May 24, 2010

Mooring BoatsThe launch of the long-awaited St. Augustine Municipal Mooring Field is right around the corner and residents of both the city and those living in St. Johns County have the opportunity to be among the very first to secure a preferred spot for their boats.

Available Areas

With three areas available, boaters have a choice of mooring their vessels in Salt Run or in Matanzas Bay either north or south of the Bridge of Lions.

Organized Anchorage

Whether a boat owner or not, it is clear that the entire community will benefit from the development of an organized anchorage in the city’s waterways. Without designated mooring areas, a live-aboard boater may drop anchor for an unlimited amount of time in any location. This often results in some using the bay for “boat storage” in a manner that is dangerous for other boaters and perhaps harmful to the environment.

Moorings

Moorings organize a harbor in a manner that is safe, secure and environmentally responsible. With vessels restricted to designated moorings, boats are anchored in a safe location away from other vessels and owners must dispose of trash and sewage properly. Additionally, the program will minimize the derelict vessel problem where boat owners dispose of entire vessels which then become the responsibility of the city.

Sites & Reservations

Mooring sites in Matanzas Bay, the San Marco Field located north of the Bridge of Lions and the Menéndez Field which is south of the bridge, are more expensive than those in the Salt Run Field. Also, rates are higher for live-aboard vessels than “wet storage,” and for those living outside the city or the county.

When making a reservation, proof of residency is required by providing a current driver's license or other valid identification showing a residential address within the limits of City of St Augustine/St. Johns County, a current motor vehicle registration showing a residential address within the limits of St. Johns County and two additional proofs of residency which may include:

  • Proof of ownership of their residentially used real property located within the limits of City of St Augustine/St. Johns County
  • A current lease for their residentially used property located within the limits of City of St Augustine/St. Johns County
  • Voter registration card demonstrating residency within the limits of St. Johns County
  • A bill for utility services in the name of the resident for residentially used property located within the limits of City of St Augustine/St. Johns County

More Information

Additional information including rates and a map of the three mooring field locations is available at the Municipal Marina page. The St. Augustine Municipal Marina also has a very helpful brochure with answers to the most frequently asked questions. For further information call the St. Augustine Municipal Marina at 904-825-1026.