The Passage From Hell (Part 1): Naked Goes the Novice
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History of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Outer Banks, NC – Kevin Spencer
December 1stON THIS DAY in North Carolina history…1875:ON THIS DAY, the last of the four Outer Bank Lights, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, is lit. It fills in the dark hole from Bodie Island to Cape Henry, Virginia. It is virtually identical to its three sister lighthouses (Bodie, Lookout, Hatteras) in construction. The 162-foot tall tower is constructed of approximately one million bricks. Its foundation extends seven feet below ground, with walls that begin at 5.5′ thick at the base of its tower, then tapering to 3′ thick at the top. It took one and a half years to build, beginning in 1874, and cost around $178,000 to construct.For its outer appearance, Currituck is left with its natural red brick. The thought by experts is this was the best way to distinguish it from the barber swirls of Hatteras, the diamonds of Lookout, and the horizontal stripes of Bodie Island.Initially, the beacon is fueled by a mineral oil lamp with five concentric wicks, the largest of which was four inches in diameter. The light is fixed white with a red flash, which occurred every ninety seconds and had a five-second duration. A clockwork mechanism rotates the light. Directly underneath the light, it is powered by weights and has to be hand-cranked every 2 1/2 hours.Today the light is automated and has been since 1939. The light has a flash pattern of three seconds on, and seventeen seconds off. It can be seen for almost 19 miles out to sea. As part of the automation, the lighthouse also has an automated bulb changer that holds a backup bulb. The Currituck Lighthouse comes on at dusk and turns off at dawn.~Kevin Spencer, Author, North Carolina ExpatriatesBe the first to comment!
BoatUS News: AIWA Celebrates 25 Years at Annual Meeting; Faces New Challenges
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
AIWA Celebrates 25 Years at Annual Meeting; Faces New Challenges
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LNM: Weather Webinars, Dec 12 and 13th
Good afternoon mariners,
Please join us next week for a pair of webinars on Forecast Products and Services provided by the National Weather Service’s Ocean Prediction Center and Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch. The webinars will be held Thursday, December 12th, and Friday, December 13th, at 1pm EDT.
For Atlantic forecasts N of 31N (30N in the Eastern Pacific):
Please register for Blue Water Mariners – OPC Products and Services on Dec 12, 2024 1:00 PM EST at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.
com/register/ 68996283223838923 Be the first to comment!
The Down East way: Harkers Island to celebrate waterfowl – Coastal Review
Decoys of redhead ducks created by Jason Michels. Photo: Contributed Read more at Coastal Review, coastalreview.org.
The Down East way: Harkers Island to celebrate waterfowl
Jennifer Allen, CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
BoatUS: Pennsylvania Boaters Now Have Low-Cost Online Boating Safety Education Course Option
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Pennsylvania Boaters Now Have Low-Cost Online Boating Safety Education Course Option
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NOAA Special Announcement
Explore Planet Earth with Teek and Tom in NOAA’s First Ever Animated Series
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Solo Flyer Captures the Imagination – Janice Anne Wheeler
SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE ~~ latest addition. I’m very honored that you’re following along. Thank you from the bottom of my writer’s heart.
Ah, the life of a liveaboard Sailor…on a Classic Wooden Sailing Yacht… as of August 2024 we are undergoing extensive repair and refit for the next several months(!). In boating terms we are hauled out “on the hard” in Cambridge, Maryland.
I plan to mix Sailing Stories with the challenges and intricacies of restoring a 90-year-old boat. I’m always open to suggestions as to content….please feel free to weigh in as we manage and learn from this unexpected joust. Thank you! ~J
A Wooden Boat is a strong, intricate entity constructed of Mother Nature’s finest materials.Share SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE
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Heading to the Bahamas? Expert Dispells Ciguatera B.S. – Peter Swanson
When all else fails, try journalism.
Heading to the Bahamas? Expert Dispells Ciguatera B.S.
Most of the Stuff You Read on Facebook About Toxic Fish Is Wrong
Clémence Gatti conducts field research on ciguatera. She works for Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins at Papeete, French Polynesia. After a spate of posts on Facebook showing astonishing ignorance about the dangers of eating barracuda in the Bahamas, Loose Cannon contacted Clémence Gatti, who has a PhD in Pathophysiology and works as a researcher at the Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins at Papeete, French Polynesia. She is one of the world’s foremost experts on ciguatera.
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Fairy House Day set for Jan. 18 at Palmetto Islands County Park – registration now open
Fairy House Day set for Jan. 18 at Palmetto Islands County Park – registration now open
Sarah Reynolds Public Information Coordinator Headquarters 861 Riverland Dr , Charleston , SC 29412 Office: +1 8437628089 Sarah.Reynolds@ccprc.com | CharlestonCountyParks.com Be the first to comment!
Anchoring in Northern Lake Worth – Wally Moran
Experienced yachtsman, advocate for boaters’ rights, outspoken critic of restrictive laws on boating, author of numerous cruising blogs and frequent contributor to Cruisers Net, Wally Moran regularly hosts seminars, webinars and cruises on the Waterway.There has been a lot of online chatter recently regarding the anchoring situation in North Lake Worth. The local police were rousting boaters legally anchored from the anchorage, apparently citing Fl § 327.4109 as their justification. The town had also removed a number of unauthorized moorings as a part of its efforts to remove liveaboards and transient cruisers.
When the Cruisers Rights Network of North America – CRNNA – of which I am the president, became aware of what was going on, I immediately contacted the mayor and commissioners of North Palm Beach, within whose jurisdiction this body of water lies, and the Chief of Police.
In brief, my communication advised the recipients that any enforcement of local anchoring legislation was forbidden under FL § 327.60(2)(f), and that the town could be liable to a civil rights prosecution for its enforcement actions.
I also suggested that if they disagreed with me on this, they were free to designate a boat to receive a ticket and we would take the matter up in court:“…speak with the cities of Gulfport, Naples, Stuart and Miami Beach (among others) to discover what happened to them when they attempted to enforce their own illegal anchoring ordinances and actions with respect to those ordinances and FL § 327.60.”
Two days later, I received a phone call from the North Palm Beach Chief of Police. In an amicable discussion, he advised me that there would be no further enforcement against anchoring in North Lake Worth by his officers, and that anyone who had been inconvenienced would be contacted and an apology would be given.
The town was seemingly within its rights to remove the mooring balls, although there is a question about whether or not they were authorized and/or grandfathered in that may be the subject of civil litigation.
Thus, cruisers may continue to anchor in North Lake Worth with no concerns as to the legality of doing so. Should there be any attempt at enforcement, I would appreciate those involved getting in touch with me so it can be dealt with. However, I do not anticipate this will happen.
On another front, there is currently a proposal for a 5000 foot no anchoring setoff from any seaport in Florida we have seen that may go to the Florida legislature this upcoming session. This proposal, if adopted, has the potential to curtail or end anchoring throughout Florida – St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Palm Beach/Lake Worth, Tampa, Miami and Miami Beach and more.
This is a serious, all hands on deck issue and I ask cruisers to be prepared to fight it. I will update CruisersNet readers as I discover more on this issue, and in the meantime, they can follow what is happening at our Facebook page, Saving Florida’s Anchorages, https://www.facebook.com/groups/ savefloridasanchorages
Once again, thanks to the Salty Southeast CruisersNet for helping to keep boaters informed of what is going on in our world.Sincerely,Wally MoranBe the first to comment!
What We’re Thankful For This Thanksgiving – Key Lime Sailing Club, Key Largo, FL
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Dolphins and Sunsets
Thanksgiving at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages was a day to remember! We’re thankful for our amazing guests, the outstanding job of the KLSC crew, with a special thanks to Jen, the joy of new friendships, and the beauty of dolphins swimming by as we shared a feast. The sunset capped off a perfect day. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving—join us next year to make more memories! Dolphins, sunsets, and a feast to remember— see our Thanksgiving highlights on Facebook!
The Wampanoag and Thanksgiving
Did you know that the Wampanoag, whose history dates back 12,000 years, were made up of 67 villages across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, and played a vital role in the Pilgrims’ survival? During the harsh winter of 1620-1621, they taught the settlers essential farming and fishing skills, laying the foundation for what we now celebrate as the first Thanksgiving. In the autumn of 1621, about 90 Wampanoag joined 52 settlers for a three-day feast featuring venison, wildfowl such as ducks and geese, cod, bass, and flint corn. While turkey may have been on the table, it wasn’t the star of the show as we think of it today. Despite their generosity, the Wampanoag faced devastating challenges in the years that followed, including disease, land conflicts, and war. Yet their legacy endures. Today, vibrant Wampanoag communities, such as the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), continue to preserve their culture, sharing traditions like the “Legends of Moshup” pageant. This Thanksgiving, let’s honor the enduring spirit and incredible contributions of the Wampanoag people.
Set Sail on a New Career Path!
Ready to turn your passion for sailing into a profession? Join the Instructor Qualification Clinic (IQC) at American Sailing Academy in Key Largo! This hands-on program allows you to learn from award-winning instructors, build real-world skills, and earn certification to guide the next generation of sailors. Take control of your future— sign up now, view our schedule and start your journey toward becoming a certified sailing instructor! 
We still have available cottages for our low-rate season. Call or text reservations at 305-451-3438, or send a request from our website, keylimesailingclub. com. Reservations will be happy to let you know which cottages are available for your requested dates. When you book one of our cottages, you get more than just a great escape. You also get free access to water amenities. If you’re a qualified sailor, you can use a 22′ sailboat. You can also take a relaxing kayak ride, paddleboard on the bay side calm waters, or explore the clear waters with our snorkel gear. This is what the Florida Keys are all about, and it is why guests keep coming back to Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages. It’s a hidden gem that captures the true spirit of the Florida Keys, just like in Jimmy Buffet’s songs and Hemingway’s stories.
Plus, if you’re interested in learning to sail, we have a sailing school right on-site. The American Sailing Academy offers a 2-hour Introduction to Sailing, a 2-hour refresher (for those with experience but needing a little refresher), and ASA beginner and advanced certified classes.
You can learn to sail in just 2 days with our in-house sailing endorsement class (non-certification). When you pass the endorsement class, you would have the use of one of our 22′ Catalina sailboats for FREE during the rest of your stay. (Non-guests can rent a sailboat for $300 a day but it’s free for our qualified sailor guests staying at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.)For more information on the sailing classes, call Capt. g at 305 896 5555, or send an email to captg@keylimesailing.com.And that’s not all! We’ve got more in store for you such as sailing excursions* which include captivating sunset cruises, immersive kayaking tours, and exhilarating snorkel adventures. Departing from the KLSC docks, these fantastic outings are easily accessible to all our guests. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary sailing excursions; they’re the key to creating unforgettable memories.*Booked through Morning Star Charters and guests staying at KLSC receive a 10% discount.Submit Your Entries Now! Win Stays at KLSC
Only One Month Left to Submit Your Entries! The countdown is on—voting starts December 1 and runs through December 31, with winners announced on January 2, 2025!
To all past and present guests: Here’s your chance to return to Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages for FREE! Don’t wait—send us your best photos for our 14th Annual KLSC Photo Contest and get a chance to win a free 3-night stay. Check here for details!
Got video skills? Enter our 11th Annual KLSC Video Contest for a shot at winning a free 5-night stay! Check here for details!
Entries are closing soon, so submit yours today for a chance to relive another fun-filled Florida Keys vacation at Key Largo Cottages!
Reservations is standing by at keylargocottages@
keylimesailingclub.com or call 1-305-451-3438. Thank you and see y’all in the Florida Keys!
Follow Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages on Social Media:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Youtube, Learn ASA Certified Sailing at American Sailing Academy. Call us at 305-896-5555.
Enjoy a Snorkel or Sunset Cruise both bay side and ocean side as well as sailboat rentals from 22 foot to 40 foot through Morning Star Sailing Charters. Call us at 305-451-7057.
South Dade Marina, Wet and Dry Slips Available. Call 305-247-8730
Sommerset Sails, makers of excellent quality sails for your boat.
Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages | 305-451-3438 | 99306 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Florida | www.keylimesailingclub.com
Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages | 99306 Overseas Highway | Key Largo, FL 33037 US Be the first to comment!
10 Reasons Why We are Thankful to Live in Edenton, NC
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! During this holiday season, I am always reminded of the many reasons why I am thankful to live in Edenton.
From its natural beauty to its charming downtown and welcoming community, Edenton offers many reasons to be thankful.
If you’ve never visited Edenton, I’d like to invite you to spend part of the holiday season with us! You can book a comfortable and conveniently located room at one of our Bed and Breakfasts and experience all of the charm of Edenton during the holidays.
I know that you’ll quickly see why we are so thankful to live in Edenton! I hope to see you soon.
Visit our website!
101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932
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