Southwindsapril2006

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

Traveling the ICW Overcoming the Obstacles to Cruising Acura Miami Race Week

April 2006 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS April 2006

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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From the Helm: Books to Read While Enjoying the ICW

By Steve Morrell

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Letters

15

Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

22

Bubba Plays His Cards Right

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Our Waterways: Waste Disposal, MSD I, Composting Toilet

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Obstacles to Cruising: Lessons Learned by One Couple, Part II

By Colin Ward

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Miami Boat Show 2006

By Roy Laughlin

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On the Docks: Boat Show Interviews

By Lisa Knapp

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Enjoying the Intracoastal Waterway

By Barbara Pierce

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The Joys of Night Sailing

By Barbara Pierce

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Acura Miami Race Week

By Capt. Steve Stevens

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PHRF Racing Tips: Making Your Boat Go Fast

By Dave Ellis

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Racing: News, and Events, Collegiate Spring Update Southern Regional Racing Reports and Race Calendars

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Cruising With Company

By Joe Corey

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Regional Sailing Services Directory Local boat services in your area.

Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category Subscription Form

68 69 69

Enjoying the ICW. Photo by Barbara Pierce. Page 36.

For this month’s regional air and water temperatures, see regional racing sections

COVER: IC24s circle Richard Wooldridge’s catamaran off the west side of Peter Acura Miami Race Week. Fleet start at Rolex TP 52 Global Championship 2006. Photo courtesy Daniel Island in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Photo by Dean Barnes.

Forster/Rolex. Page 40.

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing News & Views for Southern Sailors

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FROM THE HELM

Enjoying the ICW: Books to Read

By Steve Morrell

L

ast month, we published an article about the ICW, its history, scope and the challenges it faces today in regards to maintenance. This month we have an article about traveling on it.

My first exposure to the ICW was in 1979 when I first came to Florida to buy a sailboat. I knew just about nothing about it, as I had spent most of my life in California (although I am a native Southerner, born in North Carolina). I sailed the waters of Lake Worth, FL, and the Bahamas for nine months before I went through my first bridge, as there were no bridges from the marina I was at in Palm Beach out to the waters of the Atlantic via Lake Worth Inlet. When Hurricane David threatened the southeast coast of Florida in September, 1979, I had to move my 26-foot Folk Boat, Trifid, from West Palm Beach to Manatee Pocket, a hurricane hole in Stuart, about 35 miles north. Trifid was a bare bones boat, not even having a VHF onboard. I, therefore, had to use the

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horn when I came up to the bridges to get them to open. I thought that was normal. This was also the days before cell phones (hey…it was a simpler time), so, in order to stay in contact with my girlfriend, she would drive ahead in our car and walk over the next bridge till I got there. We would shout at each other or give hand signals to communicate, in case problems arose. If I didn’t show up, she knew I was somewhere between that bridge and the last one. We had no problems, but it was my first real experience with the ICW, and the scenery was always beautiful. Ever since then, I’d always wanted to take a long trip on the ICW someday. (By the way, the boat survived the storm with almost no injuries.)

That chance came up over 20 years later. I had bought an Ericson 38 in Oriental, NC, and wanted to move it south to Florida. (This boat had a VHF, among other amenities, and we had cell phones.) Two friends accom-

panied me on the first leg of that journey from Oriental, NC, to Charleston, SC, in December 2001. We made it a leisurely trip, taking eight days, stopping early each day (although we departed regularly at dawn) to visit a marina, see the local communities, visit bars, restaurants and other attractions.

We all brought books with us, expecting to have a lot of leisure time when we could read as we motored down the ICW. After eight days, not one of us opened one page to read anything. We spent the entire time on deck in awe of the adventure we were experiencing going down this beautiful waterway, constantly seeing new terrain and new sights. No one even wanted to go below for fear of missing something to be seen while on deck. I did the final three legs, accompanied by other friends, in Spring 2002. Books were never opened on those trips either.

Steve Morrell Editor

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Writers and Photographers Wanted Sailing Experiences Stories and photos about experiences in places you’ve cruised, anchorages, marinas, or passages made throughout the Southern cruising waters, including the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Race reporting Generally, we are always looking for someone to send us race coverage throughout the Southern states, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Cruising Notes Southern sailors cruising on the high seas or cruising our waterways and coasts: Send us word on where you’re at and what you’re doing. How the cruising life is treating you.

Bahamas Trips, experiences, passages, anchorages, provisioning and other stories that are of interest.

Hurricane Stories Hurricanes are a part of owning a boat in the Southern waters, and we would like to hear how you and your boat might have been affected by a storm or how you prepare your boat for one, experiences you’ve had. Send us letters or articles.

Our Waterways Information about the waters we sail in: disappearing marinas, boatyards and slips; mooring fields, anchoring rights, waterway access, etc.

SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.co e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 14 Number 4 April 2006 Copyright 2006, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Lisa Hoogerwerf Knapp Barbara Pierce

Art Perez

Miscellaneous Photos Photographs are always enjoyable, whether for their beauty, their humor, or for many other reasons, and we take them alone. We would like photos with every story, if possible.

Cover Photos SOUTHWINDS is always looking for nice cover shots, which are always paid for. They generally need to be a vertical shot, but we can sometimes crop horizontal photos for a nice cover picture.

They need to be of a high resolution. If digital, they need to be taken at a very high resolution (and many smaller digital cameras are not capable of taking a large, high-resolution photo for the cover). If a photograph, then we need it scanned at high resolution, or if you send it to us, we can do so.

Letters to the Editor For those of you who are not as ambitious to write stories, we always want to hear from you about your experiences and opinions.

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com for more information and questions.

For more technical guidelines about layout, grammar, etc., please visit our Web site, www.southwindsmagazine.com and go to “Writer/Photographer Guidelines.”

April 2006

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Regional Editors CAROLINAS AND GEORGIA waltmcfarlane@aol.com

Walt McFarlane

Individuals in the Sailing Industry Interesting stories about the world of sailors out there, young, old, and some that are no longer with us but have contributed to the sport or were just true lovers of sailing.

Cuba Of course, there is always Cuba, and regardless of how our country’s elected officials try to keep Americans out of the largest island in the Caribbean, it will one day be open as a cruising ground.

Today American sailors can legally go to Cuba and cruise if they follow the proper procedures. If you have a story about such a trip, let us look at it.

Associate Editors southwindsnews@aol.com cruzcrossroads@yahoo.com

Advertising Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com and click on “Advertising Info” for readership, distribution and advertising rates Steve Morrell editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704 David Curry davidcurry@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 761-0048

Roy Laughlin

Charter Stories Have an interesting charter story? In our Southern waters, or perhaps in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or points beyond in some far-off and far-out exotic place?

Doran Cushing, Publisher 1993-2002

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

Steve Morrell

Maintenance and Technical Articles How you maintain your boat, or rebuilt a boat, technical articles on maintenance, repairs, etc.

The Caribbean Stories about the warm tropical waters farther south of us.

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News & Views For Southern Sailors

EAST FLORIDA mhw1@earthlink.net

(912) 429-4197 (321) 690-0137

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Lisa Hoogerwerf Knapp southwindsnews@aol.com SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACING miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) 380-0106

Production Heather Nicoll

Letters from our readers Joe Corey Linda Gruhn Lisa Hoogerwerf Knapp R. J. Mitchellette Hone Scanook Colin Ward

Proofreading Kathy Elliott Contributing Writers Rebecca Burg Stephanie Cox Chuck Husick Roy Laughlin Art Perez Capt. Steve Stevens

Artwork Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com Julie Connerley Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Walt McFarlane Barbara Pierce Morgan Stinemetz

Contributing Photographers Dean Barnes Rebecca Burg Charnel Doyle Donald Duck Daniel Forster/Rolex Goodyear Kim Kaminski Lisa Hoogerwerf Knapp Roy Laughlin Barbara Pierce Colin Ward 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.southwindsmagazine.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.southwindsmagazine.com. www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS “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.

NEW SUBSCRIBER ASKS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION I picked up a free copy of your magazine at a boat dealer’s showroom, and I was so impressed that I decided to subscribe to it for a year. I know I won’t be disappointed. I found it to be chock-full of information and services. Who could want more?

Happy sailing.

Judy Tessier (Hey Jude) 365 Pearson Ketch Hey Jude, Thanks for the comments. We will do our best to live up to your expectations. As for who could want more? We want more slips and moorings, more waterway access, more land access from the water, and better treatment by landowners—who are in the majority—of us boaters—the minority. Just for starters.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Editor BERNIE KOSAR, INVESTOR IN HARBORTOWN MARINA IN FORT PIERCE, BEST KNOWN AS A CLEVELAND QUARTERBACK In your February issue, you mentioned, in an article about Harbortown Marina in Fort Pierce (“Fort Pierce Welcomes Boaters,” page 50, February ‘06), that ex-Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Bernie Kosar recently purchased the marina.

Kosar was a quarterback for the Dolphins but was best known in the pros as the QB for Cleveland in 1985-1993. He was then traded to Dallas and Miami at the end of his career. He took his college, University of Miami, to the national championship over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 3130. Interestingly, Cleveland convinced him to finish college for a business degree and then they drafted him. One of the other investors in the marina, Daunte Culpepper, is the current, well, last year, QB for Minnesota.

Bill Hoffman Bradenton, FL Bill, I guess Kosar just can’t stay away from Florida. Probably warmer than Cleveland.

Editor MY MARINA IS MY HOME

By Reneé Brissont A few months ago I attended a meeting of local homeowners in my neighborhood here in Brevard County in central east Florida because of my interest in the rumors I had heard. It was being said that they were selling our marina to a condominium developer and we would have to move.

Move! Where in the world are we going to move?

There has been talk of new public boat slips in our area, but just how many of these will allow liveaboards? When will they be completed, and where will we have to go to get the See LETTERS continued on page 10 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS maintenance work needed to be done to these vessels?

Focusing on the disappearing public working waterfronts and public marinas, we do have a new law on the boater’s side of the issue. Beginning on January 1, state law was requiring coastal communities to preserve and seek to Another disappearing marina? Photo by Reneé Brissont. expand commercial and public working waterfronts such as the is the expanding dense development of Banana River Marine where I reside in small communities such as South the marina with 73 other vessels in Banana River Drive on Merritt Island.

The neighborhood issues are public slips.

Where should we go? extremely critical concerning the popPeople asked if the county has ulation density, traffic, growth managecomplied with this new law when con- ment, environmental issues, public utilisidering the required zoning change to ties, sewage and stormwater in addition allow this property sale to these partic- to the working waterfront. The developer proposes to build 200 condominium ular buyers.

The question has also been units and fill in part of the marina addressed to the Brevard County man- lagoon. More than 100 boat slips will be ager whether the county has conducted removed as well as the boatyard, repair required studies to update coastal man- facilities, the store and even the boat ramp and the riverfront docks. What agement land use practices.

Commissioner Pritchard has met will we do?

This is all happening to one of the with the local residents and responds with backing of the opposition to the safest harbors to be found.

I remember riding out Hurricane condo development. Revisions continue to be made by the developer to get Jeanne in 2004 and Wilma’s winds last year. The sound of the wind during the approval for the changes.

The basic problem here for boaters storm season is always haunting, but our and liveaboards is that looking for great 1969 37-foot (wooden) Egg Harbor required public access and repair facili- Cruiser made it through all five hurrities would be a futile search. Do you canes last year with absolutely no damage, and this year’s season was a know where we could all go?

The even larger problem, however, breeze. Keep in mind that our home

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and our business did not fare so well during the storms of 2004.

Do we have to find hazardous waters in which to live?

Where will the manatees go? There are moms with babes in this water all the time, and I can safely say I have seen 30 or more manatees in this basin on a regular basis. We are visited by playing dolphins, and I could not even begin to name all the species of fish, not to exclude the blue crab that we are blessed with every year. Where will THEY go? The ospreys will certainly be confused and I have to say, so am I. I am very confused. Why not just sell the property as the working waterfront and public marina and expand it as the new law suggests. Let’s make it better!

The public marina is a disappearing necessity for those of us who depend on it as our home. Working waterfronts and public marinas should not be destroyed.

Our lifestyle should not be destroyed.

Reneé, Good questions. They aren’t being destroyed all at once, just little by little, one marina and one boatyard at a time.

Editor See LETTERS continued on page 12

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LETTERS UNDERWATER OBSTACLES CAUSE BOAT DAMAGE IN WATERS OF SARASOTA BAY The state of Florida is now the home of more boaters than any of the 50 states! We manufacture most of the recreational boats in the United States.

Most of our “Snow Birds” are here for our water sports, as I am. We moved to the state for the fun of being on or around water sports. The bottom line is that the boating community spends

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an enormous amount of money in the state, and we are being short changed when it comes to waterways.

We trust the waterways to be safe and maintained by the various agencies of the city, county, state and federal governments. Many of us boaters are seeing little or no concern from these agencies about our safety while navigating the waterways of Florida and other states. The marking systems are not maintained, the waterways are

not dredged, and the agencies are not responsive to our pleas for repairs or warnings of hazards.

I have two personal recent experiences that have happened while boating in Florida waters. Our yacht club was having a weekend getaway at a marina on the Manatee River in Bradenton, on the southern end of Tampa Bay. When we departed the marina, we struck an object in about five feet of water, which turned out to be sunken railroad tracks resulting in $3000 of damage for props. The marina advertises eight feet of water, and the Corps of Engineers says seven feet.

I called the Coast Guard and had no follow-up.

In another instance, on November 10, we were southbound in the Intracoastal Waterway and struck an object near the new Ringling Bridge in Sarasota. I immediately called the Coast Guard to report the unknown object so it or some agency could mark the debris. We proceeded to a local yacht club to have the damage assessed. The dockmaster advised me that he was aware of at least three other groundings in the same location, and that they were all reported to the Coast Guard with no response. There are now six groundings and no warning to boaters!

In conclusion, the boating community is being cheated. Our agencies responsible for maintenance and safety for boating are not responsive to our needs, even when we plead for assistance.

Bill Neuens, St. Pete Beach, FL Bill, I can update the saga of the underwater obstacles in Sarasota but have heard nothing of the status of the situation in Bradenton. (I like how the marina in Bradenton advertises eight feet, yet doesn’t mention the approach having an obstacle at five feet.) In Sarasota, the county first told the state about it, which sent divers down who found nothing. The county then sent its own divers, who discovered large chunks of concrete (it is believed they are parts of the old bridge—the chunks being about 200 feet south of the new Ringling Bridge—that was torn down and replaced recently), which they videoed, sending the videos to the state. The state divers returned, found them, but said they were not in the channel and not something requiring immediate attention. They didn’t believe they even needed to mark them at www.southwindsmagazine.com

the time, although they decided later to do so, and they will remain marked until it is decided who is supposed to clean them up. It was determined that they are parts of the old bridge.

By the way, I think they should never send those state divers on a rescue mission—unless they have a video to guide them.

As for our waterways, it seems that maintenance keeps getting worse. I personally don’t see this trend changing for at least the next eight months. Let’s see, that is around November of this year. (Wow! An election year!). But I really don’t see much improvement then, but there is another chance to change that in about 32 months. That should be…let’s see, that would be November of 2008. (Wow! Another election year, but bigger!). I am hoping that everyone who knows who has been cutting spending on our waterways will not vote those people back in office but replace them with those who will fund the maintenance. Of course, by then, there won’t be any money left to do much of anything.

Editor SUGGESTIONS FOR SAVING OUR MARINAS AND WATERFRONTS I am somewhat of a regular writer/contributor to your magazine and really appreciate its applicable content.

However, I am becoming increasingly frustrated and dismayed over the apparent lack of positive influence our marine interests—the user, vendor and manufacturing associations—have had when it comes to state and local anti-boating zoning laws and other related anti-boating enactments.

Perhaps my emotions are ill-founded, and I should give our marine associations the benefit of the doubt, but I just cannot find any real positive news these associations are contributing—especially when it comes to the gradual eradication of the cruising lifestyle in and around the state of Florida, as just one example.

Your January ’06 issue continues to illustrate the rapidly declining state of respect our mariners are due from the elimination and/or reduction of mooring fields, selling-off of marinas for condo development and lastly the increased cost of the slips remaining, virtually squeezing the nontrailer-boat market out of existence by both price and accommodations (re: your own article page 6 and letters to the editor on the same subject in the same issue).

I feel I am a reasonably intelligent individual and yet remain very puzzled as to the lack of positive action our marine associations are taking to reverse the ebb of diminishing marina facilities. I am not one to criticize without offering positive solutions, so here are some simple suggestions, some or all of which may already be implemented, for these associations to contemplate: Make sure a representative of our industry is present at every public hearing on the above subjects; we simply cannot afford to lose by default!

Do a better job of lobbying at all levels of government.

In other words, a more effective offense is better than a “pre-vent defense.” Even though the latter is better than nothing, it usually amounts to being “too little too late.”

And, of course, educate at all levels explaining the social and financial impact our industry has on local and state economies, including but not limited to, registration and license fee income. It should not take a rocket scientist See LETTERS continued on page 14 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS to figure the bigger the boat, the higher the fee, and the bigger boat needs a place to park on the water (i.e., take away the berth for the boat and the boat goes away).

Finally, our associations need to do a better job of rallying the troops to write letters, sign petitions and march for the cause of maritime respectability.

The most unfortunate dimension to this dilemma is the fact the local

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fathers have already figured out that increased tax revenue from conversion of existing marinas to condos results in a larger and more reliable revenue stream than the erratic revenue derived from the marine business, and this is where our challenge is the greatest and needs to be expanded and fine-tuned.

One solution is for marina owner/operators to perhaps guarantee an identical tax revenue base as that

which would be forthcoming from a condo conversion, then divide the increased cost of operation by the number of slipholders and other add-ons.

Yes, this would run up the cost of boating but not beyond, I believe, the cost boat owners would be willing to pay to keep their boats berthed in their local marina.

The same principle for revenue production would be applicable to mooring costs, etc. And as a reminder to the marina owner/operators, the value of their property would continue to grow while the property pays its increased tax burden through higher facility cost.

I will finish this mini-diatribe with one final thought; Where are the power squadrons, the National Association of Boat Manufacturers and marine vendors’ interests, et al, while the strategic dismantling of our boating world as we knew it goes on?

Ron Mitchellette Contributing Writer Buford, GA Ron, I couldn’t agree with you more, and all of your suggestions would be helpful in reversing this trend. Our problem is time.

Once these marinas and boatyards go, they will be gone for a long time. The boating community is faced with an even more important goal than just reversing this trend: Just stopping it is challenge enough.

Your comment that the tax base of condos is so much greater and that is what is motivating officials, is so true. It is all about powerful economic forces that are already in motion. Many cannot be stopped, and marinas and boatyards around us that we think are sticking around could already be involved in these economic forces, and there is nothing we can do about it. We have to plan for changes that can come about years ahead of us, and your suggestions could all be instrumental in helping that.

I am not sure about the National Association of Boat Manufacturers or the power squadrons, but I do know that the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA, www.nmma.org), BoatUS (www.boatus.com), Marine Industries Association of Florida (MIAF, www.boatflorida.org — go to the “Florida Boating Resources” page)— and others are all working on this problem, perhaps just not enough. They would probably all love to get our support and help.

Editor www.southwindsmagazine.com

Events and News of Interest to Southern Sailors To have your news or event in this section, contact editor@southwindsmagazine. com. Send us information by the 5th of the month, possibly later.

Contact us if later.

gram 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

Racing Events For racing schedules, news and events see the racing section.

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL: The St Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron begins the six-week Public Boating Course every Monday. The course includes safety information plus basic piloting; charts, course-plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Call (727) 867-3088 or visit www.boatingstpete.org for details. The course satisfies Florida’s education requirement for boaters under age 21.

UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS BOAT SHOWS Jacksonville International Boat Show. April 21-23.

Metropolitan Park & Marina, Jacksonville, FL (904) 759-2758. www.jaxboatshow.com.

Pensacola Boat Show. Pensacola Civic Center. April 21-23.

The show encompasses more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space on land. www.gulfcoastshows.com/pensacola2.htm.

South Carolina In-Water Boat Show. April 27-30 Brittlebank Park, Charleston, SC. www.scmarine.cmo/showsubsite.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs. St. Petersburg, FL, 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 pro-

News & Views for Southern Sailors

2006 Morgan Invasion Moves to Tampa, April 21-22 Because of construction at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, the 21st Annual Morgan Rendezvous will be held at the Davis Island Yacht Club, April 21-22.

The event will start with registration at the club at 3 p.m.

Friday afternoon, April 21, with music and a barbecue that evening. Charley Morgan will also be around on Friday to meet with visitors. A race will be held on Saturday, followed by the Morgan awards presentation and another dinner and music. The rendezvous will end after a Sunday breakfast. For more information, go to www.diyc.org (go to “Racing”).

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Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Offers Public Boating Programs: Basic Coastal Navigation Program (7 lessons).

Class days: April 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24 America’s Boating Course (2 lessons). Evening course on May 8, 11, and a second weekend course, May 20-21. All programs are held at the Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001

How Can We Save Docks and Boats During Hurricanes? SOUTHWINDS Would Like Your Stories SOUTHWINDS is looking for ideas and real stories on hurricane experiences to pass on to others for our upcoming hurricane section during the 2006 hurricane season. Whether your boat was at a dock, on land, anchored, or even under way, we are interested in your story—whether it survived or not. We are also looking for ideas and stories on protecting docks during storms.

Should boats be forced to leave a marina during a hurricane? Should boat owners be required to keep their boats from destroying a dock during a storm? Should insurance companies give discounts to those who protect their boats during a storm? Send stories, letters and/or photos to editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

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Gulf Blvd., Sand Key (Clearwater). They are open to adults and youths.

For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check, call (727) 4698895 or visit http://a0701101.uscgaux.info/.

West Marine Free Seminars for April Of Interest to Sailors Clearwater, 11477 U.S. Hwy 19 North (727) 573-2678, 6 p.m.

4/26 – Capt. Steve Walsingham.

How to get your Captain’s License.

Largo, 10289 Ulmerton Road, Suite B (727) 586-7040, 7 p.m.

4/19 – Steve Uhl. Garmin GPS, Land or Sea. Tarpon Springs, 41286 U.S. Hwy 19 N (727) 939-1754 7 p.m.

4/1 – Meet your local Tow Boat US Captain 8 a.m. – Noon 4/13 – Using digital selective calling feature on your VHF Radio w/ Capt. Wally Downtown St. Petersburg, 119 1st Ave N # M122 (727) 822-6565, Start time 10 a.m.

3/26 - Meet your local Tow BoatUS captain North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC, www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 7287317. Ongoing adult sailing programs. Family sailing. 2-6

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people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30’ keelboat. $50$240. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638

OTHER EVENTS 28th Annual Dania Marine Flea Market, New Location, March 30— April 2

The 28th annual Dania marine flea market, thought to be the largest marine flea market in the world, will be held March 30-April 2. The new location is at Dolphins Stadium at 2269 Dan Marino Blvd. Miami. Free parking. Entry $12 except $10 on Sunday. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (till 4 p.m. Sunday). Under 12 free.

1200 vendors. www.thedaniamarinefleamarket.com.

Great Florida Gulf Coast Small Craft Festival, Cortez, FL, April 1-2

Come sail, row, or paddle your classic or traditional boat.

Race and/or “mess about,” sing sea shanties, chow down and pig out on fresh local seafood. Go for a pre-festival “gunk hole” trip. This is a family affair, and there will be children’s

activities. Bring stuff to sell of a nautical flea market nature. There will be stuff to buy. The registration fee includes free on-site camping, an awards dinner, coffee and doughnuts, good times, great company and some live music. Special guest speaker is to be raconteur, boatbuilder, and writer Robb White.

For further information: Florida Gulf Coast Maritime Museum at Cortez, P.O. Box 100 Cortez, FL 34215. (941) 7084935. Roger.Allen@Manateeclerk.com. www.FGCSCF.org.

Sail a Small Boat Day, April 8, Cocoa, FL

Go sail a small boat for free. Contact Jerry Butz at Boaters Exchange, in Rockledge, FL, for more details at (321) 6380090. www.boatersexchange.com.

Ocean Festival Dive And Adventure Sports Expo, Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 21-23

Fort Lauderdale Beach. AIA just south of Las Olas Blvd near the Yankee Clipper Hotel and the Bahia Mar Resort and Yacht Club. Exhibits, free introduction to scuba, seafood, live music, seminars, boat diving, shore diving and family activities. Underwater treasure hunts. Adults $9, children under 12 free. (800) 839-8516. www.oceanfest.com.

Helvarg Releases 50 Ways to Save The Ocean at Reef Relief, Key West, April 27

David Helvarg, president of Blue Frontier Campaign, announces the release of his new book, 50 Ways to Save the Ocean, along with his newly updated, Blue Frontier – Dispatches from America’s Ocean Wilderness at Reef Relief on the board of the Historic Seaport in Key West, FL, on Thursday, April 27, from 6-8 p.m.

50 Ways to Save the Ocean is the first and only guidebook highlighting the challenges of saving the seas and offering

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concrete action steps for individuals to take. Complete with a foreword by Philippe Cousteau and illustrations by Sherman’s Lagoon cartoonist Jim Toomey, it will inspire people to become more engaged in marine issues. This book signing is part of a national tour that includes 24 cities. Each of the 50 chapters includes descriptions of organizations such as Reef Relief that are doing good work, as well as a resource guide in the back of groups, businesses, and other contacts.

For more information, contact Reef Relief at (305) 2943100, www.reefrelief.org or e-mail reef@bellsouth.net.

22nd Annual Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, April 28-30.

Individuals on the beach throwing a mullet from a circle in Alabama to the state line in Florida to benefit the Alabama Sheriffs Boys’ and Girls’ Ranch and the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Escambia. www.florabama.com. (251) 980-5116.

Great pictures on the Web site. You will want to go.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, Pompano Beach, FL, April 28-30

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. Located at the end of Atlantic Boulevard at the beach. More than 50 charities benefit from the proceeds of the Seafood Festival. Admission charged. (954) 570-7785. www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com.

Annual Wooden Boat Festival, Pirates Cove Marina, Josephine, AL, May 6-7

Presented by the the Perdido Wood Boat Association. www.piratescoveriffraff.com $3 Adults. Free to children 12 and under. (251) 987-1224.

Catalina 22 Northern Gulf Coast Cruise, Fort Walton Beach, FL, May 13-19

The Catalina 22 National Sailing Association’s Fleet 77 of Fort Walton Beach, FL, hosts its ninth annual Northern Gulf Coast Cruise the week of May13-19. This is a one-design event, open to all Catalina 22 sailors, that attracts participants from across the country and Canada. The cruise starts at the Fort Walton Yacht Club, sails the protected waterways of the ICW, crossing Choctawhatchee Bay, Pensacola Bay, Perdido Bay, and Wolf Bay to arrive at Wolf Bay Lodge, AL, and return. Go to http://members.cox.net/ c22fleet77/ for additional information. See SAIL magazine, August 2005, for an interesting article on this cruise.

NEWS Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club, Hillsboro, FL, Holds One of the World’s Largest Raft-Ups

By Linda Gruhn It was a ragtag crew led by Commodore (captain for the day) Hal Steward and wife Mary who celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club with their annual “Change of Command Circle Raft Up.” Attempting to break a record (they hope Guinness) with more than 60 boats rafted in a circle formation was no small feat, especially given the hard winds and the many celebratory parties on each boat. Capt. Hal engineered the event on March 4, on Lake Boca in Boca Raton, FL, assisted by swashbuckling pirates guiding boats one by one into the circle. He then rushed back to his boat, Southern Breeze, just as the circle was closing after hours of hard work, to the sound of cheers from the crowd with Mary blowing a congratulations from her peach conch shell.

The event has grown in leaps and bounds with only 19 boats attending the first year and more than 60 quick registering this year as soon as the date was announced. On the night before the event, 15 boats came out to stake a place with the rest filling in the next day. Hearty members make it a challenge to go boat to boat around the circle, which is difficult given the amount of celebratory imbibement 18

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offered. The event was fun and newsworthy enough for the Goodyear Blimp crew to come out for a photo opportunity, and Capt. Marty took some fantastic aerial shots.

The Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club, located in Lighthouse Point, FL, has a year-round racing and cruising program for both sailors and those sailors who have retired their “rags” for a trawler or cruising vessel. It also has an active youth program and will be celebrating its 35th year in style with many more creative events and programs. Interested in joining? For information, go to the club’s Web site, www.hisc.org.

Court Reconsiders Case of Cubans Who Landed on the Seven-Mile Bridge and Were Returned to Cuba

The Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club Raft-Up in Boca Raton, FL. Photo courtesy Goodyear.

A U.S. court recently decided that perhaps the Cubans who landed on a section of the Seven-Mile Bridge should not have been returned to Cuba. When the Cubans landed, officials at the time made the determination that the concrete bridge structure they landed on was not technically part of the United States, and the Cubans had to go back to Cuba.

Rumors have been circulating that the new court ruling was because the Bush Administration was really afraid that the Conch Republic, which claimed the structure as part of their domain, might actually succeed if the U.S. Government did not change the decision. These rumors also maintain that the reversal is consistent with other inconsistencies in the Bush Administration policy towards Cuba, totally confusing everyone in the United States and in Cuba—except the Bush Administration, which thought they were being again consistent in its inconsistent policy.

Murray Yacht Sales Expands to Tampa Bay

Murray Yacht Sales, a large Gulf Coast boat dealership that has three offices covering covering Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, recently opened an office in Tampa Bay to service Florida’s west coast. The office is located in the Sailor’s Wharf Marina complex on Sailboat Row at 1421 Bay Street, S.E. St. Petersburg, FL, 33701.

Established in 1974, Murray Yacht Sales, run by Stanton Murray, is the authorized dealer for Beneteau and J/Boats. Murray Yacht Sales is also a full service yacht brokerage operation, selling both sail and powerboats from all four locations. Go to www.MurrayYachtSales.com for more information.

Sailor’s Wharf Expands Yard Services

Along with the addition of Murray Yacht Sales’ new office being located at Sailor’s Wharf, the boatyard has expanded its operations with the purchase of a new Travel Lift.

The yard will now be able to haul larger yachts with beams to 19’ 6,” drafts up to 9’ 6” and weight up to 150,000 pounds. They also added 17,000 square feet of storage space that will accommodate 35 boats upland. www.sailorswharf.com 20

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2006 Catalina 309

2006 Catalina 310

2006 Catalina 320

2006 Catalina 34

2006 Catalina 350

2006 Catalina 36

2006 Catalina 387

2006 Hunter 31 2006 Hunter 33

2006 Hunter 36

2006 Hunter 38

Catalina and Hunter have eleven yacht models between 30 and 39 feet, four with a base price of under $100,000. Most models are in stock and can be custom ordered to your specs.All are perfect companions for Florida West Coast sailing.

The Thirty Something Hunter and Catalina yacht selection combined with Massey’s super competitive pricing and legendary service provide the best value anywhere, with immediate delivery on most models.

Visit Massey and inspect the Catalina and Hunter Thirty-something fleet. Save thousands today and sail tomorrow with the best sailing companions that Florida has to offer!

Come to our 2006 All Cruisers Rendezvous & Boat Show May 19-21, 2006 – Call for info

Hunter and Catalina Custom Outfitting Quote in less than one hour with Just pick your yacht and call with your options.

For Online Boat Show www.masseyyacht.com E-mail: yachtsales@masseyyacht.com Ft. Myers, FL 239-334-3674 • TOLL-FREE 800-763-3157 Call Sheryl Boddy for Best Rate Yacht Finance Quotes and FREE Pre-Qualification

941-723-3991 Ben Fowke

Dan Howland

Terry Clark

Jim Klimczak

Palmetto, FL 941-723-1610 • TOLL-FREE 800-375-0130

St. Pete, FL 727-824-7262 TOLL-FREE 877-552-0525

Since 1977 SOUTHWINDS

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Brad Crabtree Scott Pursell Frank Hamilton John Kelley

Bill Wiard

Al Pollak

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Southwinds does not have the electronic rights to the Bubba stories

Southwinds does not have the electronic rights to the Bubba stories

OUR WATERWAYS

SOUTHWINDS “Our Waterways” Section SOUTHWINDS has created this section to inform our readers about changes in our waterways. We believe that Southerners are in the midst of a great change occurring on our waterways—through the conversion of many boating properties to condominiums, restrictions on anchorages once thought to be more open and now being more restricted and regulated, and other economic forces at work. This section will concern itself with the environmental health of the waters we boat and swim in.

The waterways belong to all of us, and all of us have a right to use them. The waterways are not just for those who can afford to live on the water, and it is up to us boaters and lovers of these waters to protect that right.

We hope that by helping to inform you of these changes, we will contribute to doing just that.

We are looking for news and information on changes, land sales, anchorages, boaters’ rights, new marinas, anchoring rights, disappearing marinas, boatyards and boat ramps, environmental concerns and other related news. Contact Steve Morrell, editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or call (877) 372-7245.

We regularly receive many letters to the editor on these issues. See the “Letters” section for more opinions and information.

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BOAT WASTE DISPOSAL Type I MSDs, and How They Work

By Charles Husick Spend more than about a day on a boat and your body will announce a compelling need to dispose of some of what we generally call “solid waste” ( about one-half pound a day, of which 75 percent is water). At sea, direct disposal of small amounts of untreated waste creates no environmental problems. In coastal waters that are not designated as no-discharge zones (NDZs), we may use approved onboard flowthrough waste treatment systems. In NDZs, current regulations require that we store the waste, eventually transferring it to a shore-based collection system for “treatment” or carry it to open waters where it may be legally disposed of.

As we have noted previously, transferring the waste to a shore-based facility is NO guarantee that it will be treated properly before being pumped into our near-shore waters.

The risk—or under some conditions, the certainty—that

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partially treated or untreated sewage will be discharged into the waters in which we sail can be virtually eliminated with the use of available technology, specifically the use of flowthrough treatment systems whose performance exceeds the current federal standard by a modest factor of 100:1.

Federal and state health authorities consider ocean water to be acceptable (but not necessarily desirable) for bathing if the coliform bacteria count is less than 200 per 100 ml. The two Type I MSDs, whose operation is described below, produce an undiluted effluent that contains less than 10 coliform per 100 ml, 1/20th of the level allowed in water at our beaches before “Closed To Swimming” notices are posted.

Two Type I MSDs Two Type I MSDs that meet the <10/100 ml specification are the Groco (Gross Mechanical Laboratories) Thermopure 2 and the Raritan Lectra/San (and the newly introduced model, the Electro Scan). Both of these devices carry Coast Guard approval for use on vessels less than 20 meters in length (above that length, a Type II MSD is required). Both of the devices have been in use for many years. In fact, successive models of the Lectra/San have been in use since the mid ’70s. Both devices achieve equal results in virtually totally eliminating anything even remotely harmful from the waste they process.

Both the Thermopure 2 and the Lectra/San begin the treatment process by macerating the waste from the vessel’s toilet (or holding tank). Maceration is accomplished with use of a rapidly turning cutter/stirrer blade powered by a low-voltage DC motor. Maceration is necessary both to break up the waste (which is easily done) and to break down the paper, which typically constitutes a large part of the total solids transferred from the toilet. (Neither of these systems requires the use of specially degradable toilet paper.) The maceration process ensures that the subsequent sterilization process will effectively reach the entire contents of the treatment unit and contributes to the elimination of visible solids from the effluent.

The Groco Thermopure 2 The Groco Thermopure 2 sterilizes the macerated waste by pasteurizing it, exposing the waste to a temperature high

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Send Us Information and Opinions on Boat Waste Disposal More and more communities are restricting our rights to anchor or moor in their local waters. One of the main complaints is residents’ allegations of sewage disposal from boats.

Do boaters pollute the waters in which they anchor? What alternatives to the traditional methods of sewage disposal from a boat exist? Are composting toilets a good answer? Do you have experience with them? How about mandatory pump outs? Enforced nodischarge zones? How much pollution is caused by local communities compared to what a boat discharges?

What about Type I and Type II MSDs? Should they be allowed in no-discharge zones? How are the pump-out services in your area?

We are also looking for information on what other countries—in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and elsewhere—do about boat waste disposal.

SOUTHWINDS will be researching innovative ways to dispose of sewage and answers to this age-old problem.

We’d like your input and opinions. Contact Steve Morrell, editor@southwindsmagazine.com. (941) -795-8704.

enough to kill all of the bacteria and viruses. The waste is automatically transferred in batches from the system’s integral 10-gallon holding tank (tanks with capacities up to 30 gallons are available) to the sterilizer chamber where it remains until the treatment process has been completed.

The sterile material is then discharged overboard. No chemicals of any kind are required. The DC-powered parts of the system can operate from a 12-volt supply, via a 15-amp breaker. The sterilization chamber heater is powered by 120 VAC, via a 15-amp breaker.

The Thermopure’s energy consumption per treatment cycle consists of 14.7 ampere-hours of DC power, about 16 amps, for the short time the pump is running. The treatment unit AC power drain is 15 amps @ 120 volts for about six minutes. A warm-up time of about six minutes is required before the initial treatment cycle can begin. The Thermopure 2’s requirement for 120 volt AC power makes it ideally suited for use on powerboats equipped with AC generators. However, since the system requires AC power

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OUR WATERWAYS The Lectra/San treatment unit.

only when treating waste, genset operation is required only intermittently, making use on a sailboat where the genset does not run all of the time totally practical. It is also possible to power the unit from an inverter, especially since the AC load is entirely resistive and therefore quite happy to operate from a modified sine wave inverter. The 10-gallon holding tank is 17 inches long, 14 inches wide and 13.7 inches high. The treatment module is 10.5 inches x 9.25 inches and 11.73 inches high.

The Raritan Lectra/San The Raritan Lectra/San treats waste as it is generated and transferred from the toilet(s).

The treatment device, a two-chamber plastic enclosure, is equipped with two DC motors, one operating the inlet compartment macerator, the other the secondary treatment compartment mixer. Special metal electrode plates are built

into the partition that separates the compartments. The waste treatment cycle is begun by pressing a buttonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or automatically if electric toilets are installed. The treatment cycle begins with a 35-second maceration cycle followed by the chlorination process that sterilizes the waste.

The chlorine required for sterilizing the waste is obtained from the seawater in which the boat is operating by applying DC voltage to the electrode plates, liberating chlorine from the salt (sodium chloride) present in the seawater. (In brackish areas, the system can add common table salt to ensure a high enough concentration of salt). The chlorine that is made available for sterilizing the waste is hypochlorous acid (HOCL), the same disinfectant discussed and recommended in EPA document 832-F-99-034 for use in treating waste. (Unlike the common types of chlorine used to disinfect holding tank pump-out hoses, the HOCL solution reverts to salt and water, eliminating any chance of harming marine life). The treatment cycle continues for approximately two minutes, after which the system shuts down until the next use of the toilet. When the toilet is used next, the already treated contents of the first treatment chamber are moved past the tank divider barrier into the second treatment chamber. During the ensuing treatment cycle the contents of the second chamber are continuously stirred and

Send Us Information On Public Mooring Fields SOUTHWINDS is trying to catalog all the public mooring fields and anchorages that are regulated by local municipalities in the South, whether fresh or saltwater.

We ask our readers to send us information on those that they know, with contacts, locations, regulations, news etc. Contact Steve Morrell, editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or call (877) 372-7245.

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OUR WATERWAYS again chlorinated. The now twice-treated waste in the second compartment remains in the tank until the next use of the system, at which time it is pumped overboard.

Only a modest amount of electrical power is required for the Lectra/San operation. The maximum current drain on a 12-volt DC circuit is well under 50 amperes. However, operating time is short; therefore, the total energy consumption per treatment cycle is typically 1.7 ampere-hours. (A group 27 marine deep-cycle battery will support at least 28 treatment cycles before reaching the 50 percent discharged state. (A unit installed in a canoe with just one battery and no charger would serve two people, each using the system twice a day, for a week!).

The Lectra/San is quite small, measuring only 16 inches long, 9 3/4 inches wide and 13 1/2 inches high.

Installation of either the Thermopure 2 or the Lectra/San is well within the capability of most sailors.

The treatment efficacy of these systems has been thoroughly proven by tests conducted by highly regarded testing laboratories in the United States and in countries noted for their interest in boating and aquaculture, such as Australia and New Zealand. In fact, both Australia’s and New Zealand’s testing included verification that the Lectra/San would eliminate not only bacteria but also viruses.

You now know that really effective onboard waste-treatment equipment exists. You know how the equipment can protect our waters—to a degree equal to or superior to what is done onshore. We will next address what we need to do to make our state and federal government personnel aware of the technology that’s available to protect our waters and insist that they make it possible for us to use that technology for the benefit of everyone who uses our coastal waters.

more convenient, although our marina has a pump-out station in deep water that is convenient. I am happy to say that we don’t need either service.

We used to have a Lectra/San, but it had seen better days, and it was time to replace it. We have no idea how old it was. For some reason, we are a two-boat family, and over 10 years ago, while living on our 32-foot boat, we needed a new toilet. After researching, we ended up trying an Ecolet.

This is a compost toilet made in Canada by Sun-Mar. It has NO parts on it that can break. The only thing we have had to replace is a small fan that is inexpensive. It is the size of a computer fan. That toilet is still on that boat and in working condition. The only problem is the size. It is self-contained, and after it goes through the process, you end up with powder that can be put in your plants or in the trash.

The cost then was about $1,000. Last year, we bought one for the 40-footer that we now live on. We purchased it from www.poolproducts.com (then go to “Home and Yard”).

The cost now is $1,249. If purchased from them, there is no tax, saving $100, and no shipping, saving another $100.

They do charge $8.95 for handling. I thought that was a great deal. There is a pool supply company in Tampa, which also sells the Ecolet, but we decided to wait the 10 days and save on the tax and time to go pick it up, as well as the fuel.

There are many sites online to purchase these, and the prices and shipping vary, but after much research, I picked the best. After a month of using it, it broke so I e-mailed

Success and No Worries with Composting Toilet on Board Letter from Gale Burns of St. Petersburg, FL My husband and I are liveaboards, and a few weeks ago a rep from PumpOutBoat.com had come to our marina to hand out cards to sign up. It’s a great idea, and I, too, hope it works for them. If we needed that service, it would be

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them to find out what to do. After giving them a little information, a few days later I was told there was another on the way, and we could take whatever parts off the broken one and throw the rest away. It couldn’t have been any easier.

Even though we knew we wouldn’t need the extra parts, my husband did keep a few. It has been over a year, and we have been problem-free as we were with the other toilet on our other boat.

No pump-out, no holding tank (except maybe a fivegallon one for the liquid, if used continuously) and no parts to break, What more could you ask for? I don’t know any man who likes to work on the head, and installation is easy.

Another one—and the one I really wanted—is the Envirolet, but because of the length, we had to go with the Ecolet. The Envirolet is made by Sancor, and I believe that is also in Canada, but it can be purchased direct from the manufacturer in the United States. It works basically the same way but has other features that I liked better and comes in six different colors. The cost is $1,375 plus shipping. Both the Ecolet and Envirolet come in different models that include non-electric, 12V DC and 120V AC. There are also different models for the amount of usage.

The Ecolet has a model that tapers in the back if you have to put it on the slant of the hull, which was the case for a friend of ours who also purchased one. The Envirolet can be found at www.envirolet.com. If you request a catalog, you will also receive a coupon for at least $100, off which should

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Links for Our Waterways Issues Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway issues. www.atlintracoastal.org.

BoatUS Foundation. Great source of information and links on miscellaneous issues. www.boatus.org.

Florida Inland Navigation District, a taxing district for management and maintenance of the AICW in Florida. www.aicw.org.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. www.gicaonline.com.

Marine Industries Association of Florida with links to local associations. www.boatflorida.org.

Marine Industries Association of South Florida. www.miasf.org.

National Waterways Conference promotes, educates and lobbies on behalf of all of the nation’s inland waterways. www.waterways.org.

Ocean Conservancy. Dedicated to the protection of the oceans. www.oceanconservancy.org.

Reef Relief. A non-profit group, which is dedicated to preserving the reefs, based in Key West. www.reefrelief.org.

Gulfbase.org. A research database for Gulf of Mexico research. www.gulfbase.org.

cover the shipping. Both can also be ordered online.

The main thing I was concerned with before we received ours was odor, even though they said there wasn’t any, and I can say they are right. All of our neighbors weren’t so sure about what we were doing, until we told them it had been installed and in use for a while, and they, too, were surprised. During my research I did find other companies—some in Australia—but I couldn’t think of what the shipping would be from there. I researched them extensively and found these two to be the best, and when I called them for other information, they were very nice and were able to answer all of my questions at that time without having to check on it and call me back. Both have excellent customer service help desks. Both of these Web sites explain how they work in detail as well have detailed specs, and SunMar also has a site if more information is needed for the Ecolet. We can sail anywhere we want without having to worry about pumping out and we are legal. I would also like to mention both are Coast Guard-approved.

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CRUISING

Obstacles to Cruising: Lessons Learned by One Couple After Six Years of Cruising Part II

By Colin Ward

L

ast month we discussed some general obstacles to cruising people run into and the finances involved. This month we will discuss some other miscellaneous concerns people have that become obstacles to choosing the cruising lifestyle. (For those who missed Part I, you can download the March issue at www.southwindsmagazine.com. Go to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back Issues.â&#x20AC;?)

Buying and Selling a Boat for a Sabbatical The financial exposure for a sabbatical cruiser is the cost of outfitting the boat, the depreciation, plus any taxes and broker fees, which cannot be recouped when the boat is sold. Also, you may be paying dockage and loan payments for the time it takes to sell the boat, which is usually measured in months if not years.

I do believe that a cruising sabbatical is a life-changing experience.

Afterwards, the cruiser will likely be looking for work in the great outdoors and will not take Dilberts in cubicles too seriously. They will also remember how happy they were aboard that 1969 Columbia 30 and live less materialistic lives than their peers.

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Cruisers rafting together at a popular anchorage, Vero Beach, FL.

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Health Grandchildren With the exception of the Grandchildren have killed sabbaticallists, most cruising cruising plans for more sailors is done by people who have than you might imagine. reached an age when health Having no offspring myself, I issues raise their ugly heads can only report my observamore frequently. Cruising tions, but it seems to be itself is a pretty healthy Grandma more often than lifestyle if you limit your Grandpa who cannot tear herexposure to potluck dinners, self away. Older grandchildren but often the damage has can come and visit the boat in already been done. So cruisan exotic location, but the realers have to plan for doctor ity is they would rather be visits, filling teeth and prewith their friends at the mall. scriptions, etc. etc. Needless Aging Parents to say, many health issues are As we reach retirement/ manageable while cruising, Colleen Ward buying fruit while cruising in the Bahamas. cruising age, our parents are but others are simply incomprobably reaching an age when they need a lot of care. patible with a rolling vessel, with time spent out of the Many cruisers recognize their needs early on and manage to homeland, or with anchoring near a remote island with no arrange for family care or for help through assisted living possibility of seeking medical help when the weather turns facilities or nursing homes. It is hard getting a call informbad. Sometimes it is possible for a spouse or crew to move ing you that one of them has passed away while you were the boat to the next port where the less healthy cruiser flies out of touch on the boat. On the other hand, many feel that in and joins the fun. One of our friends actually crewed on they cannot spend their own golden years waiting around a large motor yacht that was also staffed by a pair of nurses for an unpredictable event. Parental needs have definitely who took care of the elderly owners who would not give up prevented some from going cruising and have limited the boating and had the funds to insure they could continue. wanderings of others. Fortunately, communications and air Medical care outside the United States is much better travel are pretty good in a lot of the prime cruising grounds. and cheaper than our government would have you believe, but for something serious, the United States, Canada or One Half of a Couple Hates It Europe are your best bets. In the Caribbean, the French Here is another tough one! Chris has dreamt of cruising for islands would be my first choice. Be prepared to educate decades and is loving every minute now the time has come. your doctor about your lifestyle and your need for several Pat, on the other hand, gets seasick, is petrified of lightning, months of prescriptions at one time. Chances are good that misses workmates and HBO, and thinks Chris is incompetent the doc, like most other dirt dwellers, knows little about and is going to get them both killed. There is a slim possibilsailing or cruising. ity that Pat may come around or that an arrangement can be made whereby Pat flies in to join the boat when Chris brings Pleasure is in the Preparation We have encountered some would-be cruisers who derived it into the next port. More likely, however, is the ultimatum great pleasure from designing, building and preparing their â&#x20AC;&#x153;choose me or the boatâ&#x20AC;?...and sometimes the boat wins. ideal cruising boat but did not enjoy cruising at all and gave it up almost immediately. They were Type A perfectionists Pets Deciding whether or not to obtain a pet and take it cruising who loved the challenge of knowing everything about boats is not too difficult. Deciding what to do about 12-year-old and doing absolutely everything themselves. They could not Fido, who is part of the family, is another story. Lots of peochill out and go with the flow once they started their voyage. ple cruise with cats and dogs. Cats can survive within the Someone else wound up with a great boat. Know thyself!

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CRUISE OBSTACLES confines of a boat with few ill The Naysayers effects if you don’t mind dealing If you talk about your cruising with a litter box. Dogs on the plans and dreams to your colother hand like to go ashore, run leagues and relatives who do not around and take care of business share them, you will run across every few hours. When we were people who think you are nuts lake sailors, our dog was always and will try to do the right thing with us, and we dutifully and talk you out of going. Some dinghied her ashore multiple will offer sound analyses times a day. She was totally derived from the above list, and house-trained and only once others will simply warn you had an accident on the boat in 16 about the dragons and sailing off years. Unfortunately, that other- Cruisers meet a variety of people, like this group in Luperon, the edge. Most are just jealous wise desirable trait is unwork- Dominican Republic. couch potatoes. Listen to them able in the cruising environpolitely, and then do what you ment. Even motoring down the ICW does not offer the think is right for you. opportunity to anchor and take the dog ashore for a bathroom break with that kind of regularity. Some friends made In Conclusion costly nightly stops at marinas along the ICW just to be sure I am sure there are obstacles to cruising that are not mena canine potty break would be available. Another friend has tioned above, but I have tried to cover the ones that we have trained his dog to use the deck at will, following which he seen first-hand on more than one occasion. Notice that some sloshes buckets of seawater on the excrement. We always of these obstacles will keep you from going cruising at all, wear shoes when we visit his boat. Other cruisers we know while others may only limit your cruising grounds to safer, are reluctant to go very far on their boats because of the smoother waters like the ICW. You do not have to be a cirdeclining health of an older furry family member. You cumnavigator to be a cruiser. Some people are happy as a should be aware that the Bahamas requires health certificlam migrating from New England in the summer to cates and paperwork for pets, while some other countries Florida in the winter year after year. Truth be told, circumwill not allow shore visits at all without a six-month quarnavigators are often edgy people who love jumping out of antine (only for the pet!). Some of those regulations are aircraft, cave diving, or covert ops in third world counloosely enforced but you never know… tries—not your typical cruiser.

We are thankful that we were able to start cruising at a Seasickness relatively young age, and we sincerely hope our friends on Seasickness can also prevent folks from going cruising. the seven-year time line can overcome all of the obstacles Seasickness is truly debilitating and miserable. The seasick that will crop up. I also hope that forewarned is forearmed person may just feel a little queasy or may be completely and that this information might help you foresee and overuseless and incapable of functioning at all. Susceptibility to come any obstacles to your cruising plans. In the United seasickness varies by individual from practically none at all, States, the cruising lifestyle is being challenged by real to throwing up when the boat is still on the trailer. Most estate developers, by anchoring restrictions, by disappearpeople are somewhere in the middle of this continuum. One ing boatyards, by a lack of maintenance of channels and certainly gains sea legs after being on board for a while— markers, and by ever-increasing costs. If you want to go even a rolly anchorage helps. Medications vary from pretty cruising, I suggest you do not wait too long. effective to little more than a placebo. The effective ones have side effects. Better find out what you can tolerate Colin and Colleen Ward sail on their Catalina 42, Mandalay, and before you buy your world cruiser and head across the have written several articles about their cruising experiences, pond. Chartering for a couple of weeks is a good way to test many of which are about the Bahamas. the waters without committing your life savings.

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW

Strictly Sail Miami: New Monohull Designs Introduced & Lots of Cats

By Roy Laughlin Photo by Roy Laughlin.

I

t seemed that everything stops, especially the traffic, in Miami for the Miami Boat Show. This year, the boat show was the largest ever in terms of number of both vendors and visitors. For sailors, the Strictly Sail show at the Miamarina

at Bayside was the focal point for sailboats.

The monohull offerings at the show were diverse.

Catalina and Hunter introduced new models in the 30-foot range; boats that appeal to families and young, entry-level cruisers who will spend a few days at a time on a sailboat.

Cruising sailboats dominated the in-water show. The unofficial statistics are that monohull sales have been increasing only slowly in the recent past. This seems to be reflected in prices. The value pricing is now in monohulls of almost any size. Many sailors are taking advantage of this price advantage and giving monohull purchase a good, hard look.

Cruising multihulls stole the show this year, with at least 50 cruising multihulls on exhibit. They came from all over the world, with the South African boat-builders leading the flotilla. The South Africans berthed their catamarans in the multihull lagoon around a pavilion showcasing the accomplishments of an industry that has emerged on the international scene in less that two decades. The Reynolds 33, a 33-foot racing cat that is a probable successor to the Stiletto, was a notable representative at the Miami show of the high-tech end of multihull sailing.

See MIAMI continued on page 57

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ON THE DOCKS

Blow Boaters like Strictly Sail in Miami

By Lisa Hoogerwerf Knapp With lovely weather and fair winds, sailors traveled across the world to enjoy this year’s Miami Boat Show. Reporter Lisa Knapp asked attendees at Strictly Sail Miami, the sailboat part of the Miami Boat Show, what they liked best about this year’s show and what was their favorite South Florida anchorage.

Patricia & Allen Valkie, Hunter 31

Javier, Claudia & Molly Vidaurre “This is our first time here. There’s lots to see.

We just moved here from New York. We sailed in Peru.”

Nicole, Steve & little Emma Mosher “You’re allowed on all the boats here. It’s not like the Fort Lauderdale show where there are no sailboats. Our favorite anchorage is in the Bahamas.”

“The weather for the Miami show can’t be beat.”

The Valkies came from Wisconsin to Strictly Sail.

“It’s easy to get to the show with lots of boats, hotels, shops, restaurants. The facility is convenient. Our favorite anchorage is by Nixon’s Landing. It’s quiet, peaceful and the homes are pretty.”

Tim Grissette, Irwin 37, & Stuart Gough, taking delivery of Passport Vista 515 “I like to look at the boats and dream,” Tim said. “I like the pretty girls,” Stuart said.

Tim’s favorite anchorage is Manatee Pocket near Stuart, FL. Stuart’s partial to Hurricane Hole on Biscayne Bay.

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Terry & Martin Huntzicker, Morgan 38

Randy Veeser, Catalina 22

“Anything you need for your boat you can find here. This is the best east coast show for products. Our favorite anchorage spot was between Palm and Hibiscus islands before they banned it. It’s hypocritical that they will let our boats anchor during the two weeks of the show only.”

It’s nice that this is geared toward sailing, and that the motorboats aren’t included. I just moved to Florida. I actually haven’t anchored out yet.

Bob Burnette, Burbeck 50

Gonzalo & Evelyn Sales

“I like the Miami show.

There’s lots of boats. My favorite anchorage spot used to be between Palm and Hibiscus Islands in protected waters near Monument Island.’ They don’t want us there anymore.”

“We like the variety of the boats and the European lines. The show is the perfect size to see everything in one day. Our favorite anchorage is Chaguarana in Trinidad Island.”

Carlos & George Morales

Greg & Sherry Wright, Beneteau 50

“We’re looking to buy a sailboat and like the convenience of the show. We live in Miami.

Our favorite anchorages are more in the Keys and the Caribbean.”

“You get to look at upscale boats here that we can’t afford. There’s a variety, and we get to see it in the water versus a magazine. We’ve never sailed in South Florida, just the Caribbean.”

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ICW

Managing the Challenges of the ICW: Tips to Help You Enjoy Your Voyage

By Barbara Pierce

Cruising any part of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is an unforgettable experience. It’s a series of adventures. For the ICW is not just one route, but many. There’s not just one theme, but a multitude of themes and moods. There’s not just one challenge, but a series of challenges.

50,000 miles, they weren’t prepared for the AIWW on the populated east coast of Florida.

As we anticipated our first experience on the GIWW in Texas, remembering our friend’s experience, and talking to other cruisers, we had a long list of fears. After cruising in Mexico for several years, we trucked our 41-foot ketch, Crossroads, to Texas. Though we were eager to cruise the Southern part of the U.S., we were scared of the GIWW. We were anxious about the locks, the drawbridges, the busy barge traffic, running aground A drawbridge along the ICW in central east Florida. Photo by Barbara Pierce. and the thick-drawled tug capblend of natural and man-made sections, the ICW is a tains, who would be intolerant of inexperienced cruisers. collection of rivers, sounds, inlets, and cuts that runs We did meet the many challenges, handled some better for nearly 4,000 miles. Although many boaters like to than others, and had a great trip—an adventure we’ll long call it all the “ICW,” the waterway consists of two differentremember. ly named segments. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) runs from Massachusetts to Key West, FL. The The Best Time to Travel the ICW Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) runs from Traveling is best done in spring or fall. We learned this the Brownsville, TX, to the Florida Panhandle, and along the hard way, as we wore four layers of clothing while we travwest coast of Florida from Clearwater to Fort Myers. The eled the GIWW in February. Summer is too hot, with too Okeechobee Waterway connects the east coast of Florida, at many insects. We learned this the hard way also, as we sufStuart, to the west coast at Fort Myers. (Though with a fixed fered without air-conditioning, traveling the AIWW in July. bridge of 49 feet, passage for many sailboats is limited.)

(We’re from California where there’s no humidity; we The two ICWs are different. The GIWW is heavily travweren’t prepared for summers in the South.) eled by commercial vessels, lightly traveled by recreational Many boaters travel the AIWW with the seasons. They vessels. The reverse is true of the AIWW. head south in the fall, and north in late winter/early spring.

On the ICWs, you’ll travel through remote forests, Though, with air-conditioned boats, more and more cruisancient swamps, and wild marshes where you’ll see few ers are traveling all summer. other boats. You’ll travel through busy canals lined with If your goal is to make it to your destination rapidly, high-rise condos, with masses of boats of all sizes, shapes, going outside is the way to get there. If your goal is to cruise, and descriptions. You’ll travel under fixed bridges, wait for have adventures, and see incredible sights, you’ll enjoy travdrawbridges to open, tie up to a barge to go through a lock. eling on the ICW. Many boaters prefer not to travel it at night; So that you can enjoy the incredible sights and adventhis is one of many ways you’re slowed down. tures and not become stressed-out, preparation to manage Your trip on the ICW can last as long as you choose. If the challenges that the ICW will present is important. you move right along, stopping every night, it takes about Planning ahead is the key. four weeks for an average sailboat to get from New York to “It almost cost me a divorce,” said a friend from the Georgia/Florida border, and another week to get to Key California. “Waiting for bridges to open, fighting the curWest. It takes one week from Texas to New Orleans, anothrents, Sea Rays with their massive wakes, my wife screamer week to the Panhandle, another week south to Key West. ing at me.” Though he and his wife had cruised together It’s smart to allow time for exploring (on land, in the

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The beauty of the ICW in North Carolina. Photo by Steve Morrell.

dinghy, in your boat), relaxing, waiting out bad weather, repairs.

We spent much longer than average, as we were having such a good time exploring local areas. One of our favorite detours was a side trip to Avery Island, LA, the home of Tabasco sauce. And we spent several weeks in New Orleans.

We’re so glad we did as it’s no longer the same city. St. Augustine, FL, was another favorite stay. Miami Beach was our top place to anchor and spend as much time as possible.

Preparing for the ICW A current guidebook for the area you’re cruising is helpful; there are several good ones. You’ll find recommendations on where to anchor, where to get supplies, marinas, hardware stores, side trips, and all the details that will make your trip enjoyable.

A book that gives you information about bridge schedules and locks is critical. We used the United States Coast Pilot books.

Though traveling the ICW is generally safe and relatively easy, extra knowledge is needed beyond that for offshore cruising.

Knowing the Coast Guard Rules of the Road is important. For example, in meeting commercial vessels, “Comin’ attcha on the one,” means you’ll turn to starboard for an oncoming vessel; “on the two,” means you’ll turn to port. This information is in the Rules of the Road book, in courses offered by U.S. Power squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliaries, in videos, on-line and in other resources.

Having up-to-date charts for the areas you’ll be traveling is important, paper charts as well as a GPS chart plotter if you use one. Conditions change rapidly. You may want to load waypoints, which will be helpful, especially if the weather becomes bad.

Depths in the ICW are to be maintained at a minimum of 12 feet (except from Fort Pierce south to Miami, where it is 10). However, with recent budget cuts, many areas are considerably shallower, and those are often unknown until the boater comes upon them. This is especially true with shifting bottoms from currents and storms.

A VHF radio that you can operate in the cockpit is a must, because of the need to monitor and communicate News & Views for Southern Sailors

with other traffic, bridges, and locks. Radar helps also.

Good binoculars are most helpful, to find the next marker.

As there are many fixed bridges, especially along the east coast of Florida, knowing your mast height is important. Most fixed bridges have a vertical clearance of 65 feet, with the exception of the 55-foot Julia Tuttle Bridge just north of Miami.

What to Know as You Travel Commercial traffic has the right of way. There are many huge barges on the GIWW between Texas and New Orleans, with limited maneuverability. Stand by on VHF channel 13, which they use, as well as 16, so you can hear them before you meet them.

We found the tug captains most helpful, even protective of us. “I’ve got this lil’ sailboat comin’ behind me,” the captain of the Creole Sue alerted oncoming traffic. We followed him all day, figuring that the barge he was pushing probably had an 11-foot draft, so we’d be fine. He even recommended a place for us to anchor that night. Like that captain, most were friendly; dealing with them was positive and fun.

In less populated stretches, like much of the GIWW, plan for your fuel and water. On much of the AIWW, you seldom need to worry about finding help, supplies, fuel, or restaurants.

See ICW continued on page 68

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The Joys of Night Sailing

By Barbara Pierce

“T

he ocean is flat calm, like a lake. The carpet of stars and the bright moon are incredible. The dolphins are playing with me,” reads my journal entry. It was one of our first overnighters. Years later, I vividly remember that perfect night; sitting in the cockpit, feeling peacefully alone in the world, quiet except for the sound of the boat cutting through the water, then the snuffling of the dolphins as they joined me.

Sailing under the stars is one of life’s greatest experiences. Not often do conditions combine to offer a perfect night like the one I experienced. More often I found that the night was interminably long and full of anxiety when I was a novice; it took experience for me to enjoy night sailing.

Now it’s one of my favorite times in our 40-foot ketch, Crossroads.

There are several things we’ve learned that are important to remember about night sailing.

that they know how to identify what the lights on other boats mean. If you have radar, you’ll want to make sure it’s working and everyone knows how to use it.

Have your passage plan well thought out. We like to have a back-up plan, should the weather change and we want to change our plans and find a place to anchor or make harbor during the night. We want to know all of our options ahead of time. Plans change with the wind; we often end up somewhere other than where we intended.

Have charts set up for the stretch of coast you’re traveling. Even if you use a GPS chartplotter, this backup is essential. Some captains list shore lights likely to be seen, so that the person on watch can keep his bearings.

A good flashlight for the person on watch is vital. We like the LED kind as we’re not replacing batteries daily. A

Getting Ready If you’re planning a long trip with overnighters, it’s a good idea to do a practice overnighter in your local waters before you take off.

If you can, plan your overnighter for a night with a full moon; moonlight will make your travel easier. Of course, the wind and the sea are the more important considerations.

To prepare for the dark, the need to keep things put away is never more important. A carelessly flaked line, a loose coffee cup or piece of equipment that could fall onto the gunwales all are potential hazards. Everything that is not essential to the operation of the boat should be stowed.

You’ll want to know that all your running lights are working and that all the crew knows how to use them. And

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powerful spotlight should be close at hand. We prefer the plug-in kind rather than the rechargeable. We’ve found big differences in lights. The Blue Eye with its 400,000 candlepower is far more effective than the one-million candlepower of other brands.

Have all your charts and charting tools in place before dark.

Good binoculars are helpful at night; we’ve never found it necessary to have night vision binoculars. A good regular pair works fine.

Food and something to drink should be easily accessible. The energy surge that comes from a granola bar, candy bar, piece of fruit, or that old standby, peanut butter on bread or crackers, helps the person on watch stay alert. I found that hard candies were my friend in the middle of the night to help me stay awake. A thermos filled with hot coffee, tea, or water, in the cockpit helps.

Temperatures can drop at night, even in the tropics.

Having warm clothes ready to add helps one’s comfort.

Reef down before dark. You won’t get every bit of speed possible out of your boat, but you’ll run into fewer problems with changing conditions. You won’t feel as if you’re going slowly, as the sensation of speed is much greater in the dark. We’ve been slammed a few times with way too much sail area up. It became the proverbial Chinese fire drill. By running with a smaller sail, you have less chance of having a big problem. It will be easier to get the sail down in an emergency. Sometimes when you’re out of your local area, you’re not as familiar with the wind patterns, so play it safe.

Have jack lines and harnesses set up. We have an absolute rule that no one leaves the cockpit unless there is

The beauty of night sailing. Photo by Steve Morrell.

another person in the cockpit, and we wear harnesses and tether ourselves.

“I watch the water before the sun goes down,” says Capt. Bruce Pierce. “I get a feel for the movement of the ocean, and get comfortable with the rhythm of the boat before dark. People tend to get disoriented once the sun goes down.”

Under Way A watch schedule should be set, even for just one overnighter. If you don’t, the excitement of those on board fades as the temperature fades. By the middle of the night it becomes hard for anyone to keep his eyes open. By dawn, everyone is cold and grumpy. Setting a watch schedule with a series of short watches makes sure everyone gets a chance to get warmed up and rested.

When there are just two or three of us on board, we find that four-hour watches work best for both short and longer trips. When there are two of us, four hours sleep off and on into the next day helps us keep rested. Bruce likes the sunset hours so he can prepare for the night. Each captain and crew must find what works best for them. Many prefer three-hour watches.

At night, depth perspective and ability to judge distances are greatly altered. In general, lights are much farther away than they appear to be. This takes getting used to. Not all people are created equal when it comes to night vision.

It’s important to operate with as little artificial light as possible, as nothing kills night vision quicker than artificial light. It can take up to 20 minutes to regain your night vision after exposure to artificial light. Having at least one overhead light in the cabin with a red lens helps a lot so that See NIGHT SAILING continued on page 67

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MIAMI RACE WEEK

The Majors Meet in Miami: Acura Miami Race Week 2006, March 7-12

By Capt. Steve Stevens

O

ver 1000 yachtsmen invaded Miami Beach to test themselves and their boats against the conditions of Biscayne Bay and the Gulf Stream for the Acura Miami Race Week 2006. The sailors were an international group, coming from 10 foreign countries and 22 states, and they were some of the world’s best, including former Olympic medallists, America’s Cup contenders and participants from the tough, around-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.

The sailors competed in 140 boats, ranging in size from

The start of the long-distance race of the Rolex TP 52 Global Championship. Photo courtesy Daniel Forster/Rolex.

the 24-foot Melges 24 and the J/24 to Jim Madden’s brandnew, swing-keel Reichel/Pugh 66-footer. The racing yachts were divided into four main divisions with each division sailing on separate courses.

Division 4 included the Melges 24, the J/24 and the Etchells. Division 3 contained three PHRF classes and the 34-foot J/105, which sometimes sails under PHRF rules.

Division 2 grouped together the bigger boats: the Mumm 30, the Melges 32, the Farr 40 and IRC 1, which included Madden’s Stark Raving Mad and Jim Swartz’ beautiful Swan 601, Moneypenny. Division 1 was reserved exclusively for the TransPac 52-footers (TP52), which were holding a world championship during Miami Race Week.

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that performs flawlessly and finishes well in every one of the 10 scheduled races as there is no discard race,” said TP52 class executive director Tom Pollack before the event.

“This regatta will be a true test of each team’s skill, daring and preparation as they compete to be named the Inaugural Rolex TP52 Global Champion.”

“The appeal of the TP52 is sailing on an incredibly high-performance and fun boat against the best sailors in the world on an extremely level playing field,” added John Coumantaros, owner of Bambakou. “We were exceeding 25 knots of boat speed in Key West in January, and it was, mostly, all under control.”

Miami Race Week is the also second and concluding part of a series, which began at Acura Key West Race Week.

In addition to competing for division honors in Miami, the sailors were also competing for the Acura Grand Prix trophies. These prestigious awards recognize the boats with the best combined score from both of the events for the TP52, the Swan 45, the Farr 40, the J/105, the Mumm 30 and the Melges 24 classes.

Nine of the ultra-high-tech, ultra-competitive TP52s competed in 10 races beginning on March 7, which included a long-distance, overnight ocean race to Bermuda and a 35 nautical mile coastal jaunt. The TP52 class rules include an owner/driver clause, but the majority of the other sailors were world-renowned, “rock star” yachtsmen. America’s Cup Alinghi helmsman Ed Baird, a St. Petersburg, FL, resident, was on board Rush, while Gavin Brady was riding with Karl Kwok on his Hong Kong-based Beau Geste.

One of the most winning yacht owners in the world is Philippe Kahn, and he certainly stacked the deck on his new Pegasus 52. On board with Kahn were Alinghi’s veteran trimmers Simon Daubney and Warwick Fleury. Pegasus 52 also was equipped with former America’s Cup helmsman Ken Read, J/24 World Champion Chris Larson, Soling bronze medallist Jeff Madrigali and navigator Adrienne Cahalan, who took the recent Rolex Sydney-Hobart triple win on Wild Oats XI. The first day of racing placed the boats on a windwardleeward course off Miami Beach, where they competed in three races. An offshore westerly breeze settled in, creating highly shifty winds varying by 30 to 40 degrees with wind strength between 12 and 20 knots. Baird and crew aboard Thomas Stark’s Rush showed great regatta consistency by nailing a 2-4-2, but Kahn’s Pegasus 52 managed to take bullets in both the second and third race, giving both teams eight points for a tie.

“We have a great team and we got lucky,” said Kahn.

“The fleet is so close and the conditions are so challenging that any single boat could win. Basically if you don’t look somewhere, you get passed. It is amazing how much you can lose or gain just like that very, very easily.” www.southwindsmagazine.com

Patches (on the left), winner of the inaugural Rolex TP 52 Global Championship, and Pegasus 52, which took second, fight for first place. Photo courtesy Daniel Forster/Rolex.

Some of the most exciting racing the Miami spectators had ever seen continued on the second day as the boats again raced three windward-leeward courses, which were set out in the Gulf Stream, off Miami’s internationally famous South Beach. Eamon Conneely’s Patches, from Ireland, put in a stellar performance, nailing three straight bullets, claiming overall first place at the conclusion of six races. Calling tactics for Patches was double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, and he was at the top of his game, winning the first race by only 26 seconds over British rival Stay Calm. Walker’s tactical skill continued to hold for the rest of the day as he stretched out wins over the rest of the fleet. Prior to coming to Miami Race Week, Patches had suffered significant structural issues, which kept her from racing at Key West and at the Rolex Middle Sea Race. “We are kind of owed a few,” said Walker after the racing. “It’s the luck of the Irish. We might go and do the lottery after today’s run of good fortune. But it is nice for Eamon. Whatever happens in the rest of the week, he has had one hell of a day to remember.”

Fate would soon prove that Walker was foreshadowing a bit with that statement, and Eamon would have several more memorable days to remember before the end of the racing. On the third day of the regatta, the race committee sent the fleet on a 200-plus-mile overnight race to the coral heads of the Bahamas Bank from the tip of Key Biscayne.

Two hours into the race, Patches was leading the fleet and was the odd-on favorite to win the regatta after her stellar showing by taking three consecutive bullets in this highly competitive fleet. But a few hours later, while sailing upwind in a large sea, Patches broke her deck at the forward end of the cockpit on the port side, mandating a return to safe harbor and scoring a DNF. “The core fully split–you could put your hand in there when you were sailing along,” said Walker. “We had one half the upwind, and we were looking forward to coming downwind with the chute. We had Rush and Pegasus tucked away, covering them for the overall positions.”

Once ashore, the team from Patches began the repairs to the carbon fiber, determined that the boat would finish competing in the regatta. Work on the boat was completed at 6 a.m. on Saturday, and Patches was back on the water for the start of the coastal race. Kahn’s Pegasus 52, which was being helmed by Fort Lauderdale amateur Tom Lihan, since Kahn was absent due to a business commitment, was the first boat to the weather mark. But Patches made a smooth move as she rounded and tore away on a run. Hoisting a large masthead spinnaker over the other boat’s fractional chutes, Patches overhauled the fleet and stretched out a lead to finish first.

The final day of racing proved to everyone that the TP52 fleet was one of the world’s most competitive. Patches and Pegasus 52 entered the final two windward-leeward races separated by only 0.75 points, with Kahn’s boat in the leader’s position. Patches won the first race, giving her a 0.25 News & Views for Southern Sailors

point lead over Kahn as the boats prepared for the last race of the regatta. The boats were match-racing behind the committee boat during the pre-start and crossed the line virtually even. Patches remained on a starboard layline to the weather mark, while Pegasus 52 took a port tack hoping to cross. But just prior to the mark-rounding Patches was forced to take an emergency tack to avoid hitting Pegasus 52, and the crew began protesting. Kahn immediately took a 360-degree penalty turn, putting him out of the race and out of the regatta. Patches took the win and the coveted trophy, beating out Pegasus 52 by a score of 32.25 to 33.5.

“I am thrilled for Eamon,” said Walker. “He has put a lot of time and money into the boat. We only just made this regatta, with the guys working for a month to fix the keel after Key West and then to break the boat here and fix it overnight.”

While all eyes were on the thrilling battle between Patches and Pegasus 52, the other boats were having a great and competitive regatta with the “Chamber of Commerce” conditions See ACURA continued on page 61

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PHRF RACE TIPS

Getting the Best Speed From Our Steed

By Dave Ellis

P

HRF racing is based on the relative speed of various classes of boats as observed over many events.

Supposedly, a boat with great sails and a clean bottom, driven to its potential, should be able to sail to its assigned rating.

So, to do well in PHRF class racing we must have the speed to match the boat’s potential. If a J-24, for example, has sails several years old, a bottom that has fissured and cracked from drying out on the trailer and has a few dings on the keel from trailer rash, it would be difficult for it to sail to its 174 or whatever your PHRF rating area assigns.

What are some of the things we can do to get more speed from our steed?

Starting with the hull, yes, smoothness helps. In 1985 there were four identical 26-footers in Offshore Sailing School’s spring racing program. For four weeks they were all the same speed. Then one of the boats started coming in last in every practice race. Bill Shore was the guest instructor that week. He said, “Let me demonstrate how to race this boat.” He came in last.

Steve Colgate ordered the staff instructors to jump in the cool spring water to clean the bottom. There was a sort of jelly on the hull and foils, no barnacles. As soon as the cleaning was done, that boat did as well as any other. It had a different paint on the bottom that allowed the growth.

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Just a little goo made the difference.

Weight is a significant factor in a boat’s speed. A gallon of water weighs about eight pounds. Beer weighs the same.

Drink it and put it on the rail, not in the cabin. All those extra sails below, the extra tools, ancient, waterlogged PFDs, take energy to move.

Our engine for racing is, of course, the sails. If you have older Dacron sails, take heart. There is an advantage to lowtech sails. Unlike modern materials and laminates, Dacron sails can be coaxed into a decent shape for many years.

The Dacron mainsail will tend to have its draft gravitate aft over seasons. So you will have to apply a little more luff tension, either through more halyard tension or a Cunningham if you have one. Pull tension until the draft is about 45 percent aft if you have a genoa jib on your boat. A little farther forward if you have a blade jib.

Put wool ribbons on the top two battens. They should stream aft about half the time when going upwind. If they stream all the time, you probably need more downward mainsheet or vang tension. There is too much twist.

Sight up the back of the mainsail to make sure the top of the sail is not hooked to windward of parallel to the boat.

This is especially important if your foresail does not go to the top of the mast. A fractional rig needs the mainsail

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above the jib to not hook and sometimes to twist off slightly even when not overpowered.

If you sail non-spinnaker, put an additional woolie or telltale two-thirds of the way up the sail and halfway between luff and leach. Make sure the LEEWARD telltale is streaming aft.

Especially on a reach, this shows the amount of twist to put in the main. If it is not streaming, let the boom lift until it does. It works. After Greg Fisher showed us this secret, my reaching speed improved so much that my Windmill was measured after an event. They thought it might be underweight.

As for outhaul on the main, if you have a big foresail, you need very little shape to the mainsail down low. An inch or two is usually plenty upwind. Any more and there is excess drag.

Wind speed is slower down low, so that part of the sail will be sailing in a header. A flatter sail down low is faster in most conditions. In a blow in waves you want some more shape down there as the upper sail is twisted off and not helping you along.

As for the foresail, use the halyard to get the draft about 30 – 35 percent aft.

Jib twist is controlled by sheet fairlead position. The sliding car should be set to make the telltales break just slightly earlier at the top than at the bottom of the sail.

Generally, slide them forward slightly in light air and chop, and then don’t pull the sail in as far. Slide them back a bit

News & Views for Southern Sailors

from nominal and sheet harder in a blow to match the twist in the main when de-powering.

Again, another telltale is needed, this time a few up the leach of the foresail. If you look under the main up at the back of the genny and see any of these telltales bending around the outside of the sail, you have pulled the sail in too tightly. If only the top one is not streaming, you need to either let the sail out an inch or so or, more likely, the fairlead car needs to go back a hole or two.

On most of our PHRF boats, except perhaps the J/24, which has to be sailed flat, and sport boats, the boat must be sailed “fat.” Don’t pinch. The sails in most breezes are doing the best they can, but speed is needed for the keel to work.

Once I was re-certifying for teaching the sport along with a group of instructors. I was the only racing guy there. When sailing a Hunter 46, I found I was going to weather at the same speed and height as our accompanying Hunter 35. Later another skipper took over. He fell off five degrees from what I knew to be optimum. A few minutes later we left the 35 in our wake. Embarrassing, but it taught me that big, heavy boats need to be sailed differently than an SR Max or Martin 242. This is especially true with any wave action on the water.

Good speed can make our tactics and strategy look great. Think fast!

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RACING UPCOMING MAJOR SOUTHERN SAILING EVENTS, NEWS AND RACE REPORTS Competitors Coming from England and Canada Give International Flavor to Charleston Race Week, Charleston, SC, April 6-9

An annual, three-day premiere one-design, PHRF and IRC regatta for sailboats over 22 feet. Race headquarters at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mt. Pleasant, SC, offer docking, parking, hotel accommodations and evening festivities beachside.

This is now the largest regional keelboat regatta with 143 boats and 800 sailors who participated last year. The regatta is sponsored by the South Carolina Heritage Maritime Foundation and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association. Charleston Race Week, presented by Seabrook Island, is open to all keel sailboats from 22 to 60 feet. The event begins April 6 and runs through April 9 at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.

For more information, go to www.charlestonraceweek.com.

Regata del Sol al Sol 2006 From St. Petersburg to Mexico Introduces New Online Tracking System

The 38th Annual Regata del Sol al Sol, April 21-23, is this year both a relief fund for the island to help it recover from the impact of Hurricane Wilma and a growing regatta that could be the biggest ever this year.

For those who don’t sail, but would like to partake in the festivities and events that follow the race, you can travel by plane. Contact Dolly Rote at (727) 898-6158 or Judy Malone at (727) 866-2839 (jmalone@humresources.com) for accommodations on the island and flights.Something new this year is the new tracking system available on the Web site. You will be able to “click” on your boat and see speed and direction, plus other options. This system will take the place of having to report manually as it is totaly automated, each boat being fit with a transponder sending location information out.

For questions, contact the co-chairs: Mike Boom at (832) 725-4959, mike.boom@verizon.net; Larry Wissing at (727) 278-5508, lw@ipsc.cc.

Go to the event Web site at www.regatadelsolalsol.org.

Regata al Sol from Pensacola to Mexico, May 10: Competitors Wanted!

By Julie B. Connerley

When the Southern Yacht Club burned down during Hurricane Rita, this perpetual trophy from the Regata al Sol was found in the muck after the storm. For some reason, it was not upstairs with the rest of the trophies. Robin Moyer, on the right, and his wife, took it to a silversmith in New Orleans to have it restored to its original luster. Photo by Julie Connerley.

One of the oldest biannual sporting competitions between the United States and Mexico was dealt two huge blows in the past two years, but it is now official: The Regata Al Sol XXIV will proceed as scheduled.

Co-sponsored by the Pensacola Yacht Club and the Southern Yacht Club, this year’s skippers meeting will be held May 9, with the first race starting the following morning, May 10, at the Pensacola Yacht Club.

Due to devastation caused by Hurricanes Ivan, Rita and Katrina, only 15 vessels have expressed definite plans 44

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to participate as of March 10. Normally, the competition averages 40 boats, and the race committee is anxious for all interested sailors to know that the race is ON! Last October, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula was pummeled by Hurricane Wilma. “Fortunately,” said the regatta’s Mexican host, Senor Enrique Lima, commodore of the Club de Yates de Isla Mujeres, “Isla Mujeres did not suffer as much damage as the mainland, and we are ready for the sailors and their guests.”

“Right now,” said regatta co-chair, John Matthews, PYC’s fleet captain, “just two racing boats have told me they are planning on competing. If we don’t have at least three racers, we will start them on the same day with the racer/cruisers. This regatta is always great fun. We just hope more boats will make the trip!”

For more information, go to www.pensacolayachtclub.org or www.southernyachtclub.org. Regatta co-chairman, Ed Boos, is handling hotel reservations. Contact him at eboos@bellsouth.net.

Day weekend.

The Charleston Yacht Club is sponsoring a “feeder race” the weekend of May 20, bringing skippers and crew into the Daytona Beach area the week before the GulfStreamer Race begins on May 26. The Halifax River Yacht Club will host a dinner on Wednesday, May 24, to welcome the racers, followed by a rum party, Thursday, May 25.

The race will begin Friday, May 26, at 2 p.m. at the Sea Buoy in Ponce Inlet. The race can be viewed from the Daytona Beach Pier. Boats should start arriving in Charleston on Saturday evening. Festivities after the race will begin at the Charleston Yacht Club on Sunday, and an awards ceremony will be held on Monday.

For more information on the race, go to www.hryc.com and click on the “GulfStreamer” link.

Southern Collegiate Sailing Update: Spring Season Heating up in the South

By Stephanie Cox

Gulfstreamer Race From Daytona Beach, FL to Charleston, SC, May 26

The Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach and the Charleston Yacht Club in Charleston, SC, are co-sponsors of the fifth biannual, 215-mile GulfStreamer Race, which covers a course from Daytona Beach to Charleston, SC. The GulfStreamer Race is held on even years during Memorial

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Southern collegiate sailors are back on the water after the winter break. Many Northern teams will be making the van trek down past South of the Border and Café Risque to sail in regattas hosted by Charleston, Eckerd, USF, and UF this spring. One reason the Northerners are making the I-95 road trip is because Southern teams have distinguished themselves as being the best in the nation.

Three Southern teams are ranked in the top 20 in the

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RACING nation according to the for each school sailed in B February 28th Sailing division.

World Magazine coaches’ Races in college are a poll. Eckerd College is short 15-20 minutes, so ranked 17th in the country, starts are exceptionally the University of South important. At regattas like Florida is ranked eighth in the ACCs, the starting the nation, and the College lines are short and filled of Charleston is ranked with aggressive and talnumber one in the country. ented sailors. Sailors can’t Charleston, USF, and count on finding a marshEckerd are ranked high mallow boat to start next after impressive finishes at to on the line. the Atlantic Coast Champ- University of South Florida sailors rounding the mark in a recent comThe A division team ionships hosted by St. petition. Photo by Charnel Doyle. for each school sailed fifteen Mary’s College of Maryland and the College of Charleston races, and the B division team for each school sailed 15 races.

Spring Intersectional.

The A and B division score of each school was combined to creS The Atlantic Coast Championships (ACCs) are widely ate a final team score. Brown University had the lowest comconsidered the toughest college races on the schedule because bined team score, which enabled them to capture the Atlantic only the top teams on the East Coast qualify to attend the Coast Championship title. regatta. Only three teams from the South qualified to attend USF posted its best finish ever at this regatta, winning this event. South Florida, Charleston, and Eckerd placed well the B division. The team finished sixth overall out of 18 enough at the SAISA Fall Dinghy Championships to earn the teams. Jesse Combs, a junior who transferred to USF from right to compete at this prestigious regatta.

Charleston, and Tim King, a freshman from the Davis Each college that qualified for the ACCs fielded two Island junior sailing program, sailed B division for the double-handed teams to compete in St. Mary’s College’s fleet Bulls. Combs and King beat Harvard by seven points to of Collegiate Flying Juniors. The top two sailors for each claim the B division victory. school sailed in A division, and the third and fourth sailors Charleston finished ninth at ACCs despite suffering a

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disqualification in race 14 in B division. Charleston sailors, Russ O’Reilly and Alison Trost, posted a strong seventhplace finish in A division.

Eckerd College suffered a tough penalty at this regatta for not signing its record of participation forms at the end of the regatta. Twenty points were added to its scores in each division for this technicality, bumping the team back to 17th place. Peter Stanton, Tina Irwin, Kellen Bernard, and Charlotte Schou sailed for the Tritons.

The College of Charleston Spring Intersectional was a must-do event for top teams in the country this spring.

Charleston is hosting the Intercollegiate North American Championships in June, and Northern teams got some early practice on the Cooper River at the intersectional in February.

The regatta was fleet-raced in 420s in winds that varied from 3-12 knots. College of Charleston won the event, beating perennially strong teams like USC, Harvard, and St. Mary’s.

Charleston sailors, Russ O’Reilly and Alison Trost, finished first in A division, helping the Cougars to the overall win.

South Florida’s Kevin Reali and Ashley Reynolds finished one point behind Charleston in second. Eckerd’s Peter Stanton and Tina Irwin finished eighth. South Alabama’s Karl Kleinsciodt and Kate Brobston finished 13th, and UF’s Travis Wright and Jamie Autin finished 15th.

Rollins College of Orlando hosted the first South Points regatta of the SAISA spring season on February 4. Eight teams competed in winds ranging from 11-16 knots.

USF sailors Abby Ethington, Phil Tanner, Nicole Beckett, and Ashley Wierzbicki won the event. Eckerd finished second and Rollins College finished third. The big story at this regatta is the large attendance by small club programs. A team from the once dormant Emory program attended the regatta and finished eighth. A newly formed Florida Atlantic University team finished seventh. Rollins College—which all but disappeared from college sailing three years ago—fielded two teams for this regatta, ran it, and finished third. Georgia Tech had an impressive top-five finish, beating the University of Florida Gators.

SOUTHEAST COAST: CAROLINAS AND GEORGIA April Water Temperature Cape Hatteras, NC – 59º Savannah Beach, GA – 67º Average April Temperatures See page 68 Cape Hatteras, NC 54º lo – 67º hi for windrose legend Savannah, GA 53º lo – 78º hi For Real Time Southeast Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Southeast.shtml

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS Celtic Crossing, Barefoot Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA

By R.J. Mitchellette The Atlanta Celtic Festival Society, in conjunction with the Barefoot Sailing Club, is planning a Celtic community sailing event beginning with the blessing of the sailing fleet by representatives of the Celtic Patron Saints, followed by a seven-leg cruise and boat parade featuring a contest for the best decorated boat that represents the spirit of the Celtic Festival.

An après-Celtic crossing party is planned with Celtic food, libations, music and dancing in the true tradition of the Celtic culture. The organizers will have a session hosted by Irish

REGIONAL RACING Reports, News And Race Calendars

Regattas and Club Racing— Open to Everyone Wanting to Race The races listed here are open to those who want to sail. No individual club membership is required, although a regional PHRF rating, or membership in US SAILING or membership in a regional sailing association is often required. (If individual club membership is required, please contact us and we will not list their races in the future.)

For publishing of your event, questions and information, send us your race schedule by the 5th of the month to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Send in the name of the event, date, location, contacts (Web site, e-mail and/or phone), and, if you want a short description. Do not just send a link in to this information.

Since race schedules and venues change, contact the sponsoring organization to confirm. For changes to be published, contact the editor. Changes can be put on our Web site, if possible.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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RACING Music Traditions. The Celtic community of the state of Georgia has requested the state to proclaim the week of May 6-14 as Georgia Celtic Week in honor of the founding colonists, who migrated from Celtic nations to settle in the state of Georgia and played a major role in the early colonization of the state.

Celtic Crossing is a sailing tribute to the maritime history of the Celts, who have been known throughout history as master sailors..

For more information, go to www.barefootsailing.org.

SOUTHEAST COAST RACE CALENDAR APRIL Lake Lanier, GA. www.lakeniersailing.com 1-2 Dogwood Regatta, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club 29-30 MC Rebel Rouser (open) Charleston, SC. www.charlestonraceweek.com 6-9 Charleston Race Week 2006, One-Design, PHRF, and IRC regatta for racing sailboats 22 – 60 feet in length. South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association, www.saisa.org.

21-23 District Championship, Carolina Yacht Club, Charleston, SC. South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association, www.sayra-sailing.org 14-16 Easter Regatta, J24, Carolina Sailing Club, Columbia, SC. 21-23 Bald Head Island, PHRF – One Design, Cape Fear Yacht Club, Cape Fear, NC. 22 McIntosh Cup, PHRF, Savannah Yacth Club, Savannah, GA. 22-23 D12 – Wrightsville Beach Ocean Race, Laser, Carolina Yacht Club – NC., Wrightsville Beach, NC. 29-30 D12 NC States, Laser, Lake Norman Yacht Club, Charlotte, NC., Long Bay Sailing Association www.longbaysailing.org 1 April Fools Regatta, Little River Inlet, SC. MAY Lake Lanier, GA. www.lakeniersailing.com 6 Lormand Cup, Southern Sailing Club 27-28 Junior Olympic Sailing Festival, Lake Lanier Sailing Club Long Bay Sailing Association www.longbaysailing.org 19-21 Leukemia Cup, Southport Marina, NC. South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association, www.sayra-sailing.org 6-7 Keowee Cup, Open, Keowee Sailing Club, 13-14 Voodoo & Hospice Regatta, Lightnings, Lake Norman Yacht Club, Mooresville, NC.

EAST FLORIDA Water Temperature Daytona Beach – 72º Jacksonville Beach – 70º Gulfstream Current – 3 knots Average Temperatures – Daytona Beach - 58º lo – 80º hi Jacksonville Beach - 59º lo – 76º hi For Real Time East Florida Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Florida.shtml

See page 68 for windrose legend

2006 First Coast Offshore Challenge, North Florida Cruising Club, April 19-22

The North Florida Cruising Club and the St. Augustine Yacht Club will hold the Offshore Challenge, April 19-22. The 100-mile race runs up the northeast coast of Florida and lasts for April 2006

SOUTHWINDS

EAST FLORIDA RACE CALENDAR APRIL – Central East Florida 1 First Saturday Sailing at Sebastian Inlet. Indian River Catamaran Association.

1-2 2006 Clemens Cup Cruisers Challenge. Central Florida YC 1-2 Mt. Dora Regatta. Mt Dora Yacht Club.

1,15 Spring River Race #2, #3. East Coast Sailing Association 2,23 Spring #4,#5. Titusville Sailing Center 2,14,28 Spring Rum Race #4,#5,#6. Melbourne Yacht Club.

5,12,19,26 Spring Wed #1,#2,#3,#4. Indian River Yacht Club 8 Womens’ Spring. East Coast Sailing Association, Womens 9 Spring #2. Indian River Yacht Club 9 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club 22-23 Spring Regatta, Small Boats. Melbourne Yacht Club 22-23 Progressive Dinner Cruise. East Coast Sailing Assoc., Cruising.

29-30 Spring Regatta Big Boats. Melbourne Yacht Club.

APRIL – Northeast Florida. www.sailjax.com 1 Blue Max Race. North Florida Cruising Club 19 First Coast Offshore Challenge. Offshore Series #1 - 3 & Race #3 of Tommy Hall Memorial. North Florida Cruising Club 22 Mug Race Pre-Registration Party. Rudder Club.

MAY – Central East Florida 3,10 Wed Evening Sailing, Spring #5, #6. Indian River Yacht Club 6 First Saturday at Sebastian Inlet. Indian River Catamaran Club.

6-7 Cinco de Mayo Regatta. Port Canaveral Yacht Club.

6-7 Merritt Island BBQ Bash Cruise. East Coast Sailing Association–Racing.

7 Spring Race #3. Indian River Yacht Club.

7 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club.

12 Summer Rum Race #1. Melbourne Yacht Club.

13 Annual Seafood Raft-Up. Melbourne Yacht Club.

14 Women’s Spring #5. East Coast Sailing Association–Women’s.

MAY – Northeast Florida. www.sailjax.com 6 53rd Annual Mug Race. Rudder Club.

13 Summer Series #1. Rudder Club.

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four days, stopping at three different ports for festivities and food at each stop. The first leg, on April 19, goes from Mayport, FL to St. Augustine. The second leg, on April 20-21, continues on to St. Mary’s and the third leg, on April 22, goes on to Mayport. The race is a benefit for Safe Harbor Boys home.

For more information, go to www.nfcc-sailing.com.

Water Temperature Miami Beach – 78º Stuart – 73º Gulfstream Current – 3 knots Average Temperatures – Miami Beach – 70º lo – 79º hi Stuart – 64º lo – 81º hi For Real Time East Florida Weather go to: See page 68 www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Florida.shtml for windrose legend

RACE REPORT Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association Race #3, Feb. 26

By Art Perez Wet and windy can best describe the third race of the series www.southwindsmagazine.com

hosted by the Miami Yacht Club. A weak, passing cold front the day before, and the arrival of a second front calculated to pass through that afternoon scared most of the smaller boats into staying in safe harbor. While most of the fleet comprised PHRF 1 and 2 boats, a few J/24’s and PHRF 3 boats braved the elements and endured the storms.

A bright spot in the afternoon gloom was the presence of the J/27, Goombay, helmed by owner Dave Kurtz. Dave, a long-time veteran in the racing circuit, made his presence felt with a first-place finish, picking up where he left off before Hurricane Katrina came roaring through South Florida last year and laid up his boat.

The battle for first place in PHRF 1 went down to the wire with less than 15 seconds (corrected time) separating the top three boats. In the end, Pipe Dream XIV (Tripp 33) managed to squeak out a three-second win over Primal Scream (C & C 115).

Surprisingly, the RC decided to cancel the second race of the afternoon, which left many perplexed, considering that the worst of the storms had passed and winds were down to a manageable 15-18 knot range. This decision wasn’t the most popular and again ignited the flames of discord among some in the fleet.

Results: PHRF1; 1st Pl – Pipe Dream XIV/Tom & Scott Piper; 2nd Pl – Primal Scream/ Steven Stollman; 3rd Pl – Thin Ice/ Stu Hebbs; PHRF2; 1st Pl – Goombay/Dave Kurtz; 2nd Pl – Blackbird/Pat Cacace; 3rd Pl – Jammin/ Russ & Vicky Horn; PHRF3; 1st Pl – Sailing for Life/Karen Mitchell; PHRF4; 1st Pl – Special Warfare/Stuart Sorg; 2nd Pl – St. Clair/Richard Hall; 3rd Pl – Maiden; J24; 1st Pl – I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr; 2nd Pl – Gotta Go/Peter Benziger; 3rd Pl – Joe Cool/Lionel Baugh

Legend for Yacht Clubs and Organizations BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net BBYC Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. www.bbyra.net CGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.org CRYC Coral Reef Yacht Club. www.coralreefyachtclub.org KBYC Key Biscayne Yacht Club. www.kbyc.org.

MYC Miami Yacht Club. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

FLORIDA KEYS RACING Keys Water Temperature Key West – 79º Average Temperatures Key West 72º lo –82º hi For real-time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to http://comps.marine.usf.edu

KEYS RACE CALENDAR

See page 68 for windrose legend

Key West and Key West Sailing Club: Key West Sailing Club. Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (305) 2925993. www.keywestsailingclub.org. Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West. Casual racing/sailing on the weekends during winter months after October till Spring. Come by the club to sail. Non-members and members welcome.

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACE CALENDAR APRIL 1-2 20th District Star Championship, CRYC 1 J24 Spring #4 (Flat Earth Racing), Flat Earth Racing – Fourth race of twelve for J/24 class.

8 Nancy Gorman Hughes Cup Regatta, CRYC. The 6th annual racing event promoting women sailing.

Helmsperson must be a woman.

14-15 38th Annual SE Dinghy Championship, KBYC – This annual two day event is open to Optimist, Lasars, Radials, Bytes, Vanguard 420s.

22 The 51st Miami to Key Largo Race, MYC – Open to all classes over 14 ft. Starting in Miami (Biscayne Bay) and finishing at Jewfish Creek, Key Largo.

29 Annual Sunburn Regatta – BBYRA OD #5, BBYC – Race #5 of the BBYRA annual series. This race is open to all nonregistered boats as well.

29 Ron Payne Memorial Snipe Regatta, LYC 30 Annual Sunburn Regatta – BBYRA PHRF #5, BBYC - Race #5 of the BBYRA annual series. This race is open to all nonregistered boats as well.

MAY 6 J/24 Summer 1, Flat Earth Racing 6 C-Gull Cup, CGSC. Annual regatta for the women’s auxiliary club of CGSC 13 CRYC. The sixth race of Series 1 for PHRF, ARC, Melges 24 and J24 fleets. First start at 11:30 a.m.

20 Hospice Regatta, Hospice Care of Broward County. The 10th annual benefit regatta and clambake. The 12-mile multi-leg course off Fort Lauderdale beach. First Signal at 11 a.m.

21 BBYRA PHRF #6. One-Design, KBYC. The sixth race of the Series 1 for one-design boats.

27-28 Goombay Regatta, CGSC. The 19th annual cruising and one-design day races held in Biscayne Bay in conjunction with the Goombay Festival and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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RACING APRIL 9 16 29-30 30

MAY 28

‘Round-the-Island Race Taxes Due Regatta, #6 in Commodore Series 2nd Annual Sam Chapin Laser/Sunfish Regatta Schooner Wharf Wreckers Cup Regatta. Key West.

Captains meeting 7 p.m., April 29 at Schooner Wharf. Great sailing, prizes, video of the racing action and parties. www.schoonerwharf.com.

15th Annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta.

Key West Entrants build a boat from a required minimum of materials then attempt to race each other in the bight. Humorous, salty fun with great prizes for those who remain floating and cross the fininsh first. www.schoonerwharf.com.

Upper Keys Sailing Club. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com.

APRIL 1 8 9 15 22 29

President’s Cup, B/S PHRF TIB Regatta, B/S Portsmouth TIB Regatta, B/S PHRF Portsmouth Spring Regatta Miami to Key Largo Race Hank Gartner Youth Sailing Championship

MAY 6 13

Switchover Regatta & Change of Watch Dinner Oceanside Championship Regatta #1

WEST FLORIDA Gulf Water Temperature St. Petersburg – 74º Naples – 77º Average Temperatures St. Petersburg 65º lo – 80º hi Naples 62º lo – 83º hi For real time eastern Gulf See page 68 weather, winds and marine for windrose legend forecasts, go to http://comps.marine.usf.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS One-Design Crew Training, Davis Island, Tampa Bay, FL, June 3, 10 and 17

One-Design Crew Training will be held Saturday, June 3, 10, and 17 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.. This course is designed for those sailors who wish to increase their knowledge and desire to be skippers. Your previous background is of little importance as we will expose you to all the necessary skills to crew on one-design boats. You will learn how to use the hoists to launch dry-sailed J/24s, as well as how to hank on sails. You will get hands-on experience on trimming jibs, genoas, mains, and spinnakers. You will be taught to tack, jibe, start, and observe the Rules of Racing. This course is 50

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open to the public and is aimed at those crew members who sail in our Thursday night series. The cost is a $100 taxdeductible contribution to the Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation. Class size is limited to the first 30 who apply.

For applications, contact King Purton at (813) 760-0177.

30th Annual Southwest Florida Regatta, Naples, FL, April 1– 2

The Gulf Coast Sailing Club will host the 30th Annual Southwest Florida Regatta, April 1– 2. Five classes of sailboats will compete in the waters just off the Naples Pier beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

The event can be viewed from the beach. The Volvo Cup, sponsored by Devoe Volvo, will be presented to the overall winner at the awards ceremony.

Go to www.gulfcoastsailingclub.com, or e-mail Photosail@aol.com for more information .

14th Annual Hunter Cup Regatta and Rendezvous Scheduled, St. Petersburg, FL, April 15

The Gulf Hunter Sailing Association will conduct its 14th annual Hunter Cup Regatta and Rendezvous on April 15th at the Boca Ciega Yacht Club in Gulfport, FL. The Hunter Cup Regatta is open to all sailors, racers and cruisers alike. All makes of boats, not just Hunters, traditionally participate and are welcome. Races will be held on Saturday, April 15, with classes planned for PHRF, Cruising, and Fun class, so there will be a race for any type of sailor.

There will also be post-race parties, music and raffles.

The Gulf Hunter Sailing Association, or GHSA, was formed in late 1991 as a conduit for camaraderie between owners of Hunter-brand sailboats, manufactured by Hunter Marine in Alachua, FL. GHSA has since developed associate membership for owners of other brands as well. Based in the Tampa Bay area, this organization boasts a membership of 75+ boats.

For information about sponsoring or participating in the Hunter Regatta, contact Don Rogers at (727) 345-7544.

Go to www.sailghsa.com/ghsa-events.htm for details about the regatta.

Leukemia Cup Regatta, Predicted Log Race, Golf Tournament and Tennis Match, Punta Gorda, April 21-23

The Punta Gorda Sailing Club and the Isles Yacht Club will again conduct the Leukemia Cup Regatta and auction on April 21-23 for the benefit of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There will be a sailboat race, auction, predicted log race for powerboats, a tennis tournament, and a golf tournament. The events are open to everyone.

The regatta is open to spinnaker, non-spinnaker, 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.

For more information and race applications, go to www.pgscweb.com. For additional information contact Mike Savino, Publicity Chairman, at (941)505-2063 or by email to captmikes@comcast.net. www.southwindsmagazine.com

RACE REPORT J/24 Midwinters, Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa, FL, Feb. 23-25

By Dave Ellis Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, FL, was the venue for the J/24 Midwinter Championship Feb. 23-25. Once the most competitive keelboat fleet in the Tampa Bay area, the 30year-old design still attracts top sailors to major events.

Thirty-nine boats, including seven from the host club, enjoyed a variety of sailing conditions, including heavy fog on some mornings. With racing in upper Hillsborough Bay, there were often wind shifts more commonly found in lake conditions. As usual in a competitive fleet, getting a start with clear air was essential.

It was apparent from the first day of racing that Anthony Kotoun of the U.S. Virgin Islands was the class of the fleet. There were nine races with one throw-out race allowed. Kotoun won three of the heats and never placed below sixth for a 27-point cushion over second-place finisher Alejo Rigoni of Argentina.

Dave Curtis of Marblehead, MS, was a favorite to be near the top of the fleet, but three races in a row of jumping the starting gun with the dreaded black flag showing scuttled his otherwise excellent finishes. His 13th-place finish seemed apropos.

The J/24 winner at the recent St. Petersburg NOOD regatta, Daniel Borrer of St. Augustine, FL, placed 10th, just after Peter Bream of Jacksonville, FL. For complete results, go to www.diyc.org.

Top ten finishers: 1, Blind Squirrel, Tim Healy; 2, Pipe Dream, Ralph Devivo; 3, Twins, Waldemar Zaleski; 4, Patriot, Tom Sitzmann; 5, Kaleidoscope, Kris Werner; 6, Racer X, Tim Ryan; 7, Preparation J, Bill Icely; 8, Tarheel, Peter Bream; 9, Blitz, A. Constants; 10, More Grief, Stuart Jardine

Laser Midwinters East, Clearwater Yacht Club, FL, Feb. 24-26

By Dave Ellis Clearwater Yacht Club again sponsored the Laser Midwinters from the ideal setting of the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. Racing February 24-26 was in the Gulf of Mexico, with breezes starting out light and ending with plenty of breeze on the final days.

For the first time in the history of the Laser class, the Radial fleet outnumbered the Laser full-rig. With 94 boats on the starting line, getting a decent start was the key to a good placing. After having problems jumping the starting gun at the Miami Olympic regatta, Clearwater’s Paige Railey was being watched carefully by coaches and race officials alike. But this time, only once was she early, and two races were allowed to be discarded.

Railey won the Radial fleet racing by 10 points over her usual top competition, Miami winner Anna Tunnicliffe from Norfolk. This will reinforce Railey’s hold on the number one world ranking in this Olympic sailing class.

In the Olympic Laser class, the 83 boats had very close racing at the top. It came down to the last day when the News & Views for Southern Sailors

week’s leading boats, raced by Andrew Campbell of San Diego, CA, and Brad Funk of Belleair Beach, FL, fell from their usual high placing.

Brendan Casey of Australia had an outstanding last day to pull out the victory with Matias Del Solar of Chili just one point back. Campbell won a tie-break for third over Maciej Grabowski of Poland. Funk ended up seventh in this international fleet.

Clearwater’s Courtney Kuebel won the small fleet of Laser 4.7 rig sailors. This tiny sail allows lightweight sailors to get started in Laser racing before they can handle the larger sails of the Olympic classes.

For complete results, go to www.clwyc.org.

Top ten finishers: 1, AUS 185364, Brendan Casey, Royal Queensland YS; 2, CHI 161167, Matias Del Solar, Marina El Manzano; 3, USA 170817, Andrew Campbell, San Diego YC; 4, POL 184167, Maciej Grabowski, Sejk Pogon Szczecin; 5, CAN 178598, Bernard Luttmer, Royal Canadian YC; 6, CAN 171005, Michael Kalin, MITNA; 7, USA 184519, Brad Funk, Clearwater YC; 8, CAN 181892, David Wright, Royal Canadian YC; 9, NED 180191, Marc De Haas, K.W.V.L.; 10, CAN 181830, Conner Higgins, Royal Canadian YC;

Thistle Sailing Regatta, St. Pete, Feb. 25

By Dave Ellis Greg Fisher of Annapolis was victorious in the annual Thistle class Midwinter regatta Feb. 25-March 3. This event has been a fixture at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club for 50 years, drawing sailors nationwide.

“We tried real hard to mess things up in the last race,” said Fisher. “We got an awful start and then were forced to go the wrong way on the first leg of the course.”

Fisher, along with crew Jeff Eiber and Sarah Paisley, needed to pass one more boat when nearing the end of the race. Just at the finish line they squeaked by Elmer Richard to place ninth in that heat and tie for the regatta honors.

Richard of Ossining, NY, holds the record for the most Thistle midwinters attended. There are few in five decades that he has missed, this time placing 31st.

With five firsts in eight races, Fisher won the tie-break over Scott Griffin of South Carolina and crew Paul Abdullah and Nicole Finefrock.

Scott’s brother, Greg Griffin of Jacksonville, with crew Mark Reddaway and Dave DeCamp, placed third with Robby Brown of St. Petersburg, along with Karl Bradley and Pam Mercer fourth. Gesner, with crew Judy Gesner and Joe Kaukeinen, placed fifth among the 50 competing boats.

The Thistle class has often asked the experienced race committee at this venue to try different race courses. This year, for the first three races, the fleet was divided in half, randomly by computer. A trapezoid race course allowed two starts with one fleet proceeding around one leg of the trapezoid and the other fleet staying separate. Each fleet was scored separately. While it was pleasant for some to have only 25 boats on a course, the configuration proved to be difficult to manage in the fickle breeze of Tampa Bay. “Sometimes the wind would change on one side of the trapezoid and not the other,” said race chair Carole Bardes.

“It was a challenge to get it right.”

For the remainder of the event, the fleet sailed together on conventional race courses.

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RACING The 17-foot Thistle is a popular open dinghy with a powerful mainsail, jib and spinnaker. It is one of the standard boats by which other sailboats’ speed is judged for handicap purposes.

Chris Klotz of St. Petersburg still sails the original Thistle number one, originally owned by his dad. He competed in two of the races to show that the half-century, coldmolded wood craft can still sail fast.

Winds varied from very light with heavy current on a shortened course for one race to perfect sailing breezes on Thursday.

For complete results, go to www.spyc.org.

Top ten finishers: 1, 3839, Greg Fisher, Jeff Eiber & Sarah Paisley; 2, 3709, Scott Griffin, Paul Abdullah & Nicole Finefrock; 3, 3976, Greg Griffin, Mark Reddaway & Dave DeCamp; 4, 3983, Robby Brown, Karl Bradley & Pam Mercer; 5, 3782, Eric Gesner, Judy Gesner & Joe Kaukeinen; 6, 3994, Craig Koschalk, Nick Turney & Lauren O’Hara; 7, 3909, Jim Kincaid, Doug Laber & Tim Gilliland; 8, 3799, Chris LaBorde, Tim Fitzgerald & Kyle Finefrock; 9, 3995, Skip Dieball, Ryan Anstrom & Kristin Medwid; 10, 3945, Jack Finefrock, John Baker & Joy Martin

George Washington’s Birthday Regatta, Lake Eustis, FL, Feb. 18-19

By Dave Ellis Lake Eustis Sailing Club’s annual GWB regatta drew 70 boats to this mid-Florida lake. Lack of wind forced a short postponement but later allowed two days of typical lake sailing. Sunday produced winds of 15 knots for the last race.

The MC Scow was named after the elder Melges and the C stood for Cat rig. There were 28 boats on the line for excellent competition. Tommy Harken of the Carolina Yacht Club won, followed by Lenny Krawcheck of the Clearwater Yacht Club.

The new Melges-17 class sports a very modern sail plan and quick hull form. There were 15 boats, with Brian McMurray the victor. Mary Anne Ward of the host club was third.

Eight Wave catamarans competed. Rick White, the guy who wrote the book on cat sailing, topped the fleet.

A-Cats would have had 10 boats on the line if Gordon Isco’s new boat had not been destroyed by a power boat in Gulfport before this event. Woody Cope of Tampa has the most experience in this most technical of speedsters, and it showed in light air and wind.

For results, go to www.lakeeustissailingclub.org.

Flying Scot Midwinters, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, March 6-9

By Dave Ellis

Marcus Eagan and crew Marc of the Gulf Yachting Association took up where they started in last year’s Flying Scot Midwinters. Except last year, they jumped the starting gun in one race with no throw-outs. This year, they were well in front of the fleet of 35 boats in most races.

Fred and Fred, Jr. Strammer of Florida again showed their speed in the boat to place second just ahead of Bill Draheim with Amy Linton. Last year’s champ, Greg Fisher, was fourth this time.

In the 15-boat Challenger division, Edward Summerfield and Herb Lindsey were the victors.

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Originally the racing was scheduled to end Friday. St. Petersburg Yacht Club showed its attitude of hosting races for the sailors by complying with the Flying Scot Class wish to end the event a day early.

For results, go to www.fssa.com.

WEST FLORIDA RACE CALENDAR On line West Florida Race Calendar Go to editor@southwindsmagazine.com to view the annual on-line race calendar on the Southwinds Web Site with links to clubs and information and changes to schedules. To have your race listed, or changes in your race schedule, e-mail the information to the editor, Steve Morrell, at editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

The West Florida list of yacht clubs and sailing organizations is also on line.

Club Racing Bradenton YC. Evening Races Daylight Savings time of year. Races at 6:30 p.m. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401.

Venice Sailing Squadron. 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-round john@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com Boat of the Year Races (BOTY): Southwest Boat of the Year (SWBOTY), Charlotte Harbor Boat of the Year (CHBOTY), Sarasota (SBOTY), Suncoast Boat of the Year (SBOTY) APRIL 1 Venice Sailing Squadron. Venice Yacht Club. Shark’s Tooth Cup, PHRF. (SBBOTY) 1 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Sea Scout Regatta.

1 Davis Island YC. Spring Regatta, PHRF. 1-2 Tampa Bay Catamaran Society. Macho Man Catamaran Distance Regatta 1-2 Gulfport YC. F-16 and A-Cat Invitational Regatta.

1-2 Gulf Coast SC Charity Regatta. (SWFBOTY) 1-2 Mount Dora YC. 53rd Annual Mt. Dora Regatta, all-class on the lake.

2 Davis Island YC. Women, PHRF. 4-11 St. Petersburg YC. Flying Dutchman World Championship.

7-9 Suncoast Raceweek, West Florida (WFPHRF). PHRF. (SBOTY) Friday, April 7: St. Petersburg to Bradenton YC Saturday, April 8: Bradenton YC to Davis Island YC Sunday, April 9: Davis Island YC to middle of Bay. Party on April 14, Treasure Island TYC http://scrw.home.att.net/ 7-9 Ocala Sailing Club 2nd Annual National Harpoon and Open Porsmouth Regatta, Lake Weir, Ocala, FL. www.tmcentral.net/bwharpoon.

8-9 Sailing Association of Marco Island “Bud Light”, PHRF. (SWFBOTY) 8-9 Clearwater Yacht Club. Clark Mills Opti Regatta.

8-9 Tampa Bay Catamaran Society. Spring Fever Catamaran Regatta 9 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Hula Cup, Sunfish women.

14 Suncoast Raceweek awards at Treasure Island TYC. 15 Gulf Hunter SA, Clearwater Yacht Club. Regatta. PHRF. 15 FOMA. Frolic, large multihulls, off Clearwater.

15 Jabbo Gordon Invitational Regatta, Sunfish. Indian Mound www.southwindsmagazine.com

Park, Lemon Bay, Englewood. mj343@webtv.net.

Annual Easter Egg Race, Cortez YC www.cortezyachtclub.com St. Petersburg YC. Rainbow Regatta, Florida Women’s Sailing Association champs.

22 Bradenton YC./MSA/St. Petersburg YC. Round Egmont Reverse Handicap PHRF. (SBBOTY) 22-23 Morgan Invasion. Davis Island YC. www.diyc.org.

22-23 Punta Gorda SC. Leukemia-Lymphoma Cup PHRF.(CHBOTY) 28 St. Petersburg YC. Regata Del Sol al Sol, Race to Mexico, Offshore boats 30’ and over.

29-30 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society. Santweenie Race, PHRF. 29-30 Naples Sailing and YC. Messemer Cup, PHRF. (SWFBOTY) 29-30 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Youth Sailing Program Sailfest Regatta, Opti, Radial, Club 420.

29-30 Davis Island YC. Lightning Districts.

29 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Brownell Commodore’s Cup, PHRF. 30 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Women’s PHRF MAY 6 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. Pat Talbott Memorial Race, PHRF. 13 Cortez Yacht Club Commodore’s Cup Series (CYCCC).

Race #1. Cortez YC. 13 Davis Island YC. FSA Quarterfinals and Finals.

13 Bird Key YC, Sarasota Bay Cup, PHRF. (SBBOTY) 13 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. 18th Annual Couples Race, PHRF 1600 hrs.

17-21 Key West Rendezvous, Clearwater Yacht Club. May 21 start from Clearwater. PHRF. (SBOTY) 18 Platinum Point YC, Punta Gorda SC, Clearwater Yacht Club, Naples Sailing and YC, Key West Rendezvous start at Sarasota Bay, Boca Grande and Naples. (SWFBOTY) (SBBOTY) (CHBOTY) 18 St. Petersburg YC. Florida Women’s Sailing Association Regatta. 18-22 Clearwater Yacht Club/Naples YC, Gulf Coast SC Key West Race. (Boca-KW-Naples) PHRF. 21 Clearwater Yacht Club. Big Boat Championship Key West, PHRF. 22 Key West Rendezvous, Key West to Naples, Clearwater Yacht Club, Naples Sailing and YC, PHRF. (SWFBOTY) (CHBOTY) 26-28 Davis Island YC. School’s Out Youth Regatta. Opti, Laser, Radial, 420, Sunfish.

27-28 Tampa Bay Catamaran Society. Clearwater Community Sailing Center. Memorial Day Regatta 29 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Memorial Day Around Lido Key Race 31 Bradenton YC. Corinthian (School’s Out) Regatta to Key West from Tampa Bay. 16 18

NORTHERN GULF COAST RACING: FLORIDA PANHANDLE, ALABAMA, MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, TEXAS Water Temperature – 71º Average Temperatures – Pensacola, FL 58º lo – 76º hi Gulfport, MS 59º lo – 77º hi For Northern Gulf Weather go to: www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

See page 68 for windrose legend

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS Gulf Ocean Racing Circuit (GORC) Relocates to Mobile, AL, April 6

By Kim Kaminski The Gulf Ocean Racing Circuit, more commonly known as News & Views for Southern Sailors

the GORC, for many years has been held by the Biloxi Yacht Club in Mississippi. Due to Hurricane Katrina and the reconstruction effort along the coast, the Gulf Yachting Association’s Offshore Council (the organizing authority for racing along the northern Gulf coast) elected to move the highly competitive event to the Mobile Yacht Club in Mobile, AL. This Category A event (in accordance with ISAF Regulation 20) will begin on April 6, with a skippers orientation meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Mobile Yacht Club. Racing will begin at noon on April 7 and continue through the weekend, ending on April 9. The race committee plans to run six races over the three-day event with no throw-outs (Four races must be completed to constitute a series.)

Awards will be presented daily to the first-, secondand third-place positions. On multiple race days, class awards will be presented based on the combined scores for the day. Class awards for PHRF A, B and C will also be presented along with any special classes (including NonSpinnaker).

A special award for the most outstanding yacht will be awarded on the final day.

For more information, including registration forms and NOR, go to www.mobileyachtclub.com or call (251) 473-1860 or (251) 471-3131.

Corsair Trimaran Nationals, Fort Walton Beach, FL April 17-22

By Kim Kaminski The 12th Annual Corsair Marine-Farrier Trimaran National Championship will be held April 17-22 at the Fort Walton Yacht Club’s facilities at 180 Ferry Pass Road in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Numerous teams from across the United States will converge upon the waters of Choctawhatchee Bay to prepare their trimarans for two days of racing seminars and four days of intense racing competition in an effort to win the national championship title.

This year, 10 different racing designs, the Corsair 24, the F24 Mk1 and Mk11, the F-27, the Corsair 28R, the F28R, Corsair 31/F31/C31 1D, the F25C class and the Sprint 750 class are scheduled to compete.

Randy Smyth, from Fort Walton, who is an Olympic and World Class champion and one of the most talented multihull racers and designers in the United States, is looking forward to the sailing challenges of this year’s event. Not only is he the event coordinator, but he will also be conducting the racing seminars. On Monday, April 17, Randy will conduct a racing “Speed Seminar” at the Fort Walton Beach Auditorium and will continue with an on-the-water “Speed Seminar” the following day.

Fort Walton Yacht Club Fleet Captain Phyllis Seaton is looking forward to providing the competitors with a top level race committee and plenty of racing opportunities.

For more information, go to www.fwyc.org.

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By Kim Kaminski 54

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Even the area sailors joined in the fun by participating in the Annual Mardi Gras Sailboat Regatta race event that was held at the Pensacola Yacht Club on February 25. Though the skies were gray and the winds blew strong (15 to 18 knots), the Mardi Gras sailors’ spirits were soaring high as 11 sailboats set sail preparing to “let the www.southwindsmagazine.com

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good times roll”!

However, good times were not enjoyed by all of the participants. The powerful winds increased throughout the day, resulting in numerous equipment problems for several of the competitors. Blown spinnakers, busted halyards and torn sails were just some of the results from the ever-increasing News & Views for Southern Sailors

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For one Mardi Gras racing team, the day was not only exciting but also filled with disappointment. After having a clean race start and sailing well against the other teams, the crew started to prepare for their first mark rounding of the 13-mile double windward/leeward course. The intense

winds—along with an extreme ebbing tidal current around a shoal marker— proved to be a tough element of the racecourse. As they completed the task of sailing around the mark (which was part of the course), damage occurred to their 33-foot sailboat. A forceful backflowing tidal current caught them by surprise and pushed the boat’s stern SOUTHWINDS

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RACING 5 - Polish Navy - Dan Owczarczak, DNF; Non-Spinnaker – (13.2 miles;)Soulshine II - Paul Robbins, DNC

Carlos Melville (Pensacola Yacht Club’s Yachtsman of the Year) accepts the first-place trophy (a colorful Mardi Gras flag) for his team’s efforts aboard Joe Cool during the 2006 Mardi Gras Regatta held February 25 at the Pensacola Yacht Club.

Photo By Kim Kaminski. toward the obstacle, causing the backstay of the boat to get entangled with the marker. The forward progress of the sailboat helped to snap the metal mast in two, flinging it back towards the unsuspecting crew.

Everyone aboard the boat was safe but extremely heartbroken as they stood amidst the damage and started to make their way back to shore unable to complete the race.

Once they secured what was left standing of the mast, the team gathered their sails and motored towards the docks.

By this time, however, the winds had increased to 20 knots out of the southeast, and a torrential downpour moved into the area before they could reach the entrance channel, adding to their unexpected experience.

Just like a Mardi Gras parade observer knows…you never know what might be thrown your way. You can’t always catch the prize, but half the fun is being there and knowing that next time you just might succeed. The Mardi Gras sailing teams on Joe Cool and Kanaola can attest to that, especially since they easily captured the first-place trophy during this year’s event. Sailing on Joe Cool, Neil McMillan and Carlos Melville inspired their team to an impressive victory in Class A, winning by nearly five minutes. Mike Beard and his team on Kanaloa also had a big win, finishing over one minute ahead of their closest Class B competitors.

Results: Spinnaker (13.2 miles):Class A; 1 - Joe Cool - McMillan / Melville, 1:58:30; 2 - Rum Aground - Dave Dunbar, 2:03:25; 3 - Atlantic Union Paul Gillette, 2:04:26; 4 - Shameless - Roy Hardin, 2:05:21; 5 - Wicked Woman - WW Association,k 2:06:28; Class B; 1 - Kanaola - Mike Beard, 2:14:20; 2 - Blind Faith - Hunt/Branch/Fishbone,2:15:24; 3 Tenacious - Eric Prochaska, 2:16:52; 4 - Roka Dobi - Ron Bray, 2:30:25; 56

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APRIL 1-2 Leukemia Cup (one design). New Orleans Yacht Club, Southern Yacht Club New Orleans, LA 1-2 Wet & Cool Youth Regatta. Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 7-9 GORC 8 Great Circle Regatta. Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 8 New Orleans Yacht Club Opening Regatta. New Orleans Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 8 Board Boat Opening. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 8-9 Pat Gillard (Capdevielle). Jackson Yacht Club, Jackson, MS 9 Navy Yacht Club Opening Day. Ceremonies/Boat Parade Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 9 Southern Yacht Club Opening. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 15 Pensacola Yacht Club Race #1. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 15 Crawfish Regatta. Lake Arthur Yacht Club, 16 Relay Race. New Orleans Yacht Club, Southern Yacht Club, Corinthian Sailing Association New Orleans, LA 21-23 Pensacola Boat Show. Pensacola, FL 17-22 Trimaran Nationals. Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 22 Blessing of the Fleet. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 22 Lorillard Kent Regatta. St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL 22 Bayou Lacomb Regatta. Corinthian Sailing Association, New Orleans, LA 22 Steven B. Smith Regatta. Apalachee Bay Yacht Club, Tallahassee, FL 24-28 Corsair Nationals. Fort Walton Yacht Club, Fort Walton Beach, FL 29 Dauphin Island Regatta. Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 29 Catalina 22. Jane England 29 Alfonso Sutter Youth Regatta. Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS MAY 6-7 GYA Opening Day. (Capdevielle) Pontchartrain Yacht Club, Mandeville, LA 6-7 SE Lightning Districts. Jackson Yacht Club, Jackson, MS 6 Sea Buoy Race. Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL 10-14 Regatta al Sol XXIV. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 13 Premie Cup. Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL 13 Double Handed, Fleet Captain Challenge. Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 19-21 J/24 SE Regional Gulf Coast Championship. St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL 20-21 USMRC Quarter Finals, New Orleans Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 20-21 Spring Regatta (Capdevielle). Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 20 Navy Cup. Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 27-28 Slip to Ship. Ocean Springs Yacht Club, Ocean Springs, MS 27-28 Juby Wynn (one design). Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 27 Memorial Day Regatta Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL Wednesday Evening Fun Races Pensacola Yacht Club. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the Month April thru October Fort Walton Yacht Club.

April thru October www.southwindsmagazine.com

MIAMI continued from page 33 For several years at the end of the last decade, increase in length seemed to be the primary distinction of new models. The largest sailboat at the show was a South African ultra-luxury cat, Matrix Marine’s 760. At 76 feet long, it was probably the largest new catamaran ever in the Miami Boat Show.

The 40-foot (plus or minus a few feet) cruising catamaran is emerging as the sweet size for price and sail-handling for the typical sailing couple or family. So now the major differentiation is functionality and interior layout. One major trend is toward greater simplicity. The Gemini Catamaran and Maine Cat 40 are leaders in this direction.

Another is to more opulent interiors. The French catamarans, especially Catana and Lagoon still define sailing chic.

But South African cats, such as the St. Francis and the Canadian PDQ cats, deserve mention for interior style and craftsmanship.

Some of the most notable improvements in sailing are occurring with the “stuff” sailors use on sailboats. New diesel engine designs; for example, the Yanmar 3YM30s are low emission (gone is the diesel smell and smoke), high output engines that appeal to discriminating sailors.

Generators, now lighter, more fuel-efficient and affordable, are appearing on more sailboats than ever before, often to support air-conditioning. Wireless measurement devices and output indicators are getting a lot of attention. Some sailors would rather sail than check electrical connections.

Wireless devices offer the prospect of reliability with only the cost of regular battery replacement or recharging.

The Brownie Diving Hookah (www.browniedive.com) merits comment as the most improbable idea that everyone will wish they thought of. For nearly 40 years, Brownie has been making the inner-tube-mounted compressors attached to breathing tubes used for shallow diving. This year, the company showed a new electrically powered compressor that is built into the boat. It is small enough to fit into almost any boat likely to have an electrical system to support its energy demand. This hookah system includes 150 feet of hose. The larger the boat, the more useful the Brownie‘s hookah system seems for maintenance. Its utility would not diminish its fun value after the bottom and prop is cleaned.

If Strictly Sail was big, the Miami Beach Convention Center was overwhelming. This is where show visitors gathered for electronics, boat gear, clothing and more of a seemingly inexhaustible mélange of offerings that a boater might take out on the water. Reports were that the convention center stayed packed during the whole show.

The size and enthusiasm of this year’s Miami Boat Show may have been affected by last year’s hurricane season. Boat sales were down overall during last fall.

Hurricane Wilma, in particular, severely disrupted the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show for both vendors and buyers. The Broker’s Show, held concurrently with the Miami Boat Show, was also notably huge. It might be simplistic to attribute the character of the 2006 Miami Boat Show to boaters’ post-hurricane buying frenzy. There is about a four- to- five-year ownership period between new boat purchases. Gains in the stock market synchronized spending decisions between 1999 and 2001, and so it is about time for an uptick in boat sales. But whether sailors and boaters wanted a new boat, or new gear to make a beloved boat more useful and comfortable, the Miami Boat Show was the place Floridians came to make it so.

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ACURA continued from page 41 Miami Beach was providing for the visiting yachtsmen.

“What can you say? With 15 to 20 knots all week, it couldn’t have been better conditions,” said John Coumantaros of Bambakou. “This is the perfect time of year for this event. We’re sailing in shorts and a T-shirt...it doesn’t get any better than that,” added Jud Smith, who won the City of Miami Day Award for his efforts in his Etchells.

Other Major Trophy Winners Industry Partner Day Norwegian Steam Eivind Astrup, Oslo Norway Farr 40

PHRF Boat of the Week El Ocaso Rick Wesslund, San Francisco CA J/120

City of Miami Day Oriental Express Jud Smith, Marblehead Mass.

Etchells

Acura Grand Prix Trophies

Premiere Racing Day Giacomel Audi Racing Ricardo Simoneschi, Genoa Italy Melges 24

Swan 45 - Goombay Smash William Douglas, Newport Rhode Island

Acura Day Indefatigable Philip Lotz, Newport Rhode Island J/105 Boat of the Week Heartbreaker Robert Hughes, Holland Michigan Farr 40 News & Views for Southern Sailors

TP52 - Stay Calm Stuart Robinson, London England

Farr 40 - Mascalzone Latino Vincenzo Onorato, Naples Italy J/105 - Gumption 3 Kevin Grainger, Rye New York Mumm 30 - Groovederchi Dineen Demourkas, Barbara California

Santa

Melges 24 - Giacomel Audi Racing Riccardo Simoneschi, Genoa Italy SOUTHWINDS

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C L A S S I F I E D

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CLASSIFIED ADS — 3 Months for $25 Place your ad early on the Internet for $10 • Classified ads with text only for boats are $25 for a three-month ad for up to 30 words. $50 for ad with horizontal photo ($65 if vertical photo). Check or Credit cards accepted. Must be for sale by owner – no business ads. Boats wanted ads included.

• Free ads for boats under $500 (sail and dinghies only), all gear under $500, and windsurfing equipment. For sale by owner ads only.

• All other ads (including business 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.

• All ads go on the SOUTHWINDS Web site. For a one-time $10 fee, we will place your ad on the Internet before going to press on the next issue.

• No Refunds • The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (10/06) is October, 2006.

BOATS WANTED ___________________________ J/24 Trailer. Single or dual axle. Needing some repairs okay. Call (904) 264-7957 (6/06)

___________________________

Trailer wanted for Catalina 28. editor@suthwindsmagazine.com

BOATS & DINGHIES ___________________________

• Ad must be received by the 10th of the month.

TO PLACE AN AD: 1. On the Internet www.southwindsmagazine.com This applies only to the $25 and $50 ads above with and without photo. Pay with Paypal and put your ad in the subject line. If a photo, then e-mail to editor@southwindsmagazine.com as a separate jpeg attachment.

2. Via E-mail and Credit Card. E-mail your ad to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Text can be put in the e-mail. Send photos as a separate jpeg attachment to the e-mail. Pay by mail (see below) or credit card. You can call us with a credit card number. Give us the credit card number, expiration, billing address and name on card. Call (941) 795-8704.

3. Mail your ad in. Mail to SOUTHWINDS, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175. Send a check or credit card number with information as listed in #2

above. Mail the photo in (35mm best). If you want the photo back, enclose a SASE. Add $5 for a typing charge.

4. Telephone or fax your ad in. Call (941) 7958704 and give us your ad over the phone. There is an additional $5 typing charge. If you have a photo, you can mail it in. We can take your credit card number, or you can mail a check. Fax: (941) 795-8705.

5. Do a combination of the above. E-mail, call in or send the ad text in via Paypal on our Web site. Email the photo directly to the editor. If you don’t have a scanner, mail the photo to us separately. Call the editor at (941) 795-8704 with any questions.

6. We will pick up your ad. Send the editor a check for air flight, car rental, hotel, travel, eating and entertainment expenses, and he will come to your location and pick up the ad. Any ads to be picked up on tropical islands or other resort destinations will be free.

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

$19 $22 $25 $29

MINIMUM INCHES

TOTAL COST

2" 2" 2" 2"

$38 $44 $50 $58

Life Raft. Viking 4 person. Offshore ResuYou Pro (automatic self-righting, double inflatable floor, inflatable boarding ramp), in valise.

Purchased new 11/04, never used. $2250 OBO. E-mail: tisontag@earthlink.net or call (727) 367-4647. (6/06)

Cape Dory 25, 1982. Excellent condition, sleeps 4, standing headroom, Yanmar deisel, bimini, many upgrades including sail covers, sails, roller furling genoa, VHF, compass, toilet. 6 opening ports, Bimini and Dodger. $14,500. mayras1957@aol.com. (305) 6100988. (4/06) Catalina Capri 23.5 Sport Boat 1998. Carbon sprit, asymmetrical spinnaker. Lift bulb keel.

Roller furling jib. New sheets. 6 sails. Dry sailed. Custom trailer. Outboard. Atlanta. $18,900. (404) 723-0686. (4/06)

1964 Pearson 26’ Offshore, the pride of Bristol. Rigging 2005, Staloks, Atomic four restored 2006. Raced in the Keys. A true classic. Dinghy & mooring. Sailmykeys@pocketmail.com. $4500. (5/06)

Hirondelle 24 MkII cruising/racing catamaran.

10ft beam, 15” to 3ft draft. Restored to new sail away condition. 9.9 Honda O/B, GPS, VHF, trailer, dinghy. Loaded, beautiful. (407)5921207 email: fireboat52@hotmail.com (5/06)

Modified Herreshoff H-28, 1985, fiberglass, new masts, sails, rigging, diesel. Auto, SSB, Chartplotter, Dinghy. Also 35’ deeded boat slip in Key West. Sold separately or great combo price. (305) 393-6889. (5/06)

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1977 Columbia 8.7 (28’ 7” LOD) Sloop, 23’ LWL’ 10’ Beam 4’6”draft, tiller, diesel, ice box, pressure water, main, jib, bimini, danforth anchor, solar vent, folding table, Must sell. $7900. Call Major Carter. (941) 792-9100.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

C L A S S I F I E D

1983 Hunter 30. Tall Rig, 4’ draft, Yanmar 850hrs, roller furling, sails and rigging 2002, Mech Vang, Inverter w/Microwave, Autopilot, GPS. Race, Daysail or Cruise. Xlnt condition. $17,400. (727) 856-6999. (4/06)

32’ HUNTER 320 2001. Freshwater, ICW, loaded w/extras, In-mast furling main, autopilot, 80-watt solar panel, bimini, dpdger, stereo system, companionway teak doors. $69,500/ obo. Iuka, MS, (731)394-1897, belew@pneumaticsystems.com. (6/06)

A D S

34-5 Hunter 1986. Auto pilot, shoal draft, 30 hp Yanmar, solid stainless steel rail, custom teak swim platform, new portals, etc. Moving must sell $29,500. (239) 910-3595. (4/06)

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CATALINA 30. 1989. Wing Keel. New Canvas, Full enclosure. AC, custom teak doors. Garmin 182 Chart plotter, Loran, VHF, Auto-pilot, AMFM Stereo CD, refrigerator, extra freshwater tank. New bottom paint Sept. 2004. A very clean boat, carefully maintained. $37,500. Call (727) 421-3014. (4/06) 1975 Hunter 30, shoal draft, diesel, cruiseequipped, great liveaboard, electronics, pilot, full batten main, boat in good condition, located Bay St. Louis, MS. Slip available, two jibs, lots of gear, $8500, (228) 342-6277. bluestarsail@yahoo.com (6/06)

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1982 30 ft. Olson. Performance racing sloop.

Race with the best for a fraction of the cost.

Good sail inventory. $6500. Jack Scragg (239) 482-8370. Fort Myers Beach. (6/06)

33’ Glander Tavana 1985 center board mast head sloop. Newly painted bottom, hull, topsides and non-skid. New rub rail, teak hatches. New jib sail. 30 HP Vetus diesel. Great Florida and Bahamas boat, draws 3’ board up.

A no- nonsense boat offered below market at $14,900/best offer. Needs TLC. Call Major Carter (941) 792-9100.

SOLD

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT HERE! Starting at $25 for 3 months

1990 Hunter 33.5 with Yanmar diesel. This boat is in excellent shape overall. Crisp sails, Hood roller furling. Auto pilot. Garmin GPS. Wind instruments and depth at the helm. All new standing rigging. All new running rigging. Marine air. Stainless Steel stove with oven. Refrigeration. New bottom job.New canvas. New davits. New dinghy. New OB. Walk thru transom with swim platform. Lines led aft to cockpit for short handed sailing.

Only 4.5’ draft. Responsive and swift. $44,900

ALL CLASSIFIEDS ON WEB SITE: www.southwindsmagazine.com

DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADS STARTING AT $38/MONTH

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS

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BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES ___________________________ Bimini top, canvas and frame complete. From BOSTON WHALER. Originally $700. Usable on any craft with 87” beam. Navy. Like new. $400.

Pick-up only. Lake Lanier, Gainesville, GA. Chris @ 770 536 4628, or cwnlanier1@aol.com.

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1977 Trident Warrior 35. Well-maintained and equipped for offshore cruising. $46,500.

(850) 866-4490. (5/06)

Beneteau First 405, French-built ’87. Perkins 4-108, rig & keelbolts rebuilt & upgraded ’98.

Rudder bearings & interior refit 2001, Awlgrip renewed 2005. Prop shaft, coupling and bearing new 2004. Phazor 6 kw gen, hro 9, watermaker, Autohelm nav. System, Inmarsat, 5000 btu AC. etc., etc. Santana is a proven vessel for offshore and living aboard, a joy to sail and takes good care of her crew. $115,000 (904) 460-0501 or yachtsantana@aol.com. (4/06)

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.

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Tohatsu 18 hp long shaft model. Recently tuned. Propped for maximum thrust at low operating rpms. Dependable. Ideal for 27-foot sailboat. Capable of 6 knots to weather in snotty seas. Tilt mechanism recently reconditioned and now smooth as butter. Sexy paint job with flames on cowl. Silver cowl and blue shaft.

Offers. (941) 722-9022. (6/06

1987 Catalina 36 TM Extensive Equipment List. Cosmetic “Katrina” Damage. This is a “Must See.” $37,500. (228) 326-2694 for info. (4/06) IRWIN 37, Key West slip. New mainsail and cockpit cover, 14 ports, dinghy, outboard, refrigeration, freshwater pump, A/C, hot water heater, 6 batteries with cabling, bottom paint, solar panel, etc. Call Capt. Dave (305) 240-0303. No hurricane damage. e-mail eastwood@pocketmail.com. $105K. (4/06)

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Cheoy Lee Offshore 40 yawl, 1978, with St. Pete Municipal Marina slip available. New mainsail, headliner, dodger/bimini. Low engine hours. Many upgrades. $64,000 E-mail jimsboat@juno.com. (6/06)

1984 LANCER 45 CC Sloop with 85 HP Perkins, 3 staterooms, 2 heads, walkthru to aft cabin w/ centerline bed. Marine air. Roller furling main and jib. Depth and wind instruments at the helm. CPT autopilot, Furuno CRT radar, GPS, VHF, stereo CD, TV, full galley, electric windlass, dodger, 11’ Alliance RIB w/OB. www.cortezyachts.com. A great liveaboard or cruiser. $79,900 (941) 792-9100

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 62 64

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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 (4/06) www.southwindsmagazine.com

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Gimballed stove, 3 burner with oven, propane. Winches, misc. hardware, & gear, Perkins diesel with clutch, (228) 342-6277 bluestarsail@yahoo.com. Located Bay St. Louis, MS. (6/06)

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BOOKS & CHARTS __________________________ 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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South Pacific Charts and Guides. Full-sized.

From Panama to New Zealand. $600 value.

Make offers. (305) 395-2114. Could be used to wallpaper your Tiki Bar. (5/06)

See classifieds on the internet: www.southwindsmagazine.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

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C L A S S I F I E D BUSINESS/INVESTMENT __________________________ Licensed contractor with experience in highend residential work, both new and remodeling, seeks to qualify a builder as an active, advising, part-time, non-working partner. I am a very responsible, honest experienced builder with excellent qualifications seeking the same to work on projects in residential work. Only very quality-oriented and responsible builders/carpenters need contact me who are in the Manatee/Sarasota counties area. I also am only interested in enjoyable, interesting work — not the rat race.

Craig100@tampabay.rr.com.

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

DELIVERY SERVICES ___________________________ DELIVERIES. ICW, Coastal, Caribbean & Gulf, Sail or Power, by USCG Licensed Captain with 30 Years professional experience Including two transAtlantic deliveries. (443) 243-4925 or www.marylandsailing.com (4/06)

DOCKS/SLIPS ___________________________ LEGAL LIVEABOARD IN MARATHON. Buy a boat slip in the Keys — use it or lease it! From $345,000 - Call The Wallace Team. Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate. (800) 366-5181.

(305) 766-1745 Cell (4/06)

HELP WANTED ___________________________ Articles & race reports in the Carolinas and Georgia. editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

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Edwards Yacht Sales is expanding! Yacht brokers needed to sell sailboats on either coast.

Will train! Excellent commissions, group health insurance, bonus plan. Contact Roy Edwards at (727) 725-1600, www.EdwardsYachtSales.com

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Writers, Reporters, Articles Photos Wanted.

SOUTHWINDS is looking for articles on boating, racing, sailing in the Southern waters in all regions, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. We are also looking for other articles on the following subjects: marinas, anchorages, mooring fields disappearing marinas and boatyards, marinas and boatyards sold for condos, anchoring rights, sailing human interest stories, boat reviews, charter stories, waste disposal— and more. Photos are wanted on all these subjects, plus we want cover photos (pay $65 for cover photos) of both race and non-race subjects, but about sailing. Cover photos must be very high resolution and vertical format.

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Service Dept. Rigger. Massey Yacht Sales is accepting applications and resumes for sail and/or powerboat riggers/outfitters. Many employee benefits including paid holidays, paid vacations, health insurance, workmen’s comp insurance, performance bonuses, and good hourly salary. Must be hardworking, honest, have own tools and be a team player.

Excellent service department support and organization. Call Alice Winter, ext. 10, service dept. mgr. at (941) 723-1949, or fax resume to (941) 729-7520.

A D S

HOMES FOR SALE OR RENT ___________________________

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Accountant Wanted. CPA (or someone who has good, successful experience in the following) wanted to help (with donated time) a non-profit, Florida Corporation—that is a sailing organization promoting sailing and youth sailing—become a 501C3 tax-exempt corporation with the IRS. Help needed and advice in putting together the application to the IRS. Any hard expenses paid, possibly some labor paid. Contact Steve Morrell, editor@southwindsmagazine.com; or call (941) 795-8704.

Southeastern Sailing Association, Inc. www.sailingvoice.org. info@sailingvoice.org.

Sailboat Lover’s Dream Home !!! Open Tampa Bay view, deep sailboat water. 6’ at low tide, boat dock, 2200 sq ft, 3 br, 2.5 bath home, fireplace, bonus room, 2 minutes to I-275 and downtown St. Petersburg. Asking $695,000, 3620 Beach Drive SE, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705. (727) 5151423 or jasonamir@hotmail.com. (6/06)

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Murray Yacht Sales is adding professional yacht brokers and customer service personnel to its successful team. Immediate needs include; Yacht Broker in St. Petersburg office, yacht sales experience required; Rigger/Service Tech in New Orleans office. E-mail résumé to info@MurrayYachtSales.com.

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Massey Yacht Sales Positions-Sail and/or power yacht sales positions available in the Massey St. Petersburg and Palmetto dealership offices. Best marina dealership locations, excellent sales, marketing and service dept. support. We are new yacht dealers for Catalina, Hunter, Albin, True North, Nordic Tugs, plus offer a large inventory of brokerage sail and power boats. Applicants must be computer literate, have successful yacht sales history, good knowledge of yachts and builders, be a team player, motivated and hard working. Best yacht sales income potential on Florida west coast. Call Massey General Sales manager Frank Hamilton at (941) 723-1610 or fax resume to (941) 7297520.

Sarasota, FL Waterfront Townhouse w/Deep Water Boat Slip For Rent. 3BR/3BA, 3 Floors, 2 Fireplaces, Gated, Pool, Tennis. Protected Boat Slip Accommodates Up To 70-foot Boat.

Direct Access to Gulf. Walk To Restaurants and Shopping. For info call (561) 213-2390. (6/06)

INSURANCE ___________________________

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Writers and Ideas Wanted on Waterways Issues. SOUTHWINDS is looking for writers, acting as independent subcontractors to research and write articles on different subjects discussed in the “Our Waterways” section. Must be familiar with boating, good at research, have computer skills, high-speed Internet access and work for little pay. Most important, you must have an interest and passion for the subject and want to bring about change and improvement of boaters rights, waterways access, and disappearing marinas and boatyards—and have lots of ideas and energy to help bring about improvements through various means (that are, of course, legal and principled). You may choose your subject within these parameters. We would also like to get an organization going to promote these interests if you can help. Writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and others of questionable professions may apply. Send info to: editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

www.southwindsmagazine.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) 896-2287 www.poncedeleon hotel.com www.southwindsmagazine.com

NIGHT SAILING continued from page 39

SAILING INSTRUCTION ___________________________

SAILS & CANVAS ___________________________

TROPHIES/AWARDS HALFHULLS __________________________

you can see to move around in the cabin and not lose your night vision.

In the days of tall ships, new hands were expected to learn the whereabouts of all running lines and halyards blindfolded within three days of leaving port. It’s a good idea to make sure everyone has a good knowledge of how the sheets and halyards work, where they lead, how they are used.

As you need your sense of hearing to supplement your vision at night, listening to earphones while you’re on watch is not recommended.

If you do much overnight traveling, we recommend radar. If you see a light, without radar you can’t tell whether it’s a bright light 10 miles away, or a small boat one mile away. With radar, you’ll know exactly what you’re seeing and whether you need to take evasive action. It cuts down considerably on the anxiety of night sailing.

Plot yourself at least every two hours, even with a GPS chartplotter.

It’s good seamanship. And, if you should lose your GPS, you’ve got a backup. Also, it helps pass the time.

While on watch, you must stay awake, hard as it can be at times. For me, time never goes as slowly as it does at 2:00 a.m. It takes five hours to get to 2:30. I need to be creative and plan ahead to keep myself awake.

Enjoy one of life’s greatest experiences: Take a night sail.

WINDSURFING GEAR __________________________ Wanted: Used Prodigy (standard or race), other boards, miscellaneous windsurfing equipment. Steve (941) 795-8704, editor@southwindsmagazine.co

PROS continued from page 70 Sadly, however, the fleet would disperse as courses diverged and agendas prevailed. We would come to miss the camaraderie and the familiarity we knew as we inevitably went our separate ways. Thank goodness for cell phones and e-mails!

I’ve come to reassess my sail-alone philosophy. There certainly are advantages to both styles of cruising, but I’m not so opposed to cruising in company anymore. If and when the opportunity to do so comes again, I’ll be sure to consider the factors. Most important is the chemistry: Will we be comfortable with these fellow sailors?…will we be the “leaders”?…does there need to be a “leader”?…will we be led? Are our agendas compatible? Will we be influenced to make decisions that may be uncomfortable or safe for us? A free and honest discussion about expectations, agendas, abilities, and limitations early on in any union is essential.

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INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

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.

ICW continued from page 37 Always be alert. Use up-to-date charts for every foot of the way. Sections are always changing, shoaling, and being re-routed. Keep one eye on your depth sounder. Listen for the Coast Guard’s Notices to Mariners; don’t rely on a single source for information.

It’s important to stay between the markers. “Keep it between the sticks!” one Sea Tow captain warns. Private channel markers can look as if you should follow them; use your charts, so that you don’t do so.

Tides and currents must be considered in some areas, especially when you are passing channels from ocean inlets or deep rivers. Never take an inlet for granted. Coming into an inlet at night isn’t recommended.

If a faster boat is overtaking you, slow down and move over. The overtaking boat should proceed at the slowest speed possible to pass. Both should stand by on the VHF. The overtaken boat should turn into the overtaking boat’s wake and fall in behind when it has safely passed, so that the overtaking boat can quickly resume speed without problems.

Aids to Navigation: ICW markers run clockwise around the coast. This advice from a Sea Tow captain: “No matter what direction you’re going on the ICW, keep the red markers between you and the mainland.”

The ICW markers are unique. All have a small reflective yellow or orange triangle for the red side and a small square of the same color for the green side. Verify each ICW mark so that you don’t wander off course; this checking will become automatic after the first day.

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Abaco Regatta Week 15 Air Duck 65 Anesco Marine 64 Annapolis Sailing School 43 Aqua Graphics 54 Atlantic Sail Traders 38 Banks Sails 55 Beachmaster Photography 63 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 28 Bluewater Bay Yachts 6,7,10 Bluewater Sailing Supply 65 Boaters Exchange 29 Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 35 Bo’sun Supplies 31 Bradenton YC Corinthian Regatta 42 Bubba Book 49 Catalina Yachts 19,22 Coconut Grove Sailing Club 17 Colligo Engineering 29 Cortez Yacht Brokerage 63 Crow’s Nest Restaurant 26 Cruising Direct Sails 34 Cs Canvas 54 Defender Industries 39 Dockside Radio 32 Dwyer mast 65 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau10,60,BC Edwards Yacht Sales 58 E-marine 65 First Patriot Health Insurance 66 Flying Scot Sailboats 64 FX Sails 44 Garhauer Hardware 16 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 32 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 61 Gulf Hunter Sailing Assoc.

17 Gulf Island Sails 7 Hanse Sailboats 63 Higgins, Smythe & Hood 60 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack 7,45 Hotwire/Fans & other products 65 Hunter Marine 10,11 Island Packet 27

JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 33 Kevane Sails 67 Key West Rendezvous 4 Lake Fairview Marina 7 Laurie Kimball Realtor 20 Leather Wheel 54 Lex-Sea Charters 63 Life Captions Video 30 Manton Marine Surveyors 55 Massey Yacht Sales 9,21,33,IBC Masthead Enterprises 4,65 Mike Chan Fiberglass Repair 25 Murray Yacht Sales/ Beneteau 59,BC National Sail Supply 24 Nautical Trader 34 Noble Awards 67 North Sails 41 Pinnacle Fractional Sailing 14 Porpoise Used Sails 67 Precision Yachts 7 Pumpout Boat 24 Quantum Sarasota 3 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 38 Rparts Refrigeration 37 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 63 Sailfest, Sarasota YSP 46 Sailing Services 13 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 57,46 Schurr Sails 47 Scurvy Dog Marine 25 Sea School 39 Sea Tech 30,64 Snug Harbor Boats 7 SSMR 18 St. Augustine Sailing School 67 St. Barts/Beneteau BC Suncoast Inflatables 23 Sunrise Sails 55,65 Tackle Shack 7,45 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 31 TowboatUS 13 Turner Marine/Island Packet 27 Ullman sails 42 Walker Bay 12 Watersports West 65 West Marine IFC Whitney’s Marine/Sail Center 10 Windcraft Catamarans 28 Zarcor 65

If the aids are lit, it’s for a good reason. It is calling your attention to a junction, turn, or hazard. Each marker has a message; knowing their messages will save you much stress.

The ICW is measured in statute miles (as on land), not nautical miles. Along much of the ICW, mile markers mark the statute miles.

Regarding bridges, patience and good boat-handling are the keys. One weekend, we went under 32 bridges in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area. Waiting for them to open, dealing with the currents and the many other boats waiting, took good boat-handling skills. And you can’t be in a hurry.

Be prepared, and you’ll enjoy your adventures on the ICW! See “From the Helm” on page six about the editor’s experiences on the ICW. www.southwindsmagazine.com

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April 2006

69

Cruising in Company

the planned feast, Kim and David and side from occasional, clubPeggy and I started off together down sponsored weekend cruises, the ditch with a headwind. The two my wife Peggy and I have hisboats motored at different speeds, and torically sailed in a fleet of one. This there were the twin factors of drawwas mainly due to the fact that Peggy, bridge restrictions and the setting sun. being a teacher, only had summer I was embarrassed to find myself months off, and there just aren’t that radioing David to see if they could pick many other boats moving in the up the pace. They were going as fast as South Florida heat and calms. Sailing they could, and I felt like a tyrant. As it in the company of ourselves became was, we arrived at the Calabash River our style—one that afforded us the anchorage in plenty of time to put the freedom of setting our own schedule

By Joe Corey finishing touches on a meal that was and destination. Of course we still met not soon to be forgotten. and became friends with other cruisers The night was perfect; just in anchorages and marinas over sunenough chill in the air to make it feel like the holiday it was, downers in the cockpit, but when the urge to move on (or a gentle zephyr, and plenty of room in the anchorage. Once stay) hit, the decision to do so was ours alone. we got all our stuff ready to dinghy over to Amanzi, we puttThings change. After sailing up to Boston from Florida putted through the gathered yachts already there. That got last spring and spending the summer there, we found ourme wondering; had we not had the prearranged dinner, selves southbound at the Great Bridge locks on the Virginia would we have extended ourselves and made the effort to ICW with several other boats and wound up traveling all introduce ourselves to the others? Who knows who we may the way to Florida, more or less together. have met. Nevertheless, it was a magical night!

Bill, aboard his new-to-him 28-foot Cape Dory, I have always prided myself on some imagined ability Kittywake, was on a six-month sabbatical. His goal was to to “pull my own fat out of the fire” when it came to familiarize himself with his first sailboat and make the inevitable boat problems. Having the crew of two other round trip from the Chesapeake to Florida’s west coast. Kim boats to at least use as sounding boards was something I and David were on a two-year trip to Venezuela and back found to be refreshing, if not to a greater degree downright aboard their 37-foot classic Sparkman and Stephens, Amanzi. helpful! Burned into Kim, also an educator, my memory is the was developing lesson scene of David, Bill, plans for the Toronto and myself spending School Board as David, at least two hours trya photojournalist, docing to decipher the umented their trip and instructions on how to kept their floating Web splice Sampson braid site going. Peggy and I, (I’m sure it would have semi-retired, have an taken any one of us six open-ended agenda, hours)...the damned the goal of which is to line got spliced!! avoid both the cold and On our occasional hurricanes, picking up offshore jaunts, it was work where and when fun and reassuring to needed. All loose agenbe either in radio das, but agendas just reach or visual contact the same. with a friendly voice At first it was just or familiar running the matter of coincilights. Bill, who often dence and the nature Joe and Peggy Corey aboard their Cal 36, Calcutta. Photo courtesy Joe Corey. left a day or so earlier of moving along the and whose boat drew 18 inches less, was invaluable as a forICW. We all ended up at the same places at roughly the ward-looking fathometer. At Savannah, GA, both Peggy same times. The friendly afternoon cocktails became the and Kim were excited to take a guided bus tour of the city. shared dinners. Conversations included sharing past expeOtherwise alone, I would have tagged along for her benefit. riences, inevitable sea stories, future plans, and eventually David was less than thrilled to accompany Kim on the tour where we, the newly formed fleet, would anchor next. as well. Perfect solution!!...Peggy and Kim had a great time Happily, we all spoke freely about our loose affiliation. None together as David and I toured the local watering holes and of us felt obliged to stick together just for the sake of sticking scouted out the best places to eat! In short, it was a rewardtogether and, in fact, our mini-fleet would break up on occaing, refreshing, and edifying experience to cruise in compasion only to regroup a day or two and some miles later. It ny of kindred sailors. was, however, becoming slightly awkard to act independentLuckily, we spoke early and honestly about our loose ly without regard for the others. alliance and the pros and cons of sailing together. The expeAs we hop-scotched down the coast, the joint decision rience, expertise, and insights of each were valued without was made to purposely end up at the same anchorage for anyone coming off as the de facto leader. We were all aware Thanksgiving. What a great idea! We’d roast the turkey and of the other’s agendas and budgets (marina vs. anchor, etc.). bring stuffing, Kim and David would make a wonderful sweet potato casserole and collard greens, and Bill would See CRUISING continued on page 67 bring libations and dessert. Bill left a day early. The day of

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