 I. "Spot Dredging" Underway at Intersection of AICW and Browns Inlet (near Statute Mile 237)
Until 24 hours ago, the "AICW Problem Stretch" at the Waterway's intersection with Browns Inlet, south of Swansboro, NC, was shaping up as "the" most troublesome section of the AICW for this fall, 2011 transients season. Then, a message arrived from Captain Sharon Bower, that a dredge had been spotted  operating on these waters. A half dozen telephone calls later, we have the full story, and it's (mostly) good news indeed. ALL cruisers heading south on the AICW, and year round NC captains will want to check out: http://www.CruisersNet.net/important-spot-dredging-underway-at-intersection-of-aicw-and-browns-inlet-problem-stretch-near-st-m-237 |
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 II. Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd Tells All About The Newfound Harbor Anchorage (off Hawk Channel Between Marathon and Key West)
The fascinating Florida Keys offer two very different cruising experiences. There is the "Inside Route." (also known as the Florida Bay and ICW route), with its myriad, wonderful anchorages, but sparesely spaced marinas. Then, one might choose the outside, Hawk Channel, passage with its good depths, reasonably prolific marinas, but a  relative scarcity of sheltered anchorages.
Well, as we are about to learn, that "scarcity" of anchorages does have some happy exceptions. In an article just published yesterday, our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, brings to light a great anchor down spot, off Hawk Channel, between Marathon and Key West.
And, this tale is told as only Captain Charmine knows how. Even if you aren't planning to cruise Florida Keys waters for some time to come, we recommend you check out this prose. So, don't hesitate, go to:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/the-path-less-traveled-finding-your-piece-of-the-pye
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 III. Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Now Offers "Alphabetical" Index of North and South Carlina Marinas
It really is true that sometimes you simply can't see the forest for the trees. Ever since the Cruisers' Net's professionally researched marina, anchorage and bridge directories were instituted, we have been fanatical about arranging these listings in geographic order. After all, how many of us cruise alphabetically?
And, we will continue to follow this same pattern. So, if you want to peruse, for instance, "All South Carolina Marinas" or just South Carolina Marinas between Winyah Bay and Charleston Harbor, you will continue to discover our listing of faclities arranged in a north to south format.
 HOWEVER, two days ago I received an e-mail which, if I may be so bold as to paraphrase, asked, "Hey Claiborne, what if we just want to check out the services and stats for a marina which is already known by name and coastline. Then, we must plow through your geographic list to find the info we seek."
Well, duh, that's a good point indeed! So, for instance, heretofore those interested in finding out all about Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown, South Carolina , had to call up our "SC Marinas, Georgetown, Winyah Bay, Pee Dee River, Black River (AICW Statute Mile 403 to 410)" sub-category, and plow down the list to locate Harborwalk.
What we have now done is to make that job much easier by ADDING an  alphabetical index page for North and South Carlina marinas, soon to be followed by similar pages for Georgia, Eastern Florida, Florida Keys and Western Florida. Normally, we would not announce this new feature until all coastlines were encompassed, but with the fall transient season well underway, we thought everyone would want to know this service was now available for the Carolinas.
Here's how it works, and, as usual, an example is worth another thousand words or so. Go to our home page at:
http://www.CruisersNet.net
 Locate the red, vertically stacked, "Cruising News and Reference Directories" menus on the right, upper side of the page and click on "South Carolina." A drop down menu will appear. Now, click on "SC Marinas." A sub drop-down menu will appear with the usual geographic and sub geographic categories of SC marinas, EXCEPT at the very top of the sub-menu is a NEW choice entitled, "SC Marinas Alphabetical Listing." Click on this menu item, and a page will open listing all South Carolina facilities sorted alphabetically by marina name. Go down this list, click on "Harborwalk Marina," and, voila, there you have it.
Of course, you can continue to review marinas, anchorages and bridges  geographically, as has always been true on the Cruisers' Net. This new alpha page is what might be considered the proverbial icing on top of the cake! |
 IV. Duck Weed No Longer A Problem on North Carolina's AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route
As little as one week ago, there were multiple messages posted on the Cruisers' Net warning captains of the thick duck weed (some called this growth "Chick Weed"), covering the surface of the Dismal Swamp Canal. This pest could and did clog raw water filters, rendering what is normally a wonderful slow speed cruise of this historic and ecologically interesting AICW Alternate Route, a real chore.
Well, happily, perhaps due to the (AT LAST), cooler weather, the Duck Weed has flown south [GRIN!]. Cruisers can now undertake this delightful passage with no  more than the usual problems, AND visit CRUISER FRIENDLY (and how!) Elizabeth City, NC.
Check out the full story at:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/elizabeth-city-welcomes-cruisers-aicw-alternate-route
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 V. DRAMATIC 9/11 "BOATLIFT, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience" Video Now Linked From Crusiers' Net
I only wish I had known about this video, and been able to provide this link during the recently completed tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy! Like many of you, I had heard of the great 9/11 boatlift, but I just didn't realize the scope of what happened on the waters of New York Harbor, and the nearly incredible selflessness and heroism displayed by all who took part in this mass, waterborne evacuation.
 This video brings this little known 9/11 sub-event to life in a way that will bring tears to your eyes. At least, it did mine!
YOU WILL BE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE ON-THE-WATER - CRUISING COMMUNITY WHEN YOU SEE EXPERIENCE THIS STORY! If you have not already viewed it, PLEASE follow thE link below. You won't be sorry!!!!
And, everyone here at the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net bids a most heartfelt THANKS and SALUTE to all who took part in the Great 9/11 Boatlift. You are all true heroes, and the cruising community is proud of  you!!!!
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 VI. A Sad Passing in the Cruising Community
This past week, I was talking with the good people at Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park (near Beaufort, North Carolina), and was shocked to learn of the passing of Jim Flynt, founder and president of popular Core Creek Marine repair yard. Over the past ten years, I had come to know Jim, and considered him a true friend. From time to time we would get together or speak over the telephone about what was going on in the boating world.
Over the last several years, I knew Jim was struggling with Cancer. As someone whose own first-rate, first-mate is battling the same disease, from time to time I asked Jim how he was progressing. It was so typical of Jim to underplay his condition. Only a few weeks ago in a telephone conversation, he assured me that he was doing "fine."
After more than thirty years in the marine business, I can say with some authority that I never met anyone more passionate about quality marine service and repair than Jim Flynt. Once, as I was photographing Core Creek Marine, I noticed the staff repainting a transom that I knew had just been finished the day before. When I asked why, Jim said, "Oh, we have to fix this drip." I had to get down on my hands and knees, put my face practically up to the gel-coat, and get the angle of the light just right before I could (sort of) see the "drip" in question. Yet, here was Jim making it right, with NO additional cost to his customer.
That's just the kind of person Jim was, and he WILL be missed, not just by yours truly, but by the entire cruising community. Indeed, all of us who take to the water have lost a real friend and kindred spirit with Jim's passing. I know all cruisers will join with me in expressing our deepest sympathies to his staff, family and fiance.
So Jim:
May the Wind Always Be at Your Back,
May the Road Rise to Meet You,
And may God hold you in the palm of his hand
Read Jim's obituary and details on plans for his November, 2011 Memorial Service at:
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 VII. Morning Swim Event Will Close AICW, Myrtle Beach, SC, October 8-9, Statute Mile 359
Well, we cruisers have to put up with a lot of delays while traveling the AICW, or any coastal body of water for that matter. Here's a rather unusual cause for delay, however. Click  the link below to learn more! |
 VIII. "Wave Attenuators" Being Added to Bird Sanctuary South of Alafia River Channel (Tampa Bay - Hillsborough Bay)
Cruisers plying the waters of Western Florida's northern Tampa Bay - lower Hillsborough Bay, will want to learn details of this project.
 Check out:
http://www.CruisersNet.net/wave-attenuators-being-added-to-bird-sanctuary-south-of-alafia-river-channel-tampa-bay-hillsborough-bay
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 IX. No-Wake Zones on the Western Florida ICW, Between Sarasota and Fort Myers
This past week, we copied a very interesting discussion which originally appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list, about no-wake zones on the Western Florioda ICW, between Fort Myers and Sarasota. Very interesting reading for  all who ply the western waters of the Sunshine State: |
 X. Eyewitness Report on Martin County (Stuart, Florida) Mooring Field Pilot Program Held 10/6/11
Only this morning, we posted an eyewitness report on the meeting held in Stuart, Florida last evening, to consider the issues surrounding this community's participation in the Florida Trial Mooring Field Program. And, unfortunately, it does not sound like the cruising community was well represented. Learn more at: |
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