In This Issue
I. Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season
II. Bridges and Locks Will Operate During Federal Government Shutdown
III. Dinghy Dockage Controversy on Marco Island's Smokehouse Bay Remains Unresolved - Background and Outlook (Southwestern Florida Coastline)
IV. Severe Shoaling at Entrance to Jeremy Creek, McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430
V. Good News and Many Improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina (Statute Mile 966.5)
VI. Dredging Nearing Completion at Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5
VII. Sunken Sailing Vessel Southeast of Key West, near Hawk Channel Statute Mile 1235
VIII. Zimmerman Marine - Southport Marina Open House Slated For 10/26/13 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm (Statute Mile 309)
IX. Update: Pumpout Relief on its Way at Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, Western Florida
X. Belhaven, NC Changes Town Docks Policies (Statute Mile 135.5)
XI. The Infamous "Magenta Line" - Going, going . . .
XII. Depths Survey As of 9/03/13 of the AICW/Carolina Beach Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 293.5)
XIII. Good Words for Upper Keys Sailing Club, Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1143
XIV. More Information on "Hampton Snowbird Rendezvous" (10/18/13 to 10/20/13)
XV. Elizabeth II Sails into Edenton NC to Celebrate Edenton's 300th Anniversary - off the AICW on Western Albemarle Sound
Georgetown, SC South Carolina

I. Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season

Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season
A Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Editorial And Guide
by
Claiborne S. Young

Harborwalk Marina By now, just about everyone has heard about the tragic fire which destroyed seven buildings in the "700 block" of downtown Georgetown, South Carolina on 9/25/13. The loss caused by the fire to this historic, waterside community is not inconsiderable, BUT there are still innumerable attractions unaffected by the conflagration, and cruisers WILL want to be sure to make Georgetown one of their ports of call during the fall, 2013 cruising season, and thereafter.

The below linked editorial and guide's purpose is to briefly outline some of the reasons that cruisers do NOT want to bypass Georgetown. And, over and above taking advantage of all the many attractions and services, let's all spend some time here, and do our part to help this friendly community recover!

If you don't follow any other link to the SSECN in this entire "Alert," please visit:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124191

Georgetown Wooden Boat Show 2013 And, oh yes, there's even more reason to visit this beautiful, quaint waterside community this month. THE ULTRA-POPULAR GEORGETOWN WOODEN BOAT SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE ON 10/19/13! Full details, including a partial schedule are to be found at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124719
Bennett Brothers Side Panel All Southeastern USA Waterways

II. Bridges and Locks Will Operate During Federal Government Shutdown
 
Lady's Island Marina All indications are that US Army Corp of Engineers bridges and locks will continue to operate normally while the boys and girls in our nation's capital can't get their act together. However, there has been no news yet as to possible reduction in the hours of operation. Please follow the link below to read important input from "Captain Bill" on this issue:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124416
Charleston City Marina Western Florida

III. Dinghy Dockage Controversy on Marco Island's Smokehouse Bay Remains Unresolved - Background and Outlook (Southwestern Florida Coastline)

Dataw Island Marina Smokehouse Bay is a very popular southwestern Florida anchorage that sits in the heart of northern Marco Island. Access is gained by way of a marked channel which breaks off from the main Marco Island to Naples unofficial waterway channel, just east of Capri Pass, and runs southwest and then southeast across Collier Bay.

Smokehouse Bay also hosts Esplanade Marina on its southeastern shores. Transient dockage is available at Esplanade Marina.

Harbourgate Marina Back on 4/20/12, we reported, by way of a message received from Captain Noel, that Esplanade Marina would no longer allow dinghy dockage at their piers, unless those who came ashore were strictly there to patronize the shops and restaurants of the Esplande (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=86219). As part of this same posting, we appended a lengthy message from Esplanade Marina dockmaster, Captain Kris Greenough, explaining his facility's policy, and stating that this prohibition was not a new thing.

Charleston Harbor Marina Then, early in 2013, we received a message from SAMI (Sailing Association of Marco Island) member, and a good friend of this writer and the SSECN, Captain Lee Oldershaw, to the effect that the restrictions on dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina had been lifted. Then, a short time later, a second note arrived informing us that this situation was not yet resolved.

Downtown Beaufort Marina On 9/20/13, we received an e-mail from Dockmaster Greenough, stating that Captain Oldershaw's postings on our site were now dated and inaccurate. This led us to investigate the situation, and we agree that the two earlier postings concerning dinghy dockage at Esplanade Marina are now dated, and, for this reason only, we have removed them from the SSECN.

There is FAR MORE to this story, however. Please follow the link below to learn about all the latest going-ons, and polical/legal wranglings concerning this issue, at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124150


null

 
Longboat Key Moorings South Carolina

 

IV. Severe Shoaling at Entrance to Jeremy Creek, McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430               


Port Royal Landing Marina Our contact at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, has just forwarded the most recent (9/27/13) official USACOE survey of depths on Jeremy Creek (McClellanville, South Carolina), with a verbal warning that the soundings depicted on the below linked graphic are "really bad!" And, by the way, the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is again honored that the US Army Corps of Engineers selected our publication as the FIRST means of getting this critical information to the cruising community.

Harbour Town Yacht Basin 2012 You will see after following the link below that the center of the channel is c. 2.5 to 3.5ft. However, the survey does show that better depths - 4 to 4.5 ft - are found on the starboard side of the channel, at certain places, when entering, and channel depths improve farther upstream. All depths shown on this survey are corrected for Mean Low Water.

Until and if dredging can be accomplished on the southern portion of Jeremy Creek, entrance and exit at times near low water will be relegated strictly to vessels with less than 4ft draft!

Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Now, why is this such a big deal? Well, Jeremy Creek provides the only water access to the charming village of McClellanville, South Carolina, and its marina, Leland Oil Company. The shoal depths at the entrance to Jeremy Creek are going to be a real obstacle to visiting both this marina and the adjoining community.

Fortunately, there is a 5.5 to 6 foot tidal range in this region, so most cruising craft will be able to navigate southern Jeremy Creek near the time of high tide. Of course, having to time your travel around the tides can be a major inconvenience to cruisers.
Osprey Marina
Everyone in McClellanville is hoping that the USACOE will dredge Jeremy Creek soon, but, as of this writing, there are no definite plans to do so. Let's hope this dredging happens soon!

In the meantime, ALL mariners bent on a visit to McClellanville and/or Leland Oil Company, NEED TO FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW WITHOUT FAIL, AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES JUST HOW SHALLOW THE WATER HAS BECOME, AND WHERE THEY ARE LIKELY TO FIND THE BEST DEPTHS POSSIBLE.
Barefoot Marina
PLEASE VISIT:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124287

Eastern Florida

V. Good News and Many Improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina (Statute Mile 966.5)         

Isle of Palms Marina Fort Pierce City Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR) has been undergoing a massive improvement project for many months now. In an interview conducted by the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net with our good friend, and Fort Pierce City Harbormaster, Captain Dean Kubitschek, on 10/1/13, we learned this undertaking is almost finished. While there are still a few "punch list" tasks to perform, the many construction barges and cranes have largely departed the scene, and all will be gone, and the artificial island building project fully complete, within a week.

Windmill Harbour Marina Among many other improvements, a series of artificial barrier islands have been constructed east of the marina dockage complex (see DRAMATIC photo in the below linked article). These isles will act as a wave break during foul weather, and will be a huge improvement over the old, open to wind and wave, arrangement.

Next, the Fort Pierce entrance channel has now been dredged to a minimum MLW depth of 7.5 feet, with typical MLW soundings of 8.75 feet. That's really GOOD news for skippers who pilot vessels drawing 6 to 6 1/2 feet. And, the channel is now newly marked and FINALLY correctly charted, providing much easier access to this first-class facility!
Bucksport Marina
Throughout this entire renovation project, transient wet slip space has been available, and THAT IS STILL VERY MUCH THE CASE! Fort Pierce City Marina is looking to welcome a host of visiting cruisers as the fall, 2013 transient season progresses!
Skull Creek Marina
Check out some eye popping photos showing the new improvements, and learn about a BUNCH of additional marina enhancements by visiting:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124347
Jekyll Harbor Marina Georgia             
 
VI. Dredging Nearing Completion at Jekyll Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 684.5       

St. Johns Yacht Harbor The completion of dredging at Jekyll Harbor Marina is just another of the many reasons to stop at Jekyll Island. Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW's passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. These good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR and and the marina is home to our good friend, Sonny Reeves, who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll!
Isle of Hope Marina
Find out just how SIGNIFICANTLY depths have been improved at this popular AICW facility by visiting:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124646
Pilot House Marina Florida Keys
 
VII. Sunken Sailing Vessel Southeast of Key West, near Hawk Channel Statute Mile 1235

The sunken sailing vessel reported in the below linked article, cherry picked from the latest Local Notice to Mariners, lies south of Cow Channel, which separates the east end of Key West from Stock Island. The derelict in question is found in open waters 1.5 nautical miles south of Hawk Channel (near statute mile 1235) and just west of marker #2.
Sunbury Crab Company
All mariners cruising the Florida Keys, or planning to cruise these waters later this season, should visit:

Zimmerman Marine North Carolina

VIII.  Zimmerman Marine - Southport Marina Open House Slated For 10/26/13 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm (Statute Mile 309)

Southport Marina The Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is pleased to announce a joint "Open House" sponsored by Southport Marina and Zimmerman Marine, BOTH SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSORS, on October 26, 2013 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm! Southport Marina has been a long-time and valued supporter of our work, while the prestigious repair firm of Zimmerman Marine is one of our NEWEST sponsors! Zimmerman has now opened their fourth repair yard facility on the grounds of Southport Marina!

New Smyrna Beach Marina Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Sales Director and veteran cruiser, Captain Winston Fowler, will be on hand for the Open House, and will be glad to answer any questions you might have about the SSECN. Captain Fowler will also be part of the "Heading South from Southport - Follow the ICW or Go Outside" round table discussion, held at 4:00 pm.

I only wish I could be there also, but as most of you know, my family health situation prevents my attendance at this time!

Cammachee Cove Marina A BIG congratulations to the new partnership between Southport Marina and Zimmerman Marine. This outstanding team effort is a wonderful addition to the southeastern North Carolina cruising scene!

And, if that's still not enough to entice you to this happy get-together, Southport Marina is making this very special offer to SSECN readers:

The first 3 boaters making overnight reservations for October 26th and attending the event will receive a special 15% discount on the transient dockage rate as a special Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net promotion. You must mention code SSCNOH15 when you call Southport Marina (910-457-9900) and reserve your slip by October 7th.

Marineland Marina Please follow this link to read the full Press Release related to the open house at:

Punta Gorda, Florida Western Florida            

IX. Update: Pumpout Relief on its Way at Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, Western Florida

Paradise Yachts Our thanks to Captain Mary Dixon, for sending us this good news for cruisers visiting SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Punta Gorda, on Western Florida's Charlotte Harbor/Peace River. As soon as we receive information for the new pump-out boat's contact numbers and location, we will post it!

Vero Beach Municipal Marina Latest news on the Punta Gorda pumpout boat. Just a few more steps to go to decide on a name for the City's Pump Out Boat. It was delivered and sea tested by the Laishley Marina Dock Master. Staff is currently working to get the State mandated signage and decals applied to the boat. The vessel should be up and running by the end of October. 
Mary Dixon
Amelia Island Yacht Basin 2  
More details at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=119532 
Palm Cove Marina North Carolina

X. Belhaven, NC Changes Town Docks Policies (Statute Mile 135.5)

Those of you who have been following the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net know we published a major article/editorial on 9/19/13, verifying the polices in place for the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne's Gut. Partly due to all the discussion raised around this posting, and the negative reviews which appeared on OTHER, non-moderated nautical web sites and forums, and partly due to the happy news that Belhaven has now completed a SECOND town dock, the decision has been made to completely revise the dockage pricing, and clearly set forth maximum stay limits, for both Town Docks. Harbortown Marina - Merrit Island, FL

Learn all about the new rules, policies and fees at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124114
Westland Marina All Southeastern USA Waterways

XI. The Infamous "Magenta Line" - Going, going . . .

null For years now, a debate has raged here on the SSECN, and virtually EVERY other nautical web site and forum, about the so-called "Magenta Line" which appears on NOAA charts covering the various Southeastern USA waterways (and probably in other USA regions as well). The "magenta line" is SUPPOSED to show the best path to take, in order to keep to the best depths. HOWEVER, as many have pointed out, that is NOT always the case. In fact, sometimes, following the magenta line can leave your vessel high and dry!

Coconut Club Yacht Club Now, apparently due more to budgetary considerations than complaints that the "magenta line" does not (at least in places) properly portray the correct channel, NOAA is considering dumping this chart feature entirely.

NOAA is asking for comment and input from the cruising community concerning this deletion. Follow the link below to discover URL's and e-mail addresses where your point of view can be recorded.

AND WE ARE SURE THE CRUISING COMMUNITY WILL WANT TO RECORD ITS OPINION ON THIS MATTER. Both the SSECN and many other nautical forums have already been FILLED with comments about this proposed charting change. Many of those comments can also be read by following the link below.

Staniel Cay Club
So, ALL Southeastern USA cruisers, please visit:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124482

On-The_Water Chartguides North Carolina

XII. Depths Survey As of 9/03/13 of the AICW/Carolina Beach Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 293.5)


Hammock Beach Resort & Marina Looks like the major dredging project which took place some two years ago at the AICW/Carolina Beach Inlet intersection, south and west of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and north and east of the Snows Cut canal, is still holding. Hooray, at last some good news!

Fort Myers Municipal Marina Our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of "On The Water ChartGuides" (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report, linked below, relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the AICW/Carolina Beach Inlet intersection on 9/03/13.

Incidentally, Diana and Mark have just published a new edition of their immensely popular "ICW CruiseGuide." Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place an order!
Port St. Joe Marina  
Check out what Diana and Mark discovered at:

Legacy Harbour Marina Florida Keys

XIII. Good Words for Upper Keys Sailing Club, Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1143

Twin Dolphin Marina Upper Keys Sailing Club occupies the sharp point of land, west of the twin charted "Micro Trs," south of the charted position of Newport, depicted as facility #35 on chart 11451 (off the Florida Keys/Florida Bay Inside Route).


We have visited here many times over the years, and can say with some expertise, this is an informal, but unfailingly friendly, spot to coil your lines for a day to two. Advance arrangements by telephone are strongly recommended, as the docks are by no means manned on a regular basis!

Gulf Harbour Marina Once you are tied to the piers, be sure to check out the small clubhouse on the grounds. You will probably find a very convivial gathering of fellow cruisers here many evenings, and a good time will be had by all!

Check out what Captains Helen and Rick experienced at the Upper Key Sailing Club by visiting:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123778

St. Petersburg Municipal Marina Virginia to North Carolina

XIV. More Information on "Hampton Snowbird Rendezvous" (10/18/13 to 10/20/13)

Fort Myers Beach Anchorage On 9/17/12, the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net ran an article promoting the first ever "Hampton Snowbird Rendezvous," taking place on 10/18/13 to 10/20/13, at (where else), Hampton, Virginia (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123282). We have just received additional info on this event linked below.

Check out:

Edenton North Carolina City Docks North Carolina

XV. Elizabeth II Sails into Edenton NC to Celebrate Edenton's 300th Anniversary - off the AICW on Western Albemarle Sound

Regatta Pointe Marina Back in 1984, not long after my first paper book, "Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina" was published, the city of Manteo, North Carolina celebrated the "quadracentennial" of the so-called, "Lost Colony." Of course, this colony was actually never "lost," but that's another story for another day!

As part of this celebration, a faithful replica of the "Elizabeth," the ship that brought the colonists to Roanoke Island, was constructed using traditional materials and methods on the Manteo waterfront. The "Elizabeth II" has been docked ever since at a park on the opposite side of Doughs Creek from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina, and is very much open to the public.

Panama City Marina From time to time, the Elizabeth II makes voyages to other NC ports of call as part of some festival or special event. And, indeed, that's exactly what's about to happen in SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, Edenton, North Carolina.

Founded on November 6, 1712, Edenton is celebrating its 300th anniversary beginning October 9 through December 2013. As the article linked below details, there is much to see and do in this historic town during the celebration, and a visit by the Elizabeth II, will soon be in the offing as a part of this event.


Riviera Dunes Marina "The Elizabeth II will leave her homeport of Roanoke Island Festival Park on Wednesday, October 9, to sail to Edenton as part of Edenton's 300th Anniversary. The voyage is sponsored by the Friends of Elizabeth II and Southern Bank Foundation."

Learn LOTS More About Edenton's Tri-Centennial and the Elizabeth II visit at:

http://cruisersnet.net/?p=124653

That's all for now. Good luck and good cruising to all!!!!

Claiborne S. Young
Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net
http://www.CruisersNet.net
[email protected]

          
 
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