Southwindsdecember2004

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Sailing in a Hurricane Part II JS9000 Boat Review Getting Weather FAX on Demand

December 2004 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

Murray Yacht Sales New Orleans, LA Mobile, AL Pensacola, FL (504) 283-2507 info@MurrayYachtSales.com

Carson Yacht Brokerage Regatta Pointe Marina 1065 Riverside Drive Palmetto, FL 34221 (941) 723-1825 (941) 729-8254 Fax

St. Barts Yachts Charleston, SC (843) 577-7377 Jacksonville, FL (904) 387-5047 sales@st-barts.com

Eastern Yachts West Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale, FL (531) 844-1100 (954) 828-9071 yachts3@attglobal.net

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SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats Back Cover Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats 38 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Eastern Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Flying Scot Sailboats 64 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 63,64 Hanse Sailboats 65 Hunter/Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage 37 JS9000 PHRF Racer 63 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Jeanneau/Hunter/Mainship 3,11,19,32,33,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 29,14,67 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Performance Sail and Sport 39 Raider Sailboats 65 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 65 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 52,57 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats 62 Seafarers International Yacht Brokerage 51,64 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter 37 St. Barts/Beneteau Back Cover Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida 58 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 54 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 59 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power 35 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Air Duck Hatch Windscoop 67 Bluewater Sailing Supply 8,57 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL 38 BoatUS 17 Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com 32 Coral Reef Apparel Company 30 Defender Industries, www.defender.com 67 E-Marine 67 Frigoboat 50 Garhauer Hardware 22 Gil 14 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 15 Hotwire/Fans & other products 66 Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc.

21 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 31 Leather Wheel 34 Masthead Enterprises 14,29,67 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign 59 Ronstan 53 Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com 35 SSMR 55 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 54 West Marine IFC Winch Buddy 8 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Altlantic Sails 46 Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida 56 BoatUS 17 Cruising Direct/sails online by North 36 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging 66 Masthead/Used Sails and Service 14,29,67 National Sail Supply, new&used online 41 North Sails 16 Nuclear Sails 8 Porpoise Used Sails 67 Quantum Sails and Services 15 Sailing Services, rigging supplies, etc.

45 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL 49 SSMR 55 Sunrise Sails 56 Ullman Sails 28 US Spars 13 West Marine IFC CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida 56 Quantum Sails and Services 15

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USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Don’s Salvage, Clearwater FL 55 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida 59 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL 48 SAILING SCHOOLS Sea School/Captain’s License 24 St. Augustine Sailing School 67 Ocean-Pro Bluewater Instruction 9 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES America’s Generators 66 Beta Marine 31 Fleetside Marine Service 66 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 9 Yanmar 66 RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 20 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina 60 El Cid Caribe Marina, Mexico 12 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 52,57 CHARTER COMPANIES Sailtime, Shared ownership 26 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online 56 Beachmaster Photography 64 Coast Weather Services 67 Manton Marine Surveying 56 Mike Shea Maritime Legal Services 23 Ocean-Pro Weather Routing Services 67 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio 21 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 31 Memory Map 67 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication 67 Weather Wave 27 BOOKS Bubba Stories Book 37 Memory Map Pocket Navigator 67 West Marine Books and Charts 13 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Charleston to Bermuda Race 10 Regata Del Sol Al Sol 4 Sailing Services Directory West Florida 56 Regional Sailing Services Directory 34 Subscription Information This Page Alphabetical Advertisers’ List 68

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

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From the Helm

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Letters

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Short Tacks

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Cuba: Sail at Your Own Peril

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Surviving the Hurricanes: But Then Along Came Charley Part II

By Capt. Kevin Hughes

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The Sailboat Damaged by the Storm vs The Insurance Company. Part II

By Capt. J. Michael Shea, JD

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Bubba Misses the Vote

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Boat Review: JS9000. The Racer’s Racer.

By Ron Mitchellete

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Weather on Demand: Getting Your Weather FAX Weather When You Want It

By Gary Jensen

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Southeast Coast Sailing: Carolinas and Georgia:

SOUTHERN SAILORS

December Sailing, Events and Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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The bow roller that broke off while sailing in a hurricane.

Sailing in a hurricane, Part II. Photo by Capt. Kevin Hughes. Page 20.

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

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

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

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

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

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Classifieds

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Is it a bird, a plane or?

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

The Racer’s racer. Photo courtesy John Burgess.

Page 28.

COVER: Columbus Day Regatta 2004. Photo courtesy Boatpix. Photos from a helicopter. www.boatpix.com.

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

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SOUTHWINDS News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindssailing.com e-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Volume 12 Number 12 December 2004 Copyright 2004, Southwinds Media, Inc. Steve Morrell

Publisher/Editor editor@southwindssailing.com Founder Doran Cushing

Advertising & Editors Steve Morrell National/West Florida Advertising West Florida Regional Editor editor@southwindssailing.com (941) 795-8704 Florida Keys Rebecca Burg Regional Editor/Advertising angel@artoffshore.com (305) 304-5118 Southeast Florida Jody L. Alu (954) 816-0130 Regional Editor/Advertising soflajo@earthlink.net Art Perez SE Florida Racing Editor miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) 380-0106

Production Heather Nicoll Jody L. Alu Ray Dupuis Capt. Kevin Hughes Roy Laughlin Arturo Perez Morgan Stinemetz Jody L. Alu George Crook Capt. Kevin Hughes Walt McFarlane

Gary Hufford National/West Florida Advertising gary@southwindssailing.com (727) 585-2814 East Florida Roy Laughlin Regional Editor/Advertising mhw1@earthlink.net (321) 690-0137 The Southeast Coast: Carolinas and Georgia Steve Morrell Regional Editor/Advertising editor@southwindssailing.com (941) 795-8704 The Northern Gulf Coast: Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Kim Kaminski Regional Editor/Advertising Kaminski_K@msn.com (850) 384-8941 Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Contributing Writers Sherry Beckett Rebecca Burg Dave Ellis Jabbo Gordon Gary Jensen Kim Kaminski Walt McFarlane Ron Mitchellette Steve Romaine Capt. Michael J. Shea, JD Contributing Photographers Sherry Beckett Boatpix Bill Cullen Philip Francoeur, Jr. Kim Kaminski Roy Laughlin Art Perez Susanne Walsh

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.

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FROM THE HELM Charges Dropped Against Organizers of Race to Cuba

O

n October 29, four days before the November election, and 10 days before a scheduled trial date, the federal government dropped charges brought against Michele Geslin and Peter Goldsmith for their actions in organizing the 2003 race from Key West to Cuba. (For more information see the article by Morgan Stinemetz on page 18.)

Is the timing here just a coincidence? I don’t believe it is, but perhaps it is. One thing for sure is that this last election will have an effect on this whole situation of traveling to Cuba, as we all know. How about the fact that charges were dropped just before everyone was set to go to trial? Was that a coincidence, too?

If this case had gone to trial and the federal government had won, then it would have been the first time that the Trading with the Enemy Act had been successfully prosecuted since it was introduced to try to enforce the embargo.

I strongly believe that the federal government knows it would never pass the legal test and that they knew charges would be dropped. Many non-government legal experts have voiced their opinions that the law would never pass a high court test, and I am sure that the governments’ legal experts are no less knowledgeable.

In the meantime, Michele Geslin and Peter Goldsmith have been put through a long period of harassment and intimidation, which we could also label as punishment without conviction—clearly unconstitutional, immoral, unethical, and unprincipled. I propose that those who

Local News For Southern Sailors

administer this form of punishment be indicted and taken to trial for their actions and hopefully convicted and punished.

All these people and the race participants wanted to do was exercise their right to travel freely as free citizens of the United States—a right that all Americans of all political persuasions should protect.

As for those who would still like to sail to Cuba, I don’t think you will be doing so for at least the next four years.

As for Michele and Peter, I am glad for you both and hope you can get on with your lives and that they have not been disrupted too much.

Strictly Sail St. Petersburg Boat Show a Real Success for SOUTHWINDS

W

e thank all the people who came by our booth at the show and expressed their positive thoughts and ideas about the magazine. We hope to continue to live up to your expectations in becoming even better in the coming years.

Thank you also for filling out our survey, results of which will be published in a future issue. For those of you who did fill out the survey, you were entered in our raffle in which we gave away a West Marine handheld VHF radio. The winner was Gregory Conrad of St. Petersburg. Hope you enjoy the new radio, Greg.

Steve Morrell, Editor

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LETTERS

Continued from page 9

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

MORE ON THE ANCHORAGE ISSUE; A VOICE FROM CALIFORNIA In response to your editorial on page 8 of the March, 2004, issue of SOUTHWINDS, I offer my story to your readers by your invitation.

We anchor out in San Diego Bay, CA, and have learned over the past 15 years of litigation with our Port District that federal law, state law and the Constitution mean nothing to them. Even the courts and the Coast Guard believe that the Port District is the higher power, and that is because the legislature has empowered the district to make and enforce its own laws, without limitation.

Most recently, the San Diego Unified Port District has enacted five new ordinances that prohibit anchoring or mooring in any part of the bay, except in its eight designated/regulated areas. The federal designated anchorages have been transferred to the Port District by the Coast Guard even though it does not have such powers. The Coast Guard not only approves of a state takeover of the entire bay, but applauds it. The five new referenced ordinances have empowered the port’s harbor police with the authority to board and inspect any vessel, at any time, without warrant or probable cause, to search for violations of federal, state, or port district law. If a violation is found, the officer can immediately seize, tow and impound the vessel without due process of law (no court hearing) and no right of appeal in court. The mandatory penalty is a misdemeanor. If the vessel owner does not pay the usual $1,500 to $6,000 fine and towing fee within 30 days, the vessel will be sold or destroyed, usually the latter, and at the owner’s expense.

Just before the final vote on these new laws, we made it perfectly clear to the port commissions that the U. S. Supreme Court held that San Diego Bay is not within California’s geographical boundaries. This allegation was supported by quotes from United States v. California (1977), 431 US 2915, and United States v. California (1981), 449 US 408, as well as the court’s reference to the Submerged Lands Act, (1953) 43 USC 1301-1315, and “The Law of The Sea Treaty,” (1958) 15 UST 1607, or TIAS 5639. A threat of possible lawsuit was made for the trespassing on federal lands in violation of the Submerged Lands Act, as provided in 43 USC 1350, but that fell on deaf ears, as well.

Subsequent to the enactment of these laws, we expected big trouble from the district, but to our surprise the port’s harbor police have become very friendly, courteous, and respectful of our civil rights, at least for the present.

It could be that your anchorage is not owned by the state as well. To find out, you need to research the following laws: The Submerged Lands Act of 1953 (43 USC 1301-1315, as amended at the request of Congress, by the U.S. Supreme Court (United States v. California (1966) 382 US 448). The purpose of the act was to define and confirm federal and state ownership of this nation’s submerged lands. As for jurisdiction, no state can assume jurisdiction beyond its boundaries (Amend 4, sect. 4). The act grants the lands under the territorial seas to each coastal state, but retains U.S. navigational servitude. This land grant does not extend into the bays, See LETTERS continued on page 13 10

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LETTERS

Continued from page 10

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

harbors and ports, as the states would like to believe, because the act established a “line separating the seaward limit of inland waters” (43 USC 1301). The act left the definition of these “inland waters” to the courts. (See United States v. California (1966) 382 US 450). This is not a new concept, because it has always been thus (see 1965 case above).

You will also find that even if your bay is not a port, it can still be excluded from state ownership if it meets certain requirements. (See 1966 case Id, at p. 450 ¶ 4(c), (d)).

Another aid to understanding all of this is a Yale Law Review, Vol 90: 1651 (1981).

If you have found that your anchorage is not within state boundaries and the state is managing the area for profit, it is: (1) fraud; (2) trespassing on federal lands; (3) a crime against the provisions of the Submerged Lands Act (Id) as provided in 43 USC 1350. The U.S. Supreme Court retains original jurisdiction on this kind of case, but requires a court-certified attorney to plead it, so plan any action with great care and much research. The ownership question has been raised many times in court, following the Submerged Lands Act, and when pled as an original action in the U.S. Supreme Court, the state always lost, but when pled on appeal in the 9th Circuit Court, the state always prevailed: However, the 9th Circuit is also known to have most of their rulings overturned on appeal.

The coastal states have been allowed to steal federal waters for too long now, and it is up to the citizens who are most affected to stop these transgressions and see that it does not happen again. We need legal representation certified by the U.S. Supreme Court and willing and able to challenge big money attorneys for the long haul. Boat/US may be of some help here, but more is needed.

Lawrence S. Graf Chula Vista, CA Lawrence, Having been brought up in Southern California, and, later on, having a sailboat in San Diego, I remember in the ’90s all of the tension and anger that existed between the Coast Guard, the San Diego Port District, and the sailing public—particularly the cruisers. Much of this was publicized in letters to the editor in the California free sailing rags, Latitude 38 (out of San Francisco) and Santana (out of San Diego). I was hoping that tension would slowly disappear, but apparently, it is still alive with these new regulations.

If what you say is true and the harbor police in San Diego can board a vessel so easily without warrant or probable cause, then it is another sad day in the erosion of our rights. Let’s hope not.

Editor

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Southbound Snowbirds Have New Post-Hurricane Message Board — Marina and Waterway Updates at www.BoatUS.Com From BoatUS Following a record hurricane season, Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) can help southbound snowbirds find their winter havens with a new Hurricane Aftermath: Marina and ICW Reports message board at BoatUS.com. This new service offers a place for ICW cruisers to share advice, ask questions, and spread the word about local conditions. Included are waterway updates by noted cruisers Tom and Mel Neale and updates of hurricane-affected marinas by Skipper Bob. The new “Hurricane Aftermath” information can be found under the message board area in the Boater to Boater section at www.BoatUS.com The Neales’ reports include waterway cruising information from boaters currently transiting the ICW, information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and their own experiences. They write for major boating publications and a bi-weekly column on cruising, Tom Neale’s “Cruising for You,” also at BoatUS.com, which includes regularly updated East Coast alerts and tips.

The Skipper Bob marina reports pass along information from boaters transiting the waterway and include marina ICW mile markers, operating status, phone number, and diesel, gas and transient dockage availability at dozens of marinas affected by hurricanes.

With information changing daily, BoatU.S. advises snowbirds to check the Hurricane Aftermath message board often - and phone ahead.

Currently posted on the message board, BoatU.S. member and commercial ship captain Duane Lang reports that limited transient facilities and shoaling is leading some boaters to anchor dangerously close to busy waterways, potentially putting them in harm’s way. “Commercial traffic seems to have increased as barges are bringing in a lot of supplies to rebuild,” said Lang, who reports of some close calls at night as boaters have anchored in busy channels or

Give

not displayed an anchor light. “Boaters should also take extra care near 24-hour dredging operations, which may not be fully lit, and always be on the lookout for floating debris.”

Strong Sales, Higher Attendance and Sunny Skies at 2004 Strictly Sail St. Petersburg, Nov. 4-7 Strictly Sail St. Petersburg attracted higher attendance over last year, and major exhibitors reported enjoying a show that generated strong sales.

With sunny skies and sailing-perfect winds, close to 10,000 show-goers attended the largest all-sail in-water show on the Gulf Coast at the Vinoy Basin from Nov. 4-7, cramming tents, taking Discover Sailing rides and filling some seminars to standing-room-only capacity. The Tall Ship Unicorn, a 118-foot-tall schooner appearing at the show, succeeded in helping spur record levels of print and broadcast media coverage in the Tampa Bay market.

About 2,000 show-goers, nearly 20 percent of the show’s attendance, filled tents to listen to seminar speakers. About 750 show-goers took their first steps into sailing through the show’s Discover Sailing program, the highest number to enjoy the program in a single Discover Sailing event.

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his Holiday season give the gift of sailing! To your loved one, your friends and your family. Their first issue comes with a card that says, "Seasons Greetings. Enjoy your one-(or two)-year gift subscription to SOUTHWINDS Magazine given to you by (your name.)”

3rd class: 1 year $19.95, 2 years $37 1st class: 1 year $24; 2 years $45 Go to our Web site & pay with Paypal or e-mail the details to editor@southwindssailing.com You may also call us at (941) 795-8704 CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 14

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Overall, reports from major exhibitors indicated sales would significantly exceed last year’s levels.

Palm Beach County Passes Referendum to Purchase Water Access Property From the Boating Industry E-News Daily In the November election, Palm Beach County voters approved a referendum question that allows the government to borrow $50-million to buy development rights to privately-owned marinas, build new boat ramps and create more public parking, according to several newspaper reports.

The intention of the proposal is to preserve and grow public access to the waterfront by preventing real estate developers from buying up marinas and replacing them with condos, reported the Palm Beach Post.

Currently, while there are 40,000 registered boats in the county, 26,500 of which are on trailers, there are only nine public marinas and 550 parking spaces at public launches, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

If the County Commission gives it final approval, the $50-million bond will be paid for through property tax increases. However, estimates suggest that the owner of a $200,000 property with the homestead exemption would pay less than $6 more per year.

Local News For Southern Sailors

Before soliciting this final approval, administrators will have to create a more concrete plan for using the money.

Initial speculation is that, in addition to purchasing private marinas’ development rights, building boat ramps and creating parking, the money might be used to buy waterfront land or to buy development rights from condo developers, helping to reduce the size of their projects and thus preserve current marinas, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Don’t Teach Your Trash to Swim Mini-Posters Now Available Reef Relief announces the release of a new educational miniposter that shows why you shouldn’t “Teach Your Trash To Swim.” The recently published poster features a beautiful, full-color photograph of a coral reef.

Falling on the reef are all too familiar items that end up on coral reefs; cigarette butts, plastic jugs, and Styrofoam. Under each item is information on how long it takes it to biodegrade.

“The information is eye-opening,” says Joel Biddle, Reef Relief’s educational director. “For instance, did you know a latex balloon takes 6 months to biodegrade and that balloons and candy bar wrappers made from Mylar never biodegrade? An aluminum can takes 400 to 500 years to be

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absorbed back into the environment. Plastic bags, sixpack rings and bottles—anything made from plastic or glass, as far as is known—never completely biodegrade.”

So where does all this non-biodegradable trash go? Many plastic items are ingested by seabirds or turtles. Corals and other marine-life are strangled by six-pack rings, plastic bags and monofilament line. But the problem does not end there.

Over time, the items break up into smaller and smaller particles. Much of it enters the plankton chain, the basic food source that fuels the ocean.

This is a grave concern. A study from the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project recently found that in the north Pacific Ocean over 60 percent of all the plankton is, in fact, microscopic particles of plastic. Certain species of jellyfish and animals in the plankton chain ingest these plastics and can’t rid them from their systems. So it really doesn’t pay to “teach your trash to swim!”

The posters will be provided to school

students and other special groups as part of Reef Relief’s Discover Coral Reefs School program. This Reef Relief project was made possible by Dorothy Lee Witwer and George Witwer, designed by Joel Biddle, with a reef image by Craig Quirolo. To obtain a poster or for further information on marine debris, go online to www.reefrelief.org, or e-mail reef@bellsouth.net or phone Reef Relief at (305) 294-3100.

Club Beneteau of Florida Formed All Beneteau owners who live in Florida or surrounding states and sail their Beneteau sailboats in and around Florida are invited to participate and join this owners club.

Club Beneteau of Florida is currently seeking Beneteau owners from various areas around Florida to head up local chapters of the state-wide Club. Meetings are held at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club and are currently scheduled for the first Thursday of each month. The first annual Club Beneteau of Florida Rendezvous is now being planned for early March 2005.

For information and membership applications call Jeffrey J. Schwartz, the club’s commodore, at: (305) 4952300 or e-mail js2@adelphia.net.

Recreational Boat Losses From Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne Total $680-Million From BoatUS In one of most active hurricane seasons on record, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne have left an indelible mark on recreational boaters from Louisiana to Florida’s Atlantic coast — and even as far north as some Great Lakes states. According to the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.), the damage to all recreational vessels for these four storms totals $680million.

The individual storm dollar damage breakdown is: Hurricane Charley: $130-million; Hurricane Frances: $300million; Hurricane Ivan: $150-million; and Hurricane Jeanne: $100-million. (These figures do not include damage to commercial vessels, marinas or other infrastructure.)

Forecasters said a stagnant weather pattern—a big high pressure system over the East Coast—prevented storms from heading safely out into the Atlantic and instead forced them into the Gulf and inland.

In a historical perspective, the total recreational boat damages of these four storms surpasses the $500-million mark attributed to 1992’s Hurricane Andrew. The Association also reports that on average, those vessels that had hurricane plans in place prior to a storm’s arrival fared much better than those whose owners waited until the last minute or neglected to take precautions For more information on the effect of the individual storms go to www.BoatUS.com.

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December 2004

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CUBA SAILING Sail at your own risk: Charges dropped against Cuba race organizers

By Morgan Stinemetz

I

n our mind’s eye, we sailors usually conceptualize our liquid avocation as smooth seas, following winds, quiet anchorages wherein we are the only boat present and relaxing times under sail. It is not always quite like that, of course. Nasty things like squalls, headwinds, dragging anchors and boorish neighbors are part of the mix, too.

We just don’t like to think about those things in our moments of reverie, and who can blame us?

If we envision sailing and cruising as the quintessential get-away-from-it-all sport, it may be possible that we have our collective heads in the clouds and are not considering what is happening back on dry land.

Let me tell you of a couple of chilling incidents that involve citizens/sailors and the long and, sometimes, unfeeling arm of the law.

The Indictment Last June, under the direction of the U.S. Department of Justice, Key West residents Michele Geslin, a sailmaker, and Peter Goldsmith were indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Key West. The grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Geslin and Goldsmith with conspiring to violate the Trading with the Enemy Act. The defendants were charged with providing travel services to Cuba in connection with the Third Annual Conch Republic Cup in 2003.

The two counts were practically identical in wording, but Justice cited two different U.S. Codes (USC) [Title 18, Section 371 and Title 50, USC Appendix, Section 16(a)] in bringing the charges.

The press release from the Department of Justice, Southern District of Florida, stated that, if convicted on the first count, each defendant faced a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum fine of $250,000. If convicted on the second count, they each faced a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum fine of $100,000.

The Department of Justice stated in a press release that Geslin and Goldsmith needed an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license in order to provide travel services to other persons traveling to Cuba.

The Third Annual Conch Republic Cup involved a race from Key West to Varadero, Cuba, with another stop in Marina Hemingway, west of Havana.

When the sailors returned to Key West, they were met by government officials, who confiscated cameras, trophies, portable computers, boat logs and GPS receivers. To the best of this writer’s knowledge, none of the confiscated material has been returned to its owners.

Charges Dismissed Oct. 29 Geslin and Goldsmith were scheduled to go to trial on Monday, November 8, but on October 29, a federal judge dismissed the charges against the two. U.S. District Judge James King ruled that the indictment was insufficient to label Geslin and Goldsmith as “travel service providers.”

The core issue of the dismissal was that the prosecutors failed to allege that the defendants personally profited in any way or that Cuba benefited financially from the race.

From Cuba, upon hearing the news regarding the 18

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Geslin/Goldsmith case, Commodore Jose Miguel Diaz Escrich, commodore of Club Nautico at Marina Hemingway, responded thusly: “Allow me to convey to you our friendly and warm greetings on behalf of the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba, and on my own, as well as to express to you that I am very happy for the decision of the Honourable Judge James Lawrence King for rejecting or disallowing the charges against Michele Geslin and Peter Goldsmith.

“Once again, it was proved…that any cause needs reason, courtesy and moderation. The truth is the virtue. This is what the Honourable Judge King has taught us with his decision.”

Public affairs specialists at the U.S. Attorney’s office in Miami did not return phone calls seeking comment. This writer talked with Peter Goldsmith via phone.

He would not talk on the record about the case, at his attorney’s suggestion, he said, but one could tell that Goldsmith was feeling much heartened by recent events.

American Cruiser in Mexico Jailed Let us shift our gaze now down Mexico way. In April of 2003, a cruiser by the name of Dawn Wilson was jailed in Ensenada and charged with possession of prescription drugs without proper (Mexican) authorization. Wilson, according to printed stories, suffers from seizures due to a horseback riding accident when she was younger. She had a large supply of Dilantin with her when she was stopped by police while walking along a Mexican highway.

Dilantin’s active ingredient is phenytoin sodium, an anti-epileptic drug. An American doctor had prescribed the drug for her, and he had prescribed a large amount because she was going to be cruising on a sailboat for extended periods of time. She didn’t have the prescription with her when Mexican police, possibly attracted by her good looks, “investigated” her.

Wilson got tossed in jail, and her credit cards were taken from her and maxed out by crooked cops. She was assigned an inept Mexican attorney. She also was sentenced to five years in prison. She did about a year in a Mexican prison, suffered a broken hand while playing baseball and received no medical treatment for it in Mexico. Her antiseizure medication was withheld.

On a prisoner swap, Wilson was transferred from Mexico to a United States prison in Oklahoma and then, last month, to another prison in Dublin, CA. Dublin is east of Oakland, and there is a military facility there, so it is possible that Wilson is in federal custody.

Reportedly, the equivalent crime in the United States, carrying prescription medication without a prescription, carries a maximum sentence of three months. By the middle of this month, Wilson will have been locked up for 19 months.

The question of why this country continues to imprison an American citizen/sailor on charges levied by another country far in excess of what she might have received in the United States is unanswered.

Sometimes, sometimes, trying to relax on the open sea is as fraught with peril as a nursery school finished off inside with lead-based paint.

Y’all be careful out there, hear? www.southwindssailing.com

Surviving the Hurricanes But Then Along Came Charley: Sailing in a Hurricane Part II of II

By Capt. Kevin Hughes

Last month, you read how a one-week cruise to the Dry Tortugas was cut short to 24 hours, and how the attempt of the crew of Windigo to seek safe harbor near home was thwarted by the denial of passage through the ICW. After an engine fire and sailing in a gale at midnight, they felt pretty lucky to find a hurricane hole in Charlotte Harbor near Punta Gorda. The storm was predicted to stay well away from shore until farther north. That luck changed when the full force of Charley, now a Category 4 hurricane, bore down on their exact position. We left the crew adrift in a wide, shallow river – and heading for a low bridge . . .

W

ith the ground tackle no longer attached to the boat, I went forward to attempt to raise the trys’l. Already rigged on its own track on the mast, deploying it would be a simple matter of snapping the shackle of the halyard to the grommet on the head, and hoisting it into position. Closing a snap shackle in normal conditions takes a fraction of a second. But I was unable to perform this easy task on the deck of At the dock in Punta Gorda.

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Windigo in those conditions.

After three distinct attempts lasting a period of maybe ten or twelve seconds, the halyard flew free – horizontal to the top of the mast.

Abandoning that option, I returned to the helm (that action alone was extremely difficult) to try to control the path of the boat. With no sails and the deck stripped of gear, there was enough windage to move my 24,000pound vessel along at 8 to 10 knots. I

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aimed at the main section of bridge became more and more the fast-approaching bridge, difficult. The apparent wind now downwind of our posimoved forward as I turned the tion. But I knew Windigo’s mast boat from a broad reach to a was four feet taller than the beam reach, and finally, to a bridge deck. close haul. Windigo began to As I sailed on a broad stall and drift sideways, so to reach, I prepared to set another regain some control, I turned anchor to save Windigo from its downwind and aimed for the fate at the bridge. I joined three nearest bridge section straight 50-foot dock lines that were downwind. But this section handy and attached them to was considerably lower than the bit of chain on the 22the main section. pound Danforth anchor I carry The bow roller with the 70-pound main anchor and the 35She may have even on the stern rail. But I was pound CQR. The bow roller was broken off when it hit the bridge cleared this at the extreme unable to deploy the anchor during the storm. angle of heel (difficult to imagbefore reaching the bridge ine sailing on bare poles). But because of our unprecedented speed. as Windigo passed under the bridge, the boat gybed, and the I was able, however, to maintain a course through the masthead struck the underside of the bridge deck, folding main section of the bridge. The angle of heel was sufficient over the top 14 feet of mast. to clear the top of the mast as we passed under the bridge.

But this may have been a blessing in our current situaThe VHF antenna just barely scraped the underside of the tion since numerous high-tension electrical lines were bridge deck. As we emerged from under the bridge, I sensed strung over the river just past the second bridge. an opportunity to stop Windigo’s ill-fated journey up the Lucky (?) Dismasting river. After steering the boat close to the end of the wood Sandy came to the companionway thinking it was safe as we crib lining the sides of the main bridge span, I went forward emerged from the bridge. I sent him back into the cabin to to the bow with a 50-foot dock line in hand. I considered trycheck the bilge, just to be sure he was clear of any rigging on ing to secure a line to this wood fender wall to keep Windigo the deck that might become energized if we contacted the from getting to the second span of the twin bridges across electrical wires. Even though we did not pass under the the river. But standing there with the line for only a second wires at their highest point, I was able to guide Windigo or two made me realize I did not know what part of the crib through, clear of the hazardous lines. There is no doubt we I could connect with, and that I also lacked the ability to would have been fouled in the power lines had our mast secure the other end to the boat in time. remained intact.

More Passionate Attempts To Stop So now we were in a fairly wide, very shallow river So I just stood there as the bow roller contacted the wall, was with another low bridge two nautical miles downwind. I sheared from the boat, and disappeared into the river. was able to sail the boat in a fairly controlled fashion as Returning to the helm with the dock line, I turned the bow Sandy dug our last anchor, a 25-pound CQR, from the bottoward the main span of the second bridge and deployed tom of the water-filled sail locker. I attached it to the end of the stern anchor. I was surprised at how rapidly the anchor the remaining 200 feet of parted one-inch anchor rode at rode paid out and was just barely able to get the end secure the bow, and deployed it from the bow as Sandy kept on one of the stern Sampson posts. But the line no more than Windigo facing the wind. At last, we were secure on anothgot taut, then went limp, and I hauled in only two of the er anchor approximately one half hour after the snubber three dock lines I had attached – the third one had parted lines parted. The wind speed had tapered off at a much without hesitation. Anchor number three was gone. faster rate than we had experienced on the other side of the Guiding the boat through the main section of the second eye. By the time we were anchored, the wind had dropped

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below 100 knots and then slowly diminished over the next three hours.

There was little storm surge, but the high winds had still driven us a good way onto a shallow mud flat in the middle of the river.

During the beginning of the storm, we had cell phone contact with my wife in Clearwater. But the cell towers were damaged and service was becoming very scanty.

911 calls were being answered in an “emergency shelter with no communications resources”(!?). With no mast for the HAM radio antenna and e-mail and the handheld VHF having been mostly ignored for the past Capt. Kevin Hughes at the top of Windigo’s mast—when it was still one piece. day, we were out of contact with anyone for all practical was unable to locate any part of it. purposes. We attempted to make one last call to the U.S. Another friend accompanied me on the 15-hour ICW Coast Guard with our position as the wind dropped below journey back to Tampa Bay on the seawater -soaked boat 90 knots. But it took over 20 minutes to receive an acknowlwith the crippled mast. Upon returning to St. Petersburg, I edgment to our Pan-Pan calls. had the mast unstepped and cut out the damaged section.

The next morning, my wife and a good friend made After two more days of cleaning and purging, Windigo was many phone calls and were able to have a towboat come to home in her slip in Clearwater Beach, nine days after the get us out of the middle of the river. But the closest towboat storm. The cleanup continues . . . had to come down from Englewood (a three-hour trip) to tow us off the mud flat.

Postscripts: A Tough Tow When it came time to steer our towed vessel, a stowaway seagull would not allow us access to the helm. It was on the sole under a bit of debris and scared to death. It would not let us near the wheel. But Sandy was not about to allow further delays and hoisted the bird over the side (the bird managed to draw a bit of Sandy’s blood before leaving).

The towboat tried for a couple hours to free us. It was unsuccessful and called for a second larger towboat.

The two boats together were able to pull us 150 feet after 50 minutes of hard pulling and finally freeing Windigo.

They deposited us at the Fisherman’s Village Dock in Punta Gorda. The manager there allowed Windigo to stay until I was able to get the engine running, but I did not expect it to take almost a week to rewire the engine and replace the starter.

I spent four days driving 120 miles one way to work in the 115-degree heat on the engine. Normally, an okay job for a boat guy. But there was no electricity within a 10-mile radius of the boat, and no hardware or marine part stores were in operation even if they were still standing.

Every tiny thing I needed for the repair I had to have with me on the boat or return to the Tampa Bay area to get it to bring on the next trip. The day we got the engine running, we also had a friend with SCUBA gear search for our ground tackle. I had exact GPS coordinates, but the muck at the bottom of the river was so stirred up and so thick that he Local News For Southern Sailors

We had about four minutes of reduced winds (40 knots) as the eye of Charley passed directly over us. Three weeks See SURVIVING continued on page 69

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The Sailboat Damaged by the Storm vs the Insurance Company Part II of II

By Capt. J. Michael Shea, JD

Last month we went into the background of some of the major points of marine insurance. In this article we will look at the preparation and submitting of a claim to your insurance carrier. Let’s start by pointing out that insurance companies do not make money by paying out for every claim submitted. The responsibility of getting the appropriate amount is on you the boat owner. The carrier is going to want to pay the lesser of (1) the policy limit, (2) the cost of replacement, (3) or the cost of repair. In any of these scenarios you will want to be involved to get the maximum amount.

Protect your boat until it can be repaired As was pointed out in the last article, proving the value of the vessel or repairs is your responsibility. You must also mitigate the damages. This means to do whatever is necessary to protect the vessel until it can be repaired. That may mean re-floating the vessel, and if the engines were underwater, having them “pickled” or flushed out and light oil pumped into the engine until it can be repaired. Also, if the vessel has been underwater, all of the wiring that has been submerged should be washed as soon as possible. I personally am of the opinion that any wiring that was under saltwater should be replaced as it is only a matter of time before the salt sets up corrosion in the wiring system. However, the insurance company will ask what measure you took to protect the vessel, and you need to be able to say that the engine was pick-

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Photo by Boyd Edwards

led and the wiring washed down. Some carriers want to hear from you before you do anything to the boat, so try to call them.

We have been told by one carrier that there are some yards out there that are charging very large fees to just haul the boat out of the water, in some cases 50 percent of the value of the vessel. I suggest you check with your insurance company and use the yard they suggest. They are dealing with a lot of claims and most likely have a feel for who can be relied on to give you and them a reasonable rate.

One suggestion I got from the carriers as to the next time we have a hurricane, is to leave the canvas cover off. In most storms they are ripped up and damaged and were of limited protection. Their value is usually under the value of the deductible, after depreciation, so you the boat owner are going to pay for the new canvas in most of the cases.

Establish the value of your boat As to your claim, the insurance company is going to take the lowest figure they can find and go with it. You can and should present evidence that supports a higher value. Let’s start by hoping you got a (1) good survey on the boat when you purchased it. That will be an important benchmark as to

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the value. Next we have to prove that you have properly taken care of the vessel since you bought it. This can be done by your (2) maintenance records. Most of us usually have the receipts in a box in the drawer somewhere. A few of you might have a file folder, but the point is get them organized. Put together a log showing what and when you preformed maintenance on the vessel. The (3) care of the vessel is important as it can affect the value. If you have let it set in the sun with no care, chances are it does not look as nice as the day you purchased the boat. Hopefully you have (4) some pictures of the vessel, and they show that you are taking good care of it. In most cases you will need (5) a survey as to the boat’s value after the damage. The value of a vessel is very much like setting the value of your used car when you go to trade it in.

There are a number of things to look at in setting that value.

The insurance company is going with the low figure. You have to have the argument as to why the figure needs to be higher. These five items will help you. You can also refer to the used boat wholesale/retail book values. Ask your surveyor or banker to help you with this. There are a number of good books on the market that will give you an idea of the market value of your vessel. You can refer to the boat trader magazines; they are good evidence as to replacement value of your boat. Remember, it is the value of the vessel at the time of the loss that we are trying to establish.

If the insurance company agrees to have your boat repaired and there is any significant damage to repair, you need a surveyor in your corner. The insurance company is going to have one, and chances are they will be lowballing the job. You want your person in there to make sure all the damage attributed to the incident is repaired, and repaired in a suitable way.

As we discussed in Part I of this article, salvage costs are recoverable and are in addition to the loss or repair payment made by the carrier (in most cases). But those payments are usually limited to the total property damage limits of the policy. This usually includes wreck removal. In a storm your boat may damage other nearby property. Those damages are covered also, as well as pollution damage. The pollution can be expensive. We have seen cases of pollution where a small vessel sinks and it costs thousands of dollars to clean up after it.

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Put a booklet together to establish your case You should report the loss as soon as possible to the insurance company. They will require you to file a “Proof of Loss” usually on their form stating everything you know about the damage. This is just the start. If everything goes well, and the damage is not too great, you may be able to recover. But in those other cases where the insurance company is being difficult, it is the time to get your team together and build a package to submit.

Remember there is a time limit to file a lawsuit. Most require the suit to be filed within one year.

When you are ready to submit all the evidence you have gathered on your claim, (1) put together a booklet.

Start with why you think your damage is covered, (2) quote the section of your policy you think covers your damage.

Next, put in (3) the price you paid for the vessel, followed by the (4) maintenance records, or log, on the vessel. Place in the book (5) the value you have for the vessel and the evidence. Now we are ready for (6) the damages, and hopefully, it is backed up with a surveyor’s report. And last, (7) the remedy you want, total loss, partial loss or repair. This booklet is important as it shows the insurance company you are ready to go toe to toe with them on the issue of damage, and you are ready to prove your point. Of course, each booklet will vary as to its contents as each case is different.

As a recap for filing a claim remember: A. The carrier is going to want to pay the lesser of; (1) the policy limit, (2) the cost of replacement, (3) or the cost of repair.

B. As to the value of your vessel, present evidence that supports the highest value.

(1) Get a good survey on the boat when you purchase it.

(2) Present evidence that you have properly taken care of the vessel since it was purchased. Have maintenance records and a log showing what and when you performed maintenance on the vessel.

(3) Present evidence of the care you took of the vessel.

(4) Have some pictures of the vessel that show that you See SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING continued on page 84

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BOAT REVIEW

The JS9000: A Racer’s Racer!

By R. J. Mitchellette This boat is the quintessential solution to a racer’s “Dreamboat!”

It gives a whole new meaning to the expression “harnessing the wind.”

T

he crowd began to gather even before the boat was off the trailer. The location for the sea trial, or better yet, the lake trial was Lake Sydney Lanier in Georgia. The dates were October 9-11. The occasion was the 30th Annual Sea Dog Barefoot Regatta where more than 60 boats were registered to compete in two classes, the time and distance class and the one-design (or near as possible) class, where the JS9000 took overall third place against two Melges 24s.

Because the JS9000 is so new to the United States, the estimated PHRF of 75 is temporary, as most PHRF committees have no benchmark to rate the boat, as of yet. Thus the JS 9000 was placed in the one-design class, although it could have and possibly should have raced in the PHRF low nonspinnaker fleet.

Eventually, the JS9000 will most probably race in a true one-design competition as there are already six boats owned and operated here in the United States since its introduction last year. There may be a seventh boat purchased by a couple in North Carolina as they are intending to take delivery in late December. Somebody is going to have a great Christmas!

JS9000 SPECIFICATIONS LOA 29’11” LWL 27’11” Beam 5’8” Draft (keel down) 6’9” Draft (keel up) 2’2” Displacement 2,028 lbs.

Ballast 1,543 lbs.

Main Sail Area 205 sq.ft.

Jib Area 108 sq.ft.

Asym. Spinnaker 568 sq.ft.

America’s Cup Designer The roots of the JS9000 began with naval architect John Swarbrick, the boat’s designer. In fact, the boat’s company name, JS YACHTS, and model designation of the boat are the first letters of his name, JS. The company is known for building seaworthy sailing craft designed for “short-handed” sailors and twice set records for single-handed aroundthe-world endeavors. John’s design experience in the America’s Cup and Whitbread races, including Taskforce and Kookabura I, II & III, respectively, with the Kookaburra III winning the Louis Vuitton Cup in 1987, provided the impetus to design the JS9000. Therefore, it is no surprise that the JS9000 looks like a mini America’s Cup racer.

The JS9000 is extremely light at only 2028 pounds, consisting of a hull, which weighs a mere 485 pounds, and a retractable keel that weighs 1543 pounds, making this boat virtually unbroachable (I may have coined a new word).

The boat is very responsive and points incredibly well. Its 29’11” length and 5’8” beam combined with a LWL of 27’11” trims down to an even leaner water plane with a waterline beam of only 3 feet. The high aspect ratios coupled with a simple rig (fractional), simple sail plan, tapered carbon mast and graphite sails combine to give the boat exceptional speed and explosive acceleration. The tacking ability of this boat is executed easily with a self-tacking (traveler) furling jib, along with all lines leading to a single control station located in the cockpit, all of which adds to its single-handed capabilities.

Easy Trailering The optional lifting keel and removable rudder adds to the ease of trailering this boat without any appendages exposed and/or susceptibility to damage, although dropping and raising the 1543-pound keel, with a chain hoist mounted on an aluminum post and removable, takes some getting-used-to.

The hull speed calculation of 6.5 knots (the SQ.RT. of the LWL x 1.25) is totally out of synch with the outstanding performance this writer experienced on the day he sailed with the skipper. In fact, on the day we sailed with moderate winds of five knots, the boat was racing downwind with an asymmetrical spinnaker at 7.5 knots, and it sailed close hauled at 6.8 knots. The next day, I was told the boat did 11 to 12 knots downwind in heavier air of 8 to 10 knots.

No Need to Hike-Out on this Racer I was also very surprised to find that none of the four bodies aboard needed to “hike-out” to balance the boat, as the windward/leeward crew-positioning, if the skipper even needs a crew, makes little difference in the boat’s performance.

Our test boat was extremely well-balanced, apparently due to its slender hull shape with a destroyer bow and high prismatic design resulting in lateral resistance moving aft

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as the boat heels, reducing drag such as an idiosyncrasy we to a minimum and rendering experienced with the rudder. the helm completely neutral.

Its sphere of operation was The high quality glass confined to 45 degrees from work appeared to be well concenter to port and from center ceived with the deck bolted to to starboard. We determined the hull and glassed in a seamthat this can be easily remeless application. The glass itself died with a minor modificaconsists of a GRP composite tion involving the reduction or infusion, Herex™, H8O foam removal of a metal stop core in prisms, sandwiched by screwed to the stainless steel an inner and outer layer of rudder assembly. This metal glass. stop appeared to be designed I was impressed with the to prevent the tiller from movrelative ease with which the ing through a 360-degree arc, JS9000 could be rigged and The JS9000. Courtesy John Burgess and it only needs to be moditubbed from a trailer (optional), fied so the tiller could be although we encountered some problems with raising the moved 90 degrees from center on both sides. carbon mast, which was more of a function of experience or I would be remiss if I did not add at this juncture that lack thereof, than execution. the boat, to its credit, is definitely designed to be singleIn conclusion: The JS9000 incorporates many unique handed or at best with one crew member, and to me this is design features, which makes it ideal for any racer, profesa major/real advantage as searching for crew is not only sional or amateur. The boat is fast, easy to sail and very time consuming, but also an exercise in frustration that affordable. Depending on options, the price ranges from rarely results in consistency! $45K to $55K. I do, however, think the boat is going through some growing pains, needing minor modifications, as more For more information, log onto www.jsyachtsusa.com, or owners report back to the manufacturer with suggestions, call (228) 863-2939.

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WEATHER ARTICLE

Weather on Demand: Getting Your Weather FAX Weather When You Want It

By Gary Jensen

O

ne of the lessons learned from this summer’s hurricane experience is the need to be able to download, or otherwise access, weather information when you need it. During hurricane season, tropical depressions (TD) form unexpectedly; known TDs can spin up into hurricanes, and both tend to erratically change their direction of movement. Staying out of the way of these storms and severe weather phenomena requires skippers to have the most current and up-todate weather information available.

Offshore sailors traditionally get their weather maps and forecasts by receiving regularly scheduled Weather FAX (WEFAX) transmissions1. WEFAX systems used to copy these weather data usually consist of a marine SSB or Ham transceiver, a WEFAX decoding device (usually the sound card or inexpensive demodulator), and a laptop computer running some type of WEFAX software. A skipper within listening range of a broadcasting WEFAX station using this type of system can copy weather maps, satellite images, and forecasts when they’re broadcast. While relatively inexpen-

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sive, this system exhibits several limitations, the most significant being: The fixed broadcast schedule governs when WEFAX information is available, not the skipper’s need.

The readability (print quality) of received WEFAX documents will vary from excellent to unreadable, depending on signal strength, noise, and other propagation conditions.

Boaters Aren’t Always Available to Receive a Scheduled Fax Running a boat places many demands upon a skipper and crew. Stuff happens on board boats, and when it happens, skipper and crew must deal with it in real time. When the skipper and crew are busy tending to the boat’s needs, they are not free to copy a scheduled WEFAX broadcast. They don’t have time to stop what they are doing, go below, turn on a SSB, tune in a WEFAX station, set the computer to receive/decode a received WEFAX transmission, and monitor the process. Skippers need the ability to retrieve the most

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recent WEFAX data when they want it, not just when a broadcaster sends it.

Airmail2, the network client software that works with the Sailmail3 and Winlink2000 (WL2K)4 networks, includes technology that makes it possible to indirectly request WEFAX documents from the Internet. The ability to proactively request WEFAX documents over the Sailmail and Winlink e-mail networks solves the above mentioned problems: it permits skippers to request the most recent WEFAX documents when they need them; and because the Sailmail and Winlink networks are digital, it guarantees that the received WEFAX documents will be clean, distortion-free replicas of the originals.

Receiving Weather When You Want It There are three ways to request and receive weather documents thru the Sailmail or Winlink networks. These are: 1. Catalog Sheets (Available to WL2K Users) Using Airmail with the WL2K network, skippers can easily access several hundred weather-related documents through the built-in catalog sheets. Weather documents are requested by placing a check mark in the square associated with the desired weather document. When Airmail next connects to the WL2K network, it will request the checked documents from the WL2K server. Requested documents stored on the server will be sent during the connect session. The server will “fetch” from the Internet documents not stored on the server and send them to the requesting station during the next session. Figure 1 shows a partial listing of weather–related and other documents available through Airmail’s catalog sheets Figure-1 Airmail Catalog Sheet

2. National Weather Service (NWS) FAX-Back Skippers with Pactor-III capable radio modems can use the NWS FAX-back service to retrieve weather documents. The FAX-back system works by sending a command script to the NWS at ftpmail@weather.noaa.gov. The NWS FTP server executes the script, fetches the requested documents, and sends them to your eTable 1 mail address. Table 1 NWS FAX-back Script shows an example of a script instructing To: ftpmail@weather.noaa.gov the NWS WEFAX From: yourcall@winlink.org FTP server to fetch Subject: Anything or leave blank five different docuopen ments and send them cd fax to yourcall@winget rfaxmex.txt link.org. The To: line get rfaxatl.txt contains the address get rfaxpac.txt of the NWS FTP FAXget PPAE11.TIF Back server, and the get PYEB86.TIF From: line contains the return address where the requested documents will be sent. The Subject: line can contain anything you like, or can be left blank, and the body of the message contains the executable script.

If the above scripting looks a bit stilted and non-user friendly to you, you’re right, it is. The script in Table-1 is actually a short computer program that follows a defined protocol with specific command and format guidelines.

The key to making the NWS Fax-back system work is to have an accurate listing of the file names for the NWS products. The NWS produces an extensive list of weather products, with more than 130 documents covering the Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean regions. To request a copy of the latest product listings, follow the format shown in Table-1 and send an e-mail to ftpmail@weather.noaa.gov.

After the cd fax line, type the weather products listing you need; get rfaxatl.txt for the Atlantic area, and get rfaxmex.txt for WEFAX products covering the Gulf. These WEFAX listings are also available on the Internet from http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/fax.

3. Saildocs Saildocs is an Internet-based service similar in nature to the NWS FAX-back service, but much easier to use. You can retrieve the same NWS WEFAX forecasts, maps, and satellite pictures that you get through the NWS FAX-back serv-

Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

December 2004

31

WEATHER ARTICLE ice without the cumbersome scripting. Requesting WEFAX documents through saildocs.com is both faster and easier than using the NWS FAX-Back service.

A request to Table 2 Saildocs for the same Saildocs Request documents requested in the NWS To: query@saildocs.com example is shown in From: yourcall@winlink.org Table 2. The request Subject: Anything or leave blank format is simple and send ppae11.tif send pyeb86.tif easy to understand send pyfa96.tif the command send followed by a space and then the document file name. The retrieved documents are the identical NWS documents returned by the NWS FAX-Back system.

The best way to get started with Saildocs is to e-mail a request and put send help and/or send info in the text portion of the message

GRIB Files Both the Sailmail and WL2K networks handle Girded Binary (GRIB) wind prediction files. GRIB forecasts are based upon the NOAA GFS/AVN global computer model, not actual reported conditions. The GRIB wind prediction data predicts general wind flow, and is a useful tool when used in conjunction with other weather forecasting and analysis tools, but it should not be used as a stand-alone predictor. It’s important to bear in mind that these GRIB data are not reviewed by meteorologists, and they do not allow for frontal, tropical, near-shore, geographical, or other local effects.

GRIB files are requested through the Catalog Tree screen in Airmail. Skippers using Airmail for Sailmail will find the Catalog Tree on the Message Index Screen by clicking on WINDOW, CATALOGS.

downloaded in about three minutes, four times faster than with Pactor-II. WL2K users can use either Pactor-II or Pactor-III, since they may remain connected up to thirty minutes per session per server station. If you need more information about the Pactor-III speed upgrade, send an email to pactor3@docksideradio.com.

Footnotes 1

WEFAX broadcast station listings and schedules are available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The publication Worldwide Marine Radiofacsimile Broadcast Schedules can be downloaded at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/rfax.pdf.

2 Airmail is a client program that runs on the shipboard computer and communicates with Sailmail and/or WL2K network server stations.

3 Sailmail is a network of private coast radio stations that transfer e-mail messages between cruising boats and the Internet.

4 Winlink2000 is a network of amateur radio stations that transfer e-mail messages between amateur radio stations and the Internet.

About the Author: Gary Jensen owns and operates DockSide Radio (www.docksideradio.com) and specializes in Sailmail & Winlink e-mail systems. Gary and his wife Peggy lived aboard their Hans Christian 38T for three years, cruising the West Coast of the U.S, Mexico, and the Sea of Cortez. They now live in Punta Gorda, FL, and Gary can be reached at (941) 661-4498 or by email at pactor3@docksideradio.com.

A word about file size Limitations.

Sailmail network users must be running Pactor-III if they are to keep within the ten-minute on-air connection time limitation when receiving GRIB and other weather files.

Weather files are relatively large, averaging about 35KB in size, and Pactor-II isn’t fast enough to transfer some of the larger files and stay within the ten-minute connect time limitation. Running in Pactor-III mode, a file that would take around 12 minutes to download running Pactor-II can be

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December 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

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

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

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COMMUNICATIONS

FL KEYS BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS With Pro Guide Capt. “BR” Exploring, Sportfishing, Birding (305) 304-2258 www.keywest-sportfish.com

MARINE DIESEL SERVICE INLAND MARINE DIESEL....................Atlanta Service/Parts for all makes of diesel auxiliary New Engine Sales–Universal, Beta, Yanmar, and Westerbeke.......................(404) 513-4414

MARINE SURVEYORS

SAILMAKING, REPAIRING & CLEANING

John Kelly Serving the Carolinas Masthead Used Sails………..(800) 783-6953 NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor. 100-ton www.mastheadsailinggear.com ocean master & offshore catamaran owner www.yachtsurveyor.com.........(910) 392-5054 Largest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361

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SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING Carolinas & Georgia Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors

NORTH CAROLINA

SE Coast December Weather Lake Lanier

WATER TEMPERATURE Cape Hatteras, NC - 55° Savannah, GA - 54° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Cape Hatteras, NC 44° lo - 57° hi Savannah, GA 60° lo - 63° hi For Real Time Southeast Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Southeast.shtml

GEORGIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Wilmington

Charleston

Beaufort

1

Savannah SOUTHEAST COAST

December Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

Upcoming Events

Race Report

Holiday Boat Parade. Beaufort, SC. Holiday Boat Parade along the Beaufort River. events@downtownbeaufort.com, (843) 525-6644 or www.downtownbeaufort.com.

4 - 24th Annual Charleston Parade of Boats.

Begins along Mt. Pleasant at 5 p.m. Viewing from the peninsula at 6:30. Fireworks. (843) 724-7305

34th Calibogue Cup 2004, Yacht Club of Hilton Head, Hilton Head, SC, Oct. 16-17

4

By Walt McFarlane

December Racing

Joint fall/winter series #4. AISC, BFSC, LLSC & UYC Bill Sears Makeup Race. SSC. www.strictlysailing.com/ssc 11 Joint fall/winter series #5. AISC, BFSC, LLSC & UYC 4 5

Dead on Arrival (#433) and Puffin (#472) fighting it out in the J/105 class. Photo by Susanne Walsh of the Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island

T

he 34th Anniversary of the oldest continuing sailboat race held at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina’s Calibogue Sound, was held October 16-17 and was hosted by the Yacht Club of Hilton Head.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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December 2004

35

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING There were four classes; Class A (Spinnaker), Class B (Non-Spinnaker), Class C (Cruising), and J/105.

The first day found the winds blowing between 14 and 15 knots, and seas running between 2 to 3 feet, with the air temperature in the 70s. All in all, it was not a bad day for racing.

In Class A (Spinnaker), Sally O’Rourke of Hilton Head Island, SC, and her borrowed craft Vehavala were having some growing pains, but she and her new crew managed a third-place finish in the first race. During the second race, she filed and won a protest that gave her and the crew a first-place finish. It was the third and final race of the day that would clinch the results for the day’s leader. Sally and her crew were in last place. The lead boats were fighting it out when all of a sudden she saw them take a wrong turn.

“All the other boats followed them,” Sally explained. “One minute we were in dead last place, the next in first.” The other skippers did not notice their mistake until it was too late to recover and catch up. Sally and her crew won the race, thereby becoming the leaders. Second place went to Sea Plane skippered by Randy Tilly. Dickinson/Moore sailing Dr. Feelgood finished third.

The Class B (Non-Spinnaker) leader for the day was Hilton Head Island’s own Bob Walrath sailing the Sarah K Too. He was able to edge out Trigamist, skippered by Paul Capron, who finished second and Chris Weaver sailing Rapacious, who came in third.

Retired Vice Admiral (USCG) John Shkor, also from Hilton Head Island, was at the helm of his Island Packet Loligo. He and his crew won the day in the Class C (Cruising) category. Skipper Hans Lobel of Opaztoy came in a close second.

Lew Gunn, from Daufuskie Island, SC, and his crew of Dead on Arrival, outsailed their competition at each turn to finish first in every race of the J/105 class. Coming in second was Fred Stone sailing Puffin, and Cal Huge sailing Jubilee 2 came in third.

The day ended with few problems. The only negatives were one boat breaking a spinnaker and another craft having one of its crewmembers go overboard. The crewmember was recovered in short order and all turned out well.

On the second day of racing there was little to no wind.

After a wait of over two hours, the race committee called off the day’s events, thereby making the first day’s leaders the winners of the regatta.

The Calibogue Cup Island Packet Trophy also went to skipper Lew Gunn of Dead on Arrival.

Lew Gunn started sailing in 1965 at the age of 45, and as you can see, even now at his age (you can do the math) he is still quite a competitor. While sitting with my wife Jan and me after the award ceremony, he told me his formula for winning a sailboat race. With a grin on his face and a spark in his eye, he said, “It’s simple; get out in front and stay there.”

The event was sponsored by SunTrust Bank.

Results Class A (Spinnaker): Vehavala, crewed by Sally O’Rourke (skipper), Debbie Baldridge, Edie Sullivan, Thayer Jennings, and Amy Ironmonger; Class B (Non-Spinnaker): Sarah K Too, crewed by Bob Walrath (skipper), Ken Kerr, Terry Keane, Gary Gleason, and Gay Wulfe; Class C (Cruising): Loligo, crewed by John Shkor (skipper), Dave Sloan, Dan Robbins, Bill Laurenson, and Matt Shkor; J-105: Dead on Arrival, crewed by Lew Gunn (skipper), Peter Gamble, J.T. Hughes, Latimer Tohekareu, and Jonathan Page.

Carolina Ocean Challenge, J/105 Southeast Championship, South Carolina Yacht Club, Hilton Head Island, SC, Oct. 23-24

By Walt McFarlane

T

he thirteenth annual South Carolina Yacht Club Carolina Ocean Challenge Regatta was held at Hilton Head Island, SC, on October 23-24. This year’s event was also designated as the J/105 Class Association’s Fall Southeastern Championship.

The day was almost cloudless, and the wind was around 12 knots with the seas less than a foot. It was cool with the temperature somewhere in the low to mid 70s.

Class A (Spinnaker) and Class B (Non-Spinnaker) each took their places at the line and with just as much exhilaration, started their respective races.

It was an exciting day, even though the wind started to become flatter with each race. At the end of the day, Randy Tilly and his crew of Sea Plane had a commanding lead in the Class A (Spinnaker) category. In the Class B (NonSpinnaker) category, the crew of Attack, sailed by Mark Frey and John Rumsey, also enjoyed a closer but comfortable lead over their contenders. It was the J/105s that made the day’s finish very exciting. The weather report for the second day was calling for calm winds, not good when you have not two, but three boats tied for first place. The J/105 Fall

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December 2004

SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING

The crew of Rum at Six (Worth Harris - Skipper) from Wrightsville Beach, NC, finished 2nd in the J105 catagory. Photo by Walt McFarlane

Southeast Championship was up for grabs. The race committee went to bed that night hoping they could have at least one race instead of having to revert to the rulebook to determine a winner. The boats tied were Dead on Arrival, Rum at Six, and Puffin.

That evening the club put on a low country oyster roast, which was held on the veranda, as well as a wonderful dinner followed by a blueberry bread pudding desert. What can one say except it was excellent!

Local News For Southern Sailors

On arriving at the club the next morning, I could see why the race committee had worried. The sky was overcast, the seas were smooth as glass, and zero wind. Not a leaf was moving, not a ripple on the water. Dead calm.

No matter, the boats went out, and luck came to them.

A light wind came up over the Calibogue Sound. The final race was on. The skippers and crews worked the light wind, squeezing every bit of power possible from the breeze and in the end, the reward was victory.

Among the J/105s, it was a hard-fought fight, but Skipper Joe Highsmith and crew brought Dead on Arrival across the finish line first to break the three-way tie and to win the J/105 Fall Southeast Championship. Second place went to Rum at Six, with Worth Harris as skipper, while third went to Puffin, skippered by Fred Stone.

In the Class A (Spinnaker) category, Sea Plane, skippered by Randy Tilly, maintained her lead, winning all four races of the regatta. Skipper Bill Moore, sailing Dr. Feelgood, finished second, while skipper Michael Sullivan brought in Chutebusters to place third.

Skipper Mark Frey and crewman John Rumsey sailed Attack to victory, thereby winning the Class B (NonSpinnaker) category. Second place went to Sarah K Too, Bob Walrath (skipper), while Sundance, skippered by Susan McCann placed third.

The regatta was sponsored by Mount Gay Rum Barbados and Quantum Sail Design Group.

For all of the results, and more information about the 2004 Carolina Ocean Challenge, or about the South Carolina Yacht Club, please go to their Web site at: www.scyachtclub.com.

SOUTHWINDS

December 2004

37

EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

Jacksonville

Daytona

Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors

Eastern Florida December Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Daytona Beach - 65° Jacksonville Beach - 60° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 2.3 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Daytona Beach 50° lo - 71° hi Jacksonville Beach 49° lo - 65° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

Sailing in December: Cruisers Return Amid Holiday Preparations

By Roy Laughlin

T

hey come like a summer breeze, leaving hardly a mark on the water’s surface. You might miss them if you don’t watch for them. They are conspicuous only by their absence. They are “the cruisers,” Florida’s seasonal boating visitors. Not all come on sailboats, but sailors are the most numerous. They often arrive in October if hurricanes have menaced the middle Atlantic coast, driving them to safer

1

Melbourne

November Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

harbor south of the storm’s path. This year, points north provided refuge while Florida’s east coast was battered. As I write this in mid-November, the cruisers are arriving en masse, temporarily ending the solitude of sunrise walks along the Indian River. There is always a sailboat or two, heading south silhouetted against the day’s first light.

Many will stay for a few weeks, perhaps until Christmas, in the Indian River area before heading to the Keys or even farther out. It is easy to imagine the adventure that lies ahead for these vagabonds, many sailing with all they own on the boat. This life may not be for everyone, but as a vision of temporary refuge in motion, it has more than a passing appeal, a contagious dream of carefree freedom. It’s good to see them back again this year.

Department stores started playing Christmas music during the first week of November. I thought we were supposed to buy a turkey before that music started playing. Did I miss Thanksgiving? One way or the other, though, it will be Christmas shortly after this issue of SOUTHWINDS hits the street. That means it is time again for Christmas boat parades. In the Indian River area, the Fort Pierce Yacht Club had one of the most impressive, including both power and sailboats. Let’s hope that this club will have the initiative and good spirits to do it again this year. They need the diversion. In Brevard County, Cocoa Beach has always had a good parade. Recently, a boat parade has been held, starting in Cocoa and passing along the riverfront there and in Rockledge. Watching boats and the reflection of lights on the water are sufficient attractions of the parade for anyone.

Additionally, the boat parades seem to attract sailing friends to one spot. It may be the only time all year everyone who sails is in the same spot at the same time, a comradery entirely in keeping with the spirit of the season. If you have not been to a boat parade before, make plans to watch one this holiday season. Happy Holidays.

Racing 3–5 4–5 5 12

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SOUTHWINDS

Cruise to Fort Pierce. Corinthian Yacht Club, Stuart. www.stucoryc.com.

Gator Bowl Regatta. Rudder Club, Jacksonville. www.rudderclub.com Fall Women’s Race #2. East Coast Sailing Association. www.ecsasail.com/racing.php Winter Rum Race. 2 p.m. Melbourne Yacht Club.

Melbourne www.southwindssailing.com

EASTERN FLORIDA COAST Women’s Racing #2. East Coast Racing Association. Melbourne 17 – 19 Holiday Boat Parade Cruise. Eau Gallie Yacht Club. Information: Captain Franck Kaiser fkaiser@hbac-brevard.org.

19 Race of Champions. Indian River Yacht Club.

Cocoa.

19 Melbourne Yacht Club Dinghy Races.

Melbourne.

31-Jan 2 New Year’s Cruise. East Coast Sailing Association. www.ecsasail.com/cruise.php.

12

Alter Cup Area D Regatta

By Roy Laughlin

I

n the sailing world, only a few other names are as inextricably linked to the sport as Hobie Alter’s is to beach catamaran sailing. The inventor of the Hobie 14 and 16 and founder of the Hobie Cat Company seduced an entire generation to sail with the thrills of fast sailing on small catamarans. The Alter Cup, named after this prolific inventor, aims to enhance racing on beach cats through an annual regatta program whose winners will form the nucleus of the annual Alter Cup Regatta. Area D consists of Florida and other Southeastern states, the United States’ most active beach cat sailing area. Area D’s qualifying regatta is notable because it is typically the largest elimination regatta feeding the national Alter Cup Regatta, and has more than its proportional representation of celebrity and high profile sailors.

On November 5-6, Performance Sail in Melbourne hosted the Area Ds. The Area D regatta is an open class regatta, with participants “racing what they brung.” Predictably, teams on the Inter 20 dominated the entrants, but the boat list of about 25 teams included at least two Hobie 18s and three Hobie 16s.

It is a good representation of beach cat sailing, past and present.

If there were ever a model for the perfect regatta weather, it was the weekend of this regatta. Northeast winds about 15 knots with warm temperatures and clear weather gifted the racers with ideal conditions for the weather. John E. Williams arrived from Pensacola to lead a race committee of local and Pensacola cohorts in conducting a flawlessly run regatta. The race committee held four races on Saturday and two on Sunday.

It was easy to tell who finished first across the line, but with the diversity of craft in the regatta, more difficult to know who won on corrected time. For first to finish, it was a contest between skippers John Casey, Dave Ingram, Brian Karr, Harry Newkirk and Kirk Newkirk (on Inter20s) and Alex Shafer on a NACRA Formula 18 sloop. These Area D sailing rock stars have won enough trophies among them to open the world’s largest pawnshop for such items. Behind them in the finishes, but just behind them, were consistently Jennifer Lindsay/Kelly Gray on a Taipan 16HT and Woody Cope/Tina Pastoor on a Hobie 18 Tiger. In the final tally, it was Jennifer Lindsay/Kelly Gray in first place, followed by John Casey and Ken Pierce, Alex and Patsy Shafer, Brian Karr and John Cruden and Woody Cope and Tina Pastoor in second through fifth place, respectively. Jennifer and Kelly are guaranteed an invitation to sail a Hobie 18 Tiger at the 2005 Alter Cup Regatta in Alamitos Bay Yacht

Local News For Southern Sailors

Boats meet in the Alter Cup. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

Club in April 2005.

Florida’s beach cat scene is the most diverse and prolific of any in the United States. Even so, it is only occasionally that so much talent is present at one event. It was an awesome weekend that gave a worthwhile sailing break from seemingly endless hurricane recovery efforts. We all needed that!

For more information on the Alter Cup, see www.ussailing.org/alter/. For more photos of the Area D regatta, please see www.floridamultihullsailor.org.

SOUTHWINDS

December 2004

39

EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

Lake Eustis’ Wildcat Regatta

By Roy Laughlin

L

ake regattas in Florida are far and few in between, so it is safe to say that Lake Eustis’ Wildcat Regatta is a premier lake regatta for beach cat sailors. This event, originally scheduled for the last weekend of September, was rescheduled for the last weekend in October. It was worth the wait.

The regatta, in its sixth year, has enjoyed a consistent increase in participation. This year, September’s storms halved participation, but there were still more than 25 teams, sailing in five classes: Hobie Waves, Hobie 16, Portsmouth Spinnaker, Open Low Portsmouth, and Open High Portsmouth. While no class was larger than seven boats, it was a lively day on Lake Eustis as both the race committee and the weather conspired to give a perfect day of sailing.

Mike and sister Carol Burly dominated the Hobie 16 class with four bullets for the day. Chuck Pickering and Dave Harding took a convincing second place. A tiebreaker gave Steve Caron and Glenda Libby a third-place standing in this class.

Older sailors dominated the Hobie Wave class, with perhaps a century of sailing experience and skills shared among them. Watching these men and women was the opportunity to observe the value of wisdom over force in exploiting the uncontrollable. Nelson Wright finished first in the racing standings and first for the most on-water repairs, as well, due to a balky rudder. Rick White was a close second, and Stan Woodruff finished third.

The Open High Portsmouth class consisted entirely of Hobie 14s in a couple of configurations, with all the sailors coming from the St. Petersburg area. Competition among these sailors was as intense as it was competent. Bob Johnson finished first, with Bill Brooks second and Cheryl Johnson third. No clear winner emerged until the final race.

It was again a class to observe for examples of extreme finesse.

The Open Low Portsmouth class was the smallest with only three entries. Rob Rabideau put in his usual dominating performance to win three bullets, as well as at least two finishes, riding the wire on one hull of his Prindle 15. Jerry Wolfe and son Sean finished second on a vintage Prindle 18, while Thomas D’Arcy and Cindy Muhlbauer finished a leisurely third.

The Spinnaker Portsmouth class, consisting of sailing

Sailing in the Wildcat Regatta on Lake Eustis. Photo by Roy Laughlin. rock stars, real men and women, and their high tech craft, was the Wildcat’s remaining class. The competition was swift and intense in this class. In the final tally, Jennifer Lindsay and Kelly Gray on a Taipan 16HP finished first, followed by Alex and Patsy Shafer on a Nacra F18 sloop in second place. Frank Rodricks finished third on a highly modified NACRA 5.2.

Event organizers planned for Sunday races, but Mother Nature was out of air after Saturday’s consistent 10-15 knot breezes. No races were held on Sunday.

In its sixth year, the Wildcat Regatta did not completely recover from the influence of our stormy September. Despite postponement and a decline in registration, the race was still a wonderful opportunity for lake sailing in a beautiful enclave of old Florida. It is not too much to expect a much more expansive Wildcat in 2005.

For additional photos, please see www.floridamultihullsailor.com. The Lake Eustis Sailing Club will host three monohull or open regattas in February, for those who enjoy lake sailing. They are the National Wayfarer Regatta, Flying Scot Regatta and the 35th Annual George Washington Birthday Regatta. Additional class regattas are scheduled for March. Please see www.lakeeustissailingclub.org for additional information of the club’s regatta schedule.

Florida’s Central East Coast Holds Five Regattas to Catch Up after Two Hurricanes

By Sherry Beckett

After the month of September was a total blowout, sailingwise, because of three hurricanes in six weeks, the sailors in Florida’s central east coast have been busy making up for lost time, holding five regattas in four weeks.

MYC Fall Regatta – Big Boats

T

he finale of MYC’s Fall Regatta Race Week was the “Big Boats” weekend: PHRF and One-Design racing in boats over 20 feet.

On the north course, twelve Melges 24s battled it out for supremacy. One boat came from Chicago to race in this com-

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December 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

petitive crowd. After 7 races, only two points separated first and third place—John Jennings on Barracuda in first, with Ryan Hamm on When Pigs Fly in second and Jack Jennings on Pied Piper in third.

The Spinnaker A fleet was dominated by Gary Smith and sons on Five Speed, a Lindenberg 28. However, the new kid on the block, another L28 named Rookey, was looking very strong at times and will be continuing to challenge Smith in upcoming races.

Sherry Beckett on Fast Lane took third in the Lindenberg sweep of the A fleet.

The Catalina 22, Lil Flash, skippered by Joe Fema and crewed by Tommy Bremen, and featuring brandnew Bremen sails, blew away the Spinnaker B fleet, easily taking first in five races. Battling it out for second and third were Gregg Kowalski on Slot Machine and Larry Etheridge on Purrfect, an S2 7.9.

Paul Strauley makes an awesome roll tack. Photo by Sherry Beckett Due to high winds, and several boats switching fleets at the last The very light winds on the second day tended to favor the minute, the Non-Spinnaker fleet had some very stiff comlight wind sailors. petition, but in the end Paul Alexy on Pop’s Toy, an S2 7.9, A surprising turnout of six Raiders showed up for the easily won first place, with Hasty Miller on Skimmer, a regatta. There was a very close race for first and second Nightwind 35, and Jerry Ross on Sleighride, a J/30, taking between John Drawe, the “father” of the Raider design, and second and third, respectively.

John MacNeill, a local sailor who has literally sailed everyThe Sailor of the Week, an award given by Regatta thing under 20 feet, but who prefers the Raider these days.

Chairman Dave Noble to the “best” (subjective) sailor of These two sailors were in dead heats nearly the whole the week—went to Jacki Herbert, who competed in Lasers regatta, and first place was not decided until the last race. the first weekend and on a J/30 the second weekend, and John Drawe triumphed in the end, with MacNeill a close donated much time during the regatta to help organize and second, and young Ashley Saylor comfortably in third support the regatta. place.

Due to a conflict with a South Florida regatta, turnout in the Flying Scot fleet was very light. The one Scot that showed up sailed in the four-boat Portsmouth fleet. That fleet was dominated by Michael Barile and Richard Oliver in Barile’s 40-year-old O’Day daysailer. They won all but one race. Wallie Everest and son in a Laser II took second, and the Flying Scot with Bill Watts and wife took third. n October 16-17, Melbourne Yacht Club hosted its The multi turnout was light but very competitive. annual Small Boats Fall Regatta. Classes that showed Frank Rodricks in a Nacra 5.2 battled it out with Mark up in numbers were Sunfish, Lasers, and Raiders, with a Herendeen in an International 20. Though the NI20 was the handful of Portsmouth monohulls and multihulls. The faster boat, once corrections were applied, Rodricks took regatta was a little more low-key than past MYC regattas— every race. with everyone including the participants and organizers suffering from “hurricane stress.” However, the great weather, the friendly MYC atmosphere, and plenty of beer de-stressed everyone by the end of the weekend.

The biggest surprise of the weekend was in the Laser class. A new young sailor in the area, Will Watts, “whupped up on” the old class sailors and handily beat them with five firsts in seven races. Will is a St. Pete sailor attending Florida Tech in Melbourne for the next few years. So the bar has been raised in the Laser class on the east coast! Coming in second and third were David Hartman and James Cook, followed closely by Mike Taylor for fourth place. Eleven Florida Laser sailors raced in the event.

No such surprises in the 16-boat Sunfish fleet, with Paul Strauley, Danny Escobar, and Mindy Strauley taking first, second, and third in the event, with the top 10 filled out with other names familiar to the Florida Sunfish sailors.

Melbourne Yacht Club Fall Regatta – Small Boats

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Local News For Southern Sailors

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Five Speed leads the Spinnaker A fleet to the leeward mark.

Photo by Sherry Beckett.

Mid-Week Activities at Mebourne Yacht Club

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he highlight of MYC’s Fall Regatta Race week, for some, is the mid-week activities held at the club. Past regattas have featured speakers such as Gary Jobson, but in keeping with the post-hurricane de-stress approach, no such internationally famous names contributed. However, our own James Liebl volunteered to give a “Sunfish Racing 101” seminar. About 30 racers attended the free seminar. James set up a Sunfish in the grass and demonstrated tacking, gibing, reaching, and trimming techniques to Sunfish “wanna-bes.”

This seminar was followed up the next night by a Sunfish race for non-racers. The boats were donated by the members of Sunfish Fleet 669, and were race-ready Sunfish (rather than the old clunkers that newbies normally get to sail). The small fleet of 12 new Sunfish racers competed in only one race before an approaching thunderstorm shut down the races. However, at least two of the people attending the class have since bought new Sunfish and are learning to race.

On Thursday night, MYC held the traditional “Adult Pram Races” inside the harbor. Though a few new condos have been built on the harbor (severely restricting proper wind flow), the wind was blowing pretty good, and the races were very competitive. Four heats were sailed, and then a final. The spectator crowd cheered as Stephen Yates, 15, beat his dad, local sailor Jim Yates, across the finish line to take first place. Yates senior finished second and Hasty Miller (a past King of the Prams) took third.

Friday saw 20 boats out for the traditional Rebel Rally Rum Race, a reverse handicap race on a six-mile course that normally ends in the dark. L’il Flash, a Catalina 22 sailed by

Joe Fema (and crewed by Tommy Bremen) took first, followed by Gregg Kowalski in the SR Max 21 Slot Machine, and Gary Smith in a Lindenberg 28, Five Speed.

MYC Mermaid Regatta

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he Mermaid Regatta, traditionally a two-day affair in late September, was rescheduled as a one-day regatta on November 7. This is a women-only regatta. Only one male observer can be aboard (optional), and he is only allowed to give advice and fetch beer.

The women were delighted with a perfect sailing day; 10-12 knots from the NE and a clear blue sky. Higher winds had been forecast, so every boat was loaded with competitive women.

In the Spinnaker fleet, Sherry Beckett on Fast Lane, a Lindenberg 28, battled it out with Mary Anne Ward on Airborne, a Melges 24. Beckett narrowly won after three races, with Patti Massey on Sneaker, a Tartan 10, taking third.

The Non-Spinnaker fleet was dominated by Tonya Meister on Five Speed, a Lindenberg 28. Sleighride, a J/30 with Rachele Ross at the helm, took second, and Sea Turtle, a Beneteau 38 skippered by Dolores Miller, took third.

In the Sunfish fleet, Nancy Fox narrowly beat Cindy Taylor for first. The two traded first and second place all day. Third place was clinched by Alice Ahrens.

Detailed results for all the east coast sailing events can be found online at www.sail-race.com.

ECSA River Challenge Regatta

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n Nov. 6, East Coast Sailing Association hosted the annual inter-club challenge regatta to compete for the Cirripedia Cup. Three east coast clubs were represented: Melbourne Yacht Club, Indian River Yacht Club, and East Coast Sailing Association. However, only IRYC and MYC could field enough boats to compete.

November 6 was another BEAUTIFUL sailing day on the east coast, and 16 boats turned out to support their respective clubs, including five Melges 24s, three Lindenberg 28s and 2 S2 7.9s.

After two races, the total corrected time was summed up for each boat, and ranked by club. Melbourne Yacht Club took the Cirripedia Cup back from Indian River Yacht Club by about seven minutes.

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A tight Melges fleet rounds the leeward mark. Photo by Sherry Beckett www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors Southeastern Florida December Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Miami - 73° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 2.4 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Miami Beach 65° lo - 75° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

West Palm Beach

December Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

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Fort Lauderdale Miami

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Upcoming Events 2nd Annual Fedex Orange Bowl Trek for the Coast Adventure Run and Dive, Hollywood Beach, Jan. 3. Ocean Watch Fundraiser.

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anuary 3, 2005. The FedEx Orange Bowl Committee and Clean Beaches Council is having their Trek for the Coast in Hollywood Beach. It also involves a dive component with some local dive boat operators. This is Ocean Watch’s first fundraiser in a long time and hope that all can get involved and help out. For more information, go to www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1175476 or go to www.oceanwatch.org.

Rubbing Elbows with the SuperRich at the 45th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: There is something for all sailors to see

By Jody L. Alu

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

DECEMBER 2 Fort Lauderdale. Wirth Monroe Palm Beach Race. SCF/CCA (Cruising). The race is open to all cruising boats.

4–5 Miami. Piana Cup. BBYC. First Regatta of the Jaguar Cup Series for the Etchell Class.

4–5 Miami. Commodore’s Cup Star. The 24th annual Star Class Championship to be held in Biscayne Bay. Dates are tentative.

11 BBYRA One Design #11. KBYC. One-design class racing open to all registered fleets. Start - 11:30 a.m.

12 Miami. BBYRA PHRF#11. KBYC. PHRF/Cruising fleet racing open to registered boats. Start time 11:30 a.m.

18 Miami. BBYRA Makeup Date for Second Series.

PHRF/Cruising class makeup race. Start time 11:30 a.m.

27 – 30 Miami. Orange Bowl Regatta. CRYC & CGSC. The 25th event. CGSC hosts the Lightning, Adult Lasers and Radials. CRYC hosts the annual youth regatta (IODA) and International Youth Regatta (Laser, Laser Radial, Club 420 and 29ers.)

Local News For Southern Sailors

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Whisper, the 116-foot yacht available for charter at $65,000 a week. Photo by Jody Alu.

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here is only one place to go when you want to see the most spectacular boats afloat. This year was no exception. The 45th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is unsurpassed in the quantity and quality of vessels to peruse. For those familiar with the Fort Lauderdale show, you know that it is truly an exercise in eccentricity, with the largest grouping of multimillion dollar superyachts in the world on display.

For years the Show has been home to exhibiters of mainly power vessels. However, a new luxury catamaran area at Las Olas Marina was included this year for the first time. Both sailing cats and power cats were on display, and they drew just as large crowds as the rest of the event. From lengths of 40 feet to 86 feet, these cats proved the multihull’s popularity is increasing significantly, whether you’re looking to be draped in the lap of luxury or searching for a longdistance cruiser.

Three super sailing yachts were also on display. They included the debut of the 156-foot MitSeaAh motorsailing yacht by Pendennis Shipyards, notable for its ability to conSOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST vert from a conventional yacht capable of speeds up to 25 knots to a sailing vessel with revolutionary swing-down keel, retractable rudders, and a unique carbon mast with an extendable 30-foot topmast section; Perini Navi’s 172-foot Liberty, with a 600 sq. ft. cockpit sunken into the main deck, surrounded by retractable glass walls and a huge canvas tent awning; and the 116-foot Whisper from Churchill Yacht Partners, like the other vessels in this area, a remarkable study in privilege. Just entering her second season, she offers luxury sailing one can only dream of. With accommodations for up to seven as well as crew quarters for five, Whisper serves strictly as a charter yacht, spending her summers in Rhode Island and winters in the Caribbean. Available for a mere $65,000 a week — no, that is not a misprint — you, too can experience “a sailing vacation so remarkable it remained unattainable until now,” as noted in her brochure.

five deep in each class. Valuable prizes were raffled in addition to the 1.75-liter of Gosling rum that went to all the firstplace finishers. The regatta may not have been the stellar event the organizers had hoped for, but those that did attend, and there were plenty, will always cherish the fond memory of participating in the Columbus Day regatta.

Results: PHRF1: Moving Party IV; PHRF2: Willowind; PHRF3: Mild to Wild; J24: Gotta Go; Multihull M1: Priorities; Multihull M2: Catnip; ARC A1: Wind Pirate; ARC A2: Karen; ARC A3: Les Cheneaux; ARC A4:Shellback; Family Cruiser F1: Wavedancer; Gunkhole G1: Jennie Rose; Gunkhole G2: Gone With the Wind; Gunkhole G3: Isle of View; Gunkhole G4: Zwerver II.

BBYRA Series 1 Awards, Miami, Oct. 30

By Art Perez

Race Report Columbus Day Regatta 2004, Miami, FL, Nov.7

By Art Perez

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he organizers of the 50th edition of the Columbus Day Regatta promised to bring back the luster of yesteryear.

The entire staff worked strenuously day in and day out, sweating every detail, to ensure the success of its 50th anniversary. Unfortunately, the registration’s downward trend continues with less than 150 participants signing on for this year’s event. Could the Columbus Day Regatta be running its course? Many questions abound with respect to the continued indifference by the local sailing community with respect to this event. More important, how can the organizers turn this trend around before the regatta becomes a victim of mediocrity? These are tough questions the organizers will have to find answers to.

To make matters worse, the arrival of two hurricanes on South Florida shores within weeks of the regatta didn’t help either. Likely participants were left scrambling to put their boats back in sailing order, forcing the organizers to postpone the registration deadline.

Notwithstanding, those who did show up for the Saturday morning start were not disappointed. A total of 138 boats in 15 different classes enjoyed a lovely jog down the bay courtesy of a steady 10-15 knot easterly breeze. The course for the PHRF, ARC and multihulls consisted of government and inflatable marks that took the competitors zigzagging across the bay, while the Family and Gunkhole fleets had an easy sail straight down to the finish off Elliot Key. The first boat to reach the finish was Mike Rush’s 76-foot multihull named Patriot, while leading the monohulls to the finish line was Tom Seghi’s Group Therapy of the PHRF 1 fleet.

Sunday’s race was a carbon copy of the day before with most of the competitors showing up for the start after the all-night party. With the sound of the gun, the fleets were off, one by one until the last boat crossed the start line.

Within three hours, the first boat to arrive was Patriot in the multihull class with a repeat performance of Saturday’s race. The steady breeze enabled almost everyone to finish the race by early afternoon leaving sufficient time to clean up and head back home for a well-deserved rest.

The award party was held the following Saturday at the Coral Reef Yacht Club where trophies were awarded

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The BBYRA Series 1 Awards. Photo by Art Perez.

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he BBYRA Series 1 award ceremony took place at CGSC Saturday afternoon. Awards were presented to the top three finishers in each class. The series consisted of seven races with two throw-outs. This year’s series presented some of the most hotly contested regattas with one point separating the winner from second-place finishers.

Results: PHRF1; 1st Pl – Mostly Harmless/Chris Woosley, 2nd Pl – Triptease/Rubin Shellow, 3rd Pl – Sazerac/Gordon Ettie; PHRF2; 1st Pl – Blackbird/Pat Cacace, 2nd Pl – Hot Air/David Berg, 3rd Pl – Tiburon/Art Perez; PHRF3; 1st Pl - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn, 2nd Pl – Touchstone/Jaime Topp, 3rd Pl – Stoked/Steven Stallman; PHRF4; 1st Pl – Three Gimps/Karen Mitchell, 2nd Pl – Hot Streak/ Jack King, 3rd Pl – St Clair/Richard Hall; ARF; 1st Pl – Blew Ba You/Kerry Gruson, 2nd Pl – Minimum Balance/Allen Fishe, 3rd Pl – Freebird/Kenneth Ellis; J24; 1st Pl – I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr, 2nd Pl – Gotta Go/Peter Benziger, 3rd Pl – Pick Up Sticks.

BBYRA #9, Miami, Oct. 30

By Art Perez

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he BBYRA Series 2 finally got under way after a long summer break and race postponements due to Hurricane Charley. All the PHRF racers were ready to get back to the business of racing and competing for the coveted first place finish. With a new earlier start program scheduled for the Series 2, a two-race format was guaranteed, finally giving the competitors the venue they were after.

As the 11:30 a.m. start approached, the winds were peaking at around 10 knots under a beautiful October sky.

Both PHRF 1 and 2 fleets were out in full force, picking www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST up where they had left off at the end of the first series. The increase of boats in PHRF 1 has transformed the fleet into one of the most exciting and competitive groups on the bay with competition between newcomer Mostly Harmless and perennial winner Triptease intensifying with every race. By the end of the day, Harmless came out on top with two first place finishes. Third place finish ended in a tie between Sazerac and Group Therapy in points, having to go to accumulative time to break the impasse. Sazerac won out by 11 seconds!

In PHRF 2, there was no holding back Blackbird with a 1-2 finish. The C&C 99, owned and helmed by Pat Cacace, seems to get faster with every race, while last year’s winner Tiburon continues to have difficulty finding its old form, finishing in third place. Most notable mention goes out to Hot Air’s Dave Berg, the “old man” on the course, who showed the rest of the fleet a thing or two with a second-place finish.

Another senior citizen who doesn’t understand the meaning of growing old is Gonzalo Diaz Sr. in the J/24 fleet with two first place finishes. The J/24s are making a comeback on the bay with eleven boats showing up for the race.

Afterwards, trophies were handed out at CGSC for all the winners along with a spectacular pig roast and plenty of cold beer to go around for everyone. By the look on everyone’s face, there was no doubt that the wait was well worth it.

Results: PHRF1;1st Pl – Mostly Harmless/Chris Woosley, 2nd Pl – Triptease/Rubin Shellow, 3rd Pl – Sazerac/Gordon Ettie; PHRF2; 1st Pl – Blackbird/Pat Cacace, 2nd Pl – Hot Air/David Berg, 3rd Pl – Tiburon/Art Perez; PHRF3; 1st Pl - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn, 2nd Pl – Touchstone/Jaime Topp, 3rd Pl – Stoked/Steven Stallman; PHRF4; 1st Pl – Three Gimps/Karen Mitchell, 2nd Pl – Hot Streak/ Jack King, 3rd Pl – St Clair/Richard Hall; ARF; 1st Pl – Blew Ba You/Kerry Gruson, 2nd Pl – Minimum Balance/Allen Fishe, 3rd Pl – Freebird/Kenneth Ellis; J24; 1st Pl – I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr, 2nd Pl – Gotta Go/Peter Benziger, 3rd Pl – Pick Up Sticks.

Annual Rating Review – US PHRF of Southeast Florida, Miami, FL. Sept 29

By Art Perez

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he annual rating review of US PHRF of southeast Florida held court at CGSC on the night of September 29. Over two dozen boats from southeast Florida were up for review.

Also on the agenda was the introduction of Christopher Woolsey as chief rater for SE PHRF. After the reviewing process, the PHRF ratings for the C & C 99s of Cai Svendson and Pat Cacace were adjusted to reflect their speed potential in accordance to the PHRF guidelines. Also mentioned was the proximate SE PHRF Championship Regatta that will be held November 20-21 and sponsored by Gosling Rum Co.

BBYRA #10, Miami, FL, Nov. 7

By Art Perez

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he Coral Reef Yacht Club has made a name for itself not only for its elegance and charm but also for hosting top caliber regattas. This year’s annual regatta was no exception even with a slight delay in the start time. The race committee work was exceptional and back on shore the club lived up to its reputation of unrivaled hospitality.

The regatta’s two-day format allows for the One Design and PHRF racers to compete for the annual trophies, which are always first class. The annual event always brings out

See SOUTHEAST FLORIDA continued on page 62 Local News For Southern Sailors

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors

Sailing in December

By Kim Kaminski

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ecember is the time of year for unpredictable weather here along the Gulf Coast. It can be a month filled with unseasonably warm temperatures, where sailors can enjoy the Christmas holidays experiencing balmy breezes and plenty of sunshine. Or it can be a month filled with the typically cool winter weather of strong northeasterly winds and rainstorms that filter throughout the various northern Gulf Coast regional locations. Temperatures usually average around 54 degrees in December with the water temperature in the 70s (just warm enough for the invigorating polar bear dip into the Gulf!)

Things are slowly getting back to normal after the upheaval experienced from the 2004 hurricane season along the coastal areas of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Some communities felt the destructive effects more than others (which is evident in the local terrain and various marina facilities.) However, many of these coastal communities have experienced strong hurricane storms in the past and have been able to rebound rather quickly while other locations that have been more adversely affected will have a more gradual return to daily operations.

Never fear, the Christmas boat parades will soon be lin-

LOUSIANA

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MISSISSIPPI

TEXAS

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Gulfport New Orleans Pensacola

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Northern Gulf December Weather WATER TEMPERATURE - 58° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Pensacola, FL 45° lo - 63° hi Gulfport, MS 45° lo - 63° hi For Northern Gulf Weather go to: www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

December Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

ing up along the shorelines across the South as boaters prepare to take on the holidays. Numerous traditional festivities celebrating the season will be held throughout the region as well as some new opportunities. The Fairhope Yacht Club in Fairhope, AL, will play host once again to the GMAC Bowl Regatta that coincides with the college football bowl game held in Mobile on December 4. This kick-off event will have trophies, T-shirts and even bowl game tickets supplied to the winners of this sailing event. Also in New Orleans, LA, where the city’s Superdome comes alive with the excitement of the Sugar Bowl football game playoffs, the Southern Yacht Club will also host the Sugar Bowl Regatta that will take place during the excitement of the playoffs on December 18-19.

Christmas parties, installation ceremonies and organizational meetings will be some of the items on the various yacht club calendars as everyone prepares for the upcoming 2005 Sailing season. The Pensacola Yacht Club will be hosting an important event for the new year. On January 7-8, the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs’ (FCYC) general membership meeting will be held at its clubhouse facility in Pensacola, FL. Members of the various yacht clubs throughout the state of Florida will be converging in Pensacola where preparations for the new year of sailing and other boating interests will be discussed, planned and implemented.

As the plans are being made to wrap up another year of boating activities, the yachtsmen and women in our communities look forward to a new season filled with change.

The northern Gulf Coast region is “survivin’ after Ivan” and looking forward to a bright new year because as we all know here along the Gulf Coast in 2005, the boating communities will come alive and thrive!

Racing Calendar 2004 Because of the hurricanes, please check with the clubs to confirm all races. Venues have changed on many, if not canceled or postponed.

DECEMBER 4 GMAC Bowl Regatta. Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 5 Fall 2. Corinthian Sailing Association. New Orleans, LA 46

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www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Santa Claus Regatta. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL. TBA 12 Fall 3. Corinthian Sailing Association, New Orleans, LA 11-12 Sugar Bowl Boardboats. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 18-19 Sugar Bowl Regatta. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA For additional race schedules check the Gulf Yachting Association Web site at: www.gya.org 11

Race Report Paul Schreck Regatta, Fairhope Yacht Club, AL, October 23-24

New Orleans Yacht Club (sail #104), St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club (sail #64) and the Pensacola Yacht Club (sail #14) have a close mark rounding during the Paul Schreck Regatta on Mobile Bay. Photo by John Matthews.

By Kim Kaminski

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he Paul Schreck Regatta, a Capedevielle Flying Scot event, was scheduled to be held by the Pensacola Yacht Club in Pensacola in September of this year. However, due to the damages caused by Hurricane Ivan, the Pensacola Yacht Club marina facilities will not be available for the event (the marina building did not even exist!). However, thanks to the Fairhope Yacht Club in Fairhope, AL, the sailing community’s participants were able to enjoy a day filled with competition. After adjusting the sailing schedule, the Fairhope Yacht Club was able to offer the participants of the

Local News For Southern Sailors

Paul Schreck Regatta one day with three races to be held on October 23, while their planned event, the Wadewitz Regatta, was shifted to a one-day event on Sunday October 24, also with three races scheduled to be sailed.

Warm temperatures and overcast skies greeted the sailors Saturday morning. The southeasterly breezes of 10 to 12 knots filled the racecourse area. All three races went off without a problem; only the occasionally shifty breeze caused a stir of excitement out on the racecourse. Ten boats made the competition from across the region. The Bay

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Waveland Yacht Club has had a strong year in 2004 with numerous wins at various events throughout the season.

The Paul Schreck Regatta would be another feather in their cap followed closely by the Pontchartrain Yacht Club and the New Orleans Yacht Club, which tied for second place.

Defending champion, the Pensacola Yacht Club, ended up borrowing a boat to compete and finished in fifth place.

Results (place, club, race 1 points, race 2 points, race 3 points, total points): 1, Bay Waveland YC, 3, 2, 1, 6; 2, Pontchartrain YC, 1, 5, 2, 8; 3, New Orleans YC, 2,1,5, 8; 4, Gulfport YC, 6, 3, 4, 13; 5, Pensacola YC, 4, 4, 7, 15; 6, Fairhope YC, 9, 6, 3, 18; 7, Mobile YC, 5, 8, 8, 21; 8, St. Andrews Bay YC, 8, 7, 6, 21; 9, Navy YC, 7, 9, 9, 25; 10, Long Beach YC, DNF, WD, WD, 33.

Fish Class Championship, Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL, Oct. 30-31

By Kim Kaminski

Yachting Association (GYA) member clubs as their official inter-club competition boat. It was replaced in 1968 by the Flying Scot sailboat that is currently in use today. The Fish Class Championship was established as a means of honoring this sailboat racing class and to preserve a bit of its history.

Eight Fish Class boats were donated by their owners to be used during this Championship event. Elisabeth and Roy Sellars organized the event and helped to set up these classic vessels for the races at the Buccaneer Yacht Club.

Active GYA club members were given a special invite to come and participate in the Championship event.

Three races were held over the two-day weekend. Club representatives drew numbers for the boats they were to race for each of the three races in the regatta. Trophies were awarded to each of the winners of the three races.

Results: 1 - Bay Waveland Yacht Club; 2 - Pensacola Yacht Club; 3 - Buccaneer Yacht Club; 4 - Fairhope Yacht Club; 5 - Mobile Yacht Club; 6 - Point Yacht Club; 7 - Navy Yacht Club; 8 - Ocean Springs Yacht Club.

The End of a Sailing Era: Hurricane Ivan’s Destruction

By Kim Kaminski

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The classic design of the Fish Class sailboat (a gaf-rigged boat) was originally designed for inter-club competition racing along the Gulf d Coast and was replace in 1968 by the Flying Scot. Photo by Kim Kaminski.

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he Buccaneer Yacht Club in Mobile, AL, held the Fifth Annual Fish Class Championships on October 30-31. The Fish Class sailboat was first sailed in 1930 to 1968 by the Gulf

ust like the changes that occurred in the early 1900s where horses were replaced by the steam engine, so too have the sailing communities in the city of Pensacola, FL, experienced a change. Although this end of a sailing era was not caused by modern technology, but by the simple whims of Mother Nature and Hurricane Ivan.

A graveyard of boats (far too numerous to count) line up row after row in a vacant lot near the designated shoreline of Bayou Chico in Pensacola. Sailboats and powerboats of all makes and sizes lie in wait for their final resting place, either in a shop somewhere to be stripped of their pieces and parts and eventually destroyed or perhaps by some miracle placed in a repair area to be gingerly worked on in hopes of a possible re-launching. Either way, insurance companies (like BoatUS) have assisted victims of Hurricane Ivan and have been helping boat owners in the area start anew.

This time of year is generally very active for the sailing enthusiast. Championship events were scheduled to wrap up the year’s activities. Most were cancelled or re-scheduled at yacht clubs outside of the immediate area that may have experienced little or no damage from the storm.

Several community yacht clubs have been digging out from under the debris and the mounds of sugar white sand trying to prepare for election of new officers, Christmas parties and end-of-the-year functions. (It is kind of difficult to determine a “Boat of the Year” when many in the area have either been destroyed, sunk, declared lost and missing or damaged beyond repair.)

Chain worked while anchor lines failed The boat I have been racing on for the past nine years (a Hunter 36 named Applejack) was totaled in the storm. Just like numerous other boat owners in the pre-storm preparation phase, boat owner Dan Owczarczak secured his boat by attaching it to a mooring ball and throwing out two sea anchors. All three failed. No one in the area had expected the high storm surge that Ivan dished out. Even the pilings 48

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www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING

The sailboat Applejack ended up in the back yard of a home that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan after being hit by a 25- to 38- foot storm surge that devastated the Pensacola area. Photo by Kim Kaminski

task by January.

Pensacola Beach was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ivan, and the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club is slowly but surely getting back on its feet.

Members are attempting to hold the first and hopefully last “Float what you’ve got Left” Regatta in an attempt to keep racing enthusiasm high.

Hurricane Ivan might have dealt the area a crushing blow, but the spirit of a sailor is hard to push down.

They say that change can be good. Sometimes we are dragged into the change just like the cowboy was with the steam engine, and sometimes we are placed in the middle of chaos, forced to change for necessity.

Right now, we are surviving after Ivan and looking forward to sailing off into the sunsets once again.

that boats were secured to came out of place with the 25- to 38-foot storm surge (and the boats were still tied to the pilings!) The few boats that did survive the storm used links of chain attached to their anchors with plenty of rode, while boats such as Applejack used thick anchor lines, which ended up giving away in the surge.

Applejack ended up on the opposite shoreline in the back yard of a home that was destroyed by the storm. The back wall of the house looked like a Barbie doll house, completely open with clothes in a closet still hanging in place.

Applejack was resting against a grove of cedar trees, her mast broken in three pieces. Her rudder was mangled and torn from the boat. The prop of the boat looked like a giant metal pretzel...twisted back and forth and curved around again.

Her hull looked to be in one piece, but after the salvage company dragged the vessel to a barge for removal, her destruction was complete.

There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel...a new year and new beginnings will be right around the corner.

The year 2005 will see the boating community come alive.

New boats will be purchased, boat crews will shift around and a new era of racing vessels will begin emerging onto the scene, making the 2005 season of racing an unpredictable one.

Of course, there still will be a few old and familiar competitors’ boats out on the race course. As a matter of fact, Bob Patroni, whose team earned a first-place trophy position in last year’s Key West race, is feverishly working on repairing his boat Phaedra that was damaged in the storm so he can defend his title. Community businesses are helping him get the supplies he needs to complete this enormous Local News For Southern Sailors

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December 2004

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F LORIDA KEYS SAILING Key Largo Cape Sable

The Keys Saiing Scene Weather Calendar of Events Hot Happenings

Sailing in December

By Rebecca Burg

A

2

4

30 Marathon

Dry Tortugas Key West

Florida Keys December Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Key West 67° lo - 77° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES Key West 72° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

shimmering green shooting star lit up her rigging as she emerged from the darkness. Hull festooned with lights and tinsel garland, the tall ship elegantly slid through the seaport. A vibrant display of decorated vessels followed from tiny dinghies, sailboats, fishing boats to a vintage patrol-torpedo boat. Mariners can’t resist joining the festivities as the Florida Keys jumps into an active holiday season. On America’s out-islands, the celebrations are always infused with an exotic, tropical flavor. Palm trees are adorned with lights, fragrant tropical flowers bloom and drop into the breeze, sailboats are bedecked with lights and wreaths in the rigging and people still wear shorts. Holiday

December Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

desserts involve delights such as mangoes, coconut, key limes and papaya. A veritable variety of traditions and customs are peacefully celebrated thanks to the island’s typically open-minded nature.

Of course, local New Year’s traditions involve only-inthe-Keys funky flamboyance. At the countdown to midnight, instead of watching a ball drop, islanders can watch conch shells, a sailor girl or even a drag queen’s high-heel shoe dropping to animate the party scene. The entertainment is endless and the joyful range of activity appeals to people from all walks of life. Here, you’re on island time, and the holidays are yours to celebrate whether you enjoy quiet time with friends and family, a silent night’s sail or a festive and wild New Year’s party.

If your season’s customs involve an exchange of gifts, don’t forget a new toy for the sailboat. She’ll be seeing a lot of wind this month. Historically, December’s cold fronts blow in from the north every few days, bringing cool, dry air and stormy skies. Cruisers carefully watch weather windows, and daysailing can be wet, salty and exciting.

Anchorages and marinas become busy as cruisers enjoy a winter in our warmer latitudes. Cruisers who prefer to anchor out rely on their wind generators this month since the wind is strong and solar panels see less daylight and skies dotted with clouds. Average wind speeds range from 8.5 to 19.5 knots with stronger gusts during the passing of a cold front. Prevailing winds are northeast to east and will clock around the compass as a cold front approaches. By local standards, the 71.6º F average air temperature is a bit chilly. Air temps range from 66.2º F to 77.9º F. By everyone’s standards, the average 73.4º F water temperature is too cool for comfort without a generous wetsuit.

Events & Happenings Calendar Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club.

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dec. 11 Key Largo. Holiday boat parade in Blackwater Sound. A festive, beautiful display of decorated vessels. (305) 451-1592 Dec. 18 Key West. Colorful lighted boat parade in Key West harbor with everything from schooners to fishing vessels. (305) 292-3773 50

December 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING

Racing Calendar Dec. 5 Key West Sailing Club Holiday Regatta near Key West. Skipper’s meeting Friday eve. before the race. (305) 296-7939 Upcoming Events Dec. 8 Annual Marathon Sailing Club Christmas Party.

Dec. 16 Key West. Historic Fort Zachary Taylor State Park begins its annual Art in the Park. Fine artists dis play their outdoor sculptures through March.

Jan. 17-21 Terra Nova Trading Key West week of racing last year brought thousands of sailors and crowds of boats from maxis to Melges 24s. A massive party tent entertains visitors and sailors while each day’s winners are celebrated in Key West’s historic seaport. For more info. check out www.premiere-racing.com.

Feb. 6 Key West Sailing Club Smith Shoal Race. Call (305) 292-5993 for more info (Key West Sailing club’s Wednesday Night Series has ended)

Wrecker’s Cup Race Series to Start Soon

By Rebecca Burg three official rules of this race are simple,” said “ The Captain Bill with a mischievous grin. Bill and his boat

Defiant are a regular fixture in the Wrecker’s race series.

“The first rule is no protesting. Secondly, no whining or complaining.” He paused and waggled his finger in the air for emphasis. “Third, see rules number one and two.” It’s that simple. Sponsored by Schooner Wharf in Key West, the four races in the Wrecker’s Cup series are held at the end of the month starting this January.

Years ago, the event was created in the spirit of the Florida Key’s wrecking days. Way back when, cargo ships often foundered on the area’s numerous reefs and shallows.

Wreckers, watching from towers onshore, would rush out to the scene of the accident. The wrecker who reached the distressed ship first would rescue the crew and gain lucrative salvage rights.

Today, participants in the Wrecker’s Cup race sail out to Sand Key Light in a seven-mile drag race for salvage rights to a variety of prizes. Any size vessel can enter one of several categories, and even if you don’t place, you still get a chance to win door prizes thanks to West Marine. The wild racing action is videotaped by the committee boat and can be watched at the awards dinner and party at Schooner Wharf after the race. For many, the race is an excellent excuse just to get out and sail in a highly social setting.

Joining the fun is also a one-of-a-kind experience since you get to sail alongside an eclectic extravaganza of sails from gorgeous and imposing schooners, huge charter cats, cruisers and tiny daysailers.

The winter winds are usually strong during the race, and the salty spray flies when a few dozen eager sailboats squeeze through a chaotic start. It’s a can’t miss sailing event, and I hope to see you there. Just look for the wet single-hander barely hanging on to Troika, the maniacal blue trimaran. The first race in the series typically begins the Sunday before the Terra Nova Trading Key West week of racing in January. Visit www.schoonerwharf.com for more information.

Local News For Southern Sailors

2004s Wednesday Night Series, Key West Sailing Club

By Rebecca Burg

S

ome say that small boats have more fun. One can’t argue with that after watching a crowd of slick little boats such as Lasers, Sunfish, 420s, JY15s and the occasional Snipe get it on in Key West’s seaplane basin every Wednesday night this past summer and fall. These little sails know how to party, and the action is intense during the friendly competition around the buoys. Afterward, sailors socialize in the clubhouse with a cookout and beverages.

Membership in the club is not necessary to participate.

Even if you’re not the competitive type, these races are the perfect excuse to get out and sail. Savvy sailors thrive on the chance to fine-tune their skills in a range of weather conditions and learn new tactics and boat-handling skills.

Handling a demanding and hyperactive small vessel in a brisk breeze isn’t easy.

With admirable skills, sailors like Cheryl Bradley in her Laser and Sam Chapin, a well-known Laser wizard, would tame the wind and plane along at warp speeds. Dave McMullen, Curtis Craig, Dave Oatway, Mark Milnes and Commodore Tom Theisen and their Lasers were fast and familiar faces during the series. Jack Worth frequented the waters in his Sunfish. John Dentinger and John McCoy often joined the party in a Snipe, putting the pressure on the Lasers. Allie Smith and Sam Nichols sailed a competitive 420 and turned the heat up on 420 crews Ariel Jones and Neil Murphy and the team of Will Brown and John Bart.

Overall, these sailors just had too much fun.

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WEST FLORIDA COAST Cedar Key

Cedar Key to Cape Sable Racing News & Calendar Cruising Upcoming Events Calendar West Florida News for Sailors Sailing Services Directory

West Florida December Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 56° lo - 71° hi Naples 56° lo - 77° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 64° Naples 68° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

Sailing in December

By Dave Ellis

W

hile most of the nation is hunkered down for the winter, west Florida is in the midst of the sailing and racing season.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s Commodore’s Cup, Dec. 4, is a Boat of the Year series race for PHRF boats. Some years provide cool, windy days, and others are light and sunny.

That’s December in west Florida. It depends on the timing of the fronts that come through about once a week.

The J/24 class has its Southeast Regionals at St. Pete, Dec. 4-5. It is a world’s qualifier, so expect great competition.

The Sunfish race that weekend, too, with the course on the river off Edison Sailing Center in Fort Myers.

St. Pete is the scene for the Laser’s District 13 Open on the 11-12. Hopefully there will be wind this year. The catamarans sailing off the Dunedin Causeway for the Steeplechase Distance Race hope so, too.

High-schoolers race out of Eckerd College in south St. Pete the 15– 19. This is college-style short races where teams vie for position and points.

Finally the popular Couples Race is the 26th at Davis Island. Yes, it has to be girl-boy.

The day after December, Sarasota Sailing Squadron and Tampa Bay Catamarans each have a Hangover Race. Don’t get foggy-brained and take your PHRF boat to Dunedin or your Formula 16 cat to Sarasota.

Tampa

St. Petersburg

2 Fort Myers

December Prevailing Winds See page69 for Windrose legend

Naples

2

Cape Sable

30

Key West

Events Calendar DECEMBER 3 Bradenton Yacht Club Boat Parade. On the Manatee River to Regatta Pointe Marina.

4 Bayfield Boat Rendezvous, Dec. 3-4, Cortez. A Bayfield Rendezvous for all Bayfield boat owners and other interested people will be held Dec. 3-4, at the Seafood Shack Marina on 127th Street in Cortez. All Bayfield boat models will be on display with the Bayfield Classic Regatta on Sat. Dec. 4th. Everyone is invited to come out and look over all the classic Bayfield boats. Call George Carter at (941) 7929100 for more info.

11 St. Petersburg Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Straub Park and The Pier. 5:30 p.m. Tuba Christmas, 6 p.m.

Holiday Music. 7 p.m. Boat Parade. Entry and other information, call The Pier at (727) 821-6443, or www.stpetepier.com, or contact lw.goff@verizon.net.

18 Cortez Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade. Departs Seafood Shack at 6 p.m. Along the Intracoastal Waterway from Cortez Bridge to Longboat Pass and back. Public vantage points for spectator viewing include: Cortez Bridge, Bradenton Beach City Pier, Leffis Key Boardwalk, Coquina Beach Bayside boat ramp. For more information, go to www.cortezyachtclub.com. Or call (941) 780-3547.

West Marine/BoatUS Free Seminars Of Interest to Sailors (Call the store—reservations sometimes needed) WEST MARINE Holiday, 3346 US Hwy 19 North, (727) 846-1903 12/11 TowboatUS “Get to know your tow boat captain,” Capt. Red, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

12/16 GPS. Captain Ken, 6:30 p.m.

Holmes Beach, 3324 E. Bay Drive. (941) 778-4858, 7 p.m.

12/8 Boat Safety and Seamanship. Frank Milio.

Refreshments and door prize.

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

12/9 Boat Maintenance. Jim Christiansen

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www.southwindssailing.com

Madeira Beach, 203 150th Ave, (727) 392-4939, 5 p.m.

12/8 Vhf and DSC. Rich Galaso 12/16 Trouble on the Water. Capt. Larry Tieman St. Petersberg, 5001 34th St. South. (727) 867-5700, 7p.m.

12/8 VHF/DSC for Emergencies. Rich Galaso Tampa, 3905 West Cypress. (813) 348-0521. 5p.m.

12/7 VHF Radios with DSC. Rick Gallso. Door prize 12/13 12-volt Battery Basics. James Shade. Door Prize.

Racing Calendar For the legend, addresses, and contacts for the sponsoring sailing association of the races listed below, go to the 2004-2005 West Florida Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory at Southwinds’ Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com to receive a hard copy.

Changes in 2004-5 Race Calendar & Yacht Club Directory (For changes contact editor@southwindssailing.com. Changes will also be posted on the calendar on the Web site also. www.southwindssailing.com) Race Calendar Changes The Suncoast PHRF Boat of the Year (BOTY) Series as printed has been confirmed to be correct.

Yacht Club Directory Changes Contact phone number for Cortez Yacht Club: (941) 322-4551

Local News For Southern Sailors

FLORIDA WEST COAST & LAKE EUSTIS The races and regattas listed here are open to those who want to sail.

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

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

DECEMBER 04 4 SSS Commodore’s Cup SBPHRF BOTY series 4 CMCS Sunfish Challenge Cup 4–5 SPYC J-24 SE Regional Championship. J/24 World’s qualifier 4–5 ESC Sunfish Challenge Cup Regatta 7 Cortez YC Single-handed race from Longboat Pass to Key West (Smith Shoal) 11 CMCS Commodore’s Cup 11 – 12 SPYC Laser District 13 Open Championship 11 – 12 TBCS Steeplechase Catamaran Distance Race 15 – 19 ECKERD COLLEGE/SAISA High School Team Racing 26 DIYC Couples Race, PHRF JANUARY 05 1 SSS Hangover Race 1 TBCS Hangover Race. Dunedin Causeway, Catamarans 6–9 SPYC Optimist Dinghy National Team Practice 8 BYC Round the Bay. PHRF Bradenton, Egmont and Skyway course 8–9 DIYC Commodore’s Cup. Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY 8–9 PPYC Golden Conch Regatta. CHPHRF BOTY series 15 SSS Snowbird Race. SBPHRF BOTY series 15 – 19 SAISA Team Racing. Eckerd College campus 15 – 16 SPYC Southeast Optimist Team Racing Championship 17 – 21 Terra Nova Trading Key West Race Week. www.premiere-racing.com 28 – 31 SPYC Multi-class Invitational, Windmill Midwinters. Windmill, Snipe, Moth, Jet 14, F18HT, Flying Dutchman, Martin 16, 2.4 Meter, Ultimate 20, SR Max and others with 6 boats registered in advance.

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Club Racing Open to Everyone Wanting to Race The races listed here are open to those who want to sail. Please send us your race schedule for publishing to editor@southwindssailing.com.

Bradenton YC. Sunday afternoons. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401 Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-round john@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com

Race Report Appleton Rum Regatta, Tampa Sailing Squadron, October 2, Apollo Beach, FL

By Ray Dupuis he winds were light and shifting, but the Tampa Bay T sailors were ready for a day of competition October 2 at Tampa Sailing Squadron’s Appleton Rum Regatta in Apollo Beach.

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Iolani sails in the Appleton Rum Regatta. Photo by Bill Cullen.

In addition to the sailors from St. Petersburg Sailing Association and Davis Island Yacht Club who were on hand for the Tampa Bay Yacht Racing Association series event, a fleet of true cruisers pushed the starting line for the Mother Lode race.

The FOMA class started the racing off, and Doran Cushing piloted his Triple Trouble, a Corsair F-27, to first place.

The crowded Mother Lode division started next. The race course was long, and the lack of wind in the middle of

www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING the Bay made some sailors consider using their anchors as a racing tool. But Jay and Debbie Hicklooper pushed Gris Gris to the finish line first with Don Filicethi’s Sabre Dance and Jack O’Connel’s Gale Force hot behind. Some big displacement sailboats, including Jim Lyons’ 38-foot Cabo Rico, Iolani, and Bill Lemmer’s Gulf Star 50, Falker, with a crew of about 20 people aboard, took part in the race.

The first PHRF race in the Rumgatta began in very light air, but the winds were much better in the second race.

Howard Smith’s Melges 24, Blade Runner, blazed to first place in the Spin Light division.

In Spin A, Time Bandit, a J/35 piloted by George Haynie from DIYC, took top honors. “It was a great time,’’ Haynie said. “I was a little disappointed in the attendance, but the racing fleet captain, Bill Cullen, and the race committee did an excellent job.’’

“Our tactician spotted all the wind shifts, and that made all the difference,’’ Haynie said.

Matt Dalton’s Ka-Ching!, a Soverel 33 out of TSS, was second, and Ed and Scott Peter’s Tigress, an Abbott 33 also of TSS, was third.

Gene DeNisio of TSS took first in Spin B with Shrew, a Creekmore 23.

“We carry six sails and used five of them; below decks was a mess of sails. The light air spinnaker did it for us in the first race. Wind picked up in the second,’’ DeNisio said.

“My crew has been sailing with me for five years, and they are tops.’’

Frank Selph of DIYC was second in his J/27, Junior, and Darin O’Neal of TSS followed in Lagniappe, a Catalina 22.

Mac Towne of TSS captured first in Non-Spin with his Morgan 24, True Blue.

“It was a great day. We were just lucky to be on the right side of the race course in the first race, but we really had to earn it in the second.’’ Towne said. “We had some lastminute crew changes, but those two guys couldn’t have been better.’’

“That new main did the trick on that old boat. It was built in 1968,’’ Towne said.

Susan Bishop of TSS took her Ranger 23, Joyride, to second, and Woody Frasier’s Morgan 27, Thunder, took third.

“It was one of the funnest regattas we ever did,’’ Bishop said.

The following day, Sunday, Oct. 3, the TBYRA Women’s Regatta attracted an active group of sailors.

“It was another light-air day,’’ Bishop said. “The racing was good, but we had to wait between races for good air.’’

Bruiser, a J-24, with Susan Cintron at the helm, took first in Spin. Bernice Siebrer took the Morgan 27, Thunder, to first in Non-Spin, and Kodiak, a Clearwater 35 with Nan Major at the helm, took first in the coached division.

Both events were followed by great parties that included plenty of food, music and cold beverages.

Naples Offshore Regatta Draws Nature’s Wrath and Beauty, Naples Yacht Club, Oct. 15

By Steve Romaine

T

he Naples Yacht Club’s annual 90-mile race from Naples to Boca Grande Pass and return was beset by gusty 25knot winds, steep 6–8 foot seas, and more than half the entered yachts withdrawing because of the conditions or related problems. The late afternoon start on October 15 proved to be an experience for each crew member aboard every vessel, beating to weather for the first 20 nautical

Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

December 2004

55

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

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UNDERWATER SERVICES

Towne Yacht Surveys Member ABYC, SAMS John M. Towne, AMS Jim Towne (813) 645-4896 townesurvey@gbronline.com 56

December 2004

SOUTHWINDS

ADVANCED SAILS (727) 896-7245 Quality Cruising Sails & Service Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg Marinas Keith Donaldson......................(727) 896-7245 Scuba Clean Yacht Service See ad in Underwater Services

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(727) 327-2628 www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING

The Carioca crew, winners of the Spinnaker class. First Row: Jeffrey Masters, Philip Francoeur, Ron Euler. Second Row: Jack Graefe, Chris Dingle, Dave Corban, Tom Masters. Photo courtesy Philip Francoeur, Jr.

miles to the turn mark–the San Carlos Light off Fort Myers Beach. The season’s first cold front, coming across southwest Florida, brought strong northwest winds. Foul weather gear, PFDs and the “layered approach” to racing attire were the order of the day, as conditions went from wet to chilly, to cool, and then warm for the racers. Reefed mains, shortened gennies, blades or number threes were predominant on the beat, helping to drive the racers through the “square waves,” commented crew member Kim Brown of

Fort Myers. Many boats experienced waves dousing their helm positions and lots of white water over the bow.

Morgan Laimbeer of Marco Island commented, “The hardest part was getting out of the passes to the starting line, kind of like the Abaco rage; current against strong wind and sea.”

After the long upwind beat, the racers turned west, past Sanibel. Sea conditions eased up, and with the wind abeam, each vessel seemed to be flying as it sailed close in around Sanibel Island. Crews mustered together for more weather work to the port rounding of the R2 bell buoy at the entrance to Boca Grande Pass. Braving the wrath of heavy conditions earlier now all seemed worthwhile, in contrast with the beauty of the night sky, shooting stars and the Milky Way. Crew member Cindy Carlino of Cape Coral commented, “For the racers it was like being in your own personal planetarium!”

The 43-nautical mile reach home was fast, and for those viewing Captiva and Sanibel Islands from the Gulf shortly after sunrise – a shock. Hurricane Charley, less than two months earlier had caused so much devastation. Crewman Scott Milligan of LaBelle commented, “Check out the view of all the homes, resorts, roads that are now visible. The tree canopy, structure and roof damage is even worse than I thought it would be.” The “sleigh ride” return was uneventful for most racers, as each boat’s crewmembers viewed huge Gulf jellyfish and dodged crab traps until the finish, off the Naples Pier.

One of the great parts of any regatta is the social, dinner and awards ceremony. The Naples Yacht Club really knows how to do things right. Not only does it give the outof-town participating yachts complimentary dockage, but a great meal is included as part of the entry fee. Confirming that fine food appeals to racers, each yacht entered (even those who were DNS or DNF) was represented at the evening festivities. Lodge McKee, race organizer for the NYC, thanked the participants. He noted that the times were slower than normal and thought that was because everyone was being cautious. Lodge commented that the skippers used “good judgment” in racing, and that only two minor injuries and several seasickness problems were reported. He presented beautiful sea-life sculptures to the winners.

Results: Spinnaker: Phil Francoeur, NYC, Carioca, a J/105; Non-spinnaker: Steve Romaine, CMSC, Air Supply, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35;

Forrest Banks, skipper of Midnite Rider, the 2003 Spinnaker class winner was also awarded a trophy for his secondplace finish this year, only four minutes behind Carioca on corrected time.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

River Romp Regatta, Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers, FL, October 16-17

Davis Island Classic, Davis Island Yacht Club, Davis Island to Clearwater, October 23

By Jabbo Gordon

T

he Davis Island learwater’s Cam Hall grabbed three firsts Classic starts in to sail to first place in the overall Optimist northern Hillsboro Bay Dinghy competition at the Edison Sailing and runs out the bay Center’s annual River Romp Regatta and under the Skyway Junior Olympic Sailing Festival in Fort Myers Bridge, around marker on Oct. 16-17.

SW #1 and north toSailing for Team FOR (Florida Ocean ward Clearwater. Boats Racing), Hall also captured the Red Fleet diviin Spinnaker B, Spin sion (for 13-15-year-olds). There were six races Light, Non-spinnaker, with a throw-out as 87 advanced Opti skipand Cruising class, finpers raced on the Caloosahatchee River in ish a 58-nm race at light to moderate breezes.

Clearwater Pass.

Brandon Long of the Coral Reef Yacht Spinnaker A, and Club won the Blue Fleet (11- and 12-yearFOMA boats continue olds), and Mac Agnese of Lauderdale Yacht on and complete a 95Club took the White Fleet (10 years old and nm race that goes to younger). the north end of In the Green Fleet, which is for first-year Anclote Key and then competitors, Shane Kelley of the Venice Youth heads back and finishBoating Association was the top skipper in the es at Clearwater Pass.

69-boat category.

Boats began at 10 Zeke Horowitz, also sailing for Team a.m. Saturday mornFOR, skippered his Laser Radial to three firsts ing on October 23 in a out of seven races and won top honors in a 30downwind start off the boat fleet.

Davis Island Yacht Club Travis Maier of the host Edison Sailing in light winds, which Center was first in the eight-boat Laser divicontinued throughout sion, and Amanda Holm, also of the ESC, took Heading out to the Gulf in the Davis Island Classic. Photo the day as boats headby Steve Morrell. the 4.7 group, which had five boats. ed north from SW #1.

Conner Blouin of Tampa’s Davis Island Yacht Club finIn late afternoon, the wind began to shift around from the ished first in all six races to win the nine-boat Sunfish class. north and increased to the 17-18-knot range, causing all Chris Vetter and Kira Devers-Jones of the St. Petersburg boats to have to finish the day and sail into the night beatYacht Club combined efforts to take the 19-boat Club 420 ing to windward as they headed toward Clearwater. fleet with two firsts in six races.

Beating to windward in choppy seas, the lead boats, in the

C

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING Spinnaker A class and the one FOMA boat, passed Clearwater Pass in the early evening wishing they could all finish right there with the other fleets, as they all knew it was a wet ride to Anclote Key. The first boat to finish of the two fleets was the lone FOMA boat, Triple Trouble, captained by owner Doran Cushing, finishing the race at 11:12 p.m. after 12 hours and 53 minutes of sailing. Next boat to finish in the Spinnaker A fleet was Velox at 11:16 p.m., but with a rating of 0, placed eighth in corrected time. First in corrected time was Time Bandit, with corrected time of 12:15:24, finishing at 23 minutes after midnight, followed by Fire & Ice and Dead Ahead.

First to reach the dock of all boats were those in the Spinnaker B fleet, with Desperado at 7:59 p.m., which also took second place on corrected time with 8:17:08. First in corrected time at 8:09:07 was Semper Fi, crossing the line five minutes after Desperado. Third was Tigress with corrected time of 8:30:34.

Non-Spinnaker boats were Addiction first with corrected time of 8:42:05, followed by Escapade (8:50:39) and then Intrepid (9:19:57).

Clearwater Challenge, Clearwater Yacht Club, October 30-31

T

he Clearwater Challenge coordinated with the Davis Island Classic so that many of the boats that came all the way to Clearwater from such distant locations as Davis Island could stay in Clearwater after the Classic race the previous weekend. Therefore, many of the same boats competed in the Challenge on the weekend of Oct. 30-31.

Light winds seemed to be the forecast for the weekend (along with some morning low tides, which made it difficult for some boats to get out) so on Friday night, the race committee postponed Saturday’s first race, originally scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Gulf off Clearwater Pass, till further notice.

Another postponement late Saturday morning was announced, and then finally around noon everyone headed out to the Gulf in hopes of some afternoon breezes. The wind did manage to pick up, and racing began around 1 p.m. for all fleets. The wind maintained a steady light wind in the 10-12-knot range all afternoon, and all fleets managed to get two of the three planned Saturday races in. The day turned out to be as beautiful as they get in the fall off the West Florida coast, with clear skies, perfect temperatures and a steady, light wind.

Local News For Southern Sailors

On Sunday, conditions were pretty much the same, except that, since daylight savings time ended the night before, everyone slept an extra hour, probably important after Saturday’s party at the Clearwater Yacht Club. The winds seemed to be sleeping in, too, as more postponements all morning kept everyone at the dock till about noon, when all headed out to the Gulf in search of one more race to cap the weekend off. Winds finally did show up, and all fleets got one more race in (although the Non-Spinnaker fleet had its first race canceled after winds died a couple of minutes after the start—winds did maintain throughout the race after a second start a little later).

Awards were presented at the Clearwater Yacht Club in late afternoon, ending a full weekend of great partying and racing for all.

Results (Class, place, boat name, skipper, club): Spinnaker A; 1, The Wall, Gordon Schiff, TYCC; 2, Time Bandit, George Haynie, DIYC; 3, Rocket, Jamie Myers, DIYC. Spinnaker B; 1, Semper Fi, Raymond Mannix, Windjammers; 2, Desperado, Chris Papandreas, CYC; 3, Snatch, John House, SSS; Non-Spinnaker A; 1, Intrepid, Jeff Russo, DIYC; 2, Escapade, Mark Wesson, BYC; 3, Addiction, Richard Booth, WFPHRF. Non-Spinnaker B; 1, Blue Cloud, Kikr Buchak/Tim Horsman, TITYC;2, Lucky Duck, Hall Palmer, SPYC; 3, Tango III, Rafael Paris. Cruising; 1, Sonia-Cate, Donald Miller, Windjammers; 2, Polyphonic, Jeff Grossman, CYC; 3, Little Feat, John Hamm, SPYC

Suncoast Classic Windsurfing Regatta, Watersports West, St. Petersburg, Oct. 29-31 Dave Ellis

F

olks driving over the north end of the Skyway Bridge saw a bay full of windsurfers the last weekend of October. The final regatta of the US Windsurfing National Series was held at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in protected, if tidal, waters.

This year the wind did not cooperate as well as in the past. But the 58 craft had good competition for seven races over the two days.

The largest class was the Prodigy one-design with 31 boards. It was better suited for the lighter air, especially on the upwind legs, with its longer dagger board. Some boards don’t even have dagger boards, making upwind work in light air problematical.

Boardboat regattas are known for many and various divisions, spreading kudos around the fleet. In case you are curious, the Clydesdale class is for those sailors weighing more than 195 pounds.

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING Results: Prodigy Class; Men: Randy Rhodes, Gulfbreeze; Women: Susan Simmons, Connecticut; Masters: Ron Roberts, Brandon; Grand Masters: Marlin Meitzen, Wisconsin; Juniors: Mark Boersma, Michigan; Clydesdale: Scott Newman; Formula Class; Men: Vincent Barre, Texas; Women: Karen Marriotte; Masters: Peter Ifju, Newberry, FL; Grand Masters: Ron Eern, Ft. Lauderdale; Juniors: Ryan Hamilton, Louisiana; Open Class; Men: Steve Gottlieb, South Daytona; Grand Master: Greg Matthews, St. Petersburg; Seniors: Dieter Reichelt, Illinois; Sport (older boards with less than 7.5-meter sail); Masters: Robert Nelson, Tallahassee; Senior: Ron Troxel, Michigan; Clydesdale: Joe Quimby, Tallahassee

America’s Regatta, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, November 5-7

By Dave Ellis

T

he America’s Regatta held off The St. Petersburg Pier November 5 - 7 was a sailboat race that invites sailors with physical impairments to compete directly with ablebodied sailors. Each year it is proved that the wind does not care. The skill of the sailor comes to the fore.

There were four boats in each of the three classes. Eight races were completed. Six were in ample, gusty north breezes and two in a much lighter northeaster.

The smallest class was the 2.4-Meter. It looks like the venerable 12-Meter of the America’s Cup of a few years ago, but it is only 12 feet long. The sailor sits in the boat facing forward. From a distance the boat looks like a big boat but with a head sticking out of it. All of the sail controls that would be found on a big boat are centered in front of the sailor. Steering can be done by foot pedals or, if the sailor

has no legs, by a tiller in front of him or her. A weighted keel, just like a big boat, keeps the boat from capsizing. The 2.4 is one of the boats used at the Paralympic Games.

The winner of the 2.4-Meter class was able-bodied sailor Colin Park of St. Petersburg, followed by double-leg amputee Roger Cleworth and Rick Doerr, a paraplegic from New Jersey.

The Martin-16 class was designed specifically for sailors with disabilities. This time the regatta called for the boat to be sailed alone, but sailors could take a crew if they wanted. On these boats, too, the sailor sits in the hull, facing forward with various means of steering available. There is even “sip and puff” technology available. If sailors have no use of hands or feet, two stainless-steel straws are close in front of their face. One is for the steering and one for pulling in and letting out the mainsail. Sip like a straw and it goes one way; blow into it and it goes the other way.

The Martin-16 class was won by Dennis Peck of Port Charlotte, followed by Will White of Arcadia and paraplegic Chris Everson of California.

The 23-foot Sonar class is also a Paralympic class. Three persons make up the team on these keelboats. The St. Petersburg Yacht Club chose the Sonar for its club boat in the mid-1990s. It was serendipity when the boat was chosen for the Paralympic Games. Teams from several countries now train on the club boats out of the Sailing Center.

This year, however, only Canada was represented outside of the States. It was too soon after the Games to send teams overseas.

The winner in Sonars was able-bodied sailor Diane Fowler of St. Petersburg with crew Gloria Davis and Ed Sherman. Second was Ken Kelly, a paraplegic from Victoria, British Columbia, with crew Bob Jones of Seattle and Christy Day of Tampa. Third was Hugh Elliot of Virginia, a double leg amputee, with crew Ali Sotiu and Jason Goscha.

Coach of the Year winner Serge Jorgensen and Yachting Woman of the Year Betsy Alison were coaches for the teams.

Bob Johnson’s race committee, including the ubiquitous George and Beth Pennington, kept things moving along well.

The Strictly Sail Boat show sailed numerous boats for rides out of the Vinoy north of The Pier. While the Notice of Race for the America’s Regatta indicated the race was to be southeast of The Pier, the competitors couldn’t resist sliding north to be viewed by show-goers. This made for some rather interesting encounters between lumbering yachts with hoards of riders and diminutive 2.4 Meters. Sunday the course was slid back south a bit.

Cortez Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade, Dec.18, Cortez, $500 Grand Prize he Cortez Yacht Club invites all area boat owners to parT ticipate in a lighted boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway from Cortez Bridge to Longboat Pass and back

on Saturday, December 18, starting at 6:00 p.m.. Entry fee is $25 with prizes awarded for the best-decorated boats in four categories: $100 each for first-place powerboat under 30 feet, sailboat under 30 feet, powerboat over 30 feet and sailboat over 30 feet. Grand prize of $500 awarded to the bestdecorated boat overall.

Public vantage points for spectator viewing include:

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING Cortez Bridge, Bradenton Beach City Pier, Leffis Key Boardwalk, Coquina Beach Bayside boat ramp.

All vessels must be USCG safety-approved.

Registration due by December 11th.

Captain’s registration entry packets available at West Marine Express Store, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper office, or go to www.cortezyachtclub.com. For information: (941) 780-3547

lar for dollar.

Those searching for Albin yachts can inspect them at Regatta Pointe, Palmetto, Centennial Harbour Marina, downtown Fort Myers and the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. The Massey service department is headquartered at its Palmetto location. The Massey Mobile Marine team is available to extend warranty and after-sale service solutions at the yacht owner’s dock.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

For more information, contact Edward Massey at yachtsales@masseyyacht.com or visit the Web site at www.masseyyacht.com or call (941) 723-1610.

Massey Yacht Sales & Service Is Appointed the EXCLUSIVE Florida West Coast Albin Marine Full Line Dealer

Saltwater Sports in Naples Becomes a New Dealer for Hobie Cat

S

M

assey Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Massey Yacht Sales & Service, has been named the full line Albin dealer for Florida’s west coast. Massey is one of the oldest and most established full service yacht dealerships in the Southeastern United States. Massey is currently a sales volume and customer service award-winning dealer for Catalina, Morgan, Hunter and Caliber sailing yachts. The company has been a major Catalina dealership for the past 18 years. The Albin power yacht line ranges from 26 feet to 45 feet and includes Tournament Express and Sedan models. Most of the Albin models are available in both single and twin diesel engines. There are several additional models on the drawing board scheduled for introduction in the near future.

Massey has been searching the lobster boat, cruising boat and trawler market for several years in an effort to find a power line compatible with its large sailing customer base. As sailors reach an age that prompts them to contemplate power, or for those who simply desire to expand their yachting horizons, a trusted dealership is required to take care of their needs. “We are very excited about the opportunity to be able to offer our 30,000 plus customer base a yacht with so much proven success and value,” states Edward Massey, president and CEO of Massey Enterprises, Inc. He went on to state, “Some of our yacht owners have decided to explore lobster boat-style power yachts for cruising and fishing. The Albin line can continue our long-term relationships.” Massey generates over $18-million in annual sales volume and should continue to grow with the addition of the Albin line.

Albin is one of the largest American-made lobster-style powerboat manufacturers with emphasis on the cruising family and fishing enthusiasts. The Albin line is a leader in modern construction, downeaster good looks, and fuel-efficient cruising speeds. It offers the industry’s best value dol-

Local News For Southern Sailors

altwater Sports of Naples recently expanded its business to include the Hobie Cat line of boats. It will be offering the full line of cats from 13-21 feet., including the Bravo, Wave, Getaway, the 17 Special Edition, FX One, the Tiger, the Hobie 16, the Miracle 21, the 21SC and others.

Saltwater Sports has been offering other watercraft for some time to the Naples area, including canoes, several lines of kayaks, rowing sculls, Virus Trimarans and lots of other gear. They are at 4206 Enterprise Avenue in Naples.

For more information call (239) 262-6149 or visit their Web site, www.saltwatersportsflorida.com.

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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA continued from page 45 those who do not participate in the regular BBYRA circuit, adding to the mix. As it turned out, the weather forecast for the weekend was a breezy 10 – 15 knots, providing the entire fleet with two days of spectacular racing.

Saturday saw the One-Design fleet out on the course with nine Etchells showing up for the race. This time of year the fleet starts to come out of its summer sleep to start gearing up for the Jaguar Cup Series. Other one-design fleets included the Flying Scots, Lightnings and Snipes.

With the Series 2 heating up in PHRF 1 and 2, all the contenders were eager to go at it. One new name and one old name made their way into the leader board to shake up the standings. In PHRF 1, Steven Alexander, driving his new J/105, Concept vs. Reality, took a well-deserved second place finish. And in PHRF 2, after a year off, Dave Kurtz sailing his J/27 Goombay, showed that his program is back on track managing a third place finish.

Saturday’s One-Design Results: Etchell;1st Pl - Pipe Line/Tom Piper, 2nd Pl – Rhumb Line/Ken Batzer, 3rd Pl – Scott Piper; Flying Scot; 1st Pl – Slime/Nick Martens, 2nd Pl – Two Bear’s Boat/Charles Fowler, 3rd Pl – Being There/Vladimir Stroleny; Lightning; 1st Pl – 14684/Bill Johns, 2nd Pl – Free Beer Yesterday/Jon & Carol Ewing, 3rd Pl – Bullet/David Kurtz; Snipe; 1st Pl – Augie Diaz, 2nd Pl – Ernesto Rodriguez, 3rd Pl – Gonzo Diaz Sr.; Sunday’s PHRF Results: PHRF1; 1st Pl – Triptease/Rubin Shellow, 2nd Pl – Concept vs.

Reality/ Steven Alexander, 3rd Pl – Thin Ice/Stuart Hebb; PHRF2; 1st Pl – Hot Air/David Berg, 2nd Pl – Blackbird/Pat Cacace, 3rd Pl – Goombay/David Kurtz; PHRF3; 1st Pl - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn, 2nd Pl – Touchstone/Jaime Topp, 3rd Pl – Stoked/Steven Stallman; PHRF4; 1st Pl – Hot Streak/ Jack King, 2nd Pl – St Clair/Richard Hall, 3rd Pl – Pale Rider/Richard Hall; ARF; 1st Pl – Blew Ba You/Kerry Gruson, 2nd Pl – Freebird/Kenneth Ellis, 3rd Pl – Finesse/Bill Beavers; J24; 1st Pl – I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr, 2nd Pl – Gotta Go/Peter Benziger, 3rd Pl – Geronimo’s Cadillac.

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“In August, you began running an advertisement to sell my diesel engine in your classifieds section. I am pleased to advise you that I have a buyer as a result of the advertisement. Please discontinue it. FYI, I have also had inquiries from West Africa and France Capt C.T., St. Petersburg, FL as a result of the Internet ad you made available. I’m MAJOR impressed!! Thank you very much.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequency discounts available. Contact editor.

11. No refunds.

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

SOUTHWINDS PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175 (941)795-8704 • (941) 795-8705 fax

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

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

BOATS & DINGHIES Force 5, two sails, new rudder, asking $499 obo. Please call (786) 208-2193 or e-mail is ddava002@fiu.edu Like new 2003 Club 420 w/Seitech dolly, 2 sets sails, 2 spins, trailer w/mast crutch & spare, all the trimmings. $5700 Contact (813) 286-0640 or evan123@tampabay.rr.com.

(12/04)

Ideal 18 (1996) keelboat in pristine condition; dry sailed winters, garaged summers.

Spinnaker equipped. Fast, stable racer or day sailor. Trailer suitable for ramp or crane launching. $8,500. (941) 639-9672, fgdarrell@comcast.net (2/05)

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

12 6 3 1

$19 $22 $25 $29

MINIMUM INCHES

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2" 2" 2" 2"

$38 $44 $50 $58

1990 Hunter 27' walk-through transom, wheel, 10 hp diesel, autohelm, roller furling, drifter sail, new bimini & sail cover, solar generator, 3' 6" wing bulb keel, dinghy. $19,900 (352) 5967192.l abet@tampabay.rr.com (2/05) (FI) ’80 28’ San Juan FWC Yanmar 700 hrs., 4’-6” draft, 4 sails. New full batten main w/150 genoa, 3 ground tackle, windlass, electronics, tiller autopilot, inflatable w/OB, no hurricane damage, sail away condition. $12,500. For fax info call (586) 468-7461.(1/05)

27’ Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, 1987. Blue water boat. 3’10” draft. Yanmar diesel.

Staysail. H/C pressure water. Cockpit shower.

Propane stove w/oven. Much more. Lying Miami. $47,500.

(954) 683-7372; lv2_sail@yahoo.com (2/05) 26.5' 1992 Beneteau First 265 Fully outfitted for cruising with dinghy, lots of equipment and spares. $32,000 John (941)518-9629.

Info at www.braveheart.findu.com (12/04) DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADS STARTING AT $34/MONTH Local News For Southern Sailors

30’ Cherubini Hunter, 1976. Complete refit.

New standing and running rigging, including chainplates. 3 cyl Universal diesel. 250 hours on rebuild. Propane Hillerange and Force 10 grill. Engel refrigeration and ice box. Hot and cold pressure water. Harken cabin top traveler system. Custom built nav station. Completely rewired with new AC and DC circuit panels.

Horizon DSC VF with Ram mic at helm.

Raytheon ST4000+ autopilot. Too much more to list. Turn key cruising/liveaboard. (239) 280-7434. zekeatthebeach@aol.com (12/04)

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS DISPLAYED ON WEB SITE SOUTHWINDS

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C L A S S I F I E D

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1978 Baba 30. Most sturdy and elegant of 30’ blue-water cruisers. Superior quality throughout. Single-handers package, 27 hp Yanmar, Schaefer roller furlings, Autohelm 4000, much more. $48,000. (239)-560-6078 or lyttraveler@yahoo.com (2/05)

1996 Cheetah 30 sport boat. 87 PHRF. Carbon lift keel and bow pole. 3 spinakers. 2 mains, 2 jibs. 15+ knots on reach. KVH, Knotmeter, depthmeter. Trailer. $26,500.

(904) 880-6503. (2/05)

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

Inboard engine. Topsides repainted 2003.

Interior upgrades. Auto pilot, VHF, depthfinder, GPS and more. Overall first place Daytona to Charleston Race. Good heavy weather racer/cruiser. South Carolina. $18,900. (843) 884-1729. (2/05) 1979 J/30 racer/cruiser, freshwater since new, 9 sails, Yanmar, feathering prop, Harken roller furler, full interior, sleep 6, VHF, full instruments, more. BEST OFFER NOW! Bob ph. (704) 895-5317, cell (630) 248-8096 or rconrad99@mindspring.com (2/05)

32.3’ Pearson 323 (1980), Coastal Cruising Sloop, Bill Shaw Design, Volvo MD11 diesel, fully battened main, high cut jib, extra sails and equipment, Navico autopilot, $27,000, famkopp@gulftel.com (12/04) FREE – New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down and own 100% . Call 1866-Sailtime.

1977 Erickson 31’ (Independence 31’) Refurbished 2001, new 22hp freshwater cooled diesel Kubota, Bimini, main & 2 furling jibs, 2 danforths, 25lb plow, canvas covers.

Much more. $32,000. (239) 652-5804.

(2/05) 32’ Westsail (1977) Perkins 4-107 diesel, Aires vane, Harken rollerfurling, S-L windlass, 35CQR, 33Bruce, coldplate refrigeration, air conditioning, Garmin chartplotter, dodger & Bimini. Exceptional condition, little used. $60,000. Call (954) 560-3919. (2/05) 1984 Aloha 32. Performance cruiser. 35 LOA, 32 LOD, 4’9” draft, 11 ft. Beam, 6’4” headroom, Westerbeke 21, AC, Autopilot, Canadian-built, In South Florida. Photos on request. Consider trades. RV, etc. $ 39,400.

(863) 612-4831. gaelicbreeze@yahoo.com (239) 218-8680. (12/04)

Peterson 34' Mark II Tall Version, ’82 by Island Yachts, One of the finest racer-cruiser designs ever produced. Wheel, cushions, roller-furling system, high/ low boom position and complete sail inventory (>10 bags) for cruising and club racing with this very fast, well-kept yacht.

Electronics update ’03. Phone (504) 734-7331 or e-mail biosyntpi@msn.com,35K (2/05)

This could be your 2" DISPLAY AD!

It will also appear on our web site!

1989 O’Day 322, 4’2" draft, AC, roller furling, Yanmar, cruise spinnaker, wind gen, H20 maker, dinghy & OB, cruise ready, turn key, $48,900. (727) 514-5700. For complete info. www.captainbobdaly.com (2/05) 64

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C L A S S I F I E D

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stainless standing rigging, electronics, plumbing and custom everything. 45' LOA, 12 ton, full keel, double-ended cruiser equipped with all new toys. Beautiful inside and out. Brokers welcome. Laying Key West. Over $200K invested. Sacrifice at $129k. E-mail: mtnhackr@aol.com (702) 275-8752. (2/05)

1993 HUNTER LEGEND 35.5 Cruiser/Racer.

Well Equipped – Excellent Condition – MUST SELL St Petersburg Municipal Marina w/slip, New Central AC/Hull paint, <800 engine hrs, Dodger/Bimini, Zodiac w/Honda motor, GPS, autopilot. $72,000 OBO (813) 767-8177. (2/05)

1989 Irwin 38’, fabulous boat, incredible value, 44hp turbo Yanmar, North Sail main, bottom ‘04, MaxProp, inflatable with OB, much more. $69,000. Will consider trades.

Located SW Florida. Can deliver. (413) 2812749 (12/04) 1982 C&C 37 Loaded Cruiser Racer, Passion, asking 59K. Make offer. Located in Pass Christian, MS. (504) 858-4017 jwilsail@att.net (12/04)

1983 C & C 35 Mk III Great cruiser/racer, Yanmar, 11 sails, bunks for 7, stove with oven, A/C (’00), refrig (’00), feathering prop (’03), self-tailing winches, Harken roller furler, bimini, covers for everything, autopilot, new batteries, etc., etc. This boat needs nothing. $59,500 chriswilke@cox.net or (504) 3920840 (1/05)

1980 Union Cutter 36 World Cruiser just completed 3 yr. documented keel-up renovation and 1000 mile sea trial. The best material and craftsmanship throughout. All new Local News For Southern Sailors

’84 RACER CRUISER KIRIE’-ELITE 37. RON HOLLAND DESIGN. Also know as a Feeling 1100.

Since 1995 vessel has been totally refurbished and up-graded, both as a cruiser and racer. Nothing to add or buy, just add food, clothes, and crew if you want to race. Too many upgrades, equipment, and sails to list. $70,000.

CONTACT W.R. HARDEN (850) 897-3653 or wrharden@earthlink.net (12/04

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 63

1988 Brewer 44’ shoal-draft w/board.

Center-cockpit cutter, Perkins 85, sale by original owners, (941) 962-7100 or (813) 6710862 or paritytwo@yahoo.com. (1/05)

45’ 6” LOA Bayfield 40, Hull # 34 Full keel 5’ draft, cutter ketch designed by H.T.Gozzard built in 1984 Exceptional condition with lots of new gear. Harken Roller furling on all sails.

Marine Air, WS, WD, Depth,VHF w/remote, SSB, CD/Radio, Autopilot, Chartplotter, Radar, Dinghy, Life Raft $114,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com (1/05) SOUTHWINDS

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C L A S S I F I E D 50’ Airex foam fiber trimaran. See at Bob and Annies, Jan 10-14, Pine Island, FL, or call (530) 647-2757 prior to 12/28/2004 or email randk@d-web.com. Will return from Bahamas 4/18/05. For details log onto www.

Sailnet.com, ID #12820, $62,000. (2/05)

A D S

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

HELP WANTED Nautical 60' Ketch, 1982, Bristol condition maintained by professional skipper (refit yearly), 4 cabin layout plus crew, large family or charter, 125 hp desiel, A/C, Sat phone, $250,000 (1/04) www.yachtsoutherncomfort.com scomfort@islands.vi Capt Mike (2/05)

BOATS TO CHARTER Florida Keys. 42-foot Catamaran. Captain and Cook. Three double cabins for guests. All inclusive from $2500 per week. (815) 5194007. (2/05)

BOOKS & CHARTS

Yacht Salesperson Wanted. Massey Yacht Sales has sales positions available for professional, successful yacht salespersons for the new Fort Myers dealership location. Massey is one of Florida’s largest dealers for the sale and outfitting of Catalina, Hunter, Caliber and Mainship yachts plus sells a wide range of preowned sail and power yachts. Sales candidates need to be computer literate, self-motivated with a good knowledge of the sail and power industry. Massey offers the best marketing and sales support system with a large lead base for the right candidate. Call Edward Massey for interview appointment. (941) 7231610. (11/04) Advertising Sales Reps wanted in the South for SOUTHWINDS magazine. Must be a good communicator, have a computer, and some experience in selling to call on national advertisers and advertisers in your area. All areas of the South. Part time by commission. To call on national advertisers, you can live almost anywhere for this job. (941) 7958704 or editor@southwindssailing.com .

MARINE ENGINES

Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 5740289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm

BUSINESS/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Construction/Real Estate investment Highlyexperienced, honest, licensed, responsible and reliable contractor seeks investor/partner in new construction/remodeling in west Florida. Perhaps a spec house or purchase to remodel. Contractor is experienced in custom homes of all sizes, including very high-end homes. Only interested in doing interesting and enjoyable projects. (941) 795-8711 FREE – New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down and own 100% . Call 1866-Sailtime.

Sailtime.com is looking for base operators on the Florida coast. This may suit existing marine business owners who wish to add an additional income stream. Sailtime is a unique business model that requires minimal capital and no staff. Tel. (813) 817-0104 or jtwomey@sailtime.com DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS STARTING AT $34/MONTH

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MISCELLANEOUS BOAT GEAR NEW & USED Nissan 18 hp. outboard. 25” shaft, electric start, remote, 6 amps charging, 100 lbs.

Great kicker for a fast multihull. $450. (561) 257-2570. (2/05) Honda BF100-ELA, 1984, longshaft, Auxialliary, very low hours, alernator with output for charging batteries. $1000/OBO. 27’ Bayliner Buccaneer hull/deck/rig. Excellent condition/no blisters. No interior. Misc. Gear available. $1500.OBO. (850) 442-6510.

(2/05) www.southwindssailing.com

C L A S S I F I E D Rigging Cable, New, 7 X 19, 7/16â&#x20AC;?, Stainless steel, non-magnetic, 600 feet. $2/foot. (904) 461-1253 (12/04)

A D S LODGING FOR SAILORS

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

NAVIGATION SOFTWARE

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

Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.tiralousa.com or swti@oasisllc.com AC/DC Reefer, 22# Bruce Anchor, Anchor Ball, Sospenders, Magma Grills, Mariner 9.9 Mercury Long Shaft 7.5 HP, Folding Bikes, Windsurfers, Metzeler Sailing Rig, Windscoop, Drogues, Lifesling, Type I Life Jackets w/strobe. Nautical Trader. (941) 488-0766. www.nauticaltrader.net

SAILING INSTRUCTION

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 63 Local News For Southern Sailors

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CLASSIFIED ADS SAILS & CANVAS

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 63

SERVICES FOR SAILORS

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

INSURANCE continued from page 25 are taking good care of the boat.

(5) Have a surveyor value the vessel after the damage. Ask your surveyor and banker to help you with this. You can refer to the boat trader magazines. They are good evidence as to replacement value of your boat.

C. If you want the vessel repaired, have a surveyor oversee repairs.

If after all this, you and the insurance company are still at an impasse, see a marine attorney. The attorney’s fees are covered expenses if you win. Maritime attorneys are listed with your local Bar association.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and not those of the U.S. Coast Guard or any other entity. If you have a boating legal (sailing) question please drop me a note care of SOUTHWINDS or e-mail me at mike@jmichaelshea.com.

Capt. J. Michael Shea, is a maritime attorney in Tampa, and holds a Masters and Harbor Pilots license. He has co-authored law books in the maritime field, and writes articles on maritime law from time to time. He has served as a marine investigator for the U.S. Coast Guard and teaches legal studies.

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AIR DUCK 67 AMERICA’S GENERATORS 66 ANNE’S ANCHORS 40,66 AQUA GRAPHICS 56 ATLANTIC SAILS 46 BANKS SAILS 56 BEACHMASTER PHOTOGRAPHY 64 BENETEAU SAILBOATS BC BETA MARINE 31 BLUEWATER SAILING SUPPLY 8,57 BOATERS EXCHANGE 38 BOATUS 17 BOB AND ANNIE’S BOATYARD 20 BO’SUN SUPPLIES 32 BUBBA BOOK 37 CARSON/BENETEAU BC CHARLESTON TO BERMUDA RACE 10 COAST WEATHER ROUTING SERVICES 67 CORAL REEF APPAREL COMPANY 30 CORTEZ YACHT BROKERAGE 65 CROW’S NEST RESTAURANT/MARINA REGATTA 60 CRUISING DIRECT SAILS 36 DEFEND CUBA SAILORS 24 DEFENDER INDUSTRIES 67 DOCKSIDE RADIO 21 DON’S SALVAGE 55 DWYER MAST 66 EASTERN/BENETEAU BC ECKERD COLLEGE WATERSPORTS 61 EL CID CARIBE MARINA, MEXICO 12 E-MARINE 67 FLEETSIDE MARINE SERVICE 66 FLYING SCOT SAILBOATS 64 FRIGOBOAT 50 GARHAUER HARDWARE 22 GIL 14 GLACIER BAY REFRIGERATION 15 GULF COAST YACHT SALES 63,64 HANSE SAILBOATS 65 HOBIE CATS/SALTWATER SPORTS 53 HOTWIRE/FANS AND OTHER PRODUCTS 66 ISLAND MARINE PRODUCTS 21 JR OVERSEAS/MOISTURE METER 31 JS9000 PHRF RACER 63 LEATHER WHEEL 34 MANTON MARINE SURVEYING 56 MASSEY YACHT SALES 3,11,19,32,33,IBC MASTHEAD ENTERPRISES 14,29,67 MEMORY MAP 67 MG MAYER YACHT BROKERAGE 47 MIAMI STRICTLY SAIL/SAIL AMERICA 5 MIKE SHEA MARITIME LEGAL SERVICES 23 MURRAY YACHT SALES/BENETEAU BC NATIONAL SAIL SUPPLY 41 NAUTICAL TRADER 59 NORTH SAILS 16 NUCLEAR SAILS 8 OCEAN-PRO BLUEWATER INSTRUCTION 9 OCEAN-PRO WEATHER ROUTING SERVICES 67 PERFORMANCE SAIL AND SPORT 39 PORPOISE USED SAILS 67 QUANTUM SAILS 15 RAIDER SAILBOATS 65 RB GROVE/UNIVERSAL AND WESTERBEKE 9 REGATA DEL SOL AL SOL 4 RONSTAN 53 RPARTS REFRIGERATION 35 SAILBOATS FLORIDA, INC. 65 SAILING SERVICES 45 SAILOR’S WHARF BOATYARD AND BROKERAGE 52,57 SAILTIME 26 SALTWATER SPORTS/ HOBIE CATS 53 SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING PROGRAM 62 SCHURR SAILS 49 SCULLY 25 SCURVY DOG MARINE 48 SEA SCHOOL 24 SEA TECH 67 SEA, AIR, LAND TECHNOLGIES 50 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL BROKERAGE 51,64 SNUG HARBOR YACHT BROKERAGE/HUNTER 37 SSMR 55 ST. AUGUSTINE SAILING SCHOOL 67 ST. BARTS/BENETEAU BC SUNCOAST INFLATABLES 58 SUNRISE SAILS 56 TACKLE SHACK 54 TAMPA SAILING SQUADRON YOUTH PROGRAM 59 ULLMAN SAILS 28 US SPARS 13 WEATHER WAVE 27 WEST MARINE IFC WEST MARINE BOOKS AND CHARTS 13 WINCH BUDDY 8 WINDCRAFT CATAMARANS 35 YANMAR DIESEL 66

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BUBBA continued from page 27

SURVIVING continued from page 23 later, the eye of Frances passed north of our slip in Clearwater Beach. The becalmed winds (less than 10 knots) lasted four hours!

It took two large towboats and over six man-hours to drag Windigo off the mud flat that she sailed onto in 100knot winds. The first boat traveled three hours to get to our location because there was nothing left floating any closer after the storm. Towing bill: $1800.

A diving company was contracted to go retrieve my ground tackle and was successful. But the 70-pound, custom stainless steel anchor was stolen from my dock the first night after it was returned.

Also, FEMA offers grants to homes damaged in hurricanes that are national disasters, so we applied and were visited by an inspector. But they are only offering $4000 to repair Windigo.

At the end of the day, major projects caused by hurricane damage: Replacement of a four-foot section of damaged mast.

Repair of the mast cap with an improved bolt-on unit, which will allow greater access.

Replacement of all mast top transducers, antennas and signal devices Replacement of electrical generation system – wind Local News For Southern Sailors

generator and solar panels, which were completely lost.

Replacement of bow roller sheared from boat.

Repair of bow pulpit damaged by fallen furling unit.

Replacement of one five-foot section of furler foil.

Replacement of lost Danforth anchor.

Replacement of damaged lines.

Repair of boot stripe.

In Retrospection: Sandy and I agree that we did all we could with the knowledge we had and the time and resources available. The two most important things I learned were: (1) You cannot have too many lines joining your very secure ground tackle and your boat. I thought five snubber lines were excessive.

Now I believe 20 or 30 would be appropriate in the extreme conditions that exist in tropical storms. And (2) A wind generator needs to be removed from its mast during a storm of high magnitude. This was something I knew before this incident, but did not give it enough attention as I was distracted by many other things. I use pre-voyage checklists for deliveries; a storm preparation checklist would be useful.

Kevin Hughes (Boat@Consultant.com) is a liveaboard on a 37foot Islander with his wife Karin. They subjected S/V Windigo III to an intensive two-year refit, completed in 2001. He has sailed for over 20 years, holds a USCG Master’s Document and is a certified sailing instructor. Windigo will stay in the Tampa Bay area while repairs are made after reluctantly sailing through the eye of Charley. A journal of Windigo’s voyages is published on the Internet at www.ciekurzis.org.

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Is it a bird, a plane or?

A Hurricane Remnant?

Perhaps it’s a boat remnant left over from one of the many hurricanes that crossed Florida in 2004—a piece of a once-complete boat that washed up on some shore, neatly cut into a section.

A Piece of Art or, Perhaps, Furniture?

It does have a chair to sit on.

Maybe it’s an artist-sailor’s creation: the crescent moon with the man in the moon sitting in the center—from the sailor’s point of view.

A New Marketing Plan?

Or, maybe it’s a new boatmarketing technique. Years ago, in the ’50s and ’60s, it was generally known that a sailboat cost about $1000 a foot. With this two-foot section, that would be two thousand dollars. Perhaps one could still buy this much boat today for that, but it’s likely the section with the engine would be substantially more, as would be a section with a good-sized winch on it. Buy a piece of the boat as you save up your money.

Actually….

It is Catalina Yachts’ hull section showing a cross section of the construction of one of their sailboats.

It definitely drew a lot of attention at the recent Strictly Sail St. Petersburg Boat Show in November.

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