m Co im pl r ta en y
The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
Destination Georgetown, SC Relaxing mix of history, tourism
Wooden Boat Show Georgetown’s fall showcase
The Washingtonian
A Trumpy comes back to life in Beaufort
Readers’ stories from the water A guide to sea kayaking
Fall 2010
Introducing the Brooks 34 SFX The Brooks 34 is the premiere offering in the new line of Brooks Prestige Yachts. Designed for the fishing and diving enthusiasts, the Brooks 34 has all the capabilities of a sport yacht that can travel safely offshore at speed plus all the comforts of a well- appointed cruiser. The Brooks 34 is the latest fishing and diving yacht to emerge from North Carolina’s legacy of superb boatbuilding. The long flowing lines with a sweeping shear line offer a new twist on the traditional “Carolina” hull form. With its full bow flare and tumblehome aft, the Brooks 34 reaches for the sea with authority.
Learn more about the Brooks 34 at www.brooksboatworks.com
Fall 2010
Features
The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
6Historic Destination Georgetown Georgetown’s gentle loop in the Sampit River has attracted
6
working and pleasure boaters for centuries. Lying almost midway between the bustling Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach and tourist magnet of Charleston, Georgetown is the third oldest city in the state. It’s our destination for the fall issue.
9 A Trumpy Revival in Beaufort, NC
At Moores Marine in Beaufort, NC, an historic old boat is finding a new mission. The Washingtonian, a 1930s yacht, is being restored to the glory of its origins. A Chicago couple has envisioned a new mission for the classic yacht. After a Coast Guard certification, the boat will become a special events charter.
10 The Wooden Boat Show Georgetown hosts one of the most acclaimed wooden boat shows on
9
the East Coast. A must-see event for wooden boat aficionados, the Saturday, Oct. 16 event features crafts categories ranging from row, boats to classic sail.
15 Combining tradition and innovation Roger Brooks appreciates the history of Carolinas boatbuilding. He also understands that innovation will be the key to future success. Take a look at the story behind the scenes with Brooks Boatworks of Washington, NC as they bring a new boat to market.
18 Kayaking the Carolinas coast An accomplished guide shares secrets and destinations for kayakers
10
on the coast. Ali Williams also offers a top-of-the-line tip about baby powder: It has magical powers.
23 Understanding compass heading quirks Capt. Larry Walker articulates the reasons we are a few degrees off course – no matter what the compass says.
21 Your Voices from the Waterfront Inland lake lifestyles offer the full mix of waterfront living. From golf to
skiing to boating to fishing, many Carolinas residents find more than enough to do on the waterfront. Bill Fox writes about life on Lake Norman. Lara Kaufmann extols the virtues of Lake Hartwell. Send us your columns.
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P.O. Box 12068, Raleigh, NC 27605 Phone 919-539-8155 carolinacurrents@yahoo.com www.carolinacurrents.com
~ Independently Owned and Operated ~ Editor and Publisher: Tim Pittman / Pittman Media Group, Inc. Publishers Emeriti: Rob and Jo Lucey
Contributing Writers and Columnists: Ali Williams, Alan Middleton, Bill Fox, Lara Kaufmann, Bobbi Lancaster Unsigned articles are written by Carolina Currents staff.
Cover Shot Courtesy of www.DeBordieu.com and Golf Shots Unlimited
Advertising Contacts: South Carolina: Alan Middleton, Director, Sales & Marketing for S.C. North Carolina: Jack Vincent, Hertford, NC; Tim Pittman, Raleigh, NC. Copyright 2010 Entire contents and design copyrighted. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the publisher.
Subscriptions Available for $16 per year ($30 for two years). Back issues are available for $3. Checks or money orders payable to Carolina Currents. Submissions For news stories, tips, letters, photos or other submissions, send an email to carolinacurrents@yahoo.com. We welcome story or photo contributions. Vist our website for submission guidelines. General Carolina Currents is published quarterly and is distributed free at more than 700 marinas, boat clubs, stores, visitor centers, restaurants and waterfront locations across the Carolinas. Email us to request to be added to our distribution list.
This magazine is printed in the Carolinas on paper with recycled content. Please give to another boater or recycle after use.
Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. On the Cover Aerial photo of coastline and inlet,Georgetown, South Carolina.
4 Carolina Currents FALL 2010
Our research survey winner: Jean Hurley Congratulations to Jean Hurley of Flowery Branch, Georgia who responded to our request to participate in a survey. Her entry was drawn from about 20 respondents; she will win a $100 American Express gift card as a symbol of our appreciation for for helping Carolina Currents improve. We are continuing the contest. So you can participate in the future. A long-time reader of Carolina Currents, Jean says she plans to retire to the North Carolina coast someday. “We live in Georgia but keep our boat, Maxine, a 36-foot Irwin sloop, at Pecan Grove Marina in Oriental,” Jean writes. “We are usually in North Carolina for a long weekend every other week and just Jean Hurley love the area. “I have always loved Carolina Currents, but even more now that I’ve been selected as a winner.” Jean was one of several readers who offered to help us build a significant research database to inform our advertisers and partners. You can still participate. Send an email to carolinacurrents@yahoo.com with the word “Survey” in the subject line. We will send you a simple survey to fill out online. We will respect your guidance regarding the use of your email. If you want to keep it private, we will do so. If you want to receive information from our marine business partners, we will be glad to add you to our database. From Nags Head to Hilton Head along the Atlantic and from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC along the inland lakes, Carolina Current is the only print and online media property providing original content and useful, regional advertising information for consumers who visit the coast or inland lakes. We are continuing to build the magazine as we publish this issue – our 21st – and our second under new ownership. Thanks for your support of the magazine and our advertisers. Please visit them to show your support.
It’s your magazine, but it’s our mission. Tell us what you think and win a $100 gift certificate. Research will help us improve content. Send a note to
carolinacurrents@yahoo.com
On the Banks of the Ashley River in Charleston • Adjacent to The Harborage at Ashley Marina, Bristol Marina & The Charleston City Marina • Hotel shuttle to Waterfront Park in Historic District (fee) • Regatta Bar and Terrace open daily 4-11pm (closed Sundays and Mondays) • Ashley River Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet with a waffle station and eggs cooked-to-order.
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Destination
H
Georgetown
istoric Georgetown is an oasis Sampit, Great Pee Dee and Waccamaw of gentle coastline tucked rivers empty into the bay. Fishing boats still almost midway between the line the riverbanks to unload their catch at bustling Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach Independent Seafood where the fresh and the tourist destination of Charleston. catch is sold to a steady stream of The third oldest city in the state, locals and visitors. Georgetown was founded in 1729 after A mile up the Great Pee Dee Spaniards first unsuccessfully attempted River is Georgetown Landing Marito settle the area in the early 1500s. na on the left (at ICW MM403), just Before the European settlement, north of red marker 40 before the numerous Native American tribes U.S. 17 North Bridge. This first-class claimed the region: Sampit, Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Santee and Winyah – names marina welcomes transients up to later adopted for local waterways. 200 feet on floating docks among a In the pre-Revolutionary War era large resident fleet of cruising and Georgetown flourished because of the navi- sportfishing boats. Amenities include gable ease of Winyah Bay inlet 12 miles water, power, fuel, laundry, showaway and the sturdy trade of indigo and rice ers, a fish-cleaning station, WiFi grown on the area’s plantations. Following and a well-stocked ship’s store. Call the American Revolution, the rice crop was VHF16 or 843.546.1776. A hotel king, dubbed “Carolina Gold” by many. and restaurant share the marina The area provided half the U.S. crop at parking lot. the time. The Georgetown region became Also, visitors to Georgetown the largest rice exporting port in the world Landing may see marlin and tuna until the advent of the Civil War and the being offloaded on the docks. The abolition of slavery. Marina hosts the Georgetown Blue For more than three centuries, Marlin Tournament each May. It’s Georgetown’s gentle loop in the Sampit the oldest billfishing tournament (44 River has attracted working and pleasure years) in South Carolina and is part of the boaters. The early trading ships brought Annual Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. indigo and rice. Commercial ships loaded At the turn of the twentieth cenpaper pulp and scrap metal at the plants. tury, lumber became the area’s economic Still, the migrating alternative to rice. flocks of snowbirds Georgetown’s gentle loop in the International Paper cruise the IntraCo. built a local Sampit River has attracted coastal Waterway plant in the early (ICW) each spring 1900s. By 1942 it had boaters for centuries. Early and summer. become the largest trading ships brought indigo The largest sailkraft paper mill in ing yacht ever built the world. Steel and and rice. Migrating snowat the time – the other smaller plants birds still cruise the waterway 316-foot fourhave since diversified each spring and summer. masted Sea Cloud Georgetown County’s commissioned by industrial base. ComWall Street legend mercial fishing is vital E.F. Hutton – spent a few months docked to the region and in recent years tourism there in the 1930s. has become an increasingly important eleNavigating into Georgetown is easily ment in the area’s economy. Commercial accomplished after reviewing the charts. traffic is still important, however, as the Come from offshore into the Winyah Bay seaport ranks second behind Charleston, Inlet, merge with the ICW and continue handling about a million tons of material north five miles to the point where the a year.
6 Carolina Currents FALL 2010
To reach the Georgetown historic district, turn left from the bay up the Sampit, which carries ample depth, then veer right
To reach the Georgetown historic district, turn left from the bay up the Sampit, which carries ample depth, then veer right at the flashing S marker to enter the downtown Georgetown loop. Hazzard Marine, with a full-service marina, is the first docks encountered, and next up is The Boat Shed Marina. Just next door is local Tow Boat U.S. operator Capt. Ronnie Campbell (Call VHF16 or 843.833.1951). The historic fish house on the property is worth a visit. Harborwalk Marina is the final downtown marina. Georgetown’s charm grows from its history. Dozens of antebellum mansions in the historic district are listed in the National Register. Gracious old homes built by plantation owners and the shopkeepers who served them line the surrounding streets. The downtown business district bustles with a variety of eateries, galleries, museums and shops. A leisurely stroll on Front Street will net great restaurants, such as Rice Paddy, The River Room, and Big
www.carolinacurrents.com
Georgetown blends history, tourism in vibrant waterfront setting Tuna Raw Bar that produce exquisite local cuisine and fine dining. Georgetown County is a diverse county with distinct appealing stops: the historic district of Georgetown; the seaport, second only to Charleston; the Atlantic coastline, also called Waccamaw Neck, including the communities of Murrells Inlet (a seafood capital), Litchfield, Pawleys Island and the upscale, gated DeBordieu; and the darkwater inland rivers. There is a wealth of history and places to visit for the mariner or landlubber. u
Before the European settlement, numerous Native American tribes claimed the region: Sampit, Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Santee and Winyah – names later adopted for local waterways.
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FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 7
Oriental Boat Show Set for April 15-17
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The 3rd Annual Oriental In-Water Boat Show will take place April 15-17, 2011. The Oriental Rotary Club will be the sole owner and promoter. The 2010 show netted more than $10,000 for charities supported by the Rotary and the economic development activity supporting the Pamlico County Committee of 100. The Committee of 100 has endorsed the Rotary’s boat show as a key element of the support for existing maritime businesses. “All of this year’s sponsors indicate they will return in the same role in 2011,” said Sam Meyers. “Several others have asked for the opportunity to join as sponsors.” The 2010 show established a new record with 74 vendors. Organizers expect 97 percent to to return next April. Potential new vendors from as far away as Goldsboro, Raleigh and Virginia Beach have expressed interest.
9th Harkers Island Regatta draws 37 boats from Maine to Georgia Thirty-seven Sunfish competed in the ninth annual Harkers Island Regatta. Sailed in
a protected sound inside Cape Lookout, NC, the popular one-design Island Wind race drew participants from Maine to Georgia. The August 7-8 event has been likened to a challenging obstacle course. Sailors sail, paddle and sometimes port their boats while negotiating shifting currents, passing under a narrow drawbridge and traversing shallow winding marshes. The ten-mile race around the island was sailed Saturday in a light to moderate easterly, an unusual substitute for the normal southerly sea breeze. Sailors may choose the direction they circumnavigate the island, a unique feature in ‘round island’ Sunfish racing. With the prospect of sailing downwind through the marshes, all but one renegade headed out sailing counter-clockwise around the eastern end of the island. Awards for the two days of racing consisted of lump crabmeat and a variety of boating gear with generous contributions from local Sunfish dealer Triton Yacht Sales, West Marine, Eberle Marine Surveys and Prospective Technologies. The rum cake contest blue ribbon was awarded to Alex Eberle of New Bern using local islander Deda Ridgeway’s original recipe dating back nearly 50 years from the Virgin Islands. Everyone took something home including memories of another not-so-ordinary Sunfish regatta. For information on next year’s regatta and other North Carolina Sunfish racing events, please contact Rob Eberle at eberlemarine@suddenlink.net Regatta photos and information at www.mobyachtclub.com www.carolinacurrents.com
Bringing a Trumpy back to life in Beaufort – the American birthplace of the Trumpy line. “We finally went to St. Augustine to either buy this boat or get it out of our system,” Paul says. “I’m kind of a wild and crazy guy, but she’s more realistic. We got on the boat and sat down on a sofa for a while just appreciating the quality and style. Then we just decided to do it. That Paul and Tracy Berger trip was our decision point.” The Trumpy shipbuilding legacy began The battered old boat rekindled a longfive generations ago in Bergen, Norway, ing deep within Paul and Tracy Berger. It where Casper Trumpy owned a shipyard was, after all, a good bit more than just a nestled at the foot of The Seven Mountains. 70-year-old yacht. Casper’s son John grew up working in the Paul, an architect, and Tracy, a senior family shipyard. John eventually moved to corporate executive, were engaged in a farAmerica. After working at the New York ranging search for a new boat. “We both Shipyard in Philadelphia, and the commerfelt an unmistakable cial Mathis Shipyard urge to get back on in Camden, New “I want to thank everyone the water as soon as Jersey, John Trumpy at Moores Marine for their formed a partnerwe sold our sailboat,” Paul says. The search ship with John H. commitment to the boat pulled them toward Mathis, leasing space and their craftsmanship,” a historic marine linwithin the yard solely eage: Trumpy yachts. dedicated to the Berger said “We had seen design and constructhem at a show 10 or tion of private yachts. 12 years before,” Paul remembers. “It was The elegant boats served as a sort of just a sort of crazy notion, a fantasy, in the “commuter yacht,” according to the Trumpy beginning. These boats were usually very Yachts website, and were purchased by expensive. But during our search, we heard industrialists who typically travelled from about The Washingtonian, a 1939 Trumpy their estates on Long Island Sound to listed in St. Petersburg, Florida.” Manhattan. They yachts made frequent After a few visits and much research, trips up and down the eastern Atlantic Paul and Tracy were deeply engaged. They seacoast and were not uncommon on the looked at other craft, of course, but they Great Lakes. The ships featured formal could not get the classic out of mind. The dining and sitting rooms; posh interiors Washingtonian was built at the John H. were as distinctive as the narrow beam and Mathis Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey shallow draft built for speed. By the 1920s,
the Trumpy yard was fully booked year after year. A Trumpy– the Sequoia – served as the U.S. Presidential yacht from the 1930s to the 1970s. The rare combination of history and style proved compelling for the Bergers. “We both have an appreciation for the quality of classic items that were built and designed in the past,” Paul says. “We just fell in love with the quality, the feeling of style and grace of the boat. On the Washingtonian, you almost feel like Kathryn Hepburn and Cary Grant should come walking about of the pilot house. It just has a distinctive feeling.” Offered by the Florida Special Olympics, which accepted it as a donation, the boat needed work. But Paul and Tracy knew what they were getting into. “We were so fascinated by the boat that we saw the long-term potential. Previous owners had spent money on the flash, but they ignored the structural issues. We knew they had to be addressed. “Once we got into the boat and the restoration, we just felt an unbelievable karma. “I want to thank everyone at Moores Marine for their commitment to the boat and their craftsmanship,” Berger said.
More work ahead for Washingtonian
The Washingtonian is undergoing a significant restoration at Moores Marine in Beaufort. It set sail for a test run in late September. But there’s more work ahead. After an extensive Coast Guard certification, the classic yacht will begin a new life as a special events charter. “We don’t even have the boat in the water yet, but we’re getting a great deal of interest,” Paul said. The yacht is a perfect setting for elegant small events and upscale parties. The Bergers have already heard from a distinguished list of potential clients that includes the Inn at Perry Cabin at St. Michaels, Maryland.
The Washingtonian undergoing renovation at Moores Marine in Beaufort, NC. The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 9
Georgetown hosts 21st version of classic wooden boat show
The 21st annual show in Georgetown will begin at 11 a.m. Sat., Oct. 16 on the historic waterfront of Georgetown, S.C. This year’s show features wooden boat exhibits, a boatbuilding competition, model boatbuilding for kids, boat raffles, maritime arts and crafts as well as food and music.
The Wooden Boat Challenge is a boatbuilding competition that pits about 20 two-man teams in a race to build a rowing skiff within four horus. The 12-foot rowing skiffs have become a common sight in Georgetown waters because of their value as tenders and work boats.
From kayaks to yachts, vessels will be exhibited in several categories: row, canoe, kayak, surfboard, sail, inboard power, outboard power, classic sail prior to 1960, classic power built prior to 1960 or owner designed and built as well as a century class: 100 years or older. Visitors will be able to meet and talk to wooden boat craftsmen, manufacturers and owners.
The teams are judged on construction speed, quality of work and rowing ability. The three top scoring teams will be eligible to compete in the 2011 National BoatBuilding Championship.
The events take place on the waterfront and in historic downtown. Proceeds through sales and donations support the maritime museum of the Harbor Historical Association. An estimated 100 classic wooden boats will be displayed in the water, along the boardwalk and on Front Street,
Competitors test their new skiffs for seaworthiness in a rowing relay across the Sampit River. But sometimes the most skilled craftsman are not the best seamen and vice versa. Some of the vessels spring leaks, oars break or get lost overboard, boats collide and get tangled up with onlookers or the judges’ boats.
Sat., Oct. 16, 2010, 11 am to 6 pm, on the Historic Waterfront of Georgetown, SC Admission is free. For more info: 1-877-285-3888; Email: www.boats@woodenboatshow.
Georgetown will play host in October to one of the nation’s premier Wooden Boat exhibitions.
10 Carolina Currents FALL 2010
www.carolinacurrents.com
George is Calling If your mariner’s soul seeks tidal action or if you desire the stillness of the black waters of Historic Georgetown, located on the Hammock Coast, South Carolina’s Lowcountry offers something for everyone.
Sitting at the confluence of five rivers at Winyah Bay, historic Georgetown has been a favorite for boaters for centuries. From fresh and succulent seafood onshore to exceptional saltwater fishing offshore, Georgetown is a quiet oasis where meandering shorelines, distinctive coastal signatures, and leisure lifestyles lift your spirit.
For information visit www.visitgeorge.com, or call (800) 777-7705 The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 11
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intercoastal waterway
regatta
Kicking off the holidays: Harbourgate’s Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
Founded in 1984, the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta traditionally kicks off the holiday season along the waterway in Little River and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year’s 26th annual event will begin at 5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 27. The seasonal race will continue about two hours. It will run from the Little River Inlet south to Dock Holidays Marina.
collecting pet food and supplies to help the Susie Watson, dockmaster at Harlocal humane societies.Proceeds from the bourgate Marina (Latitude – 33 50.197 sale of commemorative medallions, sweatLongitude – 78 26.827), and her husband shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts are the and her uncle, Captain Poo McLauchlin, source of funds for the Regatta Committee. organized the first Regatta to benefit chilSome decorated boats earn prizes and dren’s charities. many restaurants feature special menus or The event quickly became a holiday events. Spectators are encouraged to donate tradition within the Myrtle Beach boating community. Several volunteers are now cash or new, unwrapped toys at participating marinas or restaurants along the route. required to handle logistics of an event of this magnitude. Watson says that commitFor more information, visit www.christmasregatta.com tee members, known as “Santa’s Angels,” or call 843-249-8888 and ask for Susie. rely on school counselors to make them aware of the needs they see among school children. ”Through our fund-raising activities and toy drives we make an impact on the community and in the lives of children throughout Horry County,” says Watson. “Sometimes people for reason or another can fall through the cracks of traditional Twin 860hp V8 900 CR Mans, agencies that provide 460 Hours, Customizable assistance. We try to Cockpit Entertainment Carousel help those kids.” Seating, Sea Ray Navigator Monetary donaIII - 12.1” LCD Chartplotter And Raymarine Radar, Sirius tions or new, unSatellite, Full Beam Master wrapped toys enable Stateroom With En Suite Head committee members And Shower, 32” Flatscreen to ensure every child LCD HDTV In Salon, Fowrward VIP Stateroom With Queenhas a present to open Size Berth And Walk-In Closet, on Christmas morn55’ 2008 Sea Ray Sundancer Many Extras. ing. Several years ago $999,999 Contact Tim Holmes 772.201.1111 the group also began
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The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 13
Hard Aground with
Eddie Jones
S
ome years ago my father-in-law, Lindsay, received this letter from Oscar Grant. Oscar lives and sails out of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. A few weeks before this letter arrived Oscar had flown to Fort Lauderdale to attend a boat show, but as you will see, his magnanimous offer to help his college fraternity buddy led to a series of costly and comical incidents. I should note, both men are still on speaking terms, but Lindsay’s manner of speech could not be reproduced in this “family friendly” publication. Enjoy. Dear Lindsay; Thank you for your letter. I had no idea you really wanted to buy your own boat. Especially in this economy. But when I found out, I charged ahead and bought you the perfect yacht. Picture enclosed. As you can see, she’s a classic. Or was. Knowing how you hate to pass up a good deal, I drafted your checking account the $90,000 asking price. I originally thought that sounded a little high for a 27-foot boat, but the Cuban salesman assured me it was not. The fact they don’t make this model any more concerned me at first. I thought maybe the design had fallen out of favor, but the Cuban salesman explained that it had something to do with lawsuits and actuaries. Anyway, when I heard that, I began to feel better. I think once see it in person you’ll agree she’s the perfect boat for you. Now, knowing how you like to have things done right, you’ll be interested in the information I managed to gather about the engine. First, you’ll be pleased to know we were able to knock the rust of the engine block and find the serial number. We traced it back and found that it wasn’t originally a gasoline engine. I must say I was surprised because it sure smelled, looked, and leaked like a gasoline engine. The Cubans salesman (who says his name is Juan and was quick to remind me after about the forth time, that I wasn’t supposed to pronounce the “J”) Well, good old Juan said the engine could probably be converted back to charcoal, if you like, making it good as new.
14 Carolina Currents FALL 2010
the ‘real’ cost of a boat
Juan has a lead on the men who stole your engine. Now, knowing how important it is to move fast in these cases and knowing you would probably want an engine in your boat, I went ahead and drafted your account the $8900 recovery fee. Now about the boat itself. Who would have thought for that price it would have a big hole in it? It sure caught me surprise, I’ll tell you that. Heck, I didn’t even notice it until we did the sea trial. And good old Juan he wasn’t there when we launched it, so he missed all the excitement. The rest of us barely escaped before she sank. Everyone kept saying, “Boy, wont be Lindsay be surprised.” By the way, good old Juan must be sick or something. I haven’t seen him since I gave him the recovery fee. But I’m sure he’ll show up soon with the engine. Oh, here’s some more good news. I ran into an engineer from the Ukran who said he could refit your boat for $22,500. He said he used to work for the Russian navy before he retired to the States. His last retrofit was that submarine, the Kursk. That’s the one that blew up and sank. But, Uri, that’s his name, said he stands behind his work. “Way behind,” were the words he used. I drafted your account for half because I knew, based on the sparse amenities on your yacht before it sank, that you’d want any improvements done before you saw it. I’m sure Uri is down there right now looking for the boat because I haven’t seen him since. One final thing. Juan threw in a 5-gallon bucket of something called boat rot, which he said, would come in handy. I thought it tasted a little like Dutch beer but a guy down at the ship’s store said it was to make wood much stronger and that all wooden boats, especially one’s as old as yours, keep buckets of this stuff aboard. P.S. There is alternative to raising your boat if we can ever find it. There is a gal down here who would give your entire family scuba lessons for just $7,500. If you did, then your whole family could just enjoy your new boat right where it is. Of
course, you wouldn’t be seen by as many of your friends, so it s a close call. I wanted to keep your options open, so I drafted another $3000 from your account to reserve the slots in this gal’s scuba class. Based on the size of her tanks, her scuba lessons are really popular with male tourist down here and I didn’t want you to miss out. If I can be of any further help, call Juan, the bartender, (a different Juan) at the Jolly Jackal Bar and Grill in Coconut Grove. And don’t worry about calling collect. I went ahead and drafted a couple hundred dollars from your account to cover the phone calls. You can thank me later. Eddie Jones is a three-time winner of the Delaware Christian Writers’ Conference. He is the author of four non-fiction books, two novels, and has written hundreds of columns and articles that have appeared in over 20 different publications. WANT TO BE A PIRATE? Eddie is lookin’ fer crew to sail aboard the Black Avenger in his next novel, Dead Calm, Bone Dry. No experience required. Join our crew for a chance to win prizes AND (maybe) be a lead character (or a dead one) in his next book.
Contact Eddie at aground@mindspring.com
www.carolinacurrents.com
Brooks Boatworks brings innovation to tradition Brooks 34 SFX to be launched this fall Roger Brooks appreciates the history operation to building semi-custom boats to producing its own line. and tradition of Carolinas boat building. But he guides his company with a “The Brooks 34 SFX will be a very leading-edge approach to fuel efficiency, comfortable sports fishing boat,” Brooks technology and innovative cabin design. says. “We can customize each boat to Based in Washington, NC, Brooks some extent to meet a buyer’s preferBoatworks will introduce the Brooks 34 ences. We will incorporate many items as SFX during the fall of 2010, the first of standard that would be options on other three Brooks Prestige Yachts. With a boats – air conditioning, hardtop, microcore team of craftsmen who have worked waves – and put together in an efficiently together for more than 20 years, Brooks designed, well executed package.” says the new boats will be defined by Consumers can see the boats beginexcellence and innovation. ning at the October boat show in “The Brooks 34 is a design that Annapolis. Brooks plans to take the boat continues the region’s legacy of superb to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 27 and in Miami boatbuilding,” Brooks said. “It will be an in February. The base boat will begin at excellent fishing and diving yacht and about $289,000 and could range upward another credit to lineage of boats from to $400,000. Eastern North Carolina,” The company enjoys a long track reCharacterized by long flowing lines cord of quality production. Recent clients and a sweeping shear line, the design is have included Jarrett Bay Yachts (the a new twist on the traditional “Carolina Jarrett Bay 32 Semi Custom), Eastport hull” form. With its Yachts (Eastport full bow flare and 32), Impulse Yachts tumblehome aft, Characterized by long (Impulse 34 yacht), the Brooks 34 SFX flowing lines and a sweeping Tiara Yachts (varipresents a distinctive shear line, the design is a ous molds), Hatteras profile. new twist on the traditional Yachts (one-off It’s also built with “Carolina hull” form. pieces for custom the latest technology applications), using modern raw Impulse Yachts materials that create a (fiberglass components for Impulse 34) superior product, Brooks said. “We and others. have been very weight conscious in our During a career that has included approach not only because we did not professional stops at Sea Ox and Sea Ray want to pay for extra raw materials, but because we see value in creating a vessel Boats, Roger Brooks also lead the tooling that requires less fuel.” and research department at Fountain Powerboats, which operated near his Marking its 10-year anniversary in home in Bath, NC. While at Fountain 2010, Brooks Boatworks has undergone a Powerboats, Roger built prototype vessels transformation from a first-class tooling The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
to test new running surface designs. His research into new materials and designs took him to Albemarle Boats, a sport fishing manufacturer where he handled engineering and research-and-development duties. Eventually, he brought the expertise to his own company with a clear vision for his first line of products. “We know what we are doing and – most important – we know the boats we want to produce,” Brooks said. The company has focused on building the finest tooling in the industry – a reflection of his own experience. See more information about Roger Brooks and the Brooks Boatworks at http://brooksboatworks.com.
FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 15
KayakingKayaking the Carolinas the Carolinas Coast Coast Ali Williams is a sea kayaking and back country guide. You can read her blog at www.wayfinderali.blogspot.com Ali Williams is a sea kayaking and back country guide, currently working at Great Outdoor Provision Company. You can read her blog at: www.wayfinderali.blogspot.com
Opportunities abound for every skill level
W
hether you revel in the independence of launching a loaded sea kayak for a challenging expedition, a care-free day exploring in a recreational kayak or the thrill of landing a red drum, coastal Carolina will satisfy your craving. With a wide variety of places to explore, you can have your fill of fun and beauty no matter your skill level. Newcomers to the sport or paddlers looking to relax should head to the sheltered waters of the tidal creeks that wind through marshes or to the cypress swamps on the mainland. Expansive marshlands are common on the sound side of many barrier islands as well as along the inland coast. High stands of marsh grass and their proximity to large land masses protect these marshy creeks from strong winds and chop. Marshes are also great places to observe egrets, sea gulls, skate, and sting rays. Further inland you’ll find stands of cypress trees where the salty sound water mingles with the fresh water from rivers. Paddling in a cypress swamp is like floating through a forest. These swamps are home to otters, alligators, turtles, herons, black bears, red wolves and bald eagles. You’ll find these aqueous forests in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge and Lake Matamuskeet. Looking for an overnight adventure or 16 Carolina Currents FALL 2010
extended weekend trip? There are plenty of waters and camp on wilderness beaches. If easily accessible places to explore. Shackle- you choose to hop from place to place on the ford Banks, Portsmouth Island, South Core northern outer banks, you’ll see everything Banks, North Core Banks and Bear Island from hip surf towns, to quaint fishing vilmake great destinations for overnight to lages, to wilderness. weekend trips. Fisherman should head to the water in Only a short paddle from the mainland, late summer and fall when the fish really these barrier islands are made of gnarled start to run. Fishing from a kayak offers maritime forests, bountiful marshlands, excitement and new challenges. Red drum, chains of sand dunes and beaches pounded Spanish mackerel, trout and false albacore by powerful surf. The ocean beach is usu- will test your fishing skill. Fish for sharks ally the best place at night along the shore. to camp, with soft Get out of your kayak Tip for Kayakers: If you plan to sand, constant wind and spend an afternoon camp on the beach, take plenty and the soothing hour or two wading rhythm of crashing in the shallows of the of baby powder. It has magical waves. Wild ponies, sound for a shellfish powers! Before you go to bed at descendants of Spanfeast. night, bathe yourself with the ish horses marooned Summer brings long long ago, may wandays, warm waters, power. All the salt and sand fall der through your bright sunlight, more off your skin. camp. Want some visitors and more bugs excitement? Try to feast on them. Fall kayak surfing for some exhilarating fun. If offers cooler weather, relief from bugs and camping isn’t your thing, a hotel or B&B on excellent fishing. Winter is harsh with cold one of the inhabited islands can serve as base waters and biting wind, but affords solitude camp for day trips. on empty beaches. Spring brings warmer Looking for more of a challenge? Go days, with cool waters and fewer bugs than on an expedition! North Carolina offers summer. 300 miles of coastline, to explore for a few Coastal Carolina can be beautiful and weeks or a few months. Plan a few days to rough, peaceful and violent, welcoming and a week island hopping along Cape Lookout unforgiving all at once. Prepare for a safe National Seashore. You’ll paddle on isolated trip, but also prepare to enjoy. u www.carolinacurrents.com
From the Helm By Capt. Larry Walker
H
A compass heading: understanding a few degrees here and there
ave you ever wondered why you can follow a compass heading and still be a few degrees off course? First, it is nearly impossible to steer a perfect course. Another reason is that “onboard” magnetic interference throws your compass off a by a few degrees. We call that error “Deviation.” First, let’s look at the causes of deviation. Equipment that generates a magnetic field and devices that include permanent magnets are the most common causes. This type of interference causes your compass to read a few degrees off a “magnetic” heading. A “magnetic” heading is based on “magnetic north” to which your magnetic compass is attracted as opposed to “true north.” The influence of “magnetic north” is called “variation” and varies based on where you are on the globe. The variation for your area is printed inside the compass rose on your navigation chart. The effect of deviation is based on your vessel’s heading (the direction that you are traveling). The reason that your heading is important is that the sources of deviation revolve around your compass as you alter your course. Variation and deviation combined are what is known as your “compass error.” Assume that your compass is mounted on the port side of your helm station, and a source of magnetic interference is mounted on the starboard side. As you travel north, your vessel is heading toward magnetic north, with the onboard interference to the right. If you alter course to the west, the onboard interference is now between your compass and magnetic north. If you alter course to the east, the onboard interference is south of your compass. You will find varying amounts and direction of deviation based on the proximity of magnetic north, your compass, and the interference. Most vessels have several sources of onboard magnetic interference causing deviation to vary in both magnitude (number of degrees) and direction (east or west). For example, deviation may be 4 degrees west at 000 degrees, 3 degrees east at 030 degrees and 0 at 090 degrees. You may build a deviation table by running ranges, as we have discussed in the past, or by using your GPS (Global Positioning System). Deviation is expressed in degrees “east” or “west,” depending on how The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
it deflects your compass. Once your deviation values are calculated, you can construct a small table that includes the deviation values for headings around the compass of thirty degrees apart. We call that table a “Deviation Table.” To calculate deviation, get on a course of 000 based on the reading of your GPS. Once you are steady on that heading, write down the magnetic compass reading. If the difference between the GPS and the magnetic compass is exactly what your chart indicates for variation, then the deviation on that heading is zero. If the difference between the GPS and the magnetic compass is less than the variation printed on your chart, your deviation is in the opposite direction as that of your variation, and equal to the difference. Accordingly, if your variation is 9 degrees west, and the difference 11 degrees, you have a deviation of 2 degrees west on that
heading. If the variation is 9 degrees west, and the difference is 8 degrees, you have a deviation of 1 degree east on that heading. To build your deviation table, follow that procedure for headings of 000, 030, 060, and so on up to a heading of 330 degrees. Do the calculations using the variation from your chart. You can use that information to build your deviation table. Then, you will have the tools to follow a compass heading that will keep you on a “True” course! Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds and calm seas! Captain Larry Walker is the president of World Wide Marine Training, Inc., a U.S. Coast Guard Approved facility authorized to give examinations for captain’s licenses up to 200 Ton Master, Able Seaman up to Unlimited, STCW-95, Radar, ARPA and other Endorsements (www.fromthehelm.com)
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FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 17
Your Voices from the Waterfront LAKESIDE LIVING PHOTO BY BILL FOX
From Lake Norman newbie to embracing the lifestyle of the lake By Bill Fox
W
hen my wife and I were searching the Carolinas for our eventual retirement home we came across Lake Norman and immediately fell in love. We have lived most of our adult life in the Northeast and wanted to settle in the Carolinas with its softer climate and warmer people. We looked at several Carolina lake communities, including Lakes Murray and Wylie in South Carolina, but we chose Lake Norman. We bought our property in
2003 when prices were relatively moderate by lake standards and watched as that value increased rapidly – tempered a bit by the recent economic downturn. We began construction of our lakefront home during 2007 and moved “down south” in 2008. Since then we have found out what people who live on the lake have been trying to tell us. Lake living is a little piece of heaven. We absolutely love the region, buoyed by the bustling Charlotte metropolitan area, excellent weather – a lot warmer than
our former home Kennett Square, PA (although we have a special love for that area too), great golfing, and easy living. Plus, some in our family are NASCAR fans, and with the majority of teams based in the area adjacent to Lake Norman, a visit to the teams’ modern complexes is a just a short drive for us. When we moved in, we acted like most newbies to the lake: we bought new swim suits and suntan oil, bought water toys, bought a new pontoon to put at our new dock, and settled in. What we ultimately found surprised us. We quickly took to waterfront living like a duck. My youngest son came home from the University of West Virginia during our first summer in 2008 and proceeded to show us how to maximize our fun time on the pontoon. We found little coves to pull into – like Quiet Cove, tossed anchor and broke out the wine and cheese selection (with designated driver, of course). We’ve had many relaxing weekend afternoons with friends and family doing just that. And a late evening cruise to the North Harbor Club for fine dining or The Landing to dine out on the lake has been for us some of the best memories we have made in the past few years. Good restaurateurs on the lake just have a knack of making food taste better. Or maybe it’s the ambience of a dinner on warm summer’s eve at the waterfront that makes the difference. Whatever the reason is, we will take it. I can’t wait to retire to do this full time. u Bill Fox, an avid golfer and vice president for a Fortune 500 company, lives in Sherrills Ford, NC where he enjoys lake living with his wife and their dogs.
Share your stories
Carolina Currents continues a regular feature publishing short pieces from sailors and boaters sharing their stories from the water. Send your contribution to carolinacurrents@yahoo.com. While we cannot promise to publish all of them, we’ll publish several articles and photos each issue. These articles will lead our transition to a blogging platform at www.carolinacurrents.com. 18 Carolina Currents FALL 2010
www.carolinacurrents.com
LARA’S CHILDREN, CHRISTOPHER, LEFT AND MICHAEL AT PLAY ON THE BOAT
Revelling in private moments on busy Lake Hartwell’s shores By Lara Kaufmann
The memories that I have of my children that is seen from the dam. We often enjoyed exploring the wooded area and growing up will always be filled with shoreline there, as well. scenes from Lake Hartwell. Days where the Meal times at the lake included many hardest thing I had to do was apply the sun family picnics “afloat,” trips to restaurants “scream”, and at the end of the day lug all accessible by boat, all variations of outside the items back to the house. “I’m bored,” grilling and spewas never uttered. cial “date nights” My boys jumped off ‘Great family memories have with takeout the dock, explored sushi and a bottle the shore, tested been made during all seasons of wine – water whether things and with many people at Lake front dining at its could sink or float, learned to skip rocks Hartwell. These memories will best!The lake and all the while I always attracted always be dear to my heart.’ could join in, or reextended family lax and read a book. and friends. These Other days we went out on the boat, pulled them in inner visits brought us together and back to a simpler time. Video games didn’t fill the tubes, anchored out for a swim or beached the boat for a shore excursion at places like day and my boys have wonderful memories of their cousins playing with them at the Sadler’s Creek State Park, the Hartwell lake. Lifelong bonds and memories were Dam area or to the town of Clemson. Nature hikes with my boys on the short, formed. And that is one of the best things about the lake! shaded and easy trail that follows along In the fall, when the weather starts to the lake’s shore at Sadler’s Creek State change and summer activities fade, new Park, were often followed by a visit to the adventures begin. Fall brings a beautiful playground near the trailhead. array of colors as leaves fall from the trees. Other times we would head to the Shore exploration is enhanced by cooler South Carolina side of the Hartwell Dam temperatures. And, of course, fall brings with kid’s bikes on the pontoon boat! college football to Lake Hartwell. My boys learned to ride their bikes on On game days, when friends visited, we the dam’s scenic paved walkway, while I often got a sitter and went out on the boat walked. I love the spectacular view of the to tailgate on the way to the game and then Savannah River and the Hwy 29 Bridge The Boating and Waterfront Magazine
we would beach our boat and take part in game day festivities ashore. Trips to Clemson are also fun on non-game days when we could tie up to the public courtesy boat docks at Abernathy Park and follow the nice boardwalk to Clemson’s cute “downtown”. During our mild winters, we would sometimes sit around our fire pit and occasionally roast marsh mellows. The sparks of the flames mixed with the crisp weather produced a sense of peace and encouraged conversation. Great family memories have been made during all seasons and with many people at Lake Hartwell. These memories will always be dear to my heart. The Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers all join to make Lake Hartwell, which provides opportunities for boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. This man-made lake on the border of Georgia and South Carolina has 55,900 acres of water and about 962 miles of shoreline. Lake Hartwell is one of the most visited lakes in the nation. With that said, you’d think it would be crowded, but it’s not. Because of its’ size, you can always find a private spot. u Upstate South Carolina resident, Lara Kaufmann is the author of the Lake Hartwell Area Recreation Guide and co- owner of www. LakeHartwellInsider.com, an information resource for the Lake Hartwell Area
FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 19
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Fleeting lessons from the first sailboat –
the one we left behind
A personal sailing column by Bobbi Lancaster.
S
There she sits. I can see her from my kitchen window. She is protected. Secure. Yet she haunts me. I can feel her pulling me in her direction every time I walk in the back yard. She has a mournful look in storage and a stronger hold that I expected. She is my second sailboat – a 23-foot Precision – and yes, she is the one I cannot let go. She’s the one that brought me to the ranks of sailors with more than one boat. This position of owning two sailboats is a place held by many. It’s like a large dating club of people looking to find a mate. But emotionally, they just can’t let go of the one they had last. That is my boat. She was my teacher, companion and date for many weekends. We forged a great relationship. She demanded and I obliged by spending money, time and a lot of energy on her. I learned how to do things I was not sure I could manage. I grew strong and more confident. I also made new friends, learned more about myself and had many
laughs along the way because of her. For instance, there was the time that I decided that in doing the bottom paint on my own boat, I would become more in tune with her. I read everything I could, found an online group that convinced me to try a technique that required dropping the bunk boards while the boat was on the trailer and using 2x4s to steady her. This offered good access to more bottom to paint. I proceeded with each recommendation from this group of sailing men. All went fairly well. I got the bunks down and the paint on. But when I attempted to bring the bunks back up, one dropped and pinched my arm at the place it connected to the trailer. I was trapped, unable to get my arm free with just one hand without a single neighbor home to hear me yell. After finally working my arm free and analyzing the wound, I faced a decision: spend the rest of the day in the emergency room getting the stitches I probably needed or finishing my boat work?
Well, the scar is still visible, but my boat work got done that day. Sharing my success with the online advisors, I learned they had not tried it either – no small surprise. But they cheered my success and promised to use the technique in the future. Oh, the things I learned from my little sailboat. Not just about sailing, but about people, too. And of course, there were the guaranteed embarrassing docking moments. I used to go to the boat almost daily to practice coming in and out of the slip. The day I finally took that 23 foot floating hull of unsteadiness in and out of the slip with absolutely no problem I was overjoyed. I quickly glanced around the marina to see if my accomplishment had been noticed, only to then realize that my feat was accomplished in the wrong slip. My sailboat presented me with great challenges, but there were also gifts of other kinds. My love of being on her lead me to a new date on my weekends…a sailor that enjoyed the water as much as I did. So we began to plan trips on this little boat and eventually decided that a larger boat was next. Last fall we purchased a Pearson 27. We sailed her from Virginia, and the trip confirmed that we had found the perfect boat for this time in our lives. But that meant that one boat would go in my slip and one would come out – the one I had bonded with. I can’t bring myself to sell her and so she sits safely stowed in the garage. I clean and check on her, but still cheat by going out with my new sailboat. Still, in my heart, she is the most special boat in the entire world. Not just because of how she sailed – yes, she was great – but because of all she gave to me. Sometimes life’s lessons come packaged in fiberglass and teak.u Bobbi Lancaster lives in Raleigh and sails a Pearson 27 named Kokopelli.
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