Bridge comment on Tamiami Trail (Circus) Bridges

Comment by: Captain Jim Marvin, Leap of Faith , on Apr 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'

Circus Bridges are twin bascule spans. They open on signal.

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Marina Review for Crow's Nest Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin , Leap of Faith , on Apr 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The Crow’s Nest Marina features helpful staff, clean facilities and an excellent restaurant in a beautiful location.
Dockmaster Rick was very helpful in assisting us into our slip during a tricky cross current situation.
Please be advised that if you are docking a sailing vessel in one of their slips it is best to approach bow in as the bottom gets shallow towards the sea wall. Make sure your power cables and water hoses are long enough to reach the pedestals along the sea wall.
Otherwise, you will have a great experience at the Crow’s Nest!

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Marina Review for The Dock on the Bay

Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin on Feb 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We discovered the Dock of the Bay while looking for dockage for a 40 ft. catamaran. The dockmaster Richard was very friendly and helpful during the docking process. He offered us a good price and did everything he could to assist us during our stay.
The marina is exposed to north winds and the waters are extremely shallow outside of the approaching channels, so use caution and go slow when entering.
The marina had the necessities like showers and laundry. There is also a pool on site. The marina is located within a short drive to Sarasota or Bradenton Beach. The beach itself is a short walk across the street. The liveaboard community at the marina is full of very friendly and helpful sailors who made our stay a lot easier and more enjoyable.

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Marina Review for Bradenton Beach Marina

Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin on Feb 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This marina is more of a working boatyard with live aboard and transient dockage. It is not a luxury resort, but it has the necessities, is very close to the shops and restaurants on Bridge Street and is a nice spot in an old Florida style beach town.
The marina staff were extremely helpful arranging our reservation, advising us on navigating their narrow channel and with everything else during our stay. Andy the dockhand was very professional to work with while getting our catamaran in and out of a tight slip and with other services we needed. The live aboard sailors were also very helpful and welcoming.

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Marina Review for Fort George Island Marina

Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin on Aug 27, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

This marina is currently in a transition phase and operates mostly as a high and dry. The current here runs very strong in both directions, but their floating dock is easy to approach. The staff are very helpful, though, and it is an acceptable spot to stop for fuel. However, do not fill fresh water tanks here as they use well water which has a sulfuric smell.
The best part of this marina is heading down the street for lunch at The Sanddollar restaurant which has a great selection of local seafood and it is prepared impeccably!

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Anchorage Review for Beaufort - Taylor Creek

Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin on Aug 21, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

According to the dockmaster I spoke with there is now a ten day limit at this anchorage. I only saw two sailboats anchored out while I was making a fuel stop.

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