Southwindsapril2005

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors History of Reef Relief Binoculars Explained Multihull Sailing in St. Croix

April 2005 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

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April 2005

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Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS April 2005

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ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY

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FOR ALPHABETICAL LIST)

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN SOUTHWINDS! SOUTHWINDS provides this list as a courtesy and asks our readers to support our advertisers. This list includes all display advertising.

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Apex/Mayer Yacht Brokerage 29 Beneteau Sailboats Back Cover Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats 39 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Cortez Yacht Brokerage 65 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau/Hunter/Catalina Back Cover Flying Scot Sailboats 64 Gulf Coast Raider 14 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 61,63,64 Hanse Sailboats 64 Hobie Cats/Saltwater Sports 54 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack 53 Hunter 12 Island Yachting Centre 62 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina//Hunter/Shannon/Albin 6,11,19,30,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 33,67 Mayer Yacht Brokerage 51 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Performance Sail and Sport 41 Raider Sailboats 14,65 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 64 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 55,57 Saltwater Sports/Hobie 54 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats 62 Seafarers International Yacht Brokerage 10,63 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter 37 St. Barts/Beneteau Back Cover Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida 56 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 53 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 52 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power 10 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Anne’s Anchors 23,66 Air Duck Hatch Windscoop 66 Bluewater Sailing Supply 52 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL 39 Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com 32 Defender Industries, www.defender.com 67 E-Marine 66,67 Garhauer Hardware 40 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 47 Hotwire/Fans & other products 67 Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc.

13 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 28 Leather Wheel 34 Masthead Enterprises 33,67 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign 59 Noble Awards 8 Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com 43 SSMR 60 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 53 West Marine IFC SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Altlantic Sail Traders 22 Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida 58 Cruising Direct/sails online by North 45 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging 66 Masthead/Used Sails and Service 33,67 National Sail Supply, new&used online 35 North Sails 60 Porpoise Used Sails 67 Quantum Sails and Services 3 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL 49 SSMR 60 Sunrise Sails 58 Ullman Sails 36 West Marine 10,IFC CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida 58 Quantum Sails and Services 3 4

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USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida 59 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL 50 SAILING SCHOOLS Sea School/Captain’s License 28 St. Augustine Sailing School 67 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES America’s Generators 66 Beta Marine 24 Fleetside Marine Service/Yanmar 66 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 43 Yanmar 66 RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 27 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina 61 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 55,57 CHARTER COMPANIES Sailtime, Shared ownership 9,20 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online 58 Beachmaster Photography 64 Boatpix Photography 65 Mike Shea Maritime Legal Services 18 Drive Insurance From Progressive 15 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio 23 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 28 Memory Map 67 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication 21,66 Weather Wave 38 BOOKS/CHARTS/VIDEOS Bubba Stories Book 44 Pocket Charts 16 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWs Corinthian Regatta 59 Sarasota Sailing Squadron Sailfest 55 Voyage of the Spray Raffle 20 Sailing Services Directory West Florida Regional Sailing Services Directory Subscription Information Alphabetical Advertisers’ List

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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From the Helm

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Letters

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Bubba Clogs an Artery

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Short Tacks

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Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show

By Jody L. Alu

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Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show Multihulls

By Roy Laughlin

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Multihulls in St. Croix

By Carol Bareuther

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The Story of Reef Relief: Saving Coral Reefs

By DeeVon Quirolo

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Birth of Cat, Part II: Cataline Arrives from South Africa

By John Kelly

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Binoculars Explained

By Bruce Pierce

The story of Reef Relief. Photo courtesy Reef Relief.

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Southeast Coast Sailing: Carolinas and Georgia: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report

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East Florida Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report

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Southeast Florida Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report

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Florida Keys Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report

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Northern Gulf Coast Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report

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West Florida Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report

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Classifieds

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Capt. Herman Bips

By Jim Burkett

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Regional Sailing Services Directory West Florida Sailing Services Directory Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category Subscription Form

Birth of a Cat, Part II. Photo by John Kelly COVER:

Meander, a ferro-cement ketch built and owned by Bob and Jean Grimson of North Devon, England, sail in Elizabeth Harbor, Georgetown, Exuma, Bahamas. Photo by Bob Walters.

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing Local News For Southern Sailors

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SOUTHWINDS News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindssailing.co e-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Volume 13 Number 4 April 2005 Copyright 2005, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993 Steve Morrell

Doran Cushing, Publisher 1993-2002

Publisher/Editor editor@southwindssailing.com (941) 795-8704

Advertising Gary Hufford David Curry Advertising Advertising Director davidcurry@southwindssailing.com Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties, FL gary@southwindssailing.com (941) 761-0048 (727) 585-2814 Regional Editors CAROLINAS AND GEORGIA Walt McFarlane waltmcfarlane@aol.com (912) EAST FLORIDA Roy Laughlin mhw1@earthlink.net (321) SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Jody L. Alu soflajo@earthlink.net (954) SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACING Art Perez miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) FLORIDA KEYS Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com (305) WEST FLORIDA Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com (941) NORTHERN GULF COAST Kim Kaminski kimberlyk@connectpens.net (850) Production Heather Nicoll

Jody L. Alu Jim Burkett John Kelly Ron Michellette DeeVon Quirolo Morgan Stinemetz Jody L. Alu Lesa Doyle Mote Marine Lab Walt McFarlane Hone Scunook

429-4197 690-0137 816-0130 380-0106 304-5118 795-8704 384-8941

Proofreading Kathy Elliott Contributing Writers Carol Bareuther Ray Dupuis Roy Laughlin Art Perez George Regenauer.

Dave Thinel

Rebecca Burg Kim Kaminski Walt McFarlane Bruce Pierce Hone Scunook Britt Viehman

Contributing Photographers Bacardicup.com Dean Barnes Kim Kaminski John Kelly Reef Relief Roy Laughlin Craig Quirolo George Regenauer Britt Viehman Bob Walters

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some faroff and far-out place.

SOUTHWINDS welcomes contributions in writing and photography, stories about sailing, racing, cruising, maintenance and other technical articles and other sailing-related topics. Please submit all articles electronically by e-mail (mailed-in discs also accepted), and with photographs, if possible. We also accept photographs alone, for cover shots, racing, cruising and just funny entertaining shots. Please take them at a high resolution if digital, or scan at 300 dpi if photos, or mail them to us for scanning.

Contact the editor with questions.

Subscriptions to SOUTHWINDS are available at $19.95/year, or $37/2 years for third class, and $24/year for first class. Checks and credit card numbers may be mailed with name and address to SOUTHWINDS Subscriptions, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL, 34218-1175, or call (941) 795-8704.

Subscriptions are also available with a credit card through a secure server on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations throughout 10 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com.

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FROM THE HELM SOUTHWINDS Web Site: We Would Like to Hear From You This month we are expanding our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. We will do so in several areas.

T

wo years ago next month, we started putting the entire issue of the magazine online in PDF format. If you have high-speed Internet access, you can download the issue in about 40 seconds. This service is free, if such a thing exists.

We figured that since it was a free magazine, why not? All ads are included and there are hyperlinks to e-mail addresses and Web sites—both in the articles and the ads. All you do is click on the ad and it will take you there. What surprised us all was that we are getting about 10,000 downloads a month (besides our distribution of 15,000 hard copies monthly). This started almost immediately, expanding our reader base considerably.

ADVERTISER LINKS We will also each month post our current advertisers and have hyperlinks to their Web sites or e-mail addresses.

These lists will be by category and alphabetical. They will also be in the PDF format in the downloadable magazine, but we will be adding them in HTML format and they will be more accessible on the site.

SOUTHWINDS ONLINE FORUM? Over the years, SOUTHWINDS has publicized the political issues that affect Southern sailors. The most intense issue the magazine has been known for is the discussion over the right to sail to Cuba. We have also publicized other controversies, such as liveaboard and anchoring rights. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the incremental disappearance of waterway accesses, marinas and boatyards. The latter has generated many letters and articles about these changes. With this in mind, we are considering an online forum to help generate discussion about these issues and would like to hear from our readers if they would like to see this. The forum would not be limited to political matters, although that is what has prompted the idea, but to whatever interests Southern sailors—cruising, racing, maintenance and more.

HELP US UPDATE OUR YACHT CLUB DIRECTORY SOUTHWINDS has always had the most complete list of yacht clubs and sailing associations in the South on the World Wide Web. From the old days, when snail mail and telephone were the main contacts, we posted phone numbers to all the yacht clubs. We are now posting the Web sites (or email addresses) as well, and there will be hyperlinks to these for your convenience. Our club list goes back many years, and many phone numbers are out-of-date and currently wrong numbers (so we can’t call to get the Web site, if any), so we need your help in updating these and getting Web sites and e-mail addresses posted.

LET US KNOW

Contact editor@southwindssailing.com and let us know your opinion on these issues and to update the yacht club directory.

ADVERTISE IN THE

2005-2006 West Florida

Race Calendar & Yacht Club Directory AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 • Reach thousands of sailors from Tampa to Marco Island—one of the country’s fastest growing sailing spots.

• You cannot afford to not be in the 2nd Annual West Florida Calendar and Yacht Club Directory. It will be bigger and better than ever.

• Enough are distributed (10,000) that every sailboat racer in West Florida can have one at home, on their boat, in their car, in their dinghy, on their motorcycle.

• Individual deliveries to all West Florida PHRF members • Printed on heavy-duty glossy four-color stock, this publication will be around for the entire year.

• The Calendar, with all ads, is also available on our Web site www.southwindssailing.com where thousands more will view it.

• Reduced Prices for Early Ad Reservation Space.

David Curry Advertising Director davidcurry@southwindssailing.com

Gary Hufford Advertising, Pinellas & Hillsborough gary@southwindssailing.com

(941) 761-0048

(727) 585-2814

Local News For Southern Sailors

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LETTERS

Continued from page 9

“Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.”

H.L. Mencken In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.

PALMETTO BOAT RAMP DISAPPEARING? I am writing regarding your article about the loss of boat ramps and other accesses to the intracoastal and coastal waters in Florida.

What isn’t widely known is that the city of Palmetto, FL, is planning to eliminate a boat ramp on the Manatee River at the corner of Business 41 and Riverside Drive. This is the only boat ramp in Palmetto and while not usually used by sailors—though there are no bridges to the open water—it is popular with fishermen. Closing it will surely add to the congestion at other ramps.

I don’t think it is widely known even in Palmetto that this is being considered,if not already decided.

Debra Blatnik Debra, I was surprised to hear this as I know Manatee County has been trying to expand the boat access in the county. I contacted the mayor of Palmetto, and below is his response.

Editor The city of Palmetto is not planning to close the boat ramp at Regatta Pointe (US Business 41 and Riverside Drive). In fact, we’re looking at options to create more boat trailer parking for the boat ramp.

Larry Bustle Mayor, City of Palmetto DISAPPEARING MARINAS & WATERWAY ACCESS Thank you for your editorial on disappearing marinas.

Being a liveaboard, the subject is a particularly sensitive one to me.

In a market/consumer-driven economy it’s hard to convince anyone, even given tax incentives, not to sell out to the highest bidder. What’s required to save water access in the long run is a change in consciousness, not just on the part of the users, but also the general public.

In much the same way that historic architectural districts are saved by a national trust, waterways, municipal marinas and trailer ramps for water access need to be put into the public trust. Is the ICW, the bays and rivers and our oceanfront any less our common heritage than six square blocks of 19th century cast-iron architecture? Both are aesthetic and cultural contributions to our lives.

Between private developers seeking to squeeze the last dollar out of a marina and municipalities banning anchoring, the only people able to use a boat will be the top 10 percent on the economic scale. If the current trend continues for another decade the entire navigable waterway of the country will be a gated community. Having lived in a number of water communities around the country (Seattle, Gloucester, Annapolis, and now South Florida), I’ve also noticed that the higher end the marina, the more sanitized, the less liveaboards allowed, the less people are using their boats. In Elliot Bay in Seattle, where the slips are filled with new 8

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Halberg Rasseys, Lagoons, and Nordhavens, all in pristine condition, on the nicest weekends of the summer, all the boats are sitting in their slips with the lines coiled. Just like the $5-million homes that line the beach limiting access are used only two weeks a year, most of the yachts in these condo/marinas are trophies.

Michael Shopenn I agree. A change in consciousness is what is needed. It is what is needed in almost every critical challenge facing modern man, whether it be education, the environment, crime, health, etc.

Unfortunately, although a change in consciousness might be the best long term answer, it is often the slowest avenue to change. As you mention, if we let this trend of losing access continue for another decade, the result will be a gated world along the waterfront. Change in consciousness throughout the general populace takes decades, if not centuries. If we wait for a change of consciousness, we’ll be long gone along with all the public marinas.

What we need is visionary leaders, who seem to be in short supply out there. Any volunteers?

Editor AND MORE DISAPPEARING MARINAS & WATERWAY ACCESS There is a crisis looming on the East Coast of the United States. No, I’m not speaking of health care access or housing costs or homelessness, although they are all significant problems. The crisis I’m referring to is the rapid decline in public access to the navigable waters of our coastline. At first glance, this may not seem to be a significant problem, and it may appear that it only affects a few residents of the coastal areas. However, as one delves further into it, the economic and social impacts are huge.

Increasingly, privately-owned marinas and boatyards that provide services to the general public are being purchased for large sums of money by developers who are planning to reap the rewards of their investment by razing the existing land-based facilities and replacing them with condominiums and clubhouses. The existing docks then will become the property of the development, and they will be removed from public access. The condo prices are inflated by the inclusion of a private boat slip as part of the deal.

These projects sell out quickly, and the developers happily take the money and head off to the next development opportunity.

So, what’s wrong with that? Developers have the right to develop their property within the confines of existing land use and development regulations. Many of these projects are quite beautiful and provide lovely housing and water access to those who live there. The communities in which they are located reap additional ad valorem tax funds from the escalated property values. Everyone is happy, right?

Wrong. Let’s imagine a scenario that I’m patterning after my own experience. Imagine that you have a 32-foot sailboat with a 4.5 foot draft. You have your boat behind your home in a canal. You don’t need a marina, but you do need a boatyard to haul your boat every other year, at least.

While you are going about your everyday life, the boatyard 10 miles up the river sells to condo developers. You see the article in the newspaper and think, “What a shame! That’s been such an integral part of our city.” Nevertheless, there’s See LETTERS continued on page 10 Local News For Southern Sailors

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LETTERS

Continued from page 9

editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com PO Box 1175,Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705

no urgency, so you go back to your everyday life.

A few months later, you see another article in the newspaper. This time the boatyard under discussion is the yard where you haul. It’s close to home, you know the owner and the laborers, and you’ve had custom work done by this yard over the years. It’s one of the last working yards in the area.

You feel a vague sense of unease. The more you think about it, the more you realize that you may soon be left with no option other than to spend an entire day traveling 60 or more miles at five knots to a yard in another county. Then, rather than being an evening stop after work to work on the boat, you will have to travel an hour or more to the yard, work on your beloved, and then travel another hour home to shower and eat, etc. This is becoming less like fun and more like work. And what happens if I need an emergency haul-out? Sailboat ownership in my area is now becoming far less attractive.

There is another perspective: Most of the yards and privately owned marinas also offer transient docking and fuel service. If they become removed from the public-access domain, the transient boater may be left with no dock space in some areas. Since approved anchorages are often separated by many miles, a cruise down the river would become a logistical challenge.

State Senator Mike Bennett of Bradenton has filed a bill in Tallahassee that would require coastal communities in Florida to develop plans to preserve recreational boating and commercial fishing docks. Palm Beach County passed a bond referendum last November to acquire the development rights of marinas to save them from residential development. The Town of Ponce Inlet has recently directed the town attorney to begin drafting an ordinance that would protect the existing yards and marinas from residential development and would restrict them to preserve their current uses. Please support these plans and similar legislation in coastal communities along the entire East Coast of the United States.

Nancy Epps Ponce Inlet Nancy Epps is a member of the town council of the Town of Ponce Inlet and has been an avid sailor for 35 years.

Nancy, Thank you for your letter. In the last several months we have publicized this issue, and it appears that this problem exists in more and more communities than I first realized. This whole issue centers around getting the most money for a piece of land. Owners of boatyards and marinas who sell out are doing so for big bucks, and many of us can’t blame them. The answer will have to come from the people and their government’s making it profitable to keep those properties in their current use—and encourage other properties to be developed into more marinas and boatyards. This can only be done through taxes, land use planning and zoning—not just laws. I wouldn’t be surprised if some boatyards and marinas are thinking of selling out sooner before they can’t because of soon-to-be-passed laws that might prevent them from selling out, making a small fortune and retiring to some tropical island in a far-off place.

After all, who wants to be left living in a place where the shoreline is non-stop condominiums?

Editor 10

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Introducing The ALL-NEW Hunter 41DS Complete with Spectacular Ocean View Embark on that long-awaited cruise and enjoy the ultimate in sailboat livability and performance with the NEW Hunter 41DS (deck salon) boasting 6’10” headroom.

386.462.3077 • Fax 386.462.4077 For Dealer/Product Information:

huntermarine.com -Building Daysailers through Passagemakers-

Bubba Clogs An Artery

By Morgan Stinemetz

Local News For Southern Sailors

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Wanna Be Pirates! Film Extras Needed for the Next “Pirates of the Caribbean” Movies

40th Annual Dickerson Rendezvous, June 17-18

By Jody L. Alu Just a little quickie to let you know that film extras are needed for the next two Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which will be shot on location in the Caribbean. You need to be able to reside and work locally either on land or on their vessel as extras. The shooting will take place in St. Vincent for two weeks and in the Bahamas for six months. Avast, ye maties! For all the lowdown on becoming a scurvy scalliwag, go to www.piratescasting.com.

Free Float Plan Web Site

By Jody L. Alu There is one simple rule on the water that many overlook: filing a float plan. Don’t count on a friend or family member to try to remember detailed information. Do this yourself to allow rescue personnel to narrow a search and locate your vessel more rapidly should it become overdue.

The redesigned U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Float Plan central Web site is www.uscgaux.org/~floatplan/.

Download this free PDF file and fill it in completely when you plan your next cruise. It also includes the Boating Emergency Guide that assists the holder of the plan in beginning the search and rescue process if it is needed.

Vern Jansky, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist who created this site, insists that float plans need to be filed for anyone taking to the water, including canoeists and kayakers, sport fishermen, sailboaters, and Jet Skiers. Using this tool can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

Dickerson 41. Photo by Larry Rossi.

The Dickerson Owners Association has announced June 1718 for its 40th Annual Rendezvous dates for 2005. The location will be on the Choptank River, at Oxford, MD. This will be a very special Father’s Day weekend aboard historic, classic, Maryland-built, Dickerson Yachts. We want everyone who built a Dickerson, sailed a Dickerson, owns or owned a Dickerson, and Dickerson admirers to come celebrate 40 years together on Saturday, June 18. This event will allow you to speak with people who participated in making history, and to share in behind-the-scenes stories. If you know anyone involved with Dickerson boats, please invite them to the 40th Rendezvous, get their address and phone number, and contact Dick or Susan Young at (717) 738-1773.

37th Annual Running of the Regata Del Sol al Sol— St. Petersburg to Mexico, April 29 The exciting Gulf Stream crossing race from St. Petersburg, FL, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, is scheduled for April 29. Racers will sail 456 nm from St. Petersburg to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Regata Del Sol al Sol and discover a new challenge in offshore racing. The race is part of nine days of festivities in Florida and Mexico called the Regata and Fiesta Del Sol al Sol from April 28-May 6.

The race is open to any monohull or multihull boat 30feet LOA or greater with a current West Florida PHRF rating. You do not have to be a member of a yacht club to participate. The Regata Del Sol al Sol appeals to both the professional skippers on the big racing sleds as well as the skip14

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pers of the true cruising class. Skippers will use their navigation skills to develop a strategy for maneuvering across the challenging Gulf Stream currents. This unusual race provides the opportunity to sail to an exciting destination to experience the culture of Mexico and participate in nine days of festival activities, all while traveling with a large group of fellow cruising sailors.

One of the objectives of the yacht race is to assist the host communities in Mexico with educational, medical and humanitarian supplies. In 2003, the race donated a fire truck and an ambulance to the local host community. The 2004 race delivered equipment for the fire truck and ambulance and medical supplies. This year, additional medical supplies and equipment will be carried by race participants to be presented at the conclusion of the race.

Regata and Fiesta Del Sol al Sol is a world-class international event that delivers an unparalleled offshore racing experience. For additional information, to crew in the race, race details and entry forms, go to www.regatadelsolalsol.org.

Black Boaters Summit

By Jody L. Alu The Black Boaters Summit sprang from simple roots in 1997. “Cap’n Paul” Mixon, who markets travel excursions

Local News For Southern Sailors

strictly to African-Americans, was asked by a yacht charter company to market cruises to his clientele. From humble beginnings of one boat and eight participants, the summit exceeded 140 people on 24 vessels last year.

The eighth annual summit will be held from August 1221 and includes charter yachts from major companies including The Moorings in Clearwater. Their destination for the yearly excursion is the British Virgin Islands. Whether a novice or an expert, Mixon encourages all AfricanAmericans to try the sport of sailing. Additional information can be found at www.blackboaterssummit.com.

Florida’s Endangered Coral Reefs To Be Protected Under Endangered Species Act From Brent Plater, Staff Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity The Center for Biological Diversity was informed that the National Marine Fisheries Service (Fisheries Service) will propose to protect two coral species native to Florida and the Caribbean under the federal Endangered Species Act. The two species, elkhorn and staghorn coral, have suffered 80-98 percent declines throughout significant portions of their range.

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The Fisheries Services announcement is in response to a formal petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity one year ago.

“This is a great day for science, conservation, and the great state of Florida,” said Brent Plater of the Center for Biological Diversity and lead author of the request to protect the corals. Now we can begin the fun part: working hard to bring these corals back from the brink of extinction with the Endangered Species Act, the world’s most effective safety net for fish and wildlife.

Once listed, these coral species will have a variety of protections put in place. Direct taking of the corals will be prohibited, critical habitat areas will be protected, and recovery plans will be implemented.

Perhaps, most important, because global climate change is largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions, the listing of these corals will require greenhouse-gas-emitting industries to consider the wellbeing and recovery of these corals before they are given permits to pollute.

Requiring greenhouse-gas-emitting industries to consider how their activities are impacting our most productive marine ecosystems is not only right in principle but also eminently sensible, said Mr. Plater. The destruction and loss of these coral species and therefore the loss of major portions of the Florida-reef tract ecosystem will result in the loss of billions of dollars to our economy, the loss of an unknown number of medicines, and the decimation of local biodiversity. It’s just common sense to consider these impacts before it is too late.

For more information, photos, and a copy of the petition, please see our Web site at http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/species/coral/index.html

Annual Holding Tank Horror Stories Contest Could Earn You Cash Prizes!

Here we are again. Have you ever had your waste holding tank plug up? Have you ever received a shower from your sewage hose? Or do you have another hilarious story that you would not want anyone to know about, but if you could win prizes, you would share it? Have you ever encountered a smell from your boat’s head that kept you from using your boat?

Yara North America, formerly Hydro/Agri North America, the manufacturer of ODØRLØS®, has an all-natural product that is biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, and effectively prevents unpleasant odors found in holding tanks. They are looking for your Holding Tank Horror Stories and real-life experiences. Prizes include $100 for first prize, and a one-year supply of ODØRLØS® for one vessel is second prize.

Send your stories by e-mail to serinazavala@aol.com, or by mail to Editor, Research Knowledge, 12900 N. Image Canoe, Portland, OR 97217. The stories must be in by June 30, 2005.

Stories may be used with other stories and published in trade publications and/or for promotional purposes and will become the property of Yara of North America, formerly Hydro-Agri of North America.

Marine industry has $1.35-Billion Impact on Florida County From Boating Industries (www.boating-industry.com) A study released recently by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County shows the marine industry has an annual direct economic impact of $1.35-billion in Palm Beach County, a 112 percent increase since the release of a similar study in 1999, MIAPBC said in a release Monday.

The purpose of the study was to estimate the current economic impact of the marine industry in Palm Beach County as well as the estimated current market value of boat slips in the county.

The study was based on the following information: - $2.1-billion in gross business volume - $751-million in personal income - 19,928 jobs - $436-million in boat slips - $78.4-million in marinas and boatyards “Boating is big business in Palm Beach County,” said MIAPBC president Lou Daniello, Jr. “These figures show that our industry is growing at a healthy rate. We must continue to address such issues as waterfront access, the protection of boatyards and the need for more boat ramps and boating destinations to ensure that we can meet the growing needs of boaters in Palm Beach County.”

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www.southwindssailing.com

The study involved updating the findings of a 1999 economic impact study commissioned by the Florida Inland Navigation District.

More than half of the economic impacts are generated by the service sector of the marine industry, including in excess of $1-billion in business sales, $369-million in personal income, and 9,885 jobs. The second largest impacts are generated by manufacturing activities, with more than $320-million in sales, $100-million in personal income, and 2,490 jobs.

In addition to the direct economic impact of the marine industry, the study also found that boaters spend approximately $52.97 per outing on non-marine-related purchases, such as gas, food, drinks, and ice. These non-marine-related purchases total $91-million in retail purchases ($51.6-million for gasoline sales and $39.4-million for food, drinks, and ice) and are estimated to generate economic impacts of $135-million in business volume, $34-million in personal income, and 850 jobs.

The study found that the current average market value of a boat slip in Palm Beach County is $94,235, an increase of 204 percent from the average value presented in the 1999 report.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Tartan C&C Yachts Florida Opens Dealership in Palmetto.

Grand Opening Celebration April 2. See West Florida

Local News For Southern Sailors

Regional Events Calendar.

Massey Holds Second Annual All Cruisers Rendezvous and Boat Show. May 20-22. Regatta Pointe Marina, Palmetto. See West Florida Regional Events Calendar.

David Curry Named New Advertising Director for Southwinds Magazine SOUTHWINDS is pleased to announce that David Curry has joined the staff as advertising director. He brings longtime experience of sailboat magazine advertising, having worked for Cruising World and Sailing World for 12 years in both London and Florida. Before that, he was general manager of Pusser’s Rum in the British Virgin Islands, where he was responsible for “selling the sizzle” of Pusser’s Rum through a wide range of marketing programs.

He is a passionate sailor with many year’s experience in Caribbean racing, where he was a CYA measurer, although he still preserves a keen interest in flying and aircraft, having been an RAF pilot for 20 years before moving to the British Virgin Islands. David says, “I look forward to meeting the readers and advertisers of SOUTHWINDS. It is a wonderfully vital magazine, which has been put on the road to success by Steve Morrell. I am delighted to become a part of it.”

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April 2005

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STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI BOAT SHOW

Ahhh, Another Perfect Day in Paradise Strictly Sail at the Miami International Boat Show, Feb. 17-21

By Jody L. Alu

Stricly Sail boat show. Photo by Jody Alu.

T

he sun was blazing and temps were easily in the mid-70s when we entered the Miami boat show’s Strictly Sail show just after its 10 a.m. opening on day one. It was already buzzing with activity. There were all the usual displays of stacked kitchen pots, metal cleaners, island music CDs, and must-have clothing for the fashionable sailor. We were looking for a few items, so we picked up a new handheld VHF, telescoping boat hook and new flag. Not to be overlooked, we took the time to talk with the folks at Four Winds, as Quiet Eagle has been successfully using one of their wind generators for years. Then we stood mesmerized at one of the booths near the food court. There on the table of Senora Early were hoses, cleats, fittings, stanchions, lines, and even bungee cords held together with wire that had been cleanly and decisively clamped with a small tool called ClampTiteTM. For the next few minutes she demonstrated to us how easily and effectively this tool could replace that myriad of clamps we keep trying to track down

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and hold down when we need to use them. Learn more about it at www.clamptool.com and tell them you read about it in Southwinds. Of course, we were sold and now have one in our toolbox.

Now obviously the stars of the show are the boats. And we enjoyed and toured many of them. On hand to greet visitors were representatives from Hunter, Cabo Rico, Jeanneau, and Catalina along with many of the other top manufacturers for the monohulls.

While aboard the Island Packets, we spotted window coverings in the heads that we found very much to our liking. Easy to install and even easier to use, we spoke with the owner of the company, John Halter, whose booth just happened to be set up across from their display. Since we had replaced our ports a few years ago with those from NewFound Metals, John was familiar with the size and shape we needed and gave us a good show price for outfitting our entire boat, which we went with. Peek A BoooTM blinds are two pieces of Lexan with UV striping running vertically opposite each other. When the panels slide together, the stripes line up, presenting a perfect privacy curtain while allowing light in. They are easily attached. Check out all his innovations at www.zarcor.com and tell John that Joe and Jody from SOUTHWINDS told you about them.

This year marked a new era with the largest multihull exhibit in the nation. Three entire docks at Miamarina Bayside – “Multihull Lagoon” - were filled with every conceivable multihull from tiny 17-foot day skimmers to a long-range 74foot sailing cat. (See following article on catamarans.)

We also got to take a look at Lo Spirito de Stella, the 57foot sailing catamaran skippered by Italian Andrea Stella. In 2000, he was shot by thieves while vacationing in Fort Lauderdale. Paralyzed with no use of his legs, he sails the boat with his wife and small crew. Stella and his father built the boat to accommodate his disability, and last year he sailed to Miami from Italy. He has been taking small groups of disabled people on rides through Shake-A-Leg Miami, and also works with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Stella has found that the United States is much more accessible to disabled people than his native Italy. Now 29, Stella has a new goal: to return to his home country and promote the need for making places there accessible to all people. www.southwindssailing.com

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www.southwindssailing.com

STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI BOAT

Multihulls at the Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show 2005

By Roy Laughlin

2

Cruising catamarans from all over the world on display at the Miami Boat Show. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

005 Strictly Sail at the Miami Boat Show was a significantly different show from those of the recent past.

Cruising multihull buyers were back in numbers for the first time since 2001. Multihull buyers are no longer seduced only by the novelty of level sailing in a cruising catamaran. They are discriminating in a search for value, reliability and reasonable maintenance requirements.

The number of multihulls at the show was up over the recent past. French catamarans are back en masse. Lagoon, a global standard setter, was back with its Lagoon 440. Its notable feature is a cockpit top helm and a new layout permitted by the helm’s movement. Fountaine Pagot, back at Miami after a couple of year’s absence, introduced the Eleuthera, a 60-foot example trés chic for the high seas.

South African catamaran builders continue to dominate Strictly Sail in terms of numbers. South African cats retain a price advantage gained by lower labor costs and a strong competition ethic among the builders. But the dollar’s declining value in foreign exchange and increasing costs of resins and other materials is especially evident in the price of South African cruising catamarans because they had been so notably economical in the recent past.

This was a year to see new multihulls at Strictly Sail. In addition to the Lagoon 440, mentioned above, the Moorings introduced its Moorings 4000. Several show patrons noted how much useful space was in this catamaran’s 40 feet.

Maine Cat introduced the long-awaited Maine Cat 41, a Puritan-inspired 41-foot bluewater cruiser with simple and comfortable accommodations. Charter Cat brought its new Wildcat. Performance Cruising, builders of the Gemini Catamaran, debuted the reborn Telstar, a 30-foot cruising trimaran with folding amas at the show last year. This year, they were back with a Telstar, incorporating refinements based on a year’s sailing experience. The Reynolds 33 high performance catamaran was perhaps the most notable catamaran at the show. This is a racing cat with liveaboard accommodations. The Reynolds 33 has only a trampoline between the hulls, so it would be most appreciated by sailors on warm seas.

The new multihulls suggest that the race to build the biggest production cruising multihull has at least temporarily ended, if not in exhaustion, then in rational recognition that a cruising catamaran over 60 feet is too much to handle for a couple or family. The sweet spot for this market is in the range of 41 to 60 feet. The design challenge seems not to be “bigger” but “more useful.”

Lack of intermediate-sized and -priced cruising multihulls continues to exclude upper middle class buyers from

Local News For Southern Sailors

the cruising multihull experience. Intermediate-sized multihulls, 25 - 35 feet, at the show included both of Performance Cruising’s offerings, the Gemini 105 catamaran and the Telstar trimaran, the Corsair trimarans and the Reynolds 33.

Absence at 2005 Strictly Sail does not mean unavailability.

For example, the Maine Cat 30 is not out of production permanently, but it was not in this year’s show due to the debut of the Maine Cat 41. The chasm formed by beach cats on one side (less than $20,000 new) and luxury bluewater cruising catamarans in the 35- to 60-foot range (price: starting at the mid-six figures) is one that many potential multihull sailors cannot leap in a single step. Sailors and cruisers interested in this size-range boat ended up looking at monohulls at the north end of the marina. Truly committed, but not wealthy, multihull sailors buy in the used boat market. Larger cruising multihulls will surely come onto the used boat market in the future, but at what prices? The new multihull market would face a more secure and predictable future if a more extensive pyramid of size and price existed in this market niche. 2005 will not mark the year the pyramid began to form, unfortunately.

Strictly Sail has emerged as arguably North America’s most significant selling venue for production and custom cruising multihulls. In 2005, the multihull market’s renaissance is a welcome change to the years since 2001 and, hopefully, bodes well for the rest of the economy. While market offerings in the United States leave intact an undesirably divided size/price structure that shows no sign of changing, well-heeled customers have a good choice of multihulls, especially catamarans, suitable for anything from a day of sailing to the adventure of a lifetime.

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TROPICAL PIPELINE

Multihull Sailing A Tradition On The U.S. Virgin Island Of St. Croix

By Carol Bareuther Photos by Dean Barnes

Beach cats on the beach at Buck Island, an offshore island that is part of the National Park Service.

F

ew Caribbean regattas feature multihulls, either beach cats or larger multihulls. Yet on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix, multihulls have had a long tradition as both race boats and day sailboats. So, it isn’t surprising that everything from small beach cats to large trimarans participate in the island’s largest sailing event of the year, the St. Croix International Regatta.

An Ideal Venue For Beach Cats Over the last decade, the trend among Virgin Islands beach cat sailors has shifted from one-design Prindle 19s, and then to Inter-20s and now to a mixed bag that includes a couple of Nacra 5.8s and a Tornado. Add to this the popularity of the Hobie 16 in Puerto Rico,and handicap racing is the rule.

Puerto Rico’s Anton Guernica won this year’s Beach Cat class aboard his Hobie 16, Lolo Too. Guernica posted a sizable 10-point lead over St. Thomas’ Bruce Merced, driving his Prindle 19, Rush. “Everyone else was so far ahead of me that all I could do was concentrate on boat speed,” Guernica said.

Likewise Merced added: “We’d finish and sit by the line looking at our watches to see if we beat him or not on time.”

This regatta marked Guernica’s second year in a row sailing in St. Croix. “The (Buck Island) channel is a great

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location. We saw a lot of turtles. Also, the beach at Buck Island was a nice place to pull up for quick repairs and during breaks in the sailing. We all gathered there and swapped stories. I’m hoping to bring a trailer of Hobie 16s from Puerto Rico next year.”

The Newick Legacy Lives In Large Multis Like a huge bird swooping low over the seas, Charis +, a Crucian-built 37-foot trimaran, raced at speeds of over 20 knots and landed skipper Llewellyn Westerman a first place win in the Large Multihull class. “He pulled a horizon job on me a few times,” said Joe San Martin, aboard his Tee Gull 23, Piglet, which placed second. Though both of these vessels are relatively new, they do harken back to the influence of designer Dick Newick.

In 1956, Newick, a California native, was on his way back home from Europe when he stopped off on the beach in Frederiksted, St. Croix, to cook a few freshly caught fish.

“I ended up staying for the next 17 years,” he said, in a telephone interview last year from his home in Kittery, ME. The Caribbean has no native multihull history. All Newick’s design ideas came from experience he had with boats originating in the South Pacific. “People sail for fun,and no one has yet convinced me that it’s more fun to go slow than it is to go fast,” he says, as the inspiration for him to start designing and building multihulls.

Newick built his first multihull, a 40-foot catamaran he called Ay Ay, in an old liquor warehouse. Ay Ay is the ancient Arawak Indian name for St. Croix. “I built the two hulls inside and found the door wasn’t big enough to get out. So I had to take it out in parts and assemble it on the beach,” he explained.

Soon after, Newick moved his home and workshop closer to Christiansted and founded the first day-sail charter business to Buck Island. In 1967, when he launched a 36foot trimaran, Trice, Newick hired Westerman to be its skipper. It was a job Westerman held for the next dozen years.

By 1979, Westerman was ready for a boat of his own— specifically a trimaran. The first Charis, hull number seven of Newick’s Trice design, was built in Maine where Newick www.southwindssailing.com

moved to in 1973.

Charis+ took two Westerman sailed it years to build, with to the Virgin Islands two full-time and and made it his own one part-time worker day sailboat. in an Estate Solitude During the early yard. The design was years, the Newick Newick-inspired, but family would often Silva and Westerman take off on Caribbean added touches all cruises aboard Ay Ay St. Croix’s Tom Ainger and Scott McChain on Caribbean Auto Mart. their own. “We’d with friends. “I rehave to fill out forms member that instead of summer camp, we go off sailing as we went along,and they all asked for model name. So, we with Dick. Sometimes it would be as far south as St. Kitts,” decided to call it a Mongoose,” Silva said. said Julie San Martin, who grew up on St. Croix and introThe trimaran was launched in November 2002. duced husband Joe to multihull sailing.

Westerman explained: “I called the parson, and let’s just In the late 70s, Newick designed a 36-foot trimaran say he was surprised to hear from me. I said: ‘No,I don’t built on Martha’s Vineyard and purchased by a private want you to christen any more children for me, and no,I’m client who put the vessel in the day-sail business on St. not getting married again. I’ve got a new boat, you see, Thomas, then sailed to St. Maarten. Hurricane Klaus, in and want you to come say a few words.’ That’s what I told 1984, damaged the boat, but an able Dutchman with a small him.” Down at the water’s edge, the clergyman said his beachside yard repaired it. “We were looking to buy a triblessings and toasted the launch with the crew with a sip maran, specifically a Newick, and found this boat in St. of cognac.

Maarten. I bought it sight unseen. We named it Three Little Just the year before, San Martin launched his new Pigs,” Julie San Martin says.

Piglet, a Newick design, and Tremelino-built 23-foot triOver what is now 17 years, Westerman taught San maran. This followed his Three Little Pigs being literally Martin to sail his trimaran, and the two have sparred on the crushed to pieces in ’99’s Hurricane Lenny. Amazingly, Rob racecourse ever since.

Jones, of Jones Maritime, picked up the pieces, called Yet, it was a succession of hurricanes that evolved both Newick for the original plans and put the vessel back men into new boats. together over two and a half years. “It was like a jigsaw In 1995, Westerman’s Charis was totaled in Hurricane puzzle. I took what he had and what I wanted and built it Marilyn. “We tried to pull her out and salvage her, but the from the underbody up,” Jones said. mast broke. She went completely over. So, I got on the Now named Rodeo Clown, the trimaran floats at anchor phone to Dick and said: ‘Chief, did you hear?’ And he said in the Christiansted harbor where Jones uses it for sunset he did. Then he said: ‘Lew, you don’t owe her anything. and day sails. Also across the harbor is Trice, still used by Start anew.’ So that’s what we did,” Westerman explained.

Mile Mark Charters for day sails.

For many years, Crucian boatwright, George Silva, betAfter the awards ceremony at the St. Croix ter known as “Moose,” crewed with Westerman. The two International Regatta, Julie San Martin picked up a copy of often talked about how they might tweak Charis to make the results and tucked them in her binder. “We’ll be calling her go faster or perform better. Now, they had the chance.

Dick tonight. He always wants to know about his boats. His “We built her literally from coffee-table designs. We boats are like his children, and the people who sail them his knew just what we wanted,” Silva said. grandchildren.”

Local News For Southern Sailors

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April 2005

23

REEF RELIEF

THE HISTORY OF REEF RELIEF

Reef Mooring Buoys: Lifesavers for the Reef

By DeeVon Quirolo

Executive Director, Reef Relief, a nonprofit grassroots membership organization dedicated to preserve and protect living coral reef ecosystems through local, regional and international efforts. Reef Relief, P.O. Box 430, Key West, Florida 33041. (305) 294-3100. www.reefrelief.org. coral barrier reef, or that coral n 1987, sailors in Key West reefs were Earth’s most bioorganized to install mooring logically diverse ecosystems. buoys to prevent anchor damAs we learned more, we age to the coral reefs just off began sharing this new-found Key West. They were led by knowledge with others.

Capt. Craig Quirolo, one of the Our first concern was to first charter boat operators to eliminate physical impacts to take snorkelers out to discover the coral. The message was: this tropical underwater don’t anchor, don’t stand, and world. Back then, it was surplease don’t touch the fragile livprising to see another boat at ing reef. Marine debris cleanthe same reef you’d chosen for ups were organized to remove the day. tons of plastics and garbage The result was creation of from the reefs and beaches. a system of moorings that grew to 116 buoys at seven Usually, it takes regular inspection and scrubbing to keep mooring buoys Quirolo and a local salvor Key West-area reefs. And the clean, but thanks to a new design by Reef Relief’s Craig Quirolo (pictured worked together to move accifounding of Reef Relief, a here inspecting a reef mooring buoy), a self-cleaning buoy line will save dentally-grounded boats off managers around the world hours by eliminating the need to scrub down the reef. grassroots organization dedi- the buoys. Photo courtesy Reef Relief.

Beginning in 1990, Reef cated to protecting coral reefs.

Relief helped establish buoy programs around the The buoys addressed an immediate and obvious problem: Caribbean. Grassroots efforts were launched in: Negril, anchor damage. The buoy program grew as Key West Jamaica; Puerto Rico; Mexico; Guanaja, Bay Islands, became home to the world’s largest charter boat fleet and Honduras; and the Bahamas. The addition of a Web site at dive destination. The reef had been discovered. www.reefrelief.org further increased our capacity to eduThe magical underwater world of coral reefs is one of cate around the globe. Each installation became the first nature’s most beautiful wildernesses. Tropical communities step toward a comprehensive coral reef conservation proand indigenous cultures depend upon them for food, gram including education, surveying, and creation of tourism, recreation and subsistence. Ninety percent of commarine-protected areas. Craig also improved on the buoy mercial fisheries depend upon coral reefs. They are the rainsystem. When larger head boats began reef charters, he forests of the ocean—alive with hard and soft corals, fish, strengthened the design of the mooring buoys. Recently, he sponges, jellyfish, anemones, snails, crabs, conch, lobsters, invented a self-cleaning buoy. rays, sea turtles, dolphins and other creatures.

The buoys were just a beginning. At the reef, the “ginAt first, Reef Relief’s board didn’t know that our favorite reef sites were part of the world’s third longest

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www.southwindssailing.com

Reef Relief teamed up with Mote Marine Lab to establish a coral reef specialty license plate in Florida. Now Florida sea fans can help save coral reefs and have a colorful reef scene on the license plate. Photo courtesy Mote Marine Lab.

clear� waters of the Keys were turning green and visibility reduced. In 1993, he used the cash prize from the first Robert Rodale Environmental Achievement Award to launch the Key West Coral Photo Monitoring Survey. It soon became This is the first self-cleaning buoy, apparent that all was designed by Reef Relief founder Craig not well below the sur- Quirolo. He added an extra length of line face. Craig document- around the outside of the buoy float and ed various reef im- secured it by splicing it to the pick-up line and down line above and below the float. pacts: algal blooms, Now the motion of the ocean cleans the storm damage, coral buoy of any algal growth, which, if diseases, bleaching, scrubbed off a buoy, could damage the boat groundings, even coral below. Photo by Craig Quirolo/Reef fish and snail grazing. Relief.

He alerted coral scientists and created a scientific advisory board to help study the rapid decline.

When storms and hurricanes hit the Keys, Craig documented the damage to shallow branching corals, especially elkhorn, which grows only in the Caribbean. Reef Relief and sanctuary biologist Harold Hudson then designed a coral nursery at Western Sambo Reef to elevate and stabilize fragments that would otherwise lie buried in sediment.

The Clean Water Campaign was born to improve water quality. Reef Relief launched a public awareness campaign to rally support for improved sewage treatment throughout the Keys and South Florida. We organized the Coral Reef Coalition to support legislation that established the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary with the first ever EPA Water Quality Protection Program. We drafted legislation to create a Key West No Discharge Zone for boater sewage that has been extended to all state waters.

In 2002, Reef Relief partnered with the city of Key West to create the Key West Marine Park, a zoned system of swim lanes and vessel access lanes, so that swimmers can safely enjoy the oceanside shoreline of Key West.

At the regional level, Reef Relief called for watershed water quality improvements in the Everglades Restoration Plan that includes removing harmful nitrogen pollution.

The We All Live Downstream campaign points out that nutrient and pesticide-laden runoff from the Everglades reaches Florida Bay and passes through the Keys to the downstream coral reefs. Despite rigorous science by Dr. Local News For Southern Sailors

Healthy elkhorn coral growth is apparent in this coral, which is part of the Reef Relief Coral Nursery at Noname Cay in Abaco, Bahamas. This fragment was stabilized after being buried in rubble after a hurricane. Photo by Craig Quirolo/Reef Relief.

Larry Brand and others, planners are reluctant to go beyond current plans that address only phosphorus. Thousands of petitions have been mailed to key policymakers asking for a nitrogen removal plan, but progress has been discouraging and slow.

On the international front, Reef Relief has been active in the Northern Bahamas

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REEF RELIEF

Reef Relief founder Craig Quirolo surveys coral reefs near Key West and throughout the Caribbean. He is currently archiving the 20,000 plus images onto the Reef Relief Web site at www.reefrelief.org.

Photo by Reef Relief.

since 1999. It began with installation of 18 reef mooring buoys, followed by educational programs and an ongoing survey of the reefs. After extensive hurricane damage, a coral nursery was established at Noname Cay. Reef Relief opened the Captain Roland Roberts House Environmental Center in a restored 1840s Bahamian wood house in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, in the fastgrowing Abacos, Bahamas. Docents give tours to boaters, students, visitors and residents who learn about the incredible diversity of coral reefs and how to help save them.

Currently, Reef Relief works on a local, regional and international level to protect coral reefs, with an international membership, an online community, an extensive Web site, and numerous awards. Volunteers and a staff of five that is still directed by the husband and wife team who founded Reef Relief make significant progress every year.

Reef Relief’s dedicated board of directors is led by President Paul Johnson, a veteran environmental policy advisor for three Florida governors, David

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This is a “Not Here Bubba” hat, sold at Reef Relief in the 1990s. We were fighting the effort to allow offshore oil exploration and development in areas as close as 25 miles from the Florida Keys.

Everyone in the Keys united to ban offshore oil and the senior Fury charterboat owner Peter Norquoy and crew along with President Bush announced Reef Relief founder Craig Quirolo, kneeling to right, in 1988, that the plans would be when they donated mooring buoy drilling equipment to Reef abandoned. Photo courtesy Reef Relief.

Relief. Photo courtesy Reef Relief.

www.southwindssailing.com

heroic victories, over 30 percent of the world’s coral reefs Helvarg, writer and founder of the Blue Frontier coalition of have disappeared in the last decade. Fully 80 percent of ocean activists, along with local and regional members in elkhorn corals, which grow only in the Caribbean, have the business, art, and citizen community. Additional supbeen lost in the past few years, port is provided by an advisory with the Florida Keys identified board, a scientific advisory board, as a hot spot. and an honorary board with But together—at the grassroots Grateful Dead guitarist Bob level—we can be even more powWeir, his sister Wendy Weir, veterful and achieve change on a eran non-profit organizer Alex broad scale. Recently, the Pew Pacheco and marine artist Trust and the President’s Ocean Wyland.

Policy Commission both released Educational activities are reports confirming that our based from headquarters in Key oceans are in trouble and noting West and Reef World, an educathat coral reefs require substantional facility. The Discover Coral tially more protection. Both call Reefs School Program is provided for new federal level ocean proto every fourth grade student in tection. Comprehensive U.S. the Keys and to special groups, ocean legislation could achieve thanks to Educator Joel Biddle. these goals, but it is a daunting Educator tools, such as a teacher guide, DVDs and videos, are pro- Reef mooring buoys prevent anchor damage to coral reefs, task in this political climate.

Although there is plenty of bad duced and sold online and at our which are endangered worldwide and in need of all the protection they can get. This coral is located in Abaco, news, there is cause for optimism. gift store in Key West.

Bahamas, and is just beginning to exhibit a new disease But it takes building a constituenCraig Quirolo’s archive of called “brown spot.” Photo by Craig Quirolo/Reef Relief. cy for coral reefs in America and over 20,000 images from the coral worldwide. So get involved. Be a Sea Fan. Join Reef Relief, survey is currently being posted on the Web site. His most join our online community, and visit www.reefrelief.org. intriguing new project is creating a queen conch nursery in You will be supporting living coral reefs that make life on a natural lagoon in the clean waters of the Abacos, planet Earth possible.

Bahamas.

Reef Relief has proven to me that, indeed, a small group DeeVon Quirolo is executive director of Reef Relief, a nonprofit of dedicated individuals can change the world! Solutions do grassroots membership organization dedicated to preserve and exist to address each cause of coral reef decline. It just takes protect living coral reef ecosystems through local, regional and dedication. Our individual actions do make a difference. By international efforts. Reef Relief, P.O. Box 430, Key West, Florida making wise choices every day, we can be the change. The 33041. (305) 294-3100. www.reefrelief.org. tough news is that our work is far from over, and despite

Local News For Southern Sailors

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April 2005

27

Birth of a Cat,

PART II

By John Kelly

Last year, Marine surveyor John Kelly wrote us (Birth of a Cat — April 2004 — view online at www.southwindssailing.com) about the challenges of contracting for an unfinished 34-foot catamaran from South Africa.

Here's his latest update.

W

ord finally came that our catamaran was inbound as deck cargo via freighter from Durban, South Africa.

The delivering vessel, a bulk carrier aptly named the Georgia Gal, was due to dock in Jacksonville, FL, on Sept. 10. Great timing!!! Besides being delivered three months late AND at a port 400 miles south of its contracted delivery port, Cataline was arriving at the worst time of the year! Florida had just been clobbered by hurricanes Bonnie, Charley, Francis, and Ivan was now lurking in the Gulf deciding what part of Florida it could beat up.

In addition, this “unfinished” catamaran would arrive without nav equipment (no depth finder, compass or radios) and had no functioning interior. Talk about a basic boat.

Here’s where good buddies and smooth talking came into play. “Hey! Fancy a scenic tour of the southeast coast of the U.S. in a stripped-out boat with no nav gear? Oh. By the way, she is arriving a week before Ivan, so we will have to hustle home.”

The first leg would be from Jacksonville to Charleston, SC, and I pressed an old Air Force buddy into service. We are both ex-pilots who had flown in ‘Nam together. “Hell,” he said, “It can’t be any worse than getting shot at above the Ho Chi Minh trail.” Well, that’s a novel thought!

Arriving at the port, we watched with great anticipation as the Georgia Gal tied up with Cataline strapped on her stern just below the smokestack of this very oily and dirty freighter. From dockside, Cataline looked like a trussed-up

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Cataline, arriving at Jacksonville, FL, being hoisted off the South African freighter, Georgia Gal.

feral cat ready for the pound! She even had the color of an alley cat—dirty brown! God! I thought we bought a white boat!

The next day, with customs in tow, we got on board to inspect our purchase. She looked terrible! Streaks of ingrained dirt and oil all over her. Securing straps had dug into her wood rub rail, and most of the chrome push and pulpit rails were covered with oil and surface rust.

The unloading crew—with great skill and cunning— lifted her off and plopped her between Georgia Gal’s stern and the bow of another grimy freighter. Mooring lines

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were crisscrossed above her, and we had about 10 feet between the bow and stern of those freighters.

As we were loading up for the trip north, the dock supervisor strolled by and coolly informed us that we had 10 minutes to move her out of that “unsafe” position. Gee, thanks.

Hope her engines start!!

Miraculously, her twin Volvos coughed to life, and half loaded, we motored “round the bend” to a marina which had just been clobbered by Francis. The only usable dock, fortunately, was the fuel dock. We watered, fueled, provisioned her and hired a guy with a pressure washer and lots of soap in an attempt to get some of her deck and cockpit clean. He managed to get the first layer off but also blew through some deck gel coat in spots – we quickly stopped that brilliant cleaning idea.

Cataline in South Africa.

Cataline.

The author (on the left), his wife Jill, and David Butts, who helped deliver the boat from Jacksonville.

Heading Home Kissing my wife goodbye, Dave and I headed down the St. John’s River into the blackest and wettest-looking squall line on the East Coast. With no bimini or covering and with visibility down to zero, we crawled south like two drowned rats.

The plan was to take the ICW since the boat was at this juncture new and not equipped for ocean sailing. I carried some ICW charts, a portable GPS, VHF and a cell phone.

Since I had traveled the ICW many times on delivery trips, I figured if we kept in the middle with trees on both sides, we would be okay. (Cataline only draws 2.5 feet) Besides, we had the place to ourselves. The ICW was completely deserted but flooded with bits and pieces of stuff from the previous hurricanes.

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BIRTH

OF A

CAT

We made good time north, motoring at 7 to 8 knots when the visibility allowed. It was a very wet ride and fortunately, Ivan decided to hit the Panhandle, so all we got was heavy rainsqualls. The rain at times was so hard that we had to stop in mid ICW, cautious not to leave the previous mark until we sighted the next one.

During day three, Dave, out of boredom, commenced hand-cleaning the aft deck. Somewhere along the hinterlands of Georgia, I observed him slide off the slippery aft deck and splash into the water. What a time for a mandatory MOB drill! I threw him an LPU and circled his floating shape. Although the hulls have boarding steps, there was no boarding ladder installed (yet).

With yeoman effort and a line wrapped around his chest, I finally got him high enough out of the water where he could kneel on the first step. It took about 20 minutes to get his carcass aboard. Aft deck cleaning ceased by order of the captain!

Arriving in Charleston, Dave jumped ship to be replaced by another hapless sailing buddy. The trip to Wilmington was uneventful except for the 12-inch clearance we had under two bridges due to the flooded state of the ICW. We actually could pull our way through and under the Socastee railroad bridge south of Myrtle Beach. Good thing Cataline is unrigged.

Systems Installation Since the delivery we have installed the plumbing, AC and DC electrical wiring, stanchions, lifelines, bimini top, radios, navigation console and have “tricked out” the cabins. We can now see a dim light at the end of our upgrade tunnel, but much is still to do.

The game plan is to finish by mid May but leave her “unrigged” since we want to do the Great Circle Loop circumnavigation; up the Hudson, along the Erie Canals, through the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, the TennTom canal to Mobile and out across the Gulf to Florida, then home.

Whether we can pull this off depends on many factors: getting our personal life and ties in order, finishing the boat in time and having anything left in our rapidly dwindling bank account.

Cataline at home.

those twin engines in her hulls 15 feet apart. You can turn her within her own length, and she backs straight as an arrow. Her fuel consumption at cruise (about 7.5k) is less than 1 gallon/an hour/per engine. And she’s quiet under way. For a 34-footer she’s roomy inside, and if we don’t screw up the interior, she’ll be very comfortable.

If we survive the trip in “Yankee land” we’ll eventually rig her for ocean sailing, but that’s another story. As for now, Honey, go to the bank again and - Bring Over Another Thousand!

John is a Certified NAMS Marine Surveyor in Wilmington, NC, with over 20 years of cruising and delivery experience in a variety of vessels.

Lessons Learned When doing business with a boatbuilder—especially in a foreign land—have an extremely detailed contract. The shipping issues were a nightmare, and the boat was rushed for shipping. Numerous things (mostly cosmetic) were either missed or improperly completed.

You’ll be over budget and you’ll underestimate the time required to complete. Being a marine surveyor, I thought I had a leg up on these items. Not so! Remember that BOAT stands for: Bring Over Another Thousand!

If you get in over your head designing or installing a system, hire an expert. We did this for the AC system and hired an ABYC certified technician who looked over my shoulder (thankfully) as I installed it.

First Impressions We like the boat. She handles exceptionally well with Local News For Southern Sailors

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BINOCULARS

Binoculars Explained:

How to Choose a Good Pair

By Bruce Pierce

I

believe that binoculars are one of the most important navigational tools on a boat. Yet, I have always been amazed at the amount of confusion there is in boating about binoculars.

Most boaters, and even a lot of professional captains, don’t understand what the numbers represent or how they will affect their usability.

One of the biggest problems adding to the confusion, is that people tend to buy very inexpensive binoculars, thinking that this is an easy place to save money. But what happens is the binoculars are so poor that it’s very hard to see anything.

What happens is the binoculars end up in the chart drawer, not being used, and the skipper, standing on the dock, tells his buddies, “Binoculars are useless on a boat.”

A good friend of mine, who worked for a great binocular manufacturer, Leica, explained to me what you’re paying for. A person goes to an eyeglass store to buy a pair of glasses. The eyeglasses are just two pieces of glass, or plastic, and the construction of the frame is not that complex. Yet it is common to pay $300 - $400 for an ordinary pair of glasses.

Then she asked me how much I paid for my Maui Jim sunglasses. I told her around $200. She asked why did I pay so much for the sunglasses when you can buy a cheap pair for a lot less than that, right off the rack. I told her, because when I used those inexpensive sunglasses, I got headaches after using them on the water. She said “That’s the difference between good glasses and bad.”

There is a lot more work that goes into the construction of binoculars than eyeglasses. A typical binocular might have eight to twelve pieces of glass, or mirrors, on each side. Each piece needs to be perfectly aligned, using laser precision. The glass has to be ground with laser precision. And the glass needs to be coated to help the light reach your eyes. Both left and right cylinders need to be the same, and there has to be an internal focusing system to keep the moisture out.

When you think about it, doesn’t it make sense, that if

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eyeglasses cost $300 - $400, then a good pair of binoculars would cost more than that?

A quality pair of binoculars ends up on your neck or in the cockpit, instead of down in the chart table. When you go to use them, you can actually see what you’re looking at, and the benefits become obvious. Imagine being able to see something seven, or even 10, times closer. Your eyes have to be one of the best navigational tools you have on a boat, and you can make them seven to 10 times stronger.

What Does 7 x 50 Mean?

Now, let me explain what the numbers mean, and how they affect you, the boater. Numbers like 7 x 42, 8 x 25, 10 x 50, or 7 x 50. The first number represents the amount of magnification. How much closer the subject will be to you. For example, a 10 power, or magnification, will make a subject that is a thousand yards away (10 football fields) look as if it was only 100 yards away (one football field.) So, following the same formula, a seven magnification would take a subject that is 700 yards away and make it appear to be 100 yards away.

How does this affect you, the boater? You would think, by this example, that the higher power would be better. But, the more magnification, or let’s say, the higher first number, the steadier the binoculars have to be held, and the platform you’re on has to be stable. Well, most sailboats aren’t very stable. So, to be able to use a binocular you need a low first number, like a seven. This is one of the biggest problems: Boats are not steady and people buy too much magnification, while also buying poor quality binoculars, making them very hard to use. But a high quality binocular and a low magnification, like a seven, solves this problem— really pretty simple.

If your vessel is very stable, and large, maybe over 70 feet, you could use a stronger pair and get away with it. But since you’re probably using your naked eye right now, and your inexpensive pair is down below doing you no good at all, being able to bring a subject seven times closer is quite an improvement.

The second number represents the diameter, in millimeters (mm) of the front lens. The larger the front lens, the more light enters the binoculars, making the image brighter and clearer. How does this affect you, the boater? Probably not a lot. If the lenses are properly set, ground, and coated, you probably will have enough light to have a clear and bright image. But, to give you an example; if you were stargazing, a higher second number (42/50) would allow you to see more stars than, say, a lower number (25/32). Or, if you were bird watching, the trees are very shadowy, with a higher number, you would be able to pick out the birds easier. Most of what the boater is looking at—markers, other boats, and the like—you should have no problem with a quality pair of glasses. www.southwindssailing.com

Porro Prism vs Roof Prism There are two different designs of the mechanical binoculars, which I am referring to now. One is called porro prism, and the other is called roof prism.

A roof prism uses a regular glass lens, like a camera, which should be multi-coated, and must be ground and aligned perfectly. But when a quality manufacturer manufactures the roof prism, it is hard to beat its performance. Roof prisms are usually smaller and lighter, and they have two cylinders, or round sides.

Porro prisms use a glass lens at each end, and inside they use mirrors that reflect back to each other to achieve magnification, much like some telescopes. They are usually bigger, bulkier, and less expensive.

Let me explain why I think binoculars are so important to navigation. I have always felt that one of the hardest things in cruising is coming into a port that I have never been in before. Now this has become easier with some of the new chart plotters or computer chart programs, but the markers in many areas change frequently, and you need to rely on your eyes and good seamanship and the reality. So with binoculars you can spot the markers, lights, or breakers, much farther away. This helps you put all your information—from your charts, plotters, and visuals—together sooner, so you can understand the channel entrance.

If you should lose power on your boat’s battery system

Local News For Southern Sailors

(being a tow captain, I have seen this happen more times than you believe), there is a good chance you will lose your GPS and radar. A good pair of binoculars can prove to be a lifesaver in a situation like this. They always work. They’re completely mechanical. They require no batteries.

Sometimes you can see a light in the distance, but not be able to tell a color, or what it is. With good binoculars, you can solve this problem and determine your correct response.

Sometimes, the next marker in the ICW might be far away. Or there might be a confusing marker off to one side. Being able to read them farther away could be a big help in keeping you in the middle of the channel.

I have seen smoke from a vessel that was at a distance but could not tell if it was on fire or just heavy exhaust.

Under the section “Navigation” in one of the larger marine catalogues, the first item they mention is binoculars, and they spend 11 pages on it. Although they only have one pair that I like.

Judging and Buying a Good Pair A good, simple test of binoculars is to hold the binoculars at arm’s length, and look at the circle of light. If the glass is See BINOCULARS continued on page 69

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33

Regional Sailing Services Directory Sailing Services Directory starts as low as $8 a month.

Call (941) 795-8704 or e-mail editor@southwindssailing.com APPLIANCE REPAIR

Boat Appliance Repair Serving the Gulf Coast Specializing in Marine Appliances 90-day Warranty Ken Dunlap, Owner Cell: (228) 697-0991

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Masthead Used Sails………..(800) 783-6953 FL KEYS BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS www.mastheadsailinggear.com With Pro Guide Capt. “BR” Largest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361 Exploring, Sportfishing, Birding (305) 304-2258 www.keywest-sportfish.com GESLIN SAILMAKERS (305) 294-5854 New Sails, Service & Repairs 201 William St. – Key West MARINE DIESEL SERVICE INLAND MARINE DIESEL....................Atlanta Service/Parts for all makes of diesel auxiliary New Engine Sales–Universal, Beta, Yanmar, and Westerbeke.......................(404) 513-4414

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COMMUNICATIONS

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DockSide Radio www.docksideradio.com RIGGING SERVICES Pactor II/III Modem Sales & Support; FCC Marine Radio License filing; SailMail & WinLink East Florida Installation & Training.............(941) 661-4498 Beach St.Canvas/Rigging Rigging, Canvas, Sails, Sail Repair CUSTOM BOAT SERVICE Daytona Beach, Florida............(386) 253-6322

Wind Dancer Sailmakers NE Florida Sailmaking and repairs Jacksonville, FL........................(904) 384-3102

Rent this 2" ad space starting at $38 a month

SAILING INSTRUCTION/SCHOOLS Floridaze Sailing School Pensacola ASA * Basic Instructon through chartering www.floridazesailing.com .......(850) 934-7924 Windward Sailling School NE Florida ASA Instructor of the year 2002-2003 Certifications from basic sailing through Bareboat Chartering, Keelboat, etc. www.windwardsailing.com Fernandina Beach, FL............(904) 261-9125

ADVERTISE FOR $8-$10/MONTH Rent a three-line ad for $8/month a four-line ad for $10/month OR

GET A DISPLAY AD

1" Tall AD - $20 a month 2" Tall Ad - $38 a month Call (941) 795-8704

ADVERTISE YOUR SAILING SERVICES IN OUR REGIONAL DIRECTORY. CONTACT: Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com (941) 795-8704 See the sample ads in the directory above for prices. See page 63 for cost of 2" boxed-in ads and larger (display classifieds)

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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING Carolinas & Georgia Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Racing Calendar Race Report

NORTH CAROLINA

SE Coast April Weather Lake Lanier

WATER TEMPERATURE Cape Hatteras, NC - 59° Savannah, GA - 67° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Cape Hatteras, NC 54° lo - 67° hi Savannah, GA 53° lo - 78° hi For Real Time Southeast Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Southeast.shtml

GEORGIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Wilmington

Charleston

Beaufort

1

Savannah SOUTHEAST COAST

April Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

Upcoming Events & News SC Maritime Heritage Foundation Unveils New Journal for Community Education

A

new print publication highlights South Carolina’s rich maritime past combined with news of current maritime projects under way. Voyage opens with an introduction from Brad Van Liew, executive director of the foundation, “…you should leave the experience of reading this journal with a real and enlightened impression of the maritime significance of our state and its impact on the development of North America and the world.”

Articles in the first edition of Voyage include “A Day in the Life of Captain Swan on the Pilot Boat Frances Elizabeth,” “The Charleston to Bermuda Race 2005,” “America,” plus a strong endorsement by Mayor Joe Riley and updates on the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship construction.

Voyage also launches membership opportunities with the foundation, which include a subscription to Voyage, VIP events, private tours and more.

The initial edition of Voyage is being distributed to 17,000 homes in the state of South Carolina and in select maritime locales.

Construction Resumes on Tall Ship “Spirit of South Carolina”

The Spirit of South Carolina under construction, before it was recently covered with a tent. Photo courtesy South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation.

students, this tall ship will be a wonderful representation of the strong maritime history of this area and state.”

Two truckloads of wood arrived this week at the Spirit shipyard, ready to be milled. Eighteen massive live oak timbers, measuring 20 to 40 inches in diameter, came as a gift from Palmetto Bluff, a development situated in the lowcountry between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, GA. Transport of the logs was provided by Sea Ray of Charleston. Once milled, the wood will be used for the final

M

ark Bayne and his crew from Sea Island Boatworks picked up their tools and resumed work in March on the classic wooden tall ship being constructed in downtown Charleston. Construction was halted in October 2003 after funds ran dry, and the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation’s board of directors determined that reorganization was needed. A bright smile under the dust on Bayne’s face indicated that he was more than pleased to resume pursuing the dream that began in 2000 when he and a few friends started chatting about building a tall ship in South Carolina over afternoon beers at the local boatyard.

“The Spirit of South Carolina will be a great asset to the area and to the state of South Carolina,” said Mayor Joe Riley.

“Providing unique educational experiences to thousands of

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35

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING five frames of the ship, as well as longitudinal stringers and deck beams. Long leaf yellow pine will be used for the planking, which will be the next significant phase of construction.

The budget to build the ship has been set at $4-million, $1.3-million of which has been committed by the board of directors and key donors. Funds were recently committed

by Hank Holliday, Edgar Buck, the Wilkinson Foundation, Charlie Moore, and Dexter Rumsey IV of Batten & Moore. A strategic capital campaign is under way to raise the remaining funds.

Learn more about the Spirit of South Carolina at www.scmaritime.org.

Seabrook Island Named Title Sponsor for 2005 Charleston Race Week Seabrook Island recently announced its role as commodore sponsor (title sponsor) of the 10th Annual Charleston Race Week, the third largest regatta of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. More than 100 sailboats with crews totaling more than 500 are expected to participate in this year’s event, which has become one of Charleston’s defining events.

The event, officially billed as “Seabrook Island Presents Charleston Race Week 2005,” is an annual regatta for racing sailboats over 22 feet in length and will take place April 7 10 in Charleston Harbor. The event is supported heavily by

all the local yacht clubs and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, comprising more than 215 members.

“Charleston is fast becoming one of the preeminent sailing capitals on the East Coast, and Seabrook Island’s private oceanfront setting and Bohicket Marina provide a haven for the many sailing enthusiasts who live there,” said Joe Salvo, broker-in-charge of Seabrook Island Realty. “We look forward to showcasing our unique combination of wide, rolling beaches, maritime forests, upscale community living, world-class club amenities and total privacy and serenity, all in Charleston’s backyard,” he added.

Over 500 sailors from more than 15 states and from as far away as Ontario, Canada, including notables such as Teddy Turner, son of CNN founder Ted Turner, are expected to participate in competitive racing over the course of the event.

“Nowhere south of the Chesapeake Bay is there a facility that comes close to Charleston Harbor for this type of event,” said Brian Swan, commodore of CORA. “And now, we are proud and honored to have Seabrook Island as a perfectly suited low country sponsor for Charleston Race Week. Having Seabrook on board as title sponsor further positions us as the preeminent sailing event on the Carolina coast.”

Visit www.charlestonraceweek.com for additional information. Complete registration information is provided on the site.

Events Calendar APRIL Adult Basic Sailing Classes, Sunday evenings 5:30 – 8:30, Atlanta Yacht Club, GA, www.atlantayachtclub.org 1-4 South Carolina In-Water Boat Show, Bittlebank Park, Charleston, SC 2 Boat Smart, US Power Squadron, Denver United Methodist Church, Denver, NC (Richard Todd, 704-662-3647) 2 Atlanta Yacht Club Annual Commissioning Ceremony & Dinner, www.atlantayachtclub.org 4 Boat Smart, US Power Squadron, Progress Energy Media Center, Southport, NC (Larry Walch, 910-278-9261) 5-6 Sail to Charleston, Long Bay Sailing Assoc., SC www.longbaysailing.org 10 Learn to Sail, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA www.barefootsailing.org 9-10 Cruise to Bald Head, Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC www.cfycnc.com 18 America’s Boating Course, USCG Auxiliary, Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, NC 23 America’s Boating Course, USGC Auxiliary, Corps of Engineers Office, 1138 Hwy Spur 20, Cartersville, GA (Loren Emery 404-509-6601) MAY Adult Basic Sailing Classes, Sunday evenings 5:30 – 8:30, Atlanta Yacht Club, GA. , www.atlantayachtclub.org Advanced Junior Sailing Classes, Atlanta Yacht Club, GA., Saturdays 9:30 – 12:30, www.atlantayachtclub.org 5–8 Level I Smallboat Instructor Course, College of Charleston, SC., www.sayra-sailing.org/pages/racing.htm 26 – 29 Level I Smallboat Instructors Course, Lake Norman Yacht Club, NC., www.sayra-sailing.org/pages/racing.htm

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www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING 27 – 30 Sail to Georgetown, Georgetown, SC., www.longbaysailing.org 31 – 6/2 Level II Instructors Course, Lake Norman Yacht Club, NC., www.sayra-sailing.org/pages/racing.htm

Race Calendar These dates and events are subject to change without warning.

Please refer to each sailing club’s Web site for more accurate details.

APRIL Lake Lanier, GA (www.larc.strictlysailing.com) 1-3 Dogwood Regatta, Open, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 9 Nippert # 4, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 13 AISC Series I, # 1, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 16 Fair Winds # 1, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA. 16-17 Thistle Districts, Open – One Design, Lake Lanier Sailing Club, GA 17 Nippert # 5, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 20 AISC Series I, # 2, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 22 AISC Friday # 1, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 23 Around Alone, Open Solo, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 24 Nippert # 6, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 23-24 MC Rebel Rouser, Open – One Design, Lake Lanier Sailing Club, GA 27 AISC Series I, # 3, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 30 Nippert Make-up, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 30 C22 Irish Wake, Lake Lanier Sailing Club, GA

30-5/1 30-5/1

Pursuit of Sailing Regatta, Outrigger Yacht Club, Lake Norman, NC Flying Scot Great 48, Flying Scot, Lake Norman Yacht Club, NC.

Charleston, SC, CORA schedule (www.charlestonoceanracing.org) 2 Spring Harbor Race # 2 5 Cora Executive Meeting.1800 6 Cora Executive Meeting.1800. TBA 7–10 Charleston Race Week, One Design, PHRF 21 Cora Executive Meeting.1830 23-24 Sheriff’s Cup. TBA MAY Lake Lanier, GA. www.larc.strictlysailing.com 1 C22 Irish Wake, Lake Lanier Sailing Club, GA. 1 Fair Winds #2, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 4 AISC Series I, #4, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA. 7 Lormand Cup Open, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 11 AISC Series I, #5, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA 14 SSC Masters Open, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA. Open - Over Age 50 Skippers 22 SSC Make –Up at Large, Southern Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA. SSC/BFSC Party 21 - 22 M24 Southeastern Island, Lake Lanier Sailing Club, GA. Open – One Design

Go to www.sayra-sailing.org for more informaton on the following races and clubs.

2 PHRF Series Race # 1, Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC 2 Spring Series # 1 and # 2, Outrigger Yacht Club, Lake Norman, NC 2 Western Carolina Sailing Club, Open, Hartwell Lake, SC. One Design, PHRF 11-12 Race from Charleston to Little River Inlet, , Long Bay Sailing Assoc., SC 16 Spring Series # 3 and # 4, Outrigger Yacht Club, Lake Norman, NC 16 McIntosh Cup (css), PHRF, Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC 16 Rocket Regatta, Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC 16-17 D 12 District Lasers, Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC 20 Wed. Night Series Race # 1, Outrigger Yacht Club, Lake Norman, NC 23 Sailboat Parade, , Long Bay Sailing Assoc., Myrtle Beach, SC. 21-24 2005 Laser Nationals – Carolina Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach, NC 27 Wed. Night Series Race # 2, Outrigger Yacht Club, Lake Norman, NC 29-5/1 Bald Head Island Regatta, Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC. 30 Harbortown Cup, PHRF, Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island, SC Local News For Southern Sailors

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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING 21 15 18

Fair Winds #3, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA. Women Helmsman #1, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA AISC Series I, #6, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA

Go to www.sayra-sailing.org for more informaton on the following races and clubs 7 Race Week 3, Little River Inlet, SC., www.longbaysailing.org 21 Marifest, Laser, Opti, & Sunfish, Savannah Sailing Center, Savannah, GA 14 Jean Ribaut, PHRF, Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club, Beaufort, SC, Frank Pontious. (843) 522-3320.

Efponti@islc.net 14 – 15 Voodoo Regatta, Lightnings, Lake Norman Yacht Club, Mooresville, NC 14 – 15 Laser Dristrict 12 Regatta, Lasers, Carolina Yacht Club – SC, Charleston, SC 14 – 15 Castle Barry Robertson Regatta, Centerboard Boat, Augusta Sailing Club, GA 14 – 15 Hospice Regatta, Open Keel Boat, Lake Norman Yacht Club, Mooresville, NC 14 -15 Melges 24 S.E., Melges 24, Lake Lanier Sailing Club, Flowery Branch, GA 28 – 29 Dixie Regatta, Thistles, Atlanta Yacht Club, Acworth, GA 28 – 29 Around Keowee, Open, Keowee Sailing Club, North Seneca, SC 21 – 22 Tommy Whiteside Momorial, Catamarans & PHRF, Columbia Sailing Club, Columbia, SC 20 – 22 Leukemia Cup, Southport, NC. www.leukemiacupregatta.netfirms.com Charleston, SC, CORA schedule www.charlestonoceanracing.org 3 CORA executive metting. 1800 7 Femme Fatale, Sandlapper, Sabeca 11 CORA race committee meeting. 1800. TBA 14 Charleston To Bermuda Race, www.charlestontobermuda.com 19 CORA Member meeting 1830 21 Spring Ocean Race # 3. 1200. USI. Second Wind, Sanity 28 Femme Fatale, 1300. TBA. Sandlapper, Sabeca

Race Report Hot Ruddered Bum Regatta, Lake Lanier, GA, Feb. 12

By Ron Michellette

T

he University Yacht Club (UYC) held its annual late winter or early spring regatta, depending on one’s outlook, on Lake Lanier, Saturday, Feb. 12. Twenty-five boats took part in four different fleets from hi/lo spinnaker to hi/lo non-spinnaker. Tom Sawchuck in his C7C 99 Breakaway won first place in Fleet 1; Warren Doyle in his Tartan 28 Rocket won first place in Fleet 2; Chris Webster in his S2 6.8 Sundance won first place in Fleet 3 and Rick Smith in his Catalina 320 Layla won first place in Fleet 4.

The day was simply made to order with 15- knot winds, 60º temps and sunshine. There were times when the lake had white caps, which kissed many a rail on a beam reach.

Fleets 1 through 2 are the low, medium and high spinnaker fleets, and Fleet 4 was the non-spinnaker fleet.

Edith Collins, race committee, ran the upwind and downwind courses beginning with marker #16. The lower PHRF boats went two times around the windward marker # 11 and the leeward marker “R.” The higher PHRF boats went two times around a temporary windward marker at #13 and the leeward marker “R.” The après race party and awards ceremony were held at the UYC pavilion.

Results (place, owner, boat, name, PHRF): Fleet 1: 1; Tom Sawchuck, C7C 99, Breakaway, 102; 2; Gary Umberger, Melges 24, Desperate Measures, 87; 3; Mike MacCloud, Soverel 33, Somewhere, 90; 4; Mike Barber, J105, Jubilee 2, 87; 5; Dean Holcomb, Lindenberg, Just Friends, 117; 6; John McCarhy, Soverel 33, Iniki, 87; 7; Jeff Myers, Melges 24, Rogue 2, 87; 8; Jeff Freeman, Soverel 33, Renegade, 87; 9; Frank Vandall, Melges 24, Bad Influence, 87; 10; Tom Roberts, Express 27, Wind Wizard, 129; Fleet 2: 1, Warren Doyle, Tartan 28, Rocket, 177; 2, David Scott, Wavelength 24, Ol Bullitt, 159; 3, Randy Phillips, Wavelength 24, Dangerous Curves, 159; 4, Paul Warner, Capri 25, Shazzam, 174; 5, Brian Adams, Ultimate 20, K9, 150; Fleet 2: 1, Chris Webster, S2 6.8, Sundance, 207; 2, Robin Terrell, Capri 22, Marmotta, 204; 3, Wink Porterfield, Santana 20, Sahib’s Story, 222; 4, Pam Keene, Morgan 26, Poppie’sPride, 225; Fleet 2: 1, Rick Smith, Catalina 320, Layla, 159; 2, Ivar Blumeneau, B 35s5, QMN, 129; 3, Mike Iuvone, Hunter, Strega, 186; 4, Bill Gilsdorf, Beneteau, On y Va, 132; 5, Greg Cash, Olson 25, Rebel Belle, 165; 6, Stan Sunderland, Fast 40, Go Fast, 93.

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EAST FLORIDA COAST

Jacksonville

Daytona

Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cruising Racing Calendar Race Report

1

East April Weather Melbourne

WATER TEMPERATURE Daytona Beach - 72° Jacksonville Beach - 70° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 3 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Daytona Beach 58° lo - 80° hi Jacksonville Beach 59° lo - 76° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

Upcoming Events & News 6th Annual Northeast Florida Nautical Flea Market, Jacksonville, FL Saturday, April 30 through Sunday, May 1, Various Times.

Beach Marine on Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach. Come meet Blackbeards Crew while you shop for a boat load (100 booths) of everything nautical. It`s all here new and used; fishing, boating, water sports, diving, jewelery, clothing, furniture and much more. Contact Karen or Bill Just (904) 992-9555, or (904) 704-2058.

April Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

the delay due to a death in his family. Southwinds continues to follow this issue and will give readers the Cabinet’s decision when it is made public.

Palm Coast Approves New Marina Code, Claiming Toughest Code in Florida

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he city of Palm Coast recently approved a 30-page marina building code that officials claim is one of the strictest in the state. The previous marina rules were one paragraph

Orlando Spring Boat Show 2005, April 9-10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Manufacturer’s representatives from several sailboat companies will be on hand to present their 2005 boat lines.

Demonstration rides available on select boats. Enjoy a day of entertainment, prizes and fun on the water at Lake Fairview Marina. Free. 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804. Cynthia Johnson or Tina Shoumate.

(407) 295-0117. E-mail LakeFairviewMarina@att.net or visit www.LakeFairviewMarina.com.

Cabinet Delays Decision on Whitley Bay Marina Lease

By Roy Laughlin

T

he Florida Cabinet delayed its decision on the Whitley Bay Marina lease extension until its March 18 meeting.

One of the petitioners for new lease provisions asked for

Writers and Reporters Needed SOUTHWINDS is planning to increase coverage in Northeast Florida and is looking for someone to send us stories, news, events and racing information and reports from Northeast Florida in the region from around Daytona north to the Georgia border. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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EAST FLORIDA COAST long that the city used from the county rules. The new rules are considered a compromise between environmentalists, many of whom wish to have no new docks built, and developers, who would like less regulation.

The main purpose of the new rules is to halt the spread of fire, promote a clean environment and protect shoreline aesthetics.

For fire control a new rule states that there must be a 15foot space every 20 boat slips.

Another rule to help maintain clean waters prohibits any human waste discharge into the water and bans liveaboards.

Rules also mandate that all marinas pursue the Clean Marina designation from the state after two years.

These rules do not apply to existing marinas unless they add dock space.

Racing Halifax River Yacht Club Announces Southern Gulfstreamer, May 27

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he Halifax River Yacht Club is holding its Southern Gulfstreamer race from Fort Lauderdale to Daytona on May 27. HRYC sponsors the Gulstreamer South race in odd numbered years and races north from Ponce Inlet to Charleston in the even numbered years. There will be three PHRF classes of vessels; Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker

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and Crusiing. The race will start at the Fort Lauderdale sea buoy on May 27 and end at the Ponce Inlet sea buoy.

Interested skippers should contact the race chairman, Robert Mundell via e-mail at info@truenorthsailingservices.com, or call (386) 804-6837.

New Offshore Race to Begin between Georgia and Florida

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he North Florida Cruising Club of Jacksonville has created a new 100-mile offshore race that will go from St. Marys, GA, to St. Augustine, FL. Called the First Coast Offshore Challenge, it will be a four-day event running from April 20-23. For more information, contact Don Gilbert at gilbdc@695online.com, or call him at (904) 591-0999. Or go to www.nfccsail.com.

Race Calendar APRIL – Central East Florida 2-3 Mount Dora Open Regatta. 15 classes. www.mountdorayachtclub.com Contact www.rlzarmes@aol.com 3 Spring River Race Series #3. East Coast Sailing Association. Melbourne Yacht Club 4.

Spring Women’s Series #4. East Coast Sailing Association. Melbourne Yacht Club 4 Small Boat Sunday Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club 3-4 Mt. Dora Regatta. Lake Monroe Sailing Association.

Sanford 9 Spring Rum Race #5. Melbourne Yacht Club

www.southwindssailing.com

EAST FLORIDA COAST 10 10

Winter/Spring #4. Indian River Yacht Club. Cocoa Manatee Cove Marina Race. Manatee Cove Marina (Patrick Air Force Base) 16 - 18 Catalina 22 Southeast Regional Regatta. Indian River Yacht Club. Cocoa 16 - 17 Club Races. Lake Eustis Yacht Club. Lake Eustis 16 - 18 East Coast Sailing Association “Ocean Adventure Cruise” Ft. Pierce to Port Canaveral and return (but see www.sail-race.com/schedule/april.htm for contact information and final course and schedules.)

17 Spring series 1,2,3. Lake Monroe Sailing Association Sanford 23 Spring Rum Race # 6. Melbourne Yacht Club 23 Mug Race Pre-registration Party. Rudder Club Jacksonville. (Mug Race will be May 1) 23 - 25 Spring Regatta – Big Boat Weekend. Melbourne Yacht Club 25 Titusville Yacht Club Spring Series # 5. Titusville Yacht Club 30 - May 1 Club Races. Lake Eustis Yacht Club. Lake Eustis APRIL – Northeast Florida www.sailjax.com 2 WSS #1 NJYC Wave Regatta. Navy Jax YC www.njyc.org 9 One Design NJYC Wendal Davis Memorial Regatta.

Navy Jax YC www.njyc.org 9 Blue Max Race Spring Series #5 NFCC. North Florida Cruising Club. www.nfccsail.com 9-10 Snipe District 4 Championships. Florida Yacht Club.

Jacksonville. Hal Gilreath (904) 338-4988. www.thefloridayachtclub.org. www.snipeus.org 20-23 First Coast Offshore Challenge. St. Augustine to GA North Florida Cruising Club. www.nfccsail.com 30 Work Day Burn-it. Rudder Club.

Jacksonville.www.rudderclub.com

May 4 - Sep 28 Wed Wednesday Night Races – South Course NFCC 6:30 PM @ Mark “13” Free race 6–7 Mug Race. Rudder Club. Jacksonville. (Distance Race on Saturday, trophy breakfast on Sunday morning) 7 One Design/PHRF RC. Mug Race 9-10 Snipe District 4 Championships. Jacksonville, Florida YC. Hal Gilreath. (904) 338-4988. harold.gilreath@1984.usna.com. FYC 14 One Design RC. Summer Series #1 14 Summer Series #1. Rudder Club. Jacksonville 21 Armed Forces Day Race Spring Series #6. NJYC. One Design & PHRF 28 St Augustine Regatta Offshore Trophy. NFCC. Offshore Race #4 29 PHRF. SAYC. Race of the Century

Race Report The Calema Midwinters Windsurfing Festival, March 4-6, Merritt Island, FL

By Britt Viehman

1

65 windsurfers raced in the largest windsurfing regatta in the United States, the Calema Midwinters, March 46, held at Calema Windsurfing on the Banana River on

MAY – Central East Florida 6 Summer Rum Race #1. Melbourne Yacht Club 7 FUNMA Scramble Regatta. Lake Monroe Sailing Assoc.

7 Spring Series #3. Indian River Yacht Club 7 Cruise to Marker 21. Melbourne Yacht Club 8 10 Tybee 500 & Atlantic 1000 Distance Race. Catamarans will overnight in Jupiter Beach, Cocoa Beach, Ormond Beach and Fernandina Beach on 9 to 12 respectively. Please check http://www.atlantic1000.com/ for overnight stops.

Almost all in central Florida have changed due to hurricane damage to the hotels that have traditionally hosted overnight stops.

14 – 15 Brevard Challenge. Indian River Yacht Club 15 Small Boat Sunday Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club.

14 – 15 Club Races. Lake Eustis Yacht Club 20 Summer Rum Race # 2. Melbourne Yacht Club 21 Spring Series 4,5,6. Lake Monroe Sailing Assoc.

21 Spring Series #4. Indian River Yacht Club 21 Seafood Raftup, Melbourne Yacht Club 22 Spring Women’s Series #5. East Coast Sailing Assoc.

27 Southern Gulfstreamer. Fort. Lauderdale to Daytona HRYC. info@truenorthsailingservices.com 28 – 30 Memorial Day Holiday weekend 28 Memorial Day Series. Lake Eustis Sailing Club 28 Spring River Race #4. East Coast Sailing Assoc 28-31 Gulfstreamer Race, Ft. Lauderdale to Daytona 28-30 Cruise to Sebastian Inlet. East Coast Sailing Assoc & Melbourne Yacht Club 28-29 Spring Regatta. Cocoa Beach Yacht Club 29 Small Boat Sunday Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club MAY – Northeast Florida. www.sailjax.com.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACING May 4 - Aug 31 Wed Wednesday Night Races – North Course Fleet 55 6:30 PM @ Mark “5” Free race Local News For Southern Sailors

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EAST FLORIDA COAST

Start of the longboard division on the third day. Photo by Britt Viehman.

Merritt Island. Top pros from all over the world were there as well as many of the top amateurs from the United States and abroad. Devon Boulon and Antoine Albeau, the 2004 Formula champion, were there. The Midwinters was not just a showcase of the professional athletes. The 45 kids and juniors were a huge part of the event. From five years old to 82 years young, everyone was sailing around the course, having a great time.

Formula raceboards, with their huge 10 to 12.5 square meter sails and meter-wide boards, presented fast and furious racing. The starts and courses are very similar to sailboat racing, only with incredible speed—25 to 30 mph.

Think of the timing needed to port tack a fleet with those closing speeds—very exciting—and it can be nerve-wracking. The neatest thing about this race is that when you look at the sail number next to you, it is one belonging to a top professional who you see in a windsurfing magazine. And then the starting gun sounds, and you realize why he/she is paid to sail.

The first day came through with a good 12-15 knots of wind. Three good races on the first day, complete with general recalls and black flags, left the fleet wanting more sailing on the next two days. Starts and mark roundings were congested, with the fleet spreading out in between the marks.

The second day brought light winds, with the longboards and sport fleets going out and having one good race as the sea breeze filled in. Longboards with their cen42

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terboards can race in light winds, whereas the formula boards need 7 to 8 knots to plane. Only when planing can the formula boards race. The young kids had a great showing, with races close to shore for the spectators to watch. In a fun race some of the pros partnered with the young kids for a relay and two-man windsurfing races. The pros almost tower over the whole sail. It was quite funny to watch them helping the little sailors around the mark.

The third day once again brought the light winds. The kids had some great races with tight action at the marks.

These kids were 5-9 years old and raced with equipment that is designed for them. Much like the Optimists, this gear allows them to sail capably around the course. The kids are very aggressive and can be seen pumping the sail, which is legal in windsurfing. With kids’ teams springing up at windsurfing schools around the country, kids are destined to be a bigger part of windsurfing in the coming years.

Once again the Calema Midwinters continued its twenty-year tradition of having a great event for everyone from young to the young at heart.

Britt Viehman is the owner of North Beach Windsurfing School in Tampa Bay, FL. As a US Sailing instructor Trainer for Windsurfing, he has been teaching windsurfing for 14 years.

Midwinters was the first regatta the NB Junior Team went to, and the smiles were huge at the finish line. Go to www.nbwindsurfing.com for more info on the Junior program. www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Southeastern Florida April Weather Racing Calendar WATER TEMPERATURE Race Report

Miami - 78 Stuart - 73° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 3 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Miami Beach - 70° lo - 79° hi Stuart - 64° lo - 81° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

Upcoming Events And News Ocean Festival Dive And Adventure Sports Expo April 15-17, Fort Lauderdale Beach, State Road A1A south of Las Olas Boulevard. Exhibits, free introduction to scuba, seafood, live music, seminars, boat diving, shore diving and family activities. Underwater treasure hunt daily. Friday 511 p.m., Saturday 10 am-11 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Adults $7, children under 13 free. (800) 839-8516. www.oceanfest.com.

West Palm Beach

April Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

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Fort Lauderdale Miami

2

Waterway Cleanup April 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Town Hall, 6591 Orange Drive, Davie, annual waterway cleanup along the C-11 canal.

Participants receive free T-shirt, water and invitation to Trashsplash pool celebration afterward at Pine Island Community Center. Admission: Free for nonprofit groups.

(954) 797-1166. www.davie-fl.gov.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival April 22-24, Pompano Beach oceanfront. Annual festival held on the beach, featuring fresh local seafood prepared by area restaurants. Musical entertainment, arts and crafts and children’s play area. More than 50 charities benefit from the proceeds of the Seafood Festival. Admission charged. (954) 941-2940 or (954) 570-7785. www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com.

Beach Cleanup In Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and in Deerfield Beach with National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. April 23. Earth Day event. To volunteer, e-mail Julie at specialevents@oceanwatch.org.

SunFest April 27 – May 1. Downtown West Palm Beach. Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Times and admission vary. (561) 659-5980.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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Shake-A-Leg Miami Racing Program

By Jody L. Alu

A

new program has been announced by Shake-A-Leg Miami, the Coconut Grove-based headquarters for sailors with disabilities. Miami’s Magnus Liljedahl, the 2000 Olympic gold medallist in the Star class, will head up TeamPARADISE for elite disabled racers. With the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing well within his sights, the goal is to increase the number of South Florida winners at the event.

He has already enlisted fellow sailing champions as coaches. Shake-A-Leg Miami can be contacted at (305) 858-5550.

Fort Lauderdale To Get Maritime Museum

By Jody L. Alu

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mbitious plans are under way to develop Fort Lauderdale’s first maritime museum. Having been known as the yachting capital of the world, and considering the history of the town and its waterways, it seems pretty amazing that one doesn’t already exist.

To be located on the New River near the Performing Arts Center and the Museum of Discovery and Science, the 5,122 square-foot museum will also house retail stores, office space and studio apartments. Now owned by the city,

the 1.22-acre plot includes a 50-year lease. Plans call for the museum to be opened in the summer of 2006.

The building that currently exists on the property will have to be razed. It was opened in 1927 and designed by famed Fort Lauderdale architect Francis L. Abreu. Used for various purposes, it was the downtown post office until 1998. The structure is considered “historically significant” by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, but it is not designated as a historical site.

Special Ed Sailors Prepare for Life

By Jody L. Alu

I

n early February, seven specially designed sailboats built expressly for special education students were launched in Miami at Oleta River State Park. They are part of the new marine career academy that blends traditional high school classes with single industry-focused curriculum.

Designed to prepare students for a wide range of maritime careers, MAR2INE – the Maritime Academy of Research and Recreation in Nautical Environments, is the Miami-Dade school district’s first wholly integrated special education program. Twenty of the 50 special education students are autistic, physically impaired or developmentally delayed, and none of them knew how to swim just a few months ago. Now some are able to sail unassisted.

The sailboats are specially rigged for more stability.

The booms allow safe clearance above a student’s head, and all are steered with a joystick between the two seats.

An electronic joystick is in place on one of the boats for students who have weak motor skills. It can also be rigged with a straw for students with no arm control, who can steer by sucking and blowing.

Each of the sailboats costs $3,000, and all were bought with privately raised funds. The boats were all named by their sponsors. Billy Joel, chairman of Home Federal Bank of Hollywood and an Aventura city commission candidate, sponsored the fundraising. His intent is to expand the Anchors Away program to other South Florida counties. To make a donation or learn more, contact the Aventura Marketing Council at (305) 932-5334.

Racing Calendar

To have your race, regatta, or club races listed, please contact editor@southwindssailing.com by the 10th of the month. Races listed should be open to anyone.

APRIL 2-3 20th District Star Championship. CRYC. Two-day event with the top Star sailors of North America.

16 BBYC Sunburn Regatta. BBYRA OD#4Sat. BBYC. The 69th annual regatta held for One-Design classes.

17 BBYC Sunburn Regatta. BBYRA PHRF#4. BBYC. The 69th annual regatta held for PHRF/J24 fleets.

23 Miami to Key Largo. MYC. The 50th annual race open to all classes over 14 feet, including PHRF, ARC, Laser, Westphal, Hobie 16, Hobie 20, Narcra 6.0, Tornado, ACAT and MASF. Starting in Miami and finishing at Jewfish Creek, Key Largo. The proceeds from this regatta go to the MYC Youth Sailing Foundation, which promotes youth sailing from beginning through advanced racing levels.

30 Rick White’s Hogsbreath Race to Key West. MYC. 44

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www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST MAY 7

C-Gull Cup. CRYC. Annual regatta for the Women’s Auxiliary club of Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

14 Snipe Ocean Regatta. LYC. The 7th annual regatta in the ocean for Snipes.

14 BBYRA PHRF #5. CRYC. The fifth race of the series (Series 1) for PHRF, ARC and J24 fleets. First start at 11:30 A.M. 15 BBYRA One-Design #5. KBYC. The fifth race of the Series (Series 1) for the One-Design fleets; Etchells, Flying Scots, J22, Snipes, Lightnings. First start at 11:30 a.m.

21 Hospice Regatta. Host Hospice Care of Broward County. The 9th annual benefit regatta and clambake.

The 12-mile multi-leg course off Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

First signal at 11 a.m.

28 – 29 Goombay Regatta. CGSC. The 18th Annual Cruising and One-Design day races held in Biscayne Bay in conjunction with the Goombay Festival and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Legend. – Yacht Clubs & Organizations BBYC: Biscayne Bay Yacht Club BBYRA: Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association CGSC; Coconut Grove Sailing Club CRYC; Coral Reef Yacht Club KBYC: Key Biscayne Yacht Club LYC: Lauderdale Yacht Club MYC; Miami Yacht Club

Race Report

Silver Jubilee—25th Anniversary St Maarten Heineken Regatta, March 4-6

By Art Perez

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he 25th Anniversary St Maarten Regatta shaped up to be everything the organizers had hoped for: A record 261 entries—five more than last year—along with the usual big name skippers were present for this year’s event. From its humble beginnings, this regatta has become one of the largest in the Caribbean. True to its mantra of “serious fun,” this event has it all.

With a record crowd showing up, the organizers were forced to create additional classes to accommodate everyone. The Bareboat fleet, over 120-boat strong, was divided into six classes, cementing the regatta’s popularity as the destination for European and North American yacht crews looking to start their racing season in the best style.

In stark contrast with last year’s events, the trade winds never materialized throughout the course of the race, apparently deciding to leave the island paradise sooner than expected. Who can forget last year’s winds of 20–25 knots with puffs gusting to 30-plus knots? The constant danger of boats unexpectedly rounding up and the various demastings. Not this year! With light, variable winds and a clear blue sky, the most exciting moment was when the skippers called for a cold Heineken. The race committee did wonders, though, to get all races off in spite of a one-hour

BBYRA #3, Miami, Feb 27

By Art Perez

T

he weathermen reeked havoc on the PHRF fleet with their dismal weather forecast for BBYRA #3. A stalled cold front was scheduled to produce thunderstorms throughout the day bringing winds in the 20- to 25-knot range. Not your typical South Florida weather forecast.

Consequently, many competitors decided to sit this one out.

For those who did show up for the race, skies were overcast and winds were out of the southeast at 15 knots, which made for some excellent racing conditions.

The Melges 24s could be seen leaving a rooster tail as they headed on their downwind leg. Fortunately, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, everyone was able to complete the race without any major disaster. By the time the starting signal for the second race was set to go off, conditions had greatly deteriorated. The original whitecaps had transformed themselves into a sea of two- to three-foot chops throughout the bay. Wind force had increased to 20plus knots with puffs reaching 25-plus knots. With nothing to gain, some of the competitors decided to pack it up and head back to dry land to wait for another day. Those who braved the adverse conditions were rewarded with a quick sail around the course with boat speeds reaching over 10 knots on the downwind leg.

Results: PHRF1:1 – Triptease/Rubin-Shellow; 2– Sazerac/Gordon Ettie; 3 – Moving Party 4/Mike Catalano; PHRF2:1 – Blackbird/Pat Cacace ; 2 – Tiburon/Art Perez; 3 – Mistral/Craig Setze; PHRF3:1 - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn; 2 – Sailing for Life/Karen Mitchell; 3 – Avenger/Win Cooper-Richard Mosca; PHRF4:1 – Pale Rider/Gerry Marston; 2 – Special Warfare/Stuart Sorg; 3 – St Clair/Richard Hall; J24: 1 – LacaLaca/Iker Belausteguigoita; 2 – I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr; 3 – Pick Up Sticks/Jonathan Luscomb.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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April 2005

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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST postponement and shortened courses. In spite of the weather, there was plenty of excitement in most of the division, light winds and all.

In the big boat battle, Tom Hill on his Reichel Pugh 75, Titan 12, and Joseph Dockery’s Reichel Pugh 81, Carrera, duked it out. Carrera’s crew consisted of star-quality names like Kenny Reid, twice Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, and Chris Larsen, America’s Cup helmsman. In fact, no fewer Bacardi Cup Sailors in Miami, FL. Photo courtesy bacardicup.com. than nine of the crew had America’s Cup moving them down from first to third place overall. experience. But star quality didn’t necessarily guarantee a Defending Bacardi Cup champions Afonso Domingos and first-place finish. At the end of the five-race series, Titan Bernardo Santos from Portugal kept their ninth place overmanaged to hold off the America’s Cup boys with a solid all with a finish in 20th place on day six. win, leaving the America’s team to wonder what went “It feels great to win especially after the stress of our wrong.

OCS (false start) yesterday,” said Mendelblatt of St. The competition didn’t stop here. In Bareboat Class 6, Petersburg, FL, on Friday, day six. “Our strategy was to after two days of racing, the top two boats, Cent Lieuses, start close to Peter, but when we saw that Howie was skippered by Lorrette Scot of Canada, and Berengere, skipahead, we quickly adjusted and stuck close to him.” And pered by Andy Buys from the United States, had still follow they did throughout most of the course to take secdemonstrated their superiority by leaving the rest of the ond place in the day six race. “To beat Peter is an extra fleet on the horizon during both races in which both boats bonus in this regatta,” said Mendelblatt. were engaged in tacking duals and close coverage most of Strube and Mendelblatt first sailed together in the 2003 the day. Unfortunately for Berengere, the last race was its America’s Cup in New Zealand on One World, and this is undoing. From the get-go, the race was a carbon copy of the only their second time together in a Star Class regatta. Both previous two days with both boats exchanging leads continadmit that their ultimate goal is the 2008 Beijing Olympics uously. After pulling out a substantial lead on the fleet, the in Star Class. winds died and both were left struggling to finish the race.

According to Domingos, “The competition at the Cent Lieuses managed to find enough breeze to maintain its Bacardi Cup is always very good. I’ve done well in light first-place standings, but Berengere’s luck ran out, finishing winds this year, but you never know in America.” just barely out of contention.

Rick Merriman of San Diego, CA, and crew Brad The camaraderie is such in the Heineken Cup that the Nichol of Lake Sunapee, NH, took third on the last day and crew from Cent Lieues was actually rooting for Berengere to fourth place overall. Californians Erick Lidecis and crew finish in the medal standings in recognition of their valiant Michael Marzahl took fourth and 16th overall. Andy effort. A sharp contrast from other boating events which just Beadsworth of Great Britain and crew David Carr finished shows that all classes shared the same competitive spirit. day six in fifth place moving them up to 11th overall.

After three days of racing, the enthusiastic crowd of Unlike the last three days of racing, there was little sailors and local residents gathered one more time to enjoy wind on the bay for the 70 boats representing 10 countries. the after-race activities. After the usual speeches by the govWith a one-hour delay on the start, the fleet finally seized ernor and local organizers, the trophy presentation got the five-knot gusts coming out of the south. The 10.5-mile under way, giving way to the music portion of the event. course was changed slightly to take advantage of the wind This year, reggae star Jimmy Cliff provided the music, shift to the southeast and an increase to 10-15 knots. ensuring that the party lasted into the wee hours of the “The Bacardi Cup is one of the few regattas that offers morning. Finally capping off the event, the organizers had sailors the opportunity to race against the world’s best,” in store a majestic display of fireworks to bring down the said Jose Argamasilla Bacardi, great grandson of the curtain for another year.

Bacardi founder. “This is a world-class competition where sportsmanship and the spirit of racing are the common denominators,” he said.

The Bacardi Cup was first sailed in Havana in 1927, and is the only Cuba-born sporting event to survive in the United States. It is sponsored in full by Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. To see photos and complete results, go to www.bacardicup.com

By Janet Maizner, Bacardicup.com

Mendelblatt/Strube Win 2005 Bacardi Cup, March 11, Miami, FL Shiebler Is Day Six Winner

F

loridians Mark Mendelblatt and crew Mark Strube won the 2005 Bacardi Cup, a six-race series sailed annually in Biscayne Bay since 1962. Howie Shiebler of San Francisco, CA, and crew Anson Stookey of Middletown, RI, won the day six race and kept their second-place overall standing from the day before.

Two-time Bacardi Cup winner Peter Bromby and crew Rick Peters came in a disappointing eighth on the last day,

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Final results (6 races with one discard races - 70 boats. Team, total points): 1. Mark Mendelblatt/Mark Strube, 14 2. Howie Shiebler/Anson Stookey, 18 3. Peter Bromby/Rick Peters, 20 4. Rick Merriman/ Brad Nichol, 26 5. John MacCausland/Brian Fatih, 31 6. Vince Brun/Doug Brophy, 33 7. George Szabo/Christian Finnsgard, 36 8. Andy Macdonald/Austin Sperry, 38 9. Afonso Domingos/Bernardo Santos, 44 10. Augie Diaz/Bob Schofield, 46 www.southwindssailing.com

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING

F LORIDA KEYS SAILING Key Largo Cape Sable

Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cuising Racing Calendar Race Report

Marathon Dry Tortugas Key West

Florida Keys April Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Key West 72° lo - 82° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES Key West 78° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

Upcoming News & Events Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (305) 292-5993. www.keywestsailingclub.org. Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West.

April 18 - Key West. 10th Annual Taste of Key West. Island cuisine at its best as area restaurants offer tasty creations on the Atlantic side at Higgs Beach Park. (305) 296-6196.

April 22 – May 1 - Key West. Conch Republic Independence Celebration. Founded on April 23, 1982, the Conch Republic’s motto is “We Seceded Where Others Failed.”

Events include a naval battle in Key West harbor where local schooners and various vessels engage in a massive food and water fight. (305) 296-0213.

New Moorings Added in Key West

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he City of Key West has recently added new moorings to its existing field. Located in the seaplane basin, east of Fleming Key, the mooring field has a total of 149 hook-ups.

For sailboats, the approach is along Garrison Bight Channel through Fleming Key’s northern tip. Fees have just been raised to $15 a day and to $261.50 a month. This includes use of a large dinghy dock (located in Garrison Bight and west of houseboat row), parking for a vehicle, pumpout and showers. There is also a bike rack near the dinghy dock. To use the showers, one must walk or bike over the bridge. For now, moorings are secured on a first come, first serve basis, but the city is planning to implement a reservation program in the future. According to the city marina office, liability insurance is not required to use a mooring. The boat must have current registration and a Coast Guard-approved marine sanitation device. Vessel inspections are part of the mooring agreement.

The city has an agreement with the state of Florida to have the mooring field in exchange for its management. A study of the sea bottom was done prior to the insertion of the moorings, which are in deeper waters, no less than nine feet, where seagrass doesn’t grow. The anchors are of the helix type, a sturdy and non-invasive anchor that is literally screwed into the seafloor. For the original 79 southern-

Local News For Southern Sailors

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April Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

most moorings, boat size was limited to 40 feet. The recently installed moorings may accommodate larger vessels.

Visiting cruisers find the moorings convenient when the slips are full during the winter season. Cruisers have noted that on strong north and northeast winds, the mooring field does become rough and choppy. Dinghy rides in these conditions can be quite wet. The field is well protected on the east, south and west. Tidal current is moderate.

To secure a mooring, a visiting vessel can call the Garrison Bight City Marina on the VHF, channel 16, or call the office at (305) 292-8167. E-mail keywestcitymarina@keywestcity.com.

Settlement Reached with Freighter that Ran Aground in Tortugas

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settlement was reached, and the Mediterranean Shipping Co. will be paying for the damages to the Tortugas area coral reef caused by a Panamanian-registered freighter in 2002. The ship had run aground and destroyed and/or overturned about 12,648 square feet of reef in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve. The shipping company will pay about $500,000 in fines and will reimburse the federal government $100,000 for damage assessment costs. It also is working with the marine sanctuary as divers work to reattach over 1,000 of the damaged coral colonies.

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FLORIDA KEYS SAILING

Mel Fisher Museum Explores Keys’ History

Key West Sailing Club. April 2. Key West. Around the Island Race. Skipper’s meeting at 1:00 p.m., race at 2:00 and any small sailboat is welcome. Food and party after race.

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Key West Sailing Club Women’s Sailing continues every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Non-members and members welcome.

he Keys’ rich, nautical history continues to be explored and exhibited by the Mel Fisher Museum in Key West.

Currently, the director of archaeology, Corey Malcom, is continuing the lecture series with “Africans in Key West in 1860” on March 1. This explores the interception of three Cuba-bound American slave ships that were taken to Key West in early 1860. Over 1,400 African refugees were cared for while awaiting transportation to Liberia and, due to illness, a number of them were buried in a cemetery on Higgs Beach. In April, the museum will offer lectures on natural and artificial reefs. Lectures are free to the public. www.melfisher.org.

Sailboat Dismasts in Wreckers Race

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e sure to check your rigging, especially for the windy winter and spring season. On Feb. 27, a sailboat lost her mast just outside Key West harbor during the popular Wreckers Cup race. Winds were gusting to 25 knots at the time. The vessel was assisted and her crew was unharmed.

Florida Bay Buddies Volunteer Program

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ature-loving boaters benefit from the efforts of the new volunteer program Florida Bay Buddies, sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association. Most recently, volunteers cleaned up Boggy Key near the west edge of Blackwater Sound in Key Largo. The Bay Buddies also are marking channels in shallow areas of Florida Bay to improve navigation in the area. Much of Florida Bay is located within the boundaries of the Everglades National Park. This new program, the first of its kind, welcomes boaters of all kinds and hopes to inform and educate the many visitors to the area.

Key West Security Marine Patrol Boats

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ith a grant to increase security in regard to its many visiting cruise ships, Key West plans to include a patrol boat in the deal. Though there already appears to be a significant presence of various marine patrol-type vessels in operation around the island, this new addition will be employed to monitor the mooring field along with its cruise-ship-related security duties.

Racing Marathon Sailing Club is looking for individuals to help with the Sunfish Regatta Series and this year’s Sombrero Cup Regatta in November. For more info contact Sherry at (305) 393-0657 or sherry@marathonboatyard.com.

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Racing Calendar KEY WEST April 24 Schooner Wharf Wrecker’s Race series #4 at 1:00 p.m. Captain’s meeting 7:00 p.m., April 23, at Schooner Wharf. www.schoonerwharf.com.

Upper Keys Sailing Club. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com April 2 One Design Regatta April 9 President’s Cup April 23 Miami-Key Largo Race

Race Report KWSC Dinghy Race Highlights

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he Key West Sailing Club’s monthly dinghy races were punctuated by small craft warnings and winds from 15 to 20 knots. That cut contenders down to six with Dave McMullen and John Alexander having an almost perfect score with 1-2-1 in three races, sailing a JY-15. Sam Chapin was second with 4-1-2, sailing a Laser. Nancy Curran and Elizabethan Wyndelts was third with 3-3-3 in a 420. Fourth was Dave Oatway 2-4-4 in a Laser. Fifth was Jeremy Wilson 5-5-5 in a Laser. Sixth was Carl Gerstle and Ken Claunch 66-6 in a Victoria 18.

Smith Shoal Standoff – Key West Sailing Club, Sunday Feb. 13

By Rebecca Burg

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verything was lovely until that wind shifted,” said one sailor about the adventurous, 25-mile PHRF Smith Shoal race.

It was a sunny but cold mid-60s Sunday when 11 boats charged down Key West’s Northwest Channel and into the bouncy Gulf of Mexico. The 15-knot east winds provided a swift passage to the mark. Racers circled the big Smith Shoal tower and returned to Key West, slugging it out in a dramatic wind increase. Not only did these stalwart sailboats face 20 knots on the nose, but they had to contend with a strong outgoing tide. Eight tired boats made it to the finish. Walter and Heather made everyone’s day as the race committee while contenders were tailed by the paparazzo sailboat Angel.

A potluck party at the clubhouse concluded the vigorous day’s sail.

Results: Multihull: 1st, Tri-Ala-Mode, Lowell Wyman. 2nd, Conch Pearl, Lenny Carey. Racing: 1st, Thin Ice, Matt Blomberg. 2nd, Class Act, John Smittle. 3rd, Golden Omen, Ed Gully. Cruising: 1st, Defiant, Bill Robinson. 2nd, Moonspinner, Mike Bankester. 3rd, Felicity, David McMullen www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas

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ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

TEXAS

Pensacola

Upcoming Events & News April 15-17. Pensacola Boat Show. Pensacola Civic Center.

Pensacola, FL. www.gulfcoastshows.com/pensacola2.htm.

The River Reef’s Annual Crawfish Cook-Off, April (TBD) Live entertainment, plenty of crawfish and drinks. Will’s River Dock, Jordan River & Highway 603, Waveland. (228) 467-7333.

FLORIDA

NORTHERN GULF

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Northern Gulf April Weather

Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cruising Racing Calendar Race Report

Mobile

Gulfport New Orleans

WATER TEMPERATURE - 70° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Pensacola, FL 52° lo - 70° hi Gulfport, MS 52° lo - 70° hi For Northern Gulf Weather go to: www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

April Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

fried mullet plates Saturday only, Sharpie Sailboat Race Saturday 1:00 p.m. Race for the Skull Sunday 1:00 p.m. www.piratescoveriffraff.com. (251) 987-1223.

Gulf Coast Wooden Boat Rendezvous. May 14-15 Largest gathering of wooden boats on the Gulf of Mexico for viewing. Smaller vessels are at the Maritime & Seafood

21st Annual Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, April 22-24. (251) 980-5116.

Individuals on the beach throwing a mullet from a circle in Alabama to the state line in Florida to benefit the Alabama Sheriffs Boy and Girls Ranch and the Boys and Girls Club of Escambia. www.florabama.com Pass Christian, MS, Blessing Of The Fleet, April 24 Traditional blessing of the shrimp fleet prior to opening to ask blessings on the upcoming season and for the safety of the fishermen. Pass East Harbor, Market Street and Highway 90, 1 p.m. (228) 452-2252.

Great Biloxi Schooner Races April 30 Held in conjunction with the Blessing of the Fleet, Biloxi schooners, the Glenn L. Swetman and the Mike Sekul, will race. The race will begin and end in front of the Biloxi Yacht Club. (228) 435-6320.

Biloxi Shrimp Festival & Blessing Of The Fleet April 30-May 1 Food, festivities, Mass, crowning of King, selection of Queen on Saturday. Sunday dropping of the wreath in honor of deceased fishermen. Parade begins at 2 p.m., and boats are blessed by the bishop. Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, Beach Blvd, Biloxi. (228) 435-5578.

10th Annual Wooden Boat Show. May 7-8.

Pirates Cove Marina, Josephine, AL. Saturday 10:00 a.m.8:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m.- sunset. Local artists, boatbuilders, marine sales, music all weekend, Chet’s famous Local News For Southern Sailors

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Museum, water’s edge between the Isle of Capri Casino Resort and Casino Magic-Biloxi and 115 First St., Biloxi.

(228) 435-6320. www.maritimemuseum.org.

“Delta Queen” Comes to The Gulf Coast

By Kim Kaminski

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ost of us enjoy taking life easy, especially in the springtime. Sailors take pleasure in cruising about, finding new locations to explore and even new ways to arrive at their favorite ports of call. One of the unique ways to cruise about the area has just become available here along the Gulf Coast. How about trying your hand at steamboating! Just as in the days of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, steamboats are becoming a popular way to cruise along the ICW in search of new ports and destinations.

The Delta Queen, a classic 1926 steamboat and National Landmark, has been at home on the Mississippi River system since 1947. This impressive paddle wheeler will begin making journeys along the Gulf Coast this year. The riverboat will travel through Mobile Bay past Gulf Shores, AL, and enter the ICW as it makes its inaugural cruise to Pensacola, the paddleboat’s first Florida port of call. (Plans are being established for future Florida destinations as well.)

The Delta Queen riverboat was built by the California Transportation Co. in 1926. She was prefabricated and shipped in pieces from the Isherwood Yard in River Clyde, Scotland. Built as a 285-foot, 1650-ton vessel, her compound, 2000-horsepower engine easily maneuvers the steelhull boat along the water to the numerous river landings.

The Delta Queen was considered one of the most lavish and expensive stern-wheel passenger boats ever made. During World War II she was even requisitioned for service by the U.S. Navy for duty in San Francisco Bay. Since 1971, the Delta Queen has been operating under special Presidential Exemption orders. (These orders pertain to the law prohibiting the operation of overnight passenger vessels with wooden superstructures.)

So, the next time you are making rendezvous plans with friends and other cruising fanatics, who enjoy the various adventures that tend to emerge during the coasting time on the waterways, think about the days of Tom Sawyer. Try touring the coast in a unique and historic way.

Start your journey by steamboating. For more information visit www.deltaqueen.com

John Mecray – International Nautical Artist

By Kim Kaminski

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ohn Mecray is an inter- ( nationally known artist, who, through his love of maritime art has brought a fresh perspective to a cen- Pictured right to left) Retired Vice turies’ old tradition by Admiral Jack Fetterman, his wife capturing on canvas the Nancy and artist John Mecray stand beside Mecray’s unique splendor and beauty of artistic painting of the Westward. yachts from the turn of the The Fettermans sponsored the last century. painting, which is on display at Over the years he has the Pensacola Yacht Club in established himself as one Pensacola, FL. Photo by Kim of the world’s finest Kaminski marine painters. His work has been commissioned by a number of dignitaries such as Ted Turner (who requested a painting of the America’s Cup 12-meter yacht Courageous) as well as being commissioned by the Herreshoff Marine Museum to paint a canvas of the largest racing sloop (143 feet), Reliance, the boat which beat Sir Thomas Lipton’s Shamrock III in the 1903 America’s Cup Race.

Each of John’s paintings exhibits striking details of some of the world’s largest racing yachts. This talented artist, having been a regular at noted New York Yacht Club soirees, made a special guest appearance in Pensacola, FL, in February.

Pensacola Yacht Club members, retired Vice Admiral Jack Fetterman and his wife Nancy, took the opportunity to invite John Mecray to their yacht club. John brought with him seven of his most distinctive artwork pieces including one of the most beautiful schooner designs, the Westward, from the 1920s Cup races. Each one of the seven paintings offered a unique and dramatic perspective on sailing, which he carefully and meticulously re-created through intense research and his love of sailing.

The Fettermans sponsored the painting of the Westward as a gift to the Pensacola Yacht Club in honor of their new clubhouse expansion. Other distinguished yacht club members joined in the festivities by sponsoring several of the other paintings available to add to the collection, which will now be on display at the Pensacola Yacht Club. For more information on John Mecray and his artwork, visit his Web site at www.mecray.com or stop by the Pensacola Yacht Club and experience the splendor of this unique artist’s handiwork.

Racing Corsair Nationals, Pensacola Yacht Club, April 24-28

By Kim Kaminski

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he 11th Annual Corsairs-Farrier Trimaran National Championship will be held April 24- 28 at the Pensacola Yacht Club. Sailing teams from across the United States will converge upon the waters of Pensacola Bay to prepare their trimaran sailboats for four days of intense sailboat competition.

Last year, five different racing classes were scheduled

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www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING to compete: the Open class, the F-24 class, the F-24 M class, the F-31 class and the F-28 class. One of the largest and most competitive classes in the series became the F-28 class.

During the first two days of racing after the completion of five races, the teams aboard the sailboats Bad Boys, Rockateer II and Condor engaged in a three-way tie for the first-place position. In the Open class, one of the newest, designed trimarans, an F-31 R1D named Lei Loe, had captured an impressive winning streak throughout the entire series, earning first-place finishes in all eight races and acquiring the national champion title.

Will H.D. Enloe and his team on Lei Loe uphold their title? Or will a new competitor take the helm? For more information regarding the Corsair National Championship, visit www.pensacolayachtclub.org

Woman’s 2005 PHRF Championship to be Held in New Orleans

By Kim Kaminski

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t has been over five years since the Gulf Yachting Association (GYA) entertained the idea of conducting a sanctioned sailboat race event for women. Since then, the proposal for a women’s PHRF championship came into existence during the 2001 Race for the Roses All-Female Sailboat Regatta held by the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club where the “women’s championship” was created.

Local News For Southern Sailors

The executive committee of the GYA Offshore Council assigned this new event to the Race for the Roses based on the regatta’s historical and successful efforts toward increasing the participation of women in all aspects of a sailing competition. The original intent of this contest was to promote a championship-quality PHRF challenge for women that would evolve into its own premise and become a traveling event. Through the diligent efforts of the women sailors of the Gulf Coast this championship has indeed evolved into the prestigious entity that it was envisioned to become and for the first time since its inception will travel outside of the state of Florida.

At the 2004 Women’s PHRF Championship Regatta, 13 competitors raced in a two-day event. After the close competition was completed, a team of lady sailors from New Orleans, Elaine Boos and her crew from the New Orleans Yacht Club, earned the coveted trophy. And now, based on the new motion passed by the executive committee of the GYA at its recent meeting, the 2005 Women’s PHRF Championship will be held in New Orleans in conjunction with the Fleur de Lis Regatta (a women’s race event) held September 24-25 at the Southern Yacht Club.

The Pensacola Bay area will always be known as the home of women’s PHRF sailing and thanks to the accumulation of hard work, industrious sailing efforts, numerous hours of labor from a multitude of volunteer supporters and organizers, the Women’s Championship has developed into a recognizable and viable contest of skill. Thank you to the women of the Gulf Coast for helping to create this new legacy of sailing.

See NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING continued on page 68

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WEST FLORIDA COAST Cedar Key

Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cruising Racing Calendar Race Report

West Florida April Weather St. Petersburg

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 60° lo - 75° hi Naples 58° lo - 79° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 74° Naples 77° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

Upcoming Events & News Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs. Ongoing. Each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 72.

Completion satisfies the State of Florida boater safety education requirements. The continuous rotating program has 11 lessons. One lesson is presented each Tuesday night.

Lessons include: Which Boat For You, Equipment, Trailering, Lines and Knots, Boat-Handling, Signs, Weather, Rules, Introduction to Navigation, Inland Boating and Radio. (727) 823-3753 Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Public Boating Programs Boating Safely, April 9-10: An eight-hour program designed to appeal to boaters who cannot find time for a full, comprehensive boating course. The $25 fee includes all course materials.

Boating Skills and Seamanship, April 7 - May 2: Covers boat-handling and safety, navigation rules, trailering a boat, using a VHF radio, and understanding aids to navigation.

The $40 fee includes all course materials.

All programs are held at the Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key (Clearwater). They are open to adults and youths.

A vessel safety check blitz will occur on March 26 at the Seminole Boat Ramp, 198 Seminole St, Clearwater, and at the Belleair Boat Ramp, 3900 W. Bay Dr., Belleair Bluffs. For more information on upcoming education programs, or to request a free vessel safety check, call (727) 469-8895 or visit www.uscgaux.org/~0701101/PublicEducationPrograms.htm

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Tampa

April Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

Fort Myers Naples Cape Sable Key West

Orlando Spring Boat Show 2005, April 9-10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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anufacturer representatives from several sailboat companies will be on hand to present their 2005 boat lines.

Demonstration rides available on select boats. Enjoy a day of entertainment, prizes and fun on the water at Lake Fairview Marina. Free. 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804. Cynthia Johnson or Tina Shoumate. (407) 295-0117. E-mail LakeFairviewMarina@att.net, or visit www.LakeFairviewMarina.com.

Sail Easy Windsurfing Clinic. April 16-18. North Beach Windsurfing School. Tampa Bay. Improve skills at all levels.

www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING US Sailing Level 1 (Small Boat) Instructor Courses. May 14-15 and May 21-22 (two consecutive weekends) at Sarasota Sailing Squadron. “K” Bradley and Jabbo Gordon.

If you have any questions or know anyone who would be interested in taking either course, please call “K” at (727) 784-0420 or Jabbo at (941) 351-5845.

Tartan C&C Yachts Florida Opens Dealership in Palmetto. Grand Opening Celebration April 2 Kids from North Beach Windsurfing School raced recently in the Calema Midwinters. Photo by Britt Viehman. Contact Britt Viehman for fees and other information. www.nbwindsurfing.com. (727) 656-6569 The Beginner Windsurfing Clinic. April 23-25 and May 21-23. Designed for the person who wants not only to learn all the basics, but also to learn why it all works. Contact Britt Viehman for fees and other information. www.nbwindsurfing.com. (727) 656-6569 April 23 – 4th Annual Lars Bergstrom Float Your Boat. A competition of owner-built model sailboats. Sarasota Youth Sailing Program. For details; www.sarasotaysp.com or call (941) 504 4236.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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n celebration of its 45th anniversary, Tartan and C&C Yachts is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new factory dealership in Palmetto, FL, at the Regatta Pointe Marina. The public is invited on Saturday, April 2, for a closer look at the new Tartan 4400, and the world premiere of the C&C 115, or call Larry HarNess or Tim Ashe at (941) 721-4999 for a private viewing and test sail.

“Both Tartan and C&C Yachts remain at the forefront of marine technology as the only builder in the world whose entire fleet is built with epoxy hulls and comes standard with carbon-fiber masts,” said Larry HarNess, managing director of the company’s southeastern region. “The opening of our new flagship store in Palmetto will not only allow us to expand our Florida distribution, but allow us to provide unparalleled after-sale service to both Tartan and C&C owners throughout the Southeast.”

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Second Annual All Cruisers Rendezvous and Boat Show. May 20-22. Regatta Pointe Marina, Palmetto

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o show appreciation to all the area Catalina, Hunter, Caliber, Shannon and Albin yacht owners, all owners registering for the event will receive a quality canvas bag filled with valuable gifts and prizes, courtesy of Cruising World and Power Cruising, Latitudes and Attitudes, Southwinds and Sail magazine. Catalina and Hunter are supplying items for owners of their yacht lines.

“We expect over 500 attendees to enjoy more than 60 yachts, seven informative seminars, the Tropica Marine Electronics boat show display, boat demo rides, and the Friday and Saturday night meals and entertainment,” states Ed Massey, president and CEO of Massey Yacht Sales & Service. Factory representatives from Hunter and Catalina are among the seminar speakers and will answer questions before and after the seminars aboard the boats. Other seminars will have speakers from Mastry Engine Centers, Doyle-Ploch Sailmakers, Tropica Marine and Best Rate Yacht Finance. A Gloria Rector Vessel Documentation representative will be available all day Saturday to answer documentation and registration questions.

New and pre-owned sail and power yachts are available for inspection, all at Regatta Pointe Marina. All new yachts are boat-show decorated and have yacht purchase

information on board. “This represents the largest collection of new and pre-owned yachts for sale at one location on the west coast of Florida,” said Massey. Those in attendance will be given a full collateral package of services offered by Massey Yacht Sales & Service and information on the Catalina, Hunter, Caliber, Shannon and Albin line of yachts.

West Marine will provide the featured Saturday night dinner door prize, a $500 gift certificate. There will be many other valuable door prizes from an array of sponsors.

“The All Cruisers Rendezvous & Boat Show success was beyond our expectations in 2004, and we expect an even more exciting event in 2005,” states Massey. “This has become a “must see” annual event.” Call the Massey dealership nearest you for complete information. www.masseyyacht.com.

Racing One-Design Crew Training

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IYC will again conduct one-design crew training on the first three Saturdays (7-14-21) in May. 2005.This training is designed to teach the skills to be a crew member on one-design boats and is not to be confused with a Learn To Sail program. This program has been offered three times in the past five years.

This training is conducted in a orderly, non-threatening manner as opposed to learning under race conditions.

Each applicant must be in good physical condition and have normal flexibility.

The primary boat to be used in training will be the J-24.

Melges and J-35 owners are invited to join the program.

The program is open to all who desire to participate.

The cost of training is a $100 tax deductible donation to the Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation. Those who are interested may contact King Purton at (813) 760-0177. kpurton@tampabay.rr.com.

Racing Calendar For the legend, addresses, and contacts for the sponsoring sailing association of the races listed below, go to the 20042005 West Florida Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory at SOUTHWINDS’ Web site, www.southwindssailing.com.

Contact editor@southwindssailing.com to receive a copy.

Leukemia Cup Regatta, Predicted Log Race, Golf Tournament and Tennis Match April 8-10

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he Punta Gorda Sailing Club and the Isles Yacht Club will again conduct the Leukemia Cup Regatta and auction on April 8-10 for the benefit of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a sailboat race open to spinnaker, non-spinnaker, cruising class, monohull, multihull and small boats. It is one of the biggest races in southwest Florida and is part of the Boat of the Year competition for West Florida.

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www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING This year, a predicted log race for powerboats, a tennis match and golf tournament, have been added. The money generated from the events goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for research and assistance to victims of these diseases.

The dinner and auction are at the Isles Yacht Club on April 10.

For more Information and registration, go to www.pgscweb.com, or call Michael Savino, publicity chairman, at (941)505-2063.

Ocala Sailing Club Hosts Inaugural Harpoon 5.2 National Regatta, April 8

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cruising class ratings, and if a sailor doesn’t have a current rating, we will assign a rating. We do strongly urge our sailors to get their own WFPHRF rating, and many are going in that direction. For more information: www.dunedinboatclub.org.

Changes in the 2004-5 Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory (For changes contact editor@southwindssailing.com.

Changes will also be posted on the calendar on the Web site: www.southwindssailing.com) The Suncoast PHRF Boat of the Year (BOTY) Series as printed has been confirmed to be correct.

cala Sailing Club and Fleet 1 are pleased to announce the Inaugural Harpoon 5.2 National and Open Portsmouth Class Regatta. For more information and registration, go to www.tmcentral.net/bwharpoon.

The races and regattas listed here are open to those who want to sail. No club membership is required, although a West Florida PHRF rating is most likely required.

Dunedin Boat Club Starting Spring and Fall Gulf Races

To have your race, regatta, or club races listed, please contact editor@southwindssailing.com by the 5th of the month (call if later).

Races listed should be open to anyone. Since races are sometimes canceled, postponed or locations changed, it is advisable to contact the organization beforehand.

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he Dunedin Boat Club is sponsoring a spring series of True Cruising Class races in the Gulf of Mexico, through the end of May. This will be followed with a fall series, September through December. We are using WFPHRF true

Local News For Southern Sailors

APRIL 05 2 BYC ‘Round Egmont Race 2 SPSA Windship Race, PHRF 2 SSS Sarasota Bay Cup SBPHRF BOTY Reverse Handicap 2 TSS Sea Scout Regatta 2–3 MDYC 52nd Annual Mt. Dora Regatta All-class on the lake 2–3 GCSC Southwest Florida Charity Regatta SWFPHRF, BOTY series 2–3 TBCS Macho Man Catamaran Distance Regatta 3 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS. MOVE YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD. 7 – 10 SPYC Rolex Women’s Match Race Invitational, in Sonars 8 – 10 SUNCOAST RACEWEEK, Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY Friday- SPYC to DIYC Saturday- DIYC to BYC Sunday- Buoy racing west of Skyway Bridge

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING 9-10

SAMI Bud Lite Regatta SWFPHRF BOTY series 9 – 10 GCSC/IYC Leukemia Volvo Cup Regatta CHPHRF BOTY series 9 – 10 TBCS Spring Fever Catamaran Regatta 15 Suncoast Race week Awards at TITYC 16 BYC All-BYC Championship 16 SSS Hula Cup SBPHRF BOTY series 16 FOMA Frolic, large multihulls, off Clearwater 16 – 17 DIYC Spring Regatta J/24, PHRF, TBYRA BOTY, & Women’s racing 22 SSS Friday Night Feeder Race to Venice From Sarasota New Pass, Reverse handicap SBPHRF BOTY 23 PAGYC Anchor Cup Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY Racing in the Gulf 23 VYC Venice SS invitational Regatta SBPHRF BOTY 23 – 24 NSYC Messmer Cup SWFPHRF, BOTY series 23 – 24 DIYC Star Class District Championship 29 – 30 SPYC Regata del Sol al Sol Race to Mexico, Offshore boats over 30’ Double-check these start dates 30-May 1 SSS Youth Sailing Program Sailfest Regatta Opti, Radial, Club 420 30 – May 1 TSS Brownell Commodore’s Cup PHRF & Women’s racing MAY 05 6 SSS 7

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Friday Night Feeder Race to Bradenton From Sarasota New Pass Reverse handicap BYC/SSS/MSA/SBYA Tampa Bay Pursuit Race PHRF reverse handicap SBPHRF BOTY

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7 7–8 14 14 – 15 15 18 19 21 – 22 23 27 – 29 28 – 29 30

SPSA Pat Talbott Memorial Race SSS Sailfest Regatta One-Designs, dinghies SPSA 18th Annual Couples Race, PHRF LESC Windmill State Championships CYC Commodore’s Cup Series Race # 1 CYC Key West Rendezvous start Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY & Multihull CYC/NSYC,GCSC Key West Rendezvous, Boca Grande start SWFPHRF & CHPHRF BOTY series CYC Big Boat Championship CYC/NSYC/GCSC Key West Rendezvous Return to Naples SWFPHRF & CHPHRF BOTY series DIYC School’s Out youth regatta Opti, Laser, Radial, 420, Sunfish TBCS/CCSC Memorial Day Regatta SSS Memorial Day Around Lido Key Race Fun race around the island

Club Racing—Open to Everyone Wanting to Race The races listed here are open to those who want to sail.

Please send us your race schedule for publishing to editor@southwindssailing.com.

Bradenton YC. Thursday evening races at 6:30 p.m. through the Fall. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401.

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-roundjohn@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Race Report Gasparilla Regatta, Tampa Sailing Squadron, Feb. 12

By Ray Dupuis

“I

t was an amazing finish. Biblical! Those who were last would be first,” Bob Lescher said in a paraphrase. Six boats crossed the finish line within seconds.

Lescher skippered his Beneteau 36, Yankee, to a tie for third in a wild finish to the true cruising pursuit race in Tampa Sailing Squadron’s Gasparilla Regatta sponsored by Appleton Rum on Feb. 12. That race had a staggered start based on ratings, but the boats were all there at the finish.

John Arcard crossed first with MudLark, a Norwalk Island Sharpie, Don Filicetti’s Sabre Dance, a Sabre 28, and Kevin Gil tied with Lescher on Why Worry, an Erickson 35.

Filicetti said he was closing on the finish line from the south and had to dodge a group of PHRF racers, and Arcard’s boat sailing cleanly from the west “caught a zephyr and finished just seconds ahead.”

The PHRF races were close, too.

Spinnaker A and Light classes were combined, and John Palson, out of St. Petersburg Sailing Association took Dead A Head, an SR 27, to a win in the division.

“It was pretty tight at the top; we were all right there going into the third race. We got lucky, I guess. We got off the line real well in the second race; that was the key. We got

Local News For Southern Sailors

a boat-length jump right there. Those new carbon sails were really dialed in.”

Second went to Matt Dalton of TSS, sailing Ka-Ching, a Soverel 33. “We had a great day, solid crew work, clean maneuvers, good trim. Palson was very fast. Winds in the first race were ultra light and shifting. It picked up in the next two races,” Dalton said.

Dean Bell and Woody Cope, sailing out of Davis Island Yacht Club, took third in the 10-boat division on Sled Slayer, a Melges 24. “We won the first race, but penalty for a starting line incident cost us the second race. The third race was a good battle with Dead A Head,” Bell said. “The race committee did a great job. The race course was square, and they kept it square despite wind shifts.”

Brian Malone of US Sailing skippered A-Unit, a J-24, to a first in Spinnaker B. Richard Neal of DIYC took second on Back Off, a Soverel 26. Gene DiNisio of TSS captured third in the eight-boat class on Shrew, a Creekmore 23.

“Racing was very close in trying conditions. We were overlapped with several boats at the finishes. It was the first time we managed to beat Shrew. They sail it well, do it right,” Malone said. “It was good competition…a good gathering of boats.”

“The air was up and down. You had to be in the right place at the right time to get the wind,” Neal said. “The crew is made up of longtime friends who pull together.

They recently chipped in to buy the boat a spinnaker, and we’re just getting used to it.”

Woody Fraser of TSS took first in Non-Spin Light with Thunder, a Morgan 27. Richard Borde, sailing out of DIYC, took second on Freedom Flyer, a Pearson 30. Greg Johnson of TSS was third with Chos, a San Juan 28.

“We had some luck on our side. We were early for a start, hoping to nail the right side of the starting line, but we had to push left and ride the line, and just then the wind shifted in our favor unexpectedly. We were there alone, and the other boats got caught,” Fraser said.

Mack Towne of TSS took first in Non-Spin Heavy with True Blue, a Morgan 24.5. Bill Meyer of DIYC was second on About Time, an Erickson 32. Susan Bishop and Shari Callahan of TSS were third on Joy Ride, a Ranger 23.

“We did poorly in the first race, but won the next two.

We went the wrong way and the wind shift caught us. It was a beautiful day of sailing,” Towne said.

TSS race organizer Bill Cullen said Appleton Rum stepped in to help with the regatta, trophies and party.

There was a band, plenty of good food, beer, and, of course, Appleton Rum.

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West Florida Sailing Services Directory From Cedar Key to Cape Sable Sailing Services Directory starts as low as $8 a month.

Call (941) 795-8704 or e-mail editor@southwindssailing.com BOAT LETTERING – GRAPHICS

RIGGING SERVICES C SSMR. Inc. 727-823-4800 Complete Rigging Services On-Site Swaging & Splicing Commisssioning Services At Harborage Hi & Dry Dock • Crane Service Fax 727-823-3270 St. Petersburg

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SAILING INSTRUCTION/SCHOOLS SAILMAKING, REPAIRING & CLEANING THE SIGN FACTORY FLORIDA BOAT GRAPHICS Screen Printing • T-shirts • Hats (941) 792-4830......thesignfactory2@juno.com

CANVAS & CUSHION SERVICES Banks Sails Tampa See ad in Sailmaking Scuba Clean Yacht Service See ad in Underwater Services

MARINE SURVEYING

Towne Yacht Surveys Member ABYC, SAMS

ADVANCED SAILS (727) 896-7245 Quality Cruising Sails & Service Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg Marinas Keith Donaldson......................(727) 896-7245 Scuba Clean Yacht Service See ad in Underwater Services Masthead Used Sails………..(800) 783-6953 www.mastheadsailinggear.com Largest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361 SARASOTA PORPOISE SAILING SERVICES • New and Used Sails • Buy • Sell • Trade • Furling Packages • Discount Sunbrella (941) 758-2822 www.porpoisesailing.com

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Rent this 1" ad space starting at $20 a month YACHTING VACATIONS SW FLORIDA Live-aboard/non-live-aboard ASA instruction www.yachtingvacations.com (800) 447-0080

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Rent this 2" ad space starting at $38 a month 58

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UNDERWATER SERVICES

Scuba Clean Yacht Service • Underwater Services • Canvas Shop • Sail Cleaning & Repair • Detailing Serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pasco & Manatee Counties.

(727) 327-2628 ADVERTISE YOUR SAILING SERVICES IN OUR WEST FLORIDA SAILING DIRECTORY. CONTACT: Steve Morrell

editor@southwindssailing.com

(941) 795-8704 www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING Cullen said TSS created the Mother Lode class for the true cruising race to lure cruisers and novice racers. The Mother Lode class does not require club membership or PHRF credentials. “We’re inviting cruisers from the area to come out for a day of fun in a less serious racing format,” Cullen said.

Day Sailers, “Mix it up” at CCSC February Regatta Feb. 13

By George Regenauer

D

ay Sailers at Clearwater Community Sailing Center had another great day of racing on Sunday, February 13. The field of racers is Day Sailers at the CCSC February Regatta. Photo by George Regenauer. increasing and gaining in popularity with the Day Sailer-size boats. Two of the last leg, the course was reset to a four-leg Lasers also entered and became part of the fast action. The windward/leeward, downwind finish, which improved the Laser crews held their own against the seasoned Day Sailer race conditions. The higher winds contributed to faster regulars. The course was originally set as a modified times and a lot of exciting “mixing it up” moments.

Olympic with an upwind finish. Halfway through the first Three races were scheduled, but five were actually run. race, the wind shifted 90 degrees and went from five knots The first three were used for the official standings on to 13 knots. The race was not stopped but after completion CCSC’s scoring board while the last two were primarily for fun and experience. The only notable mishap occurred when one boat’s spinnaker tangled with the jib and caused a DNF. Luckily, this happened in the fourth (fun) race and not during the main competition.

The top three finishers in order were Stu Smith with 1,2,1, Delich Rother with 2,1,2, and Chris and Dave Kelly with 3,3,3.

Results of all CCSC races and upcoming events are posted on its Web site.

The Day Sailer regulars at CCSC are always looking for more competition from sailors interested in racing. If you are up to the challenge, think you have what it takes to beat these old salts and want to have fun doing it, contact the principal race officer at FlyingJibMedia@aol.com. Call the sailing center at (727) 517-7776 or visit its Web site at www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Canadian takes top honors at Clearwater Yacht Club’s Laser Master Midwinters, Feb. 19-20

By George Regenauer

A

llan Clark from the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club took top honors at this year’s Laser Master Midwinters hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club on February 19-20. Clark finished the two-day, six-race event, placing 1-3-1-1-5-4, entitling him to the overall first-place position. A field of 65 participants staged and launched from the facilities at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, which has an ideal access through Clearwater Pass at Sand Key into the Gulf.

Laser racers arrived in Clearwater from all parts of the world to participate in this prestigious event.

Representatives from Canada, Finland, Santo Domingo, Virgin Islands, Ireland, Peru and the best competitors from the States were on the course using their experience and best strategies to outmaneuver the competition.

Beautiful weather prevailed through the weekend racing event with variable winds at 8-12 knots. Plenty of sunshine and warm afternoon temperatures provided perfect sailing weather both days.

Captain’s call at 0945 Saturday laid down the rules for the event and from that point on, it was nothing but white sails heading for the course two miles offshore. The massive field of Lasers was divided into four groups according to age.

Each group would have a first-, second- and third-place fin-

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isher. Apprentice Masters’ ages were 35-44, Masters 45-54, Grand Masters 55-64, Great Grand Masters 65 and older. At the awards presentation, the top three finishers in the 65 and older class had already departed for their hotel rooms and missed the presentations. The thoughts of a hot shower and a comfortable chair were no doubt high on their agenda. The Great Grand Master trophies were delivered to their hotel later that evening.

The second and third place overall finishers were Augie Diaz of Coral Reef YC, placing 5-10-4-4-4-6, and Chris Raab of Newport Harbor YC, placing 11-14-7-2-3-8. A complete listing of the Laser Master Midwinters results is posted on the Clearwater Yacht Club’s Web site at www.clwyc.org.

Flying Scot Midwinter Championship, Tampa Bay, March 7 – 11

By Dave Thinel

T

he St. Petersburg Yacht Club hosted the Flying Scot Midwinters, an event that had been held at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club in Panama City, FL, for nearly three decades. Hurricane Ivan inflicted heavy damage to the Panhandle area, which led to the change in venue.

The regatta was very well-attended with 50 boats and crews, most from out of state, making the annual pilgrim-

www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING age to sunny Florida. Most sailors from the North were happy to leave the cold weather and heavy snow behind to enjoy a week of warm weather, good sailing and camaraderie with old friends.

The busy week started Saturday, March 5, at the Davis Island Yacht Club’s Midwinter warm-up regatta. This twoday event was the sixth in the Florida District Championship series and was held in tandem with the Midwinters for the Fireball, Front Runner, International 110, Classic Moth and Raider classes.

Monday, the Scot sailors moved over to the SPYC and were treated to a seminar hosted by Greg Fisher and Brian Hayes of North Sails. Everyone in attendance was eager to pick up the latest go-fast techniques and put them to use in the practice race held that afternoon.

The forecasted cold front arrived right on schedule Tuesday morning, ushering in winds in the 20s with gusts over 35. Racing was abandoned for the day at about 3 p.m. when it was clear the winds would not subside. The sailing instructions were modified to schedule three races both Wednesday and Thursday in an effort to get back on schedule. The weather Wednesday morning was miserable with steady rain, cold air, cold water and big waves left over from the previous day’s blow. One race was completed for both Championship and Challenger divisions before Principal Race Officer Tom Farquhar wisely decided to abandon all further races for the day. The sailors were soaked and freezing, and the concerns of hypothermia were real. Welcome to sunny Florida indeed!

Conditions improved Thursday according to the weather forecasts, and they would need to since we were seriously behind schedule with only one race completed in two days. Fortunately, three races were completed in medium to light air from the north early before dying and filling from the south in the afternoon. The race committee did a great job changing the course in trying to keep up with the shifts.

The Championship division was dominated by Marcus Eagan with three firsts for the day, but an OCS on Wednesday would knock him from the top of the leader board. Consistent results by Greg Fisher put him firmly in the lead after four races, with Fred Strammer second and Harry Carpenter third.

For the first time in many years the make-up day was needed to complete the regatta. Friday proved to be the nicest day of the week with bright sunshine and fifteen knots of wind. The fifth and final race was completed with Fred taking first in the race, but Greg placed second to secure a comfortable regatta victory with just 10 points for the week.

Awards were given to the top five finishers in both divisions, and the Allen Douglas trophy for the top sportsman was awarded to Steve Bellows. The announcement that the Midwinters would be held at the SPYC for at least the next two years was greeted with enthusiasm by the competitors.

Complete Midwinter results can be found by visiting the Flying Scot Class Web site; www.fssa.com, and results for the warm-up regatta can be found by visiting the DIYC Web site; www.diyc.org.

Results: Championship division; 1, Greg Fisher 10, 2, Fred Strammer 21, 3, Harry Carpenter 34, 4, John Luard 43, 5, Robby Brown 47: Challenger division; 1, Dan Baird 21, 2, Frank Gibson 27, 3, Mark Riefenhauser 27, 4, Ed Summerfield 29, 5, Dave Thinel 36.

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A D S

“In August, you began running an advertisement to sell my diesel engine in your classifieds section. I am pleased to advise you that I have a buyer as a result of the advertisement. Please discontinue it. FYI, I have also had inquiries from West Africa and France as a result of the Internet ad you made available. I’m MAJOR impressed!! Thank you very much.”

Capt C.T., St. Petersburg, FL

CLASSIFIED ADS — 3 MONTHS FOR $25 1. Classified ads for boats are $25 for a threemonth ad for up to 30 words. Check or Credit cards accepted.

2. Add $25 for a horizontal photo (vertical photos $5 a month more), ($50 for a three-month ad for boat with photo).

3. Free ads for boats under $500 (sail and dinghys only), all gear under $500, and windsurfing equipment. Add $10 a month for a horizontal photo.

4. Boats and gear must be for sale by the owner to qualify for the above. No businesses.(see #10) 5. E-mail ads to editor@southwindssailing.com

(including photos). Then mail a check or call with credit card. Add $5 typing charge for ads mailed in or faxed in (including free ads).

6. You can also go online and pay by Paypal and type the ad into the message area or e-mail it separately to editor. Photo must be sent separately.

7. Photos not accompanied by S.A.S.E. will not be returned. Photocopies of photos will not work. Email photos as an attachment or send actual photo.

8. Ads (and renewing ads) must be received by the 10th of the month.

9. The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (10/04) is October, 2004.

10. All other ads are $20 a month for up to 20 words, add $5 a month for each additional 10 words. $10 a month for a horizontal photo.

Frequency discounts available. Contact editor.

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Now pay on-line at our Web site www.southwindssailing.com editor@southwindssailing.com

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All ads go on the Internet, and your Web site or e-mail address in the ad will be linked by clicking on it.

SOUTHWINDS will only be responsible financially for mistakes for a one issue period. Please check your ad. Let us know any mistakes by the 10th of the month.

BOATS & DINGHIES

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS

Advertise your business in a display ad in the classifieds section. Sold by the column inch. 2 inch minimum.

(3 column inches is 1/8 page) MONTHLY COST ADS PER INCH

12 6 3 1 18.5 ft. GO-5 sailboat with roller trailer.

Designed and built in Finland. Very Fast.

Dagger board. Needs TLC. $1000 or best offer. (941) 761-2254. jpkgray5@aol.com.

(6/05)

$19 $22 $25 $29

MINIMUM INCHES

TOTAL COST

2" 2" 2" 2"

$38 $44 $50 $58

1981 Rodgers 24. Racer/Daysailer. Needs TLC, but ready to sail. Nice 2000 4hp Johnson OB. Main, Jib, spinnaker. New Rigging. Dry sailed. $2500/best offer. (941) 380-1529.

(941) 766-7942.(5/05)

Soverel 26 in great condition. New mainsail and 155% genoa. Like new spinnaker. Many other sails and extras. Race or cruise for $6000. (228) 326-2694 or (228) 229-8546.

(6/05) 1966 Pearson Ariel 26, 8,000 bucks and groceries takes you to the Bahamas - my trip cut short by 3rd degree burn. Includes brand-new Apprentice Shop Grand Banks dory.

Wylie39@frontiernet.net (4/05)

J/24, early model, with trailer. Trailer in very good condition. Complete boat, needs work.

Hull and keel sound. Mast good. Needs boom and rigging. Best Offer. New Orleans (504) 947-3937. (5/05)

22ft 1984 S-2. Dacron Main, jib Genoa, Spinnaker. Honda 8HP 4-stroke with less than 12 hours on motor. Sleeps 4. 420-pound dagger board – 16” up, 5’ down. (941) 729-1442. $9500. frugalmacdougal@aol.com. (5/05)

26’ Pearson One-design, 1979. Jib, genoa, spinnaker, Evinrude 9.9. Clean, solid, sails.

Great, huge cockpit. Best $6900 boat out there. Located in Slidell, LA. (985) 847-0374.

(6/05)

Ranger 26 1974 Fast racer/cruiser, new interior, new head, new cushions, Mylar 150, Kevlar 100, like new Dacron main, 6hp Evinrude, Steal for $3,900! E-mail kramermjk@aol.com or call 305-247-2155. (5/05)

Local News For Southern Sailors

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C L A S S I F I E D

1977 Kells Outrider 27'7". Whatever sailing you want to do, she can do. Liveaboard. $0 Down Owner Financing or cash. $12,000 Financed or $9,000 Cash. (757) 831-5336.

For more info: www.kellsyacht.com (4/05)

27 ft. 1975 Catalina tall rig, fully batten main, Dutchman, roller furler, cruising spinnaker, radio, depth finder, new teak, 30 hp atomic 4. Excellent Condition. $8,500 Photos available. mlw1@atlantic.net. (352) 382-7510 (6/05)

A D S

30’ Iroquois Catamaran, totally renewed, full cruise equipment, low hour 9.9 Yamaha, custom bimini & cushions, new Adler/Barbour fridge, new tramp ($32,000) (239) 283-9155 or (208) 867-3825. Photos at www.cantanchorus.org. e-mail: sr@cantanchorus.org.

(5/05)

Pearson Flyer 30, rebuilt BMW diesel 2004, VG Shore/UK MJ and 7 others,recent Martec, epoxy bottom, new halyards/upgraded hardware, needs some electronics, 6200#, 5’9” draft, 11’ beam, sleeps 4, great storage. $10,500 OBO. Moving, must sell. Russ (904) 321-4196. butterflyai@earthlink.net. (5/05)

1974 Northstar 1000, 30’, two mains, four headsails, spinnaker, bristol condition.

Inboard engine. Topsides repainted 2003.

Interior upgrades. Auto pilot, VHF, depthfinder, GPS and more. Overall first place Daytona to Charleston Race. Good heavy weather racer/cruiser. South Carolina. $18,900. (843) 884-1729. (5/05)

1976 Buccaneer 32’ Center Cockpit. Gill Garden design. Florida Cruiser with 48” draft.

Like new sails, roller furling, stove, micro, refrig. Autopilot. Steve (941) 224-6521 or captnSE@netzero.com. (4/05) Henderson SR33, Hot Flash, reoutfitted in 2002. Electrical lift keel, vara rudder, carbon boom & spinnaker pole. Tapedrive sails, aluminum 3-axle trailer. Former Key West Race winner. Very competitive. $49,500. (904) 382-8253, (904) 829-9224. (5/05) FREE-New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down–own 100%.1-866-Sailtime.

30’ CATALINA 1987 Shoal draft, 5 sails. Very well-maintained. Has all the goodies. Boat is trophy winner and cruise-ready. $34,900 (239) 434-5615, email: windseek@swfla.rr.com. (5/05)

DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADS STARTING AT $38/MONTH 64

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35’ GARDEN KETCH, 1965-Japan, riveted wood, Yanmar 30,monel tanks,Doyle tanbark fullbatten sails,6 Trojan Batteries, Bose, Lewmars, Force 10, RIB & 8 hp OB, HW, fridge, New standing, running rigging, bimini, cutlass, carpet, Great cruiser.$31,000 firm. Clearwater (813) 391-0470 georgetheleo@hotmail.com. (5/05) www.southwindssailing.com

C L A S S I F I E D

A D S BUSINESS/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Individual Seeks to Invest in Marine Business/Opportunity. Investor with up to $50,000 seeks opportunity to invest toward the purchase of a marine-related business, as an active part-time partner or full owner in new or established business; Just about anything related to the water. Must be near the coast in Florida. E-mail particulars to craig100@tampabay.rr.com.

Florida West Coast. 4500 sq. ft. well-established & recognized used marine equipment store. Over 2700 consignors. Fully computerized. Excellent location. Turnkey.

Active Web site. Owners ready to cruise. www.nauticaltrader.com. (941) 488-0766 Construction/Real Estate investment Highly-experienced, honest, licensed, responsible and reliable contractor seeks investor/partner in new construction/remodeling in west Florida. Perhaps a spec house or purchase to remodel. Contractor is experienced in custom homes of all sizes, including very high-end homes. Only interested in doing interesting and enjoyable projects.

(941) 795-8711

1982 C&C 37 Loaded Cruiser Racer, Passion, asking 59K. Make offer. Located in Pass Christian, MS. (504) 858-4017 jwilsail@att.net (5/05)

FREE – New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down and own 100%.

Call 1-866-Sailtime.

1976 CT41 Cutter-rigged ketch. Come to Louisiana to see La Mouette, beautiful, seaworthy double-handed cruiser. Many improvements. Offered by liveaboard owners of 20 years. Reduced to $74,500 (985) 7815625 Details www.ct41ketchforsale.com.

(6/05)

1988 45’ 6” LOA Bayfield 40, Hull # 34 Full keel 5’ draft, cutter ketch designed by H.T.Gozzard built in 1984 Exceptional condition with lots of new gear. Harken Roller furling on all sails. Marine Air, WS, WD, Depth, VHF w/remote, SSB, CD/Radio, Autopilot, Chartplotter, Radar, Dinghy, Life Raft $114,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com (4/05) 50’ Airex foam fiber sandwiched-construction trimaran.

Details, log onto www.sailnet.com, ID# 12820. Veteran bluewater sailor. “100,000 miles” Located in SW Florida. $52,000. (530) 295-7434, or e-mail randk@d-web.com. (5/05)

Sailtime.com is looking for base operators on the Florida coast. This may suit existing marine business owners who wish to add an additional income stream. Sailtime is a unique business model that requires minimal capital and no staff. Tel. (813) 817-0104 or jtwomey@sailtime.com

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED Visit SOUTHWINDS “NEW” boat and crew listing service at southwindssailing.com

HELP WANTED BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT Slip for rent: Accomodates up to 50 ft. LOA and 7-ft draft. Island Estates, Clearwater. No liveaboards. (727) 204-6063. (5/05) Private, attractive 40’ dock w/ dolphins, 5’-6’ draft off Jourdan River in Bay St. Louis, MS. Parking bay & water, w/phone, cable & power available.

(228) 467-2254, www.SvSynchronicity@aol.com/.(6/05)

Massey Yacht Sales Opportunities-Massey is accepting resumes and interview appointments for yacht sales positions in both their sail and power divisions. Dealership locations are in St. Petersburg at the Harborage Marina, Palmetto at Regatta Pointe Marina and Ft. Myers at Centennial Harbour Marina. Massey offers its sales team an extensive range of yacht sales tools as well as expansive advertising, marketing and boat show attendance.

We are the largest Southeast U.S. dealer for Catalina, Hunter, Caliber and Shannon sailing

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Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 574-0289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm

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C L A S S I F I E D yachts and the exclusive Florida West Coast dealer for Albin and Shannon power yachts.

Massey is an industry leader in brokerage yacht sales with continued rapid growth, in both sail and power. Applicants must be self motivated, successful yacht sales professionals. A thorough knowledge of either the sail or power industry and substantial computer skills are essential. Fax resume to the attention of Frank Hamilton at 941-729-7520 or call (941) 723-1610 for interview information.

A D S

MISCELLANEOUS BOAT GEAR NEW AND USED

Massey Yacht Sales has an immediate opening for a Service Department Secretary.

Qualifications include sailboat & powerboat knowledge, organized, computer knowledge, good customer relation skills and attention to detail. Contact Alice or Jim at (941) 723-1610.

SOUTHWINDS is looking for someone to help part time/spare time in running the magazine in all phases. Must be good at writing, grammar, etc. (and please don’t proof this ad).

Must also be comfortable with selling, able to do bookkeeping, computer literate, have (or can get) high-speed Internet access (like DSL), good on the Internet, and other misc. tasks.

You can learn the business here, but experience helpful. Must live in West Florida (living near Bradenton a plus), but almost all work can be done on a computer from home. Fouryear degree required. Must be extremely reliable and responsible and communicate well and easy to get along with, like me. editor@southwindssailing.com.

LODGING FOR SAILORS Ponce de Leon Hotel Historic downtown hotel at the bay, across from St. Petersburg YC. 95 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 550-9300 FAX (727) 826-1774 www.poncedeleon hotel.com

Tiralo floating deck chair - a beach chair that floats in water and rolls easily on the sand.

Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.tiralousa.com.

60-pound CQR Plow Anchor. Good Condition. $450. (941) 953-6240 (4/05) www.nauticaltrader.net

MARINE ENGINES

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 63

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C L A S S I F I E D AC/DC Reefer, 22# Bruce Anchor, Anchor Ball, Sospenders, Magma Grills, Mariner 9.9 Mercury Long Shaft 7.5 HP, Folding Bikes, Windsurfers, Metzeler Sailing Rig, Windscoop, Drogues, Lifesling, Type I Life Jackets w/strobe. Nautical Trader. (941) 488-0766.

A D S SAILS & CANVAS

NAVIGATION SOFTWARE

SERVICES FOR SAILORS

SAILING INSTRUCTION

Good 1980 Perkins 4-108 Marine Diesel w/o transmission or alternator. Available to ship from Biloxi, MS. $2000 OBO. (228) 4672254, www.SvSynchronicity@aol.com/. (6/05) Custom-made trailer originally suited for a Snipe 16.5 Ft sailboat. Regular car tires and shock absorbers. White. Works perfect including lights. (305) 588-0084 or antonio1bejarano@aol.com. Miami. $200 (5/05) Local News For Southern Sailors

Want a 2" CLASSIFIED AD! It’s easier than you think!

Go online to www.southwindssailing.com

WINDSURFING GEAR Windsurfer, large beginner board & smaller board, adjustable clamp on boom, two-piece carbon mast, sail, Thule rack. Everything you need including written instructions. $300 OBO. (727) 345-6179. (5/05) Wanted: Used Prodigy (standard or race), other boards, miscellaneous windsurfing equipment. Steve (941) 795-8704, editor@southwindssailing.com SOUTHWINDS

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INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

Air Duck 66 America’s Generators 66 Anne’s Anchors 23,66 Apex/Mayer Yacht Brokerage 29 Aqua Graphics 58 Atlantic Sail Traders 22 Banks Sails 58 Beachmaster Photography 64 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 24 Bluewater Sailing Supply 52 Boaters Exchange 39 Boatpix.com 65 BoatUS 25 Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 27 Bo’sun Supplies 32 Bubba Book 44 Carson/Beneteau BC Corinthian Regatta 59 Cortez Yacht Brokerage 65 Crow’s Nest Restaurant/Marina 60 Cruising Direct Sails 45 Defend Cuba Sailors 24 Defender Industries 67 Dockside Radio 23 Drive Insurance From Progressive 15 Dwyer mast 66 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau BC E-marine 66,67 Fleetside Marine Service 66 Flying Scot Sailboats 64 Garhauer Hardware 40 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 47 Gulf Coast Raider 14 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 61,63,64 Hanse Sailboats 64 Hobie Cats/Saltwater Sports 54 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack 53 Hotwire/Fans and other products 67 Hunter 12 Island Marine Products 13 Island Yachting Centre 62 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 28 Leather Wheel 34 Massey Yacht Sales 6,11,19,30,IBC Masthead Enterprises 33,67 Mayer Yacht Brokerage 51 Memory Map 67 Mike Shea Maritime Legal Services 18 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau BC National Sail Supply 35 Nautical Trader 59 Noble Awards 8 North Sails 60 Ocean-Pro Weather Services 67 Performance Sail and Sport 41 Pocket Charts 16 Porpoise Used Sails 67 Quantum Sarasota 3 Raider Sailboats 14,65 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 43 Regatta Time in Abaco 26 Rparts Refrigeration 43 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 64 Sailfest/Sarasota Sailing Squadron 55 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 55,57 Sailtime 9,20 Saltwater Sports/ Hobie Cats 54 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 62 Schurr Sails 49 Scurvy Dog Marine 50 Sea School 28 Sea Tech 21,66 Seafarers International Brokerage 10,63 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter 37 SSMR 60 St. Augustine Sailing School 67 St. Barts/Beneteau BC Suncoast Inflatables 56 Sunrise Sails 58 Tackle Shack 53 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 52 Ullman sails 36 Voyage of the Spray Raffle 20 Weather Wave 38 West Florida Race Calendar 57 West Marine 31, IFC Winch Buddy 8 Windcraft Catamarans 10 Yanmar Diesel 66

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING continued from page 51

Race Calendar Club Racing Starting in April, every Thursday evening. Thursday Night Sunfish Sailing. Navy Yacht Club’s Bayou Grande Marina, Pensacola, FL, from 5-7 p.m. (850) 452-4152 APRIL 1-3 GORC (Gulf Ocean Racing Circuit). Biloxi Yacht Club, Biloxi, MS 1-2 Lake Pontchartrain Women’s Sailing Association (LPWSA) Match Race and Seminar, New Orleans, LA 2 Great Circle Regatta. Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile AL 2 Spring #2. St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL 9 New Orleans Opening. New Orleans Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 9 Ragtop Regatta. Lake Forest Yacht Club, Spanish Fort, AL 9 Flying Scot Tune-up and Clinic. Ft. Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 9-10 Gulf Star Liptons, Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 9-10 Commodores Cup Race #1 and #2, Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 9-10 Pat Gillard Capdeville Flying Scot Race. Jackson Yacht, Club, Jackson, MS 10 SYC Opening /Spring #1. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 10 Hobie Midwinters East. Ocean Springs Yacht Club, Ocean Springs, MS 16 Jourdan River Classic. Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS 16-17 Dauphin Island Warm-up. Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 16-17 Fleur De Lis. Corinthian Sailing Association, Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans Yacht Club, South Shore Yacht Club. New Orleans, LA 16-17 2004 Lorillard Kent / Spring # 3. Postponed to 21-22. see below.

16-17 Sunfish Regionals, Ft. Walton Beach Yacht Club. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 17 “Hooray…We are Back on the Water Again” Raft-up at Pirates Cove, Josephine, AL sponsored by the Navy Yacht Club 21 – 22 Re-scheduled 2004 Lorillard Kent / Spring # 3 – St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL www.stabyc.com 23 Bayou Lacomb. Corinthian Sailing Association, New Orleans, LA 23 V15 Jazz Fest. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 23 24 Dauphin Island Race. Fairhope Yacht Club, Mobile Yacht Club.

Mobile, AL 23-24 Jourdan River Classic (One-Design/Multihulls), Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS 24 Spring #2 & #3. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 23-28 Corsair National Championships and Rendezvous 2005, Pensacola Yacht Club. Corsair Trimaran Owners Association (CTOA). Expected classes: Corsair 24, F-27, NA Corsair 28R, NA Corsair 28, NA Corsair 31/F 31, F25C, and Open. www.corsairmarine.com/5ClassAssns.htm.

30 Spring #4. St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL 30 J22 Spring #1. Southern Yacht Club. New Orleans, LA 30-May 1Stephen C. Smith Regatta. Apalachee Bay Yacht Club, Tallahassee, FL 30-May 1GYA Opening Day Regatta. Lake Arthur Yacht Club, Lake Arthur, LA www.geocities.com/lakearthuryc/

CAPT. BIPS continued from page 70 his class to date.

Above all else, he is most proud of his son, Sam. When Herman is not running his dive business, Bottom Line Yacht Service, teaching or cruising the bay, he spends every chance he can with Sam, either fishing in their Mako 17, or running the controls while his son wakeboards or skis behind. When not on the water, they are in it scrubbing and cleaning the hulls and keels of over 40 boats in nearby marinas through his business. On some occasions they recover clients’ lost items that fell overboard during a race or cruise.

Like his father, Sam enjoys being on the water with his friends, cranking out his favorite music and soaking up the rays. What a life! What a team!

So, the next time you’re out on a Thursday night, listen for the sounds of people having the best times of their lives and you’re most likely hearing the Dragonlord cruising through with Capt. Herman Bips at the helm. If you’d like to know more about his sailing school or charters, go to www.sailtampa.com.

Sail on forever, Capt. Bips! www.southwindssailing.com

BINOCULARS continued from page 33 ground well, and aligned properly, the circle of light you see should be perfectly round and bright.

A lot of the time when you do this test, the circle will not be round. It will be square or oval or fuzzy on the edges, not bright. This usually means it will be difficult to use, especially on an unstable platform. (Go get your binoculars and check them out.)

To buy a good pair of binoculars, I suggest finding a good camera or telescope store, then try to find a salesperson who knows something about marine binoculars.

You’re now armed with some information to tell if the salesperson knows anything. Just hold those binoculars at arm’s length, looking at the circle. If the salesperson doesn’t know what you’re doing, and most of them will not, you already know more than him.

I own a pair of Leica 7 x 42 ultravid and have owned different Leicas for many years. I must admit I have fun with them whenever I have a guest on board, or at a game or concert. I will let my friends or the person next to me use my Leicas and I watch their reaction. Almost every time they look through the binoculars, then pull them away, startled, like it was some sort of trick. What happened?

How come they could see so good? They are so shocked at the difference between a good pair versus what they’re used to using. I could have sold mine many times to people who already had theirs with them, as they were so impressed with mine.

Before Capt. Bruce was a captain, he was in the camera business for 18 years. He owned his own camera store in Santa Barbara, CA, and was the manager of a large professional camera store in Hollywood, CA. Bruce and his wife Barbara live aboard their 41foot ketch in Naples, FL. They have cruised and lived aboard for 12 years. Bruce was also a towboat captain in Sarasota and Naples for five years.

BUBBA continued from page 13 answer like a flat stone thrown low across the surface of a lake.

“I am talking about the car outside that is not Doobie’s green Honda four-door sedan,” I sort of snapped.

“What does it look like?” asked Whartz, giving ground grudgingly.

“It looks like a car that is about 100 miles short of a junkyard. No paint, no hub caps and a liberal use of duct tape,” I postulated.

“That would be mine,” Bubba said.

“It has a vanity license plate on it that spells out CEMENT,” I added.

“Mine for sure,” Bubba confirmed.

“Then you were the guy who jammed up the Sun Pass lane at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge a few days ago? I saw the story in the paper, you know.”

“It made the papers?” Bubba said with a small amount of shock. “Must have been a slow news day. I don’t have a transponder in my car, you know.”

“Then what were you doing in the Sun Pass lane?”

“I didn’t have any money with me when I started over the Sunshine Skyway that day,” Bubba said. “I knew if I went through a regular toll booth line, I was not going to be able to get to St. Petersburg quickly. They make you pull over and talk to some administrator when you don’t have any money. It would have taken 30 minutes, and I was in a Local News For Southern Sailors

hurry,” Whartz began, while also ordering another beer that would appear on my tab.

“And?” “And so I figured that if I pulled into the Sun Pass lane and stopped my car, the traffic would pile up behind me, and some toll attendant would come out and scream at me to get moving.

The fact that I didn’t have money would become a background issue as the whole line of traffic came to a halt.

“That’s exactly what happened. I stopped and got out of my car and looked confused, like I didn’t know what was going on. There were cars skidding to stops behind me like it was the pits at the Daytona 500. I wasn’t there 10 seconds before some toll collector came out of a tollbooth and yelled at me to get my f——— car out of there. I hopped back in the car and took off. Never paid a toll,” Bubba explained, smiling.

“Bubba, that’s pretty devious,” I admonished.

“Not at all,” responded the liveaboard, live-alone sailor. “I think that I have found a way to keep my cost of living down.

Florida doesn’t need my money. There are Sun Pass lanes all over the state. Totally stopping in a Sun Pass lane was never envisioned by the people who came up with the Sun Pass lane idea in the first place. I plan on using it time and again.”

So, there you have it. I solved the mystery. It was, after all, Bubba Whartz who had gummed up the works. And to tell you the honest truth, I’ll never again approach a Sun Pass lane with anything that approximates the abandon I felt when I first got a transponder for my own car. I suggest you exercise caution, too. You can never figure out ahead of time when Bubba Whartz will throw sand into the welloiled machinery of modern life in Florida.

Watch for it.

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Capt. Herman Bips – The Dragonlord

By Jim Burkett

V

After 55 hours, with the ery seldom do you radio long gone, they get to meet an indifinally reached Key vidual who instantly West, last boat in. captures your interest, Exhausted, their spirits or, within a very few were lifted when the minutes, you know entire Galleon Marina you have found a cheered them in. friend. Capt. Herman Not content to relax, Bips fits that bill perHerman Bips gives back fectly. Sitting around to those who mean so the newly constructed much to him. As a clubhouse at the Davis member of the Rough Island Yacht Club in Riders, a social/civic Tampa, FL, I began to group dedicated to the ask questions about memory of President his 20-plus years of Roosevelt and his sailing experiences in Capt. Bips (third from right) and friends on the water. Photo by Lesa Doyle.

Rough Riders, he assists the area. chairman, as well as on the board of in the Honor Guard, golf tournament, Although I knew the club was in directors many times. For the last five bar committee, Teddy Bear runs, quarthe midst of hosting the J/24 years, he has served as dockmaster, termaster sales and many other activMidwinter races, I didn’t realize I had overseeing the care and maintenance ities that occur during the festivities made the mistake of trying to capture of 115 slips. of the Tampa Bay area. The golf and this person’s time long enough to Eighteen years ago he purchased fishing tournaments are a favorite for indulge my curiosity. With almost Dragonlord, a 31-foot C&C Corvette hundreds, with benefits going to every question came an interruption sailboat, built in 1968 in Bellville, many of the local charities. He is and my introduction to one of his old Ontario, Canada. On most Thursday presently organizing other water friends, most being club members. nights, you will find him along with campaigns for the boaters in this Others were from far off countries, 10 or so friends sailing the bay on a organization. having driven or flown in to be in sunset cruise, passing the time telling Last spring, with the assistance of these races. They had found “their” stories, drinking a little beer or rum, the organization Face Of Courage, he captain and weren’t about to let me filling the night air with much laughter helped organize a very relaxing sunset spoil the re-acquaintance. and comraderie. In those years, over cruise for women who are fighting Born in Newark, NJ, in 1950, his 5000 people enjoyed these nights with cancer. With over 14 boats from DIYC family soon moved to a lake home in some even entering into wedlock. As participating in this event, it gave Bloomingdale where he began learncaptain, he has married approximately these special women a chance to get ing to sail Sunfish. Years later, he 12 couples, either aboard his boat or a away from the hospitals, treatments found himself sailing in the Long 51-foot Morgan, and another time on and everyday struggles to enjoy each Island Sound, running daytrips his friend’s Endeavor 40 at sunset off other’s company and watch the sunset aboard an Aphrodite, a Danish-built The St. Petersburg Pier. settle into Tampa Bay. Another cruise sailboat. With his love of the water, he Each year during the month of is scheduled for this spring. would spend his summer breaks from May, the race to Key West from Having had his USCG license for college working as a waterfront direcClearwater or Naples is a must. On over 15 years, he also enjoys teaching tor at an inner-city camp in Bear most occasions the sail is uneventful, what he knows. On Saturdays, he Mountain, NY. There he taught the but not always. Several years ago, sailinstructs students on the fundamenkids to sail Sunfish, Sailfish and daying with AJ Matthews and crew, a tals of sailing in a 10-hour course that sailing, along with canoeing and lifedepression came out of Cuba and consists of four hours in the classroom saving classes. blew straight through the fleet. Half of and six hours hands-on, on the water.

In the late ‘70s it was time to head the boats dropped out due to damage By the time a student is finished, he or south, landing eventually at Davis or sick crew. Of those that remained in she has learned the skills to begin Island Yacht Club. From that time forthe race, many were blown west crewing on any number of boats that ward, with his easygoing manner and towards the Dry Tortugas. With the are always looking for his graduates. charm, friendships just continued to waves constantly breaking over the Over 100 sailors have passed through grow. During his tenure here, he has boat, AJ and Capt. Bips took turns served as rear admiral, vice comeither manually bilging or steering.

See CAPT. BIPS continued on page 68 modore, social chairman, membership

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