 I. Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Alert  Newsletter Honored With The "2011 Constant Contact All Star Award"
We are very honored to report that our "Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Alerts" have just been presented with the ""2011 Constant Contact All Star Award." Hooray! This is the second consecutive year our newsletter/alerts have received this honor!
 What can we add, except to say that all of us associated with the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net are honored and humbled to be awarded this prestigious recognition. Of course, Constant Contact is the service we use to formulate and dispatch our "Salty Southeast Cruiser' Net Alerts". And, I might add, many, many other companies use the Constant Contact Service. We suspect it's the #1 electronic newsletter service in the world.
So, to be picked by Constant Contact as being among the top 10% of their users is praise indeed! But, that's enough tooting our own whistle. I'll let CC speak for themselves:
You shine brightly for your customers. And, for us too.
Congratulations Again, All Star!
Your efforts last year to reach your customers and engage with them were exemplary. Stellar. Your customers noticed and responded positively. And we saw it. That's why we're incredibly proud to name you to our roster of 2011 All Stars.
Only 10% of our customers achieve All Star status every year. That you've managed to do it for consecutive years puts you in an even more elite class, which makes your accomplishment even more noteworthy.
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 II. Good Navigational Advice About AICW/Bakers Haulover Intersection "Problem Stretch" (Near AICW Statute Mile 1080, Between Fort Lauderdale and Miami)
Since the time I was a "widdle biddy kid" plying the family runabout between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the intersection of the AICW and Bakers Haulover Inlet has been perhaps the most consistently shallow stretch of the entire Eastern Florida portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. And so, it was a no brainer to designate these waters as one of our "AICW Problem Stretches" when we set up this SSECN service some years ago.
 The intersection in question was just dredged a scant 6 months ago (or so), but shoaling is once again rearing its ugly head. A new posting this week authored by "Captain John" gives all of us some good, specific advice on how currently to find the best water when navigating this "Problem Stretch." Check out:
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III. Good Jacksonville, FL Bridge News
The shining city of Jacksonville, Florida, perched on the shores of beautiful St. Johns River, has had more than its share of bridge problems lately. First, extensive repairs and maintenance work on the FEC RR Bridge brought about closures and delays for months. And then, the Main Street Bridge suffered a partial mechanical and electrical failure during a recent opening.
 Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Eastern Seaboard Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, has been all over both these issues, with multiple warnings and alerts here on the Net. Well, happily, we can report that BOTH SPANS ARE NOW FULLY REPAIRED, AND HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. Follow the links below for full details!
Main St. Bridge in Jacksonville FL Repairs Completed:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81893
FEC RR Bridge Work Completed:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81856
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 IV. Another Report Of Shoaling at AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection (Statute Mile 237, North Carolina AICW)
For the past several years, BUT NOT BEFORE THAT, shoaling seems to rapidly build on the AICW south of Swansboro, near the Wateray's intersection with shallow Browns Inlet. As such, we designated these waters an AICW Problem Stretch some time ago.
When dredging was completed here in 2011, we hoped cruisers would have a few months respite at least. That has, unfortunately, not proven to be the case. Both year round NC cruisers and snow birds preparing to track their way past this intersection during the spring transient season, will certainly want to check out the latest at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=83767
You might also want to consult these waters entry in the Net's "AICW Problem Stretches Directory" at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5486 |
 V. Come One, Come All to Eastern Florida Webinar Slated For Monday, March 26 at 8:00 pm (Eastern Time)
On Monday, March 26, at 8:00 pm (Eastern Time), yours truly will hold my third "Webinar," entitled, "Cruising Eastern Florida - Fernandina Beach to Miami," through the good offices of my friends at the Seven Seas Cruising Association University. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN SSCA MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE.
 Please note that, as I've said above, you need not be an SSCA member to participate, BUT you WILL have to create an account after gong to the URL specified below! Unless, of course, you have participated in an earlier SSCA University webinar, in which case you will already have an established account.
Normally, SSCA charges $35.00 for non-members and $25.00 for members to participate in these "webinars." HOWEVER, through a special arrangement, ALL cruisers can now participate at the $25.00 level. Be SURE to follow the instructions below in order to receive the special price.
To sign up for my Eastern Florida webinar, go to:
http://www.SevenSeasU.com
And, be SURE to use the "promotional code":
Young
to receive the special $25.00 rate for non SSCA members.
Hope to hear from many of you Monday night.
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 VI. GOOD NEWS - Closing of Moore Haven
Lock/Okeechobee Waterway Delayed
Don't ever believe that the cruising community, particularly when coupled with the Florida Marine Industries Association and local businesses, cannot have an affect on governmental policy. Pressure from all these entities has resulted in a SECOND delay of upgrade work on the Okeechobee Waterway's Moore Haven Lock.  Of course, and year round Florida cruisers should not forget this, the new closure date does mean the Okeechobee Waterway will be effectively closed for the summer 2012 months!This past fall, there was an uproar, both within the cruising community, and in the Florida business community centered on the cities of Stuart and Fort Myers, concerning an Army Corps of Engineers plan to close the Moore Haven Lock from September, well into November, in order to install Manatee protective devices. Due to the one-axis east to west nature of the Okeechobee Waterway, closing one lock, closes the entire passage from Stuart to Fort Myers, or the other way around. The USCAE gave in to all the hub-bub, and agreed to postpone this procedure.
Then, in February of this year, a new proposal was announced that would have  closed the Moore Haven Lock/Okeechobee Waterway from April 1 to May 25. A 2/17/12 public forum was held to seek public input, and the USACOE must have gotten a real earful, as they announced a delay to the lock upgrade until 5/14/12! Now, as you will read via the link below, this closure has happily been delayed yet again. Get the full skinny at:
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 VII. Absurd/Bizarre Proposed Florida Anchorage Regulations and Plans to Restrict Anchorage Entirely
I have been involved in the struggle for Florida anchoring rights, and, yes, also responsibilities, since 1992. In fact, I was asked on more than one occasion to become the Director of the old, now long defunct, Coalition of Concerned Boaters/National Water Rights Association. However, due to the constraints of my writing career, I had to decline.
 My point is NOT to toot my own horn, but to help you understand I have a lot of experience in this matter, sometimes I think far too much. So, it is with that perspective that I opine the anchorage regulations proposed by Martin County/Stuart, Florida (as part of their participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program), and Palm Beach County's bizarre plan to fill northern Lake Worth (hard by the community of North Palm Beach) and plant a sea grass bed, are some of the most ludicrous and preposterous ideas I have EVER encountered!
THANK GOODNESS, it looks as if the state of Florida will reject the Martin County proposals, and the idea of filling northern Lake Work, well, let's just hope there is even an inkling of common sense somewhere in Florida government, that will derail this strange proposal!
So, if you have even a passing interest in ever dropping your hook in Sunshine State waters, PLEASE go to:
Almost Unbelievable Anchoring Mess in Stuart/Martin County, Florida (near AICW Statute Mile 988)
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=84320
Bizarre Proposal to Partially Fill North Lake Worth, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=83837
 Let me just finish off this editorial rant with an observation. Up until now, my own point of view and the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net editorial policy, have firmly rejected calls for boycotting communities in Florida that propose draconian anchorage regulations as part of the Pilot Mooring Field Program, or even boycotting the entire state of Florida in general. Our preference has been to work within the system to try and bring some sense to this issue, with the full understanding that abandoned vessels and derelicts ARE a genuine problem in the Sunshine Sate. THAT IS STILL MY OWN AND THIS  PUBLICATION'S POINT OF VIEW. HOWEVER, if these sorts of absolutely ludicrous proposals continue, and, perish the thought, some actually become law/enforced regulations, all that could change! |
 VIII. Caution Required When Entering Lake Boca Raton Anchorage (AICW Statute Mile 1048)
Overnight anchorages along the southeastern Florida section of the AICW are rare as proverbial hen's teeth. So, we sincerely thank Captains Steve and Regina Smith for reminding  one and all about the safe way to enter the protected anchorage on northern Lake Boca Raton. Give their advice a look at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81335 |
 IX. Question About Boca Grande Pass Swash Channel (Western Florida Coastline, south of Gasparilla Island)
OK, time for a pop quiz. Does everyone remember the motto of the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net? That's right, it's "Cruisers Helping Cruisers."? Well, the subject of this news item is a perfect example of how that philosophy works at its best.
 Lying between Gasparilla Island and Cayo Costa, Boca Grande Pass is one of Western Florida deepest inlets (though it still requires dredging on its Gulf side from time to time). This passage does pose a delay for northern bound skippers in that they must traverse a looonnnng track out into the Gulf of Mexico, before turning north for Venice or Tampa Bay.
Or, must they follow this strategy after all? In fact, there is a naturally deep "swash channel" that legions of local, Western Florida cruisers use to shortcut the long channel out into the Gulf of Mexico, thereby saving several miles of cruising. Of course, this route is unmarked, and it's not always for the faint of heart.
Recently, "Captain Dave" posted a question on the SSECN as to the current state of the "swash channel." We put his question up on the Net, and within 48 hours were able to post a reply from a veteran Western Florida cruiser. Find out what both mariners had to say at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=80847
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 X. Uncharted Marker/Shoaling On AICW/Stono River (South Carolina AICW, Statute Mile 480)Even the latest chartplotters cannot keep up with buoys added to mark shoaling and it can be confusing to approach a marker that often just does not make sense when looking at the chart. Thanks to Capt. Long for bringing this uncharted marker to our  attention!
Check out:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=80730 |
 XI. Depth Controversy on Sister Creek, Alternate Entrance to Boot Key Harbor (Marathon, FL)
As part of a recent string of messages concerning a set of sagging utility lines crossing the primary entrance to Boot Key Harbor (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=84015), a side discussion has come about on the Cruisers' Net concerning depths on Sister Creek.
 The "primary" entrance to Boot Key Harbor ("BKH") is a more or less straight shot from Moser Channel. This is the passage over which the sagging utility lines cross.
Sister Creek is an alternate entrance to BKH, which runs, more or less, north from Hawk Channel. In the "sagging utility lines posting," both yours truly and our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, cautioned that boats drawing more than 4 feet should not attempt to use Sister Creek. This admonition resulted in some dissenting points of view, so I asked Captain Charmine to shed some further light on these waters, and, as usual, she has responded magnificently.
All Florida Keys cruisers will want to peruse the full discussion at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=84316
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 XII. Floating "Big Black Drums" Navigational Hazard in Hawk Channel, Offshore from Marathon, Reported in the Florida Keys
And speaking of Captain Charmaine, and Florida Keys navigation, we had barely issued our special Alert earlier this week about the sagging utility lines hazard approaching BKH, when we received another report from Charmaine about a  second hazard, this one on Hawk Channel off of Moser Channel and Marathon. ALL cruisers plying Hawk Channel between Key West and Marathon (at least), should quickly visit:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=84146 |
 XIII. A Tall Ship Will Make Washington, NC Waterfront Docks Its New Homeport
With it's free/inexpensive city docks, good nearby restaurants and the adjacent NC Estarium, there's already lots of good reasons to leave the familiar confines of the AICW, and cruise upstream on Pamlico River to the Washington, North Carolina waterfront.
 Now, there's a new attraction that makes this sojourn even more attractive. To quote from the city of Washington's recent press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 14, 2012, WASHINGTON, NC
The Schooner Jeanie B, a 72' tall masted sailing vessel, will be coming to the City of Washington and become a fixture to the community of Eastern North Carolina.
The Washington Harbor District Alliance helped to formulate the new partnership between the City of Washington and The Schooner Jeanie B. This partnership creates a relationship that couples the vibrant waterfront in Washington, NC with the educational and family sailings of the vessel. Schooner Jeanie B will reconnect the rich history of Washington's past which was active with tall ships with the present when she arrives March 21.
For full details, and links to the Washington waterfront marina facilities, please go to:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=83915 |
XIV. GOOD NEWS - AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Route REOPENSThe Alternate AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Route has been closed over the 2011 - 2012 winter months for removal and repair of the South Mills Lock doors. WE ARE PLEASED TO REPORT THAT AS OF 3/19/2 ALL WORK WAS COMPLETED AND THE CANAL OFFICIALLY REOPENED! Follow the link below to read a message from Donna Stewart, Executive Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center.
 This is really GOOD news if you plan to "do the Dismal," during the upcoming spring, 2012 transient season (or if you are a year round, NC cruiser)!
It is equally good news that the Army Corps of Engineers is making a sincere effort to remove as many underwater and semi-floating obstacles as possible. Again, follow the link below for full details.
And, of course, those who cruise the Dismal have the delightful prospect of an overnight stop in Elizabeth City, where the hospitality you will enjoy from the local "Rose Buddie" volunteers is legendary from one end of the AICW to the other!
So, without further ado, please visit:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=83569
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 XV. Lots of Other North Carolina Cruising News
During the week of March 5, I undertook another one of my marina research trips, this time from northeastern North Carolina, moving south to Beaufort and Morehead City. As usual, I personally eyeballed, every marina along the way, and conducted extensive interviews of the marina personnel and/or management. All that fresh data has already been fed into the Net's "North Carolina Marina Directory."  Along the way, I also ran across some interesting bits of cruising news which are linked below. Both year round Tar Heel cruisers as well as snow birds will, I hope, find much to interest them here:Read why Edenton, NC will soon have a very historic lighthouse shining over its city docks:
The very popular port of call, Beaufort, NC, will soon have a new grocery store and deli within less than a one block walk of the waterfront:
Check out fabulous spring dockage deals by two of North Carolina's premiere  marina facilities: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81831 So, thankfully, that's all for now, Good luck and good cruising to all! Claiborne S. Young |
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