St. Augustine Record letter re: benefits of mooring field -- protecting Bridge of Lions from damage from boats during heavy winds

Letter: City's mooring field is safe option for boaters
City's mooring field is safe option for boaters
Posted: December 28, 2011 - 11:26pm

City’s mooring field is safe option for boaters

Editor: I am retired with my husband after 35 years of boating on sailboats, a sail catamaran and finally on two power boats. We have anchored on the Virginia coastline, in Maryland waters, the Bahamas and lastly, Florida where we now reside.

The most terrifying night we spent on our Prout Catamaran was on anchor (several of them) when a freak wind blew up in Boot Key in Marathon, Fla. We helplessly kept watch hoping our three anchors would hold as we watched neighboring vessels, both new and derelict; careen around the dark harbor because their regular anchors could not hold ground. With the help of boat hooks and fenders we were able to avoid possible collisions and made it though that terrible night. Others were not so fortunate.

Recently I have read published letters from visiting boaters who were extremely critical of our recent (and long overdue) mooring system at the Bridge of Lions anchorage area. Perhaps residents recall several incidents over the past years when boats lost anchor and damaged the vessels and the bridge. That event occurred during the final stages of rehabilitation of the Bridge of Lions and a photo of a dismasted sailboat rammed into the side of the bridge was printed in The Record. Considerable damage was done. My husband and I know from experience that the holding ground generally is not good in that area and that a heavily weighted mooring offers the best protection for all concerned.

I was sorry to read those critical letters. A 10-day grace period to use a regular anchor, and the many advantages that come with a $20-a-day mooring fee makes me wonder how a reasonable boater could feel that this tourist- based town of St. Augustine is an unfriendly port for cruising boaters. We hope that any critical magazine articles and captains would reconsider their objections in light of the advantages of mooring a vessel immediately adjacent to the historic bridge, preserved at considerable expense. It is the more convenient and safe option for their waterway visit here.

The City Commission made a prudent decision.

Susan C. Stewart

St. Augustine