This was really quite good. The faded yet intense colors, the expert sunlight and shadow work, the perspectives, vignette for drama. Not sure what people didn't see.
The tire and buoy shadows make this a very attractive image. The two ropes on the other hand distract from the image - they just look weird where the join was made. Other than that, it's a very elegant and simple image that has a great deal of pleasing tones and color. Very nicely done.