Shuttle launch local knowledge?

PascalG

PascalG

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looks like i will be in Titusville tomorrow just in time for the launch of Discovey. I havent' checked the LNMs yet, but are there any nav restrictions along the ICW? any closure of the Haulover canal (bridge is no issue, i can make under)...

Is the anchorage off Titusville marina packed on launch day?
 
Never has been in the past. The only resreictions I've ever encountered was in the Mosquito Lagoon south of the Haulover Canal and in the Banana River.

I've anchored a couple of times just south of the Titusville Swing Bridge. Near the Marina is usually pretty crowded especially now since this is the next to last launch. personally I prefer just south of the bridge.

Bob
 
i've anchored both north or south of the bridge, little difference except that there is more construction equipment on the south side and that usually you get fewer wakes on the north side.
 
For the last night launch I went down to the Canaveral Barge Canal and went into the south end of the Banana River. Before the security zone there are a couple of old platforms I anchored nesr. Very good place to view.

Charmer may have some draft issues though. Right near the platforms is about 7' as I recall.

Bob
 
yeah, Banana river is too shallow and too much out my way...
 
We saw one launch many years ago, it was one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen!
 
Pascal...Come South to the Eua Gallie Causeway.. Hook around Dragon Point, The South End of Merritt Island. Go about two miles North of Mathers Swing bridge. 8-12' in the channel. Not too close, but you still get to see/hear the launch. Minimal detour. You can stop for lunch. We're the yellow house on the East side North of the yacht club.
 
On the banana river when you come through the locks, you can head north to the first set of telephone lines.
At that point you will be stopped and boarded if you go further.
img2.jpg
 
I prefer a table on the deck at Coconuts on Cocoa Beach with a cold beer and a burger. The sights there are great for a launch and even when there isn't a launch! ;)
 
An electrical problem is delaying the launch until at least Thursday. There is only a 30% chance of acceptable weather on Thursday.
 
Yep just saw that... Oh well, would have been nice...
 
For future reference. You do not want to bring Charmer into the banana river, way to hsallow and congested. Your best bet would be in Cocoa village. Mike is right, the view from the Cocunuts is superb, and you can see the shuttle launch on launch days.

John
 
Mark - I live in Texas but I think I remember YOUR house (it wasn't small)! Seriously...a buddy and I ran the ICW from Titusville to Melbourne and back (and I remember quite well the Banana River, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, etc.). Too cool!

quote:
Originally posted by Live2Dive

Pascal...Come South to the Eua Gallie Causeway.. Hook around Dragon Point, The South End of Merritt Island. Go about two miles North of Mathers Swing bridge. 8-12' in the channel. Not too close, but you still get to see/hear the launch. Minimal detour. You can stop for lunch. We're the yellow house on the East side North of the yacht club.

Click to expand...
 
Many years ago while cruising south on the Atlantic there was an unannounced Atlas something launch for the Army. We were directed to leave the Atlantic within 30 (?) miles of the cape in case anything should fall off the rocket. Running inside was unrestricted.

This launch was around 2300 hours and we were within 30 miles so had to go back up to Ponce inlet. They even forced a Navy tugboat being transported to Puerto Rico to run out beyond 30 miles.
 
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