Rachel Key East

• Lat / Lon: N 24° 43.549' / W 081° 04.367'
• Description:

  Anchor east of Rachel Key in 7 feet of water. This is an open anchorage that will provide some protection for E to W winds but is totally open NW to NE to the large bay. Expect some jet skiers from Marathon to be buzzing around. Only one marina in this cove so not too much boat traffic. ICW is far enough away not to cause any significant wakes. The ground is sand and sea grass with decent anchor holding. Verizon and Google Fi cell phone service is excellent. Several WiFi sources were noted with WiFi extender. Beautiful unobstructed views west for great sunsets. You are close to Marathon Airport and have an excellent view of the planes coming in and taking off. This can be a good alternative to Marathon marina anchorage in light winds or winds come E/S/W while waiting for a mooring/slip or while waiting to head out to Hawk Channel or North to the Gulf.

  NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

  The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:

  1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
  2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
  3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.