Southwindsaugust2007

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Cruising Through Marathon Owning a Boat in the Caribbean

August 2007 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

Reinventing the wheel is one thing that makes Beneteau such an exceptional sailboat manufacturer.

For over a century, we’ve been leading the industry with innovations like our patented pivoting wheel on the Beneteau 323.You’ll also find many other features and options on the Beneteau 323, including a retractable keel that allows you to sail into the most shallow gunkholing spots. Experience the exceptional. Visit your nearest Beneteau dealer to view the new sailing yachts for 2007.

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2007

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SOUTHWINDS

News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 15 Number 8 August 2007 Copyright 2007, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Doran Cushing, Publisher 11/1993-6/2002

Steve Morrell

Publisher/Editor 7/2002-Present editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(941) 795-8704

Steve Morrell

Advertising editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(941) 795-8704

Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com for information about the magazine, distribution and advertising rates.

Regional Editors EAST FLORIDA mhw1@earthlink.net

Roy Laughlin Production Heather Nicoll

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Letters from our readers Dave Ellis Mike Kirk Valerie Nieman

Contributing Writers Rebecca Burg Deborah Holland Roy Laughlin Hone Scunook

Dean Barnes Deborah Holland Roy Laughlin Susan Russo Chris Vallina

(321) 690-0137 Artwork Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com Julie Connerley Kim Kaminski Amy Lorenzo Morgan Stinemetz

Contributing Photographers/Art Rebecca Burg (and Artwork) Julie Connerley Kim Kaminski Mike Kirk Valerie Nieman Frank Pontious Cliff Stephan Beth Tumlin

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 $24/year, and $30/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 8 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web site

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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Boater Licensing, PFDs and T-shirts

By Steve Morrell

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Letters

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Bubba Whartz Gets Look From Alinghi Team

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

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Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

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Classic Boat Rally

By Dave Ellis

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Treasure Hunting in Paradise

By Deborah Holland

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Our Waterways: News About Changes on and Access to Our Waterways

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Hurricane Season 2007 Section: Tips and News on Hurricane Protection for Your Boat

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Options for Owning a Boat in the Caribbean

By Mike Kirk

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Dismasting: Crystallized Stainless Steel?

By Mike Kirk

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The Smorgasboat in Boot Key Harbor

By Rebecca Burg

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Travels with Angel: Marathon

By Rebecca Burg

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Southern Racing: Southern Race Reports and Upcoming Races, Southern Regional Race Calendars

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Story: Serendipitous Shrimp

By Amy Lorenzo

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Marine Market Place Regional Sailing Services Directory - Local boat services in your area.

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Boat Brokerage Section Classifieds Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category Subscription Form

Classic Boat Rally. Photo by Beth Tumlin. Page 24

Keeping a boat in the Caribbean. Photo by Mike Kirk.

Page 38.

Cover: These nine young adults are part of a Hurricane Island Outward Bound program that sailed from Costa Rica to Miami on a schooner and then sailed and rowed the shallop, in the photo, across Florida Bay to Flamingo. A shallop is a small boat, usually sailed in shallow waters, with sails and/or oars, and often fitted with two masts. The photo was taken in Flamingo by Jim Austin.

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing 6

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FROM THE HELM Boater’s Driver’s License, Boater Education, Mandatory PFDs and the T-Shirt Business “The greatest opposition has come from the boaters themselves.”

Really? Who would have guessed that?

That’s a quote from a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer about the resistance by boaters to laws that would make the wearing of life jackets (PFDs) while on a boat mandatory. It’s like saying cows are against hamburgers. If boaters allow such a law to pass, it should be sheep against lamb chops, as we will then be a bunch of sheep.

The FWC recently released statistics showing Florida leading the nation in boating fatalities (69) in 2006.

The report stated that none of the Florida victims were wearing PFDs, and all but eight were drownings.

This has renewed interest to make it mandatory to wear PFDs all the time while on board. Currently, many states require children under a certain age to wear a PFD. But those are minors, and we adults are supposed to do what we can to protect them long enough to grow up. But we’re also supposed to help them grow up to act responsibly, and setting an example carries a lot of weight. Passing a law to make us adults wear PFDs full time (I know there are exceptions, like going down

News & Views for Southern Sailors

below to eat, sleep and repair the engine) is going to make us look as if we can’t act responsibly. It’s also going to make us look stupid (besides overweight). Stupid, because that’s what it is. I can understand seat belts in a car as you don’t move around in a car much and even a small accident is a big one going 60 mph in a big chunk of metal. But in a boat, you move around all the time. Maybe not so much when you’re speeding around, but when the boat stops and you want to sunbathe, even just while puttering around slowly, will you still have to wear a life jacket? Tan lines will be terrible. Nude sunbathing will be out.

What about when you want to go swimming? Can you take your life jacket off to go swimming? Do you have to take it off after you get in the water? Or can you take it off just before, while still on the boat? “I was just about to jump in the water, officer.”

Then there’s sailboats. When do you have to wear a PFD while sailing? When the wind is five knots and the boat is going one knot? How about when it’s 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity? I won’t go on and on and on.

Of course, this is why no state has

passed this law—yet. (Virgin Islands has, but it is being reviewed.)

Enforcement, exceptions and boaters’ refusal to comply all make the law unlikely.

So everyone talks education. The big question is operator’s license or not. Either way, it’s education. If the government decides to require a license, there will be education. We already have education through advertisements—in pamphlets, mailings, signs, etc. Let’s increase education. But there are no boater licensing requirements for adult boat operators—yet.

Education I’m all for, but operator’s permit for adults? Hell, no, I won’t go. The water is one of the last refuges of freedom and freedom to me is self-control—no more, no less. So let’s exhibit some of that. Let’s show our youth how to act responsibly and drive responsibly on the waters. Let’s show the adults, too.

And where do T-shirts fit in? If they make PFDs mandatory, I am going to design a T-shirt, mainly orange, that looks like a life jacket, sell them and retire wealthy.

Steve Morrell Editor

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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.

E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com IT’S A CATBOAT! The July ’07 cover: Sure looks like a Catboat to me.

Dave Denise West Marine Store Manager Bonita Springs, FL

Dave, Yea, yea, yea. I know. I wasn’t paying attention. I saw single mast and didn’t look close enough. I was tired that day. I was overworked. The sun was in my eyes.

When a friend of mine (credited as the

first to point out this mistake to me) told me about this—(Geoff Kendrick of Mahina La Sailing Charters in Cortez, FL) I tried to explain it away, but I knew I was on shaky ground. He said, “You’re sure to get a lot of letters on that.” I have gotten a couple, but yours is the first, so it gets printed. But it’s early in the month. I feel bad, but I’ll get over it. At least I know there are some readers out there who are paying attention.

Thanks to you all—keep me on my toes.

Editor MYSTERY CABLE IN THE KEYS UNRAVELING In reference to Morgan Stinemetz’ article about the mystery cable over the water near the Snake Creek Bridge in the Florida Keys (July issue): I have a customer who had the wires surveyed as well as his true mast height.

His mast is 78 feet with a 3-foot whip antenna on top. He just clears (+ 12 inches, I think) the lowest line (phone line) at MLW. The actual height will have to wait as the customer is in the Exumas at the moment. I will follow up when he returns.

Fair winds to all.

Richard Baker Baker Marine, Tavernier, FL (305) 664-6359 Rick, Thanks for the information. I had one other boater call me with similar information and he also had a catamaran. He said his antenna hit the cable, which he said was a TV cable. I am still waiting to hear more from him. We are still asking for more information if others have it, and we will pass it along to the appropriate authorities when we do get more verification. Please let us know what you found out.

Editor FERNANDINA BEACH MOORING FIELD AND MARINA FEES AND COSTS This is written in response to the letter to the editor from Harry Knickerbocker on board the Victory of Burnham (July, Southwinds).

The aforementioned letter unfortunately has numerous factual errors, and See LETTERS continued on page 12

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LETTERS it is necessary to address and correct them for the benefit of your readers and the boating public.

The city of Fernandina Beach installed 20 moorings across from the marina this spring. The cost for the project was $78,396, and engineering and permitting fees were $61,496, totaling $139,892 (not $250,000 as stated in Mr. Knickerbocker’s letter.) The project was funded by the city’s Marina Enterprise Fund (a revenue-based, non-taxpayer funded department) and grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND).

The fees as stated in the letter are correct: $15 per day, $90 per week and $300 per month. However, it should be mentioned that there is no charge to vessels using our moorings for the use of the pump-out, dinghy dock or showers.

Vessels not paying for moorings do have to pay fees for the dinghy dock. However, there is no validity to the “talk of increasing the dinghy dock fees,” as mentioned by Mr. Knickerbocker. The city, of course, reserves the right to such increases in the future, as directed by the city commission, but none are being proposed presently.

Concerning the required use of the pump-out facilities, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as a condition of issuing the permit for the project, mandated that any vessel using the moorings must use the pump-out at least every three days (not three times a month). The City of Fernandina Beach believes that this is a good policy and is confident that our customers are conscientious and concerned about the environment, and therefore our pump-out is used regularly. Unfortunately, the vessels anchored adjacent to the moorings, such as Mr. Knickerbocker’s, are not required to use the pump-out, but we highly recommend them to do so.

It should be noted that although it is true that vessels can anchor outside of the mooring field, several have dragged during storms, which as we all know is dangerous and libelous. More importantly, we had an unfortunate tragedy several years ago when an anchored vessel drifted into the navigational channel. The vessel was run over by a tug and barge, and one of the two on board drowned. He was only in his early 20s. We feel that the mooring field is a great asset and addition to the safety and well-being of the boating public.

The city has recently completed a major dredging project and has rehabilitated many of its docks. However, a great deal of work remains, including a renovated shower and laundry facility, a new welcome center and new commercial retail space. Many of the renovated docks were funded with state and federal grant money, dedicated to transient boaters. As a result. the docks that appear to sit empty (as referenced in the letter) are actually full in the evenings during the transient season. They are less utilized during the slow times. The city has seen a vast increase in usage and revenues, in spite of the claim of the rates discouraging use.

The rates were increased over a year ago, coming up from bargain-basement prices when the marina was mired in mud. The facility is now competitive with other transient facilities in the state of Florida.

As for the fuel prices: Like the rest of the nation we have suffered from the costs passed on to us by the oil companies.

Our margins however, have never changed, and we still offer reasonably priced fuel, especially considering the cur12

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rent fluctuations in rack pricing.

We felt compelled to address all of these topics raised

by Mr. Knickerbocker, as his comments were misleading and unfair to both the boating public and the city of Fernandina Beach (located in northeastern Florida). We hope that your readers will take the time to visit our wonderful community and marina, and spread the word that Fernandina Harbor Marina is ready to serve them.

Thank you.

Coleman C. Langshaw, Marina Director USCG Licensed Master-100GT (#1041292) City Of Fernandina Beach-Marina Department D/B/A Fernandina Harbor Marina 1 Front Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 Dockhouse: (904) 491-2090 Coleman, Thanks for the letter and I believe it is a just response. I personally am a strong believer in mooring fields and know the prices are reflective of modern times.

I do have a question about the mooring field. Suppose someone has a Type I or II MSD and can legally pump in those waters?

They actually usually pump cleaner water than the average Florida ICW waters, but the question is: Why should they have to pump out that many times, or do you make provisions for that? I also think many people have tanks that don’t require every few days pumping. Then again, some are just more wasteful than others. I understand that you are under a state mandate for this, tied to your funding, but perhaps you have answers to these.

In Avalon harbor on Catalina Island, off the southern California coast, harbor officials put dye in your toilet when you moor there, and a camera on the hillside keeps track of you. Of course, they have hills and mountains in California—so they can do that. Not really practical for you, but I thought I would pass it along. They also have hundreds of boats in a small harbor. We would stay there for a week and never have to pump out—two people on a 30-foot sailboat. We would go to the bathrooms on shore at every opportunity, except after a heavy Mexican-food dinner mixed with tequila, of course, when the onboard toilet might get used more often. I generally support your policy on that, though, among other things you related in the letter.

By the way, I like your attitude toward the boating public and how you and the town are helping to support boaters—and not just the ones that live there but also those passing through.

Do you think you could pass your attitude along to the Florida communities of Gulfport, Marco Island, Naples (where the mooring field is currently dead) and the city of Miami Beach?

Editor ANCHOR STORAGE A PROBLEM: HOW’S THAT? There is a fairly new problem in Florida boating; anchor storage. Anchor storage is where an owner takes an older boat (usually) to an anchorage and anchors the boat and leaves.

You had a picture of Vinoy Basin in your last issue of SOUTHWINDS. It showed a full anchorage. Unfortunately, most of the boats shown are anchor storage. Most have been there for weeks, some for months.

The result is that the basin is closed to transient cruisers. It is another anchorage closed but not by the city or state, but by inconsiderate boaters. Other anchorages are See LETTERS continued on page 14 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS becoming crowded, but the Vinoy is effectively closed because of anchor storage.

We hailed last summer’s law change preventing local restrictions on anchoring as a victory. I wonder if we may have shot ourselves in the foot. There will be backlash against situations such as at the Vinoy. Maybe the police actions you wrote of in Boot Key Harbor are part of this backlash.

We need to police ourselves before others do it for us.

Unfortunately, I can see the problem of anchor storage, but I cannot propose a simple solution.

Rich Critchlow St Petersburg, FL Rich, I might have called that boat storage, but your label got my attention. I believe the ruling of 2006 that restricted local communities’ ability to restrict anchoring of non-liveaboard cruising boats was a solid victory, but the effects of that law are still being felt and interpreted. Keep in mind that that was about cruisers, not boats in storage. There are enough laws on the books to control boaters’ actions while anchored, like dumping waste and derelict vessels.

It’s just that law enforcement doesn’t always use them—and use them quickly and fairly. I do know that boaters in that anchorage who have been anchoring there for too long a period of time have been asked to leave by the city police, so they are asking some longterm boaters to move on, although the specifics and what the law is, I do not know. I am hoping that one of the results of the 2006 anchoring law is to motivate local communities to establish more mooring fields—like the rest of the planet has done, including many in the United States. Other services will be set up with these fields, like shoreside facilities, pump-out boats, etc.

I know this is a problem, and I think the best solution is for St. Petersburg to do what it has discussed for some time (see “Our Waterways,” December 2006 issue, www.southwindsmagazine. com/backissues.html); a transient mooring field in the Vinoy basin and another larger mooring field for transients, liveaboards and boat storage—outside, with a breakwater. As much as I like the idea of the freedom to anchor almost anywhere, the population has gotten to the point that organized fields are the more appropriate answer.

If we want to get the city to do that, then the fastest way is to get a professional sports team, like football or baseball, to say they’ll use it, and the city will get it done real fast, readily pay for it and give the teams huge tax breaks and other incentives. We could name it something like, “The Professional Sports Team Mooring Field.”

It seems to work in every city in the country.

Editor CABBAGE KEY OUTLAWS DOGS We have been cruising up and down the west Florida coast for a number of years and have found that stopping at Cabbage Key was always a pleasant and rewarding experience. My wife and I stopped overnight at Useppa Island Anchorage and had our three-year-old schipperke, Charley, (named after that hurricane) with us, so we decided to leash up our dog and dinghy over to Cabbage Key for drinks and lunch. We were sitting outside in those old wooden white chairs enjoying the scenery and sipping on a couple of cold ones when out of the blue a brown bird dog, unleashed, came running over and attacked out little boat dog. The 14

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owners of the dog arrived and asked why we had a dog on their island. Came to find out that the daughter of the owner and her boyfriend demanded we leave with our dog and that pets were not allowed on Cabbage Key. Without much of a fuss, we left those cold beers and that expensive lunch where they lay. Just thought the cruising pet owners should be made aware of their attitude toward pets.

Capt. Jack Regar S/V Braveheart Jack, I had heard that there is a sign on the island that says, “No dogs beyond this point.” Maybe my information is incorrect, or maybe someone can clear that up, but that sign alone would indicate they are allowed before the sign—and somewhere on the island.

Hope your dog’s all right.

Editor BOATING CAMARADERIE ALIVE AND WELL IN MEXICO Some interesting things have happened in La Paz in Baja California this past winter that illustrate the camaraderie of the cruising community in this area.

Recently, a sailboat caught fire in the La Paz harbor, burned to the waterline and sank. It had belonged to a 28year-old young man who was not aboard at the time. All he had left in the world was the clothing on his back and his driver’s license.

The cruising community in La Paz outdid themselves.

They are still collecting donations for Brian, but the amazing thing is that three cruisers went together and bought him a replacement boat—the exact same kind of boat that sank! It needs a lot of work, but volunteers have already fixed some of the systems, and other necessary repairs have been scheduled. As they identify equipment that is needed, the call goes out and things materialize out of the generosity of the cruising community.

On a sadder note, a man we met when we first arrived in La Paz died of a heart attack while cruising north of here.

His partner, formerly a surgical nurse, gave him CPR for 40 minutes until help arrived, but they had to give up life-saving efforts due to the obstacles involved in getting him to a hospital. The cruisers in Escondido helped her get through the first few days and meetings with the authorities. Kathy returned to La Paz to retrieve his ashes from the crematorium, and friends on the dock arranged for her to stay on an empty boat. We joined her and others for a dock-party wake in his honor. At the wake, she told her brave story of piloting the boat alone into Escondido with John’s body aboard.

Nobody had known John and Kathy for more than two months, and yet everyone supported her as if we’d known her all our lives.

John and Judy Griffiths S/V Pegasus Lying La Paz, Baja California Sur, MX John and Judy, This makes me both happy and sad at the same time.

Editor

E-mail your letters to the Editor: editor@southwindsmagazine.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

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WIND ROSES: Each wind rose shows the strength and direction of the prevailing winds in the area and month. These have been recorded over a long period of time. In general, the lengths of the arrows indicate how often the winds came from that direction. The longer the arrow, the more often the winds came from that direction. When the arrow is too long to be printed in a practical manner, a number is indicated.

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The number in the center of the circle shows the percentage of the time that the winds were calm. The lengths of the arrows plus the calms number in the center add up to 100 percent. The number of feathers on the arrow indicates the strength of the wind on the Beaufort scale (one feather is Force 1, etc.). Wind Roses are taken from Pilot Charts.

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EVENTS & 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 preceding publication. Contact us if later.

Changes in Events Listed on SOUTHWINDS Web site Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com for changes and notices on upcoming events. Contact us to post event changes.

■ RACING EVENTS For racing schedules, news and events see the racing section.

■ UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS Go to the SOUTHWINDS Web site for our list of youth sailing programs in the Southern coastal states, www.southwindsmagazine.com. The list was printed in the April 2007 issue.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements. Eleven lessons, every Tuesday. Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. 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. Don’t wait until next summer to have your children qualify for a State of Florida boater safety ID, possibly lower your boaters insurance premium or just hone your safe boating skills.

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Six-week Public boating course begins every Monday. Includes safety information plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s

News & Views for Southern Sailors

under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 867-3088.

Other courses continuously offered. (727) 5654453. www.boating-stpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public boating programs sailing course. August 13, 14,16. Basic Coastal Navigation Program (includes charting tools) – 8 lessons. Sept. 13-Oct. 8.

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

Hudson Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-7.

America’s Boating Course on Saturday. August 11.

Graduates meet the Florida legal requirements for boater education and most insurance companies offer discounts.

To register, or for more information, call Morton Stone at (813) 991-6578, or (727) 869-0784.

US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course, Venice, FL, Aug. 13-16 The Venice Youth Boating Association is hosting a US Sailing (small boat) instructor course at the Venice Yacht Club on Aug. 13-16. Jabbo Gordon, US Sailing-certified instructor trainer and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, will teach the 40-hour course. Interested persons (you must be over 16 years old) may register on-line through www.ussailing.org. The course number is 39697 and there is a discount for early registration. If there are any questions, please call Jabbo Gordon at (941) 468-1719.

Contact editor@Southwindsmagazine.com for information about article length, photo requirements and other questions.

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North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC Ongoing adults sailing programs. Family sailing. 2-6 people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30’ keelboat. $50$240. www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 728-7317. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638 Ruskin, FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating Course The Ruskin flotilla each month offers a boating safety course in Ruskin, but has found that many boaters do not have the time to attend the courses, so they are now also offering a home study course at $30. Additional family members will be charged $10 each for testing and certificates. Tests will be held bi-monthly. Entry into the course will also allow participants to attend the classes.

To apply, call (813) 677-2354.

■ BOAT SHOWS Tampa Boat Show. Sept. 7-9. Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL. NMMA. (954) 441-3228. www.tampaboatshow.com.

■ OTHER EVENTS Tampa Sailing Squadron Sponsors Safety at Sea Expo, Apollo Beach, FL, Aug. 4 The Tampa Sailing Squadron is sponsoring a Safety at Sea Expo at its waterside facilities at 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach. The Expo, a boating-safety-themed event aimed at providing boaters with information on how to stay safe on the water, will take place at the Squadron’s facilities on August 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The date chosen for the event is appropriate as August 4th is Coast Guard Day, the celebration of the Coast Guard’s 217th birthday.

The purpose of the event is to give the public an opportunity to talk to representatives from various agencies and businesses involved in boating safety, and learn about some of the products, services and equipment they provide and

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operate. Participants will get a chance to see displays, see demonstrations and get some hands-on experience with various types of safety gear.

This event is truly a cooperative effort supported by agencies and businesses with a boating safety focus.

The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be participating and will be showcasing their patrol craft, their boating education and courtesy marine exams programs, the Sea Partners marine pollution prevention program and the America’s Waterway Watch maritime security awareness program. As a bonus, the Coast Guard may bring its damage-control trainer to show participants how they can control flooding from hull and shaft breaches. Participants trying to shore up this mock-up of a sinking boat will have a lot of fun getting wet.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration will send its navigation manager to showcase NOAA navigation products and programs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be showcasing its patrol craft and will have a crew available to answer any boating safety, port security and environmental resource questions.

Other agencies invited to participate include Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission.

Complementing the agency participants are businesses which have been invited to showcase safety equipment they sell to the public. These include West Marine, Solution One Maritime and a fire equipment servicing company. Participants will have a chance to discuss their safety questions and equipment needs with representatives from these businesses.

The Sea Scouts will be on hand to provide some inwater demonstrations, including donning various personal flotation devices, boarding a life raft, and making yourself more visible to rescuers.

The Safety at Sea Expo will have some activities for the Articles Wanted on Southern Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations and Youth Sailing SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for articles on individual yacht clubs, sailing associations and youth sailing groups throughout the Southern states (the eight Southern coastal states from North Carolina south all the way around the Gulf and into the Gulf through eastern Texas). The clubs and associations must be well established and have been around for at least a few years. It does not matter whether the organization has a fixed location or facility. The SOUTHWINDS editor reserves the right to make a judgment on how well established the organization is to qualify for an article, although we encourage everyone to contact us. Any article must be written by a member of the organization (except for the youth sailing organizations) and must include at least one photograph.

Contact editor@Southwindsmagazine.com for information about article length, photo requirements and other questions. www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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kids as well. Officer Snook, the Coast Guard’s pollution prevention cartoon character, will be on hand to entertain the kids. In addition, kids can visit the knot-tying exhibit to learn how to tie some basic knots or learn how to put on a personal flotation device.

Food and refreshment will be available. For more information, the public can visit the Tampa Sailing Squadron’s Web site at http://tampasailing.org/.

Windlasses Annual New Members Meeting, Dunedin, FL, Aug. 23 The Windlasses, a women’s sailing/racing club, will hold their annual new members’ coffee at the First Presbyterian Church, 455 Scotland St., Dunedin, on Aug. 23.

New members are accepted only in August and September. They must be able to swim and know basic sailing techniques. Information on beginners’ local sailing classes will be available. All new members begin in the pram fleet, so boat ownership is not necessary. An orientation program will include pram rigging, racing rules and an understanding of the club.

The club meets every Thursday during the school year for racing at the Dunedin Marina, monthly cruises, interclub races with other Florida West Coast women’s sailing clubs and general fun. Annual membership dues are $45 with an initiation fee of $40.

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For more information about the Windlasses new members’ coffee and/or taking sailing lessons prior to the coffee, call (727) 449-8210.

Swap Meet and Marine Flea Market, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Sept. 15 This is a swap meet for all sorts of goods with a lot of marine/boating items. Bring your own table. Barbeque from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the swap meet and a “Docktail Party” following the meet at 7 p.m. Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Debbie May at (941) 749-7069 or jimdeb12@aol.com. Rain or shine, unless a tropical storm or larger gets in the way, in which case the alternate date will be Nov. 3.

■ NEWS

Sailors in 2003 Key West to Cuba Regatta Still Being Persecuted by United States Government New developments recently occurred in the Bush administration’s effort to penalize sailors who raced to Cuba in

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2003. SOUTHWINDS reported last fall that the U.S. government wanted to prosecute the sailors for exporting their boats to Cuba. The government not only wanted to charge them with exporting the boats, but also with “acting with knowledge of a violation.” In 2003, there was publicity about the search of boats and crew upon their return from Cuba, the grand jury and the resulting charges against the race organizers that were ultimately dismissed by a judge (under the agreement that those accused would not discuss the matter). The charges were dropped before the Friday before the 2004 presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

The boats, many with liveaboard owners, sailed to Cuba, delivered humanitarian aid, and returned. Now, over four years later, some of the boat captains are to be charged with exporting their vessels to Cuba without a license. This is a license to export the boat itself, even though the boat returned within a week.

It appears that an obscure administrative rule of the Department of Commerce—Bureau of Industry and Standards (the agency charged with preventing the export of nuclear weapons and other dangerous stuff to countries on the global terrorist list)—considers a sailboat leaving the United States for anywhere in the world to be okay, but if the boat is going to Cuba, it is considered to be an export, and needs a license.

There has long been a requirement to get permission from the U.S. Coast Guard for such a trip to Cuba; there has also been a requirement to get a license from the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). But race organizers—and others who have gone to Cuba on boats—never heard of a requirement for an export license, especially for a one-week round trip. Most of the captains who sailed their boats in the regatta are now being charged with the violation.

Recently, a few of the captains received letters from the Department of Commerce. The letters said that the government was willing to drop the charges that they were “acting with knowledge of a violation,” and that the government was offering a settlement of $6000, although the letter they

News & Views for Southern Sailors

received last fall stated the fines to be $11,000 per violation. This fine was under the charge of “Exporting a Vessel without the Required License.”

Some of the captains who were in the regatta are trying to get ahold of others who were in it. Please contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com, and we will forward your contact information to them.

BoatU.S. Seeks Captains For New Online Professional Captains Locator Service From BoatU.S. A new online Professional Captains Locator service from BoatU.S. aims to connect U.S. Coast Guard licensed delivery captains with boat owners seeking on-the-water transportation services, hurricane hole deliveries and storm preparation services.

Another reason for the service is that many boat insurance policies today offer to help with the cost of professional delivery services when a named storm is coming.

“Insurers want boats moved out of harm’s way,” said Ajootian. “We also hope to give boaters an easier way to find long- or short-haul delivery services or instruction,’” she added.

The program’s current goal is to get as many qualified captains listed on the database first before it becomes available to the public later this year. When the Web site does go live, captains will be able to gain new job leads by leveraging the BoatUS.com Web site, which attracts over half-amillion visitors each month.

Captains wishing to be listed must complete a twopage application asking for their credentials, experience, references, local area knowledge, USCG licenses held, insurance and motor vehicle drivers‚ license information.

Captains will be listed once this information is verified.

Listings will be free the first year the locator service is online. After that, the listing fee will be $50 per year.

For more information or to review an application, go to www.BoatUS.com/procaptains.

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OUR WATERWAYS

A Marshall Catboat. Photo by by Frank Pontious.

A Marshall catboat sailing in the Classic Boat Rally. Photo by Beth Tumlin.

Classic Boat Rally

By Dave Ellis

Taking the covers off the Laser in the parking lot of Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, the venue for the Masters championship, I noticed a decidedly different sort of craft on a trailer. It was a full-keeled gaff-rigged catboat. A little under 16-feet long, it weighed 1350 pounds, 750 in the keel. Yes, it was fiberglass, but it sure looked like a Bristol-condition old timer.

F

ellow Laser old guy Dave Hartman was talking animatedly with a familiar-looking fellow. “That’s a Snipe sailor,” I remembered. Yes, Sam “Woody” Norwood also has a classic Herreshoff 12-1/2 and a vision.

There are many dedicated sailors who love the classic designs. The boats always draw an approving eye from even the most die-hard racer. Woody’s quest has been to get similar boats together for a cruise, with races imbedded within the trip.

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The 2007 Classic Boat Rally was a sailing adventure up the Intracoastal Waterway from Savannah, GA, to Charleston, SC, on May 3-10. Boats ranged from 15 to 24 feet, all classic in design. “Shore Crew,” wives and friends, would meet the participants with their vehicles at the next venue after a day of sightseeing. Evenings were spent at the hosting club and nights in hotels or friends’ homes.

Some of the boats made all of the stops, while others made a partial trip, 12 boats altogether. A fleet of seven boats departed Savannah Yacht Club docks in the dewy mist of May 5 and motored to the starting line three miles up the Wilmington River. The easterly breeze slowly increased to nearly 15 knots. While the fleet had disparate boats, racing was close. Running aground on the muddy bottom was deemed slow.

Local Captain of the Fleet, Bill Kingsbury, led the fleet through the unique lock system of Windmill Harbour to the start of the race on Calibogue Sound at Hilton Head.

For the next race on the trek they sailed up the coastline of Hilton Head Island. Crossing Port Royal Sound, they sailed into the eye of the wind that had built to 8 knots. At first there was current pushing the fleet, but turning up the Beaufort River, the leaders encountered the ebbing adverse tide, and the rest of the fleet quickly closed ranks. Then turning north up the river, those with spinnakers used them www.southwindsmagazine.com

A catboat, True Love, and a Pearson Triton sail on the Beaufort River. Photo by by Frank Pontious.

A Herreshoff 16-foot gaff-rigged sloop and a Pearson Triton at Hilton Head. Photo by Beth Tumlin.

to advantage in the lightening southerly breeze.

The following day, they were happy to see the wind developing early. Under cloudy skies, the fleet gathered on the docks at Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club early to do final polishing before the Concurs d’Elegance judging, which began at 11 a.m.. At the awards dinner, featuring local favorite Frogmore Stew, “Most Bristol” recognition was given to Jerry Wadley in restoration of his Cape Dory.

“Most Authentic” was awarded for Norwood’s Herreshoff 12-1/2, a design that has hardly changed from Cap’n Nat’s vision of 1914, some 93 years ago. The cast- bronze deck and rudder fittings were from the original mold. The outboard was hung from a side mount that is removable. No defiling that beautiful transom.

May 7 the leg from Beaufort Yacht Club to Edisto Island started windy and increased all day to gusts of 28 knots.

Tropical storm Andrea was churning up the Atlantic. Shore crew and sailors removed the boats to their trailers and traveled up to the Carolina Yacht Club in Charleston.

Wednesday night at the elegant Carolina Yacht Club, awards were given to Chuck Carmichael from Hardyville, VA, and his Cape Dory Typhoon, Norwood’s Herreshoff 121/2 and John Martin from Atlanta, also on a Typhoon. Only one point separated the top three boats in the week’s racing.

Frank Pontius, George Dewhirst and Bill Tumlin served as race committee and safety crew for the rally.

Woody Norwood and his cousin Joe Norwood continued up the coast, to the Carolina Yacht Club on the coast of North Carolina, picking up David Hartman on the way. So it was that a classic yacht sat proudly on its trailer among 70 Lasers staging for the Masters championship. We didn’t feel so old after viewing that classic craft.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Next year the Classic Boat Rally will be April 17-24, Savannah to Charleston. The limit will be 20 boats due to limits in the host yacht clubs and marinas. For information go online to www.classicboatrally.com.

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Treasure Hunting in Paradise (Lost)

By Deborah Holland

Never heard of geocaching? Pronounced geo-cashing—as in cashing a check— geocaching is an entertaining world-wide treasure-hunt game utilizing the features available on a GPS unit, something most sailors already have. It is also a great way to get to out-of-the-way places you might not otherwise trek to while out cruising.

Jost Van Dyke in the BVIs.

The mermaid at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar.

T

GPS coordinates. Should be a snap.

Turns out for our particular hunt, we were anchored in the wrong bay at Jost Van Dyke. So, from Great Bay we trudged up the hill—no, make that mountain for us flatlanders—to White Bay in search of our treasure. The hot, sweaty climb in the Caribbean summer heat gave us some slight concerns of impending heart attacks. But, we took comfort in knowing that once we got to the top, we couldn’t possibly have any leftover toxins from the previous nights’ rum consumption.

After trekking through someone’s private bungalow path and down the pristine beach, we located Ivan’s Stress Free Bar at White Bay. It’s an amazing place covered in shell decorations of every sort, from floor to ceiling and everywhere in between. The beautiful shell mermaid with beckoning arms and complete with brain coral head topped by floppy hat, spiral shell belly button, and coral fingers welcomed us into Ivan’s. Once inside, we found the wedding shell plaque (a treasure-finding hint given on the geocache Web site) and the hunt was really under way. But, after some time searching and double-checking the coordinates, the geocache eluded us, reminding us that geocaching is deceptively easy. It is one thing to know where a cache should be. It is something else to actually find it!

Luckily, the views from the hillside to serene White Bay—and our discovering a bay and beach we might not have otherwise explored—made all our efforts well worth it.

Happy treasure hunting.

he idea of geocaching is for individuals to set up and hide caches (little treasures) all over the world and post the locations and coordinates of the caches on a designated Internet web site (www.geocaching.com). There is no cost to participate and exhilarating fun when you find one. Once found, a cache may include a host of treasures.

The only rule is if you take something from it, you must replace it with something else.

On a recent bareboat charter to the BVIs with a group of friends, thoughts of buried pirate treasures inspired us to test our treasure-hunting skills on the island of Jost Van Dyke. It sounds like it should be pretty easy. After all, you know the general location of the cache and you have the

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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OUR WATERWAYS

Our Waterways Section SOUTHWINDS has created this section to inform our readers about changes in our waterways. We are all in the midst of great change—through the conversion of many boating properties to condominiums, restrictions on anchorages, and other economic forces at work.

Our coastal waters and our waterways belong to all of us, and all of us have a right to use them. These waters are not just for those who 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 (941) 795-8704.

Broward County Approves Plan For New Slips Trade Only, a marine industry trade publication, reported that the Broward County Commission in Florida recently approved a plan that would allow 4392 new boat slips.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) turned down the plan last fall because the number of new slips was too high, partially because of manatee protection concerns. Trade Only reported that the Marine Industries Association of South Florida worked with envi-

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ronmental groups to create a new plan. The county believes there is a good probability that the FWC will approve the plan this time around. Approval of the plan would end a moratorium on marina development that has affected many areas in Florida.

City of Tampa Gives Notice to Anchored Boats in Davis Island Seaplane Basin SOUTHWINDS received a letter from a vessel owner who keeps his boat anchored in the Davis Islands seaplane basin in Tampa, FL. He stated that he, and other registered boat owners, received, on June 11, a notice from the city of Tampa stating that due to “FAA regulations the seaplane corridor will now be designated. Additionally, a boat ingress/egress to the Davis Island Yacht Club, as well as a beach swim area, are also being designated. As a result of these postings, vessels/watercrafts cannot moor within the designated areas, and vehicles and/or trailers cannot be stored on the surrounding public areas.”

The notice went on to say that there would be a grace period before craft would be “confiscated and impounded.”

The notice included a map of the basin showing the designated areas. (Anyone wishing to see a copy of this map and letter, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com and we will e-mail an image of them.)

The letter writer stated that there has been virtually no seaplane use of the basin in decades. He also stated that the

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Tampa Parks and Recreation Department Web site provided a municipal marina waiting list form as late as November 2005 listing the seaplane basin as well as Marjorie Park and Bayshore marinas. He wrote that he submitted a waiting list request in November 2005 and received a response that the city was not financially prepared to “do a mooring system at the seaplane basin.”

He also wrote that the marina at Marjorie Park remains uncompleted with at most 25 percent of the planned slips and that the marina at Bayshore remains unusable.

(I guess since 2005 the city Preservation of working waterfronts, like this one in Cortez, FL, was the subject of the National of Tampa decided that the FAA Waterways Symposium in Norfolk, VA, on May 9-11. didn’t like Tampa’s idea of putfronts and how to increase boater access. ting a marina in the basin—or maybe the city decided that desBoatU.S. Magazine noted—reflecting the exchange of ignating the area as a seaplane corridor would be a convenient ideas from the symposium—that it has only been in the way to limit boats anchored there by blaming it on the FAA. Editor.)

National Symposium on Water Access, Norfolk, VA May 9-11 This was the first national symposium on water access issues, and many consider it a huge success. The symposium was first initiated by BoatU.S., but others joined in to co-sponsor the symposium, officially called the Working Waterways and Waterfronts — A National Symposium On Water Access. Co-sponsors with BoatU.S. were the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Virginia Sea Grant Program.

BoatU.S Magazine reported (in the July issue) that attendees, which represented 140 member groups, were surprised that so many other communities across the country were grappling with the same issues. The symposium disseminated information and tools to help these communities preserve such important facilities as working water-

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Anchoring Warnings in Florida: Contact Us to Publicize Warnings Note from the Editor A new state law that went into effect on July 1, 2006 limiting communities’ power to limit anchoring restrictions to non-liveaboard cruisers. Recently, I have received several e-mails and calls from cruisers who received warnings from local law enforcement officials in Marco Island, Miami Beach, and Gulfport. In some cases, the officers have been polite and in others, they have not been.

Cruisers can contact the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) lawyers who will send a letter to these communities telling them about the state law. (Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com for a copy of this letter and contact information—or call us at (877-372-7245).

This law has not yet been tested in courts and perhaps someone will, but we at least need to have the letters sent to every community that ignores this law.

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OUR WATERWAYS last six years that the issue of disappearing working waterfronts and access has become of major concern, citing the changing economics of waterfront property. They stated that it is possibly the baby boomer generation heading to the water for retirement that has fueled this change.

Organizers hope to hold another symposium in the future.

Updates on East Florida’s Waterways

By Roy Laughlin In prior issues, SOUTHWINDS covered several significant stories relating to boaters’ access and safety in the Indian River. Here The recently rebuilt Eau Gallie Pier in Melbourne, FL. Photo by Roy Laughlin. are some updates: ■ The Eau Gallie Pier This historic pier was damaged by the hurricanes in 2004 and finally rendered unsafe by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

The city of Melbourne applied for grant funding to help pay for its replacement. The restored pier was finished in June and is back bigger and better now. It includes dockage for small motorboats and dinghies, and two covered pavilions over the water. This pier has been a focal point for the Seven Seas Cruising Association’s annual meeting each November.

■ Titusville’s Marina Park The real estate bubble burst has given Titusville’s leaders freedom from the baying of frantic developers demanding a good deal on zoning variances along the waterfront.

They have taken the opportunity to make a careful evaluation of the future of the city acreage in Marina Park. At this point, using five acres for Little League fields seems

less significant now that the dwindling number of players are using better-appointed fields inland. The city has contracted for dock upgrades in the marina and has formed an advisory committee to recommend how the city can best incorporate land-side facilities in the park if and when a mooring field is constructed in the Indian River east of the park. This is already a prime anchorage, so the city has an opportunity to increase boater amenities regardless of the schedule for mooring construction.

A 2000 Parks and Recreation bond referendum designated about $1.5-million for renovations and improvements for this park. It has not all been spent. More recently, the Titusville City Council voted specifically to keep the park public and not sell or trade it to private enterprise.

After that vote, the city was unsuccessful in its attempt to obtain a Waterfronts Florida Community designation.

Members of the reestablished advisory committee have initially spoken strongly in favor of new ramp construction, less marina expansion (because it is “commercial” to the extent its dedicated lease to specific boat owners reduces public access), and no fees for use of the park facilities. These are presently only discussion points. The public’s input begins with this committee, and interested

Marina Suggestions Wanted SOUTHWINDS is looking for suggestions for short- and long-range planning for future Southern marinas to improve them. In June, SOUTHWINDS was contacted by an individual who was asked to be on an advisory council for long range plans for marina/boating facilities in a Florida community. He asked us for ideas and suggestions. We have decided to expand on this—not only to pass the ideas on to him, but for general opinions from our readers on what they would like to see in any waterfront community. Send suggestions to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. We will print them in a future article and/or in “Letters to the Editor.” We will also post them on our Web site.

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public members should contact the city of Titusville for further information about meeting dates and opportunities to speak with the advisory committee’s members.

■ Derelict Boat Removal Now in Surge Mode After almost three years since the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, Brevard County’s plan to remove derelict vessels finally came to life with the award of a contract to Absolute Marine Towing and Salvage of Melbourne.

Derelict vessel removal commenced in June. In its initial weeks, boat removal has been conducted from the Pineda Causeway south to Grant. Progress is visible. For example, the Pineda Causeway anchorage is nearly clear of boats. At least a dozen had lain in the water and along the shore.

According to Matt Culver, the Derelict Boat Removal Program Coordinator with the Brevard County Department of Natural Resources Management, only three sunken boats remain at the causeway’s north-side anchorage. These are below the water’s surface, so boaters should be cautious through August until they are removed.

Brevard County received a $200,000 grant from trust funds administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, FEMA, and designated $30,000 of its own funds for removal of derelict vessels.

Derelict vessel removal is expected to take about two months and will end sometime in September. Then, absent a strong hurricane that does again what has just been undone, sailors can expect much safer cruising in the Indian River Lagoon system, particularly around anchorages and bridge causeways where a number of boats sank during the storms.

■ Brevard County’s Comprehensive Maritime Management Master Plan Ernest Brown, head of the Brevard County Department of Natural Resources Management, announced last August the beginning of an initiative to establish the Comprehensive Maritime Management Master Plan (CM3P) for the county.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

When occupancy of two of the five County Commission seats changed following last November’s election, it took a few months for the initiative to come to equilibrium with the new County Commission. Luckily, one of the new commissioners is as strong a supporter of the initiative as the opponent he replaced. After the first of the year, the effort again picked up steam and has proceeded through three public meetings.

These public meetings are better termed “workshops.”

In developing the original framework for the plan, a small group identified key policy areas, also calling them “key areas of concern.” Each of the past public meetings have taken a subset of topics and given one topic to a small group of attendees. Members of each group then have an hour or so for discussion that results in an “action item” to be included in the recommendations to be presented to the County Commission. For example, in the June meeting, the group of about eight people, including this writer, discussed recommendations for enforcement. Members of the group, several of whom had their boats vandalized or equipment stolen, strongly suggested that the sheriff’s office shift their efforts away from the hot spots where enforcement by other agencies is likely, and move to areas presently not receiving sufficient protection. For example, the county owns a site near the tip of South Merritt Island.

Dockage and a Sheriff’s substation there would allow much more extensive access to waterways that now only occasionally have a Sheriff’s Office patrol boat.

The development process is nearing the halfway mark. The third public meeting occurred on July 17. The August workshop meeting will be held on August 28, and the September meeting will be held on September 11. Both meetings will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at locations to be announced.

For the latest information on CM3P meetings, go to http://natres.brevardcounty.us/hottopics.cfm. To RSVP or for more information, call Eddie Leonard at the Agriculture and Extension Service at (321) 6331702 or e-mail Eddie at eeldive@ufl.edu.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2007 The SOUTHWINDS Web Site Hurricane Pages The SOUTHWINDS Hurricane Home Page

Following the loss and damage of many boats during the powerful 2004 hurricane season, SOUTHWINDS began printing articles on techniques to prepare boats and experiences that boaters had during hurricanes. We started putting those on our Web site in 2005, and in 2006 we expanded those pages.

You can access those pages from our home page, www.southwindsmagazine.com, or go straight to the hurricane pages at www.southwindsmagazine.com/hurricane. This is probably one of the best and most complete resources for hurricane information of relevance to boaters. There is a lot of information out there on plans and what to do to prepare your boat—and we have written similar plans—and all have similar ideas. What makes our site unique is the articles from readers who actually experienced hurricanes, how their boats got saved, what they did, what worked, what didn’t work.

We have six main pages in the hurricane section: ■ Hurricane Home Page — links to the below sites, including a quick link that shows current storms. (We will post What Do You Do With Loose Lines During a Storm?

We are trying to get some input and ideas on what to do with the extra lines on a boat during a storm. This includes the extra line that is left over after securing a dock line to a cleat—whether at the dock or on the boat.

In high winds that last for hours, lines whipping around cannot only come loose from a cleat, but can cause the line to heat up enough to actually melt it where it is put under stress as it moves around at high speed. Perhaps it would be best to tape or tie these lines to a stanchion or the mast, or cut them off and keep them short. We are looking for ideas.

This can also be a concern for halyards that are run down the outside of the mast and that can easily beat against the mast and swing around and stretch in high winds.

Anyone who has ideas how to solve this problem or experience with this, please let us know. We would also like to hear from those who have seen what these lines can do during a storm.

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this link on the Southwinds home page if a named storm is threatening the United States.)

■ Links to Hurricane Weather Web Sites — all the best weather Web sites (14) and descriptions.

■ Links to Hurricane Information. This includes links to miscellaneous hurricane information sites, including the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) home page, which will give you all the meteorological data on what creates a storm, how it moves, develops and its structure, plus a lot more. Another link is to the NHC preparedness page. There are other links to the FEMA page for kids for hurricanes, the Saffir-Simpson scale, the Hurricane Hunter page (the planes that fly into the storms), hurricane photos and more. We even have a recipe for a hurricane drink.

■ SOUTHWINDS hurricane and preparation articles. On this page we have links to past Southwinds articles and tips that were published in past issues including: • Why Prepare Your Boat for a Tropical Storm?

Creating a good, simple and quick plan for your boat.

This article is for boats at the dock, the basics, in practical terms, of preparing your boat for a coming storm.

The article also discusses the storms with which you are most likely to get hit.

• Keys Hurricane Hideout Hustle Rebecca Burg, a regular contributor to Southwinds magazine, writes about her experience in moving her boat into the mangroves near Key West during Hurricane Wilma in October 2005.

• New Moon Survives Charley Anchored off Captiva Island How Mick Gurley prepares his Pearson 35 for a tropical storm at anchor. His boat survives with no damage from a direct hit from Hurricane Charley in August 2004.

• Hurricane Preparations through the Eyes of a Dockmaster Paul Warren, dockmaster at a Florida marina, discusses the preparations he has for his marina and what he does to prepare the boats at the marina for a coming storm.

• Sailing in a Hurricane Capt. Kevin Hughes, in evading Hurricane Charley, ends www.southwindsmagazine.com

Protect Your Boom and Mainsail In tropical storms—and maybe even a category 1 hurricane—wrap your mainsail tightly and secure the boom to cleats and/or winches to keep it from swinging around in the wind. In higher winds, remove the mainsail, but still secure the boom. Removing the boom and storing it ashore or down below can also save it and/or your boat from substantial damage as the winds get stronger.

up anchored off Punta Gorda, FL, and is onboard when the hurricane hits. One of the most fascinating hurricane experiences you will ever read about.

■ Links to other hurricane and boat preparation articles.

These are links to other articles from other sources around the Internet, like the BoatU.S. Hurricane Resource Center, or the Pinellas County Hurricane Guide for Boaters.

■ Tides: East Coast, Gulf Coast, Caribbean, and Bahamas.

This page will give you an explanation and diagrams of how storm surge works and why the tides can be so critical to the survival of your boat, depending on when a hurricane strikes near your boat. This page will also link you to a Web page that will give you the tide at any coastal point in the world.

Send Us Your Hurricane Stories We are always looking for stories on your experiences, to learn those techniques that succeeded and those that didn’t, as we can learn from both. Ideas, tips and Web site links wanted, too. editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

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Hurricane Season 2007 How to Remove Your Roller Furling Headsail Because I still talk to people who are unsure about removing their roller furling headsails, we are again running an article, with improvements, on the topic. Editor

I

t is really quite easy: You get in your car, you drive to your boat, you remove it. It is that simple, but I see so many boats out there with their headsails up during high winds with the sail torn and blowing in the wind that I wonder if people just don’t know how to remove it. What other reason could there be? I saw many boats that their only damage—and they were from tropical-storm-force winds only—was a torn roller-furled headsail that was left up.

Plus these boats can damage docks and other boats. Let me rephrase that: “Plus these boast do damage docks and other boats.” Since insurance companies have deductibles, these people didn’t leave them up to get a new headsail. So there must be some other reason. Barring those who are stupid, lazy or have more money than they can spend, I can only guess that some just don’t know how, so here’s how.

I strongly believe this: There is probably no one thing you can do in preparing your boat for a tropical storm that has the greatest return for the smallest effort than removing your roller furling headsail.

The problem is that just a little bit of looseness in a rolled up sail can catch the wind. Once it starts, it’s all over for that headsail when the winds blow for hours at winds that are as low as 40 mph (tropical storm force winds). If it is just blowing at this lower range, you don’t need to remove the headsail—if you make sure that the sail is rolled up tightly and the sheets are wrapped around it tightly several times, and then the sheets must be pulled aft tightly and secured to minimize their movement (see photo).

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In lighter winds, at least roll up your headsail tightly, roll the sheets around it several times, pull the sheets aft tightly and secure them.

Remove the headsail in stronger winds.

Instructions for Removing Your Roller Furling Headsail 1. In light or no winds: Roll out your headsail as if you are sailing. Pull the sheet aft so the sail is laid out on deck on one side of the boat. Release the headsail (jib) halyard. If

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there are enough people, have someone do it slowly, while the sail is lowered. This will allow you to almost fold it on deck. Easily done with two people. I’ve folded it myself in light winds.

2. In stronger winds: This requires a bit more attention. If the boat is headed right into the wind, this is a lot easier.

Pull the sheet aft. If it is windy and blowing in some direction that’s crazy, release the sheet and just let the headsail luff. If there are two of you, one can lower the halyard and the other can pull the sail on board as it lowers. It might go in the water, but if it’s this late and there’s an approaching storm, who cares? You need to work quickly and save the boat and other objects around you.

Just lower it, gather it together and put it somewhere, maybe at home. If you are alone, you might have to just let it go in the water and pull it out wet.

3. Stand at the bottom of the sail and pull it down and slide it out of the groove that the front (luff) of the sail slides into.

4. When the top of the sail is down, disconnect the top (head) of the sail from the fitting that has come down with the halyard—a small drum, the upper part of which is attached to the halyard and the lower part to the sail’s head.

5. Disconnect the sail at the fitting at the bottom (tack) of the sail. You are done.

This was only tropical storm force winds from the outer edges of a stronger storm, but the sail was loosely rolled up and the sheets loosely secured.

6. Place the sail in a sail bag. You can either stuff it or fold it.

It makes no difference if it is a Dacron sail, if it is for a short time, like days, or even weeks (and some believe stuffing Dacron is better). Fold it if it is long-term. Fold it if it is a high-tech material, like Mylar. You can leave the sheets on and stuff them in the bag or remove them.

7. Don’t forget to secure the roller furling hardware on the boat. With lines, tie the upper fitting (leaving it in the lowered position), which was attached to the head of the sail, to the lower roller furling drum at the bottom and secure it tightly to keep it from moving around. Also, secure the lower drum to nearby points, like a stanchion, so it won’t twist around in high winds. Untie the halyard and secure it at the base of the mast or some other point on the boat. Tighten it. Loose lines in strong winds can be a real problem. It will flop around depending on how well you can prevent that.

That’s it. Now there are no excuses left for leaving a rollerfurling headsail up during a tropical storm. No good excuses, anyway.

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SOUTHWINDS August 2007

37

BAHAMAS

Options for Owning a Boat in the Caribbean

By Mike Kirk Keeping a boat in paradise. Photo by Dean Barnes.

B

efore going into the details of “how,” ask yourself: “Why?” Why would you want a boat in the Caribbean?

Perhaps you have a dream like Norman Paperman, the character in Herman Wouk’s novel, Don’t Stop the Carnival, to make money in an island paradise. But the hero’s dream was destroyed by Caribbean, nepotistic, not-so-free enterprise. Read the book and maybe save yourself considerable disappointment. It will at least temper some illusions about Caribbean island ventures.

If, however, owning your own boat will engender that sense of pride that only a boat owner can experience, then read on.

Basically, much of the potential for a good deal is twofold: no sales tax and a large supply of inventory. But there are other factors in your favor in the “pre-owned boat” scenario. Boat ownership comes with the need to have a place to keep it and some plan for management and maintenance. For the independently wealthy, the approach amounts to throwing money at a boat manufacturer and hiring a captain. For us mere mortals, we need to evaluate how to leverage another option—the charter boat business. There are two ways to model this approach: new and pre-owned. The two methods are intimately related, and you have to understand this to navigate the best solution for you. Buying new or used, you can start your inquiries from advertisements in any big yachting magazine.

Buying New This option basically boils down to your providing capital to put a boat into the charter business in a setup that guarantees you enough income to cover your costs. But to make this work, you must calculate the value of your using the boat for a certain number of weeks during the year, usually six to eight weeks. If you truly would be using (and hiring) a boat for this number of weeks, the economics of the plan balances out. If you would not otherwise charter a boat for that amount of time, the plan does not work to pay for itself.

It works well for the charter company as the boat is new and requires little maintenance. The charter company offers fringes and frills such as onshore rooms for arrivals and restaurant/shopping facilities. It’s a high-end approach designed to accommodate you and your boat with no headaches or concerns. (In reality, these new-boat charter businesses rely as much on the profit from boat sales as running your charter service.)

At the end of three or four years, the contract is over, and you have four options: trade up to a bigger boat, sign up for a contract without the guarantees of income (you start paying for maintenance), sell the boat or just keep the boat, with all the attendant headaches of absentee ownership in a foreign country.

To analyze the economics of this type of purchase, just estimate the residual mortgage at the end of your three- or four-year initial period with the charter company, and compare it with boat values of a similar age. The value of your boat will rarely equal the amount that you owe on your remaining mortgage. Keep in mind that new boats are even worse than automobiles for their initial depreciation. It’s analogous to negative equity in real estate.

If I sound a little cynical, I apologize, as the above works well for many buyers who are happy to sign up every year at boat shows. However, I want to offer readers a look beyond the rose-tinted dream and consider another option.

Buying a Used Charter Boat The used market is driven by the urgency of the sellers to get rid of their boats after their initial contract expires, since they won’t have guaranteed income anymore from the charter company. The sales pitch that you can own a boat at no

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by the hour. You are cost while the charter captive at their dock company takes care of with rates that run $12 all the management, to $18 per foot per maintenance and chartmonth. You will also ering can only work need insurance and for new boats. require a plan for hurConsider the motiricane season (June to vation of the unfortuOctober). nate impulse buyer, You can enter the who bought that new charter business (or boat and wishes to get re-enter it if you purout from under the chased a new boat mortgage, where the Charter boats in paradise. Photo by Mike Kirk. and have now taken payments and interest possession of it after the initial new-boat-charter-contract are piling up. The pressure on such a seller creates a buyer’s period)—but with a contract that pulls no punches. dream market where the ask-offer spread is often 20 to 30 Several small charter companies exist to provide a truly percent. Consider another factor in cost containment. rounded charter service including: marketing, dockage, Charter boats get a lot of use—and therefore, wear and tear. cleaning, insurance and customer screening. Done well, But a boat being used, if well maintained, can be kept in betthese services can provide an income while at the same ter shape than one that is neglected and unused, so it’s a time maintaining your asset/boat in operable condition. double-edged sword. But there is a stigma associated with Your use of the boat can be flexibly scheduled without charter use that drives down the price. The main victim of restriction. The boat is truly ready for you when you use seems to be cosmetics. While the boat benefits from regarrive as it must be for a happy charter customer. (The ular exercise and maintenance mechanically, it starts to contract life is open-ended, but most companies will conshow its used condition as varnish, gel coat and interior fittinue to manage your boat for 10 years or so, at which tings deteriorate. Items, such as sails, which have been time the boat’s age makes it relatively unattractive for heavily used, also enter into the negotiations. All this drives charter market.) down the price. Cosmetics are relatively easy to correct, What’s the downside? Typically, this kind of charter especially if you do much of the work yourself. Much more company takes 40 percent for the services mentioned. You fundamental is the condition of things you cannot fix pay for the cost of the dockage, ongoing maintenance and through TLC. This brings us to the importance of a survey. insurance. Your insurance is handled as part of a group When you have eyeballed a possible dream boat— insurance the charter company has. Because the boat must assuming it fits your size and approximate price target— be “charter-ready,” it is easy to consume the other 60 perhow can you get the deal that you know is out there? Get a cent of the income on good maintenance/upgrades plus very thorough in- and out-of-water survey. You need to custody for the period when the boat is not in use—the hurknow the condition of: sails, engine (the surveyor may sugricane season. gest a separate mechanical survey), rig, hull (blisters), state So, in round numbers you should break even on of rudder and propeller shaft bearings, keel bolt condition, income/expense with such a deal—not including your origand many other details. Armed with this, you can now inal cost of capital of purchasing the boat. This takes me to leverage the price down in lieu of any faults found—or the last caveat. You will have a gross income that must be have the owner correct items at his expense. The seller’s dealt with under U.S. tax laws. This is not as terrible as it broker at this point may be a hidden ally. He will be motisounds. If the boat is put into a subchapter S corporation or vated to hold the sale together and will be suggesting to the a limited partnership, then during net loss years there will seller that he will have to consider a lower price to keep you be a tax advantage helped by the depreciation on the asset. in the market.

The loss can be set against other taxable income. Ownership is treated similarly to that of owning a ski condo that gets After the Pre-owned Buy rented out in a rental pool, except the condo probably But wait: We have to have a plan for care and custody of the increases in value, as typically happens with real estate. boat when you are absent. At one extreme, you can employ Boats don’t increase in value. a management company, while at the other, put the boat In summary, you own the boat (and the debt service), into charter, generating gross income, meaning income have a resource for management and custody, enjoy relabefore your maintenance, dockage and insurance costs. tively free use of it for scheduled periods and bask in the Management companies will charge you $150 to $200 per pride of ownership—priceless! month for which they will ensure the boat is secure at the All you need now is an exit strategy, but in the meandock—but not much more. Any service you require (so that time, Don’t Stop the Carnival! you can step onto your boat and sail away) will be charged News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2007

39

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41

Crystalized Stainless Steel?

Hidden Chain Plates Cause an Almost Disaster in Vieques

By Mike Kirk

The protected bays of the Virgin Islands were sanctuary for many craft when buccaneers and pirates roamed these waters. Many times a wooden vessel would be hidden away for careening or serious repairs to broken masts.

Wounded Loon Feather at anchor while the Culabrita lighthouse looks over her.

S

uch were my thoughts as we entered the protected and little-known bay in Culabrita in the Spanish Virgins, greeted by the sight of a lovely yacht at anchor sporting a seriously reshaped mast. A bizarre scene reminiscent of hurricane-ravaged Florida—but yet we had experienced no bad weather for several weeks…

Retired Dr. Mort Cox and his wife Mary Sue had invited their close friends, Suzanne and Larry Burke, to the Virgin Islands to experience a peaceful idyllic cruise on their lovely yacht Loon Feather. Leaving their home port of Great Cruz Bay, St. John, they had looked forward to a pleasant cruise to St. Croix, including a visit to the hospitable St. Croix Yacht Club. However, since the weather was brisk and seas were high, for the first day they decided to prudently modify their itinerary and make for Vieques—an easy downwind sail—with a visit to Culebra to observe the Culebra International Regatta. All went well on their visit to Esperanza on Vieques, south shore, but on Friday, March 9, as they set out to go to Culebra, little did they know they had a stowaway on board named “Murphy.”

Seas were 2-4 feet and winds were 20 knots—just the kind of weather Ted Hood envisioned when he designed their 43-foot Hinkley over 30 years ago. But Murphy chose this time to “have his moment,” so to speak. Leaving Esperanza, Loon Feather fell off an unusual eight-foot wave, and the port shroud let go. The mast parted above the lower spreader, and the rig was overboard in seconds, trailing the hapless foursome.

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Kudos to Mort and his crew as they were able to turn around and anchor outside Esperanza. There they began a recovery operation. With only a hacksaw, winches and sheets—plus incredible ingenuity—they were able to save the rig, sails and stabilize the mast and broken sections.

They discovered the cause of the breakage was a failed chain plate just below the deck—well out of sight of the casual surveyor. Incredibly no one was hurt. What could have caused the chain plate to fail in such a well-found boat?

The failed section (see photo taken two days after the incident—shown for scale against a Painkiller) shows ragged internal remains of metal more reminiscent of splintered wood than sound stainless steel. (Technically speaking, there was evidence of a shattered crystalline structure.)

A discussion with the T and W metal repair shop in Tortola BVI a few days later added more background.

Tony Edwards had seen this kind of failure frequently on older boats. Here is his theory (in the hope this will stimulate others to offer explanations via letters to the editor): Stainless steel is commonly 18% chromium and 8% molybdenum with the remainder iron. Over the years, steel supports are bent and fatigued by the rig (or may be subject to metallurgical change due to welding). The constant bending (or heating) causes the homogeneous nature of the stainless steel to re-crystalize into its three components—iron, chrome and molybdenum. These crystals act as tiny electrolytic cells, and small micro currents start to www.southwindsmagazine.com

Corroded chain plate. Some things even a Painkiller can’t fix. circulate. These currents corrode the iron internally. Only a sharp-eyed surveyor using an ocular will notice the telltale cracks that hint at the restructuring of the component metals. Satisfactory stainless steel has a surface free of crevices and aberrations. Tony recalls one ketch that lost its mizzen from such a failure. On repairing all four of the mizzen supports, the owner went on to successively replace all of the eight chain plates of the main mast. Five of these eight chain plates, when bent to failure on the bench, exhibited internal corrosion and were close to failure. The boat was about 20 years old.

Insight from another sailor who has experienced eight dismastings in many years of ocean sailing is also pertinent.

(This individual has also walked away from three airline crashes—exceeding his shares of feline forgiveness.)

Stainless steel, he says, needs a bath of oxygen to maintain its passive metallurgical state. In other words, it must be exposed to air. Covered life lines and chain plates that are enclosed below teak decks, for example (or worse— glassed-in places) eliminate the oxygen from the metal. An environment for corrosion is created in places beyond the surveyor’s scrutiny. There is a lot to be said for external chain plates bolted through the hull.

The conclusions from the events would seem obvious for boats over 20 years old. Have your surveyor closely and thoroughly inspect all structural chain plates and forestay and backstay supports for cracks—if possible using some kind of non-destructive testing to increase perception. At any sign of weakness or concern, plan replacement of that component and all similar-aged components.

Loon Feather made a safe return to Great Cruz Bay, St. John, a few days after the incident. Mort Cox’s insurer, Caribbean Insurers Marine. Ltd., promptly dispatched a surveyor from Tortola and approved the safety of Mort’s rigging of the buckled mast, declaring it ready to continue on for repairs. Fabrication of new chain plates were put in hand immediately.

Anyone got a spare Hinckley mast lying around?

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2007

43

Smorgasboat: Marathon’s Harbor Helper

By Rebecca Burg

C

ruisers who pay a visit to the city of Marathon, Vaca Key, are treated to a pleasant surprise after entering Boot Key Harbor. Soon, a curious electric vessel silently glides up and welcomes the new arrival. A free harbor pack is handed out, questions are answered and a unique type of service is offered. Meet the Smorgasboat.

The brainchild of Capt. Chris Boyle, a retired firefighter and lifelong sailor, Smorgasboat was launched nearly three years ago in Boot Key Harbor. After cruising to Maine in his 35-foot Bristol, Boyle was inspired by the water taxis and delivery boats along the coast. In Marathon, Boyle saw a need for a harbor service and was determined to fill it. He ran his idea by the city and the mayor at the time embraced it. “You have to do this,” said the mayor, “or someone else will.” When Doyle talked to fellow cruisers, the response was equally as positive.

Following the many steps to start a new enterprise, Boyle purchased two 18-foot electric boats. “They’re quiet, there are no fumes and they run all day long,” he said, clear-

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The Smorgasboat in action. Photo by Cliff Stephan.

ly thrilled with the choice. “I’m really proud of the electric boats. They’re the stars of the show.” The Smorgasboat began as a water taxi and also sold morning cups of coffee, newspapers and pastries to boats in the harbor. For a long time, Boyle brought coffee and a daily paper to the harbor’s bascule bridge tender, who raised the goods up to bridge height using a rope tied to a bucket. The boat’s duties were perfected over time, and new offerings were added. “It’s evolving,” Boyle explains. “Now, people call us for just about anything, and I decide what we can do.”

Today, the Smorgasboat tackles things like laundry and propane tank pickup and delivery, taxi ($2.00/person each way, long trips $5.00/person each way; call for after-hour availability), transporting groceries and taking visitors on eco-tours and sunset trips. The boat has also picked up ailing small outboards for delivery to repair facilities and has been

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the happy bearer of surprises like birthday gifts. Boaters with pets in tow have no worries, as the Smorgasboat accommodates furry and feathered friends for free. Finally, the complimentary harbor packs are provided to new arrivals. A story in itself, the harbor pack is also Boyle’s ingenious creation.

It’s a reusable canvas bag stuffed with items like fliers, a copy of Southwinds magazine and information on local businesses.

Nearly 600 packs have been distributed so far, helping to connect Marathon to visiting boaters, a group that notably contributes to the area’s economy.

An invaluable presence in the harbor, Smorgasboat has even taken action in life-saving rescues. In one case, Boyle quickly responded to a heart attack patient who needed immediate medical care. He safely delivered her from a boat to an ambulance waiting on shore. With such timely transport to a hospital, the woman’s life was saved. In another instance, a boater was tossed from his dinghy while running it at high speed. At full throttle, the unmanned dinghy raced in circles near its swimming owner. Like a humble harbor superhero, the Smorgasboat swooped onto the scene and positioned itself between the dinghy and the swimmer.

Unharmed, the soggy boater was taken to safety. Getting ahold of the dinghy wasn’t as easy, and Boyle finally lassoed the runaway’s outboard in a rodeo-like showdown.

Boyle and a handful of professional, licensed captains serve as Smorgasboat drivers. On my most recent stop to Marathon, Capt. Joe Corey was the driver for that day, and over the VHF radio, he cheerfully answered the millions of questions that I had about the area. To a boater who’s new to

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Marathon and unsure about something, the Smorgasboat is like having a friend in town who’ll make you feel at home.

On shore, I had the pleasure of meeting another driver, Capt.

Cliff Stephan. A long-time sailor, Stephan carries a photo of his sailboat in his wallet like a proud father armed with pictures of the kids. It’s no wonder that the Smorgasboat drivers show such a personal level of dedication to the task. They’re all cruisers and they love the boating lifestyle.

“I’ve lived aboard and cruised for a long time. I understand what it means when people call,” Boyle explains.

“There isn’t too much that Chris doesn’t do for the boaters,” adds Barbara, his newlywed wife. The pair sit back for dinner at Burdines after a busy day. They’re both unmistakably passionate about the Smorgasboat harbor service and seem to take a special satisfaction in helping others.

An active voice for the cruiser, Boyle’s energy and drive is exceptional. He participates in city hall meetings and also contributes to, and has managed, the local cruiser’s net. “Right now we’re working really hard on having a water taxi landing near Publix,” he says. Across the street from the harbor’s east end, the grocery store is currently inaccessible from that side of the harbor. With a presence like the Smorgasboat, it’s no wonder that Marathon has gained a positive reputation among traveling boaters. “We aim to please,” Boyle says with an easy smile.

Contacting Smorgasboat: Smorgasboat hours: 7:00 a.m.– 6:45 p.m. (call for after-hour availability). Monitors VHF channel 17. www.smorgasboat.com.

SOUTHWINDS August 2007

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TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

The Middle Keys/ Marathon

By Rebecca Burg As cruisers wind their way through the emerald luster of the Florida Keys, the island chain works its seductive magic. Sunsets are more vivid, the pristine waters invigorate the soul and the locals’ laid-back friendliness is legendary. Angel and Defiant had recently traveled through the scenic bayside route between Key Largo and Marathon. Drafts of 5 feet and under can confidently use this route, and anchorages are plentiful. There are also a number of marinas located on the bayside of the Keys. Boats Dining on the deck at Burdines, known to many as the Chiki Tiki Bar & Grill. heading along the middle Keys via Hawk chandown is Newfound Harbor Channel, on the west end of Big nel on the Atlantic side can anchor behind Toms Harbor Pine Key (MM #27). Of course, there are many deepwater Key, near Duck Key (Mile Marker #58). Vaca Key, Marathon, marinas and resorts to choose from on the ocean side. offers the sheltered Boot Key Harbor (MM #48) and farther

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SOUTHERN RACING Marathon and Boot Key Harbor.

Moser Channel, under the fixed 65-foot Seven Mile Bridge, just west of Marathon, is the last chance to cross to the bayside or out to the Atlantic before Key West. Stopping for the night, Angel and Defiant anchored bayside, north of Rude Welcome in Miami The public’s poor understanding of the cruiser’s lifestyle was recently manifested in a sail to Miami where Bill needed to renew his captain’s license. On a quiet weekday afternoon, during an attempt to obtain information about slip or mooring availability at the Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key, I was given a strange reception. Blown in by a storm, I’d anchored in a safe spot around the corner and when the weather cleared, I took Angel’s tender into the marina’s dinghy dock. Aside from gathering information, I’d hoped to purchase supplies in the ship’s store. As soon as the dinghy touched shore, I was met with unexpected hostility by two staff members and was driven away like an unwanted pest before I could ask questions.

Every story has two sides, and surely there’s a reason for the marina’s rude animosity toward an unsurewhere-to-go potential customer. After all, the location overlooks Miami where theft is the norm and the marinas are fenced with razor wire. Strange dinghies nosing around the property must be viewed with suspicion. If I had arrived in a new yacht or a status-symbol SUV instead of a drab dinghy, chances are I would’ve been treated more humanely. It’s a sad reality that a liveaboard cruiser’s chosen lifestyle doesn’t command the same respect. At least this example of anti-cruiser prejudice is atypical. More commonly, traveling cruisers encounter unrealistic anchoring restrictions, are harassed by authorities or are made to feel as if they are doing something bad just by being who they are. Boating in the keys is a refreshing step away from the wearisome attitudes of the less courteous locales.

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Knight Key. We were close enough to take a dinghy into Boot Key Harbor for supplies. There are two ways for boats to access the harbor. One is through the channel on the western face of the island and beyond an opening bascule bridge. Another route is through Sister Creek, on the island’s southern face, with a 5-foot MLW depth and no bridge. When Bill and I entered the harbor with the dinghy, we were treated to a friendly welcome.

“He’s so helpful,” I said, giving Bill an astonished look.

I’d just called a local service, the Smorgasboat, on the handheld VHF radio to ask for information. Accustomed to the big city aloofness of Florida’s coastal mainland, it took a moment to realize that someone was treating us with genuine courtesy. “Ask him about the dinghy dock and hardware store,” Bill reminded me. On VHF channel 17, the Smorgasboat driver set us in the right direction. The city’s dinghy dock is on the harbor’s northern side, midway, and a hardware store is within walking distance several blocks east along HWY 1. Near Marathon Boat Yard, the West Marine store has a convenient dock just for its patrons. The moorings in Boot Key are new, and there are spots for transients and a small space for anchoring if one can find room.

Boaters have plenty to do here. For starters, there’s family fun at the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, shopping, train rides to historic Pigeon Key, picnicking at Curry Hammock State Park, Sombrero Reef snorkeling trips, diving “The American” wreck, fishing—and for the brave—flying a fighter jet out of the Marathon airport.

It’s rare to come across such a boater-friendly phenomenon, and I wasn’t used to warm welcomes while traveling in Florida’s waterways. Usually, liveaboard cruisers are subject to a peculiar form of prejudice (see sidebar). This was refreshing.

Fueling was easy at Burdines Waterfront, which is located along the western channel’s entrance before reaching the bascule bridge. Bill discovered a cooler full of beer on the dock, but he was unwilling to disturb the slumbering marina cat sprawled on the cooler’s lid. Bill stood over the cat and drooled until another thirsty boater came to the rescue. Above the marina is a restaurant that locals refer to as Burdines and tourists may know it as the Chiki Tiki Bar and Grille. Patrons arriving by boat can dock along the seawall behind the eatery. Our server, Mike, a cruiser who completely understood the lifestyle, made us feel at home with his hospitality. Randy, the manager, and also a cruiser, stopped by to see if all was well. With such savory food and exemplary service, it couldn’t have been better.

For boats who stay for the night or longer in the area, there’s a local cruiser’s net every morning on channel 68.

Making great strides in becoming boater-friendly and being in the middle of the exotic Florida Keys, it’s no wonder that Marathon and Boot Key Harbor is a bustling hub for people of the boating kind.

See the article in the June issue of Southwinds for recent changes in Marathon and Boot Key Harbor, which have transformed the harbor into one of the best and friendliest boating destinations for cruisers. The issue can be downloaded at www.southwindsmagazine.com.

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SOUTHERN RACING ■ NEWS

Florida Sailor Ed Baird Helms Winning America’s Cup Race, Valencia, Spain, July 3 In what some believe was one of the most exciting and challenging America’s Cup races since the beginning of the competition more than 150 years ago, the defending champion Alinghi—with Tampa Bay sailor Ed Baird at the helm—held its title to win the 32nd running of the event in Valencia, Spain.

Winning five out of seven races, team Alinghi won the final race on July 3, crossing the line only one second before the challenger team, Emirates Team New Zealand.

Ed Baird, who has been involved with many America’s Cup races over the years, including being the New Zealand coach for the 1995 cup races, started sailing at the St. Pete Sailing Center in the ’60s and is a member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Florida Sailor wins Sunfish International

By Kim Kaminski Tom Whitehurst, a member of the Pensacola Yacht Club and the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, can now be hailed as a three-time Master in Sunfish Open Class. He recently sailed in the Sunfish International Masters Championship held in Port Charlotte, FL, March 16-18, winning four out five races in a fleet of 54 boats. With his win in Port Charlotte, he now holds three Masters titles; US Master, International Master and World Master. Recently, Tom raced in the Sunfish North Americans held June 13-17 at the Fairhope Yacht Club in Fairhope, AL. Out of 55 entries, from 17 states and 4 countries—including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Bermuda and the Bahamas—Tom earned third place behind Eduardo Cordero (eight-time World Champion) and Malcom Smith (Master winner) from Bermuda.

Next year’s Sunfish Internationals will be held in Pensacola, FL.

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Regata del Sol al Sol Already Gearing Up for 2008 with 30 Spots Filled

By July 13, 30 of the 50 slots for the 40th anniversary Regata del Sol al Sol had been filled. Regatta organizers believe that at this rate, ALL slots will be filled shortly. For regatta information, go to the event Web site at www. regatadelsolalsol.org or http://www.mexicorace.com.

There are convenient online entry forms, printable entry forms, and even online hotel reservation forms!

Photos from the 2007 Regata del Sol al Sol are posted on the site for viewing, plus there are a few new movies for the public to get the “feel” of the event.

You can also contact the event organizers, Mike Boom at mike.boom@verizon.net, or Larry Wissing at lw@ipsc.cc.

One-Design Crew Training a Great Success, Davis Island Yacht Club This year’s One-Design Crew Training (ODCT)—in its seventh year—was completed successfully on Saturday, June 23, one week behind schedule due to Tropical Storm Bob, which came through the Gulf on June 1. The course is a three-day course held over three different weekends in June.

Twenty-seven students were treated to three great days of sunny skies and winds averaging 10 knots. Five of the 27 were 13- and 14-year-old Opti sailors who proved why they are ranked in the top 50 Opti sailors in this country. The only concession made necessary by their size was switching down to the J/24 blade from the genoa a little sooner than usual.

The first week was devoted to main, genoa, and jibs to show the effects of halyard tension, cunninghams, outhauls, travelers, and backstays. The second week was spinnaker use, and the third week saw four successful windward/leeward races.

This year’s class proved to be a true win-win situation as the students received valuable knowledge in a nonstressful manner, J/24 Fleet 86 gained a new group of enthusiastic crew, and Davis Island Youth Sailing received a much-appreciated donation allowing them to upgrade their coach boat.

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This year’s class was filled to capacity, and students were turned away. Next year’s class will be the first three Saturdays in June of 2008. If this is the type of training that you desire, mark your calendars, as registration will be opened March 15. Next year’s goal will be to help Davis Island Youth Sailing (a 501(c)(3) charity) upgrade their Plant High School racing team’s 420 racing sailboats so they can continue their success of last year, being one of the top high school racing teams in the United States. I would be glad to talk to any benefactor who would like to contribute to the success of Tampa’s Plant High School. Contact Kingsley Purton at (813) 760-0177 or kpurton@tampabay.rr.com.

West Florida PHRF Annual Meeting, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, June 23 West Florida PHRF elected its new board of directors and handed out the boat of the year awards at the annual meeting at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on June 23.

Annually, a nominating committee recommends a slate of officers for the new board of directors, and they are elected by those present at the annual meeting. (A quorum of West Florida PHRF is whoever shows up at the annual meeting.) The new board is George Cussins (president), SOUTHWINDS Annual Online West Florida Race Calendar Posted by Sept. 1 For the past four years, SOUTHWINDS magazine has posted the race schedule/calendar on its Web site for all racing in the central west Florida area from just north of Tampa Bay south to Marco Island. The calendar includes all scheduled races of the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org), plus club races in the area and any others that boaters in the area would like to post.

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com to list your race, although all yacht clubs that are part of the West Florida PHRF will already be included, although regular local club races must be sent to us separately. We do not have space to list all the club race dates, but we will list any club race that is regularly scheduled (for example: every Thursday evening at 6 p.m.) plus the contact to enter the race. We do not list races that are not open to the general public and that are limited to club members only. (We list club races that require a club membership or US Sailing membership.) We will list any other races, even if not sanctioned by a PHRF organization. Contact the editor with those races.

We ask that you not just send us a link (we will not accept them), but send the following information: The regatta/race name, type of racing (PHRF, one-design and type boat, or ?), race location, dates, sponsoring organization (club, sailing association, etc.), e-mail and/or phone contact and Web site (if applicable).

The race calendar can be accessed through the racing pages link at www.southwindsmagazine.com.

Limited banner advertising is available on the race calendar page at very low monthly rates. Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com or call (941) 795-8704.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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SOUTHERN RACING The second race, the Bikini Regatta, was held on July 28 at the Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola. www.navypnsyc.org.

The final race in the Trilogy Series, the Race for the Roses, will be held on August 4 and hosted by the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club. This will be the 20th anniversary of this special all-female regatta. The overall winner in the Women’s Trilogy will be determined at this race. www.pensacolabeach-yc.org.

Charleston Gold Cup, Melges 24s, Charleston, SC, Aug. 18-19

Rafel Paris, on the right, and crew, from Tango III, receive the award for Suncoast Non-Spinnaker Boat of the Year. Photo by Susan Russo.

Dick Booth (secretary/treasurer), Bob Armstrong, J A Booker, Bill Dixon (rating committee chairman), Chuck Margetta, Peter Robinson, and Jeff Russo. (Tom Bragaw was elected but subsequently had to resign for personal reasons.)

Boat of the Year (BOTY) winners were: Suncoast (greater Tampa Bay) Multihull; Stars and Stripes, Deuce Coupe, Merlin: Non-Spinnaker; Tango III, Grand Illusion, Mystic: Spinnaker-A; Time Bandit, Mariah, Tampa Girl: Spinnaker-A; Renegade, air Hammer, Back Off: True Cruiser; Chances R, Polyphonic, Sonia Cate: Racer/Cruiser; Relativity, Prime Plus, Intrepid: Windward/Leeward; Mariah, Time Bandit, Orangutan.

Sarasota Bay Spinnaker; Mischief, Cat’s Meow, Little Mac: Non-Spinnaker; Misty, In Tune, Ohh Zone: True Cruising; Summertime, Seahawk, Maggimae: Multihull; One Up, Echo, Merlin: Racer/Cruiser; Another Road, Prime Plus, Intrepid.

Charlotte Harbor Multihulls; Anhinga, Windbourne, Rocinante: Spinnaker; Crime Scene, Bamma Slammer, Tippecanoe: Non-Spinnaker A; Jammin, Sea Fever 3, Bentley: Non-Spinnaker B; Tribe: True Cruising A; Ironic Breeze, Diva Gorda, Desert Fox: True Cruising B; Euphoria: Southwest Florida Spinnaker; Midnite Rider, Tippecanoe, (Tie) T Bone, Maria: Sport Boats; Rocket Board, Silver, Obsession; Non-Spinnaker; Air Supply, Bentley, Foreign Exchange; True Cruising; Jabu, Island Time, Wiley Coyote.

Over 30 Melges 24s are expected to race in Charleston at the Gold Cup Regatta on Aug. 18-19 in Charleston, SC. Boats are coming from California, Michigan, Annapolis and other locations from around the country. A race clinic will be held on Friday, and there will be up to seven races over the weekend.

For more information, call Reggie Fairchild at (843) 2591717, or e-mail ReggieFairchild@gmail.com. www.melges24.com.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron 61st Annual Labor Day Regatta, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is hosting its 61st Labor Day Regatta from August 31-Sept. 2. Held on Sarasota Bay, this regatta attracts sailors from all over the country. Five race courses will be set up hosting several Opti fleets, Laser, 420, Sunfish, Melges, SR Max, one-design, multihulls and PHRF fleets.

In 2006 there were almost 300 boats racing. Free dockage and limited camping are available. Food and entertainment will be provided throughout the weekend. Contact the SSS at (941) 388-2355 for further information. www.sarasotasailingsquad.com.

17th Annual Juana Good Time Regatta, Navarre Beach, Florida Panhandle, Sept. 7-9

■ UPCOMING MAJOR SOUTHERN RACING EVENTS

Ladies Sailing Trilogy – Race for the Roses Regatta, Aug. 4

By Kim Kaminski The Trilogy Trophy is awarded to the best team of the following three women’s regattas.

The initial race in the Ladies Trilogy, the Fast Women Regatta, was held on July 14 at the Point Yacht Club in Josephine, AL. www.pointyachtclub.org.

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Juana Good Time Regatta. This photo was taken at the 2005 regatta, right after Juana’s Pagodas were hit by a hurricane and the main hut had a temporary tarp on the roof. Photo by Chris Vallina.

This regatta is held at, and sponsored by, Juana’s Pagodas— a thatch-roofed volleyball beach bar just south of the Navarre Beach Bridge in the Florida Panhandle. Racing on www.southwindsmagazine.com

Santa Rosa Sound, the regatta usually has about 50 boats participating including cruising catamarans, beach cats and windsurfers. Many boaters travel from as far as Louisiana and Mississippi to attend. The regatta is held each year on the first weekend after Labor Day. For more information, go to www.juanaspagodas.com, and click on Regatta News—or any of the regatta links.

Bradenton Yacht Club Fall Kickoff Regatta, Bradenton, FL, Sept. 21-23 The 25th Annual Fall Kickoff Regatta, the “kickoff” event for the Tampa Bay/Sarasota Bay area winter racing season, will be held at the Bradenton Yacht Club on Sept. 21-23. The regatta comprises two days of racing in Tampa Bay, north of the Manatee River inlet. Four classes, spinnaker, non-spinnaker, true cruising, and multihull, will make up the three-race regatta. Free dockage is available at the yacht club. In previous years, upwards of 70 boats have participated in the regatta, most of which raft up at the Bradenton Yacht Club bulkhead on the Manatee River. Deeper draft boats can usually find dockage available at Snead Island Boat Works down the street from the club. Partying for the event begins on Friday night as boats begin to gather at the club, and continues after the racing on Saturday afternoon and then again on Sunday.

For more information, and to register online, go to www.bradenton-yacht-club.org, or call (941) 723-6560. For dock reservations, call (941) 722-5936, ext. 212 or the dockmaster cell at (941) 374-2310.

23rd Dunedin Cup and Kiwanis Regatta, Dunedin, FL, Sept. 27-29 Spinnaker, non-spinnaker, cruising, prams, Sunfish, beach cats, offshore cats, Ensigns, Sailability and Kayaks all converge for a great water weekend on the Gulf Of Mexico hosted by the Dunedin Boat Club and Kiwanis of Dunedin, FL. Events include the Dunedin Regatta Ball on Sept. 27, skipper’s meeting on Sept. 28 with racing on Sept. 29. Other events are: seafood fest, kid’s touch-a-boat and art tent, wooden boat show, kayak demos and awards party.

For information, contact Rod Collman at rcollman@collman-karsky.com. The event Web site is at www.dunedincup.org.

■ RACE REPORTS

North Carolina Offshore Championship, Beaufort, NC, May 26-27 Teamwork Makes the Regatta – and Teamwork Takes the Prize

By Valerie Nieman Cape Lookout’s distinctive diamond pattern served as backdrop to the North Carolina Offshore Championship, News & Views for Southern Sailors

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The North Carolina Offshore Championship. Photo by Valerie Nieman.

held Memorial Day weekend off the Shackleford Banks.

Hometown skipper Robin Team won the Spinnaker A class at the helm of the J/120 Teamwork, while Angry Chameleon from Annapolis, MD, won the Spinnaker B class. Angry Chameleon, skippered by Kristen Robinson, also won the J/80 subclass, while Crescendo from Southport, NC, took the Beneteau 36.7 subclass. The skipper was Dwayne Furmidge.

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Scoring was PHRF (time on distance). Over the fiverace series in Spin A, Teamwork placed first in four races to take the cup. The other competitors placing second through sixth overall were Crescendo, Brown Eye Girl (which placed first in one race), Echo, Rum at Six and Blue Print.

In Spinnaker B class, Angry Chameleon won three races to take the overall, followed by Dragon Fly (with one win), Sweet Baby J (also with one win), Bash, Rambunctious, Little Bitch and Mr. Dog. Lee King, commodore of the organizing authority, the Neuse Yacht Racing Association, said that 13 boats and over 100 sailors competed on a pair of picture-perfect days, though winds were light.

He said that the organizer faces three major challenges.

“You’re always worried about the weather with an offshore race. Some people prefer Memorial Day weekend because it gives them more time to race and then return the boat to its home port; others dislike that weekend due to family obligations. And the last thing is getting all the support I need to run the race,” King said.

The host city was definitely not a problem–historic Beaufort offered a hospitable setting.

“People love to go to Beaufort. It’s a great place; you can walk to most places in town,” he said. “The only downside is trying to get a slip to put your boat in.”

The event has always been held in Beaufort, though the organizing authority and the name have changed over 20odd years. Until this year, the event was known as the

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North Carolina Yacht Racing Association Championship.

“There was no association, no organization, just the name,” King said, explaining that the event had been started and operated by the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Racing Association. “Sam Barfield was the principal race officer and one of the key organizers,” he added. When difficulties with insurance and with operating a race in Beaufort became too much, the Wrightsville group asked the Neuse Yacht Racing Association if it could take over as sponsor.

Along with the Bald Head Island race, the NCOC is one of the state’s largest offshore events. King said they are hoping to get the BHI and Leukemia Cup events in Southport, NC, a delivery race from Wrightsville Beach to Beaufort (once called the Wachovia Cup) and the NCOC tied together as a series.

King noted the support of major sponsors for this year’s event: Worth Harris from Harris Wholesale provided beverages and housing for the race committee; Paul Lockwood of Omar Sails assisted with logistics; and monetary donations came in from Robin Team at Carolina Investment Properties and Bald Head Island Properties/Cape Fear Yacht Works.

King said the NYRA is considering changing the date to later in the summer of 2008 to reduce schedule conflicts and ease problems with boat slips in Beaufort. Any sailors who would like to offer feedback may contact him at lrk30470@yahoo.com.

Gulfport to Pensacola Race, June 15-16

By Kim Kaminski The annual Gulfport to Pensacola Race, co-sponsored by the Gulfport Yacht Club, the Southern Yacht Club and the Pensacola Yacht Club, has endured over the years as one of the most popular long distance races held along the coastal waters of the Southern United States. In the past few years, following the destructive hurricanes, Ivan, Dennis and Katrina, the number of participants has been reduced in size.

Five years ago, approximately 130 boats sailed in the race.

Last year, however, only 14 boats participated, demonstrating the significant losses boat owners endured from the savage back-to-back destructive hurricane seasons of 2004-5.

Thankfully, the sailing community has been rebuilding as the whole area comes back, and this year’s participation has doubled with 30 boats racing. It took the competitors anywhere from 17 hours to 27 hours to complete the 100mile course. The first boat to cross the finish line was Mad Max, which sailed the course in 17 hours, 14 minutes and 46 seconds. The last boat to finish was Zephyrus II, finishing the race in 26 hours, 55 minutes and 26 seconds. The overall winner was Bill Provensal from the Southern Yacht Club on his Cal 48, Tiare.

Mad Max II First to Finish Gulfport to Pensacola Race

By Julie B. Connerley Jerry Carney, 62, discovered the joys and frustrations of sailing only 12 years ago. However, his wife of four years, News & Views for Southern Sailors

Jerry Carney, left, accepts the second-in-fleet trophy from Pensacola Yacht Club Commodore Roger Moraski after the Gulfport to Pensacola race June 16. Julie B. Connerley photo

Sharon, has been sailing for over 20 years. “He does like his toys,” she smiled as she rattled off a list of his other hobbies.

Carney bought his first cruising boat in 1995 and moved up to a 40-foot racing boat, the J-120 in 1997. He named it Mad Max. He competed in local races as well as the Regata al Sol race to Mexico. Life was good.

Then, during the 2002 Gulfport to Pensacola race, Mad Max had to withdraw after reaching Dauphin Island near Mobile, AL. Two years later, Carney got another J/120 and named it Mad Max II. In 2005, he and his crew competed in the annual Key West Race Week. Since then, he hasn’t sailed the boat.

“I just decided one day that it had been five years since the last time I tried to do the Gulfport race, so it was time,” he said. Unfortunately, his choice of timing, or lack thereof, meant that instead of his normal crew of eight to 10, Jerry could only round up five who could make the trip on short notice.

“We had three ‘old guys’ over 60 and three youngsters in their 40s,” he laughed. “It was a good mix, especially since the winds were so light.”

The crew had an excellent start for the 100.3-mile race that began June 15 at noon. Over 17 hours later, Mad Max II crossed the finish line first, beating the nearest A-class competitor by more than 32 minutes. Corrected time placed Carney’s boat in second place by a mere 11 seconds.

The awards ceremony was held at Pensacola Yacht Club. Besides winning a first-to-finish trophy, Carney earned second in fleet, and a special “masters” first place trophy calculated using age plus finish time.

GYA Challenge Cup 2007, Pensacola Bay, June 22-24

By Kim Kaminski Thirty-four boats, nine Gulf Yachting Association member clubs and over 200 sailors, race committee members and spectators took to the waters of Pensacola Bay on June 22-24 for the annual Challenge Cup Regatta. This highly competitive racing event pits yacht club against yacht club in best point overall competition for the coveted SOUTHWINDS

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Zane Yoder and his crew aboard Wild Cherry in the Class C Division had a very successful campaign during this year’s Challenge Cup. The team earned 5 out of 7 first-place finishes which assisted in the overall points total for the Fairhope Yacht Club, thus helping their club earn the 2007 GYA Offshore Challenge Cup Trophy. Photo by Kim Kaminski.

silver Springhill College/Gulf Yachting Association Offshore Challenge Cup Trophy.

Each year, the best teams, the best boats and the best crews gather together in a spinnaker-class-fleet racing contest split up between four divisions: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D. Each club enters three or four boats each in a different class. The club with the lowest overall points earns the cup. The Mobile Yacht Club Trophy is awarded to the best finish for a three-boat entry yacht club and the G. S. Buddy Friedrichs Memorial Trophy is awarded to the first place Class A Boat.

The Pensacola Yacht Club was the host club for this year’s event under the direction of Betsy Moraski, regatta chair, and Chip MacMillan, fleet captain. Last year, this team of race committee leaders along with the Pensacola Yacht Club earned the GYA’s trophy for Excellence in Race Management for their work during the 2006 Challenge Cup series.

This year’s event lived up to its expectations in close competition, excellent race management and top-skilled crews.

This year’s winner was the Fairhope Yacht Club. The best three-boat entry went to the Buccaneer Yacht Club, and the G.S. Buddy Friedrichs Award went to the Southern Yacht Club’s skipper Scott Sonnier, aboard Revolution.

sometimes called “ambience.”

The Gaulden Reed Daytona Summer Sizzler had about equal parts of each necessary component. And then there was Daytona Beach’s “beach ambience.” It’s not only the ability to drive onto the beach and launch your cat into the ocean,—even though that’s almost enough for most sailors to make a (nearly) perfect beach cat regatta. To understand the ambience, you just had to experience it.

Another component thrown into the mix is whether the perfect regatta should have just a lot of catamarans, or if a diversity to make up many classes is most important. The 2007 Sizzler had 23 teams registered, divided into 3 classes: Hobie 16 (7 boats, always enough to form a class); Formula 16 (7 boats); Open class (8 boats).

Scoring within each class probably contributes nothing to the perfection of a regatta, except to the individuals involved. In the Hobie 16 class, Woody and Vicki Cope finished first, with a net score of 8. They had four first-place finishes and no score lower than second. Not perfect, but pretty good. Mike Burley and Maryanne Davis and Chuck Pickering and Mark Boxman were second and third in the Hobie 16 class with scores of 11 and 21, respectively.

Matt and Gina McDonald dominated the F16 class with all first-place finishes. A lot of people would consider that a perfect record. Chuck Harnden ended up with all secondplace finishes except in the last race on Sunday when he finished first (the McDonalds did not race that one). Chuck’s score of 11 points isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty good. Terry Back finished third in the F16 class with 19 points.

Team Loewen, Rick and Terry Loewen, took first place in the open class with a score of 7. They had a pair of second-place finishes, and the rest were first-place finishes.

Frank Rodericks raced on his highly modified NACRA 5.2 with a second-place finish. Mark Baker and Patrick Fuzzard were in third place with a score of 17.

This year, central Florida’s ocean regatta circuit is reduced to only two regattas: the Jetty Park Ocean Regatta (JPOR), and the Daytona Beach Gaulden Reed Summer Sizzler. Tropical Storm Barry ended the first attempt to hold JPOR before it could begin. That regatta has been rescheduled for September 29-30. Exclusivity, according to theorists, is not necessary for a beach regatta to be perfect. Even if Mother Nature thwarts the second attempt to hold JPOR, the Gaulden Reed Daytona Summer Sizzler will still be a (nearly) perfect beach cat regatta. For those who missed it,

2007 Daytona Gaulden Reed Summer Sizzler, June 23-24

By Roy Laughlin The Daytona Gaulden Reed Summer Sizzler.

Photo by Roy Laughlin.

According to theorists, the perfect beach cat regatta has never become a reality. Empiricists reply that you can get so close, the imperfections can’t be distinguished. Daytona’s Gaulden Reed Summer Sizzler, held June 23-24, is an example of how difficult it is to decide which viewpoint is correct.

Theorists have determined that you need only a few ingredients to make the perfect regatta: A good beach, fair breezes, warm water, hearty sailors, a competent race committee and trace ingredients that vary from venue to venue, 54

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the (nearly) perfect beach cat regatta is like a state of grace: Either you were there, or you weren’t even close.

For more photos, please see www.floridamultihullsailor.com.

■ REGIONAL RACING 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.

7 Georgetown Challenge 8 Ocean Race II 15,29 Fall Harbor Races 1 p.m.

22 Leukemia Cup Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 1-2 New Bern FHYC Oar Regatta 15-16 New Bern BSC Blackbeard Regatta 15-16 Oriental ODC J-24 District 8 Championship 22 Oriental NYRA NYRA Women’s Regatta 29-30 Bath PSC Pamlico Hospice Cup/ICRC Lake Lanier. www.lakelaniersailing.com 1-2 LLSC. Vernon Pickering Commodores Cup 3 LLSC Junior Commodores Cup 5,12 AISC Summer 2 - #9,10 7-9 SSC. Special Olympics Open Regatta 8-9 LLSC. Thistle Old Goat Regatta 15-16 BFSC Dorton Cup - Closed 15-16 LLSC. Battle of Atlanta Snipe Regatta 19 AISC Awards Party 22-23 LLSC. C-22 Gone with the Wind Regatta 22-23 PHRF Open Championships 26 LLSC Wednesday Fall #1 29 SSC Bill Sears #1 29-30 LLSC Opti Event 30 Aux Fleet Party (Be There Or Be Square!)

South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 3 SAYRA Youth Challenge. Juniors. LNYC 1-2 Labor Day Regatta. Open. LNYC 3 SIOD Worlds. SIOD. JIYC 8-9 Cat Fest. Catamarans. LNYC 8-9 Old Goat. Thistles. LLSC 15-16 Leukemia Cup/Wassaw Cup. PHRF, Open. SYC 15-16 Battle of Atlanta. Snipe. LLSC www.longbaysailing.com 7-8, 8-22 Regular Club Racing in Little River Inlet:

AUGUST Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Club racing Wednesday evenings 6 p.m.

4-5 Rockville Regatta 18-19 Melges 24 Gold Cup Regatta. www.usmelges24.com.

Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 4-5 Oriental ODC Dragons Breath/ICRC 11-12 Merrimon MCBC Hoop Hole (Flying Scot, Sunfish) 11-12 Oriental/Bath PSC Moonlight Mimosa 25 Bogue Sound MCBC Lake Lanier. www.lakelaniersailing.com AISC Wed Night Club Race every Sunday BFSC Tradewinds Club Race every Sunday 4 BFSC/SSC Moonlight Scramble / Firefly #2 South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 3 SAYRA Splash. 420 CYC-NC 4-5 SAYRA Open Invitational. Open CYC-NC 4-5 Rockville Regatta. Open SIYC 11-12 Spar Wars Opti, Sunfish, Laser, Harbor 20 SCYC 17-19 Rock Regatta. Open CFYC www.longbaysailing.com Regular Club Racing in Little River Inlet 4 Wooden Boat Race. Southport, NC SEPTEMBER Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Club Racing every other Sunday.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

AUGUST 1,8,15,22,29 Wed Nite Race. Indian River Yacht Club 2,9,16,23,30 Sunset Racing. Halifax Sailing Association.

4 Gilligan’s Run. Daytona Cat Sailors Fleet 80 10,24 Fall Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 11 Make Up Day. Port Canaveral Yacht Club 12,26 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club 11 - 12 Cruise to Conch Key Grille. East Coast Sailing Association–Cruising 18,19 Fall Race Series #1. East Coast Sailing Association–Racing 19 Fall Women’s Race #2. East Coast Sailing Association–Women’s 30 Sunset Racing Awards Banquet. Halifax Sailing Association.

SEPTEMBER 1 St. Augustine Race (offshore Mayport to St. Augustine) North Florida Cruising Club 1-3 Labor Day Regatta (monohulls) & Fleet 111 Catamaran Association. Rudder Club 1-2 Labor Day Series. Lake Eustis Yacht Club.

1-2 Steak & Lobster Regatta. Port Canaveral Yacht Club 5,12,19 Wed Nite Race. Indian River Yacht Club 7 Fall Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 9 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING 9

Commodore Cup Race make up #3. Halifax River Yacht Club 15-16 Club Races. Lake Eustis Yacht Club 15 New Moon Merriment. Halifax River Yacht Club & 50th Anniversary Event. Halifax Sailing Association 15 J/24 Fleet 55 Boat of the Year. Florida Yacht Club 15 Fall Race #2. East Coast Sailing Association–Racing 16 Make up Commodore Cup Race #7. Halifax River Yacht Club 16 Fall Women’s Race #3 East Coast Sailing Association–Women 15-16 Wildcat Regatta (Catamaran Race) Fleet 80 & Lake Eustis Yacht Club.

Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net AUGUST 11 Single Handed Race. CGSC 12 Double Handed Race. CGSC 18 J/24 #8. Flat Earth 25 Full MOON Regatta SEPTEMBER 1-2 J/24 Match Racing. Flat Earth 9 J/24 #9. Flat Earth 15 BBYRA PHRF #9. MYC 22-23 FL State Snipe Juniors. CGSC 29 BBYRA OD#9. CRYC

Key West Sailing Club. Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club.

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (305) 292-5993. www.keywestsailingclub.org.

Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West. Come by the club to sail. Non-members and members welcome. Wednesday night racing has begun for the summer season. Skippers meet at the clubhouse by 5:00 p.m. and boats start racing at 6:00 p.m. in the seaplane basin near the mooring field. Dinner and drinks afterward.

Upper Keys Sailing Club. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com.

Regular club racing open to all.

AUGUST 4 Dog Day Regatta. Portsmouth. Bayside 5 Dog Day Regatta. PHRF. Bbayside 18 Summer Series #3. Portsmouth. Bayside 26 Oceanside Championship #2. PHRF. Oceanside SEPTEMBER 1-2 Labor Day Regatta. Portsmouth, PHRF. Bayside 15 Fall Series #1. Portsmouth. Bayside 22-23 Harvest Regatta. Portsmouth. Bayside 29-30 Nonsuch One Design. Bayside

The 0nline West Florida Race Calendar, which goes from Sept.1, 2007 thru August 31, 2008, is available Sept. 1 on the SOUTHWINDS Web site with hyperlinks to sponsoring clubs. It covers racing in west Florida from Marco Island in southwest Florida north, up to and including Clearwater. www.southwindsmagazine.com.

Accessed on the racing pages from the home page.

Club Racing Bradenton YC. Winter Races starting in October until April. Races at 1:30 p.m. Thursday evening races at 6:30 pm start in April through Daylight Savings Time. PHRF racing on Manatee River.

For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401.

Dunedin Boat Club. Monthly club racing.

For more information, contact saraherb@aol.com.

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.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Friday evening races start in April. www.sarasotasailingsquad.com.

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org AUGUST 31 Davis Island YC. Night Race to Sarasota, PHRF SEPTEMBER 1-2 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society. Summerset, PHRF 1-2 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Labor Day Regatta, All classes 2 Tampa Bay Catamaran Sailors. Union Regatta, Dunedin Causeway 8 St. Pete Sailing Association. Race #1&2, PHRF 8 Davis Island YC. J/24 Season Opener 8 Treasure Island T & YC. Fall #1, PHRF 8 Gulf Coast Sailing Club, SAMI. Ladies Day Regatta, PHRF 8-9 St. Petersburg YC. Bruce Watters Regatta. Optimist Green Fleet 15 Davis Island YC. Keelboat regatta, PHRF 15-16 Treasure Island T & YC. Neubauer Optimist Dinghy Regatta 16 Davis Island YC. Dore Drake Regatta Women’s PHRF 21-23 Bradenton YC. Kickoff Regatta, PHRF 22-23 Lake Eustis Sailing Club. Wildcat Regatta, Catamarans 29 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society. Festival of the Islands, PHRF 29 Treasure Island T & YC. Fall #2, PHRF 29 Dunedin Boat Club. Dunedin Cup and Kiwanis Regatta, All classes.

Wednesday Evening Fun Races PYC. Every Wednesday of the Month, April thru October Fort Walton Yacht Club. April thru October See NORTHERN GULF COAST continued on page 68 56

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BROKERS & BOAT OWNERS BOATS FOR SALE ADVERTISING CLASSIFIEDS ADS TEXT & PHOTO $50 FOR 3 MONTHS Prices for 3 months of advertising: • $50 for 30-word ad & horizontal photo ($65 for vertical photo)* • Power or Sail • New or used • No monthly changes (unless phone numbers, e-mails or prices) • Change your ad/boat for sale monthly at a total cost of $20 a month for ad and photo • 3-month minimum • Text-only ads – $25 • Small charge for more than 30 words • All ads go on the Internet on 1st of month or place it today for $10 • Brokers: monthly credit card billing on file unless a regular display advertiser (or prepay by check)

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704 *Ads and photos must be e-mailed. $5 extra charges for photo scanning or typing in ads over the phone or ads mailed in.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25 Place them on the Internet now for $10! Open to all Brokers, Businesses and Boat Owners • $25 for three months, 30 words. $40 for 40 words. $50 for 60 words.

• $50 for 30-word ad with horizontal photo. $65 with vertical photo.

• Add $15 if vertical photo. Boats and item wanted ads included.

• Add $5 to place on the Internet on 1st of month of publication. Add $10 to place ad early. No refunds.

• Ads prepaid by credit card, check, or internet.

• $10 to make changes (except for price, email, phone numbers, mistakes) in text.

• The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (10/07) is October 2007.

• Ad must be received by the 2nd Friday of

each month. Contact us if later to possibly get in the “Too Late to Classify” section.

• E-mail ads and photos (as jpeg). If mailed, add $5 for typing or photo scan charge.

DISPLAY ADS: Starting At $38/month. (941) 795-8704.

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

BROKERS: Photo and text ads only apply to this offer. $5 to change your ad first 3 months. After 3 months: $20 a month for a new ad or $15 to pick up old ad. Price changes and mistake changes free. Credit card must be on file if not a monthly display advertiser.

TO PLACE AN AD 1. On the Internet, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/classifieds. Paypal: Put your ad in the “Message to Seller” area that will come at the end when you process the payment, or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Photo must be e-mailed.

2. E-mail, Phone, Credit Card. E-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com with text in email (or Word document). Call with credit card number (941) 795-8704.

3. Mail your ad in. PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218. Check or credit card number (with name, expiration, address). Enclose a SASE if photo wanted back.

Boats & Gear for Free

Business for Sale/Investment

Lodging for Sailors

Boats & Dinghies

Crew Available/Wanted

Real Estate for Sale or Rent

Powerboats

Donate Your Boat

Sails & Canvas

Boat Gear & Supplies

Engines For Sale

To Late to Classify

Boat Registration

Help Wanted

SAILING INSTRUCTORS WANTED America’s #1 Sailing School is taking applications for immediate employment at our Florida locations. If you have a passion for teaching sailing, please contact us at 239985-7539 or doug@offshoresailing.com for more details.

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR WANTED SOUTHWINDS is looking for a sales director to run sales program. Great sales percentage. For more info (requirements/job description), first go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/adrepinfo.html.

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

See this section at the end of classifieds for ads that came in too late to place in their appropriate section. Contact us if you have a last minute ad to place—we still might have time in this section.

Boom off a C&C 29. Measures 10’3” long by 3.5” high. Free but pick up only in West Palm Beach, FL. (561) 655-9555. (9/07)

Mold to build traditional-shaped 18’ canoe.

Very sturdy split mold. Boats were built under the name Clearwater Canoe. Ellie’s Sailing Shop. St. Petersburg. (727) 442-3281. (9/07)

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________ Bauer 10. Sprit-rigged. Tan Bark sail. 7’ oars and hardware. Galvanized trailer does not go into water. Yacht finish. Everything as new. $2900.

Siesta Key, FL, (941) 349-3102. (8/07) _________________________________________ BRAND-NEW 10’2 Aquastar sport dinghy, NEVER put in water, 4Pc plywood floor, inflatable keel, two seats, carry bag, Cost $1,800, yours for $900 (239) 370-2403. (8/07) _________________________________________ Port-a-Boat folding boat. 12 Ft. $400 OBO (727) 585-2814. Largo, FL. (9/07)

1983 Cape Dory 25D. Yanmar Diesel. Bristol condition. Totally refurbished 2006. New running/standing rigging. Awlgrip. New Furler.

New sails. New upholstery, batteries, solar panels, head, stove. $21,900. (941) 9206247. carsail1260@yahoo.com. (10/07)

BOATS & GEAR FOR FREE

_________________________________________ SOUTHWINDS is starting this section for people who have boats they want to get rid of, whether on land or in the water. List your boat for free with up to 50 words and a horizontal photo. Editor reserves the right to not list or discontinue any boat or gear he chooses.

“Boats wanted” listings only by approval of editor. Ads will run for three months and then be canceled if not renewed. Contact us by the 2nd Saturday of the month preceding to renew or for new ads. Boats must be in the Southern coastal states. No businesses.

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16’ Precision 165 Sailboat. This 2004 Sailboat is in perfect condition. Includes 4stroke Yamaha 2.5 HP Outboard. Boat is built in Palmetto, FL. See Web site for all details and retail price, www.precisionboatworks.com.

This boat lists new for $10,995. I’m asking $9000 including motor. This boat can be seen at Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL. Talk to the Harbormaster (941) 729-6021. (8/07) www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS 2006 Compac Eclipse. 20’ 10” LOA. R/F Genoa, spinnaker, quiet rig system, Bimini, sail cover, Porta-a-Potty, stove, sink, four births, galvanized trailer, etc. stored inside, as new condition. $22,000. (561) 439-7664.

West Palm Beach. (10/07)

850-243-1804. (9/07)

1985 Catalina 27 Tall rig with Universal diesel, 4’ draft. wheel steering, Hood furling, head w/shower, Bimini, autopilot, VHF, GPS, depth, galley, cockpit table, sleeps 5. Reduced for quick sale $12,900 (941) 792-9100 1975 Catalina 22. Ready to sail. Retrofit summer (2006). Too much new to list in ad.

E-mail for brochure. hytedin@hotmail.com.

Trailer, new Tohatsu 6hp., warranty. (850) 443-7451. $5000 firm (9/07) 22’ 1968 Westerly Cirrus. Stout little cruiser.

Yanmar 2005, Navik self-steering vane, standing headroom (6’), enclosed head. Lying in NE Florida. Ready to go. Excellent condition. $12,500.

(228) 324-6504. (9/07) _________________________________________ 1984 O’DAY 26. 4-stroke 9.9 Mercury outboard w/electric start. New stays, rigging, group 31 battery, forward hatch, motor mount and solar panel. VHF marine radio, headsail furler, anchor, cruising spinnaker (in a shoot), extra sails and much more. Dockside A/C with outlets in galley and head. $7,500 Lake Keowee, SC, Contact Phil (828) 2300928 or (828) 645-9259 or philnix@charter.net. (8/07)

1983 S2 9.1 Racer/Cruiser. 3 headsails, spinnaker, GPS,VHS, depth sounder, extra sheets, gas stove, ice box, enclosed head w/shower, teak table. Asking $13,950. (941) 729-5401.

(9/07) 1987 Catalina 30. Beautiful condition. Fresh Imron hull. New SS Bimini, canvas, lifelines, and 7K A/C. Recent upgrades include autopilot, GPS mapper, wind and depth, and cold plate refrigeration. Avon 10.2 RIB w/15hp Yamaha and trailer. $34,000. Biloxi, MS. (228) 669-0092.

(10/07) _________________________________________

Southern Cross 28 cutter with Westerbeke diesel, Pro furl, Autohelm, radar, mapping GPS, and much more. Excellent condition.

Located in Pensacola, FL. Asking $35,000.

(850) 501-2532. (9/07)

28’ S-2 Sloop 1979. Yanmar diesel, 4’6” draft, wheel steering, auto pilot and Tri-Data Autohelm instrument new 2002, 12V refrigerator, good sail inventory, quality construction and proven design. Asking $23,000. For more info, call (727) 560-0901.

30’ Newport 1973. Diesel. Good working condition. Upgrade. Documented and registered. Ready to cruise to Bahamas. Extra sails.

Best boat for this price. $9,950 OBO. Located at Dania. (305) 331-3317. (10/07)

30’ Pearson, Racer/Cruiser Sloop, 1976 Red, Excellent cond., 2 mains, 3 jibs, 3 spinnakers, spinnaker pole. Tiller, marine radio, stove, new pot, sleeps 6, $11,900. Madeira Beach, FL terrycshan@aol.com. (727) 581-4708 or (727) 244-4708. Motivated Seller. (8/07)

1976 Tartan 27, $9000, 3’ draft to 6’ w/centerboard, New bottom, hull paint. Atomic 4.

Very good condition. New head, holding tank, 130 genoa with Pro-furl. Fairhope, AL. (251) 747-2013. (9/07) VIPER 830 27’ sport sailboat with trailer, carbon mast, motor, instruments, new sails, excellent condition, always on trailer or boat lift, no bottom paint, extras, asking $39,500 Located in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Call evenings

Southwinds Classifieds.

Distributed throughout 8 Southern coastal states. $25 for up to 30 words for 3 months editor@southwindsmagazine.com

941-795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

San Juan 28. 1980. FWC Yanmar. 700 Hrs., 4’ 6” draft, 4 sails included, all as new, Shore full batten main w/150 Genoa. 3 ground tackle, windlass, electronics, tiller autopilot, inflatable w/OB, no hurricane damage, sail away condition. $9500. For fax and info, call (586) 4687461, or (586) 405-2261. Located in Ft. Lauderdale. (9/07)

$50 – 3 mo.

Ad & Photo 941-795-8704

2” DISPLAY ADS STARTING $38/MO SOUTHWINDS

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CLASSIFIED ADS

31’ Catalina 310, 2004. Just taken in trade on new Catalina. In-mast furling, air conditioning, Autopilot, ST-60 wind/speeddepth, VHF w/Ram Mic, custom Bimini/windshield, microwave, nice condition $89,900 Massey Yacht Sales. (727) 824-7262 St Petersburg, or (941) 723-1610 Palmetto, FL.

31’ Island Packet 1985. 27 hp Yanmar, 500 hrs, bimini w/windshield 2006, dinghy, outboard, AC, 2002 Roller Furling Genoa, 2002 main. Asking $47,500. St Augustine, FL (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (8/07)

AIRES 32 CUTTER. Single-hand remote autopilot mast-rigged. Blue water full keel.

Main cabin pullout double berth, too. Excellent fresh water history care. 900-hour Westerbeke 33. $67,000. (800) 324-7214. (8/07)

32 Gulf Pilothouse, complete refit: all new 2005- standing running rigging, performance sails, wiring, circuit breakers panel, water heater, holding/macerator, fuel tanks, 12v/110 standing fridge-freezer, propane cooktop, infared broiling, 3 batteries, autocharger, 17000 btu heat/air, Bimini. $39,500. sailsetc@aug.com (904) 810-1966. (10/07)

33’ Pearson Sloop 1987, 18 hp Yanmar w/ 522 hrs., complete engine service 1-07, maxed out w/ cruising gear, owner is anxious and will trade for 40’-47’ sailboat. $54,500.

St. Augustine, FL, (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (9/07)

33’ Tartan Sloop 1980. Shoal Draft. Universal diesel 24 hp, 990 hrs, owner of 15 years has done constant upgrading, full electronics w/radar, AC-heat, roller furling main & headsail, a beauty in and out. Asking $33,000. St Augustine, FL. (toll free) (866) 610-1703. Will trade for 40’+ sailboat. www.sayachtsales.com. (8/07)

Caliber 35’ 1994. Original owner, very nicely maintained, all records, must see to appreciate. Asking $99,900. Open to offers. Contact SCI Yacht Sales at (727) 823-7400, or Jacek at (727) 560-0901. (10/07)

35 Fuji/Alden Ketch 1974. $45,000. Totally refitted with all top gear 2005. Yanmar 4HJ2.

Ultraleather, new rigging and canvas, full electronics, 3.5 Nissan OB, beautiful classic.

Clearwater. (813) 391-0470. (8/07) Gozzard 36, 1987 Paradise had refit in ’06 at Gozzard factory which included partial Awlgrip, new sails. Also, the bottom and the exterior wood stripped and redid ’06. Bob (314) 487-4543, rgruener@earthlink.net. $139,000 (8/07)

36’ Morgan Out Island Sloop 1974, Perkins 50 hp, 2003 electronics, upgraded sails and 2003 standing /running rigging, Generator, custom drive platform, lots of ugrading,ready to cruise, $39,900. St. Augustine, FL, (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (9/07)

33’ Cape Dory 330 Cutter 1986, Universal diesel 28 HP, 2002 Electronics, Roller Furling Jib and Staysail, Liferaft ‘04, Dinghy and 9hp Nissan, Bimini and Dodger ‘05, A/C, extensive inventory and upgrades $62,500. St. Augustine, FL. 866-610-1703 www.sayachtsales.com

See Classified Information on page 62 64 August 2007

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CLASSIFIED ADS Searunner 37 Phaedrus. New main, water maker, solar, Yanmar 2GM, new rigging & lifelines LPU paint, new bunks & galley cushions. Much more. Just back from western Caribbean $49,999. captpondo@yahoo.com.

(985) 966-3504. (10/07)

1980 C&C Landfall 38. Legendary speed, comfort, quality. 5 sails, radar, GPS, AP, wind, depth, speed/log. new equip: RF dinghy with davits, Bimini, stove. Slip available. 2-boat owner. $57k OBO (727) 709-3375. (9/07)

2005 Hunter 38. Call for huge savings on this leftover stock! This boat is incredibly wellequipped. The price includes full commissioning. Call Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100

2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381. Air conditioning, Autopilot ST6000, speed and depth, Ray Chart 425 plotter, new Bimini, electric windlass, new bottom paint. Only $128k. Call Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100

Privilege 39 1988 Cat. 4 cabin, 2 head.

Yanmar 27hp. Major refit 2005. New UK sails, AC/heat, Onan genset 6.5kw, Autohelm 7000, new interior, Corian counters, teak sole, Bimini/dodger $174,900. (321) 917-5863. palexy@cfl.rr.com. (10/07)

www.southwindsmagazine.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

1979 Bristol 40 Yawl. 40 HP Perkins Diesel, Harken Roller Furling, Main, Mizzen, 100% Jib, 140% Genoa, Epoxy bottom, cockpit table, propane stove, windlass, CQR anchor w/ 150’ chain, Fortress anchor, classic sailing yacht. Asking only $59,000. Call Major Carter at ( 941) 792-9100 or go to www.cortezyachts.com

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 $109,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com (941) 792-9100

42’ Tayana Centercockpit 1989, Yanmar Diesel w/482 original hours, Northern Lights 5kw generator w/281 hrs. Dodger, dinghy, electric windlass, Radar. In our yard in St Augustine, FL. $119,000. (866) 610-1703 www.sayachtsales.com

2005 Beneteau 423. 54 hp Yanmar with only 185 hours, Air Conditioning, Fisher Panda Generator only 30 hours, Raymarine 6001 type 2 Autopilot, Raymarine C80 plotter, Bimini with 3 piece windshield. Only $219,400. Call Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100.

43’ Beneteau 1986. Two cabin lay-out, original owner, K/CB (5’6” - 8’6”), Perkins 4-108, Two AC units, reverse cycle, LONG list of sail inventory. Proven Winner! Great racer/cruiser.

Asking $82,900. For more info, call (727) 560-0901.

47’ Beneteau Sloop 2006, 72 hp Yanmar, Boat like new, 2 stateroom- 2 head model, Cruise Air A/C-Heat, Full canvas enclosure, 2007 Rib, 15 hp Yamaha 4-stroke, Watermaker, Life Raft, Full Electronics, Cruise ready, Must be sold, $279,000 St Augustine, FL. (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com 47 Crowther Catamaran Project. Main structure near completion. Very fair hulls. Details @ http://home.tampabay.rr.com/2muchfun/.

Located in Palmetto, FL. Looking to get $40k.

Call David at 813-645-0670. (9/07)

42’ Whitby Center cockpit ketch 1978, Ford Lehman diesel, original owners. Must sell now $59,000. St. Augustine, FL, (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com.

$50 – 3 mo.

Ad & Photo 941-795-8704

1987 Gulfstar CSY 50’. 2006 NEW 75 hp Yanmar. Phasar 7kw generator, a/c, 3 stateroom layout, spacious decks and comfortable center cockpit, aft swim platform. Well-maintained throughout. $139,000. (727) 2593489. gwmjcaa@yahoo.com (7/07) SOUTHWINDS

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CLASSIFIED ADS POWERBOATS _________________________________________

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES _________________________________________ Westerbeke Marine Gas Generator. 4.5 KW, 60 hz, like NEW—only 49 hours on generator. $2100 or Best Offer. Ron, cellphone: (843) 902-5442, or (843) 492-4148. Located South Carolina, Myrtle Beach area. (8/07) _________________________________________

2005 Albin 26 The boat of your dreams awaits. Never been in the water. LOADED. Volvo power. Volvo DP. Call for more information to Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100

2005 Albin 31. AC, 370 HP Engine. Must Go!.

Call for more information at (561) 844-1100

Used Boat Gear for Sale. CQR 25 & 45#, Bruce 16 & 66#, Hookah by Airline, 55# Folding Fisherman anchor, Para-tech 15 w/Rode, Edson Rack & Pinion steering w/wheel, new awning w/side curtains.

Nautical Trader, 110 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL. Shop online at www.nauticaltrader.net.

(941) 488-0766. _________________________________________ Sailboat Cruising Bargains. Six-man life raft.

B.F. Goodrich. $700. Sailboat self-steering system. $650. Ten-gallon hot water heater. $150.

Dyers Dinghy Sail rig with rudder and dagger board. $750. (800) 324-7214. (8/07)

EPIRB For Sale: ACR Satellite 406 Category II/Class 2 EPIRB. Excellent condition, never deployed. Passes self-test. Requires battery replacement. Call Pat at (304) 466-0235 or email patnpath@verizon.net. $250. (8/07) _________________________________________ 36 ft. mast. Dwyer 625, 2 Harken winches, Single spreader, 12-ft boom. New in 2002. $1000; Florida. (321) 536-7007. (8/07)

BOAT REGISTRATION

_________________________________________ EASIEST, FASTEST MONTANA BOAT REGISTRATION Pay no sales tax-no attorney necessary. $$ Save Thousands on boat registration $$. 12 years experience – REGISTRATION IN 5 DAYS! (877) 913-5100 www.mtvehicles.com. (10/07)

BUSINESS FOR SALE/ INVESTMENT _________________________________________ FOR SALE: Florida East Coast Sail Loft.

Established 10 years. Well-equipped, extensive inventory and client list. Walking distance to several marinas. New sail design, construction and repairs. Custom canvas work, exterior/interior, and cushions. Strong used sail inventory. Also dealing with architectural soft product. Respond to LOFT220@hotmail.com. _________________________________________ Marine Business for Sale. Used marine supplies business for sale. The Nautical Trader in Florida is for sale. Buy, consign, sell quality used boat stuff. Steady growth for over 12 years. Profitable, turn key, unique, fun business. www.nautical trader.net. Opportunity like this is very rare. Call today or e-mail Joe at (941) 488-0766, or Joe@nauticaltrader.net.

43’ Californian Cockpit Motoryacht/ Trawler 1985, T/ Cat 210 diesels, very economical to run, 8 kw Westerbeke generator w/ 784 hrs., Marine Air AC/Heat, Custom aluminum Hardtop with new enclosure, roomy double stateroom, double head, no teak decks, aluminum fuel tank, $89,000 Will consider sailboat in partial trade. St Augustine,FL. (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED

_________________________________________ Visit SOUTHWINDS boat and crew listing service at southwindsmagazine.com

Schucker 440 Trawler. Bruce Van Sant’s trawlerized Tidak Apa. Spend summer safely moored in Luperón. Fit out with Bruce’s help.

Asking $70,000. Get complete information and photos at www.LuperonCruising.com.

(809) 821-8239. (10/07)

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PG 62 66

August 2007

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS DONATE YOUR BOAT

_________________________________________ Donate your boat to the Safe Harbor Boys Home, Jacksonville, Fl. Setting young lives on a true path. Please consider donating your working vessel. http://boyshome.com/ or call (904) 757-7918, e-mailharbor@boyshome.co

HELP WANTED

_________________________________________ ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR WANTED SOUTHWINDS is looking for a sales director to run sales program. Great sales percentage.

For more info (requirements & job description), first go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/ adrepinfo.html.

Yacht Broker Wanted. Growing company, with years of experience, in Tampa Bay looking for a team player. Great company support. Call (727) 823-7400, or Yacek at (727) 560-0901. _________________________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office? If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and power boats. Call Frank Hamilton (941) 7231610 for interview appointment and position details. _________________________________________ Writers, Reporters, Articles, Photos Wanted.

SOUTHWINDS is looking for articles on boating, racing, sailing in the Southern waters, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, and other articles on the following subjects: marinas, anchorages, mooring fields, disappearing marinas/boatyards, marinas/boatyards sold for condos, anchoring rights, sailing human interest stories, boat reviews, charter stories, waste disposal— and more. Photos wanted, plus we want cover photos (pay $65) of both race and non-race subjects, but about sailing. Cover photos must be very high resolution and vertical format. _________________________________________ Writers and Ideas Wanted on Waterways Issues. SOUTHWINDS is looking for writers, acting as independent subcontractors to research and write articles on 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, must have a passion for the subject and want to bring about change and improvement of boaters rights, waterways access, and disappearing marinas and boatyards—with lots of ideas and energy to help bring about improvements through various means. 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.

2” DISPLAY ADS STARTING AT $38 A MONTH editor@southwindsmagazine.com

941-795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________

SAILS & CANVAS

_________________________________________

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

R EAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

“SAILBOAT WATER” DUPLEX. Redington Shores in Pinellas Co., Tampa Bay. Just off the Intracoastal Waterway. Dock with 2 slips to accommodate two 40’ boats. $525,000. Bob Sackett (727) 527-7373 Hofacker & Associates, Inc., Realtors.

Waterfront Condo for Sale with deeded dock. Clearwater Bay close to high bridge inlet. Pool, Tennis Courts, and other amenities. 2 Bed, 2 Bath. 1530 sq. ft. Martha Vasquez. Century 21. (727) 462-2500. mvasquez@c21sunshine.com.

New construction luxurious 3/2.5 marina condo overlooking the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) in Melbourne, FL. Indoor parking, pool, short walk to historic downtown Melbourne. Contact Craig Howell (407) 864-2590. (7/07)

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $24/year • 3rd Class $30/year • • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com

Advertise Your Home Starting at $25/3 months 941-795-8704 editor@southwindsmagazine.com SOUTHWINDS

August 2007 67

SERENDIPITOUS SHRIMP

NORTHERN GULF COAST continued from page 56

continued from page 70 By that time, we were in imminent danger of slipping into a food coma, so we made a side trip to the crafts section, for safety’s sake.

Our final destination was a table in front of the main stage, where we enjoyed the sounds of local band Red Moon—until a woman in a mermaid costume took over, and suddenly it hit us— we were all shrimped out.

While contestants were making their way to the shrimp heading and peeling contests, we made ours to the dinghy. As luck would have it, an offshore weather window was finally opening up the next day. We prepared the boat, serenaded by the sounds of the Zeeny Cobb Band, and were asleep before L’il Ronnie and the Grand Dukes left the stage just after nine.

For those who missed this year’s festivities, the 2007 Shrimp Fest will be held on October 5-6. I would mark my calendar, if only I had one.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

Adventure Cruising & Sailing School . . . . .28 American Marine & Supply . . . . . . . . . . .7,45 Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . . .52 Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Banks Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Beachmaster Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Boaters Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45,46 Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 BradentOn YC Kick Off Regatta . . . . . . . . .49 Capt. Jimmy Hendon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Capt. Josie Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,45 Century 21 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Compete-At Regatta Management . . . . . .48 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Cruising Direct Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,30 Doyle Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Dunedin City Youth Sailing Camp . . . . . . .14 Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . .7,59,BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 E-marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,66 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Full Sail Yacht Delvieries/Capt. . . . . . . . . . .29 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 68

August 2007

SOUTHWINDS

AUGUST 4 20th Annual Race for the Roses. Pensacola Beach YC, Pensacola Beach 4 PYC Commodore’s Regatta (one design). Pensacola YC, Pensacola 4-5 Summer in the Pass. Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian 4-5 GYA J22 Regatta. Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian 4-5 Charles R. Galloway GYA Sunfish/Laser Regatta. Gulfport YC, Gulfport 11 Commodore’s Cup #4 Regatta - Navy YC, Pensacola 11-12 Round the Rig Race. Mobile YC, Mobile 11-12 Knost Regatta (Capdevielle). Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian 18 Big Mouth Regatta. Pensacola Beach YC, Pensacola Beach 18-19 Angus Memorial J22, J24, M24 Regatta. Gulfport YC, Gulfport 18-19 USSA POW Semi-Finals. Pontchartrain YC, New Orleans 25 PYC Championship #2. Pensacola YC, Pensacola 25-26 GYA Lightning Regatta 25-26 Pam Sintes Regatta. South Shore YC/Corinthian Sailing Association. New Orleans 25-26 Norton Brooker Broken Triangle. Mobile YC, Mobile SEPTEMBER 1-3 Lipton Cup (Capdevielle). Buccaneer Yacht Club 8 Commodore’s Cup Race #5. Navy Yacht Club 8 Great Lake Regatta. Corinthian Sailing Association, New Orleans Yacht Club and South Shore Yacht Club 8-9 Back to School Regatta (Capdevielle). Pontchartrain Yacht Club 15 Lost Bay Regatta. Point Yacht Club 15 Single Hand against the Lake. Tammany Yacht Club 15-16 Opti LA State Championships (youth)Southern Yacht Club 21-23 Houston NOOD (one design). Houston Yacht Club 22 Oil Rig Race. Pensacola Beach Yacht Club 22 Middle Bay Light Regatta. Buccaneer Yacht Club 22-23 Coco Seaman Regatta. Southern Yacht Club 22 Race Week 420 (Capdevielle/youth). Long Beach Yacht Club 29 PYC Championship #3. Pensacola Yacht Club 29-30 Wadewitz Regatta (Capdevielle)(PHRF). Fairhope Yacht Club

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

Glacier Bay Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Global-Weather Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . .57,62,64 Gulf Island Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,45 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . .29 Hurricane Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . . . .28,41 Island Yachting Centre/Greg Knighton . . .61 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . .60,BC JR Overseas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Kevane Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Lex-Sea Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Lighthouse Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,66 Martha Vasquez Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . . .IFC,7,12,14,IBC Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . .3,45,57,67 Mastmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . .60,BC National Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Nautical Trader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43,67 Palm Beach Sailing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Premiere Racing Key West Regatta . . . . . . .11 Quantum Sarasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . .37 Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sailors Wharf boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Sailtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Salty John Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program . . . . . . . . .9 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Scurvy Dog Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,66 Shadetree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Snug Harbor Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Solar Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Special Olympics Georgia Regatta . . . . . . .17 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 St. Augustine Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . .28 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,41 Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . .25 Tideminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29,67 Watersports West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Weston Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

www.southwindsmagazine.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

BY

CATEGORY

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

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE American Marine & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45,46 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,45 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Eastern Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,59,BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57,62,64 Gulf Island Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,45 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Island Yachting Centre/Gregg Knighton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina//Hunter/Albin . . . . .IFC,7,12,14,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,45,57,67 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60,BC Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Snug Harbor Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Watersports West/Windsurfing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL . . . . . . . .45,46 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 E-Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,66 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Hurricane Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 JR Overseas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Kevane Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,45,57,67 Mastmate Mast Climber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Salty John Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Shadetree Awning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Tideminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Watersports West/wet suits, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida . . . . . . .41 Cruising Direct/sails online by North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,41 Masthead/Used Sails and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,45,57,67 National Sail Supply, new&used online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 North Sails, new and used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43,67 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Quantum Sails and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Snug Harbor Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,41 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Ullman Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29,67 CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida . . . . . . .41 Quantum Sails and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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SOUTHWINDS

August 2007

69

Serendipitous Shrimp: Doing Beaufort’s Shrimp Festival Cruiser-Style

By Amy Lorenzo

A

nyone who has spent more than a few days on a boat knows that you never get where you’re going when you intended.

Contrary winds, mechanical breakdowns, crew revolts—something is bound to get in the way.

On the flip side, we cruisers often wind up in wonderful places at exactly the right time, by sheer serendipity. Over the years, my husband, Tom, and I have “accidentally” shown up for the Festival of Lights in Annapolis, the Motorcycle Show in Barefoot Landing, and many other events we didn’t know existed…and couldn’t have made it to if we’d tried.

Last Fall, Lady Luck smiled on us in Beaufort, SC, when we happened upon the town’s annual shrimp festival.

I always look forward to taking a break from the ICW with a stop in Beaufort. The town boasts all the best features of its bigger neighbors, but on a more accessible scale. Like Charleston, it’s got the looks that make girls swoon—trees weeping Spanish moss, gardens bursting with color, and huge porches on every house, perfect for enjoying a cool glass of sweet tea. But it’s also got convenience: The anchorage is more protected, the dinghy dock doesn’t go dry for hours at a time, and the attractions are clustered conveniently along the waterfront.

This fall, I was especially relieved to drop anchor off the Beaufort Municipal Marina for a “day down.” It had been a cold trip south, and we’d encountered our share of mishaps along the way.

After 10 days, I was deep in the ICW 70 August 2007

SOUTHWINDS

blues and wanted nothing more than to rest and regain my good cruising spirits.

We heard music in town that evening, and, fortunately, it died down around 10 p.m. The next morning, I poked my head out into the chilly cockpit to find the always charming Bay Street transformed into a veritable tent village. I was pleased that we hadn’t missed it all, but still I lingered over a hot cup of coffee until the temperature cleared 60 degrees. We bundled up, got in the dinghy, and headed in to check it out.

Just off the dinghy dock, we joined the hundreds of couples and families strolling by the booths that covered the marina parking lot.

With the exception of the clowns twisting balloon animals for children, it seemed everyone was stuffing their faces.

Yes, because this was a shrimp

festival (I read on one of the banners), and what better way to honor that beloved shellfish than to eat him!

At least a dozen local restaurants were on hand to serve up a menu Forrest Gump would have loved.

Fried shrimp, steamed shrimp, shrimp gumbo, shrimp burgers, sundried tomato risotto with garlic fennel buttered shrimp. And for the non-shrimp lover, southern BBQ, crab cakes, and even luscious looking pumpkin cheesecake with cranberry chutney.

Tom pointed out that it was almost noon and headed for the closest beer stand, while I tried to decide what to sample first. We strolled, Tom sipped, and I examined my options. Thai shrimp?

Shrimp cake?

Finally, flashing back to a postMardi Gras sunrise at the Café Du Monde, I selected the beignets, which were presented by Bateaux of Beaufort. This shrimp chorizo version had little in common with New Orleans’ sugar-dusted variety, but they were crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of shrimpy goodness. In an unusual feat for any food, my husband and I both liked them.

In just over an hour, we contrasted the beignets with more traditional hush puppies offered by Gilligan’s, sampled some shrimp and grits from Blake’s, and finished off with my personal Southern favorite, boiled peanuts.

See SERENDIPITOUS SHRIMP continued on page 68 www.southwindsmagazine.com