In This Issue
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I. Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net To Aid NOAA in Relocation of the "Magenta Line"
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II. Report from New Pass Inlet, between Longboat and Lido Keys, Sarasota, FL, near Statute Mile 75
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III. Hazard: Nine Mile Point Light Destroyed, St. Johns River, North of Palatka, FL
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IV. Claiborne to Hold Three Seminars at the Oriental, NC Boat Show, 4/12/14 and 4/13/14
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V.Good Words for Madeira Beach Marina (Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 122.5)
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VI. WELCOME Edwards Yacht Sales
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VII. Elizabeth City, NC's Mariners Wharf City Docks Adds New Bathroom and Shower Building (St. M. 50.5, Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route)
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VIII. "Cruising North" Seminar and SSECN Demonstration Taking Place at MTOA Spring Rendevzous - Fernandina Beach, FL 4/16/14 and 4/17/14
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IX. Ponce Inlet Shoal WARNING, near AICW Statute Miles 843 and 839
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X. Atlantic Yacht Basin Announces Spring, 2014 Special Offers (Statute Mile 12)
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XI. Update on Dredging at AICW/Bakers Haulover Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 1080
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XII. Two Upcoming SSCAU Webinars - South Carolina on 4/3/14 and "How To Get the Most From the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Web Site" On 4/8/14
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XIII. Successful Passage through Little Mud River AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655
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XIV. Dismal Swamp Canal Now Open
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XV. "On the Water ChartGuides" Goes Non-Profit
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XVI. Publishers Chuck Baier and Susan Landry Announce the Release of "The Great Book Of Anchorages, Chesapeake Bay Edition," Including The Potomac River
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SSECN and NOAA
I. Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net To Aid NOAA in Relocation of the "Magenta Line"
We are very pleased to report that the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is in serious and, so far, fruitful talks with NOAA's Marine Chart Division, designed to provide a means whereby SSECN navigational data can be used to help relocate the infamous "magenta line" on future editions of NOAA charts, to better indicate where best depths are to be found. SSECN is working with both Captain Shep Smith and Lieutenant JG Anthony Klemm to refine methods which will allow their office to zero in on SSECN data pertinent to an updated edition of a particular chart.
NOAA has, quite correctly we believe, made it clear to the SSECN that any agreement struck will be a NON-EXCLUSIVE arrangement, and, in fact, NOAA has always planned on gathering data from many different sources to help relocate the magenta line. This is only as it should be. This is another case of where you simply can't have too much information.
However, that information needs to be targeted. In our initial discussion with Captain Smith, we first suggested simply forwarding all navigationally pertinent postings to his office. This idea was nixed when Captain Smith explained that the magenta line will be updated as new editions of the various NOAA charts are released, and his office needs a ready means to zero in on navigational data pertaining to the waters covered by the particular, about to be updated, chart.
So, our latest notion is to supply the NOAA Marine Chart Division with a link to our Statute Mile - Lat/Lon widget. When it comes time to update a chart, all Captain Smith and his team need do is input a Lat/Lon position, or Statute Mile, contained within the chart in question, into our widget, and this will bring up a Chart View window showing the waters depicted on the about-to-be-updated chart. The NOAA folks can then, quite easily, pick out "Navigation Alert," "I"nfo and "AICW Problem Stretch" icons on our Chart View page, click on them, and then be led to full information about the problem or feature depicted by the icon.
Neat, huh! Talks are ongoing, and we will report to you on future progress. We are just very pleased to be a part and an aid in this very worthwhile project!
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Western Florida
II. Report from New Pass Inlet, between Longboat and Lido Keys, Sarasota, FL, near Statute Mile 75
New Pass is the northernmost of Sarasota's two shoal plagued inlets, and this channel separates Longboat Key from Lido Key. It is spanned by a bascule bridge with a closed vertical clearance of 23ft.
IN SPITE OF CAPTAIN CONWAY'S INFO IN THE BELOW LINKED REPORT, WE SPECIFICALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANY MARINER MAKE USE OF NEW PASS! This channel shoals faster than it can be dredged, and I have personally photographed a large sailcraft (several years ago) that foundered when it tried to navigate New Pass. You would be far better served to make use of Longboat Pass to the north, or, best of all, Venice Pass to the south.
If anyone has ignored this advice, and run New Pass recently, let us hear from you.
Read what Captain Conway has to say about New Pass at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137759
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Eastern Florida
III. Hazard: Nine Mile Point Light Destroyed, St. Johns River, North of Palatka, FL
The missing aid to navigation reported in the below linked report, marks a prominent shoal jutting out from the St. John's western shoreline approximately 8 nautical miles north of Palatka. ALL St. Johns mariners are URGED to follow the link below without delay, and get full data on this potentially dangerous situation. Hopefully, the USCG will get on the proverbial ball SOON, and replace this mark. In the meantime, please visit: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137925
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North Carolina
IV. Claiborne to Hold Three Seminars at the Oriental, NC Boat Show, 4/12/14 and 4/13/14
I am very pleased to inform the cruising community that yours truly will hold three semiars at this year's Oriental Boat Show. All sessions will be held in the old "Trawl Door" restaurant location, and all will have the benefit of full graphics and internet connections. First, on Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 pm, I will present a program entitled "Cruising Coastal North Carolina!" This session will be particularly useful for newcomers to the Tar Heel state, and/or those who are simply interested in exploring lesser known NC waters. Of course, the AICW will also receive full attention, but no more so than all other coastal NC rivers and sounds. At approximately 3:15 pm on April 12, I will hold, back to back with the NC presentation, a program entitled, "How To Get the Most From the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Web Site." I'm really excited about this seminar. This will be the very first time I've ever held an entire session devoted to navigating and fully utlizing all the many services and voluminous information contained within the SSECN. I cordially invite ALL mariners to come and participate in this seminar. I promise you will find it well worth your time. Lastly, on Sunday, April 13, at 2:00 PM, I will be holding a 2-hour seminar which will take an in-depth look at the coastal waters from the NC - SC state line, south into northern Florida. Between you and me, this is one of my favorite presentations. Any cruiser who isn't excited by the wonderful anchorage opportunities available along SC's Waccamaw River, and the "Sea Island Country" south of Charleston, had better look into another avocation. And, if that's not enough to whet your appetite, this session will also take a long look at unforgettable ports of call along this stretch, including Georgetown, Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah! I am pleased to report that admission to the Oriental Boat Show is only $5.00, and all funds will be used by the local Rotary Club for scholarships and other community projects. So, no excuses, SEE YOU THERE! For more information on the Oriental Boat Show, please visit: http://orientalboatshow.com/
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Western Florida
V.Good Words for Madeira Beach Marina (Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 122.5)
Madeira Beach Marina flanks the northwestern banks of the cove southwest of Western Florida ICW marker #10, itself just southeast of the Welch Causeway Bridge. I just had the good fortune to personally visit and evaluate this marina a few weeks ago. My own estimation of this newly rebuilt facility synchs nicely with the brief report from Captain Kevin, linked below. Find out all at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137946
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SSECN Boat Broker Partners
VI. WELCOME Edwards Yacht Sales
Please join me in welcoming our newest Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net "Boat Broker Partner," Edwards Yacht Sales. This fine firm is one of the best known brokerage operations in the Sunshine State.
PLEASE visit their new listing at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137284
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Eastern Florida/MTOA Rendezvous
VIII. "Cruising North" Seminar and SSECN Demonstration Taking Place at MTOA Spring Rendevzous - Fernandina Beach, FL 4/16/14 and 4/17/14
Hello to all Fellow Turtles! I am pleased to announce that during this year's spring MTOA rendezvous in Fernandina Beach, Florida I will be presenting a special seminar on Thursday, April 17 from 2:45 to 3:45 pm, entitled "AICW and Northbound." My intention is to cover as much of the AICW as is possible in an hour's time, moving north from Fernandina Beach, through Georgia and into the Carolinas. We will take an in-depth look at all AICW Problem Stretches, but also at ports of call, marinas and anchorages that should NOT be missed.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Apirl 16, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm, I will be participating in the "Turtle Fair" by holding multiple "How To Get the Most From the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Web Site" demonstrations. As I said above in regards to the Oriental Boat Show, I'm really excited about these sorts seminars. Now, all who drop by my table can take a good look at how to navigate and fully utilize all the many services and voluminous information contained within the SSECN. I cordially invite ALL fellow MTOA'ers to drop by and participate in these demonstration. I promise you will find it well worth your time.
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Eastern Florida
IX. Ponce Inlet Shoal WARNING, near AICW Statute Miles 843 and 839
The good people at SeaTow have shared a serious warning about increased shoaling on a portion of the Ponce Inlet channel. This seaward passage runs out into the briny blue between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
If you have even the slightest intention of possibly running Ponce Inlet within the next several month, PLEASE visit:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137567
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Eastern Florida
XI. Update on Dredging at AICW/Bakers Haulover Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 1080
The Waterway's passage behind shallow Bakers Haulover Inlet, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, has long been designated as an SSECN "AICW Problem Stretch" due to persistent shoaling. In the below linked report, we learn that these troubled waters are now being DREDGED, Hooray! Full details at: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135349
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Seven Seas Cruising Association University XII. Two Upcoming SSCAU Webinars - South Carolina on 4/3/14 and "How To Get the Most From the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Web Site" On 4/8/14
The Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is excited to announce two April, 2014 webinars to be held under the auspices of Seven Seas Cruising Association University, and hosted directly by yours truly (Claiborne Young). These sessions are: Thursday, April 3 - "Cruising the Historic South Carolina Low Country"Tuesday, April 8 - "How To Get the Most From the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net Web Site" The South Carolina session will delve deeply into the cruising possibilities of the Palmetto State coastline from Myrtle Beach to Savannah River, including the anchorage rich Waccamaw River region and the "Sea Island Country," south of Charleston, SC. While the AICW, will, of course, be covered, the 90 minute format of this webinar will also give us the chance to explore ALL other SC coastal waters, including a whole passel of true off the beaten track cruising possibilities, sometimes FAR off the beaten track! On April 8, I will be hosting an IMPORTANT, FREE SSCA University webinar entitled, "How to Get the Most from the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net!" May I say it one more time, we are all really excited about these sorts seminars. Now, all who participate in this FREE webinar will have the opportunity to take an in-depth look at how to navigate and fully utilize all the many services and voluminous information contained within the SSECN. How can you go wrong at this non-existent price. ALL who can get an internet connection are cordially invited to participate in this important webinat. I promise you will find it well worth your time. To sign up for any or, hopefully, BOTH the above detailed webinars, please visit the SSCA University web site at: http://sevenseasu.com/7seasu/ Note THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN SSCA MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE WEBINARS, but you will have to create an "account." Look on the upper. left side of the SSCAU home page under the "SSU Login" section, and check the round "Register" button. Then just enter your information, and click the rectangular "Register" link. Now, you have an SSECN U account! I hope to visit with MANY of you during these exciting webinars! Please sign up TODAY!
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Georgia
XIII. Successful Passage through Little Mud River AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This "AICW Problem Stretch" lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. SSECN recommends navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only, as Skipper Lancaster was savvy enough to do.
Learn how to imitate his successful strategy by visiting:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137920
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SSECN Strategic Partners
XVI. Publishers Chuck Baier and Susan Landry Announce the Release of "The Great Book Of Anchorages, Chesapeake Bay Edition," Including The Potomac River
We are very pleased to help promote the soon to be released third installment in Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net's strategic partners, Skippers Chuck Baier and Susan Landry's, superb "Great Book of Anchorages" series. This fresh volume details overnight havens on the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries. But, hey, why listen to me, when you can read the news directly from Susan and Chuck!
Learn all there is to know, and find out how to pre-order this valuable volume at:
http://cruisersnet.net/?p=137544
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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