Proposed no-anchoring zone in Back Creek, Annapolis

[SVAuspicious]

Originally Posted by Trekka

Looking at the sat view in GoogleMaps it looks pretty tight in there. 200ft from a mooring ball doesn't leave much room. Are the balls in the space between Port Annapolis and Bert Jabins?

Correct. There is more room than appears. During boat show there are usually about twenty boats in that spot.

[DRFerron]

Dave,

I wish I had something to contribute. I admire your passion and willingness to step up to the plate and make a difference.

[SVAuspicious]

Thank you Donna. I enjoy anchoring in Swan Creek among many other places around the Bay. Those--like you--who live elsewhere but within striking distance deserve the right to anchor here in Annapolis. I'm fighting for that.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by wingNwing

Round of applause and a giant "well done!" for Dave! Sorry I couldn't be there in person; glad they were receptive. ...

Ditto that. Well done Dave!

Sorry I couldn't make it -- we've been off on a sailing trip this past week+, but were nowhere near the Annapolis vicinity.

As far as future regulation/enforcement goes, it doesn't have to be complicated. I mentioned earlier (or in the other thread) the need to educate boaters about the anchoring restrictions. In my case, we make multiple visits to Annapolis each year, but until these threads I was unaware of the 75 foot limit.

I would suggest that the HM begin with a simple, friendly, education campaign. Small flyers could be printed up that contain a brief "Welcome to Annapolis" message, along with some useful info for boaters (location of HM office, post office, chandleries, etc) and that also describe (in bold?) the existing anchoring restrictions. Wording to this effect:

"For your convenience, the City has available large mooring fields located (describe locations). Any vessels choosing instead to anchor should be aware of existing anchoring restrictions within City limits. [Describe 75 foot anchoring restriction.]

"When anchoring, make certain to factor the combined swing radius of your anchor rode and vessel to ensure compliance with these anchoring restrictions. The Harbor Master is authorized to enforce the restrictions and may remove and/or fine any vessel not in compliance."

How to best distribute the flyers is another question. As part of the information campaign, during routine patrol they could be passed aboard any vessel anchored off, or only to those vessels that appear to be encroaching. Or??

Anyway, sorry I have no hard data or contacts to contribute. But less complicated is usually best. Sometime a simple education campaign can mitigate most of the problems, making further steps unnecessary.

[aa3jy]

I bet you would have had hundreds at the hearing if it where held during the SSCA 'Gam' and or the U.S. Boat Show...maybe the hearing sponsors knew that..

[SVAuspicious]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

I would suggest that the HM begin with a simple, friendly, education campaign.

Agree. I am hoping we can encourage more of the marinas to put up informational signage as Port Annapolis has done, and for the City to add informational signage about the 75' rule to the existing signage at the dinghy docks.

I like the flyer idea. We can put anchoring information on one side and pumpout information on the other. I'll put that on the brainstorming list.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by SVAuspicious

Agree. I am hoping we can encourage more of the marinas to put up informational signage as Port Annapolis has done, and for the City to add informational signage about the 75' rule to the existing signage at the dinghy docks.

I like the flyer idea. We can put anchoring information on one side and pumpout information on the other. I'll put that on the brainstorming list.

Very good idea to add pumpout info -- always nice to have handy. Telephone numbers and vhf hailing channels for the pump-out boat, Harbor Master, and water taxis would all be good to have for easy reference.

With a bunch of "welcome" info on the flyer, the education/enforcement info concerning the anchoring restrictions would feel less antagonistic and more like a public service announcement.