Again, those who have been following the Net already know this past March, we began "cherry picking" articles from the various "Local Notice to Mariners" that we believe are of real concern to the cruising community. This task has fallen to our Southeastern Seaboard Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, and he is doing a simply wonderful job.

In the latest round of the LNTM edition that concerns itself with the western coastline of the Sunshine State, Larry discovered reports of not one, but two sunken/semi-sunken vessels that might be of concern to cruisers.

One is located near the Western Florida ICW's passage through Pine Island Sound, just south of Boca Grande Pass. Learn the full story at:

And the second is found off the ICW just north of Tampa Bay as the Waterway makes its past the Pinellas Bayway "E" Bridge:

One could not exactly call this "new news." For several years now, a deadly combination of shoaling and mis-charting has rendered the Waterway's passage through northern Alligator River as a contender for the worst AICW problem stretch in coastal North Carolina.

What is new is an article just posted on the Net, authored by Captain Norman Mason. Captain Mason not only describes the problem, but also gives very good advice on how to bypass these shallows successfully. Take a look at:

http://www.CruisersNet.net/more-problems-at-aicwnorther-mouth-of-alligator-river-near-statute-mile-81

We also strongly recommend you check out these waters' entry in our "AICW Problem Stretch Directory" at:

http://www.CruisersNet.net/1-northern-mouth-of-alligator-river

And, for that matter, take a look at our complete catalog of AICW Problem Stretches at:

VI. SSECN Establishes New South Carolina AICW Problem Stretch (south and west of McClellanville, SC, Statute Miles 430 to 435)  

We have had a "Navigational Alert" established on the AICW south and west of the tiny village of McClellanville, SC, for some time. Now, however, reports of shallow water and even groundings in and near the Waterway channel between Statute Miles 430 and 435, have prompted us to take our concern for these waters to a higher level by establishing our newest "AICW Problem Stretch" listing here.

Let's pause for just a moment to reflect on the difference between SSECN "Navigation Alerts" and "AICW Problem Stretches."  "Navigation Alerts" should be differentiated from our "AICW Problem Stretches" section. "AICW Problem Stretches" are sections of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway that seem to have perennial problems. Even after dredging, shoaling tends to reappear within a relatively short period of time. "Navigation Alerts" identify serious, but less perennial problem waters.

Anyway, check out our new AICW Problem Stretch Listing for the Waterway between Statute Miles 430 and 435 at:

http://cruisersnet.net/aicw-channel-south-of-mcclellanville-sc-to-awendaw-creek/

And, speaking of navigational problems on the South Carolina portion of the AICW, check out a fresh posting which recounts the absence of range markers on the Esterville Minim Creek Channel. This canal-like body of water connects the North Santee River with the Western Channel of Winyah Bay south of Gerogetown, SC.  

Full details at:

South of Fort Pierce, the AICW begins its approach to a crucial intersection. Known locally as the "crossroads," the Waterway says hello to St. Lucie River and the Okeechobee Waterway to the west, and St. Lucie Inlet to the east. Recently, there have been discussions on some of the other nautical mailing lists about the possibility of using St. Lucie Inlet as a "staging area" for a cruise to the Bahamas.

To be a bit succinct, DON'T TRY IT!!! Take a look at these photos which we recently posted:

http://www.CruisersNet.net/photos-of-st-lucie-inlet-aicw-statute-mile-987

If that's not enough for you, check out this posting:

http://www.CruisersNet.net/st-lucie-inlet-not-recommended-as-staging-site-for-the-bahamas-statute-mile-988 

Enough said. Do NOT attempt to use this inlet until and if these waters benefit from extensive dredging!

We are very pleased to report that Bahamas based, SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Sampson Cay, has just received quite an honor from "Travel and Leisure" magazine. This publication has just named Sampson Cay as "the #8 best secret island on earth."

COOL! Wish I was on Sampson Cay now to help them celebrate. Click Sampson Cay's sponsorship panel above to learn more, and check out the full magazine article at: