 I. Hazard to Navigation on Main Tampa Bay Channel
We have just cherry picked a somewhat alarming article from the Local Notice to Mariners that describes a capsized vessel lying in the heart of the main Tampa Bay channel, north and northeast of the southeasterly running passage to Port  Manatee. This obstruction is a definite concern for ALL mariners operating their vessels on the waters of Tampa Bay. If this description fits you, run, don't walk to: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75845 |
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 II. A Humorous Look at Florida Manatee Zones
I have NOT stopped laughing since I first read "The Socialization of Manatees!!!" Many, many thanks to Captain Ames for allowing the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net to use his words and photos. They will bring smiles, possibly outright guffaws, to anyone who has ever cruised in the Sunshine State!!!
 If you want to improve your day with multiple smiles, and who doesn't, then please do NOT miss following this link!!!!
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75876
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 III. Our THANKS to the Cruising Community
The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net "bunch" joins with me in taking a moment to thank the cruising community for the enthusiasm and support you have shown to our web site throughout the fall, 2011 cruising season! It's not sufficient to say that for the last three months, each and every 30-31 days has seen a new visitorship record broken. No, those records have been SHATTERED by the thousands and thousands of visits you have paid to our site. In fact, during the just completed month of November, 2011, the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net garnered more than 70,000 visits, a goal  that seemed unrealizable as little as a year ago.
And we know who to thank for this success - our sponsors who allow us to bring all the Cruiser Net's services and information to the cruising community without charge, and YOU, the members of the cruising community who honor us with your visits.
So THANKS to one and all who make use of the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net. YOU are why we are here, and why we do what we do!
And, while we are on this subject, PLEASE patronize our sponsors whenever  possible, and make mention whenever you are staying at a sponsoring marina, or purchasing equipment from an SSECN sponsor, how much you appreciate their support of the cruising community, by way of their support for the Cruisers' Net. |
 IV. Bike Thefts at Cooley's Landing, City of Fort Lauderdale Municipal Docks
Cooley's Landing. one of three city of Fort Lauderdale owned dockage faciltiies, graces New River's northwesterly banks immediately upstream (southwest) of the William H. Marshall Bridge. It's only a hop, skim and a jump from these docks to downtown Fort Lauderdale's many restaurants and shopping opportunities.
 Unfortunately, a recent report from Captain Richard Ross posted on the Cruisers' Net, may spell potential trouble for all cruisers who keep bicycles aboard, and use these handy contraptions to get around ashore. Check out the full story at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75798 |
 V. Excellent Explanation of Florida Restrictive Speed Zones
Thanks to Captains Jim and Peg Healy aboard "Sancturary," we have just posted what is undoubtedly the most concise, best written and clearest explanation of restrictive Florida speed zones, that I have ever seen. We HIGHLY recommend that ALL  mariners currently cruising, or who plan to cruise, Sunshine State waters take a perusal of this excellent article at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75775 |
 VI. Elizabeth City Bridge Now Open after Repairs, Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route at Statute Mile 51
Good news for late fall cruisers voyaging on the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route. The Elizabeth City Bridge, after  undergoing repairs, has returned to normal operation. Full details at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75463 |
 VII. Complicated Anchorage Plan Proposed for Manatee Pocket, Stuart/Martin County Pilot Program (AICW Statute Mile 987 near Stuart, Florida)
Until a a week or so ago, it looked as if all anchoring in Manatee Pocket was going to be prohibited as part of the city of Stuart, Florida's (and Martin County's) participation in the Pilot Mooring Field Program. This body of water lies just off the AICW, on the easternmost reaches of the St. Lucie River and Okeechobee Waterway. It provides some of the only proteced anchorage hard by the Waterway's path between Fort Pierce and  Lake Worth. The Pocket's shores are lined with an impressive array of marinas, repair yards and the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club.
Earlier, we posted an urgent request on the Cruisers' Net asking the cruising community to send as many e-mails as possible to Stuart and Martin County officials to protest a 300 foot setback rule which would have effectively rendered most of Manatee Pocket off limits for dropping the hook.
Well, there is some good news on this front. A recently posted article authored by our very special Florida Keys Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, notes that all this input has been partially successful. HOWEVER, now the powers that be in Stuart are asking for more input in regards to a complicated plan to allow anchorage in some parts of the pocket, and not in others.
PLEASE follow this link to read Charmaine's full report, AND THEN ACT!!!
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75406
Well, here is another positive note. All this discussion about anchoring in Manatee Pocket has produced an informative posting by Captain  Susan Parker about where cruisers can dinghy ashore while anchored in Manatee Pocket, and what is available once dry land is underfoot. Check out:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75862 |
 VIII. Hazard to Navigation Reported on Crystal River near Salt River (West FL Big Bend Region)
Here's another navigational tid-bit gleaned from the latest Notice to Mariners. Crystal River lies along the southern section of Western Florida's waterwayless "Big Bend" region. Many cruisers use one of the two marinas here or anchor in the bay, while waiting to cross the Big Bend.
 Now, we hear about a navigational hazard on these waters. If your plans call for a cruise on Crystal River in the near future, don't miss:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75049 |
 IX. New Dock Planned for Vilano Beach, AICW Statute Mile 775.5
Captain Peter Quinta reports that the community of Vilano Beach, which lies just north of St. Augustine Inlet, will soon add a new dock, which will be appended to the Vilano Pier. This structure guards the Tolomato River's easterly bank, just north of the Vilano Beach Bridge at mile 776.
And of equal interest, a new supermarket will be opening soon within walking  distance. Talk about convenient provisioning.
Full details at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75479 |
 X. Avoid G81 at Intersection of AICW and Shallotte Inlet, Statute Mile 330
The shoal prone intersection of the AICW and Shallotte Inlet, located in extreme southern North Carolina, was just dredged in February of this year. Unsurprisingly, shoaling is already  beginning to rear its ugly head at this crucial juncture. Read all about it at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75476 |
 XI. Reports from Calabash Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 342
Calabash Creek acts as the coastal divider between North and South Carolina. The lower reaches of this stream have long been a popular anchorage, in fact one of the only anchorages available between Southport, NC and the Waccamaw River. However, entrance into Calabash Creek is complicated by shoaling, and the presence of two markers with the same number designation.
Well, help has arrived. We have just posted two related messages which give a  very up close and personal look at this potential anchor down spot. Give them a perusal at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75083 |
 XII. Laudatory Reviews Posted For Two South Carolina Marinas
It's always gratifying to post complimentary marina reviews here on the Cruisers' Net. However, it's even more "fun" when the marinas in question are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSORS! Check out what your fellow cruisers have to say about these facilities:
Harborwalk Marina (Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403)
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75803
Osprey Marina (AICW Statute Mile 373)
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=75061
 That's all for now. Good luck, good cruising and Happy Holidays to all!
Claiborne S. Young Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net http://www.CruisersNet.net [email protected] |
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