Category: U.S. Atlantic

Find upcoming events from Maine to Florida, along with detailed destination reviews of major hubs and lesser-known small towns. If you’re looking for the best cruiser resources, you’ve come to the right place. Each month, Southern Boating posts Regional Reports that cover the Atlantic Coast in detail. Chesapeake, Southeast Seaboard, the Carolinas, and down to Miami, Southern Boating keeps you updated on marinas, events and the resources you’ll need to successfully navigate the U.S. Atlantic.

Canyon Club Marina, Cape May, NJ

Canyon Club Marina’s beautiful landscaping, manicured lawns, and infinity pool are just a few of the reasons cruisers flock to this Cape May Marina.

“The focal point is our infinity-edged swimming pool that looks like it is emptying right into the marina,” says Michael Weber, the general manager for the past 10 years. Kids and adults alike have enjoyed the many pool parties and events throughout the years.

In addition to a full list of amenities, Weber says the marina’s professional staff and trained, uniformed dock attendants pride themselves on providing excellent customer service—from helping cruisers tie up their boats and getting situated to fueling, making restaurant reservations, and even getting ice. “They are pretty much boating concierges. Just ask for something and they’ll find it for you.”

Canyon Club Marina once hosts the Mid-Atlantic marlin and tuna tournament with a cash payout well over one million dollars; the 2012 payout was more than $1.5 million. The weeklong event in Cape May, New Jersey is full of fishing, dockside parties, and entertainment.

ma500.com

Other Marina Features/Services:

• Transient dockage to 125’
• Concrete floating docks
• In-slip diesel fueling at every slip
• 30, 50, 100 amp electric service
• Travelift (up to 80 tons)
• Dredged (winter 2012-13) with a controlling depth of 8-10 feet at MLW
• Ship’s store (selling and installing the latest electronic equipment)
• Brokerage offices
• Winter storage
• Wireless Internet
• Free cable TV
• Tiled head, shower and laundry facilities

A complete service department is available for diagnosis and repair, plus a well-stocked parts department for mechanical supplies.

Information:

Canyon Club Marina
900 Ocean Drive
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-0199
dockmaster@canyonclubmarina.com
canyonclubmarina.com

By Laura Dunn, Southern Exposure

Smuggler’s Cove Resort and Marina, Islamorada, FL

Smuggler’s Cove Resort and Marina, a 12-room waterfront boutique hotel and full-service marina in Islamorada, completed a three-month $500,000 property renovation. From fully revamped guest rooms and new food and beverage offerings to a new unique “Hook ‘N’ Cook” experience, Smuggler’s Cove reopened in December 2014 with an enhanced guest experience.

Framed by the turquoise waters of the marina and Atlantic Ocean, all of the hotel’s 12 guest rooms, which include 11 double-bed rooms and one suite, now feature new bedding and furnishings, island-inspired décor, flat screen TVs, Eco Botanics amenities, and a kitchenette complete with a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker and kitchenware. The hotel’s spacious one-bedroom suite also offers guests a pull-out couch, two closets and a separate bathroom with dual sinks. Additional featured amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, daily housekeeping and optional rollaway beds. With just 12 rooms in total, Smuggler’s Cove is ideal for takeover weddings and small-scale corporate retreats.

Open to the public, the hotel also reveals new food and beverage offerings including the Honey Hole, Wheel House and Buoy Bar. This charming Florida Keys setting is ideal for hosting a destination wedding. Additional new food and beverage offerings include room service and complimentary daily breakfast coming soon.

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In total, Smuggler’s Cove is home to a full-service 80-slip deep marina that is able to accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length. Forty slips are available at the hotel, Wheel House and Buoy Bar, inclusive of “Charter Row,” which features a daily presentation of the day’s fresh catches from the hotel’s six fishing charters. Just steps from guests’ doors, the hotel also offers an exciting array of outdoor activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, eco tours, and boat rentals. In addition, the hotel will have helicopter rides around the island and provide helicopter charters from Miami to Islamorada for daily excursions. Through an exclusive partnership with renowned Keys’ charter experts the Spaulding family, Smuggler’s Cove provides guests one of the best charter sport fishing experiences in Islamorada with its on-site charter boats featuring live cameras and real-time fishing reports broadcasted directly to the hotel. Located just across the channel from the hotel and restaurants, Smuggler’s Cove Marina has another 40 slips and features the largest deep-water fuel station in Islamorada. Its one-stop ship store provides immediate ocean and bay access carrying live and frozen bait, ice, tackle, food, beverages, and more convenient options.

Contact:
Smuggler’s Cove
85500 Overseas Highway,
Islamorada, FL 33036
(MM 85.5 BAYSIDE) • (305) 664-5564
smugglerscoveislamorada.com

Liz Pasch, Southern Exposure May 2015

Bahia Mar Resort & Yachting Center

Host to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—the world’s largest in-water boat show—Bahia Mar Yachting Center is an internationally-known marina with access to seven miles of beach and invigorating water sports such as scuba diving, parasailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing.

LXR Luxury Marinas’ Vice President of Marina Operations Kevin Quirk describes Bahia Mar as an icon in the marina business, with 250 slips for boats up to 300-foot vessels. Marina guests have full access to the resort pools, restaurants and stores. Not only does Quirk call long-term employees their greatest asset (for outstanding service), but he considers Bahia Mar’s guests to be the greatest clientele in boating. “Many have been return customers for years,” says Quirk, “because Bahia Mar is where you go to make some real friends for life.”

Spread over 40 acres, Bahia Mar is in the epicenter of a cruiser’s paradise. The beach (accessible by Bahia Mar’s signature hotel skywalk), shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs are all within walking distance of the marina. Plenty of onsite rental shops offer vacationers numerous options. No matter what the age, everyone in the family can enjoy expeditions like a glass-bottom boat tour, Jungle Queen cruise, Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Catamaran, Flamingo Drift fishing, fishing fleet charters, or a water taxi service for a great alternative to road traffic. Best Boat Rentals offers boats, bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, and boating safety classes. The Sea Experience Dive Shop is open daily to assist with diving supplies and gear.

Along with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 31 to November 4, Bahia Mar hosts events like TrawlerFest, Melges carbon fiber sailboat races, and the Fort Lauderdale beach concert series.

Future plans include a captain’s lounge by the end of the year. Opening September 1st will be a new Ship Store by their partners at National Marine Suppliers.

Other Marina Features/Services:

• 100 megayacht berths, accommodating vessels up to 250 feet
• Electrical service from 30-amp / 110-volt to 3-phase 480-volt
• Sanitary pump-out service available at each slip
• Marine fuel station, with 6 pumps capable of dispensing over 100 gallons per minute – diesel and gasoline are available
• On-site maintenance available daily
• Dockmaster’s office open daily (monitoring VHF Channel 16)
• Dockside check-in service
• Automobile and trailer parking available near the marina
• 24-hour uniformed security
• Two telephone lines per slip (with private phone numbers and voicemail)
• Wired and wireless high-speed Internet access
• Cable television, including HBO
• Laundry, shower, restroom facilities
• Four lighted tennis courts
• The Marina Store has provisions, nautical wear, resort logo items, gifts, and sundries
• World-class yacht brokerage and management on site, such as Camper Nicholson, Feadship, Nautique, and Lazzara Yachts

To reserve a slip or for information about Bahia Mar’s Fort Lauderdale marina, contact dock master Christina Russell at (800) 755-9558.

Information:

Bahia Mar Resort & Yachting Center
801 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 764-2233 – Kevin Quirk
(800) 755-9558 – Christina Russell
kquirk@lxrmarinas.com
bahiamarhotel.com

By Laura Dunn, Southern Exposure

Stock Island Marina Village – Key West, FL

Key West’s Stock Island Marina Village accommodates all kinds of cruisers, whether transient, liveaboard, or mega yacht.

As the largest deepwater marina in the Keys, Stock Island Marina Village plays host to megayachts as large as 320 feet with up to a 16-foot draft.

A developing market has emerged due to Stock Island Marina’s ability to provide world-class dockage amenities. Stock Island’s many attractive features include great restaurants, entertainment, art, and architecture, as well as beautiful golf courses, and the best year-round fishing in the U.S.

The are many marinas surrounding Key West, but Stock Island Marina Village leads the industry in technology, infrastructure, and hospitality. The marina has more deepwater capacity than any other marina in the Keys, and is safely nestled within a safe harbor, providing shelter from excessive wind and seas, but maintains easy access to the open Atlantic.

Marina guests often praise the facility for its organic gardens, dog park for all sized canines, top-of-the-line facilities, and friendly team of marine professionals. You can see some of their reviews here.

The marina —part of Stock Island’s Historic Seaport—opened its doors in the 1940s but has undergone complete redevelopment over the past four years, including the newly installed Bellingham concrete floating docks, new fuel system with 60,000-gallon capacity, 100-Room boutique style hotel, three on-site restaurants, and even more to come

Other Marina Features/Services:

• 220 wet slips
• Largest deepwater marina in the Keys
• 30/50/100 AMP electric
• Pump-outs included with dockage
• Gated marina community – liveaboard, transient, and megayachts welcome
• 24-hour security with surveillance cameras
• 7-days a week on-site management
• Two Dog Parks
• Free Wireless Internet
• Private Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities
• 24-Hour Fitness Center
• Community Garden
• Complimentary Shuttle Service to Downtown Key West

Information:

Stock Island Marina
7001 Shrimp Road
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-2288
reservations@stockislandmarina.com
stockislandmarina.com

Hyatt River Marsh Marina on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

If Chesapeake is your destination, tie up at the Hyatt Regency Resort’s River Marsh Marina on the Choptank River.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S. with hundreds of miles of shoreline to discover and explore. Located between Virginia and Maryland, its natural beauty makes it a famous vacation spot for cruisers and anglers alike.

River Marsh Marina has 150 slips for vessels up to 150 feet with water, electricity, cable TV, and wireless internet services. The Quarterdeck Store sells supplies, apparel and a variety of refreshments and alcoholic beverages. Overnight guests can utilize the Hyatt Regency’s many highly rated amenities via the complimentary shuttle to the hotel grounds.

If you opt to stay in one the Hyatt’s 400 cozy guestrooms, you’ll find a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. The most notable attractions are the 18-hole championship golf course, salon and spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and volleyball courts, and game room. Watersports are also offered, as well as a nature trail to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

The Hyatt Regency has seven restaurants to appease your appetite, including the Blue Point Provision for succulent seafood and the Water’s Edge Grill for regional favorites. The hotel caters for special occasions using 35,000 square feet of event space.

Marina Features:

• 150 slips for vessels up to 150 feet
• Water, power, cable TV, and wireless internet services
• Convenience store
• Complimentary shuttle service

Additional Amenities:

• 400-room hotel
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• 18-hole golf course
• Tennis, volleyball, putt-putt, and Frisbee golf
• Watersport activities
• Seven restaurants
• Salon & spa
• Nine pet-friendly rooms and outdoor kennels
• Babysitting services
• Catering and event planning

Information:

Hyatt River Marsh Marina
100 Heron Boulevard
Cambridge MD 21613
Marina Office: (410) 901-6380
Hotel: (410) 901-1234
Email: John.Harper@hyatt.com or Hilary.Jones@hyatt.com
hyatt.com

By Daniel Wagner, Southern Exposure

Hawks Cay Marina & Villages, Duck Key, FL

For cruisers visiting the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Marina is the perfect stop.

Located on Duck Key southwest of Key Largo, Hawks Cay Marina features 85 slips in its protected harbor for boats up to 110 LOA. Dockhands will guide and assist with mooring your vessel and fuel stations pump high-octane, non-ethanol gas and marine diesel. The marina also has a boat ramp with trailer parking at $30 a night or $20 for a one-time launch or pickup.

Complimentary shuttle services provide transport to the 60-acre Hawks Cay resort. Overnight guests are welcome to relax at the saltwater lagoon or any of the five swimming pools. Other amusements include a tennis court, spa, fitness center, and retail shops.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, charcoal grills and picnic tables are available so you can prepare your own catch; those wishing to be served can find delicious dining at the nearby Ocean Restaurant. The resort is also home to a coffee club to kick-start your day on the water.

Adventurers will be pleased with all the watersports activities offered at Hawks Cay—kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and kiteboarding to name a few. Underwater explorers can try the guided reef and wreck tours, while anglers can charter boats to big-game spots. At the end of the day, relax and unwind on an easygoing sunset cruise.

Hawks Cay also serves as an excellent host location for event, tournaments and boating clubs. Upcoming events include Lobster Mini-Season July 30-31.

Marina Features:

  • 85 slips for boats up to 110 feet
  • Protected harbor
  • Fuel dock with 91 gasoline or marine diesel
  • Boat ramp & overnight trailer parking
  • Dockside market and supply store
  • Shuttle service

Additional Amenities:

  • Resort with restaurants, pools, lagoon, spa, fitness center, tennis court, coffee club
  • Fishing charters
  • Watersport rental services (kayak, jet ski, boat, parasail and kite boarding)
  • SCUBA certification and tours
  • Sunset cruises

Information:

Hawks Cay Marina
61 Hawks Cay Boulevard
Duck Key, FL 33050
USA: (877) 496-6023
International: 001 305 743-7000
hawkscay.com

By Daniel Wagner, Southern Exposure

Dania Beach Marina, FL

Just south of Port Everglades on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Dania Beach Marina reopened on June 24th after a two-year, $7.5 million renovation project, with Westrec Marinas operating as interim management during the reconstruction period.

With 120 wet slips for vessels up to 65 feet, every accommodation is brand new and promotes competitive prices. Water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and pump-out are all available, and seven free public day docks are first to come, first serve. Dania Beach Marina provides laundry, shower and restroom facilities, a cruisers lounge, and a covered pavilion for picnics and gatherings. Barbeque grills and a fish cleaning station allow anglers to conveniently prepare their catch. The Quarterdeck Restaurant offers a delicious daily special and the Chicago-Style hot dog at the Dania Beach Bar & Grill always hit the spot.

Stretch your legs and take a stroll down the beautifully landscaped promenade that house gazebos with gorgeous views of the ocean and pier. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. The marina is also very close to the beach.

Dania Beach Marina is also the site of the Annual Plywood Regatta, a boatbuilding and racing competition for area schools hosted by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. The marina is also host to the annual chamber of commerce and Kiwanis Club fishing tournaments. A bait and tackle shop is in the works to be located opposite of the marina.

According to John Louis, Regional Manager of Westrec Marinas, spaces are expected to fill up fast. “The level of interest in the new facility continues to grow since its completion, with many new customers coming on board since the grand opening.”

Marina Features:

  • 120 wet slips for vessels up to 65′ (no dry storage)
  • 7 free public day docks
  • Water, electricity, pump-out
  • Wi-Fi
  • Restroom, shower, laundry
  • Cruisers lounge
  • Covered pavilion, promenade with gazebos, picnic tables, barbeque grills
  • Local state park & nature trail
  • Local restaurants
  • Close to the beach

Information:

Dania Beach Marina
101 North Beach Road
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954) 924-3796
daniabeachmarina@gmail.com
ci.dania-beach.fl.us

By Daniel Wagner, Southern Exposure

Palm Beach Town Docks Marina, FL

The rich atmosphere of Palm Beach, Florida, attracts cruisers from around the world with its fine dining, fabulous shopping and a multitude of activities. Whether window shopping, relaxing on a pristine beach or enjoying one of the several seafood restaurants, touring cruisers can find convenient berth at the Palm Beach Town Docks Marina.

With slips accommodating vessels up to 260′, the Town Docks Marina’s main feature is its strategic location on the Island of Palm Beach, just steps from world-renowned Worth Avenue. Visitors will also find an easy taxi or trolley ride over the neighboring drawbridge to enjoy the Kravis Center, Cityplace and nightlife at downtown West Palm Beach. The Breakers Hotel, a landmark Palm Beach resort, is just two miles from the docks.

The Town Docks provide all of the conventional amenities, and security monitoring ensures your vessel is protected throughout the stay.

Marina Features:

  • Electricity
  • Fresh water and showers
  • Sewage removal
  • Telephone
  • Cable TV
  • Security cameras
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Captain’s lounge
  • Great location

Information:
PO Box 2029
500 Australian Ave.
Palm Beach FL 33480
(561) 838-5463
mhorn@townofpalmbeach.com
townofpalmbeach.com

By Daniel Wagner, Southern Exposure

Boathouse Marine Center

Boathouse Marine Center named an exclusive dealer for Southport and Bluewater sportfishing boats.

POMPANO BEACH, FL—APRIL 1, 2015— Boathouse Marine Center today announced it has ramped up its new boat sales offerings with the addition of Southport and Bluewater sportfishing boats, adding to its growing list of customer sales and services.

The full-service marina and boat storage facility, located at 599 South Federal Highway, will serve as the exclusive dealer for the two manufacturers’ full lines—representing Broward County for Southport and acting as the Southernmost U.S. dealer for Bluewater.

Southport Boats, owned by Kenway Corporation based in Augusta, Maine, distributes through dealerships in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Australia and Europe. Southport features three center console deep-vee hull offshore models designed by legendary C. Raymond Hunt Associates.

Bluewater, headquartered in Ft. Pierce, Florida, specializes in 21, 23, 25, 28 and 35-foot center console, deep-vee hull, offshore sport fishing boats. Bluewater also features an inshore line. Owner and President Paul Skilowitz, through innovative design techniques and weight distribution, has created the best-balanced designs in this class of boats.

Boathouse Marine Center will be displaying Southport and Bluewater boats as part of a customer special event on Saturday, April 25th from 5 to 8 p.m.

In addition to new, used and brokerage sales, Boathouse Marine Center is also an Authorized Dealer and Service Center for boats powered by Yamaha®, Mercury®, Volvo Penta® and MerCruiser® and also serves as an authorized dealer for Interlux® yacht paints.

About Boathouse Marine Center

The Boathouse Marine Center, founded in 1986 as the Hideaway Marina, is under new ownership since 2013. Boathouse Marine Center is a full-service marina providing 160 permitted dry storage slips and 22 wet slips with monthly, semiannual and annual dry storage options in its secure and enclosed 40,000 square foot facility. The Boathouse also offers dockside inboard and outboard service, features a complete service and parts department and is a new boat dealership as well as offering brokerage for used powerboats. boathousemc.com

Boat to Baseball

Pack your baseball glove, team shirt and cap, and plan your spring boating to coincide with spring training!

Boat owners who enjoy multiple pastimes sometimes have difficulty choosing which activity to pursue when schedules conflict. Both boating and baseball, for example, are enjoyed during the summer months, and season ticket holders are reluctant to miss out on home games.

However, if you’re a boat owner in Florida whose favorite baseball team is one of the 15 that train in Florida’s Grapefruit League, you can get an early start on the season and boat to within just a few miles of most of the ball fields used for spring training. Even if your team’s spring training ball field is in the Orlando, Florida, area—for the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros—the team will play as a visitor at one of the fields on the coast.

This handy B&B (boating and baseball) guide for your favorite teams provides their spring training parks in Florida and two marina options and how far from the ball park they’re located—some are even within walking distance! For complete game schedules, park and ticket information go to springtrainingonline.com.

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BAL-Baltimore Orioles

  • Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. (12th St. & Tuttle Ave.), Sarasota, FL 34237
  • MARINAS: MARINA JACK-3 miles; 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236; (941) 365-4232; marinajacks.com; LONGBOAT KEY CLUB MOORINGS-10.2 miles; 2630 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228; (941) 383-8383; longboatkeymarina.com

BOS-Boston Red Sox

  • JetBlue Park at Fenway South, 11581 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33913
  • MARINAS: FORT MYERS YACHT BASIN-12.7 miles; 1300 Lee Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901; (239) 321-7080; cityftmyers.com; LEGACY HARBOUR MARINA-14.7 miles; 2044 West First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901; (239) 461-0775; legacyharbourmarina.com

MIN-Minnesota Twins

  • Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Miles Cypress Pkwy., Fort Myers, FL 33912
  • MARINAS: THE MARINA AT EDISON FORD-10.4 miles; 2360 West 1st Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901; (239) 245-7320; marinaedisonford.com (take a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates); MARINEMAX FORT MYERS @ DEEP LAGOON-12 miles, 14030 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919; (239) 481-8200; marinemax.com/stores/southeast/fort-myers

MIA-Miami Marlins and STL-St. Louis Cardinals

  • Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main Street, Jupiter, FL 33458
  • MARINAS: LOGGERHEAD MARINA-2.9 miles; 2700 Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410; LEGACY HARBOUR MARINA (888) LOGGER2 or (561) 627-6358; loggerheadjupiter.com; BLUFFS MARINA-5.7 miles; 1320 Tidal Pointe Blvd., Jupiter, FL 33477; (561) 627-6688; thebluffsmarina.com

NYM-New York Mets

  • Tradition Field, 525 NW Peacock Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
  • MARINAS: LOGGERHEAD MARINA-STUART-15.8 miles; 955 NW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL 34994; (888) LOGGER2 or (772) 692-4400; loggerheadstuart.com; FORT PIERCE CITY MARINA-16.5 miles; 1 Avenue A, Fort Pierce, FL 34950; (772) 464-1245; fortpiercecitymarina.com

NYY-New York Yankees

  • Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, FL 33614
  • MARINAS: TAMPA MARRIOTT WATERSIDE HOTEL & MARINA-5.7 miles; 700 South Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602; (813) 221-4900; marriott.com; MARJORIE PARK MARINA-6.4 miles; 97 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606; (813) 259-1604; tampagov.net

PHI-Philadelphia Phillies

  • Bright House Field, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL 33765
  • MARINAS: CLEARWATER BEACH MARINA-7 miles; 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767; (727) 462-6954; myclearwatermarina.com; BAREFOOT BAY RESORT & MARINA-7.1 miles; 401 East Shore Drive, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767; (727) 447-3316; barefootbayresort.com

PIT-Pittsburgh Pirates

  • McKenchnie Field, 1611 9th Street West (17th Avenue West & 9th Street West), Bradenton, FL 34208
  • MARINAS: TWIN DOLPHIN MARINA-1 mile; 1000 1st Avenue West; Bradenton, FL 34205; (941) 747-8300; twindolphinmarina.com; RIVIERA DUNES MARINA RESORT- 2.9 miles; 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto, FL 34221; (941) 981-5330; rdmarina.com

TB-Tampa Bay Rays

  • Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
  • MARINAS: LAISHLEY PARK MUNICIPAL MARINA-11.6 miles; 120 Laishley Ct., Punta Gorda, FL 33950; (941) 575-0142; laishleymarina.com; FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE YACHT BASIN-12.7 miles; 1200 W Retta Esplanade Suite 57A, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; (941) 639-8721; fishville.com/marina

TOR-Toronto Blue Jays

  • Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698
  • MARINAS: DUNEDIN MUNICIPAL MARINA-less than 1 mile; 51 Main St #1, Dunedin, FL 34698; (727) 298-3030; dunedingov.com; MARKER 1 MARINA-3.8 miles; 343 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698; (727) 733-9324; marker1marina.com

WAS-Washington Nationals

  • Space Coast Stadium, 5800 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32940
  • MARINAS:COCOA VILLAGE MARINA-8 miles; 90 Delannoy Avenue, Cocoa, FL 32952; (321) 632-5445; cocoavillagemarina.com; EAU GALLIE YACHT BASIN-13.9 miles; 587 Young Street, Melbourne, FL 32935; (321) 242-6577; eaugallieyachtbasin.com

By Liz Pasch, Southern Boating February 2015

Upgrades in the Carolinas

New owners purchased the historic River Forest Manor and Marina in Belhaven, North Carolina, in October with renovations in mind. Most of the new owners are cruisers and members of the River Rat and Belhaven Yacht Clubs. All docking facilities will be fully operational during improvements. Visitors will find new bathrooms with showers, marina office and free laundry facilities upon completion. Services already available include diesel and non-ethanol 89 octane gas, 30-, 50- and 100-amp electrical services, Wi-Fi, golf carts, deep water transient slips, and a swimming pool. Belhaven is the birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway and boasts of several popular eateries. riverforestmarina.com, riverratyachtclub.com, belhavenyachtclub.org

Fernandina Beach, Florida, has been called the “birthplace of the modern shrimping industry.” In 1902, Sicilian Mike Salvador introduced motorized boats to the industry, and generations of the Greek Deonas family helped establish what was the largest shrimping industry in the world for decades. Although tourism now replaces shrimping, Amelia Island remembers its past with a new satellite museum of the Amelia Island Museum of History in Fernandina Beach. Hours are 10AM to 4PM Monday through Saturday, and 1PM to 4PM on Sundays. ameliamuseum.org

After Georgetown, South Carolina’s devastating fire in 2013, debris was cleared and Harborwalk was rebuilt, but little else has taken place due to new construction standards and lack of funds. After some controversy, however, in November 2014 the city applied for a Community Development Block Grant funding for business development purposes. Hopes are that the waterfront will return to its former glory this year.

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Cruisers to St. Augustine, Florida, now have a shuttle bus service. The first of three bus routes takes visitors to St. Augustine Municipal Marina and other nearby marinas, Sailors Exchange, West Marine, and other businesses. Two other daytime runs stop at marinas, uptown St. Augustine, the Vilano Pier, Publix, restaurants, offices, and attractions. Evening routes accommodate area dining and entertainment. Updates are available at the St. Augustine Cruisers Net Facebook page. Schedule is available at waterwayguide.com/images/St-Augustine-Shuttle-SCHEDULE.pdf.

An official dog park now adjoins the Vero Beach Municipal Marina in Vero Beach, Florida. The 6.5-acre field is completely fenced in with separate areas for big and little dogs. Private donations and volunteer grunt work made the park with its water fountain, bowls and a safety entryway possible. Seadogs and their masters may access the park with dinghies.

The Miami International Boat Show is headed to Miami Marine Stadium in 2016 and 2017, and possibly into the future. A $30 million renovation is in store for the battered Miami Marine Stadium that closed after 1992 Hurricane Andrew. Changes include replacing asphalt with grass and trees, as well as building a modest marine-exhibit building. The boat show will occupy existing parking lots, temporary structures and a small portion of its water basin with little interference to local rowers and paddlers.

Free pump-outs in the Florida Keys may end in 2017. Monroe County is losing substantial financial support from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The county’s proof of pump-out requirement in larger live-aboard anchorages helps protect Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

By Nancy E. Spraker, Southern Boating March 2015

“Tie One On” at Prospect Bay

Anglers interested in learning successful techniques and materials used in fly fishing have a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best fly anglers and tiers at this year’s Lefty Kreh TieFest at the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Maryland. Even if you’re not into fly fishing, you can see the patterns that work effectively for landing fish such as striped bass, perch and trout. The Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland sponsors the event. Among other accomplishments, the nonprofit was instrumental in bringing back the yellow perch population in Chesapeake tributaries. The event is March 7th and activities run from 10AM to 9PM. ccamd.org

Norfolk resident sets world record in a dinghy

A personal achievement became a family achievement for 51-year-old Norfolk, Virginia, resident Robert Suhay when he set the world record for the longest single-handed sail in a dinghy by a male. This past November, Guinness World Records confirmed he had sailed 283.5 nautical miles (326.24 miles) in a journey that ended on July 2nd. In a story published in the Christian Science Monitor, his wife Lisa wrote “While he didn’t set out to do this, this voyage emerged as a father’s route back to a meaningful relationship with his sons—Zoltan, 20, Ian, 19, Avery, 15, and Quin, age 10. And that’s the real feat my husband accomplished.”

Robert began sailing at 5:08AM on Sunday, June 28th in a 14’15” Laser. Eighty-six hours later and far up the Patuxent River, he accepted a tow to Calvert Marina unsure if he had accomplished his goal. Suhay sailed without a chase boat and rough conditions created by Hurricane Arthur forced him to zig-zag across the Chesapeake Bay in order to outrun the storm. Effects of the hurricane knocked out his communications early in the journey and later prompted the U.S.C.G. Mid-Atlantic Division to eventually stop his record attempt short of home. But data from a GPS in his life jacket pocket proved that he had sailed the record distance. A complete and, at times, gripping personal account of his journey is available at robertsuhay.com.

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Gulf Stream Fishing

Captain Ernie Foster will talk about the origins of Gulf Stream sport fishing off the North Carolina Coast during a presentation at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras April 7th. Foster made his first trip to the Gulf Stream in 1951, and his father, the late Captain Ernal Foster, had the first charter boat in North Carolina built specifically for deep-sea fishing. The free presentation will include vintage photographs and vintage fishing tackle along with historically accurate information from a true waterman. For more details, call the museum at (252) 986-2995 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

Back Bay Project

A developer is moving forward with a proposed marina project near Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach. Doug Wilkins applied for the permit for the marina (64 members-only slips) and a boat ramp, which would be located off Sandpiper Road in Sandbridge, near the Baja Restaurant. However, the project faces challenges as biologists and supporters of the refuge believe the marina will be detrimental to the wildlife and vegetation that flourish in the area. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently working on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating, March 2015

River Forest Yachting Centers, Stuart, FL

River Forest Yachting Centers provide discriminating boat owners with luxurious, secure, long and short-term storage for boats from 24′ to 90′. Strategically located between the locks on both sides of Lake Okeechobee in protected fresh water basins, RFYC operates facilities in Stuart, Florida (est. 2005) and LaBelle, Florida (est. 2009). The Stuart location offers new customers stabilized land storage with tie-downs and free haul, clock, launch, and pressure wash. The LaBelle location offers Gulf Coast cruisers convenient storage near Fort Myers and is located on the Caloosahatchee River just east of the Ortona Lock.

A safe haven for boats, River Forest Yachting Centers include climate-controlled and non-climate controlled indoor storage coded for 140-mph winds, pristine secure land storage with hurricane grade tie-downs, and concrete wall side-tie dockage. Cruisers are welcome and will be pleased with the clean, peaceful surrounding and friendly staff.

RFYC offers a full complement of repair and maintenance services at both locations. Each facility provides a members-only Hurricane Club® for safe harbor and peace of mind in the event of a storm. RFYC is recommended by insurance carriers to satisfy the requirements of the underwriters for Florida boat storage during hurricane season.

LaBelle’s location offers a new floating dock, and Stuart boasts new secure stabilized land storage for 20 additional boats. New storage buildings are on the horizon for 2016 at both locations. RFYC is committed to continually growing and expanding their services to enhance their customer’s satisfaction and commitment to excellence.

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Stuart, Florida Specifications:
Climate-controlled and non climate-controlled storage buildings
Indoor Storage for up to 70 vessels in 45,000 sq. ft.
24-hour security system
100 amp electricity available for battery charging
132,000 lbs. ASCOM Marine Lift
100,000 lbs. ABI Self-Propelled Hydraulic Transporter
Indoor Storage Building
In-Water Storage in Freshwater Basin
2 acre freshwater (barnacle-free) basin with 1400′ of deep water broadside dockage
Hurricane protected dockage with internal crosstie cleats for hurricane tie-down
Covered Service & Maintenance Building

LaBelle, Florida Specifications:
Climate-controlled and non climate-controlled storage buildings
Indoor Storage for up to 150 vessels in over 100,000 sq.ft.
100 amp electricity available for battery charging
164,000 lbs. ASCOM Marine Lift
132,000 lbs. ABI Self-Propelled Hydraulic Transporter
66,000 lbs. ABI Self-Propelled Hydraulic Transporter
In-Water Storage
2 acre freshwater (barnacle-free) basin with 900′ of deep water broadside dockage
Hurricane protected dockage available with internal crosstie cleats for hurricane tie-down
Storage lots available on 2 acre of concrete pad for long term or hurricane season storage
Covered Service & Maintenance Building
Protected service area for vessels undergoing any of the many maintenance and detailing services offered by RFYC
Clubhouse
Helipad

Contact
Tracy L. Campbell
Director of Client Services
(772) 287-4131
riverforestyc.com

RFYC STUART
9150 SW Pennsylvania Ave.
Stuart, Florida 34997
(772) 287-4131
Hours: M-F 8AM-5PM

RFYC LABELLE
1992 Williams Road
Moore Haven, Florida 33471
(863) 612-0003
Hours: M-F 8AM-5PM

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure

South Florida amps up the marinas.

St. Augustine Municipal Marina is now the second Clean and Resilient Marina in Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave the marina its designation in the fall of 2014 for sustainability, environmental responsibility and the ability to bounce back from manmade and natural disasters. The marina is the first municipal marina out of more than 2,000 Florida marinas to earn the honor.

Riviera Beach, Florida, rolls out the welcome mat for megayachts as the nearby ICW will be widened and deepened from 10 to 15 feet to allow boats up to 330 feet to visit Rybovich Marine Center, Viking Yachts and other local marine businesses. Viking Development plans new shops, restaurants, a boardwalk promenade, and marina improvements to be ready by April 2015.

Fort Lauderdale also lures megayachts to Pier 66 Marina after completion of phase one of the two-phase renovation. A new power distribution with capacity of 480 volt, 400- 600 amp and three-phase power handles the larger yachts. Sixteen yachts up to 150 feet are easily berthed amongst 127 slips plus the deep-water basin accepts yachts up to 295 feet. The renovated yachting venue with a new captain- and-crew clubroom was a host location for the 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Rescued man dissatisfied
In October 2014 a man in a hydro pod asking for directions to Bermuda was saved by the U.S. Coast Guard 70 miles off the coast of St. Augustine. The disoriented man in the inflatable bubble had only protein bars, bottled water, a GPS and a satellite phone on board, not impressing the Coast Guard with adequate safety. Although taxpayers paid $144,000 for his rescue, he complained that his bubble wasn’t rescued as well. Hearing of a second attempt, an anonymous person remarked that he should be on his own.

Osprey accommodations
“Why can’t we get along?” will no longer be asked after new channel markers like the one erected in Georgia’s Skidaway River are in vogue. The new navigational aid at the Isle of Hope provides a platform for sprawling osprey nests whose gangly sticks block necessary navigational numbers. Built last fall, the nest is ready for returning nesting birds to lay eggs this spring.

Transient cruiser accommodations
In North Carolina the Swansboro Town Dock is open for transients headed to northern locales this spring. No services were offered at time of publication but may be ready now or are soon to come. A floating dock accommodates 10 visiting vessels with a face dock for vessels up to 40 feet. Shoppers or diners dock for free; overnights are $1.25 per foot. Call (910) 326-2600 for reservations Monday-Friday after 5PM and on weekends call (252) 725-5400.

Conch is still on the menu in the Conch Republic and the rest of the U.S. since the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service did not declare Queen Conch endangered last
fall. Although harvesting conch is still illegal in the U.S., other nations are happy to provide chefs with the delicious delicacy such as The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Nicaragua, and Belize.

By Nancy Spraker, Southern Boating February 2015

New app records your catch and helps manage fish in Maryland.

Oregon Inlet bid process delayed
The bidding process for a 10-year contract to run the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on North Carolina’s Outer Banks has reached a standstill. Mariners looking to use the Center should find business as usual this year, but that could change next year. The National Park Service granted the current operator a yearlong extension with plans to reevaluate the process. After 40 years of running the marina the board of the Fishing Center had to bid for a 10-year contract to operate the business, which was originally created in the 1960s by local charter boat captains. The Park Service is the owner of the facility within Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the north side of the inlet. The Park Service had extended the solicitation period for its prospectus. After reviewing one bid the service offered a contract, but it has not been signed. The bidding document included a requirement that insurance coverage would have to increase from $300,000 to $6 million. “The contract that they presented has quite a few differences in it than in the past,” said Kenneth Brown, vice president of the Fishing Center’s board. “We are in the process of trying to find a common ground with the Park Service to try to keep Oregon Inlet Fishing Center a viable business.”

Chesapeake Catch is a new online app that acts as a personal log to record your catch, post photos and help managers keep track of the Chesapeake Bay’s most popular fish—rockfish (striped bass), redfish (red drum), speckled trout, croaker, yellow perch, and shad. Chesapeake Catch is a local affiliate of Angler Action, which pioneered the system for collecting data from anglers to inform fishery management. The national project first launched in Florida with an app and website for recreational anglers to log data about snook catches. The data helped managers at the Florida Wildlife Commission to advance snook recovery in the state.

Chesapeake Catch is led by Bay area anglers to gather data so that natural resources personnel can make informed fisheries management decisions and policies, and it puts fishermen in touch with other local anglers to chat and to learn. “Anglers have a huge investment in good fisheries management, because we want more fish to catch for years to come,” said Ed Liccione, former chairman of the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland. “Chesapeake Catch helps us track what we’re catching and connect with other anglers but also makes our catch count in decisions about conservation and management.”

Bill Goldsborough, Director of Fisheries, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, added, “Good data makes for good management, and both make for better fishing. We can all have a voice in better fisheries management with Chesapeake Catch, and I encourage all anglers who care about the future of fishing in Maryland to download the app.” Fishing guides, recreational fishing bloggers and other anglers involved in organizations such as the Maryland Sportsman Foundation, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Environmental Defense Fund, and Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association participated in the working group behind Chesapeake Catch. Download it in iTunes or the Google Play store. chesapeakecatch.com

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating February 2015

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