Southwindsdecember2006

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

Monohull vs Catamaran Dockominiums 101 Tunnel of Love

December 2006 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS December 2006

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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From the Helm: Strictly Sail St. Pete

By Steve Morrell

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Letters

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Bubba and the Nursing Home

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Books to Read

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Southern Regional Monthly Weather & Water Temperatures

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Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

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Our Waterways: Dockominiums Possible Changes in the St. Petersburg Waterfront

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Monohull vs Catamaran for Cruising

By Capt. Ron Butler

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The Love Tunnel: Gunkholing in Southwest Florida

By Ina Moody

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Travels With Angel: Shanghaied in Eleuthera

By Rebecca Burg

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The Home With A Rocketship Out Back: Stars & Stripes

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Sunfish Worlds

By Dan Dickison

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Southern Racing: Southern Regional Racing Reports and Race Calendars

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Ryan Finn: Cancer Treatments Help Develop a Southern Single-Hander

By Troy Gilbert

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Marine Market Place Regional Sailing Services Directory – Local boat services in your area Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category Subscription Form

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Changes on the St. Petersburg Waterfront? Photo by Steve Morrell. Page 34

Sunfish Worlds. Photo by Dan Dickison. Page 51.

COVER: Stars & Stripes sails in the Kickoff Regatta in Bradenton, FL in September.

Photo by Gary Hufford. www.beachmaster.smugmug.com.

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

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FROM THE HELM

The Strictly Sail St. Pete Boat Show Richard Nelson of Bradenton, FL, on the left, accepts the West Marine Handheld VHF radio he won at the SOUTHWINDS raffle at the boat show.

W

e had another great response from visitors at our booth at the St. Pete Strictly Sail Boat Show in November. This show is always enjoyable. One friend of mine who goes to almost every show in the United States says the St. Pete show has the best location of them all. For those who have been there, they know. For those who haven’t, they need to come see it.

Taking place on a small peninsula at the base of The Pier in St. Petersburg, the show is surrounded by water on three sides. A beach is on the east side, and this year, one exhibitor had demo rides on windsurfers and small sailboats. On the north side is the entrance to the Vinoy Basin, where visiting boaters anchor for the show, and Discover Sailing trips run all day long in and out of the basin for a short sail. On the west side are the temporary docks built for the show, where dozens of in-water boats are on display. The weather at the show always seems to be perfect, and all this together makes for a beautiful

Articles and Photos Wanted Contact: editor@southwindsmagazine.com

■ SAILING EXPERIENCES: Stories and photos about experiences in places you’ve cruised, anchorages, marinas, or passages made throughout the Southern cruising waters, including the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

■ RACE REPORTING: Generally, we are always looking for someone to send us race coverage throughout the southern states, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

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

■ BAHAMAS: Trips, experiences, passages, anchorages, provisioning and other stories that are of interest.

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

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location. You have to see it to believe it.

At the SOUTHWINDS booth, we had several thousand visitors stop by, of course, enticed by our annual raffle (and we shoved the current issue in their hand). In exchange for entering the free raffle, one only has to fill out our reader survey, answering questions like: Do you have a boat? How much do you spend on it annually?

How much do you make? What do you like about SOUTHWINDS"?… The list goes on—for one page.

This year we found that most visitors do own a boat, or are thinking of getting one, make $50,000-$75,000 a year, cruise and read the magazine monthly. Winner of the answer for how much do you spend on your boat goes to the person who said, “All of it.” We also found out that a lot of people still love Bubba, which should make him feel good.

One thing, though, I received more feedback on than any other sub■ OUR WATERWAYS: Information about the waters we sail in: disappearing marinas, boatyards and slips; mooring fields, anchoring rights, waterway access, etc.

■ MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL ARTICLES: How you maintain your boat, or rebuilt a boat, technical articles on maintenance, repairs, etc.

■ INDIVIDUALS IN THE SAILING INDUSTRY: Interesting stories about the world of sailors out there, young, old, and some that are no longer with us but have contributed to the sport or were just true lovers of sailing.

■ THE CARIBBEAN: Stories about the warm tropical waters farther south of us.

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

■ FUN AND UNUSUAL STORIES: Got an interesting story? Unusual, funny, tearjerkers, learning experiences and others wanted. Keep them short for our last page, 700-1000 words roughly. Photos too, but not necessary.

■ CUBA: Of course, there is always Cuba, and regardless of how our country’s elected officials try to keep Americans out of the largest island in the Caribbean, it will one day be open as a cruising ground. Today American sailors can legally go to Cuba and cruise if they follow the proper procedures. If you have a story about such a trip, let us look at it.

ject was how much people appreciated and want more coverage of the issues SOUTHWINDS has each month in “Our Waterways” section, where we write about disappearing marinas, boatyards, anchorage restrictions, mooring fields and the slow evolution of our waterfronts to domination by condominiums. Ironic that the show is held in St. Petersburg at the base of The Pier, as the city is currently discussing major changes that could possibly make St. Petersburg not only a boater-friendly mecca for boaters but also one of the better waterfront cities in the Southeast. See Page 34 for more on this subject.

Thanks to all who stopped by and supported the magazine. Come again next year.

Steve Morrell Editor ■ MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS: Photographs are always enjoyable, whether for their beauty, their humor, or for many other reasons, and we take them alone. We would like photos with every story, if possible.

■ COVER PHOTOS: SOUTHWINDS is always looking for nice cover shots, which are always paid for. They generally need to be a vertical shot, but we can sometimes crop horizontal photos for a nice cover picture. They need to be of a high resolution. If digital, they need to be taken at a very high resolution (and many smaller digital cameras are not capable of taking a large, high-resolution photo as is on a cover). If a photograph, then we need it scanned at high resolution, or if you send it to us, we can do so.

■ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: For those of you who are not as ambitious to write stories, we always want to hear from you about your experiences and opinions.

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

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

SOUTHWINDS

News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.co e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 14

Number 12 December 2006

Copyright 2006, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Doran Cushing, Publisher 1993-2002

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

Steve Morrell

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

Steve Morrell editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704 Regional Editors EAST FLORIDA mhw1@earthlink.net

(321) 690-0137\

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACING miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net

(305) 380-0106

Roy Laughlin Art Perez

Production Heather Nicoll

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Letters from our readers Capt. Ron Butler Kim Kaminski Ron Mitchellette Hone Scunook Martin Zonnenburg Booth Studios Capt. Ron Butler Gary Hufford Ina Moody

Artwork Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com

Contributing Writers David Billing Rebecca Burg Dan Dickison Troy Gilbert Roy Laughlin Walt McFarlane Ina Moody Art Perez Morgan Stinemetz Jay Tyson

Contributing Photographers/Art Carlo Borlenghi /Rolex Rebecca Burg (and Artwork) Dan Dickison Amanda Fleming Kim Kaminski Roy Laughlin Morgan Stinemetz

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

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

Contact the editor with questions.

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

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

Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web site

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

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

WELL-KNOWN LOCAL SAILMAKER TIM STODOLA MOVES ON It all started for me when I was six After leaving the USCG in October years old. I was bitten by the sailing 1983, I packed up my sailing gear and bug. I grew up sailing and racing on the headed for sunny St. Petersburg, FL, Great Lakes. Aside from the four years and the now “past history”-Southern I spent in the U.S. Coast Guard (’79- Ocean Racing Conference (S.O.R.C.). ’83), my working life has been spent in For all those that remember the SORC the sailing industry. in its heyday, it was the premier sailing

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event in the world, and I wanted to be part of it.

It was a time when the “who’s who” of sailing, worldwide, made the pilgrimage to the suncoast of Florida. I was fortunate to meet many of the people that I have come to be friends with over the years, both in and out of the marine industry.

Since then, I have sailed across the Atlantic to Europe, all through the Caribbean, visited Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, and been to countless regattas and ports throughout the United States. I have raced most Key West Race weeks and Miami Race weeks.

During my time in Florida, I have had the great fortune and pleasure to sail with, and drink with, some of the outstanding sailors and sailing icons who have called Florida their home.

It has been my privilege to know and sail with the likes of Charlie Morgan, Ted Irwin, Ed Baird, O.H. Rodgers, Jeff Linton, Mark Ploch and John Jennings, just to name a few. This area has produced some great sailors who have gone past the local club level to win major regattas around the world, and I have been lucky enough to meet many of them.

The diverse backgrounds and experiences of my racing and cruising clients has enriched me—and even humbled me at times, teaching me to never attempt to “tell a book by its cover.” I will always remember the great times I have had, the regattas I have raced, and the wonderful people I have met.

I have no regrets over the path I have traveled. However, I have been in this port many years, and it is now time to slip the lines and set sail on a new adventure.

My wife Marilyn and I are moving to Westcliffe, CO, and the Rocky Mountains, where we have had a house for several years. Marilyn was offered a wonderful position as the director of admissions and records at Pueblo Community College. After some soulsearching and debate, we decided that we couldn’t pass up this fantastic opportunity to live in the West and explore what the non-ocean-bordered states have to offer before we get too old.

As for me, I will continue to work www.southwindsmagazine.com

as a sail consultant for Doyle Ploch Sails. I will still handle sail consulting, and sales via e-mail (timstodola@doyleplochsails.com). I will also be able to make myself available for some regattas and deliveries—if the conditions are right.

Contrary to popular belief, there is water—AND sailing—in Colorado and in the neighboring states, not to mention some great fishing and whitewater rafting.

The most difficult part of this move will be leaving all of the great friends we have made over the years. Thank you all for your support, loyalty and friendship. Go Sailing, ENJOY! In the words of a famous sailor: “ ’Tis not at sea, but rather in port, that men and ships rot.”

“Big Tim” Stodola Sailor/Mountain Man, St. Petersburg, FL Tim, I am sure you will be missed by many in the Tampa Bay area.

Having spent 12 years in Colorado, I know you are going to one of the best spots on the planet. While there, I missed the ocean— and I also missed those mountains since the day I left , several years ago. Yes, there is sailing in Colorado, as I owned two boats while there (a Hobie 16 and a Catalina 22). It’s all lake (reservoir) sailing, which is gusty and often not there at all. It’s also cold. But I loved every minute of it, and I am sure you will, too. Best of luck.

Editor GREAT ARTICLE ON ASYMMETRICAL SPINNAKERS Kudos to Mike Kirk on two very educational, and entertaining, articles on handling the asymmetric spinnaker. He’s obviously been there when the world disappears under a pile of fabric! I wanted to add one suggestion for the windward takedown: By adding a “takedown line” to the tack of the chute and securing the other end to the bow pulpit, the takedown begins with the cockpit releasing the tack line and the trimmer releasing the sheet. The foredecker uses the takedown line to haul the tack past the forestay on the windward side and hands it to the sewer person, who starts collecting the foot from tack to clew. The foredecker then starts pulling the luff around the forestay and down. As the luff is brought around the forestay, the cockpit eases the halyard. With any luck the head and clew reach the forward hatch at about the same time as the boat hardens up coming around the mark! This is much easier than trying to turn the spinnaker inside out by pulling the clew forward with the lazy sheet, especially if it is blowing. This technique also minimizes the risk of shrimping since the foot is collected early and is kept under control by the sewer person. It’s almost as fast as the Mexican, and has become our favorite takedown on the J/105.

Antony Dalton Tampa, FL Antony, Thanks for the comments. I forwarded your letter to Mike Kirk. I am sure he will appreciate your comments and the suggestion on the article.

Editor FERNANDINA BEACH MUNICIPAL MARINA UPDATE The much anticipated dredging of the Fernandina Beach Marina basin has been completed. According to the local See LETTERS continued on page 10 News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS MARINE STORE UNIQUE BOATING GEAR For more information and photos of these items, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com and to the Marine Store page. All items usually ship within 24-48 hours, FedEx ground.

Clip-on Solar Powered Light Charges during the day and runs at night $24.50 (plus $6 shipping) • Stainless Steel & Weatherproof • Clips on 7/8 or 1” Lifeline Stanchion or Swim Ladder • Brite-White-Lite for Safe Boarding • Improves Boat Security by Offering a “Lived In” Look • LED Lighting Does Not Attract Insects and lasts f orever Life Safer Personal Retriever $129.00 (plus $7 shipping) The Personal Retriev-er is the only U.S. Coast Guard approved, buoyant, rapid response, multi-use, water and ice rescue disk, with 100-foot reach. The Personal Retriever out performs all throwable water-rescue devices.

• Throws like a saucer with 100-foot line attached • Made of floating Polyethylene Foam, polypropylene base • 11.24 pounds buoyancy • Weighs 1.5 lbs • Deploys in 10 seconds or less BridgeNorth Bailer 5-foot $46.00 (shipping $6.50) 8-foot bailer $56.00 (shipping $7.00) Boat hook, bailer, washer, squirt gun…and more The most versatile boat hook available.

Stick the end in water, pull the handle back and it is a bailer. Push it back in and it will wash your boat down or squirt your friends (50 feet easily). Many other uses including aerating fish buckets.

To order, call (941) 795-8704, or (877) 372-7245 with a credit card (or confirm to mail a check in), or e-mail store@southwindsmagazine.com.

To all items and books shipped to Florida locations, add applicable state and county sales tax. All items can also be picked up in Bradenton, Florida

TO ORDER CALL 877-372-7245 SOUTHWINDS

December 2006

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LETTERS newspaper, some controversy remains: The contract called for the minimum depth to be 6 feet MLW, and, evidently, there are some spots shallower (some spots are deeper).

Also, the area under the restaurant was not dredged, and some believe this will lead to premature silting. As of this writing, the water, electric, and fire suppression systems are not yet installed, and there are no boats in the basin. The face dock has no electricity yet. The dockmaster’s office and fuel pumps are powered by a portable generator. Prices for slips will go up to $15/foot/month. Many of the boats that were in the basin appear to be wet-stored at the anchorage between R10 and R12. The dockmaster says the city has plans to install 20 moorings in this anchorage, 10 for transients and 10 for monthly rentals. According to him, anchoring in the mooring field will be prohibited. He had no idea when this will be implemented.

In reference to the September letter on Coast Guard licensing problems, I have had my USCG license issued from New Orleans, Miami, Baltimore, Honolulu, and, most recently, Boston. By far, Miami was the slowest and least efficient office. The Boston office, in contrast, was polite, accommodating, and processed my renewal by phone in less than three weeks! I did not need to be re-fingerprinted.

It is easy to request having one’s file transferred. Just call the district office and ask.

It is great to be back from an incredible summer on the Chesapeake! Washington, D.C., by boat is fantastic!...no hassles anchoring in the shadow of the Washington monument, three blocks from the national mall, one block from the Metro and reasonable, friendly dinghy access at the Capitol Yacht Club.

Joe Corey S/V Calcutta, Cal 36 Joe, Thanks for the information—the update on Fernandina, licensing and anchoring in Washington, D.C. It’s nice to hear when boaters are treated courteously and efficiently and of anchorages that are convenient and welcoming. Glad to hear some marinas and anchorages are being added and developed such as that at Fernandina Beach.

We are always asking other boaters to send us updated information on marinas, mooring fields and anchorages.

Editor CONDOS ALONG THE WATER I started to read an article in the Bradenton Herald recently one morning and only got so far as to the first article that caught my eye: “Historic Palmetto Home to Make Way for Condos.” Very well-written article, but that is not why I am writing. I currently live in Regatta Pointe Marina on a sailboat and drive by this beautiful historic home every time I leave and return home. It is such a beautiful sight. However, when I heard about the move, I became devastated.

One reason we moved here to Palmetto was because it is “old Florida”—with beautiful views of the water and not the condo-infested city that so many of our cities in South Florida have become. These condos are enormous eyesores.

One cannot even drive near the water and see a view anymore. All anyone sees is this giant roach that is infesting our beautiful state and taking away our easy access to our unlimited views of the water.

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LETTERS If the state is worried about money, then they should help save our marinas and anchorages. As boaters, we bring in billions of dollars a year, which is greater than the citrus industry. Here in Florida, we have the most registered boats in the country whereas Michigan is second. As more and more of these condos infest Florida, boaters are losing their rights to the water. When these condo commandos are buying near the water, they seem to think they own it when in reality they are just buying the land portion, not the water.

We are limited to places we can sail to and anchor out because of them. For example, there are several places in St. Petersburg that have outlawed anchorages due to complaints from rich landowners/condos. When these condos are advertised, there are ALWAYS sailboats in the background in anchorages and marinas. These people knew what they were buying into when they saw the advertisement, and now that they “own,” they feel they can change their view to suit their own self-importance. When did they become more important than us? Just because they are land-owners or condo commandos? I thought in the United States we were all created equal? Shouldn’t we ALL have rights to the water?

Sarasota is another prime example. They have condos on the water already, and now they are advertising for some more to be built. You can drive down Highway 41 right by Marina Jack’s and see these advertisements on the side of the road. In their pictures they have these ugly condo buildings and sailboats in the background anchored out along with a marina. It won’t be too long before one will drive down the same highway and not even see the water anymore. All they will see is this enormous ugly building blocking any sort of view of the wondrous sight that has drawn so many to this state. Do you have to be rich to see this magnificent view of the water? Also what will happen to the liveaboard sailors and cruisers that currently utilize the Marina Jack’s anchorage? Will the rich condo commandos influence local politicians to affect changes in city ordinance to kick them out, too?

These condo commandos should pick up a copy of Southwinds sailing magazine at Regatta Pointe Marina and see how bad the condo problem is for us boaters and liveaboard sailors.

Nikki Hagely Palmetto, FL Nikki, You got it right. Wall to wall condos. Take down the old and beautiful and put up the new and ugly. It is happening little by little—slowly we are blocking our waterfronts with tall square buildings that all look the same. Our view of the water is reduced to what we can see in between the buildings. But don’t slow your car down as you look between them. You might get arrested for looking suspicious.

It is an age-old story. Find a place that is beautiful and move there and discover it, and it will no longer be the place you wanted to move to. Unfortunately, people that develop these don’t care what is being destroyed, only what is making them wealthy.

Oddly enough, it is the small, picturesque places that we all want to visit and see, yet every day we destroy them. How many people come to Florida to see how beautiful a community of condos is?

All we can do is slow this process down as much as possible and hope the world will wake up before it destroys this dream world we have, or had. I try to publicize it. Thankfully, you can’t build on See LETTERS continued on page 75 12

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Southwinds does not have the electronic rights to the Bubba stories.

Southwinds does not have the electronic rights to the Bubba stories.

BOOKS TO READ The Great Classic Yacht Revival

By Nic Compton. Foreword by Olin Stephens.

Rizzoli International Publications. www.rizzoliusa.com. $45 This is a large-format book of beautiful photos of beautiful boats.

You have to look hard to find a page that has no photo(s) on it. This book covers the classic yachts that are out there sailing today, whether new, rebuilt or surviving after almost 200 years. An example is the photo of Bodicea, possibly the oldest active sailing vessel today, built in 1808.

The book “traces the development of the traditional yacht movement, from its peak in the 1930s to its decline in the ’60s…” (from the jacket description). The author notes that there has been a revival and interest in classic yachts in recent decades, leading to many new ones built along traditional lines, like the 140-foot Zaca a te Moana, built in 1992 by Ed Kastelein. Kastelein decided to build the classic-looking yacht after rebuilding several older boats.

The photos show close-up shots of rigging, interiors, construction and all aspects of these boats to give the reader a view of what some of the more traditional sailing gear is like—totally restored. There are also shots of boats racing and cruising—or under restoration or new construction.

This not a book of just large yachts either—although they dominate the pages—but of all sizes, some so perfectly

restored or built it amazes the reader. Some combine the old and the new. A newly built boat, for example, a small day sailer named Seabird, was built “in cedar strip and sheathed with epoxy and her cream-colored sails are 100 percent synthetic.

Her design, though, is over 100 years old.”

Once you open this book, it is hard to close it.

Knots, Bends, and Hitches for Mariners The United States Power Squadrons.

McGraw Hill. www.mcgraw-hill.com. $14.95 It is not surprising after the reader goes through this book that this was a production of the United States Power Squadrons. This book is designed for boaters. It covers everything from how to properly cleat a line to decorative knots like the bell rope sennit. (You’ll have to buy the book to see what that is.)

In between these two extremes there is every knot a boater could use.

The book starts with a general discussion of rope—cutting it, burning ends, rope construction, etc., etc., etc. The book covers all the knots boaters can think of, plus many more. There is also a chapter on splicing, besides the usual chapters on knots, bends, hitches and hitches. There is even a knot showing one how to secure to a jug (jar sling).

What makes the book valuable, though, (besides its thoroughness) is the simplicity and clarity of its drawings. You can easily see how to tie the knot described. The descriptions also tell uses for the knots. It was from this book that I decided to change my main halyard line knots from the traditional bowline to the lower profile buntline.

Seaworthy. Essential Lessons from BoatU.S.’s 20-Year Case File of Things Gone Wrong

By Robert A. Adriance, Jr. McGraw-Hill. www.mcgraw-hill.com. $14.95 For those who get BoatU.S.’s accident prevention magazine, Seaworthy, this will be familiar reading, but not useless, as it is a compilation of that magazine’s best, or should I say, worst cases of boating mishaps, failures and accidents, both sail and power.

Seaworthy, the magazine, is the publication put out by BoatU.S. insurance that discusses boating mishaps and how to prevent them. If you don’t get it, then do so, as it is not only valuable, but entertaining (in a curious manner for those wanting to learn). It can be purchased at the BoatU.S. Web site, www.boatus.com on their insurance page.

Every issue of Seaworthy talks of accidents or breakdowns, how and why they happened and what to do to prevent them in the future. This book is the best of those reports from more than 20 years of writing on the subject. It includes everything from lightning strikes to hurricanes to groundings, fires, sinkings, crew overboard—the list goes on. Over 150 photos bring these stories alive.

Read this book and, by all rights, your insurance company should reduce your rates.

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Southeastern U.S. Air & Water Temperatures and Gulf Stream Currents – December Weather Web Sites: Carolinas & Georgia www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Southeast.shtml Florida East Coast www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Florida.shtml Florida West Coast & Keys http://comps.marine.usf.edu Northern Gulf Coast www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

NORTHERN GULF COAST Pensacola, FL 45º lo – 63º hi Gulfport, MS 45º lo – 63º hi Water Temperature –58º

WEST FLORIDA St. Petersburg 56º lo – 71º hi Naples 56º lo – 77º hi Water Temperature St. Petersburg – 64º Naples – 68º

CAROLINAS AND GEORGIA Cape Hatteras, NC 44º lo – 57º hi Savannah, GA 40º lo – 63º hi Water Temperature Cape Hatteras, NC – 55º Savannah Beach, GA – 54º

EAST FLORIDA Daytona Beach - 50º lo – 71º hi Jacksonville Beach - 49º lo – 65º hi Water Temperature Daytona Beach – 65º Jacksonville Beach – 60º Gulfstream Current – 2.3 knots

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Miami Beach – 65º lo – 75º hi Stuart – 58º lo – 75º hi Water Temperature Miami Beach – 73º Stuart – 70º Gulfstream Current – 2.4 knots

FLORIDA KEYS Key West 67º lo – 77º hi Water Temperature Key West –72º

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

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

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EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

To have your news or event in this section, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Send us information by the 5th of the month preceding publication. Contact us if later.

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

■ UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING/SUMMER CAMPS Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements. Eleven lessons, every Tuesday. Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs, are presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30pm, 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. Lessons include: which boat for you, equipment, trailering, lines and knots, boat handling, signs, weather, rules, introduction to navigation, inland boating and radio. (727) 823-3753. Don’t wait until next summer to have your children qualify for a State of Florida boater safety ID, possibly lower your Boaters Insurance premium or just hone your safe boating skills.

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Six-week Public Boating Course begins every Monday. Includes safety informaCONTRIBUTE TO SOUTHWINDS WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED Southwinds is always looking for articles and photos on various subjects about sailing, our Southern waters, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. For more information, see page 6.

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tion plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 867-3088. Other courses continuosly offered. (727) 565-4453. www.boating-stpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs Americas Boating Course (2 lessons on a weekend).

Jan. 6-7. Americas Boating Course (3 evening lessons). Jan. 6-7. Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key (Clearwater). Open to adults and youths. Seven Lessons. Evenings For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check call (727) 469-8895 or visit http://a0701101.uscgaux.info/.

Ruskin , FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating Course The Ruskin flotilla each month offers a Boating Safety course in Ruskin, but has found that many boaters do not have the time to attend the courses, so they are now also offering a home study course at $30. Additional family members will be charged $10 each for testing and certificates. Tests will be held bi-monthly. Entry into the course will also allow participants to attend the classes. To apply, call (813) 677-2354.

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC On-going adults sailing programs. Family Sailing. 2-6 people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30’ keelboat. $50-$240. www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 7287317. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638 Standards Accreditation, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Nov. 29-Dec 1 American Boat & Yacht Council. (410) 956-1050. www.abycinc.org.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

Advanced Marina Management Course, West Palm Beach, FL Dec. 4-9 International Marina Institute. Association of Marina Industries/International Marina Institute. (401) 247-0314. www.marinaassociation.com.

■ OTHER EVENTS

■ BOAT SHOWS

Reef Relief, the nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to protecting coral reefs, is holding its second annual Reef Relief Holiday Online Auction from Nov.10 through Dec. 15, at www.reefrelief.org.

“We’ve already received many great items such as artwork, hotel stays, celebrity events, memorabilia, and tropical merchandise and are adding new items continuously.

The Reef Relief Holiday Online Auction will provide all our members and supporters, no matter where you live, with an opportunity to do holiday shopping while helping save coral reefs at the same time,” notes Reef Relief’s Jeffrey Snipes, this year’s auction manager.

Reef Relief is celebrating its 20th year of nonprofit efforts from its headquarters in Key West to protect coral

Austin Boat Show Jan. 11-14. Austin Convention Center. Bring the whole family to the largest boating event of the year featuring over 200 vendors and boat dealers. Thursday and Friday, 12 pm-9 pm. Saturday, 10 am-9 pm. Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. $8 for adults, seniors over 65 and children 10 and under are $4.

Children 6 and under are free. Please visit www.austinboatshow.com for more information.

Atlanta Boat Show Jan 10-14. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. NMMA. www.atalantaboatshow.com.

Stuart Boat Show.

Jan. 12-14. Stuart, FL. www.miatc.com/calendars.htm.

San Antonio Boat Show January 25-28 at the Alamodome. Bring the whole family to the largest boating event of the year featuring over 150 vendors and boat dealers. Thursday and Friday, 12 pm-9pm.

Friday, 12 pm-10 pm. Saturday, 10 am-10 pm. Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. $8 for adults, seniors over 65 and children 10 and under are $4. Children 6 and under are free. Visit www.sanantonioboatshow.com for more information.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Reef Relief Holiday Online Auction Nov 10–Dec. 15: Benefit to Coral Reefs

Florida Maritime Museum Seeks Marine Artifacts and Volunteers Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, FL, is looking for artifacts to put in the maritime museum. Among some of the items sought are antique navigational charts, ships’ logs, journals, fish house financial records, boat papers, vintage crab traps, net-mending needles, poling oars, net floats and miscellaneous boating and fishing-related memorabilia.

The museum is also looking for old school-related items like notebooks, map books, desks, etc, that will go in the museum’s location, which is the 1912 Cortez schoolhouse.

Volunteers are also needed, ages 13 and older, to help scan old photographs into the museum’s computer files, and also to help put together newspaper clipping files.

To donate and/or volunteer, contact the museum curator, Karen Geis, at (941) 708-6121.

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reefs and works year-round on environmental education programs, policy guidance and marine projects that make a difference for coral reefs.

“The auction sales help generate funds and are a great way to showcase our business supporters to a broad audience of ocean lovers who are looking for holiday gifts.

Auction items include special events, merchandise, travel, lodging, dining, artwork, water sports, and more, “ Snipes added. So make a point of checking out www.reefrelief.org to view all the great auction items and place your bids on your favorites. And let your friends know, too!

For more info contact Reef Relief at www.reefrelief.org, or e-mail reef@bellsouth.net or call (305) 294-3100.

Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Pirates in Paradise Key West Various locations throughout Key West, (305) 296-9694.

More than 100 improvisational actors and combative stuntmen in pirate garb conduct the annual “invasion” of the southernmost city by a flotilla of pirate ships. Entertainment includes swashbuckling and sea chanteys, pirate costume competition, parties, exhibitions, daily sailing trips, nautical excursions and seafaring adventures, films, a tall ships sea battle, arts and crafts, music, re-enactments and more.

Admission: Most are free, various charges for excursions, theatrical and party events. www.piratesinparadise.com.

2006 Wharram Catamaran Rendezvous, Dec. 1-3, Hobe Sound, FL The 2006 Florida Wharram Catamaran Rendezvous is scheduled for the first weekend in December (Dec.1, 2, 3) in

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Hobe Sound, FL. Hobe Sound is near Stuart on the Atlantic coast of Florida. We use a wonderful protected anchorage at Peck Lake on the ICW that is only a few football fields away from a sandy Atlantic beach. We expect to have five to eight Wharrams there; a Tiki 46, a few Tangaroas, Tiki 26s and possibly others.

The rendezvous is always a fun event…nothing formally planned. Just good people, nice chats, looking over boats, plans and pictures, telling good stories, horror stories and just tall tales. We usually start early and go late…as long as the conversation is interesting.

All Wharram catamaran owners are welcome as well as lovers of Wharram catamarans and others who would just like to show up and see them and talk about them. Bring your pictures if you can’t bring your boat. If you can’t bring a boat or pictures, then just bring yourself! We have even been known to welcome “half boats” (monohulls).

Sailing in? We will be anchored in Peck Lake; Day Mark 19, south of the St. Lucie Inlet on the ICW, latitude N27.06.924, longitude W80.08.672. We meet east of the day mark with good depth and good holding. Coming by car?

We run a dinghy shuttle to the boats from the launch ramp of Jimmie Graham Park. For shuttle information and local information on the anchorage contact Gene Perry below.

For more information, call Gene Perry (Tiki 26) at home at (772) 545-9312 or on his cell at (772) 214-4330, Dan Kunz (Tangaroa 36) at home at (305) 664-0190, or Ann and Neville Clements’ (Tiki 46) on their cell at (401) 261-7816. You can also send a note to this e-mail: floridawharramrendezvous@hotmail.com. We will monitor e-mails every few days. E-mails will not be monitored from approximately seven days just before the event…so please use the phones at that point.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Key West Race Week, Jan. 15-19 The biggest sailboat regatta in North America.

For a complete description of the regatta, see page 54 in the racing section.

■ NEWS Two Popular Sailing Symposiums to be Held in New Orleans in January 2007 US SAILING has announced that its two popular symposiums, the National Sailing Programs Symposium (NSPS) and the One-Design Sailing Symposium (ODSS), will be held together over a five-day period in New Orleans, LA, Jan.17-21.

The National Sailing Programs Symposium, presented

by Vanguard Sailboats and geared toward sailing program organizers, will kick off the events on Wednesday, Jan.17, and run through Sunday, Jan. 21. The One-Design Symposium, created for one-design class organizers, will take place Jan. 20-21 at the same hotel, the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center.

The joint location for the two symposiums enables participants to attend seminars from both symposiums at a discounted rate. Registration for the NSPS includes entry into the ODSS. Registration for the NSPS is $150 through Dec.15 and $175 after Dec.15. (US SAILING members receive $25 off). Participants of the ODSS who arrive in New Orleans on Jan.19 or 20 can attend any Saturday seminars of the NSPS at the ODSS rate. Registration for the ODSS is $105 through December, $130 after that date. (US SAILING members receive $25 off).

First created in 1983 and held annually since, US SAILING’s National Sailing Programs Symposium has, over the years, brought together thousands of sailing program organizers. Presented by Vanguard Sailboats, this symposium is an outstanding event for any sailing program organizer, with numerous educational seminars and workshops on the agenda. The purpose of this annual sympo-

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sium is for participants to network with other organizers and to share ideas on what it takes to run a successful sailing program. For information, visit www.ussailing.org/training/nsps/ 2007/index.htm.

Created for sailors and one-design classes who would like to learn more about onedesign sailing, US SAILING first organized the One-Design Symposium in 2004. The event has been a success from the beginning. With over 200 active sailboat classes in the United States, topics at the symposium cover the full spectrum from the nuts and bolts of building a fleet to the intricacies of keeping a successful class running smoothly. For information, visit www.ussailing.org/odcc/2007ODSShomepage.htm.

New U.S. Customs Program Allows U.S. Boaters Easier Entry Back into the Country The U.S. Customs and Border Protection office recently set up a new program that allows U.S. boaters an option to regBoy Scouts Looking for Charter Boats and Captains Florida Sea Base, a high adventure camp serving the Boy Scouts of America, is looking for sailboats to run our next summer season beginning the end of May 2007 through the end of August 2007. The ideal boats will either be a Morgan 41 Out Island or the CSY 44 or something similar (5.5-foot draft or less). Weekly trips include training, fuel (diesel and propane), dockage at Sea Base (located in Islamorada) and Key West. All provisions are included, food, ice and necessary dry goods.

With the Code of Federal Regulations for the Boy Scouts of America, we are permitted to carry eight passengers with a six-pack license. All vessels must pass the Coast Guard’s un-inspected/inspected vessel check, be documented for “coast-wise trade” and carry $1,000,000 in liability insurance with Boy Scouts of America listed on the policy.

You will be guaranteed 9 to 11 trips for the season (excluding acts of nature) at $2200 per trip. Charters usually consist of six youths (Boy Scouts) ranging in age from 14-20 and two adult leaders. You are in charge of your vessel but must run our charter program and schedule as described. Boats run in groups of four from Islamorada to Key West and back (80 miles each way). The captain will take the scouts fishing, sailing and snorkeling with four nights at anchor and one day and night in Key West. All gear/tackle and bait are provided at no additional charge.

This is a fast-paced program so all boats and captains must be up for the demands. Being mechanically inclined is a major plus. If you have a boat and would like a contract captain to run her, we have several very qualified captains to put you in contact with.

Contact Capt. Rich Beliveau at (305) 394-0365. www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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ister in advance to make it easier to return to the United States after visiting a foreign port.

Currently U.S. boaters returning must call an 800 number and inform the office they have returned, and then they must show up in person at a nearby office within 24 hours for an in-person interview with a passport control officer.

Through the new program, boaters can pre-register, provide proof of citizenship or legal permanent residence and give details about their boat. They are given a personal identifying registration number. Upon returning, they call the 800 number and give their registration number. They will, in most cases, not have to appear in person after following this procedure. There can be instances where they will still have to show up, but not if they are citizens who have been leaving and reentering the country regularly and known by the office. Every person on board must have a registration number.

The customs office set this procedure up because they were concerned about people not reporting back in at all, since it was often so difficult for many to show up in person within 24 hours.

To register in the program, called the Customs and Border Protection’s Local Boater Option, call (800) 432-1216 or (800) 451-0393.

Hurricane Season is Over BUT— El Nino is Coming—Windy Winter Forecast

By Roy Laughlin The unexpectedly but completely uneventful 2006 hurricane season is attributed to an El Nino event that developed

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Beached boats from a recent storm in Brevard County. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

more quickly than expected. A warm pool of water about 1 degree C above normal formed in the Pacific southwest of Hawaii and is moving east toward South America. Winds that formed this oceanic feature and the heat in its water will affect weather in the Southern United States until at least spring. One tradeoff for the weak 2006 hurricane season will likely be a series of atypically strong winter storms.

Passage of two strong cold fronts in October across the Florida peninsula are likely harbingers of more to follow during the winter.

Extratropical low pressure systems and their trailing fronts infrequently produce winds as strong as those from hurricanes. But what they lack in velocity, they often compensate for in duration and frequency. Three sailboat owners whose boats were anchored out off Pineda Causeway in Brevard County found out the hard way that winter storms require preparation and vigilance. Unexpectedly strong and gusty winds from a storm that came through in midOctober blew these boats onto the causeway beach. While the boats were not damaged significantly, owners will have to get them afloat soon before the next storm arrives or risk damage from pounding on the bottom. The emerging El Nino is not forecast to be as strong as the one in 1998-99.

This winter, however, will likely have more frequent winter storms, and probably they will be stronger than those of the past three winters.

Brevard County has more boats anchored out of marinas and piers than at any time in the past 50 years because of marina conversions. Recent changes in state laws give local police authority to declare anchored boats derelict and remove them. Once a boat comes off anchor, the owner may not have the chance to reclaim it so easily as was the case in the past. Sailors with boats on a mooring should exercise due vigilance to maintain the mooring. Prompt response to developing storm forecasts is also effective in keeping boats off the rocks. Finally, when all else is done, keep your fingers crossed for good luck. www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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BoatU.S Money Available to Educate Boaters on Waterways Environment

The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is offering grants up to $4,000 for nonprofit groups to educate boaters about clean-water issues and environmental stewardship of waterways. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

While projects involving the reduction of trash and other marine debris in waterways will receive extra consideration this year, applicants are encouraged to submit any proposal that strives to improve the marine environment.

“Eighty percent of all marine debris—such as plastic bottles, cigarette butts, automobile tires and industrial waste—starts out on land and ends up in the water,” said Susan Shingledecker, environmental program manager for BoatU.S. Foundation, in a statement. “Not only is it unpleasant to look at, but the trash can significantly harm marine life as well as be a navigational hazard. The easiest way to reduce marine debris is to prevent it from reaching the water in the first place.”

Last year’s Clean Water Grant program received 65 proposals. Of these, 18 projects in 14 states were selected for funding for a total of nearly $50,000 in grant funds.

For more information, go to www.boatus.com/foundation/cleanwater/grants.

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Fort Pierce Opens New Youth Sailing Facility

The City of Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation (TCYSF) recently opened a new youth sailing training facility in Fort Pierce at Jaycee Park on South Hutchinson Island.

TCYSF, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, was organized to provide an additional and much-needed summer activity for the benefit of the youth ages 8-13 in Fort Pierce and surrounding communities, according to Roy Whitehead, TCYSF president.

The foundation’s sole activity will be to teach sailing to young people in the area, using small boats (called prams), which the Foundation provides. The program is designed to accommodate up to 80 students, with a number of openings available to underprivileged youth. TCYSF will expand opportunities for financially underprivileged students based on demand and funding availability, Mr. Whitehead said, “but the intent is to allow admission to any child, whether or not they have the ability to pay.”

This program is strongly supported by the city of Fort Pierce, which has provided a site for the training activities, as well as financial and material aid. It is sponsored and supported by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

The foundation’s 2006-2007 board of directors includes Fort Pierce Mayor Robert Benton; Troy Ingersoll, member-elect of the St. Lucie County School Board, Norman Penner, executive director of the St. Lucie County Boys & Girls Club; Fort Pierce Yacht Club members Candace Banack, Sharon Raphaeli, William Woollett; and Roy Whitehead.

Go to www.tcysf.homestead.com for information.

BoatU.S. Offers Online Tutorial on VHF Radios with DSC Service

Last month SOUTHWINDS printed an article on VHF radios that have Digital Selective Service (DSC) enabled on them.

This is also known as the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, the number that enables DSC VHF radios to work as emergency locators.

BoatU.S and the U.S. Coast Guard have teamed together to create an online tutorial—with sound—on the system. But it goes beyond just the use of DSC. The tutorial is in seven parts: (1) a discussion of emergency radio communications history; (2) the Coast Guard’s national emergency radio system (Rescue 21); (3) VHF radios; (4) the digital selective-calling VHF radio; (5) equipping your boat with a DSC VHF radio; (6) installing a DSC VHF radio; and (7) emergency and routing DSC VHF radio operation.

The tutorial serves not only as an introduction for those

News & Views for Southern Sailors

new to VHF radios but also as an excellent tutorial for veteran mariners who would like to know how the DSC radio works—plus learn a little history and some interesting and important peripheral information on VHF radios and emergency communications.

For more information and to view the tutorial, go to www.boatus.com/mmsi. Southwinds will also make this link available on its home page at www.southwindsmagazine.com.

Online NOAA Chart Viewer Available—FREE

The NOAA recently launched a Web site with over 1000 NOAA raster charts available for public viewing. No special software is required, and the charts can be viewed with any standard Web site browser. Panning and zooming in and out are available, and the charts will be updated weekly for all notices to mariners.

The NOAA released raster and vector charts available to the public earlier this year for installing on computers, but they require special software dedicated to chart viewing. With special navigation software, these charts can be downloaded at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/raster/ download.htm. The NOAA recommends using the free online charts for planning and research only.

To see the charts, go to www.nauticalcharts.gov/viewer.

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U.S. Virgin Islands Mandates Life Jacket Use From BoatU.S.

The USVI Legislature recently passed a law requiring every vessel operator in the area to ensure that everyone on board wears a PFD. There is no distinction made in the law between commercial, recreational or charter boats. Also passed was a requirement that all children under 17 wear a Type I or II PFD. Previously, more comfortable Type III veststyle PFDs were required for youths. Mandatory boater education for motorboat operators 18 years and younger is also part of the new law. The law allows youth to take a similar course in their home state and bring their card with them when visiting the USVIs. Since the local government does not yet have a youth boater education law, this part will not become mandatory until that is instated—estimated to be within six months.

Since there is no clarification of the law as to when boaters must wear life jackets—for example, whether they are required for boats at anchor or at the dock—USVI authorities stated they would clarify that in the near future. They will also clarify whether the new rule contains all charter vessels, whether bareboat or contained charter boats.

BoatU.S. stated its opposition to mandatory life jackets to the authorities. For updates on this situation, go to www.boatus.com/gov/alert.htm.

Sailing to Cuba? U.S. Government Increases Enforcement of Commerce Restrictions

oughly, the U.S. government has punished many sailors who have gone to Cuba through just prosecuting them— dropping the charges before they make it to trial, but long after those accused have suffered personally and financially through the harassment process.

One FBI agent, as reported in the Florida Keys Keynoter, stated that “the federal government will use all its resources to ensure that the law is enforced.” It was not reported what the federal government will do next when all of its resources are used up.

WindPath Sailing Inc. Introduces Fractional Use Sailing to the Fort Myers Area in Southwest Florida WindPath Sailing, a fractional sailing group out of Connecticut, recently opened its first base operation in Florida at Fort Myers. WindPath has four locations in the northeast and one in San Francisco, CA. All of WindPath’s boats are fully loaded Catalinas, which are typically outfitted with an in-mast furling system, electric anchor windlass, wheel steering with auto pilot, GPS chart plotter, air-conditioning, separate shower stall, microwave, flat screen television with DVD player and CD player. Florida’s fleet is based on the Catalina line of 30-50 foot yachts. The first yacht, a 2007 Catalina 350, will be christened Beam N Brooke, and became available November 15. It is berthed at Burnt Store Marina, in Punta Gorda in Charlotte Harbor with easy access to the Gulf, Fort Myers, and Naples. Plans to introduce WindPath to other Florida locations as well as around the UnitedStates are also in the works.

WindPath of Florida is owned by Bob Johnson, an avid

At a recent meeting in South Florida, federal enforcement agencies reiterated their plans to enforce all commerce restrictions on trade with the Cuban government, stating they plan to aggressively prosecute and pursue those who break trade laws, based on the Trading with the Enemy Act, through spending money on the island nation. Although the laws have never been taken to court and tested thor-

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

Bill Shaw of Pearson Yacht Fame Dies Bill Shaw, designer of many Pearson yachts that today are a mark of excellence to many sailors, died recently at the age of 80 at his home in Bristol, RI. Shaw designed (Carl Alberg designed the earlier Pearsons) sailboats that were traditional-looking, solidly built cruisers, both attractive and wellpriced, with many doing well on the racecourse. Shaw-designed Pearson owners today are diehard fans of their boats. Shaw was also co-founder of the MORC, the Midget Ocean Racing Club.

A Pearson 39 designed by Bill Shaw.

Photo by Steve Morrell.

sailor who has day-sailed for 25 years and chartered similar yachts in southwest Florida for several years. Looking for an opportunity to sail more and take visitors sailing, he discovered “Fractional Sailing” as an alternative. In October 2006, Bob became the first WindPath Sailing base owner in Florida. Bob plans to expand his base at Burnt Store Marina and expand to other Florida locations in the coming years.

To contact Bob Johnson about WindPath in Florida, call (239) 694-1803, or e-mail rjohnson@Wind Path.com. For more information on WindPath, go to www.WindPath.com.

Tim Stodola of Doyle Ploch Sailmakers in St. Petersburg Moves On Tim Stodola, the sales manager at Doyle Ploch Sailmakers in St. Petersburg, is leaving his position, and the state of Florida, for the mountains of Colorado. Tim has been a sail

News & Views for Southern Sailors

consultant with Doyle Ploch since 1993. Prior to taking the position there, he was the sales representative for Hood Sailmakers in St. Petersburg. Tim’s background in masts, rigging, sail furling, and sail-handling systems has been invaluable to customers. Tim has extensive sailing and racing experience including one-design, Maxi race yachts, and corporate and charter yachts. His offshore adventures include several short-handed, transatlantic crossings.

Tim will continue to work for Doyle Ploch Sails, and will handle sail consulting and sales via e-mail (timstodola@doyleplochsails.com). Tim will also be available for some regattas and deliveries, if the conditions are right.

(See Tim’s farewell letter in the letters section.)

On board as Doyle Ploch’s new sail consultant, is Dan Driscoll. Dan, a recent graduate of Eckerd College, was a member of the Eckerd sailing team. Dan grew up sailing in Massachusetts and is actively involved in sailing here in the St. Petersburg area. Dan can be reached via e-mail dan@doyleplochsails.com, or (800)717-1406.

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

Our coastal waters and our waterways belong to all of us, and all of us have a right to use them.

These waters are not just for those who live on the water, and it is up to us boaters and lovers of these waters to protect that right.

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

We are looking for news and information on changes, land sales, anchorages, boaters’ rights, new marinas, anchoring rights, disappearing marinas, boatyards and boat ramps, environmental concerns and other related news.

Contact Steve Morrell at editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or call (941) 795-8704

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OLD FLORIDA OR

NEW FLORIDA?

Florida Mayor in St. Lucie County Proposes Marine Industrial Zone

F

ort Pierce Mayor Bob Benton, in attempts to stop the decline in boating-related waterfront industries, recently proposed using land currently zoned residential for a future marine industrial zone for boatyards, marinas and other marine businesses. The St. Lucie county commissioners supported his idea.

Noting that counties south of him—Palm Beach, Dade and Broward—are already losing waterfront land currently used for similar business, he said that St. Lucie and Martin counties (on their southern border) are starting to feel the pinch. He said that rising property values—increasing 100 percent this last year—are pressuring waterfront landowners to sell for residential development, and something must be done.

Benton said that the development could take 20 years, and a lot has to be done to make it happen—including getting support to change the zoning from residential use. Although commissioners supported the idea, some wonder if nearby residents will not. There are also many engineering and planning hurdles to jump over to make the plan reality.

Fort Pierce has worked at developing its waterfront with new marinas in recent years—becoming a more boater-friendly community—and this would be another step in that direction.

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

Introduction to Dockominiums Part 1 (of two parts)

By Roy Laughlin

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any believe that dockominiums are the future of marinas in Florida. They are definitely here to stay. From a slip renter’s point of view, the differences between them and a traditionally owned marina can be small, and many transients might not even know that their slip is owned as a dockominium. From the owner’s point of view, the differences are significant.

Renting one from both points of view is similar to that of a residential condo rental in Florida or a ski rental condo elsewhere. One thing for sure: Dockominiums are a major part of the How many marinas will switch to dockominiums? Photo by Steve Morrell. future marina industry in Florida. statutes governing condominiums generally apply to the In a dockominium, a person owns a boat slip or dry marina associations as well. Because of ownership restricstorage space (often called “rackominiums” in high and tions, these are not considered “public marinas.” dry storage), and the common elements are owned and As waterfront property became more expensive, it maintained by the owners’ association, paid for with dues. became apparent that it is cheaper for a developer to buy Like residential condominiums, one owns a small part—a an existing marina than to build a new one. slip or an individual condo unit—and maintenance and Consequently—in the last decade—many existing marinas upkeep costs of the common elements are shared by the have been bought up and residential condominium commembers of the condominium association. plexes built next to them, offering to buyers a condo unit This article will briefly survey the development and and/or a dockominium. Developers who do this have an current status of dockominiums in Florida. We use two advantage in costs, and therefore in sales price, over those terms in this article, dockominium and equity marina slip who build new condos with new marinas. This has helped ownership, interchangeably to describe the combination of lead to the decline of the number of public marinas, causprivate slip ownership combined with an association that ing many to believe this trend has pushed the less affluent owns the common elements of the facility. These terms can boaters off the water for lack of affordable slips. have specific meanings contractually, but both generally describe a purchase arrangement for the long-term use of THE NEW MILLENNIUM: EVOLVING a boat slip in a marina. Although both wet- and dry-slip TO CONDO SLIPS ONLY purchase agreements are available, we will discuss wet In the past few years, there has been a trend to develop slips, as they are where sailboat owners typically keep dockominiums separate from residential condominiums. their boats. Each purchase contract should be considered a Boat owners saw the opportunity to buy a slip that they unique document with options and restrictions that can be can’t be kicked out of. As slips became more in demand, significantly different from one marina to another. It will these marinas that switched to dockominiums became be advantageous to look at the multiple offerings in your lucrative investment opportunities not only for boat ownown area and to seek independent legal and accountant ers but for non-boat owners as well. Many prices skyrockadvice before deciding to purchase. eted in recent years, often giving returns of several hundred percent in just a few years.

THE EVOLUTION OF DOCKOMINIUMS Several other reasons have contributed to dockominiDockominiums are not new to Florida. They have been um growth. Damaging hurricanes in the last two years around as part of residential condominium developments have accelerated this trend. Many damaged or destroyed for many years when the marina portion of a larger resimarinas were sold at distressed prices to condo developdential condominium was spun off as a separate entity, ers. Some marina owners moved a level or two higher in creating dockominiums. Residents who wanted to keep a the economic food chain to share in the financial feast of boat purchased the slip separately, and the association fees slip sales by becoming developers or partnering with for this amenity were separate from the residential fees for them. Finally, growth management is limiting condominithe main condominium development. Typically, demand um developments that might otherwise buy a marina and for slips far exceeded supply, so restrictions were placed adjoining lands. Dockominium development is also more on ownership, limiting it to the residents of the associated immediately permittable. Finally, some marina sites are residential condominium complex. In these cases, Florida

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OUR WATERWAYS not suitable for residential development but are easily convertible to dockominiums. Marina owners wishing to cash out or upgrade find equity ownership offerings a very profitable way to cash out of outright marina ownership.

In the case of dockominiums, a boat owner “buys” a boat slip (or boat storage space) from the marina developer and a membership in the owners’ association. The association has responsibility to maintain docks that provide access to slips, sea walls, jetties, parking spaces and any other facilities in the marina. This is the dockominium concept at its simplest.

But, there is no standard plan for dockominiums. The developer/seller can structure a plan in almost any way within the legal conventions of contract law.

Independent marina “dockominiums” associations may resemble the more familiar residential condo models in terms of management and fees. They can have simple rules with owners expected to either make repairs themselves or pay to have it done.

Older dockominium projects have traded individual initiative for low annual costs. One older example is the marina at the Cove Inn in Old Naples, which was built in 1960. This dockominium was set up separately from the Cove Inn, which is a condominium hotel.

Ownership of the slips was not limited to the residential condominium owners. It has the amenities of a marina including a laundry and bathhouses, but not an on-site manager. This leaves owners or their tenants responsible for maintenance. Newer projects designate a management company to oversee routine management and general marina operations. Use of a management company will add monthly fees to association dues and will often ensure that association rules are enforced to the letter. Sometimes, only a portion of an existing marina is offered for dockominium ownership while another portion remains a marina.

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The original marina owner is often designated as the new facility manager. In some cases, the marina management handles slip rental should the owner leave it vacant. They set rates, collect rent and deduct fees prior to remitting the balance after costs to the owner.

Barbara Pierce’s ketch, Crossroads, at the dockominium docks at the Cove Inn in Naples.

Photo by Barbara Pierce.

One Boater’s Dockominium Experience

By Barbara Pierce

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he Cove Inn in Naples, FL, was our home for over two years in 2003-5. We rented from the owner of the slip, who had purchased it when the Cove Inn, a condominium hotel, was built in the 1960s. It was a dockominium long before the word was created.

As live-aboards for 12 years, we lived in many marinas across the United States and Mexico.

While we loved it at the Cove—and left reluctantly—there were pros and cons.

PROS: The heated pool, bathrooms steps away (we rarely used our own head), laundry facilities, a book exchange, the location on Naples Bay in Old Naples. Our rent was very reasonable. We paid it directly to the owner. Other renters paid considerably more. Each boater made his own arrangement with the slip owner.

CONS: We missed the sense of community that we’ve experienced in all other marinas in which we’ve stayed. We didn’t get to know many other boaters at the Cove, and that was a real minus to us. And we missed on-site management (but lack of a dockmaster is not necessarily typical of dockominiums). We dealt directly with our landlord by phone. (He resided out of state). When the slip needed dredging, when the dock deteriorated—any issues were ours to handle with him over the phone. Also, there was no structure or rules. We didn’t know we were breaking rules until we did. Though we don’t like rules, structure is important.

A CURRENT ABUNDANCE OF DOCKOMINIUMS IN FLORIDA A Google search for dockominiums in Florida yields dozens of links to Web sites advertising them in all parts of the state and the Caribbean. In many cases, the facilities do not presently exist as dockominiums, but purchase contracts are available. Many are already marinas being converted to slip-ownership programs. They have or plan to build more facilities than a marina typically needs to service boats. These include pools, computer facilities with Internet access, restaurants and other amenities that give essential shoreside services to boat owners who want to use their boats for “extended stays.” Ads for these dockominiums avoid the term “liveaboards,” perhaps to escape invoking local restrictions on this lifestyle. Transient cruisers would clearly recognize, however, the opportunity to spend the winter in such a slip on an “extended stay”—and would find the amenities most inviting.

Dockominiums are not real different from a traditional marina either in terms of size or amenities.

There can be a different ambience, especially for liveaboards and extended-stay residents in the dockominium (see sidebar for a personal account). But often, boaters staying in a dockominium that offers shortterm slip availability during the owner’s absence have no idea of the facilities’ ownership plan. It appears to the public and operates under a management company just as any other marina does.

Next month, in part II, we will discuss dockominiums on state-leased submerged land as compared to marinas over privately owned land, taxes, and the investment value of dockominiums. www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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OUR WATERWAYS

St. Petersburg Waterfront and Boating Access Summit Exemplifies Many Waterfront Communities’ Concerns

By Steve Morrell

The Pier from Spa Beach on a windy day. Will a breakwater help preserve The Pier and make it more desirable?

T

of all property on or near the water. There has been little development of government-financed facilities, like marinas, piers, breakwaters, public docks for transients, mooring fields, and other waterfront public-use developments.

Public-use areas might be waterfront tourist attractions, such as maritime museums, waterfront shopping and restaurant areas, aquariums, tall ships, piers, boardwalks, municipal marinas, etc. Odd that there is only one maritime museum in Florida, and it is in its infant stages and was only recently created (Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, FL).

For visitors to St. Petersburg, all the activity is downtown—just blocks from the waterfront—except at The Pier, the city marina and the waterfront boardwalks, which are always lively with people both day and night. But The Pier, and all of the St. Petersburg waterfront, could be, in the eyes of some, a much more attractive, lively and entertaining area. The Pier was built in 1973, and not much has happened to the St. Petersburg waterfront since. With some exceptions, this is typical of much of Florida. Most of the marinas, piers and other waterfront attractions in Florida were built decades ago, and few communities have built much since then. That is possibly beginning to change.

he issues discussed at the community summit on waterfront and boating access issues held in St. Petersburg in October are typical of what many of Florida’s waterfront communities face today in changing times.

In recent years, there has been a backlash against certain kinds of boaters; transients and cruisers. At the same time, waterfront development by local governments and boating-related businesses has been almost at a standstill.

Development and change in Florida’s waterfronts in the last 10 to 20 years has been almost totally private and residential; condominium development, the increase in luxury waterfront homes and the meteoric rise in property values

BACKLASH AGAINST BOATERS Within the last 5 to 10 years, there has been a backlash against boaters. The incredible increase in Florida’s population living near the water has increased the number of boaters dramatically, yet few new boat ramps or marinas have been built. In fact, the number of marinas has declined considerably.

Even though the majority of boaters on the water daily are people who have small powerboats and don’t live on or close to the water, it seems that the minority, which is the waterfront landowners and waterfront condominium residents, are the ones who have the loudest and most influential voice. Few of those daily boaters who launch their boats via trailer or from high and dry storage have much say.

Waterfront residents (and those who live real close to the water) complain of parking and traffic at boat ramps, cruisers who anchor off their private waterfronts, and marinas and boatyards that they want to be sold for condo development (with nice, quiet condo residents).

Consequently, we now have a shortage of boat ramps, marinas, boatyards and other waterfront facilities all around Florida. But there is an abundance of waterfront luxury homes and condominiums.

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in the afternoon, the attendees broke up into seven groups to discuss concerns, suggestions and ideas that were later submitted to the city and the public.

Among the many ideas discussed, the main ones were: (1) water access through boat ramps and boat ramp maintenance; (2) canal dredging; (3) derelict vessels; (4) a breakwater across the city’s waterfront; (5) mooring fields; and (6) development of a marina at the Port of St. Petersburg.

The anchorage in the Vinoy Basin. A transient mooring field could be developed here—if protected by a breakwater.

Along with this, many downtowns, like St. Petersburg have condominium waterfronts, although St. Petersburg was smart enough to buy up all the waterfront property downtown long ago. Yet condos exist—or are being built— all over downtown as close as they can get to the water— within blocks while waterfront development in downtown St. Petersburg has been at a standstill for a long time. The citizens behind the Waterfront and Boating Access Summit held in October are hoping to change that.

THE WATERFRONT SUMMIT The summit was sponsored by Jopie Helsen of Sailor’s Wharf (brokerage and boatyard), Page Obenshain of St. Petersburg Yacht Charter and Sales and the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership (a group of concerned citizens and business people). The summit was originally promoted by the mayor’s office in seeking citizen input on waterfront issues concerning boats and boating access. But it’s the sponsors of this event who have been promoting ambitious waterfront changes for some time.

Approximately 130 people attended from various backgrounds—private citizens, business people and city representatives. After a morning general discussion of the issues,

News & Views for Southern Sailors

BOAT RAMPS AND CANAL DREDGING The boat ramps issue was more concerned with maintaining and improving them—the docks and the paved ramps and parking areas—as many have deteriorated. More boat ramps were also supported.

The issue of canal dredging was another issue of concern, voiced mainly by waterfront landowners—but also by other boaters who saw the issue affecting dockage in general. The city used to maintain the canals at the original controlling depths, even owning its own dredge. It did so as these owners paid the highest taxes, and the city maintained them as they would city streets. These canals, though, like the boat ramps, have deteriorated in recent years, and dredging is never done anymore. Many waterfront landowners can no longer keep deep-draft boats in slips at their homes as the canals have filled in. Some complain about the difficulty of being able to dredge because of environmental permits, but these canals, being navigable channels, are exempt and can be regularly dredged.

DERELICT VESSELS Another issue discussed—and the most emotionally charged—was derelict vessels. Derelict vessels can become eyesores and navigational hazards, and people have basically become sick and tired of them. The marine patrol complains that it is limited by laws that do not clearly define what can be hauled ashore and destroyed—that just because a boat looks like a derelict doesn’t mean it has a right to declare it junk and authorize it to be condemned. Other citizens stated that the marine patrol is just not doing its job,

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OUR WATERWAYS that the laws on the books knows that all tourists in all do delineate what can be waterfront communities condemned. Al Davis of migrate to the waterfront Gulfport expressed this areas—boardwalks, docks, view. Al and his wife Cindy piers, museums, restauare sailors, owning a boat rants, shops, attractions, and a waterfront home in etc. Waterfront developGulfport. They have several ment in St. Petersburg has times done the research on been dead for many years. derelict vessels off the A breakwater—accompashoreline of Gulfport, nied with other projects given the information to that it would enable— members of the marine would completely change patrol and shown them the this. Plus it can be financed laws that will allow them The Port of St. Petersburg. Fishermen’s Wharf, marina, tall ships, federally—without local to remove them. Still the megayachts? funds. Helsen says that marine patrol refused to almost every breakwater in act. Davis says the marine patrol just doesn’t take the time the United States has been funded—and can be funded in to look into it and if it did, many of these vessels could be the future—by the federal government in protecting cities legally hauled away. and harbors.

A breakwater would also allow a mooring field to be A BREAKWATER AND MOORING FIELDS established off the city’s shoreline, along with a transient The biggest and most ambitious ideas centered around a mooring field inside the Vinoy basin. East winds and waves proposed breakwater, mooring fields and a marina at Port have prohibited this in the past. A taxi service for those of St. Petersburg. moored in the mooring field farther out could come to The breakwater was the largest of these three ideas disshoreside facilities and docks in the Vinoy basin. Dinghy cussed. It is also pivotal to the development of so many docks could be established for the transient mooring field other projects associated with it. Jopie Helsen and others and for those using the larger field farther out. Transient have been promoting this idea for many years, envisioning docks built on the basin’s southeastern shore at the base of a downtown St. Pete waterfront that would benefit greatly the pier could be an area where visiting boaters could come from a breakwater. The breakwater would protect the ashore for a few hours or a day to shop, visit restaurants waterfront along the entire downtown area from the and other attractions. These docks could also be used for Bayboro inlet at the Port of St. Pete north to the Vinoy Basin. boat shows—providing income for the city. (The annual In the past, east winds creating waves have done serious Strictly Sail boat show now spends money to build tempodamage along the waterfront. In 2005, a tropical storm— rary docks for its boat show at this location.) The entire area with winds never stronger than 35 mph—completely would become alive with activity—and still be protected destroyed the Vinoy Resort docks in the Vinoy basin. Tall from strong winds that build up coming across Tampa Bay. ships (and other large vessels) that have docked at the port St. Petersburg could become a major lively waterfront comor at The Pier have always suffered damage from strong munity. east winds and waves. This has kept many away or from The advantages of a mooring field are many. It would visiting regularly—or from staying longer—or from possihelp alleviate the shortage of slips which has been growing bly being permanently docked as tourist attractions. in recent years—not only because of the diminishing numHurricane-force winds would be devastating to the waterber of slips but because of an increasing number of boats. front today.

Mooring fields are cheaper and easier to design, build and Helsen envisions a city with a lively waterfront. He maintain. They are also safer and more able to withstand hurricanes. Boats are better able to survive a storm at a mooring than at a dock. Many Florida communities have been building and running successful mooring fields in recent years—Vero Beach, Marathon, Fort Myers Beach.

Many allow liveaboards, wet storage and transients.

A MARINA AT THE PORT OF ST. PETERSBURG The city of St. Petersburg has made several attempts in recent years to develop the port, but nothing has been real successful. Cruise ships will not use it as they go to Tampa, and the possible use of the port for offshore gambling ships was tried, but it failed. Helsen and others believe a marina should be developed there. The area is perfect for a marina, and the development of a breakwater will help protect the area even more. Helsen believes it would be well-suited for a megayacht marina, as the existing docks and controlling 36 December 2006

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could further help these depth are already there and businesses, besides the genwould be ideal for larger eral economy of the area. boats, including tall ships permanently docked as OTHER FLORIDA attractions. The city of St. COMMUNITIES ARE Petersburg is considering DEVELOPING developing the entire port WATERFRONTS AND and surrounding land as BECOMING BOATERboth a port for fishing boats FRIENDLY and as a tourist attraction Many other communities with shops, restaurants, are working toward develand other attractions. They oping their waterfronts and envision a “Fishermen’s’ making their communities Wharf” similar to the one in boater-friendly, knowing San Francisco. Addition of a that boaters can be good marina to this concept The downtown St. Petersburg boat ramp: Do St. Pete boat ramps for their economies. Places would be ideal for the area, need repair and ugrading? like Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Clearwater, Punta Gorda, and as would another location for transient docks for visiting Port Charlotte are developing marinas, mooring fields boaters, both for overnight stays as well as shorter visits. and waterfront tourist areas. They have already made the Helsen and others who sponsored this summit have a decision that they are going to become boater-friendly vision of St. Petersburg that includes a well-developed communities. waterfront that could be lively and a major central attracGulfport, a small community just minutes away from tion for boaters and cruisers visiting and living in west St. Petersburg—traditionally a very active boater-friendly Florida. This could help reverse the backlash in recent years community—has experienced an extreme anti-boater backagainst boaters, take on the issue aggressively and make St. lash in recent years, mainly because of derelict vessels off its Petersburg a mecca for boaters. The city and the Tampa Bay shoreline. Becoming extremely prejudiced, many in area have also been for many decades a center of industry Gulfport now think all boaters are bad. This issue has for boat manufacturing and boating supplies, both power caused them to not want boaters at all, but they have recentand sail. Development of the ideas presented at the summit ly begun to see—with the support of local businesses and the Gulfport boating community—that boaters can be good for their whole community. Some are working at solving the derelict boat issue and are now considering a mooring field and other attractions that would bring boaters to their city, which would invigorate businesses and become a boating attraction instead of a place boaters currently denigrate.

Perhaps this recent summit can become a major milestone toward creating a boater-friendly, lively waterfront community in one of the most well-known and beautiful boating areas in the Southeast—St. Petersburg. The idea might even spread.

For a more complete report on the opinions expressed and results of the summit, go to www.stpete.org/pdf/boatingsummitresults.pdf.

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CRUISING

Catamaran Cruiser vs. Monohull Cruiser:

A Veteran of Both Looks at Pros and Cons of Each Capt. Ron Butler with his Ericson, Kismet, in the background.

By Capt. Ron Butler

We are often asked why we went back to owning a monohull after having owned and cruised a catamaran. The question is asked as if, once you get to the Promised Land, why come back? ummm...apples or oranges?

I

’ll try to explain some of the differences we’ve found over the years and the rationale that we went through when we decided to sell our Edel 35 Cat and buy the Ericson 38, Kismet. Keep in mind, that before the Edel Cat, we had owned a Tartan 34, a Stiletto 27 catamaran, a Kelly 24+2 and a Catalina 25. I have also raced an F28R trimaran for a couple of seasons and even cruised it for a week once. I’m a USCG licensed captain and US Sailing Small Boat Instructor, and I’ve been messing about in boats my whole life. Back in the ’70s, my wife and I were pretty good Windmill Class racers.

After we cruised the Bahamas twice in our Edel 35 and decided that we wanted to do more extended cruising, we felt that we needed a bigger boat. While we really enjoyed the Edel 35, it just couldn’t carry all the stuff we thought we needed to go cruising. I guess what it comes down to is personal preferences for convenience. You only really need a certain level of seaworthiness, shelter from the elements, a little water, food, etc., and you can go cruising. The rest of it involves the comforts of home that you want to take with you.

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We really liked certain features of the Edel Cat. Her speed for one thing. As the wind came up, she just went faster and faster. Oh—she heeled (just a little) as one hull became depressed and the other lifted a bit, but we have carried full main and jib up to about 35 knots of wind on a fair reach without lifting a hull clear of the water. Might have been close, but we never flew the windward hull. The best boat speed we ever saw was about 13 knots on a broad reach in about 30 knots of breeze with just main and jib. But speed is a relative thing. We’d sailed our Stiletto cat up to 18 knots, so 13 k in a cruising cat is not very impressive.

Typically though, we cruised the Edel at about seven knots and speeds of nine and 10 knots were quite common. That’s fast for cruising boats. For contrast, our Ericson 38 has seen nine knots—surfing on a wave—but only momentarily.

Normally, I plan our cruises on the Ericson based on an average of five knots.

I don’t mean to imply that the Edel Cat is a faster boat than the Ericson 38. It’s not. In order for the Edel to go 12 or 13 knots, conditions have to be perfect. She must have beam-reaching winds of 20 knots plus and flat seas. If we were to race the Edel and the Ericson boat-for-boat, in, say, 10-12 knots of wind with equal amounts of windward work and reaching, the Ericson will beat the Edel, and it won’t even be close. If the race were held in 25 knots of wind and was mainly reaching, the Edel would do the horizon job on the Ericson. This is because the Ericson really goes well upwind. With its big masthead Genoa, it points high and goes fast. The Edel, with its stubby, low-aspect ratio keels, fractional rig and small jib, won’t point unless the boat can get moving at 6.5 knots or better and even then, it won’t tack through 100 degrees.

In cruising terms, both boats cover about the same territory in a day. With either boat, our typical cruising day is 40 or 50 miles in daylight, then anchoring overnight. Both boats have logged 70 plus miles sunup to sundown, and we have run overnight and logged 130 plus-mile days. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Esprita, the Edel 35 catamaran.

Depending on the weather windows we typically choose, the Edel likely will arrive at the next anchorage a bit earlier and be able to anchor in closer to shore. We don’t often choose to cruise to windward.

So here’s a contrast in styles for you. The Edel is shallow draft (2.5 feet unloaded, maybe three feet loaded for a two-week cruise) and can’t point. The Ericson’s draft is twice that and can’t get in some shallow anchorages. You pick. There are advantages to both. In the Bahamas, for example, there are many nice shallow anchorages where if you draw one meter or less, you can get in, but the anchorages where we go for the most part, have eight to 10 feet of water and sometimes 15 or 20 feet, so draft is really not an issue.

I would also caution you about the Edel’s performance in racing trim versus performance in cruising trim. Fifteen hundred pounds of cruising gear and supplies will lower the Edel a good six inches plus in the water. Twenty-five hundred pounds of stuff on the Ericson lowers her waterline an inch. The impact of this loading on performance is dramatic as well. The Edel goes from a sprightly, nimble sailor, to a slow, lugging barge. The Ericson might be affected some, but it’s hard to tell. When we had the Edel, every decision about gear or supplies was governed by how much it weighed. We bought the lightest hard-bottom dinghy we could find. We had a 3-hp outboard because it weighed less.

We bought solar panels based on output per pound rather than output per square inch. (By the way, the Uni-solar flexible panels generate the most wattage per pound and also offer the lowest windage profile). The Edel only carried 60 gallons of water and 24 gallons of gasoline in six-gallon portable outboard tanks. By contrast, Kismet carries a Caribe 10.5-foot dinghy with a 15-hp Yamaha on davits, has a 120watt solar panel, carries 60 gallons of diesel and 125 gallons of potable water plus two five-gallon cans of dinghy fuel.

Under motor, the Edel would do 7.5 knots, flat-out, with her Honda 25-hp four-stroke, cruising at about 6.5 k throttled back a bit. The Ericson does six knots, typically, at about 2000 rpm, and we can push the Universal 5432 engine to 2600 or so with the prop settings we currently use.

Interestingly, fuel consumption is about the same, somewhat less than a gallon per hour, the Edel on gasoline and the Ericson on diesel.

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One thing we’ve discovered about cruising is that we tend to motor-sail a lot. This was true for both the Edel and the Ericson. While cruising on both boats, we run 12-volt electrical power deficits that have to be made up by running an engine. On the Edel we carried a small Honda Genset, but on the Ericson we run the main engine. Typically, if we’re going somewhere that day, it’s no big deal, just motorsail for a while. Also consider that while we’re cruising, we run the autopilot, radar, refrigeration, instruments, computer, lights, etc., which all demand power. If the sun isn’t shining that means running the engine. In addition, it seems that no matter how well we plan, we seem to mostly follow the little pointy thingy on top of the mast. Often it’s the wind that dies to something less than ideal and so we motor or motor-sail.

Motor-sailing was no big deal on either boat, but the Edel suffered from minor drawbacks. In spite of the relatively quiet Honda 4-stroke outboard and the little Honda Genset, the noise is distracting. You can’t talk over the engine noise. Also, the Edel’s outboard prop could ventilate in steep, short chop. It didn’t happen often, but it would do it. While the diesel is noisy on the Ericson, it’s quieter than the Honda was on the Edel Cat. We can at least hold a conversation in the Ericson’s cockpit. Both boats drive in reverse well; our Ericson’s three-blade feathering prop backs straight and the Edel’s Honda steers with the rudders.

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CRUISING could have been Another drawback found…well, maybe, to motoring into the maybe not. wind and seas on the The Ericson also Edel was slamming. has a hot water tank.

Waves would hit the With the Ericson’s underside of the bridge inboard engine, we can deck, and it sounded route coolant through like cannon fire. You the tank to heat up thought the boat was water. A hot shower at coming apart, which it the end of a cold, wet probably was, one day is wonderful. On wave at a time. This is a the Edel we used sunproblem with most showers. They only cruising cats where work if the sun is shinbridge deck clearance ing. We also have airhas been compromised conditioning on the for saloon headroom.

Ericson, which is really Cruising comfort is nice when we have to another point worth tie up at a marina in the mentioning. I’m about Kismet, loaded and cruising. hot months. six feet tall—probably Sailing comfort is an issue, too. The Edel’s motion is shrunk a little in my old age—but I did not have standing quicker and choppier—corkscrewy almost, the Ericson headroom on the Edel except under the Bimini. The berths more tilted and sedate. Both take getting used to if you’re were also short—must have been designed for a smallish comfortable with the other. The Ericson also seems a little Frenchman. drier. We seldom get splashed in the Ericson cockpit where On the plus side, the Edel hulls provided two separate spray and waves were frequent on the Edel, although the and relatively private accommodations including a head dodger kept the spray out of the cockpit. While the Edel and shower in each side. Another plus for the Edel is that it was built in France and sailed to the Caribbean for charter doesn’t rock side-to-side much at anchor. It still pitches, but service on her own bottom, I’m not convinced that it’s a it doesn’t roll, although I’m used to the motion of the good ocean-going boat. The Ericson, with a few tweaks is Ericson so it doesn’t bother me. The only time the Ericson solid enough for serious offshore work. rolls is when the surge and wind are in different directions.

So, given all that, what’s the bottom line? We decided The V-berth is comfortable on the Ericson, too, with plenty to sell the Edel Cat because we weren’t able to carry all the of room for two to roll around in. Another point about stuff we wanted to carry for extended cruising on the boat. anchored comfort. There have been times in the Ericson We wanted a bigger, faster dinghy, for example, more water where the V-berth becomes uncomfortable because the storage and more fuel. I wanted more headroom and offwave action causes the boat to pitch considerably. In that shore capability. The commodore wanted a better galley, case, we move aft to the saloon settees, which, being near and a bigger fridge. We weren’t happy with the fact that the the pitch axis, are moving considerably less. Anchored in Edel’s performance suffered so much with the addition of the same place with the Edel in those conditions, sleep cruising supplies and gear. would have been impossible because waves slamming into Then comes the buying part. Which boat to buy. All the bridgedeck would have been thunderous. Of course, things considered, we would have liked a bigger catamaran. you could argue that you wouldn’t anchor there in the Edel Something about 42 feet seemed about right to us in terms since with its shallower draft, a calmer, more sheltered spot of cruising capability, load-carrying, seaworthiness, etc. but we simply couldn’t afford one. Even used 40-foot cats sell in the $200 thousand-plus range, which was more than double what we thought we could afford. So we searched for what we could afford; a monohull in the 40-foot class. We chose the Ericson for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was price, but sailing performance and seaworthiness were at the top of the list. We compromised on draft and the engine size: We would have preferred less draft and more engine, but nearly everything else fit our desires and we’re happy with our choice.

If I won the lottery next week, I’d probably change boats again. Maybe an Outremer 50 would work...or something custom from the drawing board of a hot designer like Peter Wormwood, Chris White, or John Shuttleworth.

Dream on...I think you have to play to win.

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SOUTHWINDS MARINE STORE SOUTHERN CRUISING GUIDES For more information on these books, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com. Shipping prices are to Continental U.S. Books usually ship within 24-48 hours. Books ship $2.95 Media or $4.95 Priority USPS, unless noted otherwise below.

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By Mark and Diana Doyle. $39.95 Southern Cruising Guides by Claiborne Young Cruising Guides by Claiborne Young (and the Keys guide with Morgan Stinemetz) are not just cruising guides.

They are also filled with miscellaneous facts and reviews of places to visit like restaurants, attractions and other unique finds along the way. A bit of history is added to areas along the way to give the cruiser some local knowledge—beyond the local knowledge of boaters visiting the area.

All prices add shipping and handling of $3.50 (chartbooks add $5.50) to anywhere in the Continental U.S. Books usually ship (USPS) within 24-48 hours of ordering.

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A Gunkholer’s Cruising Guide to Florida’s West Coast

By Tom Lenfestey 12th edition $17.95 Born in Tampa Bay, Tom Lenfestey has been putting this guide together for a long time and there is a lot of information in it that is difficult to find elsewhere. He knows this coast from the Panhandle to the Dry Tortugas like few others.

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By Scott Williams. $22.00 The only guide dedicated to cruising the Mississippi coast.

To order, call (941) 795-8704, or (877) 372-7245 with a credit card (or confirm to mail a check in), or e-mail store@southwindsmagazine.com.

To all items and books shipped to Florida locations, add applicable state and county sales tax. All items can also be picked up in Bradenton, Florida

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The roots of the “walking trees” line the tunnel, and sunlight dapples the water.

Left to right: Richard, Newell, and Ina (author).

Gunkholing in Boca Grande, Southwest Florida: The Tunnel of Love

By Ina Moody

W

hether on the hook at Useppe anchorage, or visiting Cabbage Key off ICW marker 60, a trip through the Tunnel of Love is a must. It is shown on the Boca Grande chart as a line running from Murdock Bayou and ending in a needle-eyed lagoon on the back side of Cayo Costa.

Another must for this excursion is a dinghy for getting to the entrance of the Tunnel of Love takes you across some very shallow water. In fact, depending on the tide, you may have to get out and walk now and then, pulling the dinghy behind you, so wear appropriate shoes.

Plan on spending the day. Pack a lunch, bring a bathing suit and sunscreen, and board your dinghy in the morning.

Go due west into Murdock Bayou. Once there, you may have to do some hunting to find the entrance to the tunnel, but you will feel like a treasure hunter as you plod along with map in hand. Then suddenly... there it is! An opening into the mangrove itself.

The mangroves in this area are of the red variety, also

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referred to as “walking trees” because their roots are visible above the water like thousands of spindly legs. These roots act as an under-carriage on which the trees sit. The roots are also called prop roots as they help prop, or support, the trees against the oceans’ strong waves and tides, while at the same time trapping silt and dirt, thus building new land as they walk along.

Once inside the tunnel, the water will be deep enough for you to get back into the dinghy. When we went, the tide was incoming; it picked us up and carried us through the tunnel in a manner similar to any amusement park’s tunnel of love, and we were in for a magical ride.

With the branches closed overhead, we were in a twilight zone. The filtered sunlight added a cool, greenish hue to everything. Here and there a direct ray of light came through, putting glints of diamonds on the water, which in turn were reflected back to the green canopy.

Golden leaves had dropped off the trees, and they now took on a luminescence of amber stained glass.

The silence was complete except for the gurgling of the water and an occasional bird chirp. Here, in the womb of Mother Nature, the tangled roots of the mangroves are the nursery of life. Decaying plant matter is broken down by microbes and, in this form, digested by pink shrimp and worms, which are then eaten by small fish. These in turn are eaten by larger fish, and so on, up the food chain.

We couldn’t help but wonder if there were any alligators around. After all, we didn’t want to become part of this food chain. But there wasn’t any danger, for in nature alligators shun man.

We were carried along at a pretty good clip, steering only occasionally to stay clear of underwater stumps and www.southwindsmagazine.com

Ina (author) and husband on Cayo Costa beach.

overhanging branches. At one point, we saw bright sunlight ahead, and the rivulet carried us around a curve and into an open space, where the brilliant blueness of the sky silhouetted the dark green color of the mangroves and then, just as quickly, the tunnel swallowed us up again.

All too soon, the ride came to an end. The current brought us out of the mangroves and dumped us in the little lagoon we had seen on the chart. The ride was over, but what a trip it had been into a world of natural wonders that only a few people are lucky enough to see.

The lagoon ahead of us was like a black, still mirror, a couple of hundred feet in diameter. On the far side we could see the sand dunes that separated us from the Gulf beach. Since the current had lost its grip on us, we lowered the engine back in the water and cranked up. The monotone drone of our engine wafted over the still lagoon as we crossed.

We didn’t know it at the time, but we were in for a second visual wonder. After we beached the dinghy securely and loaded ourselves with picnic coolers and other beach paraphernalia, we climbed the dunes that separated us from the Gulf. And here it happened! Once again Mother Nature rendered us speechless by her grandeur. We expect-

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ed the blue-green Gulf to be magnificent in itself. We know how, on clear days, it shimmers in the sun and dances in the breeze. But we were coming from behind the dunes, and to our amazement, the splendid panoramic Gulf view appeared in a frame of weathered driftwood!

Scattered along the beach, as a silent witness against the treachery of the benign-looking Gulf, were gnarled, sun-bleached mangrove limbs reaching toward the sky as if saying, “Look what this gentle Gulf has done to us!” Of course, as sailors we know how quickly the Gulf can change its mood.

We unpacked our lunch and had our picnic. Afterwards, we went shelling and swimming, and did all the things you do when at the beach, but even so...everything had a peculiar anti-climatic flavor to it. It is almost as if the mind can absorb only so much splendor in any one day.

That night, as I lay in the V-berth on Eclipse, I was rethinking our trip through the Tunnel of Love, and the beauty of the beach. Indeed, the best things in life are free!

Beautiful sunsets, children’s laughter, a well-executed sailing maneuver, all are expressions of nature’s perfection.

Descriptive words and phrases are inadequate, and we are left with a sense of awe, and it brings to mind the words of Joyce Kilmer who so eloquently wrote, “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”

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45

TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

Shanghaied in Eleuthera

By Rebecca Burg

T

he captain had asked if we’d like to ride along. Spend a few days on a plushy 60-foot motor yacht? Why not?

However, this innocent joyride over the Atlantic had taken a turn for the worst. Now I was bobbing in over 14,500 feet of water with 8- to 10-foot waves, and there was a sailboat whizzing towards my head. Howling like a lost beagle, I lurched away.

This bizarre turn of events had started after I anchored Angel near a motor yacht in the Bahamas. Bill, my fellow traveler sailing his ketch, Defiant, settled nearby. The motor yacht’s captain was a mutual friend, and he invited us to ride along on one of his delivery trips. He needed to tow four small vessels behind his yacht from Eleuthera and across the Northeast Providence Channel to Great Abaco, Bahamas. The motley train of vessels included a rudderless 29-foot wooden sailboat, a 21-foot power cruiser and two center console skiffs. Bill and I tucked our sailboats in a safe spot and joined our captain friend. With a favorable weather forecast, the yacht was in motion before sunrise. In the pastel glow of dawn, I watched the four boats being towed, in single file from largest to smallest, behind us as we slipped away from Eleuthera and into the open Atlantic.

The ocean swells, remnants of a cold front, were too large.

Soon, a new wind ruffled the seas, adding to the already swollen ocean. Pitching and rolling about, the yacht was mussed up despite her solid toughness. Rattling around down below, I tied the refrigerator door shut, added tape to the banging cabinet doors and rescued a wine bottle as it skid across the floor. Today’s weather forecast had been far off base. Not knowing that the winds had piped up to 25 knots, I raided the captain’s cookie supply, found a book on the floor and wedged into a corner. The book was about famous disasters at sea. Unnerved, I got up to find a different read and heard Bill’s alarmed voice in the wheelhouse.

“They’re drifting away!” I looked outside. Only the sailboat was attached to us. Towline broken, the three powerboats were floating away, but they were still tied to each other.

The captain had an idea. With the 8- to 10-foot seas, we couldn’t bring the yacht alongside the drifting vessels, but

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Angel

we could get close enough for a confident swimmer to jump overboard, climb up the swim ladder of the largest boat, Osprey, and start its engine. The captain and I looked at Bill, who had special Navy training. “Oh, crap,” Bill said.

Wearing an orange life vest, he grimaced as he jumped into the Atlantic. Alone in a vast, cobalt blue sea, Bill looked like a doll clinging to a toy boat. He cleared the broken lines and had Osprey in motion; the two skiffs pulled along in line behind him. In contact via VHF, Bill struggled over the seas, following us in a tense retreat to safe harbor. Osprey couldn’t be reattached to the yacht, but at least the rolling waves were far apart and not dangerously steep. After a short while, Bill radioed. “We’ve lost Froggy.” The towline between Osprey and the next boat, Froggy, had snapped. Still tied to each other, Froggy and the smallest skiff were now helplessly drifting away into the big, blue empty.

“Oh,crap,” I said. Despite lifelong experience with waves, boats and surf, I had nothing like Bill’s rugged military background. Never would I attempt such madness unless I was sure that it could be done without real damage to my non-thrill-seeking hide. A decision was made. The yacht slowly passed Froggy, and I plunged into the unwelcoming sea. I hadn’t jumped far enough, and the sailboat towed behind the retreating yacht was pushed by a rearing wave. The rudderless vessel swerved toward me. Howling, I swam away. The sailboat swished past and, fortunately, her narrow path was easily dodged. I levered over Froggy’s stern only to find that the boat was out of fuel and the skiff www.southwindsmagazine.com

tied behind it had a broken find ticks earlier?” Bill wonsteering system. Osprey dered out loud. “Maybe bounced past and, quickthey’re brand-new ticklets, thinking, Bill tossed me just hatching after their parthe end of a long line. The ents ate the dog and laid three powerboats united eggs in the carpet,” I said Bill and Rebecca, still recovering. again, Bill resumed towing testily, still dancing. “There them to safety. I was stuck could be zillions of them!” on Froggy, the boat surfing crazily in a wet, suspenseful Bill shrugged, unfazed. Grabbing clean bedding, I slept on roller coaster ride. After searching the skiff’s cooler in vain the sailboat that night. She was a damp, stinky wooden for a beer, or anything, I curled up into a ball on the salty cargo vessel with no bed, toilet or living facilities. Also, she floor. Ten long, soggy miles later, all boats were in safe harhad no blood-thirsty, skin-burrowing bugs. I slept just fine, bor and reattached to the anchored yacht. Dazed and probrelatively speaking. The next day, a better weather window ably unsure what planet we were on, Bill and I showered opened, and the captain’s charges, including us, were delivand plundered the yacht’s bar. ered unharmed. Eventually reunited with my sailboat, I “Look, another beetle!” I said that evening, flinging the gladly resumed a slow-paced cruiser’s agenda. Bill and I intruder overboard. “That’s a tick,” Bill said matter-of-factplayed tourist in Eleuthera where a mysterious festival was ly. Moments later, a third tick was found racing toward my in the works. Curious, we wandered through the cheerful leg. Whining, I jumped up, slapping my clothing and danccrowd and unwittingly stumbled into a strange new advening a jig. The captain said that a dog was aboard two weeks ture with a fleet of wild Bahamian racing sloops. But that’s ago, and ticks were found in its fur. “How come we didn’t a whole new story...

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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The Home With A Rocketship Out Back (Cover: Stars and Stripes racing in the Bradenton Kick-Off Regatta in September)

By Morgan Stinemetz

S

tars & Stripes, the catamaran that sailing legend Dennis Conner sailed against New Zealand merchant banker Michael Fay’s gigantic monohull in a farcical 1988 America’s Cup—the participants spent more time in court than they did racing—sits on a lift behind Steve Liebel’s house on the Manatee River in Bradenton.

Liebel says that it could be the fastest sailboat in the world.

It’s big enough. The hulls, with an entry that is knifeedge sharp, are 60 feet long.

The carbon fiber mast towers 90 feet in the air. Stars & Stripes looks dangerous sitting still. Its centerline sprit could have been designed by a special effects guru fired from the movie Mad Max for too vivid an imagination.

Under way, it requires six good sailors and a couple of less skilled hands to sail it, making it the definitive hands-on experience. Sailing a boat with so much power is Stars & Stripes at its home on the Manatee River. like driving a truckload of they broke any number of things.” nitroglycerine over a washboard road; Breaking stuff on a high-tech catamaif something goes wrong, the results ran of the size of Stars & Stripes has a will be absolutely spectacular. way of eating up money in huge Liebel, 37, purchased the boat chunks and making league bowling early in 2005. It had been in Naples. seem like a viable alterative.

The people who originally brought the Steve Liebel again: “We sailed it boat to Naples must have choked a couple of times, and the main split when the shipping container arrived in half on us, so we decided to pull it with the boat in it. Stars & Stripes was out of the water. Doug Fisher of disassembled. All the parts were there, Ullman Sails in Sarasota oversaw a but it was like Christmas morning in total refit. The boat’s hulls were hell: Some Assembly Required. faired, some of the rigging was Speaking of the people he bought replaced and the tramp (trampoline) it from, Liebel said, “They apparently was replaced.” decided they couldn’t sail it. I know

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The boat is certainly fit for duty now. It sailed from Clearwater to Key West in May in just over 13 hours.

That’s just four hours longer than it takes to drive to Key West from Clearwater. In fact, there was a question as to whether the guys who were running Liebel’s chase boat, a Boston Whaler, could get the chase boat back to Bradenton from Clearwater, put it on a trailer and get to Key West before the cat got there, so the chase boat only towed Stars & Stripes part way to Clearwater and then headed back to get on the road south. They barely made it in time.

“Everyone was up the whole way,” Liebel said.

“And we were there before the bars closed.” He didn’t mention if he handed out medals to guys willing to sail both that far and that fast on what is, essentially, a beach cat that does not lend itself to relaxing in the slightest.

Currently, Stars & Stripes has no engine, though an outboard appendage is in the works. As a result, a chase boat is mandatory. If one judges cool toys by how totally hard they are to use effectively, Stars & Stripes—requiring a crew of eight and at least a couple of more guys on a chase boat—has to rank right up there near the very top; the Mount Everest of complications.

Stars & Stripes has no room for pleasantries. The hulls are so narrow that if you wanted to sleep in one and were not subject to fits of lunacy in constricted spaces, you’d have to sleep on your side. Rolling over would www.southwindsmagazine.com

require major work. I looked in the port hull, through an opened aluminum-framed hatch whose lid was carbon fiber, and what took up most of the room in the opening was a dehumidifying unit. There’s a similar appliance in the starboard hull. Somewhere down there, too, are a storage battery or two to run the lights, an anchor, anchor line and life jackets. There are rules, you know. If it doesn’t weigh too much, a cooler with cold drinks and sandwiches will work, too.

Liebel said the refit overseen by Fisher lightened Stars & Stripes by 900 pounds from what the boat weighed when Dennis Conner raced it off San Diego. Then he said that replacing the two aluminum cross members and the aluminum boom with carbon fiber members would lighten the boat by an additional 900 pounds. As she sits now, Stars & Stripes weighs 6,000 pounds, which is approximately what 27-foot monohulls weigh before their owners start putting things like spare parts, fuel, bedding, books, water,

News & Views for Southern Sailors

There is no going down below in the narrow hulls of this 60-foot boat.

extra sails, pots, pans and food on board.

Liebel has to be a speed junkie. He probably lies awake at night thinking of ways to pare the weight down on his catamaran. You never know. An ounce here and an ounce there and pretty soon you are talking about

some real serious weight. This kind of obsession doesn’t just adhere to Liebel alone. Ocean racers and backpackers have been known to cut down handles of toothbrushes to save weight. Which begs the question: Do they carry dental floss?

Is Stars & Stripes fast? Passably so. In eight knots of true wind, Liebel said, the boat will do 20 knots and fly one hull. Top speed? Oh, 28 knots or something like that. The boat is equipped with a “screacher,” a light jib used in reaching, several other jibs—none that overlap the mast— and no spinnaker. The boat’s inherent quickness moves the apparent wind forward so a spinnaker is impossible to fly.

One of these days, when the winds are right and willing souls are ready, Liebel is going to take Stars & Stripes out in the Gulf of Mexico and go for a world speed record. It’s a heady concept for a catamaran you keep behind your house.

Stay tuned.

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RACING

Charlestonian Wallops Fleet in 2006 Sunfish World Championship, Charleston, SC, Sept. 30-Oct. 6

By Dan Dickison

W

hen David Loring, a native of Charleston, SC, crossed the finish line in race seven of the recent 2006 Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Sunfish World Championship to clinch the title, he looked equally elated and spent. It wasn’t simply the regatta’s seven, fiveleg, windward-leeward races over four days—with 98 competitors from 16 countries vying for clear air and boat speed—that had drained his energies. The 33-year-old software sales executive also served as the event’s chairman and a self-appointed goodwill ambassador for his hometown. On top of that, Loring is a family man with wife and three children at home. Talk about busy.

He led the event wire-to-wire by acing the first two races in convincing fashion, and then never finishing worse

News & Views for Southern Sailors

than sixth, culminating the event with a cumulative 19 points. (Rules allowed for one discard, so Loring actually finished with 13 points.) Every other racer except Loring had at least one double-digit finish. His closest rival in the event—David Mendelblatt, a 35-year-old racer from St. Petersburg, FL—sailed a brilliant regatta as well, but he faltered slightly in two races, posting scores in the mid-teens, and that was what kept him astern of Loring in the overall standings, ultimately by a 14-point margin.

Some observers might point out that Loring held a distinct advantage because he’d sailed here all his life.

Charleston Harbor, which is renowned for its strong and occasionally tricky tidal currents, certainly offered difficulties for many visiting competitors. And though he agreed

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RACING that knowing the water rent curveball. well gave him an edge, For the initial race Loring said there was on Day 1, which began more to the regatta than at 2:00 in the afterthat. “Current definitenoon, a dramatic tide ly was an important facline stretched down tor, but it wasn’t the the 1.25-mile windward whole game.” leg, nearly bisecting Adding complexity the racecourse. Several to the situation was the Charleston sailors— fact that the prevailing Kenny Krawcheck, Ryan winds during the four Hamm, and Brian days of competition were Swan—huddled at one unusual for Charleston end of the line, trying at this time of year when to assess the best route sailors customarily see upwind in the final frontal-borne winds minutes before the warnRace central at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. from the northeast or the ing signal sounded. customary southwest sea When the starting breeze. Each of the event’s seven races was staged with gun went off, 98 racers lined up along the massively long winds out of the southeast. On Day 1, the breeze was as starting line, their blue, yellow, and white sails momentaristrong as it would get for the entire regatta—10 to14 knots, ly framing the majestic backdrop dominated by flowing over a fast-moving flood tide. On Day 2, the winds Charleston’s new suspension bridge. Almost immediately, a moderated into the 8- to 10-knot range. Day 3 was similar, group of five sailors began to punch ahead of the fleet, about but racing started earlier in the day, meaning an entirely two-thirds of the way down the line from the committee different current scenario for the racers to navigate. And boat. Out in front was Jim Koehler of Long Island, NY, folon Day 4, it took the breeze three hours to materialize after lowed by Chip Clifton from Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and the scheduled start time, which presented yet another curthen Loring, Mendelblatt, and David Hartman of Vero Beach, FL. Those five sailors worked the middle left-hand side of the beat and built a considerable lead over the rest of the fleet, which became stretched out across the entire racecourse. It was a scenario that would repeat itself in the coming days, as the broad range of sailing talent in this fleet became apparent. And though several of the faces in this lead group would change, Loring and Mendelblatt were among the top five in almost every race. In that first contest, they finished 1-3, respectively, with Clifton taking second place.

To get under way in the second race, the fleet had to endure a general recall, which was particularly fortuitous for Loring. He got behind at the start, and said later that he probably would have been in 60th place had the fleet actually started. His comments touched on an important matter—the extreme difficulty of getting started in clear air with so many boats jockeying for position. Many sailors would remark on that issue throughout the event. “The starts are really tough,” said Sunfish veteran Tom Whitehurst of Pensacola, FL, after winning Race 4. “The boat end of the line has been heavily favored for the first couple of days, so everyone is crowding up there and consequently almost everyone is having a tough time getting off the line clean, and that’s key.” Jamie Ewing, a young Charlestonian who lives in New York, echoed that sentiment: “The start is everything. If you’re in the second row or worse in this big fleet, you really don’t have a chance, and that pretty much seals your fate for the race.”

Those starting line dynamics definitely influenced Loring’s overall strategy. “That general recall was a knock on the head for me. It woke me up. I realized quickly that I don’t need to be in a crowd. I just need to find a spot with 52

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clear air and let my speed do the waxing moon. work.” And that’s exactly what he did That scenario seemed perfectly when the second race got under way. suited to the 145-pound Mendelblatt.

Loring and several other sailors, He won both races on Day 3 in conincluding Hank Saurage of Baton vincing fashion, occasionally having Rouge, LA, and Sebastian Mera to hike his boat down while heavier Cabral of the Dominican Republic, sailors like Paul-Jon Patin (a former jumped ahead of the fleet. At the final world champion who scales in someleeward rounding in the five-leg race, where around 200 pounds) were Mera Cabral held a small lead over forced to sit well inside their boats Loring, but his boat hit the mark while except for the occasional puffs. rounding, and as he performed his Going into the final day, penalty turns to exonerate himself, Mendelblatt trailed Loring by 24 Loring sped away upwind and garpoints, effectively meaning that if the nered the win, followed by Saurage race committee chose to stage only and then Whitehurst. one race, the young Charlestonian had The start of the first race on Day 2 the overall victory sewn up. was marred by tragedy. David Consequently, the real contest was for Thompson, 55-year-old sailor from second place. Mendelblatt, who had a David Loring, Bridgton, ME, suffered a massive cumulative 43 points before that last winner of the Sunfish World Championship. heart attack shortly after the starting race, was only two points ahead of gun went off, and he slumped over backward into the water.

Whitehurst, and three points ahead of Peter Stanton of the Despite the heroic efforts of a young Peruvian racer, Andres U. S. Virgin Islands. Both Greg Gust of Dallas, TX, and Juan Cano-Alva, who immediately jumped into the water to Jose Delgado of Guatemala City, Guatemala, had long-shot assist Thompson—as did a volunteer from a nearby judges’ chances of breaking into second or third place (with 55 and boat—neither the U.S. Coast Guard nor the emergency med70 points respectively), but only if Mendelblatt, Whitehurst. ical technicians on shore were able to resuscitate the sailor. and Stanton somehow had particularly poor finishes in that His close friend Dave Stewart, who had traveled from race. It didn’t play out that way.

Maine with Thompson, was stunned, as were all the racers.

Out on the harbor that final morning, mere zephyrs Still, Stewart managed to compose himself afterward and greeted the fleet. The minutes ticked by as the October sun offered a brief eulogy that evening when all the sailors gathseared down, its heat undisturbed by wind. A majority of ered on shore. Then, everyone observed a moment of silence the sailors made their way over to the shallows surrounding in Thompson’s honor.

Castle Pinckney, a small island in the center of the waterAs the event wore on, the conditions on the racecourse way, and waited for the postponement flag to come down. became increasingly trying. The southeast winds were It was almost three hours later when the committee finally steady when they finally materialized, but they rarely dropped the flag, and promptly signaled a starting sequence exceeded 10 knots for the final two days of competition, while the strength of the tides was ever-increasing with a See SUNFISH WORLDS continued on page 76

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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RACING SOUTHERN RACING NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS Two Popular Sailing Symposiums To Be Held In New Orleans In January 2007 US SAILING has announced that its two popular symposiums, the National Sailing Programs Symposium (NSPS) and the One-Design Sailing Symposium (ODSS), will be held together over a five-day period in New Orleans, LA, Jan.17-21. Go to page Short Tacks, page 22, for a complete description and information.

Acura Key West 2007 Gears up for 20th Annual Week of Racing, January 15-19 From Premiere Racing Acura Key West 2007, presented by Nautica, will once again welcome a gathering of international grand prix boats, high profile classes, and sailing greats. The entry list has been growing daily, and the marquee line-up of programs and

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athletes is as impressive as any in the previous 19 years.

The competition in the IRC “big boat class” will present some of the most rivalrous racing in Key West. Jim Swartz’s Moneypenny’s tie-breaking, final race Rolex Swan Cup win over Torbjorn Tornquist’s Artemis in Porto Cervo sets a dramatic stage for next month’s rematch of the Swan 601s.

Boats making their debut at Key West will include the Annapolis 30, Beneteau 10R, NYYC Swan 42, Columbia 30, GP42, and the J/92S. A design that will certainly represent a future one- design class in Key West is the NYYC 42.

Makoto Uematsu’s latest, Esmeralda (Hull #2), will be racing under IRC. January marks the 20th edition of race week—a big milestone for this regatta founded by Yachting magazine back in 1988. The first year’s 59-boat fleet featured handicap racing only with one race each day. Six PHRF, IOR and IMS classes raced in one division on an Olympic triangle course.

Key West Race Week has evolved into a nine-race series of windward/leeward racing for nearly 300 boats in 18 to 20 classes in four divisions.

The inaugural PHRF National Championship will take place as part of the regatta. US SAILING’s PHRF Committee Chairman Paul Ansfield and Vice Chairman Bruce Bingman are finalizing the scoring details. “We’ll have very different boats racing on different courses, with professional and strictly Corinthian crews. The challenge is to create a meaningful, logical scoring system that will crown a deserving PHRF champion,” said Ansfield.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

Paige Railey Wins Female ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award for 2006 Laser Radial champion Paige Railey of Clearwater, FL, was recently named the female ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year for 2006. At an awards ceremony in Helsinki, Railey was honored with the award along with Mike Sanderson of New Zealand who won the male award for the sailor of the year.

The award was given to those two sailors, one male and one female, who made the most outstanding sailing achievements from Sept. 1, 2005, through August 31, 2006. At the end of 2005, Railey won the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Korea, followed by the Laser Radial World Championships in Brazil a few weeks later.

In 2006, she began the year with wins at the French Olympic Sailing Week and the ISAF World Sailing Games in Austria. Later in the year, she won the Olympic Test Regatta in Qingdao, the venue for the Olympic Sailing Competition in 2008.

Railey was also nominated for the title in 2005-6, but the title last year was given to Ellen MacArthur.

Paige Railey, USA, female winner and HM King Constantine of Greece at the awards ceremony for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2006. Photo by Carlo Borlenghi / Rolex.

PHRF racing has always been an important part of race week with the last 5 years featuring an average of 9 classes and 92 boats (representing 30 percent of the fleet), hailing from 26 different states.

Early Farr 40 entries from Australia, Italy, Norway and Brazil speak to the worldwide appeal of this 10-year-old class.

Fifteen to 20 Melges 32s plan to be in Key West, a substantial gain over their eight-boat presence last year. The J/105s are also projecting class gains with up to 35 boats vying for their Mid Winter championship. The Corsair 28R National Championship is on the line this January. This is the fifth year at Key West for these high performance multihulls.

Mid-Winter Championship titles are on the line for five one-design classes; J/109, J/105, J/80 and the Melges 24s and Melges 32s.

For more information, go to the event Web site at www.premiere-racing.com.

two weeks in advance and asked to prepare a predicted log.

In the boat’s log it will state a starting time, which will be established by the skipper of the boat. Based on the Predicted Log Contest’s handicap formula, the skipper will

New Predicted Log Contest Race in Pensacola Bay Coming Up

By Kim Kaminski The Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola (NYCP) has announced the introduction of a new racing format for sailors of the Pensacola Bay area. On December 16, sailors can enter a head-to-head race to see who is the best mariner by entering the Predicted Log Contest Race. The idea is to utilize nautical skills and basic instruments to determine a predicted finish time when the competitor’s vessel might complete an entire pre-determined racecourse. No navigational aids may be used for plotting the course or determining position other than a compass and engine tachometer. In addition to these requirements, no timepieces or auto-pilots will be allowed, and all other boat instruments will be covered during the duration of the contest.

The contestant will be given a designated racecourse News & Views for Southern Sailors

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RACING determine how fast it would take his boat to reach each mark of the designated course and finally at what time the boat would finish the race. The winner will be determined by the vessel with the lowest corrected error percent. (In the case of a tie, the boat which finishes closest to its scheduled finish time would win.)

This contest will be open to all boaters; power, sail, onedesign or any vessel at least 15 feet in length. As part of the contest, each vessel will carry an official observer whose job entails recording in the actual log the predicted and actual start times, tracking the official time for mark roundings, recording this time in the log and calculating the actual elapsed time for the leg. Each skipper will be required to provide a qualified observer (someone who has had previous experience or instruction at the official skipper’s briefing). The names of all observers will be place in a hat and randomly selected by each boat in the contest.

The boat’s observer will also take note of any failures to pass various checkpoints at the required distance. All checkpoints must be passed within 100 yards and on the correct side.

The official log will be maintained only by the observer and no other person on board may become aware of its contents.

Once the contestant’s vessel returns to shore, the observer will immediately secure from the race committee the predicted log that the contestant prepared and turned in prior to the race start. The observer will then complete the actual log, which is to be signed by both the contestant and the observer who will then deliver the log back to the race committee for official processing and confirmation.

Trophies will be provided to top finishers in each class.

An observers and skippers meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Navy Yacht Club, located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station Bayou Grande Marina. It is important that all skippers and observers be present at this meeting. Entry fee for the race is $10.

For more information go to the Navy Yacht Club Web site at www.navypnsyc.org, or contact Fleet Captain Stu Hamlin at (850) 934-3206.

RACE REPORTS

West Florida Ocean Racing Circuit (WFORC), Pensacola Yacht Club, Oct. 13-15

By Kim Kaminski The Pensacola Yacht Club’s 32nd Annual West Florida Ocean Racing Circuit (WFORC) was held this year Oct. 1315 on Pensacola Bay. The WFORC competition is considered one of the year’s best events and a racing opportunity not to be missed. This year, 180 sailors sailed on 38 boats.

Fleet Captain John Matthews and Race Committee Chair Betsy Moraski from the Pensacola Yacht Club welcomed 30 Performance Handicap Racing Formula (PHRF) sailboats and eight Melges 24s to the regatta. Top officials including Chip MacMillan, William Paden and racing judges Frank Valiant, Pete Morrill and Cal Jones along with numerous race committee volunteers in committee boats, pin set boats, mark set boats, judge’s boat and press boats 56

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John Guy Jr. and his talented crew show off their silver trophies earned at the 32nd WFORC on Guy’s J/92, Hot Toddy. John’s

team efforts helped them to win the coveted Riddle Cup Trophy, an honor he has won five times before making this year’s win lucky number six. Photo by Kim Kaminski. helped to set the stage for the competition.

The PHRF fleet sailed in two races on Friday, two races on Saturday and two races on Sunday for a total of five races allowing one throw-out. The Melges 24 class raced four races on Saturday and four on Sunday allowing one throw-out.

The challenging weather conditions along with stiff competition came to a head on the final day, providing for some close finishes and several tied positions in the line-up.

Strong north winds blowing at 15 to 25 knots during the first day helped to create some intense action out on the racecourse. There were some close finish times for several who finished within seconds of their competition and various racing teams who experienced alternating first-place finishes, making for an interesting turn of events throughout the series.

After the first day, Principal Race Officer Chip MacMillan presented the PHRF fleet results, showing a very close contest between some skilled sailors. For instance, in the Spinnaker class B, there was a three-way tie for second place between Joe Cool, Tripp Nautic and Hot Toddy and in the remaining classes only one or two points separated the leaders.

While the PHRF classes raced in the southern part of Pensacola Bay, the Melges fleet, set up by Principal Race Officer William Paden, raced off the shoreline of downtown Pensacola in the northern part of the Bay. Strong north winds blew throughout the weekend, only occasionally weakening in strength when the sea breeze from the south would try to come in. On day one, freezing rain covered the course during the second race. As the cold rains met the warm Bay waters, steam rose up, creating an interesting atmosphere for the racers.

Another unexpected moment happened on the racecourse just before the countdown to the start of the last race.

Race Officer Chip MacMillan hailed the Coast Guard to stand by for a medical emergency as the racers anxiously awaited any information on what medical situation had occurred. Support boats and several race crews offered their assistance. Thankfully, everything ended well when the affected race committee member was taken to shore safely by one of the support boats, and the last race finally began.

Competitors found out later that it was their own Race Committee Chair Betsy Moraski who had the close call, as she explained during the awards presentations. But the close call did not stop her from handing out the trophies for the infamous Riddle Cup. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Alison Wins Osprey Cup, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Tampa Bay, FL, Oct. 18-22

By Morgan Stinemetz Betsy Alison and crew crossing the finish line in the Osprey Cup in St. Petersburg. Photo by Morgan Stinemetz.

The Riddle Cup Trophy is given to the most competitive class, which is determined by finish times between first place and third place in each of the classes. This year’s competition had close battles in each of the four classes, which created a difficult task for the race committee to determine the lucky recipient. Zane Yoder and his team on Wild Cherry, a Soverel 30, journeyed from their home yacht club in Fairhope, AL, to defend his Riddle Cup Trophy title from the 2005 event. However, as close as this competition was in the C class (Wild Cherry finished in first with a total of six points with a two-way tie for second place and a total of 11 points between The Bear and Antares), it was John Guy, Jr. and his team on Hot Toddy in the B class that captured the coveted trophy. John took his team on an impressive three first-place finishes with one second place and one third-place win, earning a total of eight points in the series over the 2003 Riddle Cup Winner Roy Harden on Shameless (who finished with a total of 11 points). John had won the Riddle Cup a total of five times prior to the 2006 event and wanted to win just one more time on his J/92 from St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club. He is having a new boat manufactured this year and planned to sell his winning J/92 boat prior to next year’s event. His efforts to capture the cup one more time on Hot Toddy were well worth it, and the sailing team he assembled made this year’s event a great success.

Other top winners in the 2006 WFORC Regatta: Tom Beery from Singing River Yacht Club on Man-O-War in class A finished with 11.5 points over second-place winner Junior with 14 points and the two-way tie for third-place winners, Liberty 4 and Wicked Woman; Thomas Stokes from Long Beach Yacht Club won first place in class D on Free Spirit, finishing in a two-way tie for first with a total of seven points over Pensacola Yacht Club’s Hunter Riddle on Mud Flap Girl.

The Melges 24 class winner was Reid Collins on Desperate Measures finishing the regatta with a total of 17 points, overtaking the second-place finishers USA 544, Team Satisfaction (2005 Overall Winner) and Beer Googles who were in a three-way tie finish with a total of 21 points.

It was a weekend filled with racing at its finest.

And…the excitement will continue with plans already in place for next year’s 33rd Annual WFORC Regatta to be held in October 2007.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Betsy Alison of Newport, RI, won the Rolex Osprey Cup finals Sunday, Oct. 22, by defeating Anna Tunnicliffe of Fort Lauderdale, 3-0, in the “first to three” match-up. Alison and her crew of three were never defeated even once in the four-day match racing regatta sailed in Sonars in Tampa Bay just off the St. Petersburg Municipal Pier.

To get to the finals, Tunnicliffe surprised the top woman match racer in the world, Claire Leroy of France. Leroy, seeded second after the round robin sailing of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, was pitted against the third seed, Tunnicliffe, in the semifinal. Alison was matched against Liz Baylis, the fourth seed, of San Rafael, CA. Alison knocked off Baylis in two straight races. In the other semifinal flight, Leroy won the first race against Tunnicliffe and then lost two in a row, relegating her to sailing in the petit final.

The day’s racing started early, about 9 a.m., so that

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RACING dying breezes wouldn’t hamper the semifinal, petit final and the main event final. The breezes didn’t die completely, but it was a bit scary in the last race of the semi. That was when Tunnicliffe eliminated Leroy. The race committee shortened the course because of the lack of wind, and when Tunnicliffe crossed the new finish line, she had a lead of 2:05 on Leroy.

Leroy protested the shortened course, but the protest was disallowed. The protest hearing was held in a couple of mark boats right out on the bay, a novel way to solve a thorny issue with on-the-spot officiating.

At 11:30 a.m. the wind had died to three knots before coming back to six knots with a slight clocking factor.

The petit final—Leroy vs. Baylis, and the final—Alison vs. Tunnicliffe, went three races each. In the petit final for third and fourth spot, Leroy won the first race, lost the second to Baylis and then won the third and final race.

Alison was unstoppable. She is unflappable under pressure. In fact, when she and her crew won the last race and knew they were the champions, Alison initially hardly reacted to the win. It could be because she has won so often.

Five seconds later, though, an observer could tell she was happy. She high-fived the nearest member of her crew.

One final note: Alison was unique among the racers in that she was the only skipper walking with a crutch and a walking cast. Alison had foot surgery recently. It seemed that nothing could keep her down. That’s why she has been the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year five times.

Florida Inland Lake Youth Championship Regatta, Lake Eustis, FL, Oct. 21-22

By Martin Zonnenburg The Lake Eustis Sailing Club and its Youth Sailing Foundation are pleased to report the results of the annual Florida Inland Lake Youth Championship Regatta for junior sailors, sailed on Oct. 21-22. Forty-one sailors competed in three different classes in seven races. There was a light breeze on Saturday, but on Sunday a real breeze kicked in already early in the morning and sailing was great and exciting!

Additionally, a junior sailing festival was hosted in which a group of young local sailors had their first-ever experience skippering a junior sailboat and finding out what a great sport and lifelong hobby sailing is.

Participants in the regatta came from all over Florida as well as from several Southeastern states, including junior sail racing teams from Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, U.S. Sailing Center in Jensen Beach, FL, Palm Beach Sailing Club, Halifax Sailing Association (Daytona Beach/ New Smyrna area), Jacksonville, Orlando, Atlanta and Lake Eustis Junior Sail Racing Team.

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The regatta activity started early on Saturday morning with a Junior Sail Racing Clinic for all participants led by Melges Performance Boats representative, National InterCollegiate Club 420 Champion and MC Scow Champion sailor Jamie Kimball. Jamie got a full house and deserved “the big hand” he got from all participants after his on and off the water sail/race training session.

The Regatta was won by Hayden Grant, from Clearwater Sailing Team, Florida.

For more information about the Lake Eustis Sailing Club, its sailing programs for juniors and adults, summer sailing camps, etc., check out the LESC Web site at www.lakeeustissailingclub.org.

Results (first 3. All Florida teams except the Atlanta team): Opti Green Fleet; 1st: David Reed, Davis Island Sailing Team; 2nd: Nic Muller, Jensen Beach sailing Team; 3rd: Conner Kechriotis, Lake Eustis Sailing Team; Opti White Fleet; 1st: Luke Muller, Jensen Beach Sailing Team; 2nd: Nick Haile, Atlanta Sailing Team, GA; 3rd: Max Barten, Lake Eustis Sailing Team; Opti Blue Fleet; 1st: Hayden Grant, Clearwater Sailing Team Club; 2nd: Toni Mastrota, Clearwater Sailing Team; 3rd: Ben Getchell, Lake Eustis Sailing Team; Club 420 Class; 1st: Taylor Arnold and Steven Broadway, Lake Eustis Sailing Team; 2nd: Sam Broadway and Christopher Dorn, Lake Eustis Sailing Team; 3rd: John Hinchee and Jonathan Reischmann, Lake Eustis sailing Team; Laser Radial Class; 1st: Andrew Morgan, Palm Beach Sailing Team; 2nd: Orion Taylor, Lake Eustis Sailing Team.

Hirams Haul: Halloween Distance Regatta, Pineda, FL, Oct. 28-29

By Roy Laughlin Hirams Haul, now in its ninth year, has become a moveable feast for sailors who can’t decide between sailing and celebrating Halloween. The two-day race began on Saturday in Pineda (north of Melbourne). The first leg ended at Sebastian. The second day was the return trip. Captain Hirams Resort in Sebastian hosted a party at the end of the day, and a barbecue in Pineda on Sunday afternoon precedMark Herendeen and Jay Roth finishing four hours of sailing in Hiram’s Haul. Photo by Roy Laughlin

ed the awards ceremony. Either leg required a long day on the water, but with the other activities going on, there was something for the shore crew while the sailors plied the Indian River.

A strong cold front arrived Friday evening, along with rain and the promise of very strong winds. The forecast was almost perfectly correct. Drizzle greeted the dawn, but by 10:30, when the slower beach cats started, the skies were clearing and the wind began to pipe up. The first start was for high Portsmouth catamarans, which this year included Hobie 16s, 17s and NS 18s. The second fleet started about 40 minutes later, just as the frontal winds were blowing at full strength. The intent of the dual start is to allow all sailors a chance to get to the party, er, finish line at about the same time so as to laissez le bon temps roulez! without exclusion.

Team Tybee, John Casey and Ken Pierce, the defending winners from several past races, took an immediate lead and never gave it up. As the winds turned to the northwest, some of the teams used spinnakers if their catamarans were so equipped. Brian Karr and Aaron Hayson found the spinnaker increased the speed of turning over much more effectively than it brought the finish line into view and so, along with several other lighter teams, decided to continue, still rapidly, under two sails. Another team, Scott Hubel and Kent Cooper, demonstrated that in strong autumn winds, old yellow spinnakers on masts, like old yellow leaves on trees, may be shredded and torn loose. High winds like this are a boon to small-boat teams and their corrected time. The second-place team on Saturday was Jim McEwan, sailing a Hobie 16. Several teams raced Blades, a 16-foot high tech catamaran, and earned noticeably high standings on the basis of corrected times. All teams sailed the 30-mile course to Sebastian in under three hours. Considering that the wind was gusting to nearly 30 knots, it was gratifying that equipment failure prevented only one team from completing the cruise to Sebastian.

Sunday’s return leg was tempered by lower, but adequate winds blowing directly on the nose for returning teams. The fastest return, by Team Tybee, sailed more than four hours, longer than even the slowest team’s trip down the previous day. The latest return, Jim McEwan, on a Hobie 16, was on the water for over seven hours. Mike was beat, but clearly enjoyed the day on the water.

In the corrected standings, John Casey and Ken Pierce scored first-place overall and with this win, extended John Casey’s hold on the first-place finish to four wins in the past 5 years. But it’s not necessary to sail a “big cat” to win this race. Matt and Gina McDonald, sailing a Blade, finished second after an intense focus on sailing during the two-day event. In its ninth year, Hirams Haul is an established east coast beach cat regatta. It has established itself in a unique niche characterized by great sailing during the day with most enjoyable after-sail social events both days.

For more photos: www.floridacatamaransailor.com

tionships with other sailing organizations.” Conceived by Clearwater YC as a way to build participation in its longstanding fall regatta, the Clearwater Challenge (see race report below), this was just one of several moves it made to strengthen that event. It is also allowed for boaters to race to Clearwater, and then leave the boats there for the following weekend’s Challenge. For DIYC it meant hosting a second regional BOTY event and having another club provide a finish line boat and people for an event where the first finisher crossed the line a little after 2200 hours and the last roughly seven hours later.

Attendance increased this year, as the nine boats in the new Racer-Cruiser class joined 14 Spinnaker class boats in the 57 nm race. With the new division allowing the older boats to compete with spinnakers, the weather on Saturday morning (8 knot NE) provided a picture-perfect start with a broad reach down Hillsboro Bay. After a relatively short transition in the middle of Tampa Bay, a light southerly filled in, which, combined with the beginnings of the ebb tide, provided a reasonable—if some what nerve-racking— trip through the Skyway Bridge. The breeze continued to strengthen and clock, which resulted in a tight fetch to buoy SW#1 and a beat to Clearwater that favored those boats that went to the beach.

Doug Fisher’s big yellow custom Robinson 41, XS, from Sarasota was first to finish, and despite owning over a minute a mile to the next boats, held onto first overall honors in both class and fleet. As the lone symmetrical spinnaker boat in Spin A, George Haynie’s J/35 Time Bandit

Davis Island Yacht Club Classic, Tampa, FL, Oct 21

By Jay Tyson Created five years ago, the DIYC Classic was developed on the basis of our club’s principle of “maintaining active relaNews & Views for Southern Sailors

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RACING crossed the line next and covered the handicap on George and Annie Cussins’ J/105 Fire & Ice. In Spinnaker B, the M,D&G Syndicate with its Carerra 290, Renegade, also crossed the line first and held onto that position with corrected time over that seven-boat division.

Ed Peters’ Abbott 33, Tigress, resurfaced after a year’s absence and took a strong second place over Bob Glaser’s Orangutan.

As the biggest boat in the fleet, Hall Palmer ’s Beneteau First 53, Relativity, out of SPYC was well-positioned with the Racer-Cruiser fleet until the mid-bay lull when Bill Senske’s Nelson Merick-designed Morgan 45, Hallelujah, and team Russo’s J/40, Intrepid, played the eastern side of the bay to perfection and took a significant lead through the Skyway. Relativity, fresh from a lesson learned in last week’s SPYC to Venice race, was headed to the beach. The 12 knots of breeze and persistent clocking of the breeze made for an enjoyable upwind ride at 7.5 knots in a 30,000-pound boat. Surprised by the traditional shotgun signal reserved for line honors, it was soon learned the lead boats had stayed offshore. Second across the line was Intrepid. However, Hallelujah was just four minutes back, which was good enough for second place in corrected time.

Clearwater Challenge 2006, Clearwater Yacht Club, Oct. 28-29

By David Billing

being necessary. Despite substantial ground tackle on the race marks, keeping the marks in place was a challenge, and the “M” (mark missing) flag had to be used on both racecourses. Several boats were forced to retire with minor gear failures. Unfortunately, George Cussins’ J/105, Fire & Ice, was dismasted during the first race, which put him out of the regatta. George and his crew did a great job of recovering the broken rig and were able to return to the harbor without assistance, no easy task in the big waves.

Sunday’s conditions were much more moderate with a pleasant 8-10 knot northeasterly breeze with a light chop.

The competitors and race committee had a much easier time, and the racing was very close. On the windward/leeward course many of the spinnaker boats were overlapped at mark roundings.

Only one protest was filed, but that was withdrawn before being heard.

Results: Spinnaker A; Pippin (J-105), David Owen, St Francis YC; Wassabi (J105), Jeff Marks, Clearwater YC; Orangutan (J-105), Bob Glasser, Davis Island YC; Spinnaker B; Semper Fi (J-29), Ray Mannix, Dunedin Boat Club; Renegade (Carrera 290), Jamie Myers, Davis Island YC; Air Hammer (Wavelength 24), Donald Fretz, St Pete Sailing Association; Non-Spinnaker; Mystic (Morgan 27), Jay Myers, Clearwater YC; Tango III (Hunter 28.5), Rafael Paris, Treasure Island YC; Pneumatic Pleasure (Irwin 24), Clement Rambeau, Tampa, FL; Racer Cruiser; Prime Plus (Beneteau 440), Frank Hanna, Crawfordville, FL; Relativity (Beneteau 53), Hall Palmer, St Petersburg YC; Hallelujah (Morgan 45), William Senske, St Petersburg YC; True Cruiser; Chances ‘R’ (Endeavour 35), Tim Roberts, Clearwater YC; Sonja Cate (Catalina 400 mkII), Donald Miller, St Pete Sailing Association; Providence (Soveral 48), Warwick Cahill, Davis Island YC.

Sarasota Yacht Club Invitational Breezy Success, Sarasota, FL, Nov. 2

By Morgan Stinemetz

Rounding the mark in the Clearwater Challenge. Photo by Amanda Fleming.

The Clearwater Yacht Club hosted the Clearwater Challenge over the weekend of Oct. 28-29. Thirty-five boats competed in this WFPHRF Suncoast Boat of the Year event. The principal race officer was CYC Past Commodore David Billing who ran the windward/leeward course for the spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes. The senior race officer for the racercruiser and true cruising classes was CYC Past Commodore Dick Boblenz. Anne Newton was the chief judge.

Saturday’s conditions were very exciting with a northwest wind averaging 20-plus knots with four- to five-foot waves in the Gulf of Mexico. The waves in Clearwater Pass were much bigger, and some boats decided to return to harbor when they encountered the breaking waves at the mouth of the pass.

Once out on the racecourse, the wind was relatively steady, and the races could be run with no course changes 60

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More wind showed up for the Sarasota Yacht Club Invitational Regatta on November 7 than the race organizers had counted on, and the race for 32 boats entered was switched from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay. Race chairman Mariella Doyle had a contingency plan ready for such an eventuality and when the low tides made getting into the Gulf dicey through Big Sarasota Pass, the race committee fell back on Plan B. The 12-mile race (twice around a six-mile course) had all the wind the sailors could stand and more wind than some of the smaller boats wanted. The breezy conditions made it a “big boat day” with what turned out to be three reaching legs.

The only boat that found some genuine heartache was Doug Fisher’s XS, a custom sloop that looks fast sitting still.

The fastest boat in the regatta by a large margin, XS lost the top 25 percent of its high tech mast when something went wrong and a supporting piece broke. Fisher had only completed one leg of the six and was partway down the second leg when tragedy struck.

Sarasota Bay was by no means calm, with winds approaching 20 knots from the ENE. However, the waves in the bay were not difficult, and most boats sailed near hull speed all day.

Doyle and a stellar race committee crew put together a www.southwindsmagazine.com

Area D South Qualifiers for the Alter Cup, Gulfport Yacht Club, Tampa Bay, FL, Nov. 4-5 AHHH . . . Bow Sizzle!

By Roy Laughlin

Valdeck Kwasniewski’s trimaran sails in the Sarasota Yacht Club Invitational Regatta. Photo by Booth Studios.

reverse handicap race, with the slowest rated boats starting first and each getting an individualized start time predicated on handicap.

There were seven classes total, four of which broke out as True Cruising classes. The Multihull class had just one entry. There were three boats in Non-Spinnaker and five in the Spinnaker class.

In the Spinnaker class, it was Charlie Clifton in his old boat with a new name, Mi Mejor Cancion, in first place. Tim Miller took second in Elixir and Richard Gress was third in Fat Bottom Girl.

The Non-Spinnaker class saw Rudy Reinecke’s Olson 30, Ohh Zone, in first. In second place was Susan Tibbits’ Grand Illusion and third was Neppy Gail, John Dumbaugh’s sloop.

The only multihull racing was Valdeck Kwasniewski’s trimaran, which screamed by a host of slower boats.

John and Rita Steele won True Cruising A in Adelie. Jay Meyer’s J/40, Joy Ride, took second in class, and Ernie Schulz piloted Der Poltergeist II to third in class. True Cruising B was won by Don Mattran in Overtime. Second went to Peter van Roekens in Ananda, and Gerry Breyton won third in Caladon. It was all Sarasota Yacht Club members in this class.

Hope and Glory, Joe Barnette’s Island Packet, went by a number of boats like it on rails. The boat was in its element and beautifully sailed. George Mining brought CAVU in second in True Cruising C, and Chan and Sue Sweetser kept Seahawk in the game to pull off third in class.

In True Cruising D, it was Chuck Margetta’s Morgana in first, Bill Bruner’s Skin Dock in second and Bob Holsbeke’s LL, Windancer, in third.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Beach cat sailors enjoyed one of the year’s most vigorous regattas during the Nov. 4-5 weekend in Gulfport, FL. The event was the Area D south qualifiers for the US Multihull Championship for the Hobie Alter Cup. The winner of each district’s qualifier is automatically entered into the annual competition for the Alter Cup, a prestigious award sponsored by US Sailing. Area D south includes Florida and parts of adjacent states. The Gulfport Yacht Club was the local sponsor for this regatta.

Winds both days were 15 knots or better with, at times, strong gusts. These are conditions under which beach cat jocks thrive. The list of competitors was no less impressive than the wind. It included some of the best beach cat sailors in Florida. The qualifying race in each area is open to anyone wishing to participate. Sailors “race what they brung,” In this regatta, entrants sailed the full gamut of 16- to 20-foot beach cats, from a Hobie 16 to a Marstrom 20. Recent high tech models such as carbon fiber A cats and Blades (high tech 16-foot cats) were represented; production Formula 18 and 20 models predominated.

Saturday, during the skippers meeting, PRO Dave Ellis of Gulfport Yacht Club, commenting on the strong winds, said that the race committee had three chase boats and a committee boat capable of rendering aid to sailors with problems. If the wind, as forecast, became so strong that ability to give assistance to racers exceeded the number of aid boats available, the racers would return to shore to regroup. The wind gods must have enjoyed the sailing spectacle because winds rose to the measure of the sailors’ ability but did not exceed it. There were four races on Saturday afternoon and three on Sunday. They went off perfectly on schedule.

These races were thrilling both for sailors and for spectators. Just a few seconds late on a tack led to finishing-place changes during each race. Ollie and Kelly Jason, racing a

Mark Smith and Jeff Zern round the windward mark in the Area D Qualifiers. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

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REGIONAL RACE CALENDARS Formula 18 Capricorn, had more first-place finishes than any other team during the seven races. On the basis of corrected time, Matt and Gina McDonald (Formula 16 Blade) traded places with Ken Pierce and John Casey (Inter 20) in second and third places during many of the races. There were several other standout performances in individual races. Dave and Kathy Ingram (NACRA F18) earned a first-place finish in Saturday’s first race. Woody Cope, sailing an A cat, seemed to make the windward mark ahead of larger cats on many of the first legs. Because the 14-foot single-handed A cat has only a main, spinnaker cats took and retained the lead after rounding the first mark because three sails are faster downwind than one sail. But on that first upwind leg, Woody’s lead on that small catamaran was a commendable example of masterful, assertive sailing.

In the final tally, Olli and Kelly Jason came in first with 10 points (four firsts, two thirds). They will represent Area D south in the Alter Cup races in April 2007. Notably, this is the second team from the Tampa-St. Pete area since 2004 to win the Area D contest and compete at the national event.

In 2004, Jennifer Lindsay and Kelly Gray, also from Gulfport Yacht Club, was the winning team. Ken Pierce and John Casey were second with 12 points, and Matt and Gina McDonald placed third with 15 points. As one might expect of competition among sailors of this caliber, no team completely dominated the contest both days. It was just a great opportunity to see a group of exceptional beach cat sailors exhibiting their best skills.

The bow sizzle: It was for everyone to enjoy.

The US Multihull Championship for the Hobie Alter Cup, hosted by the Melbourne Yacht Club (Melbourne, FL) will be April 27-29, 2007. For more pictures of the Area D south qualifiers, please see www.floridamultihullsailor.com.

Results: 1. Olli and Kelly Jason; 2. Ken Pierce and John Casey; 3. Matt and Gina McDonald; 4. Woody Cope; 5. Jennifer Lindsay and Fred Metcalf; 6.

David and Kathy Ingram; 7. Sarah Newberry and Jamie Livingston; 8.

Kirk Newkirk and Glen Holmes; 9. John Williams and Kevin Rejda; 10.

Rush Bird.

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

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

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

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RACE CALENDAR DECEMBER Lake Lanier, GA. www.lakeniersailing.com 3 Whitecapper Regatta – Lake Lanier Sailing Club, Lake Lanier, GA. Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 2,16 Winter Series – PHRF, NYRA boty – NYRA, New Bern, NC. JANUARY 2007 Long Bay Sailing Association www.longbaysailing.org 1 Hangover Regatta, Little River Inlet, SC. Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 1 Fred Latham Regatta, SJ21, New Bern, NC. 13,27 Winter Series, PHRF – NYRA boty, New Bern, NC.

RACE CALENDAR Melbourne Yacht Club adjusts Rum Race Schedule With the change from Daylight Savings Time, the Melbourne Yacht Club moved the start time of its Sunday Rum Race. It now begins at 2 pm. In addition, the club is, during the winter series, experimenting with a spinnaker class and rules addressing use of this sail. The club uses staggered start times corresponding to the rating for the spinnaker. The start times are summarized at http://www.sailrace.com/myc/rumracestarttimes.htm DECEMBER – Central and NE Florida 2 First Saturday at Sebastian Inlet. Indian River Catamaran Association 2-3 Kettle Cup Regatta. Lake Monroe Sailing Association 2-3 Gator Bowl Regatta. Rudder Club 8 Howl at the Moon. Halifax Sailing Association.

9 Race of Champions. Indian River Yacht Club.

9 One Design Series. Florida Yacht Club 9-10 Junior Olympic Sailing Festival, US Sailing Center.

10 Winter Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 16 Club Races. Lake Monroe Sailing Association.

JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day Fun Regatta. Titusville Sailing Club 1 Hangover Regatta. Rudder Club 6 First Saturday at Sebastian Inlet. Indian River Catamaran Association 7,21 Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 27 Women’s Race. ECSA-Women’s. Melbourne Yacht Club www.southwindsmagazine.com

RACE CALENDAR

RACE CALENDAR

DECEMBER 1 Wirth Munroe Palm Beach Race. SFC/CCA. The 50th annual ocean race starting off government Cut and ending at Palm Beach.

2-3 Stars Commodore’s Cup. CRYC. One-Design regatta for registered classes.

2 BBYRA One Design #12. BBYC. One-Design regatta for registered class.

3 BBYRA PHRF #12. KBYC. PHRF regatta for registered boats.

9-10 Piana Cup. Etchells. BBYC. First regatta part of the Jaguar Cup series. The 10th annual regatta hosted by Fleet 20 to celebrate the lifetime achievement of Louis Piana.

9 Fall #4. Flat Earth Racing. J/24 One-Design regatta.

25-29 Orange Bowl Regatta. CRYC/CGSC. The 27th annual regatta for 420 & 470, Collegiate 420 & Eurodinghy (for women) Mid Winters. Youth Regatta (IODA) and International Youth Regatta (Laser, Laser Radial, Club 420 and 29ers).

(Since Rebecca Burg took off for the good life and is cruising around, SOUTHWINDS is looking for someone to send us articles on sailing in the Keys; Racing, cruising, waterways and anchoring articles, etc. editor@southwindsmagazine.com)

JANUARY 5 BBYRA Annual Registration MYC. 6-7 Stars Bob Levin Memorial. CRYC – The 17th annual twoday regatta for Star class.

6-7 Etchells Sid Doren Memorial. BBYC – The 7th annual two day regatta. One of four events of the Jaguar Cup Series.

6 J/24 - #1. Flat Earth – First race of the J24 One Design series.

10-12 Ft Lauderdale to Key West. LYC – Feeder race for the Key West Race Week.

12-14 Alex Cavigilia Bluewater Classic. Shake-A-Leg & Flat Earth 13 BBYRA OD#1. MYC First race of the Series for one-design fleet.

14 BBYRA PHRF #1. CGSC – First race of the Series for PHRF class boats.

14-16 470 NA-USSC. 15-19 Key West Race Week – Premiere Racing. The 20th Edition of KWRW of day races held off Key West.

18-21 2.4 Midwinters. Flat Earth 20-21 Star’s Biscayne Trophy. CRYC – Annual two day race for Star class.

22-27 Olympic Class Regatta.27-28 Etchells FSA Championship.

BBYC – The 14th annual two day regatta for Etchells. Third of four events in the Jaguar Cup series.

Legend BBYRA BBYC CGSC CRYC MYC

Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. www.bbyra.net Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.org Coral Reef Yacht Club Miami Yacht Club. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

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

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

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

Upper Keys Sailing Club. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com.

RACE CALENDAR The 0nline West Florida Race Calendar, which goes from Sept.1, 2006 thru August 31, 2007, is available on the SOUTHWINDS Web site with hyperlinks to sponsoring clubs. It covers racing in West Florida from Marco Island in southwest Florida north, up to and including Clearwater. www.southwindsmagazine.com. Accessed on the racing pages from the home page.

Club Racing Bradenton YC. Winter Races starting in October till Daylight savings starts.. Races at 12:30 p.m. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401.

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 Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org DECEMBER Nov. 30-3 St. Petersburg YC. America’s Disabled Open Regatta 2-3 Davis Island YC. One Design Regatta.

See WEST FLORIDA RACING CALENDAR continued on page 75

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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REGIONAL SAILING

Sailing Services Directory starts as low as $10 a month.

BOAT LETTERING

Sail Mexican MAYAN RIVIERA 46-foot Hunter • Cancun airport pick up Snorkel • Dive • Visit Ruins jasosa@bellsouth.net . . . . .(818) 262-5853 www.mexicanmayariviera.com/

CAPTAIN SERVICES CAPT. JIMMY HENDON . . . .(727) 459-0801 USCG Licensed Master Mariner Deliveries • Instruction ASA Cert. Bareboat Charter Instructor

CANVAS & CUSHION SERVICES SCUBA CLEAN See ad in Underwater Services MARINE CANVAS & BOAT REPAIR All Canvas work, cushions & interiors Stainless Work/Welding Fiberglass & misc. repairs . .(727) 804-6173

CHARTERS MAHINA LA SAILING . . . . . .(941) 713-8000 MacGregor 65 * Two hours to two weeks South Tampa Bay Area in Cortez Daily Sunset Cruises or Sail to the Keys www.floridasailingtrips.com

ADVERTISE IN THIS SERVICES DIRECTORY STARTING AT $8/ MON. EDITOR@SOUTHWINDSMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (941) 795-8704 Articles and Photos Wanted Contact: editor@southwindsmagazine.com ■ SAILING EXPERIENCES: Stories and photos about experiences in places you’ve cruised, anchorages, marinas, or passages made throughout the Southern cruising waters, including the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

■ RACE REPORTING: Generally, we are always looking for someone to send us race coverage throughout the southern states, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

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CAPT. KEVIN MURPHY . . . . .(340) 277-1026 USCG Licensed Master, Deliveries, Instruction murfdesurf@hotmail.com

Industrial Marine Supply . . . . . . . .Tampa Bay Gas/Diesel Repair & Maintenance Certified Electrical & Plumbing Underwater work . . . . . .(775) 771-8515 cell

BOAT DELIVERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . .Power/Sail Bill Robinson – USCG Licensed Captain ABYC Certified Marine Electrician Sailboat Rigger angel@artoffshore.com

MARINE DIESEL SERVICE

COMMUNICATIONS DOCKSIDE RADIO www.docksideradio.com Pactor II/III Modem Sales & Support; FCC Marine Radio License filing; SailMail WinLink Installation & Training . . . . .(941) 661-4498

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

MARINE SURVEYING

CUSTOM BOAT SERVICES & REPAIRS ELLIE’S SAILING SHOP . . . . . . . . . .Clearwater Lifelines, rigging, hardware, repairs Serving small boat sailors Since 1958 Sunfish Boats and Parts . . . . .(727) 442-3281 GLASTECH YACHTS . . . . . . .(727) 544-5512 Full Service Marine Yard & Mobile Service Power & Sail • Serving West Florida www.glastech34trawler.com ■ CRUISING NOTES: Southern sailors cruising on the high seas or cruising our waterways and coasts: Send us word on where you’re at and what you’re doing. How the cruising life is treating you.

■ BAHAMAS: Trips, experiences, passages, anchorages, provisioning and other stories that are of interest.

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

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

■ MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL ARTICLES: How you maintain your boat, or rebuilt a boat, technical articles on maintenance, repairs, etc.

■ INDIVIDUALS IN THE SAILING INDUSTRY: Interesting stories about the world of sailors out there, young, old, and some that are no longer with us but have contributed to the sport or were just true lovers of sailing.

■ THE CARIBBEAN: Stories about the warm tropical waters farther south of us. www.southwindsmagazine.com

SERVICES DIRECTORY Call (941) 795-8704 or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com TAYLOR MARINE SURVEYING & CONSULTING, LLC Specializing in Sailing Vessels (904) 466-0602 www.taylormarinesurveying.com

RIGGING SERVICES

Bay Rigging TAMPA’S MOBILE RIGGING SERVICE Yacht Rigging • Furlers • Lifelines

Cell (727) 215-0704 www.bayrigging.com OCEAN RIGGING Full Service Mobile Rigging 30 yrs experience • Ft. Myers to Punta Gorda oceanrigging@earthlink.net .(239) 218-1127

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICES DIRECTORY STARTING AT $8/ MONTH (941) 795-8704 SAILMAKING, REPAIRING & CLEANING ADVANCED SAILS . . . . . . . . .(727) 896-7245 Quality Cruising Sails & Service Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg Marinas Keith Donaldson . . . . . . . . . .(727) 896-7245 MASTHEAD USED SAIL . . . .(800) 783-6953 www.mastheadsailinggear.com Largest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361

PORPOISE SAILING SERVICES – Sarasota

SSMR. INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .727-823-4800 Complete Rigging Services On-Site Crane, Splicing & Swaging Commissioning Services On Salt Creek at Salt Creek Boat Works Fax 727-823-3270 . . . . . . . . . .St. Petersburg

*New/Used Sails * New Custom Sails Roller Furling Systems & Packages

(800) 507-0119 www.porpoisesailing.com

Scuba Clean Yacht Service See ad in Underwater Services

UNDERWATER SERVICES

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

(727) 327-2628

ADVERTISE

SAILING INSTRUCTION

IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY

YACHTING VACATIONS . . . .Punta Gorda, FL Sailboat Charters 22’-48’ ASA instruction Live-aboard/non-live-aboard www.yachtingvacations.com (800) 447-0080

Starting at $96 a year editor@southwindsmagazine.com

SEA TIME SAILING SCHOOL . . . . .Miami, FL Offshore trips/Sailing courses www.seatimesailing.com . . . .(954) 636-9726

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

■ FUN AND UNUSUAL STORIES: Got an interesting story? Unusual, funny, tearjerkers, learning experiences and others wanted. Keep them short for our last page, 700-1000 words roughly. Photos too, but not necessary.

■ CUBA: Of course, there is always Cuba, and regardless of how our country’s elected officials try to keep Americans out of the largest island in the Caribbean, it will one day be open as a cruising ground. Today American sailors News & Views for Southern Sailors

(941) 795-8704

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

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

■ COVER PHOTOS: SOUTHWINDS is always looking for nice cover shots, which are always paid for. They generally need to be a vertical shot, but we can sometimes crop horizontal photos for a nice cover picture. They need to be of a high resolution. If digital, they need to

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

■ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: For those of you who are not as ambitious to write stories, we always want to hear from you about your experiences and opinions.

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

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BROKERS

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

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

• All other ads (including business ads) are $20 a month for up to 20 words, add $5 a month for each additional 10 words. $10 a month for a horizontal photo. Frequency discounts available.

Contact editor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS Advertise your business in a display ad in the classifieds section.

1” 2” 2” 3” 3”

$25/month $38/month $44/month $57/month $66/month

. . . .12-month minimum . . . . . . . . . . . .12 months . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 months . . . . . . . . . . . .12 months . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 months

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Similar style of drawing and sense of humor as Larson. Low pay for small business developing. But you could get famous. Need a few drawings created. editor@southwindsmagazine.com. 941-795-8704

B OATS & DINGHIES _________________________________________

1971 O’Day Rhodes 19 Sailboat, 3’3” keel, battery, sails, new bottom paint, new cushions, cockpit Sunbrella cover, electrical, 2anchors, many accessories, Very good condition, restored. $1500 OBO. (813) 831-8585. www.RedMcKenna.com. (1/07)

3-foot Racing Sailboat. Radio-controlled.

Like new, never used. $195. (941) 493-2085.

(1/07) _________________________________________

28-foot Morgan Out Island 1974 Cruise ready, Autohelm, two GPSs, depth finder, radio, compass, Yanmar diesel, sleeps six, 3foot draft, docked at Shell Pt, FL. Selling for health reasons. $9000/best offer. (850) 5399044. (2/07)

Hard Dink for sale. $375. 8.5’ overall, Oars.

Wood trim, black rub rail. 2.2 Honda fourstroke available for xtra $. Bruce/SPB, FL. (404) 277-0358. (12/06) _________________________________________ 9’ Fiberglass Dinghy. Livingston double hulled dinghy with towing harness. Very stable. Fits foredeck of 32’ sailboat. $500. Ken (252) 514-2609. (1/07) _________________________________________ Dinghy Package Yankee Boatworks 9’3” fiberglass with cover $950, Kato heavy duty davits $850, Solarex 42W solar panels on pivot base $500, all for $2000 OBO. photo available (321) 431-4380. (12/06) _________________________________________

Tanzer 22CB Main, genoa, jib, spinnaker, 9.9HP electric Suzuki, compass, speed, depth, ice box, Porta Potti, boom awning, screens, VHF antenna/cable. Sleeps four. Great weekend Cruiser, Racer. More. $3,750. (239) 542 3753. (01/07)

Zodiac Dinghy, 10 ft., 2001, good condition. $800/OBO. (813) 831-8585. (1/07) _________________________________________

J29 Hull # 225 MHOB. For Sale. Fat Bottom Girl.

All new rigging and running gear. Professionally fared bottom and keel, new interlux white epoxy bottom. One-year-old racing #1, .60 Quantum spinnaker, #3 and racing main. Also, heavy #1, 2 mains and .75 spinnaker. Boat has had a refit in the last couple years, great condition. Two spinnaker poles, (one carbon fiber), – much more. Trailer included. $26,500. Please contact mogress@aol.com. (941) 376-9929.

Rick. (1/07)

Bauer 10 Sailboat. Fiberglass with the centerboard. Fully equipped with trailer. Both New. Cost $4315. Sell both for $2850 or boat only for $2500. (941) 966-3507. (12/06)

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT Starting at $25 for 3 months 70

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Catalina 27, 1985 Tall rig, 4’ draft, 15 hp Universal diesel just serviced, Harken roller furling, Edson wheel steering, depth, speed, pressure water, stove, ice box, anchor, Lewmar ST winches, 110 shore power, air conditioner, battery charger. $10,900. OBO for quick sale. www.cortezyachts.com or call (941) 792-9100

Nonsuch 30 1984 Ultra Excellent condition.

Recent upgrades include rebuilt Westerbeke 33. North sail. Extensive refit in 2005.

Currently in Florida Keys. Bahamas cruiseready. $69,900. (305) 849-1929. (1/07) www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS 1981 Cape Dory Cutter 30 Well-equipped cruising boat. Surveyed 2002 at $35K. Tough boat, no damages in Katrina. Volvo Diesel.

New head and sailcovers in 2005. $32,000.

John (228) 343-9546. (2/07)

1985 Hunter 34 Sacrifice. $26k. New sails, bottom paint September ‘05. Located at Lake Martin, Dadeville, Alabama. Great condition.

Photos and inventory list available. nddavis@charter.net. (1/07)

Columbia 31. 1966. 3-foot draft. Atomic 4 inboard. 150 jib. Harken Roller furling.

Lewmar 2-speed winches. Much restoration of interior and exterior. Many Extras. 10-foot dinghy – Must See! (727) 938-5453. (1/07)

1993 Gemini 3400 Catamaran. 14’ beam.

18” board up. 5’ board down. In Sarasota.

Cruise ready, Air, solar, davits, contact Alan (970) 690-3758 or alanm@frii.com for inventory list. Asking $65,000. (12/06)

Catalina 30, 1988 Tall rig, wing keel, draft 3’10”. New full canvas, new fridge, genoa, battery charger, auto pilot, windless. Too many upgrades to list. Must see. $34,900.

(352) 597-4912. (2/07)

Catalina 30 1991 MK II Ultimate Cruiser Std rig, wing keel, full bimini/dodger, new spinnaker, 3.5kw Genset, A/C, Electric fridge, watermaker, icemaker, microwave, inverter, 2 battery chargers, Link 2000, Raymarine SL 70 Radar, 425 Chartplotter, Tri-data, 4000ST Autopilot with remote, Garmin 128 GPS, Loran, JVC CD/Stereo, 8.6’ dink with Nissan 2.5OB, $49,900. Niceville, Florida (850) 6992717. (2/07) Hunter 30 1980 Sail Yanmar 18hp diesel, sleeps 6, very clean, GPS, VHS, AM/FM, 4 ft. modified wing keel, PDFs, bottom paint oneyear old, need to sell, “moving.” (941) 6976995. (2/07)

30’ Pearson, Racer/Cruiser Sloop, 1976 Red, Excellent cond., 2 mains, 3 jibs, 3 spinnakers, spinnaker pole. Tiller, marine radio, stove, new pot, sleeps 6, $12,900. Madeira Beach, FL terrycshan@aol.com. (727) 581-4708 or (727) 244-4708. (2/07)

32’ Westsail (1977) Perkins 4-107 diesel, Aires vane, Harken roller furling, S-L windlass, 35CQR, 33 Bruce, cold plate refrigeration, air conditioning, Garmin chartplotter. Dodger & Bimini. Exceptional condition, little used. $55,000/OBO. Call (954) 560-3919. (2/07)

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

A no-nonsense boat offered below market at $7,500/OBO. Needs TLC. Call Major Carter (941) 792-9100.

Irwin 33, 1974 Extremely well-maintained cruiser ready to go! Improvements include AC, autopilot, new rigging, new upholstery much more. $13,600. Call (321) 662-4085 details at: www.zedpm.com/~74irwin33 (12/06)

1995 Hunter 35.5 Only 615 hrs on Yanmar 27. New canvas, Navico autopilot, ST 60 depth, ST 60 speed, Furuno GPS, SGC SSB radio, Apelco VHF, dinghy w/OB engine, roller furling, full batten main w/dutchman, solar panel, S&L windlass, holding plate refrigeration, SS propane stove, 12000 BTU marine air, TV, stereo. Ready to sail with performance and pleasure. $59,900. www.cortezyachts.com.

Gozzard 36, 1987 Paradise had refit in 06 at Gozzard factory which included partial Awlgrip, new sails. Also, the bottom and the exterior wood stripped and redid 06. Bob (314) 487-4543, rgruener@earthlink.net. _________________________________________ 37’ Irwin 1976 Brand new Mainsail/cover, refrig., VHF, stereo. New central AC. 6 batteries/cables/switch/charger. 14 ports. Solar panel, Water pump/heater, etc. $89,000.

(305) 240-0303. Key West, FL. (2/07) (941) 792-9100.

Rodgers 33, 1981 2’8” draft, Great Florida/Bahamas boat, bimini, tiller w/auto-pilot, 2GM Yanmar, new interior, propane stove, pressure water, 16K A/C, microwave, stereo, VHF, $27,000, (941) 722-3126. (2/07)

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 70 News & Views for Southern Sailors

Boat classifieds start at $25/3mo.

SOUTHWINDS

December 2006 71

CLASSIFIED ADS RADAR SCANNER WANTED. Raytheon 2D 18” Radome 2KW. Or one compatible with the HSB Series Pathfinder Radar. Must be operational. I have an intact plastic housing and mounting bracket for mast. Would also like new wiring, but not necessary. (941) 7958704. editor@southwindsmagazine.com. _________________________________________ TransWorld CT 41,1979 Proven full-keel blue water cruiser. Perkins 4-108 diesel. 46’ LOA with bowsprit. Ketch-rigged Center Cockpit with walk thru to aft cabin. Complete Awlgrip paint 2002. Custom stainless steel rails and davits. 10’ 6” Caribe RIB with 15hp OB. Full galley. Beautiful teak interior with lots of storage. Maxwell electric windlass. Much more.

Asking $99,000. (941) 792-9100 www.cortezyachts.com

Bayfield 40 Hull # 34 full keel 5’ draft, cutter ketch designed by H.T.Gozzard built in 1984.

Exceptional condition with lots of new gear.

Harken roller furling on all sails. Marine air, WS, WD, depth, VHF w/remote, SSB, cd/radio, autopilot, chartplotter, Radar, dinghy, life raft $99,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com

Radar Scanner Part Wanted for 18” Raytheon/Raymarine scanner. I only need the rectangular array that spins around inside the dome, as mine is bent. Any 18” part will do of Raytheon/Raymarine 18” scanner from the late 90s on. (941) 795-8704. editor@southwindsmagazine.com. _________________________________________ 8’ Sailing Dinghy “Trinka.” Perfect condition, all factory options, like new sails. Cost $4,000 new, sacrifice $1,125. (352) 597-4912.

(2/07) _________________________________________ Whisker Pole Wanted Telescoping, line control, 8-14 ft. or 10-18 ft. West Florida, Greater Tampa Bay area or south. (941) 795-8704. editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Manta 42 Catamaran, 2000 Immaculate, ocean outfitted. SSB/modem, watermaker, solar panels, wind generator, genset, AC, RIB dinghy and 9hpOB, sea anchor, liferaft, EPIRB, much more. Ask $318K. (941) 505-5053. amchateau@comcast.net. (12/06)

Beneteau 473 $350,000. Canadian registered located on Grand Bahama. Extensive customization, latest equipment, well-maintained vessel, equipped for long distance cruising. Generator, dinghy, outboard.

Excellent condition. Showboat original.

Seaswan@cogeco.ca. (1/07)

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

_________________________________________ Two Montague folding, full-size bicycles; perfect for cruising. Like new, with many extras, including soft carrying cases. “A bicycle that folds, not a folding bicycle.” $350 each.

(941)743-7156 or (941)504-3302. (12/06) _________________________________________ 72

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SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS Sails Wanted for Catalina 28, MK II, but MKI might work. Tall rig. (941) 795-8704. editor@southwindsmagazine.com. _________________________________________

85 LB Anchor. Danforth High Tensile.

Unused, still in shipping crate. Only $450.

(407) 967-2009. (2/07) _________________________________________

_________________________________________

Used Boat Gear for Sale Paratech 15 & 18— both with line and chain, stainless propane stoves, 10’ Dyer sailing dinghy, 8’ Walker Bay Sailing Dinghy with Inflatable Tube, Offshore life vests, 6-man coastal life raft, 36’, 26’, 30’ masts & booms, some with rigging. Nautical Trader, 110 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL, (941) 488-0766. Shop online at www.nauticaltrader.net.

Backstay Adjuster Wheel type, 13.5 to 19.5 inch adjustment, 1/2” pins, $125. Bonita Springs (239) 281-5051. (2/07) _________________________________________

Discount NOAA, NGA, Maptech nautical charts and software. NOAA chart sale $15.50 each! Visit authorized chart agent www.DiscountNautical.com. (12/06) _________________________________________

Aluminum Whisker Pole Adjustable from 10 to 18 feet, 2-3/8 inch dia. Latching ends. $125 Bonita Springs. (239) 281-5051. (2/07) _________________________________________ Roll-Up Dinghy 8.4 Ft West Marine Sportboat, Grey. $125 Bonita Springs.

(239) 281-5051. (2/07) _________________________________________

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

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED

Dinghy Package Yankee Boatworks 9’3” fiberglass with cover $950, Kato heavy duty davits $850, Solarex 42W solar panels on pivot base $500, all for $2000 OBO. photo available (321) 431-4380. (12/06) _________________________________________

Visit SOUTHWINDS “NEW” boat and crew listing service at southwindsmagazine.com

Outboard Motors for Sale Johnson Sailmaster 6 hp, overhauled recently, $750/OBO. Tohatsu-3.5hp 2001. $300. (813) 831-8585. _________________________________________

_________________________________________

Zodiac Dinghy 10 ft., 2001, good condition. $800/OBO. (1/07) _________________________________________ Old Divers Helmet Copper and brass. No dents, excellent shape. Only $495. (941) 4932085. _________________________________________ Martec Folding Prop 18x14x1-1/4 shaft $125. 22 lb. danforth $35. Yaesu all band reciever $25. Sealab SSB 7 crystals $25.

Plastic holding tank “V” 24 gal. $20. Plastic water tank 36 gal.$20. Located Melbourne, FL. Take it all for $175! (321) 431-4380.

(12/06)

BOAT REGISTRATION

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

HELP WANTED

Looking for Marine Parts Counter Person.

Experience with marine industry beneficial.

Full time with great insurance benefits and paid holidays. Parts dept. Not computerized.

Snead island Boat Works – Attn: Gary (941) 722-2400.

(2/07) _________________________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office? If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and power boats. Call Frank Hamilton at (941) 723-1610 for interview appointment and position details. _________________________________________

EASIEST, FASTEST MONTANA BOAT REGISTRATION Pay No Sales Tax - No Attorney Necessary. $$ Save Thousands on Boat registration $$. 12 yrs experience-REGISTRATION IN 5 DAYS! 877.913.5100 www.mtvehicles.com. (1/07)

Sailboat Captain wanted and Crew wanted for exciting boat charter company located in South Florida. 5 star luxury resort. Captain: 100 ton, sail aux. $70,000 - $100,000. Crew: $30,000 - $50,000. For interview, please call (561) 368-3566 or Fax or E-mail Resume to (561) 368-0267 or kkeller@airandsea.com. (1/07) _________________________________________

BUSINESSES FOR SALE/ INVESTMENTS _________________________________________

SAILMAKER St. Petersburg Industrial Sewing Machine and Hand sewing experience for new sails and repairs. Must be capable of lifting 40 lbs. Benefits available for full-time work. Must have valid FL Drivers license. EOE. Contact: Peter O. (727) 471-2040, Doyle Ploch Sailmakers. _________________________________________

FOR SALE: Florida East Coast Sail Loft Established 10 years. Well-equipped, extensive inventory and client list. Walking distance to several marinas. New sail design, construction and repairs. Custom canvas work, exterior/ interior, and cushions. Strong used sail inventory. Respond to LOFT220@hotmail.com.

(12/06) _________________________________________ Commercial Cleaning Business For sale or working partnership desired. National accounts, Great income! Ft Myers/Naples or Pensacola areas ready! 40k to 95k Call (321) 246-8276. (12/06)

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PG 70 News & Views for Southern Sailors

CHARTS & BOOKS

Articles and Race Reports in the Carolinas & Georgia. editor@southwindsmagazine.com. _________________________________________ Writers, Reporters, Articles, Photos Wanted.

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

SOUTHWINDS

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT

_________________________________________

SAILS & CANVAS

_________________________________________ Racing Spinnaker. Neil Pryde Tri-radial Spinnaker. Nearly new. No patches or stains.

Approximate dimensions: Foot 32’4”, Leech 55’8”, Luff 64’. White, medium blue and light blue. $1800 or best offer. (813) 695-8737.

(1/07) Waterfront Homes For Sale. Madeira Beach, FL. Easy Gulf access via John’s Pass. Protected DEEP water. 100-ft new seawall. Wide open views. 3/2 and 2/2 available. (727) 744-2957 kfryfla@verizon.net. (1/07) Office/Shop Space for rent. Marine related preferred. Phone/Internet included. Flexible size space. Short term or month to month ok.

JSI 3000 Gandy Blvd, St. Pete (727) 577-3220.

(1/07) _________________________________________ Waterfront Lot for Sale with deeded, deepwater dock on Little Gasparilla Island, Charlotte Harbor, FL. Power and water included. Walk on the beach and watch the sunset on a private island. By owner (305) 6138425. (12/06)

LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________ Sarasota, FL Waterfront Townhouse w/Deep water boat slip for rent. 3br/3ba, 3 floors, 2 fireplaces, gated, pool, tennis. Protected boat slip accommodates up to 70-foot boat. Direct access to Gulf. Walk to restaurants and shopping. For info call (561) 213-2390. (12/06)

Deepwater Boat Slip Included! 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage townhome. Mariners Pass, St. Petersburg, FL. $299k. Loads of updates. Call Bob Sackett, Realtor (727) 5277373 ext. 112. (1/07)

Ponce de Leon Hotel Historic downtown hotel at the bay, across from St. Petersburg YC. 95 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 550-9300 FAX (727) 896-2287 www.poncedeleon hotel.com

SAILING INSTRUCTION

_________________________________________

GULF SHORES, AL - Gated waterfront condo on ICW, view of Mobile Bay. Boat slip.

First level, end unit, 3br/2ba furnished with wraparound deck, covered 2 car parking.

Elevator, 2 pools, 2 tennis courts, clubhouse w/party room, weight room, hot tub. LEASE OR PURCHASE. $1,500 mo or $515,000.

(251) 968-6265. (2/07) _________________________________________ Waterfront Home for Rent with Deepwater Slip. 2 bedroom 1 bath, with office. Central AC, Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey.

Remodeled, excellent condition, new carpet and paint. $1150/month. 1 year lease. (352) 795-9276. (1/07)

See All Classifieds @ 74

December 2006

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

WINDSURFING GEAR

_________________________________________ Wanted: Used Prodigy (standard or race), other boards, miscellaneous windsurfing equipment. Steve (941) 795-8704, editor@southwindsmagazine.comw www.southwindsmagazine.com

WEST COAST RACING CALENDAR

LETTERS

continued from page 63

continued from page 12

2-3 9 9 10

top of the water and fill in bays anymore with landfill, although I guarantee many want to.

By the way, I photographed that house that was moved to make way for condos in Palmetto. It was printed on the last page in our November issue. It moved on to another spot, saved in some small way. That house also has historic significance, being the home of one of Palmetto’s founders.

It was a killing of two birds with one stone; history and beauty.

Editor

9-10

Edison Sailing Center. Sunfish Challenge Cup Regatta.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Commodore’s Cup St. Petersburg Sailing Association. Races #4 and #5. PHRF. Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society.

Commodore’s Cup, PHRF. Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Clearwater Junior Championships Laser District 13 championship.

JANUARY 1 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Hangover Race.

1 Tampa Bay Catamaran Society. Hangover Race, Dunedin Causeway, Catamarans.

6 Venice Sailing Squadron. Venice Yacht Club. Buoy Race, PHRF 6-7 Davis Island YC. Commodore’s Cup, PHRF. (SBOTY) 6-7 Platinum Point YC. Golden Conch Regatta, PHRF. (CHBOTY) 9 St. Petersburg Sailing Association. Races #6 and #7. PHRF 13 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Snowbird Regatta. (SBBOTY) 14 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society. Winter Races, PHRF 15-19 Key West Race Week. www.premiere-racing.com.

20-21 St. Petersburg YC. Junior SE Team Racing. Optimists.

26-28 St. Petersburg YC. Multi-class Invitational. (Windmill moved to DIYC March 2-4), Snipe, Moth, Jet 14, Flying Dutchman, Martin 16, 2.4 Meter, Ultimate 20, SR Max, with 6 boats registered in advance.

27-28 Port of Tampa. Gasparilla Invasion. Booze, bikinis, bodacious behaviour

E-mail your letters to the Editor: editor@southwindsmagazine.com

RACE CALENDAR DECEMBER 2 Double-Handed Regatta. Houston Yacht Club. Houston, TX 2,16 Frostbite #2,3. St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club. Panama City, FL 3 Fall #3. Corinthian Sailing Association. New Orleans, LA 3 GMAC Bowl Regatta. Fairhope Yacht Club. Fairhope, AL 9 Santa Claus Regatta. Pensacola Yacht Club. Pensacola, FL 9-10 Sugar Bowl Regatta. Southern Yacht Club and New Orleans Yacht Club. New Orleans, LA 16 Predicted Log Contest Race. Navy Yacht Club. Pensacola, FL 16-17 2006 Race of Champions. Southern Yacht Club - New Orleans, LA 16-17 Sugar Bowl Regatta (One Design). Southern Yacht Club and New Orleans Yacht Club. New Orleans, LA JANUARY 13 Frostbite Regatta. Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL 19-21 US SAILING Symposiums. New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans, LA 20 Food World Senior Bowl Regatta. Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 27 SuperBowl Regatta. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

December 2006 75

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS AMERICAN MARINE & SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . .11,27 ANNAPOLIS PERFORMANCE SAILING . . . . . . . .49 AQUA GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 ATLANTIC SAIL TRADERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 BANKS SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 BEACHMASTER PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . .38 BENETEAU SAILBOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC BETA MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 BLUEWATER BAY YACHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21 BOATERS EXCHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26,27 BO’SUN SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 CATALINA YACHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,27 CORAL REEF SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 CORTEZ YACHT BROKERAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 CROW’S NEST RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 CRUISING DIRECT SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 DEFENDER INDUSTRIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,37,39 DOCKSIDE RADIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 DUNBAR SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 DWYER MAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 EASTERN YACHTS/BENETEAU . . . . . . . . .11,68,BC EDWARDS YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 E-MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72,73 FLYING SCOT SAILBOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 FUJINON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 GARHAUER HARDWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 GLACIER BAY REFRIGERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GULF COAST YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . .69,70,71 GULF ISLAND SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21,27 HOBIE CATS/TACKLE SHACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

HOTWIRE/FANS & OTHER PRODUCTS . . . .39,73 HURRICANE HOOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 J/BOATS - MURRAY YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . .66 JR OVERSEAS/MOISTURE METER . . . . . . . . . . . .45 JSI - NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 LAKE FAIRVIEW MARINA, PRECISION . . . . . . . . .21 LEATHER WHEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 LEX-SEA CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 LIFE CAPTIONS VIDEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 MANTON MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 MASSEY YACHT SALES . . . . . . . .10,11,12,IFC,IBC MASTHEAD ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . . . .4,27,69,74 MASTMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 MIKE CHAN BOAT REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 MURRAY YACHT SALES/BENETEAU . . . . . . . .66,BC NATIONAL SAIL SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 NAUTICAL TRADER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 NOBLE AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 NORTH SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59,74 OFFSHORE SAILING SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 PATRICIA KNOLL REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 PORPOISE USED SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 PRECISION YACHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 QUANTUM SARASOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 RB GROVE/UNIVERSAL AND WESTERBEKE . . . . .34 REGATTA DEL SOL AL SOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 REGATTA POINTE MARINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 RPARTS REFRIGERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 SAILAMERICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

SAILORS WHARF BOATYARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 SAILTIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 SARASOTA YC REGATTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING PROGRAM DONATED BOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 SCHURR SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 SCURVY DOG MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 SEA SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 SEA TECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,72 SNUG HARBOR BOATS, PRECISION . . . . . . . . . .21 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 ST. AUGUSTINE SAILING SCHOOL . . . . . . . .39,74 ST. BARTS/BENETEAU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC STRICTLY SAILING.COM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 SUNCOAST INFLATABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 SUNRISE SAILING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 SUNSAIL FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 SUNSET REALTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 TACKLE SHACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21,51 TAMPA SAILING SQUADRON YOUTH PROGRAM19 TURNER MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 UK HALSEY SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ULLMAN SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 WATERSPORTS WEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 WEATHERMARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 WINDPATH FRACTIONAL SAILING . . . . . . . . . .14 ZARCOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 YACHTING VACATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

first production series of the MINI 6.5, an Owen Clarke design, to America. Construction of the boats, which have a tentative start date of late fall ’06, will be undertaken in New Orleans by Clarke Thompson of Cat 5 Composites.

Trying to describe the overall single-handed racing experience, Finn explains that “after watching the

movie Lawrence of Arabia, I had the feeling that it was the best film ever set in the ocean. It’s dryer in the desert, not necessarily hotter, and sailors wear equally silly-looking apparel. But crossing an ocean alone challenges every aspect of being alive and in a way that also helps define it. Racing just adds to the problem. It’s a very fulfilling process.”

RYAN FINN continued from page 78 long period of time, so get the rest when you can.” As for hallucinations from lack of sleep and stress, Finn says, “There’s just the usual voices and shadows.”

Finn’s team, Ryan Finn Ocean Racing, is headquartered in New Orleans, and he is collaborating with Jeffrey Dingle of Marblehead, MA, who is actively working to bring the

Anyone who is interested in following Ryan Finn’s racing challenges, or if you care to make a contribution or seek information regarding sponsorship, please visit his Web site, www.ryanfinnoceanracing.com.

Information on the MINIs can be found at www.minisinamerica.com.

SUNFISH WORLDS continued from page 53 for the final race.

In that final contest, Mendelblatt dueled it out with Ned Jones of Newport, RI, at the front of the fleet, while Loring, Whitehurst, Delgado, Dan Norton of Detroit, MI, and Donnie Martinborough of the Bahamas chased them around the five-leg course. On the final beat, the racers inched their way to weather as the breeze began to dissipate and the current intensified. Jones ultimately squeezed his bow around the committee boat’s anchor line and took the gun, followed moments later by Mendelblatt, Whitehurst, and then 76

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SOUTHWINDS

Loring. After he crossed the line, the new world champ pumped his sail in triumph, rocked his boat to weather, and then rolled off the rail backward and into the water in a fitting celebration.

At the awards ceremony the following evening, Loring exulted by hoisting the two-foot mahogany and brass International Sunfish Class World Championship trophy over his head. He was joined in the festivities

by Dick Tillman, the outgoing president of the International Sunfish Class Association, who also served as master of ceremonies. Tillman

claimed the award for top Grand Master at this event (ages 55 and over), and then doled out trophies to Tom Whitehurst as the top Master (ages 40-54), Stefano Capelletti of Peru as the top Junior (17 and under), Lee Parks as the top female sailor, and Foster Marshall as the youngest sailor (13). And by nearly a unanimous vote, the competitors selected Andres Cano-Alva to receive the Sportsmanship Award for his heroic efforts to aid David Thompson.

For full scores, log on to www. sunfishworlds-2006.com/SCORES.htm. www.southwindsmagazine.com

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

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December 2006

77

RYAN FINN: Cancer Treatments Help Develop a Southern Single-Hander

By Troy Gilbert

E

ight years ago Ryan Finn, a 28-year-old New Orleans native, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Because of this, he had a lot of downtime during the various treatments he received over the course of that year. Growing up sailing and racing with his parents—and being an avid follower of the single-handed Around Alone Challenge, which circumnavigates the planet, the idea of spending days and nights on open water with only himself and his boat to rely on grew during this time. He started schooling himself on single-handed racing during the treatments as a means to help him focus on getting better.

After he successfully overcame cancer, his dream finally came true. He soloed a 21-foot sailboat from Savannah, GA to New Orleans, stopping only once during the trip, because he realized he “was really happy offshore and didn’t want to be distracted from that.”

Ryan Finn transiting out to the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre in France.

Some of his preparations Courtesy Photo. for what was to eventually career. He has acquired a MINI 6.5, a 21-foot open class become his career came from areas that have nothing to ocean racing sailboat and is gearing up and training for do with water and wind. Finn states, “Fighting cancer is the 2007 Bermuda 1-2 and the 2009 MINI Transat Jacques very physical, very emotional and very mental. As my sitVabre. He is also actively seeking sponsorship for an uation unraveled from the initial tests and on through the Open 60 in order to compete in that class of ocean racing. treatments, I never really let myself get tangled up in the While discussing the challenges of single-handed racprocess and tried to keep an eye on the big picture, which ing, Finn explains how one of the biggest dangers is the was to get better. This all translated very well to solo saillack of sleep. On his first solo crossing of the Gulf he ing, and I don’t know if I’d have such an approach withfound himself being overly quiet so as not to “disturb my out my cancer experience.” father who I imagined was sleeping down below.” Since Since that first long-distance solo trip, Finn has then, he’s gotten much better at monitoring his sleep. “It’s logged thousands of miles offshore, including racing the tempting to tweak sails and course headings for hours on Transpac single-handed, sailing double-handed in the end, but if the boat is sailing close to optimum speed and Transat Jacques Vabre race as well as many others. He you find yourself awake with little to do but fine-tune, it’s eventually joined Kip Stone’s Artform’s team out of probably a better idea to catch some sleep. You may find Maine, working with Stone as he trains on his Open 50, as yourself in a situation where you need to be awake for a well as double-handing with him on several transAtlantic deliveries.

See RYAN FINN continued on page 76 Today, Finn is ready to take the next step in his racing

78 December 2006

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