this appears to be an area subject to fast changes.
Roger
Click Here To View the Georgia Anchorage Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Walburg Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage
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