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    • Dec 4, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bumps in the Night in St. Marys Anchorage, St. Marys River off the AICW

      St. Marys River flows into the northern tip of Cumberland Sound and the path of the AICW, just north of Fernandina, FL, and serves as the coastal state line between Georgia and Florida. The town of St. Marys is an easy trip up the St. Marys River, departing the Waterway at flashing green marker #29, statute mile 713.

      We anchored off of st Marys town dock in march 2011. We chose a spot towards the south shore across the harbor from the main dock. After we anchored a guy in another boat came over and suggested we actually spend the night at the town dock as the current was so strong in that area. This sounded nice but I did not believe that was allowed by the town and chose to stay at anchor. The current through there was really unbelievable. Very fast. The sound of debris hitting the boat as it passed by and under us kept me up all night. Things going bump in the night. Our dingy has no engine. It rows very well but I did not dare leave the boat with it. I estimate 5 knots of current at times. The morning found wind and tide giving us a very slow drag to the west. I would not anchor here again. The downstream anchorage shown is where I would go. At least if you drag there is no one to hit and a soft landing. You need a motorized dingy though to safely get to and from town.
      Chris

      We tied up at the town dock [St. Marys town dock] last winter on our way down. It is really just a floating hunk of concrete, with no electricity or water. It says that there is a limit of 6 hours, but it does not appear to be enforced. We talked to people to stayed for a few days, and no one seemed to bother that we were overnight. BEWARE!!! On a falling tide the current (truly impressive!) runs perpendicular to the town dock. Getting off the dock is challenging, and we ended up with notable gelcoat scars! But I’d go back.
      Jack

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For the St. Marys Waterfront Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To St. Marys GA

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    • Nov 30, 2011by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route vs AICW – North Carolina, Virginia Cut Route

      Friends Doing the Dismal

      Fellow nautical writer, Wally Moran, does a very nice job below of summarizing the attributes and demerits of these two alternate AICW passages that lead from Norfolk, VA to North Carolina waters, or the other way around. And, by the way, the text below is copied from Captain Wally’s new “LiveBloggin’ the ICW” site at:
      http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/

      Will asked me about the two options heading south – the Virginia Cut and the Dismal Swamp. Great question.
      Friends doin’ the Dismal
      I prefer the Dismal Swamp – it’s wonderfully scenic, as you can see. Good protection from wind, and the stop at Deep Creek Lock to visit Rob, the lockmaster, is always a treat. Leaving the Dismal, you stop by Elizabeth City for a free night’s dockage and the cruisers’ welcome party each evening for a drink, and a rose for the ladies, a tradition started by two locals and now kept up by the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
      The only drawback is that the Dismal takes longer to run, and isn’t really feasible for boats drawing over six feet.
      The Virginia Cut brings you to Virginia City and the Great Bridge Lock, a marvel to see in and of itself, plus lots of fascinating tugboat and commercial traffic.
      I usually do one route on the trip down, and the other on the return, just to enjoy the best of both worlds. The one other proviso is if the exit from the route will permit me to sail on the Albermarle. There is enough distance between them to make a difference in how you trim your sails.
      Wally Moran

      Hi Claiborne ‘“ my blog showed dozens of unexpected hits today ‘“ so I looked at my stats and, sure enough, they were coming from here [SSECN]. Maybe you can encourage your readers to add to the list of the World’s Greatest Boating Songs ‘“ there will be prizes, such as copies of my video, Sailing South ‘“ First Timer’s Guide to the ICW, or Forbidding, Forbidden Cuba. Maybe I can get you to toss in a copy of one of your books? I refuse to give up my copy of your Florida guide, it’s a fun read.
      If anyone is curious, they can get a peek at the trailers for both videos at http://www.thesailingchannel.tv/icw or /cuba.
      Thanks again Claiborne. Tomorrow, off to start the ICW for the 18th time.

      2 Facebook Likes, 0 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Nov 29, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Possible Height Discrepancy at Wabasso Bridge, AICW, Statute Mile 943

      Wabasso Bridge-crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 943, southeast of unlighted daybeacon #80. Has anyone else noted less than charted vertical clearance as noted by Captain Mathias below. If so/not,please click the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link to the upper right, and share your information!

      This bridge is not 65′. We are sitting at high tide and the board shows 63 1/4′ with a .48′ total tide.
      Pete Mathias

      We passed through Wabasso 8 November 2011 with no problem. Our mast is 64.5 with another 3′ for the VHF antenna. The board indicated 64.4, the antenna didn’t touch.
      Della

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Wabasso Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wabasso Bridge

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    • Nov 18, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Why I Do What I Do!

      It’s letters like this one from Captain Carr that make all this worthwhile!!!

      I would have really enjoyed traveling with you on that car trip from Wrightsville Beach to Georgetown. It’s amazing that when I met you at the first AIWA meeting Wrightsville Beach about 8-10 years ago, I had no idea as to the exacting up-to-date information you provide to the water travelers on the east coast. I enjoy reading your emails every [time] I get them.
      I especially appreciate the time you called me and explained about the rock hazards in the waterway from Little River to Socaste SC. I had just bought
      my boat and when I went to a Power Squadron meeting, the secretary told me to be careful in that part of the waterway. When I asked him about them at the next meeting he was unable to tell me where the hazard started or ended and I was really scared about damaging my boat…You actually
      called me after I emailed you, it was a godsend to get the correct information. You also told me a little about your Southport history which was interesting.
      Claiborne…if you need an assistant or traveling companion, I would certainly be willing to help you out. I would enjoy helping you out. You should write a book about the people you have met and your experiences with your endeavors…It would definitely make for some very interesting reading.
      Sam Carr
      Southport
      “Southern Stars”

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      HUGE VICTORY FOR THE CRUISING COMMUNITY – Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Sets St. Augustine Anchoring Limit at 30 Days (NOT 10 Days!)

      At approximately 1:00 pm today, 11/17/11, we received a telephone call from our very special Florida Keys Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. Charmaine passed along a detailed report on today’s FWC meeting in Key Largo, Florida, which had just adjourned. This gathering was called specifically to consider St. Augustine’s request for a 10 day anchoring limit on their corporate waters, outside the city mooring field.
      The only people to speak were Captain Charmaine, representing both BARR (Boater’s Anchoring Rights and Responsibilities) and the SSECN, Bonnie Bashem, representing Boat/US, and a representative from the city of St. Augustine.

      According to Captain Charmaine, the St. Augustine representative, as you would expect, requested approval of the already much discussed 10-day anchoring limit for the waters outside of the city mooring field, while both Bonnie and Charmaine argued for a longer time limit. In fact, Charmaine asked for a 90-day limit.

      The final result of the meeting was a DENIAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S REQUEST FOR A 10-DAY LIMIT, AND, INSTEAD, A THIRTY (30) DAY LIMIT WAS APPROVED. Vessels which want to anchor in St. Augustine waters for longer than 30 days must leave the corporate waters for at least 24-hours, and they can then return for another 30 days.

      Now, I know some will say there should be no anchoring time limit at all, and I, for one, am not about to argue against that point of view. HOWEVER, IN LIGHT OF WHAT 24 HOURS AGO APPEARED TO BE A VIRTUAL CERTAINTY THAT ANCHORING IN ST. AUGUSTINE WAS ABOUT TO BE LIMITED TO 10 DAYS, THE DENIAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S REQUEST, AND THE IMPOSITION OF A 30 DAY TIME PERIOD INSTEAD, MUST BE SEEN AS A HUGE VICTORY FOR THE CRUISING COMMUNITY!

      I might also add, that this decision shows me that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission IS keeping the needs of cruisers in mind, at least somewhat, as the process of approving local anchorage regulations for those communties (or counties) involved in the Pilot Mooring Field Program, goes forward!

      The cruising community owes of a HUGE debt of thanks to Boat/US and Bonnie Bashem, Captain Charmaine and the hundreds and hundreds of cruisers who have bombarded the FWC and the St. Augustine City Government with e-mails.

      However, the fight is most surely NOT over yet. There are still details to be worked out in St. Augustine, and there are four more Pilot Mooring Field Program sites for which anchorage regulations are yet to be approved.

      So, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s advice is STAY VIGILANT! In the meantime, though, let’s all bask in this victory, for at least a few moments!

      As you might imagine, comments have been POURING in to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net since the above article was published. So many, in fact, that we have had to establish a separate page so that everyone’s words can be displayed. Please click on the link below, and discover what your fellow cruisers have to say on this HOT topic:

      /?p=74985

      I have been contacted in the past month by a group whom are trying to stop the anchoring in Sarasota Bay. So heads up and look out for the next boom of protest to prohibiting boaters their rights.
      Captain Kat Luchene

      I agree that having to move your boat once every 30 days is a small inconvenience for boats cruising Florida waters compared to having to move it once every 10 days.
      For sailboats it is even less of an inconvenience. I am thinking that the captain who is anchored waiting to get a part shipped for his engine so that he can continue cruising his powerboat is at a disadvantage unless he can get a friendly tow.
      I too am fed up with abandoned boats sinking in our anchorages. Boats need to be stored on land and used on the water. Just as automobiles are not stored on public highways. http://www.gibsondrydock.com
      My Cal 2-29 is on a private mooring in the St Johns River. It is moved at least twice a month but seldom for a 24 hour period. That is the one aspect of this that has me in disagreement. I am more concerned that an anchored boat is being used by its owner than how long it has to be moved from its anchorage. If the owner is aboard once a month, leaves the anchorage and returns, problems may be corrected before the boat becomes a hazard.
      David Burnham

      Thank you for this very important and needed update!
      helmut g. kramer MD,MSc

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    • Nov 17, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      No Free Pumpout at Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park, AICW Statute Mile 197

      Jarrett Bay Marine is located on the eastern shores of ICW-Core Creek passage, south of flashing daybeacon #19.

      Cruising News:
      Buyers beware! We were in need of fuel, water & a pump out on our way south on the ICW. We checked our BoutUS Member Services Guide for a convient location our our way to Beaufort, NC. We found that the Jarrett Bay Boatworks offered a free pump out and it was right on the way. Since we had been there several time on our way north & south, we decided to pull in for the works. Well, the works is what we got! They were busy hauling a large yacht and were told we wanted to pump it out ourself, that would be OK. We did and went to the fuel dock for diesel and water. When I went into the office to pay, I then found out that the charge for a pump out is $30.00!!!!! When my wife called them they said they never offered a free pump out and the book is incorrect. Needless to say, I got the “works” that day. But, they have also lost me as a fuel customer. Buyers Beware!
      Capt. Mike

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Jarrett Bay Marine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jarrett Bay Marine

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    • Nov 15, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      North Yacht Basin Basin/Vinoy Basin Closed to Anchoring (Tampa Bay, Western Shore – St. Petersbrug, FL)


      Slips are now available!! On the brand new Dock 5. For information please call (727) 893-7329 or 800 782 8350

      St. Petersburg was selected some time ago as one of five sites for the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. And, it was previously announced their mooring field would be located in the North Yacht Basin/Vinoy Basin, which borders on the northern side of the huge St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) and just south of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina.
      It appears that construction is about to begin on this mooring field, and, consequently, the city of St. Petersburg is asking all the anchored vessel in the Vinoy Basin to leave.

      Cruising News:
      JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH THE ST PETERSBURG HARBOR MASTER’S OFFICE. NO ANCHORING ALLOWED IN THE VENOY BASIN DUE TO “CONSTRUCTION”. AREA IS CLOSED TIL AFTER JAN 2012. MOORINGS ARE BEING PUT IN. QUESTION I WOULD LIKE TO ANCHOR NEARBY. ANY SUGGESTIONS???
      THIS BASIN IS NOW CLOSED TO ANCHORING TIL JAN 2012 . REASON GIVEN BY MUN MARINA IS `CONSTRUCTION’ NEW MOORINGS.
      WHERE ELSE CAN WE GO?? ANY IDEAS?? I AM HEADING THERE ON DEC 1?? THE `VENOY BASIN IS GREAT . WE LOST ANOTHER ANCHORAGE.
      CAPT. BILL O’MALLEY

      SEMI OFFICIAL PRICE IS $25/DAY. LIKE EVERYTHING THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BUT WAS WRITTEN UP FOR THE `PLAN’
      Bill

      Of course, one alternative is to dock at the St. Pete Muncipal Marina. This is one of the largest, and best managed city facilities it has ever been my privilege to review, and, as mentioned above, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
      There are some other anchorages available on central Tampa Bay’s western shores. I have listed links to those havens below. HOWEVER, none are anything like being as convenient and as close to good shoreside support as the Vinoy Basin.

      Little Bayou Southerly Anchorage:
      /?p=4836

      Little Bayou Northern Anchorage:
      /?p=4835

      Big Bayou Anchorage:
      /?p=4834

      Coffeepot Bayou Outer Anchorage:
      /?p=4832

      Coffeepot Bayou Inner Anchorage:
      /?p=4831

      Smacks Bayou Outer Anchorage:
      /?p=4830

      Smacks Bayou Mid Anchorage:
      /?p=4829

      Smack Bayou Inner Anchorage:
      /?p=4828

      Smacks Bayou South Side Anchorage:
      /?p=4827

      Well, I can answer one of Captain Bill’s questions below. To my knowledge, the ONLY ONE of the above described anchorages with dinghy dock access is the Big Bayou Anchorage. At the back of Big Bayou is a public launching ramp, where you can tie your dinghy off temporarily. And, as a plus, several GOOD restaurants are to be found within walking distance. In particular is Munch’s Restaurant (727-896-5972), one block south. Both breakfast and lunch (open 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) are terrific.
      Now for the bad news. I would not even begin to try and navigate a 7-foot draft vessel into Big Bayou! Captains piloting vessels drawing 5 feet or less, however, may find these waters a a good, or at least acceptable, alternative.

      THE COFFEEPOT AND SMACKS BAYOU ANCHORAGES ARE POSSIBILITIES W/ GOOD DEPTH IF U CAN GET TO THEM. THE CHARTS DO NOT SHOW A CHANNEL THAT CAN PROVIDE ACCESS FOR MY 7′ DRAFT. HAS ANYONE BEEN ABLE, WHERE AND WHERE CAN U GO ASHORE? IS THIS A CASE OF DELIBERATELY NOT PROVIDING ACTUAL DEPTH .
      Bill

      The FWC Pilot Program is supposed to improve water access ‘“ I fail to see how limiting anchoring is ‘˜improving’ access. This is another of the Florida anchorages we are losing due to this program.
      Wally Moran

      MAYBE DEMANS LANDING. SOUTH YACHT BASIN COULD BE USED TEMPORARILY. GOOD DEPTH, HOWEVER THE ST. PETE SAILING CLUB GOES IN AND OUT OF THERE REGULARLY, PARTICULARLY THE KIDS. MIGHT BE ABLE TO ANCHOR CLOSE TO THE BREAKWALL.
      Sam Warr

      Thanks Sam the South Basin has the depth but is the airport closeness a probem? i’ll try it. Thanks
      Bill

      We have anchored in the Vinoy Basin on and off since 1986 when we first came to Florida. We used to dinghy ashore to visit the museums, shops, and grab a bite to eat about 20 or 30 times a year. Frequently, our stays were just for the day allowing us to spend our money in town. Regretfully, we will now have to find a different favorite place to go.
      Eileen Colon

      There is a small anchorage just south of the mun marina at the Harborage Marina in downtown St. Pete at the location on this link: http://www.harboragemarina.com/location.php.
      No mooring balls; use your own ground tackle and dinghy to the marina or to a sand bar at the USFSP campus and walk to town. We live aboard at the marina. Good protection and depth and easy access to Tampa Bay and the ICW.
      Bart
      M/V DEWLAP
      DeFever 49 CMY

      What will the rules and rates be upon completion?
      Bruce W. Watters

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    • Nov 15, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Happy Words About Smokehouse Bay Anchorage (Marco Island, Florida – south of Naples, FL)

      To successfully enter the excellent anchorage on Marco Island’s Smokehouse Bay, you must make your approach via a well marked, but exacting channel which cuts off from the southern approach to Capri Pass Inlet and runs through the easterly reaches of Collier Bay. Some low water depths on this approach run as thin as 4 1/2 feet (in one spot), but if you can get past these shallows, your reward will be one of the most sheltered anchor down spots in southwestern Florida, with good shoreside access! Follow the links below to learn more!

      Whole heartily endorse the anchorage in Smokehouse Bay on Marco (this is where the Esplanada is. Dinghy under the bridge and Winn-Dixie has a dingy dock you can use. There is also a great Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays – we always plan to hit there on our way through.
      Marty & Jerry Richardson

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Smokehouse Bay Anchorage

      Click on Chartlet Below to Open a Chart View Window,
      Centered on the Location of This Anchorage:

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    • Nov 14, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Reports of Shoaling in Little Mud River, AICW Statute Mile 655

      Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the AICW, some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. We have several reports of depths in this problem stretch.

      MM655, Little Mud River, I found similar depths as on previous runs.
      9’MLW north of G193
      8’MLW 100′ off G193
      5’MLW by the charted wreck
      7’MLW 100′ off R194
      5′ to 6′ MLW half way between G195 and the range marker
      Once on the range depths increase rapidly to 10+MLW
      MM683, Jekyll Creek, 7′ MLW is as shallow as I saw mostly near G19 and along the range. I passed about 150′ off G19 then turned on range (was northbound). Stayed on the range till past R16 ( passed about 75′ away) then split R16 with the southernmost range marker. No change from previous trips
      MM704, Cumberland Dividings, all Markers have finally been moved and are marking the shoal on the red side. 12 to 15MLW throughout.
      Capt. Pascal Gardemer

      Thanks to CruisersNet and Captain Pascal, who reported on the Little Mud River just a few days ago. We anchored at the South River to wait for a rising tide, proceeding through at 2 hours after low tide. We saw very low water (no more than 5.5′ before R 196; did touch bottom with our 5′ keel. Also saw very low water (5′) just before #198.
      Eve-Marie & crew of s/v Flash

      I passed through the Little Mud River in early October at dead low tide with no current. Stayed in center of channel and never saw LESS THAN 9.3 FEET; Crawled through at 3.5knots because of all the reports of shallow water and shoaling. This is the best I have ever seen it!
      Skipper Bill Lucas

      Claiborne
      Transited (11/14/11) Little Mud River 1520-1540, 1 1/2 hour before low tide, +1.8′ (low tide at Rockdedundy River, daymark 185 @ 1700 +1.0′). Lots of skinny water. Best water appears to be on the green side, left of center going south. Saw depths as low as 7.2′ (5.4′ @ low). One sailboat aground just on right side of center channel about midway between R194 and range light QR. We made 7.5 mph with opposing current and let the boat steer toward the best water, which was close to the bank. One plus with low water is that you can make out the edge of the channel.
      Michael Horowitz (M/V ALTAIR)

      Just came thru Mud River today 11/14/2011 starting at the north end about 8:am with 6 ft of tide. Prior to starting thru I noticed on AIS that the passanger ship Independence at over 200 feet in length and 8.5 feet in draft was entering the river from the south end. We decided to wait for it to come up thru and while we did I watched it on AIS and learned where to find the best depth.
      The ship came up the river staying well to the green side all the way.
      On our passage we did the same in reverse and found 6ft MLW between 192 and 193. Then 6 to 7 ft MLW between 193 and 195. Then 8 to 9 ft MLW from 195 to 198. All on the green side of the channel. This appears to be quite a bit more than some crusiers have found.
      Dennis Lawrence aboard S/V Thate Wata
      Catalina 42 Mk 2 Hull 758
      Draft 6ft 10in

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

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

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    • Nov 11, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Confirmation Received of Marker # Change At AICW/Bogue Inlet Intersection (Statute Mile 227)

      On 11/20/11, I asked for help from the cruising community concerning the report below by Captain Jerry, that the Bogue Inlet channel aid to navigation, hard by the AICW/Bogue Inlet intersection, has changed its numbering from #21 to #20. I’m glad to report that Captain Eilenn has responded!
      This is a BIG DEAL, as the Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection has long been an “AICW Problem Stretch.” Not only is perennial shoaling a problem here, but the inland-most marker on the Bogue Inlet channel is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. This mis-identification often leads to groundings.
      And, the important point is that this newly numbered marker #20 is NOT an AICW navigational marker. Ignore it, and follow ONLY the Waterway buoys and daybeacons!

      The mark to be ignored at Bogue inlet is `20’³, not `21’³. It floats between `45’³ and `45A’.
      Jerry on Suncatcher

      Cruising News:
      Definitely a red nun #20 between 45 and 45A
      Admiral Eileen
      ANKERS AWAY

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Bogue Inlet Channel Intersection

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

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