Marina Review for Dunedin Municipal Marina - CLOSED due to Hurricane until 2025

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Oct 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

I spoke with the Dunedin Municipal Marina this morning (2024.10.24) seeking an overnight transient slip. I was advised that the marina is CLOSED, and will be so for the next year or two. They are in the process of vacating all slips. The 1-2 punch of Helene and Milton this fall (2024) has damaged them severely.

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Anchorage Review for Apalachicola

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

There is plenty of depth and room to the easy of the marked channel from this market (near day beacon "2") up to the rear range light/marker. The river's current, which can run up to 1-1/2 to 2kt, will override most, although at the height of the flood tide, with a south wind you may run up over your anchor or otherwise lay in strange ways. For the most part though, you'll face north.

Just across the river is the city's wharf which is free for day use. It's not an ideal dinghy dock (the dock is a bit high) but the location—in the heart of Apalachicola—makes it worth the effort.

With a light breeze or better, the no-see-ums and mosquitoes are as tolerable as one can expect in FL. Right now, in April, the temps have been cool enough to keep them both at bay.

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Marina Review for Apalachicola City Dock

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Face dock with no amenities on site, although there are public restrooms across the street (from 8am to 8pm). Say use is free, but overnight is $2/foot, essentially on the honor system. If you are fit and flexible, you can use the wharf as a dinghy dock to visit the shoppes, restaurants, brew houses, bars, and coffee shops. No ladders or floating docks, so you do have to hoist yourself up a bit. Take care to plan for the 1-1/2 to 2' tide and wakes.

Great location to visit a beautiful, quaint little town. The biggest drawback is the lack of nearby grocery, drug, or convenience stores or gas stations, but 13-Mile Seafood Market is adjacent (north) for fresh seafood. That makes up for it.

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Marina Review for Battery Park Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

As of 2022.01.04, slips in this basin are available only to county residents with a long-term slip rental agreement. Transients (and sub-leases) are not permitted. See Appalachicola City Ordinance 2021-03 (https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/15446/1133079/pdf and/or https://www.cityofapalachicola.com/departments/recreation/battery-park-marina/)

Transients are directed to tie up at Riverfront Park, just upriver of the bridge, west side.

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Anchorage Review for Great Guana Cay - Orchid Bay

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Jul 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We pulled in here looking to anchor for the evening. There isn't much room to drop a hook and I would only do so while expecting the wind to be from a consistent direction. Swinging would be risky.

Before we could lower the anchor, though, some (self-appointed?) "harbor master" came out and told us that we were incapable of getting a solid set and that dragging was inevitable. Essentially he made it very clear that we were unwelcome here unless we took a mooring ball (and, of course, none of the half-dozen or so were available). He then proceeded to his moored catamaran, and we decided that we didn't want to put up with him or the tight quarters, so we headed to the other side of the spit to the west and anchored with plenty of room and good holding in Fisher's Bay. The only thing we gave up was quicker access to Nipper's dinghy dock and a crabby old man off our stern. The ride to Nipper's from Fishers was only about 5 minutes and provided no significant benefit over the dock that Grabber's has.

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Anchorage Review for Bay of Five Pirates-Great Harbour Cay

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Jul 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

There's is room here on either side of the channel for at least a dozen vessels total. (That was the count Feb 2023.). The bottom is much and small rocks/rubble, but provides decent holding even with 5:1 scope, due in part to the 360° protection from waves and some moderation of wind by the relatively high banks (by Bahamas standards). The basin has near-vertical sides, so one can swing very close—unnervingly so—to the shore/wall.

Ensure the channel to the marina is kept clear. Be aware that although there are signs advising the basin has a 5mph, no-wake limit, a number of powerboaters paid no heed and came through at near full-throttle. This is disappointing given how tight the anchorage is, but more importantly: it endangers the manatees that inhabit the basin.

The marina at the southeast corner of the basin is somewhat accommodating, but as should be expected does not offer some amenities (e.g., showers & laundry) to non-customers.

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Marina Review for Conch Inn Yacht Club & Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on May 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Conch Inn was a fantastic resource for us this spring (2023). We had several times overnight stays here to recharge batteries, bunker water & fuel, and pick up/discharge guests. Rates are quite reasonable (water was 10¢/gallon when staying there) and the piers are in great shape. They are routinely dredged. Everything is new (post-Dorian), and there is 30amp and 50amp service at each slip, along with the metered water.

Staff and management are absolutely top-notch: attentive, friendly, and fantastic line-handlers. Very accommodating and interested in the well-being of their guests.

There are hotel rooms available with more on the way, including a handicap-accessible one on the ground floor. A pool is also being constructed.

The dinghy dock lies between Snappas and the fuel dock (currently at the shoreline, just to the west of Snappas). Conch Inn asks for a reasonable $10 to use the dock, or for you to come into the restaurant and have a drink &/or meal.

We found Conch Inn to be a great central base for reprovisioning: propane is available at the Shell station; hardware at either Red Top or Maxwell's Hardware; groceries at Maxwell's or at Dockside (not really beside the dock, but just a short walk to the east); laundry on premises; very nice showers; and beer/liquor from either Jimmy's (practically next door) or Dockside.

We very much look forward to staying here on our next tour of Abaco.

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Anchorage Review for Marsh Harbour

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on May 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

There is a lot of room and plenty of depth throughout most of the harbour with very good holding. With the harbour being only 1/4 nm or so north-south and the anchoring area only 3/4 nm east-west, there's little fetch for building waves on N to SW winds. A strong NW wind, however, has a lot of room to build waves, so do take note of when a front or storm sets up to blow from that direction. Note that any mooring balls you find are private and should not be used.

There are several options for shore access: Conch Inn Marina asks for $10 if you don't plan on eating/drinking in their restaurant, Snappa's. There is a small concrete platform adjacent (east side) to Harbour View Marina which is right next to Bay Street and across from Jimmy's Wines and Spirits--very convenient for loading cases of beer without a long walk. It is possible to tie up next to Color's restaurant, but there is still a lot of debris in the water there, so we never actually tried that spot. Our preferred option was the Union Jack Public Dock which had a lot of space and good ladders. The public dock was closest to "the traffic light" (the only one on the island) and provided the shortest distance to Maxwell's grocery, the Shell fuel station (where you can get your propane tank refilled overnight), banks, the Red Top hardware store, Maxwell's newly-opened hardware store, and Bubble's laundromat. There are a number of other shopping and dining options within 3/4 miles of the public dock. Additionally, there is a trash dumpster at the streetside end of the public dock. The memorial to the lives lost to Dorian is within a block on Bay Street.

Marsh Harbour is coming back from Dorian amazingly well. While we were there in March 2023 the Jib Room (north side) opened both their restaurant and marina back up.

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Anchorage Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This is a good spot to anchor when Hope Town Harbour is full, as it usually is in season. You will find good holding in the many sandy patches. There is plenty of space so you should never feel crowded. There is a fair amount of traffic in and out of the harbor, so expect to be rocked some during the daylight hours. The tidal current is not much of a problem--we lay head-to the wind while there.

Check in on the Cruiser's Net (VHF 68) at 0815 every Monday through Saturday to learn of news and events of relevance to cruisers, including the dates/times for garbage pickup. They can also provide guidance on purchasing propane and pretty much any topic of interest to the cruiser.

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Free Dock Review for Cherokee Street Park Pier

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Public pier off of Sarasota County park about midway between Veterans Memorial and small shopping district on Dearborn Street. Park is off the beaten path, in a quiet, well-kept residential area.

There is about 3-4' of depth at the end of the pier--sufficient for a dinghy or small center console.

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Anchorage Review for Sandy Cay-Abacos

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This is an adequate anchorage but only because of its proximity to the reef just to the east of Sandy Cay. We found the holding sufficient with south winds, but the easterly swell that rolled in from the Atlantic—which, due to the winds, hit us broadside—made it quite uncomfortable.

We weren't there, however, in hopes of a great anchorage, but rather to have a short dinghy ride to the spectacular reef. And the reef was indeed spectacular. Sections come up to three or four feet off the surface (at high tide) and the lowest spots are 12-15 feet. There's a marvelous variety of fish and coral formations, as well as a couple of very friendly green turtles that swam right up to us and with us as if they were trying to show us different parts of the reef.

In Feb/Mar2023 there were only two or three of the mooring balls (for dinghies or small skiffs) available, so it was not unusual for two or three boats to tie up to a single ball.

There best time to enjoy the reef is one or two hours prior to high tide and perhaps the following hour: that's when the water is extra clear having just come in from the ocean. And of course the slack current at high tide makes it easier to get both to and from your dinghy.

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Anchorage Review for Big Marco River

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Holding here was very good, the bottom being a muddy sand with some small shell. Mantus set quickly and securely and held well, although it was not really tested. We lay to the current and so had to rod a wind scoop sideways to deliver three light breeze through the forward hatch. The mosquitoes were sufficiently ferocious, necessitating the cockpit be abandoned just after sunset.

There's no wake protection to speak of, but it is an idle speed zone which most people observe, so despite a fair amount of traffic, there's little rocking.

We did not go ashore this trip, but there is a dinghy dock behind a pizza joint, The SpeakEasy (25.9564021, -81.7209223), which puts you next door to a Walgreen's, which is kitty-corner to a Publix with a WestMarine next door. In the same shopping center is a Publix Liquor store, completing the Cruiser's Trifecta.

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Anchorage Review for Shark River Island North

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

There is plenty of room here for many boats, but you'll be lucky to see two others (and those are likely to be sports anglers casting near shore). This specific location offers good protection from NE through S winds. For all-around protection, hide on the south side of Shark River Island at the other marked anchorage, or run farther up Shark River past the bend to the north. In all cases, you will probably want to be buttoned up inside with all screens in place as soon as the sun sets: the mosquitoes here are overwhelming.

Also, unless there are near-gale winds, you are likely to be lying to the tidal and/or river flow, so you may not be getting the ventilation you are accustomed to.

The trade off is the natural beauty and solitude here. It is relaxing and peaceful--just the respite we needed after motoring for 8 hours with no breeze from Boot Key.

Although there is no wake protection, it's not much of an issue because there's no one around to create a wake. And the only bars you'll find might be sand bars (though we found no problematic shoaling): no drinking bars or cellular bars for tens of miles.

We couldn't a good read on the bottom type, but our Mantus set quickly and firmly. We didn't budge overnight and the anchor came up clean.

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Marina Review for Browns Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Brown's is a great, no-frills marina for the no-nonsense cruiser. That's not to say there's anything undesirable, just that there's nothing glamorous about it, but that suits some of us just fine.

The showers are clean, if a little small; the pier is sturdy, if a little rough and unfinished. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They have a wonderful little lounging area and tiki bar (BYOB). One of the dockhands (I'm annoyed that I can't recall his name) will make dinner for you and your crew for a reasonable price. If you'd rather, you can eat at Big John's which is adjacent.

The M&S Liquor Store is about 200 feet to the north. Another 700 feet gets you to 700 Wines & Spirits (perhaps the origin of their name).

Brown's is also convenient to Radio Beach, a for-minute walk north and to the west side of the island. There you'll find a cluster of beach-side bars and snack shacks (C.J.'s and Sherry's principally) offering fish, lobster, conch, shrimp, chicken, rum drinks, etc. (The selection is not always consistent, but what they have available is going to be good, and probably fried, a.k.a. "cracked".)

When planning your stay at Brown's be sure to specify what type of electric service you need. 30-amp is not available at all slips The same might hold true for 50-amp service, but we were only concerned with the 30-amp.

One would be well-advised to bring a 50-amp to 30-amp pigtail (50a 125/250v to 30a 125v) to use throughout the Bahamas if you're set up for 30-am: not all marinas have 30-amp outlets, but many/most have 50a 125/250 (which is NOT the same as 50a 125v). Be sure you understand your own particular systems and never force plugs together: no one wants to be in the slip next to a vessel afire.

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Marina Review for Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Bimini Big Game Club is ideally situated as a cruiser's introduction to the Bahamas. The marina has a helpful and knowledgeable staff, Bahamas Customs is onsite, there are restaurants and a bar on premises, and some small grocery stores and a liquor store are nearby. Marina guests can use the pool, game room, and showers. They also have cottages and hotel rooms if you have visitors/guests who aren't up to being on the boat.

Slip-side water was at a flat rate when we stayed there January 2023, so washing the boat was an option.

Be sure to plan your arrival and departure with respect to the tide: the current can be overpowering. Every time we've stayed there someone has learned the hard way just what the limit of their ability to maneuver backwards in a 2-3 knot current is—often to the detriment of their or innocent bystander's gelcoat, dinghy, or pulpit. It is surprisingly easy to get swept down into other peoples' boats. Big Game Club is very willing to accommodate a need to wait until slack tide.

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Anchorage Review for Bimini Mega Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This basin has a muddy bottom that provides good holding in about 10 foot of water. We waited out winter fronts here for four or five days (mid-Jan 2023) Holding was excellent, the breakwaters knocked down nearly all waves/chop, and there's little traffic (wakes) and tidal current. There is enough room for 4 or 5 boats in here, but attention should be given to the barge that comes through and pushes up to the NE shore every other day or so.

The downside is that this basin is about as far away as is possible from either Bailey Town or Alice Town. It's not far, though, to the resort marina which may or may not let you tie up your dinghy without a fee. If not, the first viable shore access is a 3/4-nm dinghy ride south.

In addition to this basin there are three others further up the channel. Use updated satellite imagery to view as the Waterway Guide "chart" shows these as dry land.

This is not a pretty anchorage at present due to the construction, but it is most certainly a functional harbor with great protection.

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Anchorage Review for Bimini Henry Bank

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This is an alternative to taking a slip in one of the marina along the west side of Bimini Channel or to making the nearly 3-mile run to one of the anchoring basins at the north end of the channel. (There are two anchoring areas north of Bimini Big Game Club, but they are both rather small and one is suitable only for shoal-draft vessels. When the limited room is combined with the 180° swings from each tide change, these should be considered day anchorages only.)

This is also a fairly easily accessed spot to anchor if you should happen to be approaching Bimini in the dark. As in most places in the Bahamas, one should not rely solely on channel markers and/or chartplotters, especially here where the bars do shift some. Passing through the mouth of Bimini Channel is most safely accomplished during daylight hours when the water depths are easily identified.

The island provides good protection from the typical east winds and waves, but this anchorage should be avoided in west or north winds. During the daylight hours wakes from sport fishers, local commercial fishermen, and partiers is nearly constant. Things do quiet down after sunset though.

Shore access to Alice Town is via beaching a dinghy south of town or tying up to the Government wharf. Bimini Big Game Club is also accommodating if you are going to the Customs office that is on their premises or stopping for food/drinks at one of their onsite restaurants.

Alice Town has two liquor stores and a couple of grocery stores. There is also a chandlery with limited hours and an eclectic inventory.

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Marina Review for Boot Key Harbor City Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

If you can get in here—there is a waiting list "in-season"—the moorings are well-maintained and solid. The fee also grants access to the dinghy dock, showers, laundry machines, and day room with WiFi. For additional fees they have a workshop area and storage rooms.

There is a community park nearby (exercise equipment, ball fields, even pickle ball if you must) and a business (3rd Generation Plumbing) that will refill your propane tanks. A Home Depot is about 3/4 mile up Keys, and a Publix and Walgreen's another 3/4 mile beyond that.

Overseas Bar and Grill (with adjoining package store) is just on the other side of US 1 from the mooring field.

Holding tank pump outs are included in the mooring ball fees. They also sell potable water.

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Anchorage Review for Boot Key Outside - Marathon

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

A good alternative to Boot Key Harbor which can often have no mooring balls available. The bottom is sandy and setting the anchor is quick and easy. There are commonly 6-10 vessels anchored out, but there is plenty of room: no need to be crowded.

Tidal current is significant and will have an impact on how you lie to the wind. We've not found swells or surge to be significant. There is a fair amount of traffic in and out of Boot Key, so be prepared for wakes, but most are small sport fishers on full plane, and so often not worse than wind waves. They frequently pass between the anchored vessels and the shore. At times crab traps will be set between the anchorage area and shore.

This anchorage is convenient to the the fuel docks at near the mouth of the channel. One, Burdine's, has a dinghy dock behind (north of) it. They charge a nominal $10, or request you come to their restaurant to eat or drink. Just beer and wine—no liquor is served—and a number of good entrees and appetizers. They also serve a somewhat unique take on Key Lime pie: they deep fry it. It's worth trying, but they have a more traditional version for the timid.

The dinghy dock at Burdine's provides quick access to the West Marine and, even closer, a laundromat. There are also a few restaurants nearby, the sea turtle hospital, several marine engine service facilities including an authorized Yanmar center.

If you want groceries or hardware, your best bet is to take the dinghy all the way to Boot Key Harbor mooring field. It's a little more expensive to get a 24-hour pass there, but that provides access to their showers, laundry machines, and a day room with WiFi. Laundry is a bit more expensive at the mooring field than at the laundromat.

Near the mooring field is 3rd Generation Plumbing who can fill your propane tanks (M-F). If you use larger tanks (typical home grill 20-pound variety) you may prefer to just exchange your tank at the Home Depot that is about 3/4 mile up Keys. A Walgreen's and a Publix are another 3/4 mile beyond that.

When we were headed to the Bahamas with our cat, we used Marathon Veterinary Hospital—about halfway between the Home Depot and the Publix—for the certification the Bahamas requires occur 24 hours (or so) before arriving.

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Anchorage Review for East Sister Rock

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored about 1/4- to 1/2-mile north of this Waterway Guide marker to wait out two days of a front with strong northerlies. Holding was excellent and there was not much boat traffic, so minimal wakes. There was also very little tidal current. Vaca Key provided a great wind break and we were able to get close enough (4' draft) so that there was minimal fetch to build any kind of waves.

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Anchorage Review for Barley Basin (North)

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

With moderate NE wind 12-18 predicted we anchored in the NE corner of the harbor in heavy, sticky clay. There a dozen or so flats boats that came through on plane each day, so wakes were minimal; this end is not much of a thoroughfare.

Although the Publix was only about a quarter mile away as the crow flies, there is no shore access east of Lorelei's (see marker for Islamorada Yacht Basin), so getting to the grocery was a mile dinghy ride to the southwest, followed by a mile-and-a-half walk up US 1.

There are two other options for shore access (both free): Library Beach Park and Blackwood Drive Ramp. These are both SW of Lorelei's and this more people—including liveaboards and permanent moorings—are at the southwest end of the harbor.

All in all this was a quiet, pleasant anchorage, particularly with winds from NE to SW. It may provide decent protection from west winds as well.

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Marina Review for Islamorada Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

I wouldn't use the word "yacht" for this facility, but it will easily accommodate moderate-sized center consoles. There are no finger piers, so you will be stepping ashore over your bow or transom. Restroom facilities are clean and showers are available for marina guests.

The restaurant, Lorelei's, spans the southwest end of the basin and serves a decent selection of food and drinks at a reasonable price for the area. There is live music every evening and a happy hour from 1600-1800. Outdoor seating under umbrellas which they bring down in time to watch the sunset.

There is a small dock along the southwest side of the restaurant. It is marked "no dinghies", but it's not suitable for much else (except perhaps paddleboards or a single very low draft flats boat) due to depths. Regardless, they didn't object to our trying the dinghy off and having drinks and appetizers, and our waiter indicated it was no problem for us to leave it there while we went for a walk afterwards. It was a weeknight however, so things might be different on the weekend.

There is a West Marine a block up Keys and a small, reasonably well-stocked grocery about a quarter mile down keys. A liquor store is another two blocks down keys from there, next to the public library.

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Anchorage Review for Tarpon Basin R48A

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Holding in the northwest section of the basin was very good. The bottom is claylike mud with easily-penetrated weeds. Depths were 6-8' MLW.

Shore access does appear to be quite limited. There is, however, a public right of way for Kay Drive, north of Avenue D, that extends right to the water's edge (25°6.926'N, 80°25.543'W). It may be necessary to put the dinghy on an anchor and wade to shore to get to land, but this would put you less than a half mile from the Publix.

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Anchorage Review for Key Biscayne

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Very good holding on a Mantus: thick, claylike mud with little, if any, grass (where we set the anchor). Overnight, squalls blew through with west winds (near-maximum fetch for this location) that topped 35-40kt for an hour. We didn't budge.

There is a lot of room here, and a good thing, too, because Sunday afternoon/evening meant quite a few boats anchored and partying. By nightfall though, all but one power boat and three sailboats had departed. The powerboat left around midnight. It was—except for the storms—quiet and peaceful.

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Nav Alert comment on FL Inlet Caution: Government Cut (Miami Inlet)

Comment by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Unlike some other ports (e.g., our home port of Tampa) Miami does not maintain as good an exclusion zone around incoming/outgoing cruise ships as one might expect. If the channel has not been closed, it is possible to approach or pass fairly closely.

That said, we chose to wait outside the jetties to allow a Carnival ship to have the channel to herself. Under different circumstances of tide and/or weather we may have chosen to clear through without giving her such a wide berth. The important thing is knowing that such a course of action is possible, even if riskier.

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Anchorage Review for Moores Island - Hard Bargain

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Apr 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

The town here is fairly isolated. There are not a lot of cruisers who visit, which is a shame because the townspeople are very warm and friendly. Although it was our first time there, we were greeted by name because another cruiser had said we were headed that way. We were invited to join a random yard party and welcomed by nearly everyone we encountered. Ask around and they'll tell you where there are some caves to explore.

There is a grocery—E&N's—less than a quarter mile from either of the two public docks. Across from that is Sherry's Chicken and Fry Bread. A couple hundred feet east of the southern public dock is a restaurant, Boater's Cafe, which made very good daiquiris and chicken wings. The menu is limited, but this is to be expected in such an out-of-the-way location.

The anchorage is well-suited for the normal easterlies, but offers no protection from any winds between SSE and NNW. The total current is significant and you can expect to lay facing either north (following) or south(ebbing), despite any easterly breeze. The bottom is mostly turtle grass, but there are occasional patches of sand where you'll find setting your anchor easier.

At low tide, beaching you're dinghy is difficult due to the very shallow slope of the bottom. The beach north of town—which really isn't terribly appealing—rises somewhat sharply above the low-water mark, so at high tide you can beach fairly easily. The local fishermen keep their boats beached here. There are a few hazards in the water, so approach with care and at low speed.

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Marina Review for Lighthouse Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

RO water available for approx $0.75/gallon (Feb 2023). Very convenient for vessels anchored just outside the harbour.

They were readily agreeable to allowing us to use their dinghy dock while we visited the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is not to be missed. The residents of Hope Town are justifiably proud of this landmark. It is the last kerosene-lit lighthouse in the world. The rotation of the fresnel lens is still powered by weights raised on a hand-cranked drum, akin to the mechanism of a grandfather clock. The keepers who reside on-premises, Jeffery and Jackson, have done a marvelous job of maintaining, restoring, and preserving the lighthouse and are readily available to answer any questions to might have about the operation and history about this iconic and functional structure.

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Anchorage Review for Little Harbour Abaco Inside

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This is very much more a mooring field than an anchorage. Space for using your own hook is significantly constrained. Open mooring balls can be hard to come by, particularly when considering that for any vessel drawing 4 feet or more, sure passage in and out of the harbour is limited to the two hours before and after high tide. Temporarily anchoring to either side of the outside of the harbor is the simple solution to timing the tide. The wise cruiser will send someone in on a dinghy to hold a ball until sufficient depth to enter is available.

Once inside, the high walls offer nearly 360° protection from the wind. The is very little surge that makes it in from the pass.

Pete's Pub is a well-known landmark offering good food and drink. The beach on the other side is stunning; the view from the ruins of the old lighthous is well worth the short walk up a hog-trail of a path to get there. Spend some time in the gallery/store to read up on the area's history and to see some marvelous bronze sculptures by Pete, his famous father, and his quite-talented son. Our favorites were the bronze turtles married to driftwood.

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Anchorage Review for Bight of Old Robinson - Little Harbour

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

One can obtain good protection from winds from Southeast clockwise to Northeast by choosing the appropriate windward shore throughout the Bight. Only easterly winds—and more importantly, the accompanying swells—are likely to be of concern. Holding through the Bight is excellent with it's mostly sandy bottom. Be alert to the stage of the tide when setting anchor: swells blocked by the reefs across Little Harbour Cut at low tide can make for a rolly anchorage as the tide rises. This can be exacerbated by a wind that puts you beam-to persisting swells.

The Bight is a gorgeous place, especially if you take a dinghy ride to get behind the islands that ring it. Sea life abounds, and in mid-February every trip into the flats showed us at least fifty green turtles. Of particular note are several Blue Holes which are stunning, particularly on a rising tide. One very popular one can be found at 26°20.706'N 77°1.796'W. (And on the nearby shore, one can also find a memorial to three divers who died while exploring the cave system in 1994.)

Precise coordinates for seven others can be found online. They can be difficult to locate otherwise. As others have noted, there are some very shallow spots and one could easily wind up trapped (or walking) on a falling tide.

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Anchorage Review for Great Stirrup Cay - Slaughter Harbour

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Although it looks and feels terribly exposed here, the reefs and shoals that extend around the south from Great to Little Stirrup Cays to form the basin/harbor cut the swells and chop to nearly nothing. The wind may be significant, but there was very little motion at anchor while the wind clocked from SSE to W.

Little Stirrup Cay (to the west) is the Royal Caribbean cruise line private island; on Great Stirrup (to the east) is the same for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Both are probably off-limits to the cruiser. During our day and overnight stay the passengers on the two RC ships did not come out on any jet-ski excursions, we can certainly see where that kind of activity could be a nuisance. I wouldn't, however, let that dissuade me from staying here for a day or two.

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Marina Review for Great Harbour Cay Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We didn't take a slip here, but we were able to tie up our dinghy in one of the unused slips at the far end of the marina and take a walk (about3/4 mile) over to the quite beautiful and stunning beach on the east side of the Cay. A little south of the crossing point is The Beach Club which had a pretty good Painkiller and gray conch fritters.

At the marina on Friday night they have a cruisers get-together and BBQ ($15-$18/plate) that started around 1730 and was still going strong when we left at 2200. It's a good idea to sign up early: they serve the plates in order of sign-up and some food options run out as the night goes on. (For example, we ordered ribs when signing up, but were about 3/4 down page 2 of 3, and the ribs were gone by the top of page 2, so had to opt for chicken and pork.) It may have been an unusually busy evening though: a fairly strong front was passing through and the marina was at full capacity.

On Saturdays there is a similar pizza night. (We did not go to that and so can't speak to any other details.)

RO water is available at $0.50/gallon and the staff was very helpful in managing access. They were quick to respond to calls in VHF 16 and use 14 as a working channel.

A fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) is available across the inner basin on the south side of the access cut through the rocks. The fuel dock typically operates 0700-1200 and 1300-1600.

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Anchorage Review for Great Harbour - Bullocks Harbour

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

I'm not sure why the main description describes this as poor holding and having thick grass: we found sparse grass and were able to set a solid anchor in the dark having arrived from Bimini at about 0500. There was some chop from a moderate to fresh breeze (N-NNE), but we had great holding. There were no less than a dozen vessels of all types (monos, cats, & motor yachts) already anchored out here when we arrived. The suitable area for anchoring is quite large, though, so there was no crowding at all.

Great Harbour Cay Marina was a short dinghy ride away and they had no concerns with us tying up in any of the unused slips. Note, though, that some of the marina facilities (e.g., showers, laundry) are not offered to vessels not paying for a slip. They were quite happy, however, for us to join the Friday evening BBQ & get-together.

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Marina Review for Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

With a Customs office essentially onsite and the Immigration offices 500 feet north (in the pink police station), Bimini Big Game is a great option for clearing in to the Bahamas. There's a restaurant onsite, as well as a second-floor bar with a lounge/recreation/game room below. The showers are clean and convenient to the docks. There is also a swimming pool.

Slip rates are on the high side, but water and electricity are on a flat rate (as of February 2023), so washing down the boat can be less painful than at some of the other marinas.

They staff are very friendly and personable; we feel very welcome every time we stop in. The power and water hookups are in good repair, as are the fixed, wooden piers.

A word of caution is in order, however: the tidal current here—and at ALL the marinas at the south end of Bimini channel are significant. The prudent mariner will wait until slack tide before backing either into or out of their slip. The marina staff understand this and will be patient and flexible with checkout times. Do not be shy about asking for assistance (or impatient about waiting for someone to give a hand).

Unfortunately, there are quite a number of imprudent skippers out there and people do frequently lose control in the combination of a fresh breeze with the strong cross-current. It is not unusual to see someone bouncing off of other vessels as they struggle to gain control/steerage.

Power boaters should also take note that Bimini channel is a no wake zone in front of the marinas. Too many do not, despite the risk of the very visible signs warning of $500 fines.

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Anchorage Review for Gun Cay - Honeymoon Harbor

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Feb 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This is a marvelous anchorage in settled weather. When there is much of a swell from east or west with limited southerly or northerly component, one or two lucky souls will find protection in the southern end of the lagoon. Anchoring too close to the north end, however, could expose you to uncomfortable swells.

It is isolated and you will often be mostly alone at night. During the day though, because it is so close to Bimini, a half-dozen or so day-trippers should be expected, including sightseeing boats bringing tourists to feed the stingrays which continuously patrol the eastern side of the northern tip of Gun Cay. The rays are docile, but quite unafraid, and so are quick to gather near anyone walking in the water there, expecting to have morsels of fish scraps held out to them.

Snorkeling throughout the lagoon can yield lobster in the rocks and conch on the grass flats. Of course there are likely to be a few sharks on patrol.

As should be expected throughout the Bahamas, take care to set your anchor in one of the sand patches and anticipate swinging 180° or so with the tidal currents.

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Anchorage Review for East Sister Rock

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Jan 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored about 1/2 nm north of this icon in order to avoid two days of 24-30 knot winds from the west and northwest. There was plenty of space between the half-dozen sailboats riding this front out scattered across this bay/cove. The bottom provided an easy set and strong holding with our 55# Mantus.

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Marina Review for Boathouse Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 27, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Inexpensive and unpretentious. Nothing fancy, but far more secure than being on the city dock. We've stayed here numerous times over the years for a night or two as we made trips up and down the St. Johns River. This is not a yacht club, but it's a great place to be.

The owners are helpful and accommodating. They're doing a great job of keeping the place up.

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Free Dock Review for Palatka City Dock

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 27, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The piers here are are in decent condition. Power may be available on the main, fixed pier if the 15amp outlets haven't been broken or breaker tripped, but they are simple household-style fixtures, not at all what one would normally use for shorepower. Similarly, water may be available.

During shrimping season, late July through September, the main pier will be filled with locals throwing nets until late in the evening. Fishing and cast nets are not permitted on the floating dock, but there's typically not anyone policing that.

The riverfront adjacent to the city dock includes an environmental education center. There is a public boat ramp beside the pier. Bass fishing tournaments are routinely held, so there's a lot of activity during those weekends.

Signs on the pier indicate that one needs to contact the city for permission to stay overnight. In 20 years of using this facility, I've never been asked or challenged on this. (At least one attempt to actually make such a reservation was futile: numerous calls went unanswered and when I finally spoke with someone at the city, they couldn't direct me to anyone who could provide permission to stay.) It appears the rule is primarily so that the city can force the occasional derelict/vagrant boat to leave.

There are typically a half-dozen or fewer boats anchored out just to the east of the pier.

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Marina Review for Green Cove Springs City Pier

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 27, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very reasonable fee for a nice, quiet dock with power. There are numerous small-town stores--including hardware--within walking distance. There is, of course, a limit on length of stay (72 hours within a 30-day period), but if one were planning to stay here for longer than that, anchoring in the St. Johns River is an easy option.

If one is sightseeing/exploring the St. Johns, this is an almost-mandatory stop. And if your mast reaches more than 45', it's also pretty much your last stop up the river: Shands Bridge has a 45' vertical clearance.

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Marina Review for Seafarer's Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 27, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Unpretentious marina not too far from mouth of St. Johns and not too far from downtown Jacksonville. The owners are quite friendly and accommodating and are boaters themselves. The restroom/shower is clean and pleasant, although not luxurious. Seafarer's is more working-man/sailor than yuppie/yachtie.

The surrounding neighborhood is working class. There's a Harvey's Supermarket about 1.5mi by foot, and a Publix about 2.5mi away. The Jacksonville Zoo is on the north side of Trout River and at times you can hear some of the louder animals.

The Jacksonville Fire Dept has a facility next door (east) where they keep a firefighting boat and a smaller, rescue launch. It appeared to be manned 24-hours/day.

The marina is exposed to about 4-1/2 miles of fetch from E to NNE winds, but there was not a lot of wake action from boats transiting the Trout River.

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Marina Review for St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The facilities are well-maintained, and the prices reasonable. There is not much in the way of provisioning or a ship's store anywhere nearby, but there is a pretty large West Marine within two miles. Only a mile away (west) up King Street is Sailor's Exchange, a great place to buy/sell/trade hardware.

There's something special about sailing into the site of the first colony in what is now the U.S.. Yet, despite the massive daily visitor traffic, there is still a small, home-town feel to St. Augustine. From the marina, you have a very short walk to the historic section of the city and the Castillo.

Pump-out vessel/service and courtesy launch.

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Marina Review for New Smyrna Beach City Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The staff here were very accommodating: we had to make an unscheduled layover here after engine troubles and seasick crew forced us inside at Ponce Inlet. We arrived at 11p--well-after closing--and were able to find a half-slip to tuck into for the night. In the morning, the staff (John & Pam) were able to do some shuffling and put us in a slip for the week until we could get the engine problems sorted out. This was despite the marina being fully-booked for all intents and purposes.

The facilities are very clean, the area safe, and the live-aboards welcoming. Corkscrew Bar and Grill, about four blocks away, has fantastic food of a wide variety.

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Marina Review for Harbortown Marina - Canaveral

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is a nice little hurricane hole with decent rates and good amenities (swimming pool, well-maintained showers, on-site restaurant/bar). It is somewhat remote resulting in the down side that any kind of provisioning requires a car: there are very few nearby businesses. No random traffic, by land or sea.

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Marina Review for Fort Pierce City Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Well-kept facilities with helpful and accommodating staff. Two on-site restaurants/bars which usually had live bands on the weekends. They are open-air, so it can get toasty in the summertime, but that's just Florida. There are also a number of good places to eat within walking distance. One we enjoyed in particular was the Sailfish Brewing Company.

A multi-vendor Farmers Market sets up in the parking area and green space of the marina ("Marina Square") every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor New Port Cove

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We kept the boat here for about a month.
Docking was a little tricky as current and wind were working at cross purposes with our approach. The main pier is concrete and fixed, a little higher than ideal. The facilities were clean and well-kept; the staff was friendly and helpful. There was a large, well-stocked chandlery, Boat Owners Warehouse, just two blocks away. A Publix lies a quarter mile north of the marina.

We arrived here by passing through Lake Worth Inlet. As we rounded Peanut Island on a Sunday afternoon the water was incredibly busy. Boats of all sizes--from 40' sedan cruisers to kayaks--were zipping back and forth across the channel in all directions. Much care and caution was necessary.

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Marina Review for Hollywood Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 25, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Well-protected marina with solid piers (concrete). Well-kept showers and laundry available. Each pier has a locked gate, and keys are specific to each pier. Although the area adjacent to the piers is essentially a public park, we didn't see the vagrants we expect in an urban area with open public restrooms. There were a number of long-term resident live-aboards when we were here. The ones on our dock ("D", west-most) were friendly and helpful. Good folks.

Good food nearby, both east (over bridge) and west (in Central Business District, about 1.25 miles). Large (2-story) Publix in the CBD.
There is a public boat ramp just west of the marina.

We staged here for a sail to Bimini, leaving out of Port Everglades (a little less than 5nm north). This was not ideal, but avoided transiting the ICW--and its bridges--all the way to Miami.

One of the staff members was a little gruff and over-bearing, but he was professional enough even if unpleasant. The rest of the folks there, however, made up for him.

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Anchorage Review for Pumpkin Key

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored here while coming down from Coconut Grove. Our hook set quickly in the typical sandy/mud bottom; Pumpkin Key provided a nice break from the NE-NNE winds. It was quiet and only one other boat for company. It would have been nice if the lights ashore had ever gone out, but otherwise we have no complaints about this quick and easy spot for an overnight stay.

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Marina Review for Dinner Key Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The monthly rate for a mooring was very reasonable, and there was a water taxi provided. They will send a pump-out boat to you.

There are a number of liveaboards in the field. The field is fairly well protected from winds SW to NE. And East winds aren't too bad due to the (relatively) limited fetch. SE winds, however, can be a bear.

We found the staff to be helpful and friendly.

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Marina Review for Boot Key Harbor City Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed here a couple days as we transited from Coconut Grove (Miami) around the Keys to Marco Island. Nearby to Home Depot and other stores. West Marine not too far away. Bathrooms/showers are clean and well-kept. High-season hadn't started yet, so no problem picking up a ball. The staff was very helpful and friendly: we were planning on a short overnight stay and then casting off first thing in the morning, and they made arrangements for us to get a pump-out outside of regular hours. Very much appreciated.

Take note when headed to the dinghy dock: there is a large, shallow grass flat that you are supposed to go around. There's a main channel to the south, and a smaller cut on the north side. One of the locals cautioned me after I cut right through the middle of it: "You must be new here. It happens a lot." He didn't say it, but I got the impression that I had better not let it happen again.

There was a great common area with tables for working or watching t.v..

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Anchorage Review for Sunset Cove

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Our Bruce claw bit with no problem. Plenty of room in the anchorage. A quick dinghy ride to Snook's for a drink, and they were fine with us leaving the dink while we walked up a couple of blocks to the Holiday Inn where the African Queen is berthed. A couple of other bars and then to Mrs. Mac's for a fine dinner before returning to Snook's for one last drink before heading back out to the hook for the night.

A good stopover and several options ashore for dining, drinks, & simple provisions.

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Anchorage Review for Matecumbe Bight

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Wide open, but no problem with NE wind & waves

We nosed right up to Peterson Key Bank and spent a quiet, restful night with 15 kt NE winds. The bank and its grassbeds kept the wave action suppressed despite the long fetch. We had a straight shot downwind the next morning to pass under the Channel Five bridge to make the next leg (to Marathon) down Hawk Channel.

Didn't see much of an opportunity for anything of interest ashore, and so we didn't even try.

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Anchorage Review for East Cape Sable

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

One of our favorite anchorages ever. About as far from civilization as you can possibly get while still being "in" Florida.

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Marina Review for Rose Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Kept our boat here for about two months while we were back at the house. The facility was well kept and had overnight security. Staff was helpful and friendly.

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Anchorage Review for Point Ybel

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Stayed here for the day to visit Sanibel Beach and check that box. With a S to WSW wind I wouldn't mind staying here overnight, but with the fairly strong current, I wouldn't feel comfortable in any other winds of any significance.

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Anchorage Review for Kitchel Key Anchorage

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

There's plenty of water here, but it comes up quick, so beware the edges of the charted depths. As noted, holding is good after a solid set: the bottom is sand and shell, scoured well by the tidal current.

We approached from the north, turning south out of the ICW about halfway between markers 1 & 2.

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Anchorage Review for St. James City

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored here for about one day and had a pleasant run up the main canal in St. James City to a couple of restaurants and the St. James General Store. The anchorage had good holding and plenty of room, but the near-constant wakes from people who appear to be making up time from transiting the Miserable Mile made this location pretty miserable as well, until dark when we finally got some relief (and this was during a weekday).

There is good protection from a NW to NE wind, but not from the other points. Wave action is diminished from almost all points due to the surrounding shoals.

Perhaps we should have moved to the far western end, near York Island and St. James Point, the wake issue would have gone away.

One should note that there is a pipeline area which runs from Pine Island to Sanibel. ICW marker 12 is close to the center of this 3/10 nm-wide zone which runs SE by S (~150°), so it would be prudent to drop anchor at least a quarter-mile west of ICW marker 11A (remain west of the private Paradise Canal daybeacons).

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Marina Review for Cabbage Key Inn

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent restaurant with an atmosphere that is reminiscent of pre-air-conditioned Florida. The staff were very pleasant and the food great. We enjoyed our meal here more than we did the one at Collier Inn on Useppa (although, to be fair, they were both top-notch, and we didn't get anything extravagant at Collier).

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Bridge comment on Matlacha Pass (SR 78) Bridge

Comment by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

We passed through the draw bridge here with no problem; however the water becomes VERY skinny just south. The marked channel was accurate, and it was most certainly a defined channel, but of minimal depth. We tried to pass through here in a Morgan OI 28 that draws 3.5 and were scraping the barnacles off the bottom of the keel in places. Still, we were able to pass through with care and slow speed--the water clarity permitted us to see just where the center of the channel is.

Unfortunately, we didn't notice the overhead power cables about 5 miles south of the bridge until we had them in sight (still about three miles away). The clearance on the cables is charted as 47 feet, which is much too close to our air draft of 45 for us to even consider sliding under (especially since we were working with a high tide to keep our bottom off the bottom).

I don't know how many people come south through Matlacha Pass Bridge and then turn around and slink back back north, but the bridgetender didn't bat an eye or even comment as we did.

Sometimes the road less travelled is that way for a reason.

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Anchorage Review for Useppa Island

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

It does feel a little tight in here, but it does provide an absolutely gorgeous view and is convenient to both Cabbage Key Inn and Useppa Island.

Cabbage Key Inn has a great restaurant with a rustic, old-Florida feel. Useppa Island is private, but we were lucky enough to have a friend who is a member there, so we were able to taste a bit of what the upper crust has. We spent a half day there just wandering around.

Holding here is solid--we were in 20kt winds all day and didn't budge, so a good set will hold. Except for SSW to SSE and NNW winds, this is actually fairly protected from the winds. And although the SSE winds we experienced had fetch down to the horizon, the shoal and low mangroves just to the south of Useppa provided shelter from any kind of wave action.

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Marina Review for Cayo Costa State Park - Beach Open, Rebuilding Docks and Overnight Accommodations

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 20, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Docks for 25' or less powerboats and/or dinghies. It's about a mile walk from here to the beach side of Cayo Costa where one has a good chance of being one of only a half-dozen or fewer people in sight on an amazing white sand beach. An unusual feature, about two-thirds of a mile south, is a sandbar that juts perpendicularly from the beach out about a third of a mile. It appears to be formed by the interaction of the tidal flows from Boca Grande (north) and Captiva Pass (south).

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Burnt Store

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 20, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nicely-sized size, well-kept marina. We stayed for a couple nights as transients. They put us in a dock near the central point for the marina store, the restaurant/bars, and other facilities (laundry, head, marina office, etc). The live music we was just loud enough to enjoy without being overwhelming and shut down at a reasonable hour.

We could have--but didn't--take advantage of a very nice swimming pool. There was a pop-up farmers/craft market in a vacant lot just south of the marina offices where we purchased some really good guacamole and could have bought fresh fish.

Unfortunately, there's nothing nearby (within walking distance) for provisions. However, we were able to have a real treat in the on-site cafe: a sausage and biscuit gravy pizza. We'd go back just for that.

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Marina Review for Gasparilla Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great spot for topping off fuel and pumping out. Dockhands were first rate. We really enjoyed the opportunity to feed their pet snook.

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Marina Review for Uncle Henry's Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This was a great little marina, but the approach from the ICW certainly requires careful attention and precision. Fortunately, the marina staff are ready, willing, & able to watch over and guide you down the chute.

One downside--and this is not the marina's fault--is the $6.00 toll for the bridge to the mainland.

The marina is very well protected from winds and waves--I would consider it a hurricane hole (while keeping storm surge in mind).

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Anchorage Review for Lemon Bay East of R26

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This was a great stopover. We were able to tuck in about 750 yards farther to the NNW than the anchorage marker is shown here (putting us about 500 feet from the county park). This put us behind the charted shoal and afforded better wake protection. The bottom was typical sand/mud that provided a quick and easy set with solid holding.

Indian Mound Park was a quick dinghy ride. We could have simply beached the tender, but instead chose to tie off to the back side of one of the boat ramp piers on the north side of the peninsula. After exploring the 1,000- to 3,000-year-old midden we walked about 1/2-mile to the north to Dearborn Street where there was a public sculpture garden, several Shoppes, and several restaurants, including the Blue Pineapple Bistro, which serves bloody mary's garnished with . . . well, brunch. They are amazing.

There is a Publix another 1/2 mile (5 blocks) east of this little Shoppe district. Two blocks to the west of the Shoppes is the Englewood Veterans Memorial and park which has a seawall with pilings where one might be able to tie up for a short time.

If the Publix is a bit too far, the Dearborn Corner Market has bait, cigars, beer & wine, and other typical convenience store merchandise.

We later found that Sarasota County has a pier at their Cherokee Street Park which we were able to tie the dinghy to, leaving us only two blocks from the Shoppe district. We felt much more comfortable leaving the dinghy here than than at the public boat ramp--there is much less foot traffic at this location.

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Marina Review for Crow's Nest Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

As others have noted, the tidal current that passes Crow's Nest can be downright vicious, but the dockmaster and dockhands are well-experienced at bringing boats into the slips safely and without damage. I normally retain full command and control of the docking procedure, but here I defer to their advice and guidance.

An option to docking during the height of the tidal flow is to drop an anchor on the north side of the channel for an hour or two until slack tide. Some will remain there overnight, but again, that tidal current bids caution and maintaining close watch on the anchor's hold.

It is a bit of a hike, but historic, downtown Venice is only a mile and a half away through some pleasant neighborhoods with little traffic. There are a number of Shoppes and restaurants lining the south side of the main thoroughfare. A mile beyond the historic downtown (to the south) is a shopping center with a wine bar, liquor store, Publix, etc.

With the limited depths of the anchorage in Roberts Bay, Crow's Nest is a great option.

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Bridge comment on Blackburn Point Swing Bridge

Comment by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

The rarity of swing bridges makes them fun to pass through despite the clearance being tighter due to the nature of the design. The Blackburn Point bridge is quaint and nostalgic and the bridge tenders have always been pleasant to work with.

(I note that several reviewers seem taken aback by the tender asking for their boat's name. They seem to be small power boats that are unaccustomed to requesting passage through draw bridges. Nearly every bridge we have requested a lift from in the last 10-15 years has requested our vessel's name. This is just Standard Operating Procedure.)

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Anchorage Review for White Beach - West of G55

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This is a very pleasant spot for an overnight stay prior to (or after) running through the 5 nm of tight channels and bridges just south of Sarasota. The shoreline is an upscale residential area, so it is quiet and peaceful. Although there is no protection from wakes from the ICW, there is not a lot of traffic, and of course the ICW traffic generally diminishes to nothing after sunset.

The bottom is typical soft mud/sand, so a solid set of one's anchor is quick and easy. You are likely to be alone: we've anchored here several times and never had anyone else on their hook. With the two opposing peninsulas, protection from a steady wind out of any quadrant is available. Take note, though, that the corner south of the west peninsula and the one north of the eastern peninsula are a little shallower, so you can't tuck in quite as far.

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Anchorage Review for Whale Key Lagoon

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 12, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Spent two days here with a strong (20-25kt) NE wind. There was no escape from the wind, but despite the 2-1/2 miles of fetch, there was barely a ripple inside this little lagoon due to the shoal/bar that form it.

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Anchorage Review for Longboat Key South of R40

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Pleasant spot to wait for opportune time to begin passage out Longboat Pass for ports south. Several boats anchored (late August), but still room available. Shoals along the south and east sides of the anchorage come up quite sharply, but also help reduce wake from the ICW passes just a quarter mile to the east.

There are two public piers nearby as well as a small beach for landing one's dinghy. There is also a choice of two restaurants on the west shore--one a little more upscale than the other--as well as two others 1/4-1/2 mile toward the gulf. The restaurants on shore have dockage available for customers.

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Anchorage Review for Cortez Bridge West Side

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

This anchorage offers good holding with decent protection from all winds other than SSE which has fetch nearly 11 miles to Sarasota. The north end tends to be well-populated with semi-permanent vessels--many not manned and some of which could be considered derelict--but there is still normally room available.

Be careful of the shoal to between the anchorage and the ICW. It is best to either use the marina channel marked by private day beacons or proceed through the charted channel which runs nearly due north from the end of the public pier toward the west end of the bridge.

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Marina Review for Snead Island Boat Works Inc.

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Snead Island Boat Works is as much boat yard as it is marina. The work done by the onsite staff is excellent and there are a host of quality contractors who routinely service boats both in and out of the water. Owners, however, are not permitted to work on their boats in the work yard--this is not a DIY facility. (Routine maintenance and limited repair work by owners is permitted while the vessel is in the slip.) Long-term dry storage is also available.

Liveaboards are not permitted, but staying on the boat overnight periodically or for the short term is allowed. The head and showers (two for men and two for women) are clean and air conditioned. It is approximately 3 miles to the nearest shopping: grocery, auto parts, hardware, and drugstore.

Access is gated (keycode required after business hours and on weekends). There is little to no public traffic.

Slips are arranged around the perimeter of the yacht basin with short, fixed finger piers between every other slip. Several (6-8) lifting slips were installed in 2021/2022. Power (30 amp & 50 amp) and water are available at each slip.

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Anchorage Review for Desoto Point (Holy Hole)

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

A fairly well protected anchorage with great holding. There are several boats that anchor here on a semi-permanent basis, sometimes including a floating bait shop, but it is never too crowded to find a spot to drop your hook.

The national park ashore is focused on Hernando DeSoto's exploration of Florida as he landed in this area in 1539, supposedly anchoring here in the mouth of the Manatee River. Access is by beaching one's dinghy, and there are walking trails (pets allowed) throughout the 26 acres of the park, along with a small museum.

Although exposed to north-to-east winds, the fetch across the river is much less than one finds in the bay, so this is a great spot to hide out in almost any storm; as noted by other reviewers, if protection from north-to-east winds is an issue the river's north side is also an excellent anchorage.

The channel to the bay passes right next to DeSoto Point, so there is quite a bit of near-constant traffic on the weekends, especially late afternoon as people return from the bay. After sundown, however, there is only rarely anyone passing by, so wakes are not an issue overnight.

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Anchorage Review for Egmont Key - Tampa Bay

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

The southern end of Egmont Key is a bird sanctuary and you cannot be on the beach there, either Gulf-side or bayside. On the bayside, there is a No Anchoring zone extending about 150 feet out from the shore for the lower half mile of the key. The park personnel routinely chase people off the sanctuary beach and out of the No-Anchor zone.

There are ruins of gun batteries along the north gulf side of the island. Also at the north end is the remains of a lighthouse and various buildings and brick-paved roads from the military outpost built in the late 1800s.

Ruins from gun batteries at the southern end of the island sit 700 feet or so from shore in 8-10 feet of water. People frequently climb upon them and swim/snorkel around them. It is actually surprising that they haven't been restricted, but caution is warranted: they can be slippery and--with plenty of broken-off pieces iron/steel concrete reinforcement--injuries are certainly possible.

Overall Egmont Key is a marvelous location to explore. One could easily spend a full day or two there if the winds hold true to a single direction so that anchoring on one side or the other is in the lee of the island for the entire time.

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