Upcoming Cruises
August
Bradenton - Manatee River Cruise
Date: 8/10-11/2024
Where: Bradenton - Regatta Point Marina
Agenda: We will be sailing to and staying overnight at either Safe Harbor Regatta Point or Twin Dolphin Marina. Please reach out to me with any questions (bradmcarr@gmail.com)
Sign-up (register) here: August Cruising Event - 8/10/2024
Cruising Schedule 2024 - 2025
| Month |
Cruise |
Sponsor |
Date |
Category |
Comment |
| May 2024 |
Newcomers Cruise
Boca Ciega YC (BCYC) |
Gary Mull |
05/27/24 |
City/Event Cruising |
Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport |
| June 2024 |
Sky Beach Marina,
South St. Petersburg |
|
06/08/24 |
City/Event Cruising |
Second Weekend - old Magnuson Hotel and Marina |
| July 2024 |
4th of July Fireworks |
Deb Doyle |
07/04/24 |
City/Event Cruising |
Fireworks at the bay, Raft up -
Weather permitting |
| August 2024 |
Bradenton |
Brad and Heather
Carr |
08/10/24 |
City/Event Cruising |
Twin Dolphin or Regatta Point
Marina |
| September 2024 |
Baseball Game Cruise
St. Pete |
Andy tucker |
TBD |
City/Event Cruising |
Harborage Marina |
| October 2024 |
Anna Maria |
Chris and Diane Eggert |
10/12/24 |
City/Event Cruising |
Galati Marina |
| November 2024 |
Tampa Bay Lighting SailGate Cruise |
Tom Conaty |
TBD |
City/Event Cruising |
Tampa Conv Marina –
Amalie Arena |
| November 2024 |
Key West/Key Largo Cruising |
Andy Tucker |
11/2 - 11/9 |
Adventure Cruise Long |
Long Cruise to the Florida Keys |
| December 2024 |
Pajama Cup |
Maria Verstraete |
12/02/24 |
Adventure Cruise Short |
Emerson's Point |
| January 2025 |
Rib Fest |
TBD |
TBD |
City/Event Cruising |
St. Pete |
| February 2025 |
4th Island or Terra Ceia |
TBD |
TBD |
Adventure Cruise Short |
|
| March 2025 |
Crystal River |
TBD |
TBD |
Adventure Cruise Short |
|
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Most marina's in Florida now use the Dockwa app to register and reserve slips and/or mooring balls.
Sign-up and create an account with Dockwa. You can do this via your smartphone or a computer.
Link to Dockwa here
Protocol/Procedures for Cruising:
Please sign up for cruising events on the TSS website if you plan on attending!
1. Login to the TSS website (Sail-TSS.org)
2. Click on the Event Calendar tab. Link here: Events/Calendar
3. Scroll to the date of the event, then click on the event you wish to attend.
4. When the event is displayed, click on the Register Now or Sign-up Now button.
Member attendance counts towards compliance!
The TSS website is the official record for attendance and communication of cruising events.
The Cruising Fleet Captain is responsible for TSS cruising and the cruising schedule and will assign a Host to each cruising event. The event host will setup planning of the cruise, working with dockmasters, restaurants accommodation, etc.
Please contact the Cruising Fleet Captain and/or Host if you plan to cruise, whether by boat or land, and if you have guests attending. Please respect the time and work it takes in planning a cruise. The Cruising Fleet Captain and Host, unless otherwise noted, are the folks that communicates with the Dockmaster of event marina's. That is what the dockmaster's prefer.
Cruising Ground Rules:
Sailing with other boat Boat Best Practices: Clear communication, coordination, and adherence to best practices to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.
Communication and Coordination:
a. VHF Radios: All participating boats should have functioning VHF radios for easy and immediate communication.
b. Pre-Departure Briefing: Before setting sail, captains will conduct a pre-departure briefing to discuss the day's plan, destinations, potential hazards, and emergency procedures.
c. Check-ins: We will establish regular check-in times, especially during longer sailing legs, to ensure everyone is on course and experiencing no issues.
Responsibility and Decision-Making:
a. Individual Captain Responsibility: Each captain is responsible for the safety of their vessel and crew, including navigation, weather monitoring, and adherence to safety regulations.
b. Consensus on Routing: While each captain is responsible for their decisions, we may reach consensus on the planned route, anchorage spots, and sailing legs to enhance overall safety and coordination.
Emergency Protocols:
a. Man Overboard Drills: Conduct regular man overboard drills to ensure all crew members are familiar with the procedures and equipment.
b. Emergency Contacts: Share emergency contact information among participating boats to facilitate swift communication in case of urgent situations.
Anchoring and Mooring:
a. Safe Anchoring Distances: Maintain a safe distance between boats when anchoring to avoid collisions and ensure swinging room.
Anchor Watch: We recommend that you have some type of achor watch process.
Weather Monitoring:
a. Weather Briefings: Before each sailing leg, captains should provide weather briefings, discussing potential challenges and allowing for adjustments to the plan if needed.
b. Weather Alerts: Keep an eye on weather updates during the journey, and communicate any significant changes to the group.
Towing Guidelines: At no point are cruise participants obligated to tow another vessel
a. Risk Assessment: Participants should assess the risks involved in towing a disabled vessel and prioritize the safety of their own crew.
b. Professional Assistance: In the event of a disabled vessel, recommend calling a professional towing service rather than attempting to tow, minimizing risks to both vessels.
Mutual Assistance:
a. Voluntary Assistance: While participants are not obligated to tow disabled vessels, they can offer assistance in other ways, such as providing information, coordinating with authorities, or standing by for support.
b. Emergency Protocols: Establish clear procedures for requesting and providing assistance in emergencies, emphasizing safety and effective communication.
Contingency Planning:
a. Emergency Rally Points: We will define emergency rally points or safe havens along the route where the group can regroup in case of separation or unforeseen circumstances as needed.
b. Alternative Routes: Discuss and agree upon alternative routes in case the planned route becomes impractical due to weather or other factors.
By adhering to these best practices, captains and crews can foster a safe and enjoyable sailing experience when cruising in a buddy boat arrangement.
Brad Carr
TSS Cruising Captain
346-242-9069
bradmcarr@gmail.com