Ringling Bridge
Ringling Bridge—crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 73.5, northwest of flashing daybeacon #10
27 19.867 North/082 33.420 West
Fixed
65 feet of vertical clearance
Ringling Bridge—crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 73.5, northwest of flashing daybeacon #10
27 19.867 North/082 33.420 West
Fixed
65 feet of vertical clearance
Comments from Cruisers (2)
How is the 65 ft clearance on the chart calculated-at high tide or mean tide?
Our mast is 64 ft 6 in. Can we clear it?
Bridge clearance is based on Mean High Water. The tide in that area is about 2 feet. Therefore you should be able to safely clear it at lower tide levels – by safely I mean with a couple of feet clearance not cutting it to within only a 1/2 ft. Of course, you should always verify and double check the clearance boards as you approach the bridge. Finally, remember the clearance is for the lowest part of the bridge and in many cases (but not always!) there is a bit more clearance at the centerline. Some bridges will note the amount of additional clearance at the centerline.