Visit our Popular Forums

off-the-grid · 01-11-2010, 13:47

Any suggestions? I'm finding a lot of info on where you can't go, but nothing on where you can go. All I really know is, a lot of the waterway is being shut down, and you can't get much closer than about 12 miles.

Arriving in the area tomorrow afternoon, and would prefer not to get a visit from a large orange inflatable after dropping the hook.

Beersmith · 01-11-2010, 13:51

I anchored in Titusville for the last launch and it was beautiful. I know there are closer, designated anchorages for launch viewing near the Canaveral lock on the Banana River, but I think those are usually extremely crowded.

Here was my view, not extremely close but good enough:

zoomed (looked like this through binocs)

off-the-grid · 01-11-2010, 14:17

Thanks! Looks like just South of the Nasa Causeway, anywhere on the West side of the channel, is about as close as you're getting.

I was down in Indiantown during one of the launches, going on 2 years ago, forgot all about it, and went for a nap in my tent, waiting for them to move my boat to the work yard. Missed most of it, until I heard all the cheering in the yard.

So, can't wait for this one.

captain465 · 01-11-2010, 14:31

For the last launch,(5 Nov,2009) I anchored just east of the channel and north of the NASA causway at 28-38.20.2/080-48.36.5. The holding was excellent and the view was spectacular!!

fla.sailor · 02-11-2010, 09:53

Chris,

Keep in mind, the bridges are on restriction before and after the launch. After the launch it's 2 hours before they will open again.

-dennis

off-the-grid · 02-11-2010, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by fla.sailor

Chris,

Keep in mind, the bridges are on restriction before and after the launch. After the launch it's 2 hours before they will open again.

-dennis

Well right now, I'm between the bridges...and far enough East, that we may get an unwelcome visit. We'll move in the morning. Not a recommended anchorage, but gotta love that shallow draft. We were able to get in far enough that it's not too bad here.

Also heard that the restriction is now only from 15min before launch until right after launch.

Therapy · 02-11-2010, 16:48

Have fun with that.

That was one of the things on my list.

Another one left undone................

off-the-grid · 02-11-2010, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

Have fun with that.

That was one of the things on my list.

Another one left undone................

Thanks!

Should more than make up for the one I slept through, while at Indiantown Marina.

Olorin · 02-11-2010, 17:01

The launch has been delayed again until Thursday at the earliest. According to the briefing this morning, they predict a 70% chance of delay due to weather on Thursday.

The following is from a press release from NASA:
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER AREA BOATING RESTRICTIONS

ATLANTIC OCEAN: Beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 (L-4 days), and continuing through launch, a general exclusion zone will be in effect three miles offshore from the Haulover Canal, on the northern end of Kennedy Space Center, and southward to Port Canaveral. Four hours prior to launch, all ocean-going traffic will be restricted from entering an area measured from nine statute miles north and south of the launch pad and extending 64 nautical miles east into the ocean. An additional three-mile-wide exclusion zone will be extended eastward along the flight path of the space shuttle.

INDIAN RIVER: Restrictions apply from the NASA Causeway north to Haulover Canal and east of the Indian River's main channel. Restrictions are in effect four days prior to launch beginning at 6 a. m. on Thursday, Oct. 28..
MOSQUITO LAGOON: This area south of Haulover Canal in the Mosquito Lagoon is off limits to all boats four days prior to launch beginning at 6 a. m. on Thursday, Oct. 28.
BANANA RIVER: Security limits begin at the Banana River Barge Canal south of Kennedy which is located immediately above State Road 528 and extends north. The area includes KARS Park on Merritt Island. This restriction is effective four days prior to launch beginning at 6 a. m. on Thursday, Oct. 28.
All boating restrictions will be lifted one hour after launch. Boating interests should monitor U. S. Coast Guard Radio transmitting on Marine Channel 16 from Port Canaveral. For the latest on space shuttle Discovery's STS-132 mission and crew, visit: www.nasa.gov/shuttle

off-the-grid · 02-11-2010, 17:59

CRAP!

Pau Hana Daz · 03-11-2010, 09:47

We were hoping to see the launch as well. Per the local news, NASA is now showing only 20% go. If they don't launch by Friday (and the weatherman says its unlikely) the next date is Dec 1.