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Published by mikeahart, 2016-02-02 11:26:41

Waterway Guide Magazine 2016 Issue

LOOKING FOR A MARINA?
If there is a marina you would like to see on our site, we’d love to hear about it. Drop us a line at [email protected]!
SNAG-A-SLIP is a FREE online boat slip reservation system that allows boaters to explore marinas and search for slip availability based on travel dates, length, beam, draw and power requirements. Boaters can pick their preferred marina after reviewing amenities, location and availability — and then book immediately with ease and confidence!
Snag-A-Slip showcases awesome marinas around the country and in the Caribbean. We are expanding daily, so be sure to check our site regularly for new marina additions! You can contact us at [email protected].
www.snagaslip.com
“This service is a long-time coming and it makes it so much easier for the boater to find, compare and book slips. We’ve been extremely satisfied with Snag-A-Slip and their partner marinas.” —Todd Anderbery, PA
TM
TM
SAS Waterway Guide.indd 1
11/20/15 3:24 PM


• British Royal Navy points out that when the rode-to- bottom angle has an angle of 10 degrees (6:1 scope), the anchor loses 40 percent of its holding power, and at 15 degrees (4:1 scope), the loss is 60 percent.
Therefore, as the wind speed rises, these old, long used rules-of-thumb for scope should be dispensed with, and focus should instead be directed to achieving and maintaining no more than a six degree rode-to-bottom angle. In a rode with no contributing catenary, a six degree rode-to-bottom angle is obtained when the scope is no less than 10:1
Anti-Chafe Techniques
No rode will remain intact for long if it’s subjected to chafe or if it develops enough heat to cause the fibers to melt. There are numerous techniques that can, and should be used to minimize, or better yet, eliminate the problems of chafing and melting. All of these techniques fall into one of four categories–reduce, replace, cover or transfer. Fortunately, any of the techniques, regardless of its category, can be mixed or matched with one another as is needed.
But There Is More
Get all of “The Big Five” right, or at least do not get them wrong, and anchoring will generally be without problems... maybe! Actually, there is a sixth member of “The Big Five”- multiple anchors.
Whereas, each of “The Big Five” is involved every time an anchor will be deployed, the use of more than one anchor is
employed only when the circumstances dictate the need, most often:
• To avoid tripping the anchor;
• To avoid fouling the rode;
• To limit the boat’s swing radius;
• To keep the boat away from dangers.
This need often appears where currents reverse, winds shift, or in tight anchorages. The deployment of more than one anchor, when necessary, should always be willingly employed.
Finally
Not only are “The Big Five” instrumental in sizing the gear for use in ground tackle, they can also be used to identify the culprit(s) should your anchor drag, trip or your boat break loose. In addition, “The Big Five” can also be used to determine at what point your existing gear may no longer be reliable and should be switched out for heftier gear. WGM
About
Rudy and Jill Sechez
These excerpts are taken from ANCHORING- A Ground Tackler’s Apprentice by Rudy and Jill Sechez. To learn more about the above topics, how to set up a dependable ground tackle system, as well as access a whole host of tips
and ideas on anchoring, order a copy of this book through waterwayguide. com or call 1-800-233-3359. Rudy and Jill are available to speak to groups and boating clubs about anchoring. Contact them at [email protected].
24 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016


SOUTH BROWARD
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Gwynn’s Island 249 Mill Point Rd Hudgins, VA 23076 804-384-906
Eaton Ferry
1865 Eaton Ferry Road Littleton, NC 27850 252-507-4951
Skipper’s Landing 1152 Perth Road Troutman, NC 28166 704-253-4993
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Kings Point
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26 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016
2040 Willbrook Boulevard Pawleys Island, SC 29585 843-314-4413
Bahia Bleu
2812 River Drive Thunderbolt, GA 31404 912-228-5573
Golden Isles
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Full-service marinas that offer more than boating
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20’ wide, & 35’ tall


BOATER INTERVIEW
The Plan is Not to Have a Plan
By Brad Whitmore
Adventure! Freedom!
To ardent boating enthusiasts, it is almost inconceivable that there would be a shortage of people getting into boating. Nonetheless, if you read through the marine trade journals, that is exactly what is going on. So, what’s up?
Starting about 15 years ago, a trend developed in which boat buyers 65 and older began outnumbering their younger (under age 40) counterparts. In rough numbers, it is now about a 2:1 ratio, and boat buyers are aging faster than the general population. This has become of concern to the industry; as the senior demographic shrinks in numbers, who will replace them?
Reasons for this lack of participants entering or staying in boating are multifold. Boating has become more expensive, people have less available free time to pursue interests, boating competes with many other activities, kids have much more structured activities including sports, and of course, the internet and social media have evolved. While the adage ”once a boater, always a boater” holds true much of the time, the problem is Mike & Marjolaine’s 39-foot Benneteau sloop, BASTA, meaning “enough.”
status quo in general. “It paid the bills, but it wasn’t fulilling,” offered Mike.
Like many Millennials, they began to view life as being about more than just work and having things. The endless cycle of working harder and getting more stuff and working still harder lost its meaning to them. “Work to live, don’t live to work” rang true to their perspective.
Mike had worked for 10 years in the oil sand ields in northern Alberta, Canada, driving massive D-11 bulldozers and the giant Cat 797 dump trucks. He was recognizing a need for more adventure than what operating the largest machines on earth could provide. He wanted to escape the rat race and do something more personally rewarding. Marjolaine worked in

that people aren’t getting exposed to boating as a family activity as much as in the past. It’s as if a generation is being skipped.
Outliers
Work hard, save money, buy a sailboat, retire, sell your “stuff” and begin a cruising lifestyle. This is the dream of many and it plays out for the lucky or determined. But how about putting it together when you’re in your early 30s?
Mike Hachem and Marjolaine Boivin-Duval did just that. This is not the typical story of people growing up boating and getting an early jump on a cruising lifestyle; it is quite the opposite. They spent their formative years in Quebec, Canada, in a small town surrounded by mountains with a lake, and knew nothing about sailing. They were neighbors who barely knew each other, but connected years later as young adults. Not only were they landlocked, but they had no boating experience (other than some jet skiing). With that as a background, this past May they jumped into boat ownership with their first boat: a well found 39-foot Benneteau sloop,
which they named BASTA, meaning
”enough”.
How did all this happen? Without previous exposure to boating, what would draw a couple into a commitment of this magnitude? Both were experiencing some degree of disillusionment with their jobs and the
ffsecurity in the same industry. She craved freedom.
After I learned some of their story, I asked Mike about the transition from driving mega mining machines (over one million pounds curb weight, such as the one shown below) to taking the helm of their sloop. “Being on land and being on water are two very different things. There’s a lot of factors that make operating a boat a lot harder than operating these land- devouring machines, in my opinion, anyway,” he says.
Together, they knew they were ready for change, so they started looking for a means to achieve their desires. Mike was introduced to the allure of sailing through literature, and then how-to books. The idea was spawned! “If they did it, we can do it. That was our mindset,” recalls Mike. Early on, they considered international backpacking, but sailing won out for several reasons. ”You come back, and you don’t have anything because you sold everything to go backpacking,” says Marjolaine. She adds, “It keeps me secure to know that I always have my home with me, and home is wherever you drop the hook.”
“I know the boat didn’t just come out of thin air; we had to work for it,” says Mike. He continues that they were fortunate enough to have jobs that provided the means, but they didn’t want to stay on the treadmill or be like a donkey going after a carrot on a stick all their lives. They wanted to escape the rat race and do something more personally rewarding.
28 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016


Quick Studies
With clear intentions, these two rookies bought a boat from a charter operation back east on Lake Champlain. A three-day checkout was provided as part of the deal. Then, they were on their own. They spent this past summer living on a mooring and learning all they could about sailing, the boat, its systems, and maintenance. They relied heavily on Internet sailing resources and YouTube videos for training.
Having accumulated about ive months of experience, they were ready for the next phase: going off shore. They cruised from Lake Champlain to New York, where they found a suitable experienced crew member from Sailing and Cruising, a Facebook group. They made a passage from a meeting point in New Jersey to Cape May and Delaware Bay. The mentoring crew member even hung with them for a few more days as they continued towards Norfolk, VA, their immediate destination.
In Norfolk, they joined Wally Moran’s “Sail to the Sun ICW Rally” sponsored by Waterway Guide. This leet of 15 cruisers was heading on a 7-week voyage down the ICW to Miami with stops at many towns and cities along the way. Under the wing and watchful eye of this group, still more learning opportunities were presented.
At one of the Rally stops (Cocoa Village), I watched a crew motor their sloop towards a docked vessel with the intention of rafting alongside. The approach appeared reasonable enough, and ended with the skipper deciding to do a timely go-around a Mike’s comment of “wherever the wind takes us” says it all.
Wired
One of the inspirational and educational channels for Mike was a series of YouTube videos that covers cruising (see “SV Delos Sailing”). Realizing the value of such videos towards their efforts got them thinking that there is an opportunity to supplement their living by providing sailing/cruising videos about their experiences to an underserved target audience. “The
English (language) market is more than saturated in sailing videos,” says Marjolaine. Mike adds, “We’re thinking we could do the same thing for the French community.”
Mike says he looks forward to the day someone contacts them and says they saw the videos and that it inspired them to do the same thing. Did you catch that, industry executives? These trail blazers want the satisfaction of bringing others into the fold.
With a measure of excitement, they tell me the story involving a radio conversation with another cruiser, who was a total stranger. Mike was advising of a grounding event they had experienced, and the cruiser responded “I know, I saw the pictures on your Facebook blog.” It was their irst acknowledged follower. So an unpleasant “I-learned-about–boating–from- that” incident became more than a learning opportunity for our intrepid couple. It became a sharing/teaching opportunity as well, and they liked it.
Damn the Torpedoes, All Ahead Full
Marjolaine Boivin-Duval and Mike Hachem


ffcome back for another pass. The next approach was more to his liking: lines were passed, fender position checked, spring and breast lines set, and mast stagger verified (to prevent any entanglement from rolling). “Nicely done,” I thought. Subsequently I was introduced to the crew: It was Mike and Marjolaine. “That’s only the second time I’ve rafted-up,” says Mike. I was all the more impressed when I found out they have only been boaters for seven months. The execution, decision- making, knowledge and attention to little details made them appear to be old salts.
What Plan?
What’s next? With a mere seven months of ownership under their belts, they are Bahamas bound. Okay, so you’re 30-something, no job, have a serious boat and are heading to the islands. Tell me more.
Although they will jokingly say, “the plan is not to have a plan”, there’s more to that story. Their intention is to accumulate enough experience for Mike to get a Captain’s license so they can become a professional crew couple. Their natural interests already define their roles: Mike likes piloting and navigation, while Marjolaine likes running the deck tasks, including sail trimming. She also tends to the housekeeping regime and cooking. With their warm, fun-loving personalities and serious, focused approach to vessel ops, they will have plenty of opportunities in the worlds of self-chartering, deliveries or perhaps, private yacht crewing. With eyes open towards the Caribbean, Central and South America, and places beyond,
fIf the only constant is change, the answer to the question of “Where will the new boaters come from?” is answered in part by Mike and Marjolaine. They talk of having met numerous other young cruisers who are of the same ilk. In part, therein lies the future.
There’s a lesson in here for the marine industry. Take a couple of outliers that leave the work force early, buy a large cruiser as an initial vessel, and learn from limited formal sailing training coupled with internet and watchful-eye passages. There’s your answer to where at least some new entrants into boating will come from. They got the bug and made it happen in months, not years. Their stated passion is to now show others that they too can do it and how to do it. This is good, very good.
If you’d like to follow Mike and Marjolaine’s adventure aboard BASTA, check out their blog: facebook.com/ sailingbasta. W G M
About
Brad Whitmore
Brad Whitmore is a lifelong boater, with some of his earliest memories being of a homemade plywood rowboat his grandfather built. As a teenager in south Florida, he spent countless hours on, and in, Biscayne Bay. Home port is currently Cocoa Village on the
Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s Space Coast. Look for Brad, wife Bobbi and boat-dog Cooper aboard their Cruiser Cats Havana 38 Express power cat whenever schedules allow. Give them a shout; they’d love to hear from you!
WWW.WATERWAYGUIDE.COM 29


Download
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Wherever you are Anytime
SPECIAL INITIATIVES
Story by Ed Tillett, Editor-in-Chief, Waterway Guide Community Service
While Underway
Boating, cruising and travel are seldom associated with noble causes and volunteerism. But IGY Marinas is changing that with a program that provides opportunities for boaters and employees of the company to help those less fortunate in communities where the marinas are located.
“Inspire Giving through You” is the company’s community outreach initiative. The goal is to persuade boaters to work in the communities they visit and support local non-proit organizations. The project is currently gathering volunteers to help with community service projects throughout the Caribbean, United States, and Latin America. Boaters, marina staff and volunteers are being asked to give their time, skills and energy back to the communities that welcome their return each year. The program’s objective is three-fold: to identify a need area at each marina destination and partner with a nonproit organization; coordinate a community-focused event where

Find Your Marina
W G
waterwayguide.com
ffIGY associates, customers and partners can make a difference; give back to each community.
Each IGY Marina office has a place to sign up for volunteer work for those who want to help while visiting the area. You can also sign-up online. Projects currently planned for 2016 include restoration of a local orphanage, renovation of playgrounds, cleaning and maintenance of a community pool and improvements at a local community center.
For those unable to participate on location, you can still support the cause by donating needed items such as non- perishables, clothing and shoes, school supplies, books, computers/laptops and personal necessities. You may also make monetary donations. Dates, locations and details for the Inspire Giving Through You are available on line at igymarinas.com/igy-community-service. IGY Marinas is an international company that acquires, manages and services luxury yacht marinas and surrounding properties. W G M
30 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016


#BahamasBoating


It’s Better In The Bahamas
The most breathtakingly clear waters on Earth lie just 50 nm off Florida. Our cays,coasts and countryside aren’t to be missed either. Over 32 ports of entry make it easy.
For special marina deals or to join our boating flings
visit Bahamas.com/boating or call 1.800 32SPORT (7678)
Follow us On:
©2016 The Islands Of The Bahamas
Photos courtesy of Staniel Cay Yacht Club, The Exumas
BAHAMAS 31


BAHAMAS
Excerpt from Waterway Guide 2016 Bahamas Edition
Stop Dreaming...
Start Planning
What Are These Islands?
Looking down at the Bahamas Islands from space, one can see an orb of brilliant colors—shimmering seas of cobalt blue, opalescent sand banks and, extending southeast from the East Coast of Florida, a scattering of shimmering islands and cays united into contiguous groups by dark tongues of deep water. Each large island may stretch 100 miles long, but most of the cays are sparkling, tiny gemstones, linked like precious jewelry, strung together and begging to be treasured.
Islands, Cays, Keys and the Gulf Stream
Let’s get these Bahamian names correct right at the start. A cay, pronounced “key,” is a small, low-lying island, prob- ably coral fringed, mostly sand on a limestone and coral base. The word comes from the Spanish cayo (with the same meaning), which the early Spanish explorers took from Taino, language of the Arawaks, the indigenous island hammock (hammaca), with the same origins. In the United States, the word cay still survives today (misspelled) in the name Key West (or Cayo Oeste, the westernmost cay).
As for an island, well, that is an island; something bigger. You could say that an island is so big that if you are on one of the cays, it seems like a continental shore. Great Abaco Island, in the cays, is often referred to as “the mainland.”
All around this magical area, save for one side, there is the deep water of the southwestern North Atlantic Ocean. It is some of the deepest ocean water in the northern hemisphere. A narrow piece of water, the Straits of Forida, separates the area from the East Coast of Florida. Just 65 miles wide, the Straits of Forida is far more than the continuance of the ocean around the islands. It is the mainstream course of one of the greatest maritime rivers in the world: the Gulf Stream. Immensely powerful, the Gulf Stream lows north at 2.5 knots or more with the dynamic and thermal energy to create nightmarish seas from contrary north winds and, distantly, gives the fortunate shores of

people whose extinction they brought about. It joins many other words, like barbecue (barbacoa), canoe (canoa) and
fits European landfalls exotic plants and mild winters—a climatic imitation of lands 1,000 miles to their south.
Sunset in Fisher’s Bay, Great Guana, Abaco. Photo courtesy of Rex and Amy Noel. 32 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016


A Vast Cruising Ground


Black Point seclusion, Great Guana Cay. Photo courtesy of Rick Caroselli. Where to Go In the Bahamas
A Cruising Ground Analysis
The geography of the islands profoundly affects the cruising opportunities for boaters. Where there are strings of cays (e.g., the Abacos, Berrys and Exumas), boaters find diverse cruising grounds with infinite possibilities, whatever the prevailing wind. There are isolated beaches to comb, trails and caves to explore and snug anchorages in which to seek shelter or simply hang on the hook watching the clouds drift by. In addition, there are marinas to serve you, secluded resorts to spoil you, bougainvillea-covered restaurants to offer you local cuisine and lively beach bars to pour your goombay punch.
The bigger islands—Grand Bahama, Nassau, Eleuthera and Long Island—are no less versatile, just a bit more urban- ized. Navigating them can entail straight runs along open coasts. There are more marinas, but fewer safe anchorages in which to duck should adverse weather arise unexpectedly. And, with so much territory, walking to see all the sights may be more exercise than you had in mind. However, rental carts or cars are plentiful, and their helpful owners are ency- clopedias of local lore. Taxis are readily available, and their friendly drivers are veritable tour guides.
Full-service marinas extend their welcome mats to mega- yachts and pocket cruisers alike. At resorts, you are as likely
to swim in million-gallon pools with movie moguls or dol- phins. Food options range from fresh cooked “take-away” served under colorful umbrellas on the beach to elegant, haute cuisine presented by white-gloved waiters on a mez- zanine overlooking a casino. Nightlife options are plentiful from black tie and piano lounges to blue jeans and “rake n’ scrape” jams.
Andros Island, the largest of the Bahamian islands at over 100 miles long and 40 miles wide, boasts the third-largest barrier reef in the world. At first glance, it appears to offer the most promising cruising grounds one could imagine, but it deserves due caution. Much of Andros is wilderness—a maze of mahogany and pine forests, scrub brush, marshes, tidal inlets and flats. The barrier reef truly is a barrier, and naviga- tion inside the reef requires care and expertise. For many, these considerations are the whole point of going there; for others, it is too great a challenge.
When choosing where to venture in the cruising grounds of the Bahamas, preparedness and ability, as well as seawor- thiness of the vessel are the critical concerns. In addition, time constraints, fuel and water capacities and airport avail- ability may define your limits. With these factors in mind, the direction in which to point your bow most definitely depends upon your starting point. The following section discusses the different approaches to the Bahamas based on that consideration.
BAHAMAS 33


BAHAMAS
Bahamas Sea Base:
Scouting’s Sailing Adven


Story by Dennis Mullen
Photos courtesy of Bahamas Sea Base
More than 1400 teenagers from across the United States were able to sail and live aboard sailboats for a full week in the Bahamas during the summer of 2015, thanks to Scouting’s Sea Base program. Boy Scouts from as far away as California, Kansas, and New Mexico flew into Marsh Harbour airport on Great Abaco Island to take part in scouting’s high adventure, Bahamas Sea Base. It wasn’t easy for the scouts to get there, and it wasn’t cheap, but the scouts and their leaders all agree it was worth the effort, the sweat, the money and the two year wait for an experience they will never forget.
“Many of the scouts (and leaders) have never even seen a real
sailboat before; tonight they will sleep on one for the first time.”
Bahamas Sea Base
Bahamas Sea Base is a branch of Florida National High Adventure Sea Base, organized in the early 1970s in the Florida Keys by Sam Wampler to give kids an opportunity to learn to sail. Sea Base was an immediate success. Originally, the Bahamas Sea Base adventure sailed from Miami to Nassau, but during the late 1970s, the Gulf Stream’s unpredictability dictated the establishment of a permanent base in Marsh Harbour. Partnered with the Boy Scouts of America in 1980, Florida Sea Base now offers a dozen different weeklong
34 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016


ture
than 13 years. Together, Capt. Steve and Capt. Kim handle the unimaginable task of herding over 100 fresh-from-the-farm teenaged scouts and their adult leaders who have landed for their irst time at Marsh Harbour airport off to their assigned sailboats, then to the Sea of Abaco and beyond for six days and nights, and then back to their lights, on time and safe.AND keep them all fed.
Capt. Steve, Fleet Captain, keeps the leaders, scouts and captains laughing while he delivers his deadly serious safety brieing before the boats are boarded. “The drinking age in the Bahamas,” he tells them during the brieing, “is ive dollars.” They all laugh. “But I promise you,” Capt. Steve continues, “if you attempt to buy alcohol while you are here on any of these islands, I will know about it before you get back to your boat.Any questions?” (No questions.) “O.K.” he says in a perfect Capt. Ron impression, “If anything’s gunna happen, it’s gunna happen out there.LET’S GO!”
Capt. Kim, Director of Operations, makes it all happen, seemingly effortlessly. Provisioning for over a hundred scouts for a week at sea to most Eagle by doing something childish. These are responsible young adults. The scouts do all of the cooking and cleaning while onboard, with one scout in charge of the entire group. No previous sailing experience is required. All scout groups are required to have a minimum of two adult leaders, even if there are only two scouts in the group, and it’s the leader’s job—not the captain’s—to lead the scouts. Captains encourage scouts to take part in setting and trimming sails, navigating, anchoring, steering and becoming familiar with the cruising lifestyle, something a majority of the kids have never experienced before and something only a few will have the opportunity to experience again.
The Fleet
The 2015 Bahamas Sea Base leet employed nine active sailboats, with three sailboats in reserve for back-up. The boats range in size from a 41-foot monohull to a 65-foot catamaran, and all are privately owned and captained by their owners. Boats are rated (and paid)


ff..fff....of us would be nothing short of a nightmare. Kim lives for it. The scouts are responsible for selecting their own menus from a pre-set list (sometimes over a year in advance), and Capt. Kim makes sure the orders are filled and get on the right boats, at the right time. Capt. Kim also keeps all of the scout boats supplied with paper towels, paper plates, toilet paper and trash bags; she coordinates transportation from the air, on land and across the Sea of Abaco for a hundred people every week and somehow makes it look easy.
The Scouts
The Bahamas Sea Base program is open to all Boy Scouts ages 14 to 18 (13 if completed the 8th grade). Scout troops from across the country submit applications up to two years in advance for the adventure and spend that time raising the money to fund it (about $800 per person, plus airfare). Most of the scouts are working toward their Eagle award and have worked hard to get to the Bahamas; they’re not going to blow their
fprograms scouts can choose from. In 2015, Bahamas Sea Base offered scouts two sailing sessions: spring (mid- February through April) and summer (May through August).
Today, Bahamas Sea Base is managed by Steve and Kim Cansler, both USCG captains and married for over 30 years. Native Kansans, Steve and Kim have lived on their 43-foot Beneteau in the Bahamas and the Florida Keys for more
BAHAMAS 35


by the number of scouts and adult leaders they can carry: Boats 41 to 46 feet are limited to 8 passengers, boats 46 to 60 feet can carry up to 12 and the 65-foot catamaran can carry the maximum of 20 scouts and leaders. Sea Base fully provisions every boat before each trip with the pre-selected menu items, fuel, water, all essential cooking needs and paper supplies. Sea Base also pays for all docking expenses, insurance and licenses. Captains and their boats are paid handsomely, and as the Bahamas Sea Base program continues to grow, more boats and qualiied captains are going to be needed. Interested captains are asked to contact Steve and Kim through Sea Base.
The Adventure
The adventure begins when the troop votes to go. This includes the planning, the dreaming and the fund-raising, as well as acquiring passports and teasing jealous friends. Once a troop has applied and is accepted by Sea Base, a $100 per person non- refundable deposit must be sent to secure the dates. There is plenty of time to plan a trip and raise the money; Bahamas Sea Base 2016 is sold out. And so is 2017. If your scout troop is interested in 2018, book now!
After the plane lands at the new Marsh Harbour airport, the scouts are driven to the docks at the Conch Inn, given their safety brieing, and introduced to their captain and the sailboat that will be their home for the next six days and nights. Many of the scouts (and leaders) have never even seen a real sailboat before; tonight they will sleep on one for the irst time. Tomorrow, weather deciding, the scouts will weigh anchor after ixing the captain and crew the irst breakfast of their top of its famous lighthouse and then swim in the ocean where the sand under their feet is pink. Dinner is cooked and the dishes are washed before the sun goes down, and most of the scouts (and sometimes the leaders) sleep on deck under the brightest stars they’ve ever seen. In the morning, it’s off to Man-

fffffadventure, spotlessly cleaning the galley and leaving behind the safety of Marsh Harbour for the next week. There will be no television, no video games, no malls or McDonald’s, no cell phone reception—a teenager’s worst nightmare will become a scout’s high adventure.
Instead, there will be sailing. Sailing across the Sea of Abaco to Hope Town, where the scouts learn how to pick up and secure a mooring ball, then dinghy to shore and climb to the
O-War Cay and Albury’s Boatyard, then to Lola’s for gigantic cinnamon buns baked fresh in her kitchen and served on her back porch. Tomorrow, is it Treasure Cay or Tahiti Beach? Lunch on Great Guana Cay or cheesburgers on the grill before snorkeling in the Sea of Abaco? The captains do their best to stagger the scout boat arrivals at the different islands to avoid congestion, but there is no set schedule, and they go where it’s fun and safe. (It is hurricane season, after all).
At the end of the week when the boats return to Marsh Harbour, sunburns are a badge of honor, showers are badly needed and laughter and smiles say all that needs to be said. The scouts spend their final hours in the Bahamas spit shining the boat that has been their home for the last week, while the adult leaders relax in the Conch Inn, sipping cold drinks. Tomorrow, on the flight home to Nebraska, to Nevada, to Oregon, or wherever, the scouts will have showered and the sunburns will have started to fade, but the smiles will be there forever. W G M
36 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016
About
Dennis and Marlene Mullen
Dennis and Marlene enjoy living onboard their 1992 Prout Catamaran Different Drummer for six months every year, exploring the waters and history of the Eastern Seaboard. 2015 marked their
seventh year of cruising, and they passed the 10,000-mile mark somewhere on the Chesapeake Bay. Their homeport is River Dunes, NC.


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Story and Photos by Susan Schultz
In May of 2015
I had the privilege of
working on a prestigious
project with an
extraordinary group of people. A
research team made up of graduate students
and teachers from Denison University, Granville, OH, and Earlham College in Richmond, IN, were in Allen’s Cay to study critically endangered iguanas.
The group, led by Dr. John Iverson from Earlham, was

studying the iguanas that live on the three little islands in the Exumas. This study was initiated 35 years ago and has enjoyed some remarkable discoveries. One such discovery is that these iguanas are very long-lived: Some have been around since the beginning of the study, so are at least 35 years old. These herbivores have adapted to a very limited amount and variety of vegetation and can extract the water they need to survive from the small scrubby plants that grow on the islands.
The 24 individuals who made up the research team spent a tough five and one-half days of scrambling through the prickly scrub, over sharp rocks, in the hot sun and in rain squalls, capturing, weighing and measuring as many iguanas as possible. Vital statics were recorded; subcutaneous identification tag were checked and read; shedding skin was collectedforDNAtesting;andtheiguanaswerereleasedback into the same area where they were picked up.
Now for the extraordinary part: Every single person on this trip was an unpaid volunteer. All of the students paid most of theirownexpensesandreceivedasmallgranttohelpout.The scientists also paid their own expenses to attend this field studybecausetheyrecognizedtheimportanceoflearningas much as possible about this critically endangered species before it disappears.
Iguanasarebeautiful,gentlecreaturesthathavenonatural predators in their habitats (except man), once they reach a certain size. (As babies they can fall prey to the ospreys that nest on the islands.) The Allen’s Cay iguanas have managed to maintain their population so far, but man
has
introduced
elements that
are changing
their growth and development patterns. Recording these changes
is critical to understanding the negative effect we are having on the iguana population.
Boatloads of tourists arrive
every day as part of adventure
tours from nearby Nassau and
Highborn Cay, to name two. It is
understandable that tourists from all
around the world would want to come to
see the colony of iguanas; however, the
intrusion is impacting the development of the
iguana in various ways. The introduction of non-natural food, for one, is having an impact on the
size and development of the iguanas. Food such as bread, hot dogs, cookies, brownies and chips is causing high cholesterol in the iguanas that live on the “tourist” side of the island. High sugar content fruits like grapes and oranges are also affecting them. Unfortunately, they like the taste of these exotic offerings.
BAHAMAS 37


23' 22'
21'
50'
oo To F3 271 m, 45M, 90 m
Signs have been posted on the islands asking visitors to o 25
49'
48'
47'
46'
45'
44'
43'


NOT feed the iguanas and not walk in the grassy areas where they build their nests, but the signs fall down in the wind storms, fade, are ignored by the tourists or are unscrupulously being pulled down. There are also signs noting that these islands are privately owned; permission is required to go beyond the high tide water mark but, again, the signs are falling down, faded or being removed, and there is apparently no funding to renew them as needed.
As boaters who appreciate the uniqueness of the lands we explore, we need to take some responsibility for helping to preserve the wildernesses we look for. For more information, go to earlham.edu/~johni. W G M
42'
41'
40'
39'
38'
37'
oo To F3, Government Cut, Miami, 282 m, 43M, 102 m
oo To F4, Key Biscayne, 273 m, 42M, 92 m
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6 00'W 2008 (8'W)
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About
Susan Schultz
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Susan is a retired law clerk and teacher. She has been sailing sailing Lake Super3i6o'r since 1988, but
in 2004 went to Grenada to bring home her current boat, a 1980 Prout Catamaran she calls Other Goose. She and her husband, Richard, moved onto the boat
permanently in 2014 and are currently cruising the Bahamas.
35'
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38 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016
34'
669
o M, 81 m


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25
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........ .. .. ............
.. . .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. ... .. .... .. ... ...... ..
Call sign: Bimini Big Game Club; VHF Channel: 16 and switch to 9 to talk. Customs & Immigration conveniently located.
4
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AliceTown
06
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34
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Bimini
Biggame | o
Alice Town., North Bimini, BAH
N 25° 43.590 W 079° 17.720
36 10
B6
36 6
14
82
45
North Rock
22
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12 2
22 4 2 19 4
North Bimini
Moselle Bank
8
31
21
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06
220 11
020 6 388 0 25 5
Pigeon Cay
2 0 2128
. . . . .. .. .. ..
175 0 ...01
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Featured
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The
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Met Survey 08/06 c Wavey Lin El
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16
HARD
48 47 48 48
.5 miles
PO
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D
FEDEX
s
YACHT BROKERAGE: No
36
21
17 18
S
OFFICE: 0
AIRPORT: 10 minutes
NEAREST TOWN: Walking distance NOTEWORTHY: PADI Dive Center,
17
18
.02 miles
Concrete Wreck Sapona
13 1 6
1
2 2 2 2 2 23 23 24 3 3 3 3 3
25
16 17
1 14 7 7 7 8 8 18 19 19 19 67
1 2 2
STORAGE: Wet 2
/
ANK: 0
17
18 17 45
17
RESTROOMS/SHOWERS: Yes/Yes, on site
WARE:
0
16
11
10 84 11
mC
34 Robbie16 Smith 33
10
+
+
FUEL: Gas and Diesel, 1/8 mile from Marina PUMP-OUT: Yes, next door
Tr
UPS: 0.2 miles 10
177 5
6
LAUNDRY: Yes, services within walking
Hol
ay
31 18 3 18 3 28 * 3
18
19
19 3
18
+
46+ + 28
14 + 14 ++ 13 +
248 11
96 *
1 7
17
25
2
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+
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0
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2
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13
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F.A.A. Nav. Aid
le R
ock
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35
25
26 2
21
BAHAMAS 39
24 24 24 23 23 24 24 26 26 24 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 2 2 2 2 26 26 26 26 26 26
49
26
.
Everything in Alice Town is within
121611 3 2
16 15 1
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22 2
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02
BIMINI BIG GAME CLUB RESORT & MARINA 04
r
a
H
s
'
a
n
o
x
i
N
n
k
ATLANT.IC 12 B11
+
45
B58
24 04 2321 18 23 21
DOCKAGE RATE: $1.00-$2.50/ft
CREDIT CARDS: Visa, MC, Discover, Amex
HOURS: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
TRANSIENT/TOTAL SLIPS: 75/75
VHF MONITOR/WORKING: 9/16
DOCKSIDE DEPTH: 9 feet
APPROACH DEPTH: 9 feet
ICE/SNACKS: Yes/Yes
oo 262 m, 1.2M, 82 m
.
Kings Hwy.
4 28 42
04
47-3391
14
15
28
26 2 24 25 25 21 + 25 4
www.
gameclubb
mini.com
14
13
12
big
32 1314
MEETING FACILITIES: Yes, on site
REPAIRS: No LIFT/TONS: No CRANE/TONS: NoNo
12
3 + +
South Bimini
WHAT TO EXPECT ...
16
18 66 .
WHAT TO EXPECT...
29
090 0 44
Alice Town, North Bimini, B
Toll Fr
42
23
18 12
16 16
19
t -3
14 42 122 3 2
SHIP’S STORE: No
MARINE SUPPLIES: No
ee 800-867-4
242
22 19 24 2 21
11 1 1
1
764 Resor
4
42 181
27 81
AH
1 17
6 18114
North Turtle Rock 3i
15 514
15
15 2 15 12
14
2 2
2
4
13
13
1
31
21 6 13
19
LOA MAX: 140 feet
13 11 32 1522
reserv
15 1 +32 4
NEA18
ELECTRIC: 30/50/100/200+ amps, Electric based 1 14
20
ATM/B
27
on vessel size
22528
LODGING: Yes, Big Game Club Resort & Marina
1
DOCKS: Fixed ++3 16 13
4
Turtle Rocks 35 [email protected]
15
18
RBY
3
16
15
DOCTOR: 0.2 miles, On call (Snorkel Site)
35 37
17
29 3
09
14 +
5
/T
S:
2
0
0
3
0
0
4
0
0
5
0
TENNIS: 0.5 miles 4 walking distance of the marina. 9
18 2
18 19
17 Picquet Rocks 47 DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES 1 2 22 22 23 23 23 2 2 2
0
6
0
* 4 18 * 6 4 5
2 21 22 2
2 22 24 24 25
COIN LAUNDRY: 0.5 mil
s
e
1 8
0
7
0
194 2
CLINIC: 3.5 miles, Golf Cart *
23
19 39
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is a boutique style Out Island resort & marina with 75 slips and 51 guest rooms & suites located on the waterfront in Alice Town,
Bimini. The Resort also features a swimming pool, pool bar, Big Game Bar & Grill
for cocktails or breakfast, lunch or dinner, game area, picnic area and bonefishing
excursions. The resort is home to the Big Game Dive Shop with 3 scheduled dives
18
daily and a variety of scuba courses and specialties available (pre-arrangement
8
recommended). Custo1ms/Immigration located onsite.
18
1 7
16
17 22222 22
2 22 2 21
21
0
8
0
17 4 19 42
Transport on prop
0
20 4 18 34 13 32
37
5 35
21
9
0
88
65
0
84 P.A. *3
18
0
1
DOCKMASTER
34
erty
2
0
1
1
0
2
1
0
3
1
0
4
1
0
5
1
0
6
1
0
7
1
18
.12 23
Gun Cay
21 1 3 3 3 23 3 23
23 24 26 4 23 2
M
4
1
,
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0
1
27 21 + . 3 . 19
26
B13
32 3 3
3 4 35 36
19
11
17 14 6 6 1 1 1 1 1
2
2
2
2
RESTAURANT: Yes, Big Game Club Bar & Grill 16 292 2
17 16
71
6
6 59 6
5
1 53 GROCERY: 0.2 miles53
sn
Barnett Harbour 5
27 7 24 2
4 23 21
LIQUOR S
16 *
BEACH: 0.01 miles
16
TORE: on site 07
13
45 48
46 4 4 4 4 4
44 4 3 3
h the dolphins,
47 6 8 8 5 4 45 44 44
47
48
3
3
3
37
6
3
31
POOL/GRILLS: Yes/Yes, on site
TRANSPORTATION: Golf Cart Rentals 2
o
k
r
it
9
8
3
e
ling
,s
w
wim
fishing guides and 24.7 security.
37 38 38 37 37 36 35 34 33 31 29 27 25
4 3466
+ 32
B16
2 2
2 2
INTERNET/WIFI: Yes/Yes, Free on property
PHONE/CABLE: Yes/Yes
PET FRIENDLY: Yes, Marina only 25
RAILWAY
ON


SOUTHERN
Excerpt from Waterway Guide 2016 Southern Edition
The Florida
KE e y s
xtending in a sweeping southwesterly curve from Miami and the mainland, the Florida Keys offer the cruising mariner an environment unlike any
other waterway area. In many ways, the Keys resemble the islands of the Bahamas. However, a main highway and 
42 bridges (a total of 18.94 miles of bridges) tie them together. West of Marathon, Muser Channel, (Seven Mile) Bridge, which is actually 6.77 miles, is the longest; the Harris Gap Channel Bridge is the shortest at 108 feet and the Jewish Creek Bridge is the newest. The original, built in 1944, was replaced when the $93 million 65-foot-high bridge opened. The highway runs from the tip of the Florida peninsula to Photo: Visit Florida.
remote and unconnected islands, accessible only by water or air. Tourism and ishing support the numerous commu- nities lining U.S. 1 South, known as the Overseas Highway.
With outstanding natural and artiicial underwater reefs, ishermen, snorkelers and Scuba divers have found a tropical paradise along the southeastern or ocean side of the Keys. The northern and northwestern sides are a isherman’s heaven and the gateway to the Everglades National Park.
Spaniards were the irst European settlers in this area, and while they formally called the Keys “Los Martires” (“The Martyrs” because of their peculiar and twisted

fKey West, the nation’s southernmost city. Farther west, the Marquesas and the Dry Tortugas provide the challenge of
40
WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016
WaterwayGuide.com
Northwest Northwest
Channel Channel
GuulflfooffMeexxiiccoo
MILE 1235 MILE 1235
Big Spanish Channel Big Spanish Channel
MILE 1205 MILE 1205
MILE 1240
Bahia
MILE 1240
MILE 1220 MILE 1220
Sugarloaf
Bahia
Key West
Honda Key
Key West
Saddlebunch Boca Chica Saddlebunch
Honda Key 7 Mile Bridge Marathon 7 Mile Bridge Marathon
Boca Chica Keys
Big Pine Key
Moser Channel Moser Channel
MILE 1194 MILE 1194
Key
Keys
Sugarloaf
Big Pine Key
Boot Key
Vaca Key
Key
Key
Boot Key
Vaca Key
Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean
Key
fffffshapes), their generic word “cayos” led to the term Americans have adopted.
N
CAPE SABLE
Florida Bay


Routes through the Keys
Below Miami, two different, but equally interesting, routes are available for the cruise along the Keys to Key West and beyond to the Dry Tortugas. One follows the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) “inside” through Florida Bay. The other, deeper passage on the “outside” is the Hawk Channel route.
ICW to Florida Bay
The well marked, but shoal-draft, ICW channel down to Florida Bay, northwest and north of the main chain of islands, is well protected in all but the worst weather.
While a hard chop built up from strong winds can pro- vide a wet ride, most cruising boats should experience no dificulties making this passage. Because of numerous shoal-depth areas and the possibility that a strong northerly can literally blow the water out, pay strict attention to navi- gational aids and the course of the charted magenta line. Better yet, pay more attention to the weather you expect to encounter. If it is going to be bad, stay put. Many boats will leave “tracks” somewhere along this route. This is usually just stirred-up, powdery sand. Should you go aground, it is generally not too dificult to regain deeper water unless, of course, you plow your way in at fairly high speed. There are towing services available; both the Coast Guard and its Auxiliary monitor VHF Channel 16 and have stations along the way. They are not permitted to tow except in a life- threatening situation, but they can provide assistance, such as contacting a commercial towing service should you have trouble making direct contact.
Introduction: The Florida Keys
going to end up paying a large ine for your transgression. And that is in addition to what it costs you to get your boat out of trouble and repaired. Take care not to damage this fragile ecosystem.
Hawk Channel Offshore
The deepest and most viable route for vessels with a draft of 5 feet or more is Hawk Channel, running from Miami to Key West. Not “oficially” part of the ICW, it lies southeast and south of the Keys, taking the form of a somewhat protected “channel” running between the line of Keys and the Florida Reef (actually a series of reefs paralleling the islands).
With a controlling depth of 9 feet at mean low water, and in the lee of the Keys themselves, it is generally rather well- protected from winter northerlies and affords even more protection the farther down the Keys you go. In ordinary weather, it is a pleasant sail or an easy run for the entire length of the Keys.
The prevailing southeasterly winds can provide a nice boost for a long reach under sail. With numerous breaks in the outer reef, however, it can offer its share of rough water should the wind be strong from the southern or southwestern quarter.
During the winter season (November through April), lob- ster or crab pots marked by loats of all descriptions are found along both routes. Most ICW cruisers should be prepared to dive to check and clear their own props. As for navigation, GPS and radar are both extremely useful, but a reliable com- pass and an accurate depth sounder are just as necessary. An autopilot has its place, particularly along the Hawk Channel

ffBe advised, though, that if you run aground in the Keys and hit coral heads, coral reefs or sea grass beds, you are
fffroute, but you still must watch for and dodge the crab pots, as well as other vessels.
Lower Matecumbe Key
MILE 1170
Channel Five
MILE 1155
Islamorada
Hawk Channel
Atlantic Ocean
MILE 1162
Indian Key Channel
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Sands Key
Black Water Sound
MILE 1142
Tavernier Plantation Key
John Pennekamp Coral Reef
Barnes Sound
Card Sound
MILE 1130
Key Largo
Biscayne Channel
Biscayne Bay
MILE 1109
Elliott Key
MILE 1115
SOUTHERN 41


SOUTHERN
“You can snorkel and dive at Sombrero Reef or at the Thunderbolt shipwreck, and there are three state parks with pristine, relaxing beaches and incredible sport and lats ishing.”


ffStory by Bobbye Miller Kenyon
ARATHON
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an machine or aboard a 15-foot Boston sure to toss a copy of the 2016 Waterway
extended stay, Marathon provides a unique boating and family destination paired with an array of
amenities that range from Keys laid-back to ultra luxurious.
It’s time to chart a southerly course for a larger-than-life excursion that docks in the “Heart of the Florida Keys.” It’s cruising time and Marathon beckons with a delightful port of call. Whether it’s the comfort of a cruiser, the tranquility of a sailboat, a fast-paced high performance
42 WATERWAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 2016
Whaler, as I’ve enjoyed many times, navigating the waters of the Florida Keys is an incredible experience. It doesn’t matter if you plot the course for an inside passage in the solitude of backcountry waters or opt for an outside run basking in the warm Atlantic breezes, this Marathon adventure provides a breathtaking ride for all on board. Don’t forget to pack an extra bottle of suntan lotion because the weather really is picture perfect nearly all year long and be
Guide Southern Edition in the gear bag for easy reference.
Your arrival begins at Mile 1188 and marks the beginning of Marathon (located on Vaca Key), dotted with resorts and marinas on the bayside, while the ocean side is home to beautiful Sombrero Beach and the city’s oldest dining spot, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Although it might prove challenging to find this hidden gem via car, the
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CRUISING
open-air eatery affords boating guests easy access with 75 feet of docking space. Marathon boasts a historical mix that continues to shape its trademark as a boating destination. The area first appeared on a Spanish map in the 1500s, settled by a group of Bahamians, along with some fishing families from Connecticut in the early 1800s, and finally emerged as Marathon in 1910 when workers on Henry M. Flagler’s Overseas Railroad called it home. While the completion of the railroad project
saw many workers leave, it was the devastating 1935 hurricane that forever changed Marathon’s landscape: the Overseas Railroad was destroyed and in its place, a scenic highway (known today as the Overseas Highway) connecting the mainland to Key West was built, transforming Marathon into its present day status: a dynamic resort and sport- fishing haven.
If you’ve never been to Marathon, here’s a brief intro to what awaits you once you’ve docked the boat.
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Photos Courtesy of Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau and Greater Marathon Chamber of comme

Full throttle offshore racing at the Marathon Super Boat Grand Prix. Photo courtesy of Super Boat International.
The 10-mile-long community comprises Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl and Little Crawl Keys, East and West Sister’s Island, Deer and Fat Deer Keys, Long Pine and Grassy Keys. The area’s land side and sea side arenas welcome with an abundance of environmental and historical attractions—from swimming with dolphins, exploring hardwood hammocks, enjoying an afternoon at the beach to exploring nearby Pigeon Key. During my visit, I stepped back in time as I strolled the 5-acre grounds of the original headquarters and staging area for the construction of the legendary Seven Mile Bridge and browsed the museum housing artifacts of the Florida Keys railroad era depicting life in the early 1900s.
There’s a mega selection of water activities: You can snorkel and dive at Sombrero Reef or at the Thunderbolt shipwreck, and there are three state parks with pristine, relaxing beaches and incredible sport and lats ishing. Should your Marathon itinerary include a March or June excursion, then don’t miss one of these annual happenings: The second largest Florida Keys event—the Marathon Seafood Festival—is held March 12-13 at the Marathon Community Park; and catch the biggest, fastest boats on the planet racing gulf side during the 2nd Annual Marathon Super Boat Grand Prix held June 24-26.
Among Marathon’s many “must see” treasures are Crane Point, a historical and archaeological 63.5-acre site that contains evidence of prehistoric Indian artifacts, visitors with its own unique tropical ambiance. However, the recent renovation of the landmark Faro Blanco locale is the most dramatic re-dress to date. Following a total demolition of the old bungalow/ restaurant/pool structures, leaving only the iconic Faro Blanco lighthouse standing, the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club opened its doors last year. The luxurious all-in-one destination welcomes boating guests with easy access from the Atlantic Ocean via the Seven Mile Bridge and Moser Channel. The 74-slip state-of-the-art marina accommodates boats up to 100 feet and provides an array of amenities, including concierge services to water enthusiasts. Should you choose not to stay on board your vessel, there’s a new 125-room Hyatt Place and an on-site restaurant,

ffas well as the Bahamian-style Adderly House and Dolphin Encounter, a thrilling, up-close experience to swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center (a non-profit marine mammal education and research facility established in 1984). Make plans to visit one of Florida’s best beaches at idyllic Bahia Honda State Park or take some time for a photo shoot of the Seven Mile Bridge. Bahia Honda lends a stunning view of the majestic pair of bridges (the old running parallel to the new), both of which are spectacles of modern day engineering achievement.
Since my first trip to Marathon back in 1986, the “Heart of the Florida Keys” has experienced an amazing transformation that continues to lures
About
Lighthouse Grill, which offers indoor or al fresco dining options. Plan to spend some time at The Veranda, an outside bar that serves cool beverages with beautiful Gulf views.
While several restaurants serve up an amazing menu of fresh local seafood, the ever-popular Keys Fisheries Market & Marina on picturesque Florida Bay is a not-to-be-missed dining experience. Whether you arrive by car (just north of the Seven Mile Bridge) or boat (the marina accommodates vessels up to 60 feet), schedule a late afternoon visit and treat yourself with a couple of specialties: a Lobster Reuben sandwich topped off with a slice of homemade Key Lime Pie, while enjoying a spectacular sunset at the water’s edge. W G M
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Bobbye Miller Kenyon
Bobbye Miller Kenyon is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida covering the marine industry since 1997 with boating destination features, event coverage and product launches via a variety of media outlets: worldwide internet, national and international publications. She received
a special award from the State of Kentucky as she was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Steven L. Beshear for her writing efforts that have showcased the diverse boating locales throughout the Bluegrass State.
Photos Courtesy of Florida Keys News Bureau.


AmeliA islAnd YAcht BAsin
Featured
PARTNER
Fernandina Beach, FL | N 30° 37.900 W 081° 28.700
APPROACH & DOCKING
You’ll find Amelia Island Yacht Basin approximately 5 miles south of the St. Mary’s Inlet on the east side of the ICW, statute mile 721 (just south of day marker 13) and immediately north of the twin span A1A fixed bridge. Amelia Island Yacht Basin is a full-service marina in a first-class resort island setting on

one of the East Coast’s most refined and relaxing resort islands. While your craft is pampered by our experienced service staff, you will be free to enjoy the many luxuries of our truly unique surroundings.
AMELIA ISLAND YACHT BASIN AIWW, AMELIA RIVER
251 Creekside Drive
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
P 904-277-4615 F 904-277-4025 www.ameliaislandyachtbasin.com [email protected]
WHAT TO EXPECT ...
WHAT TO EXPECT...
CREDIT CARDS: Visa, MC, Discover, Amex HOURS: 8:00am to 5:00pm TRANSIENT/TOTAL SLIPS: 30/135
VHF MONITOR/WORKING: 16/72 DOCKSIDE DEPTH: 6 feet
APPROACH DEPTH: 5 feet
TIDE RANGE: 6 feet
LOA MAX: 110 feet
DOCKS: Floating
ELECTRIC: 30/50 amps
FUEL: Gas & Diesel, Ethanol free/ValvTect Additive
PUMP-OUT: Yes RESTROOMS/SHOWERS: Yes/Yes LAUNDRY: Yes
POOL/GRILLS: No/Yes
ICE/SNACKS: Yes/Yes INTERNET/WIFI: Yes/Yes, Free PHONE/CABLE: No/No
PET FRIENDLY: Yes
SHIP’S STORE: Yes, Featuring West Marine products
MARINE SUPPLIES: Yes
MEETING FACILITIES: No
REPAIRS: Hull/Engine/Propeller LIFT/TONS: Yes/50T CRANE/TONS: No RAILWAY/TONS: No
STORAGE: Wet & Dry
YACHT BROKERAGE: No
RESTAURANT: Yes, The Galley Bar & Grill
NEARBY
ATM/BANK: 0.2 miles POST OFFICE: 4 miles FEDEX/UPS: 0.5 miles HARDWARE: 0.2 miles GROCERY: 0.5 miles LIQUOR STORE: 0.2 miles BEACH: 1.5 miles
GOLF: 2 miles
TENNIS: 2 miles
DRY CLEANER: 2 miles HOSPITAL: 5 miles DOCTOR: 0.5 miles
GENERAL MANAGER
Bill Galloway
DENTIST: 1.0 mile
PHARMACY: 1.0 mile VETERINARIAN: 2.0 miles AIRPORT: 35 miles, Jacksonville International
LODGING: 1 mile NEAREST TOWN: 4 miles, Fernandina Beach, FL
DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES
Amelia Island Yacht Basin combines spacious modern facilities, special amenities and complete attention to your nautical and personal needs. An overall outstanding service experience. For boat services and repairs, we feature a comprehensive, on-site service yard and parts department. Haulout facilities with a 50 ton Marine Travel Lift. Dredging of the channel and marina is currently underway.
Proud to be a part of the Suntex Marinas’ growing portfolio of first- class marinas.
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Featured
Boot Key HarBor City Marina
Marathon, FL | N 24° 42.550 W 081° 05.470
APPROACH & DOCKING
Whether this will be your first time coming to Boot Key Harbor or it’s just been a while since you came to see us, take the time to check out the link to our real-time video under the ‘Home’ tab! It will guide you through the old drawbridge (note: drawbridge portion has been removed, but beware of the cables 65’ overhead!) and

through the winding entry channel into the heart of the harbor. A must-see for first-timers!
INTERNET/WIFI: No/Yes PHONE/CABLE: No/No PET FRIENDLY: Yes SHIP’S STORE: No MARINE SUPPLIES: No MEETING FACILITIES: No REPAIRS: No LIFT/TONS: No CRANE/TONS: No RAILWAY/TONS: No STORAGE: Wet
YACHT BROKERAGE: No
WHAT TO EXPECT ...
WHAT TO EXPECT...
DOCKAGE RATE: Call for rates
CREDIT CARDS: Visa, MC, Discover, Amex HOURS: 8am to 5:45pm TRANSIENT/TOTAL SLIPS: 12/12 MOORINGS: 226
VHF MONITOR/WORKING: 16 DOCKSIDE DEPTH: 20 feet
APPROACH DEPTH: 10 feet
LOA MAX: 60 feet
DOCKS: Fixed, Seawall/Floating ELECTRIC: 30/50 amps
PUMP-OUT: Yes RESTROOMS/SHOWERS: Yes/Yes LAUNDRY: Yes
POOL/GRILLS: No/Yes
ICE/SNACKS: Yes/Yes
BOOT KEY HARBOR CITY MARINA BOOT KEY HARBOR
800 35th Street Ocean Marathon, FL 33050
P 305-289-8877 F 305-289-8876 www.cityofmarathonmarina.com [email protected]
DRY CLEANER: 4 miles
PORTS DIRECTOR
Sean Cannon
Welcome to Boot Key Harbor City Marina!
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NEARBY
ATM/BANK: On site
POST OFFICE: 1 mile, On site mail drop
FEDEX/UPS: On site package drop HARDWARE: 0.5 miles
GROCERY: 1 mile
LIQUOR STORE: 1 mile
BEACH: 5 miles, 1 mile by dinghy GOLF: 5 miles
TENNIS: 0.1 miles, Next door at City Park
HOSPITAL: 0.5 miles
DOCTOR: 1 mile
DENTIST: 1 mile
PHARMACY: 1 mile VETERINARIAN: 1 mile AIRPORT: 4 miles
LODGING: 2 miles RESTAURANT: 0.1 miles, Across US1
DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES
City Marina is a modest community of liveaboards, ranging from year-round residents to transient loopers to cruisers from all over the world. With the City Park located just next door, you can enjoy bocce ball, tennis, basketball, or one of the several events hosted there throughout the year...and walk back to your boat when you’re done. We hope to welcome you soon!


Boynton HarBor Marina
Featured
Boynton Beach, FL | N 26° 31.686 W 080° 03.274
APPROACH & DOCKING
Located half mile south of the Boynton Inlet, the Boynton Harbor Marina offers a multitude of water activities including fishing charters, drift fishing, scuba diving charters, jet-ski rentals and boat rentals. The marina also offers waterfront dining,

BOYNTON HARBOR MARINA
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY/BOYNTON INLET
735 Casa Loma Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
P 561-735-7955 F 561-742-2206 boyntonharbormarina.com & catchboynton.com [email protected]
public restrooms, ship store and state of the art fuel dispensers.
LAUNDRY: No POOL/GRILLS: No/No ICE/SNACKS: Yes/Yes INTERNET/WIFI: No/No PHONE/CABLE: Yes/No PET FRIENDLY: No SHIP’S STORE: Yes MARINE SUPPLIES: Yes MEETING FACILITIES: No REPAIRS: No LIFT/TONS: No CRANE/TONS: No RAILWAY/TONS: No STORAGE: Wet
YACHT BROKERAGE: No RESTAURANT: Yes
WHAT TO EXPECT ...
WHAT TO EXPECT...
NEARBY
ATM/BANK: 1 mile
POST OFFICE: 1 mile HARDWARE: 0.5 miles GROCERY: 1.5 miles LIQUOR STORE: 1 mile BEACH: 1 mile HOSPITAL: 2 miles PHARMACY: 0.5 miles VETERINARIAN: 0.3 miles AIRPORT: 12 miles LODGING: 2 miles NEAREST TOWN: 1 mile
DOCKMASTER
Brian Smith
8 am-5 pm Monday through Thursday 8 am-6 pm Friday
7am -6 pm Saturday & Sunday
Call Dockmaster for reservations on reserving transient dockage slips.
DOCKAGE RATE: Transient Dockage: $2/ft/night CREDIT CARDS: Visa, MC, Discover, Amex HOURS: 8am to 5pm Weekdays/7:30am to 5pm Weekends
TRANSIENT/TOTAL SLIPS: 4/23 VHF MONITOR/WORKING: 16/11 DOCKSIDE DEPTH: 6 feet APPROACH DEPTH: 12 feet
TIDE RANGE: 3.5 feet
LOA MAX: 40 feet
DOCKS: Fixed
ELECTRIC: 50/100 amps
FUEL: Gas & Diesel, ValvTect 90 Rec non ethanol marine gasoline, ValvTect Marine Diesel PUMP-OUT: No
RESTROOMS/SHOWERS: Yes/No DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES
The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency completed Phase II construction on the new Harbor Master Building in December of 2014. The building consists of marina offices, public restrooms, and a ship store. The ship store is well stocked with drinks, snacks, bait, ice, and last minute boating items.
The Boynton Harbor Marina is open 7 days a week and is equipped with state of the art gas and diesel dispensers with ValvTect marine fuel. The new dispensers were installed in the summer of 2015; the diesel dispensers are capable of pumping fuel at speeds of up to 60 gallons per minute.
Waterfront dining is available on site with two local favorites Two Georges Waterfront Grille and Banana Boat. Nearby are more restaurants and shops in the Marina District located on Ocean Ave.
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Featured
CamaChee Island marIna VIllage
St. Augustine, FL | N 29° 55.000 W 081° 18.500
PARTNER
APPROACH & DOCKING
The marina entrance is well marked and has a lighted range (green) at night. ICW current ends as soon as you come through the first two markers.


CAMACHEE ISAND MARINA VILLAGE ICW
3070 Harbor Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
P 904-829-5676 F 904-829-0396 www.camacheeisland.com [email protected]
WHAT TO EXPECT ...
WHAT TO EXPECT...
DOCKAGE RATE: $1.95/ft under 50 feet; $2.25/ft over 50 feet
CREDIT CARDS: Visa, MC, Discover, Amex
HOURS: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, 7 a.m to 7 p.m. EDT TRANSIENT/TOTAL SLIPS: 40/260
VHF MONITOR/WORKING: 16/68 DOCKSIDE DEPTH: 7 feet APPROACH DEPTH: 6 feet
TIDE RANGE: 4 feet
LOA MAX: 155 feet
DOCKING: Floating
ELECTRIC: 30/50/100 amps
FUEL: Gas & Diesel, ValvTech 89 octane PUMP-OUT: Yes, Free RESTROOMS/SHOWERS: Yes/Yes LAUNDRY: Yes
POOL/GRILLS: Yes/Yes ICE/SNACKS: Yes/Yes
INTERNET/WIFI: Yes/Yes PHONE/CABLE: No/Yes
PET FRIENDLY: Yes
SHIP’S STORE: Yes
MARINE SUPPLIES: Yes MEETING FACILITIES: Yes REPAIRS: Hull/Engine/Propeller LIFT/TONS: Yes/50T CRANE/TONS: Yes/5T RAILWAY/TONS: No
STORAGE: Wet
YACHT BROKERAGE: Yes
GROCERIES: Limited
LODGING: Yes, Camachee Inn RESTAURANTS: Yes, Kingfish Grill, Fishtales & Vinny’s
TRANSPORTATION: Yes
NEARBY
ATM/BANK: 1 mile, Publix
POST OFFICE: 3 miles FEDEX/UPS: On site
HARDWARE: On site
GROCERY: On site & 1 mile, Publix LIQUOR STORE: 1 miles, Publix BEACH: 1 mile
GOLF: 3 miles
DRY CLEANER: 1 mile HOSPITAL: 4 miles DOCTOR: 4 miles DENTIST: 3 miles PHARMACY: 1 mile, Publix
VETERINARIAN: 1 mile
AIRPORT: 5 miles
NEAREST TOWN: 2 miles, Historic St. Augustine
NOTEWORTHY: Northeast Florida’s Premier Marina!
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DESCRIPTION OF FACILITIES
The 260-slip marina contains three restaurants, market, laundry, showers, swimming pool, full service boat yard, ship’s store, sailing school and much more.


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