Southwindsjanuary2005

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Georgetown, Bahamas SSCA Gam Race Rules Changes 2005

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ANTICIPATE TH E SHIFT. Now Available in Sarasota.

QUANTUM SARASOTA 7060 15TH STREET, SUITE 12 • SARASOTA, FL 34243 T: 941.752.7746 • F: 941.739.9039 • GKNIGHTON@QUANTUMSAILS.COM WWW.QUANTUMSAILS.COM Local News For Southern Sailors

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ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY

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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.

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats Back Cover Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats 53 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Cortez Yacht Brokerage 76 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau/Hunter/Catalina Back Cover Flying Scot Sailboats 77 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 75,76 Hanse Sailboats 77 Hunter 25 JS9000 PHRF Racer 75 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina//Hunter/Shannon/albin 5,11,26,41,42,43,44,70,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 18,80 MG Mayer Yacht Brokerage 61 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Performance Sail and Sport 55 Raider Sailboats 76 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 77 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 64,68 Saltwater Sports/Hobie 73 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats 74 Seafarers International Yacht Brokerage 14,77 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter 49 St. Barts/Beneteau Back Cover Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida 67 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 71 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 68 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power 12 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Anne’s Anchors 19 Air Duck Hatch Windscoop 78 Bluewater Sailing Supply 65 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL 53 Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com 19 Defender Industries, www.defender.com 79 E-Marine 78,79 Frigoboat 59 Garhauer Hardware 33 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 37 Hotwire/Fans & other products 79 Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc.

35 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 35 Leather Wheel 36 Masthead Enterprises 18,80 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign 64 Ronstan 24 Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com 24 SSMR 69 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 71 West Marine IFC Winch Buddy 8 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Altlantic Sails 32 Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida 66 Charleston Spars 15 Cruising Direct/sails online by North 16 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging 78 Masthead/Used Sails and Service 18,80 National Sail Supply, new&used online 48 North Sails 22 Nuclear Sails 8 Porpoise Used Sails 80 Quantum Sails and Services 3,66 Sailing Services, rigging supplies, etc.

57 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL 63 SSMR 69 Sunrise Sails 66 Ullman Sails 15 US Spars 16 West Marine IFC CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida 66 Quantum Sails and Services 3,66

USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida 64 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL 62 SAILING SCHOOLS Eckerd College Watersports 72 Sea School/Captain’s License 30 St. Augustine Sailing School 36,79 Ocean-Pro Bluewater Instruction 14 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES America’s Generators 79 Beta Marine 27 Fleetside Marine Service 78 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 12 Yanmar 78 RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 31 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina 69 El Cid Caribe Marina, Mexico 13 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 64,68 CHARTER COMPANIES Sailtime, Shared ownership 10 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online 66 Beachmaster Photography 77 Coast Weather Services 80 Manton Marine Surveying 66 Mike Shea Maritime Legal Services 32 Ocean-Pro Weather Routing Services 80 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio 29 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 35 Memory Map 79 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication 37,79 Weather Wave 34 BOOKS/CHARTS/VIDEOS Bubba Stories Book 20 Koch Entertainment/Lighthouse Video 23 Pocket Charts 20 Regatta Advertisements, Boat Shows Charleston to Bermuda Race 39 Regata Del Sol Al Sol 4 Strictly Sail Miami 17 Sailing Services Directory West Florida 36 Regional Sailing Services Directory 66 Subscription Information This Page Alphabetical Advertisers’ List 80

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

9

From the Helm

12

Letters

18

Bubba: Christmas Boat Parade Suffers Setback

By Morgan Stinemetz

20

Short Tacks

27

New Refrigeration Technology

By Julie Connerley

28

George Town (or Chicken Harbor), Bahamas – Part I of II Why Go and How to Get There

By Colin Ward

30

The Tortola Sloop

By Mike Kirk

30

Clean Bottoms win Foxy’s Cat Fight Regatta in the BVI

By Mike Kirk

34

Seven Seas Cruising Association Gam

By Gary Jensen

37

Book Reviews

38

Mad Cow: Interview With a J/24 Crew

By Jim Burkett

45

Racing Rules Changes 2005 US Sailing and Dave Perry

48

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

51

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

56

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

58

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

60

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

52

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

75

Classifieds

82

Sailing Class: A License to Learn Bruce Sanspree

36 66 80 6 6

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

Seven Seas Cruising Association Gam. Photo by Gary Jensen. Page 34.

Georgetown, Bahamas. Photo by Colin Ward. Page 28.

COVER: A Herreshoff 31 cat ketch sails in Tampa Bay, Florida. Photo by Gordon Hackstaff.

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

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SOUTHWINDS News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindssailing.co e-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Volume 13 Number 1 January 2005 Copyright 2005, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Doran Cushing, Publisher 1993-2002

Publisher/Editor Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com Advertising & Editors Steve Morrell Gary Hufford National/West Florida Advertising National/West Florida Advertising West Florida Regional Editor gary@southwindssailing.com editor@southwindssailing.com (727) 585-2814 (941) 795-8704 East Florida Roy Laughlin Florida Keys Regional Editor/Advertising Rebecca Burg mhw1@earthlink.net Regional Editor/Advertising angel@artoffshore.com (321) 690-0137 (305) 304-5118 The Southeast Coast: Carolinas and Georgia Southeast Florida Jody L. Alu Steve Morrell (954) 816-0130 Regional Editor/Advertising Regional Editor/Advertising editor@southwindssailing.com soflajo@earthlink.net (941) 795-8704 Art Perez SE Florida Racing Editor miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) 380-0106

Production Heather Nicoll Rebecca Burg Hal Gilreath Mike Kirk Walt McFarlane Dave Perry Bruce Sanspree Jim Tillges Rebecca Burg Gary Hufford Mike Kirk Art Perez Colin Ward

The Northern Gulf Coast: Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Kim Kaminski Regional Editor/Advertising Kaminski_K@msn.com (850) 384-8941 Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Contributing Writers Julie B. Connerley Gary Jensen Roy Laughlin Ron Mitchellete Carol Pichon Morgan Stinemetz Colin Ward

Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Kat Malone Art Perez George Regenauer Dave Thinel Rick White

Contributing Photographers Jim Burkett Gordon Hackstaff Gary Jensen Kim Kaminski Roy Laughlin Walt McFarlane Katie Ross Morgan Stinemetz Rick White

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

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

Contact the editor with questions.

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

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

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

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FROM THE HELM The Disappearing Public Marina

M

ost people don’t notice it. One day you take your boat there, and next year you can’t. It’s known as the disappearing public marina. When we say public, we don’t necessarily mean owned by the public, like a city-owned marina, but one open to the public. You know: the majority of the marinas along the ICW and other inland waterways where you can pull your boat in and get a slip for the night. They are disappearing.

Last November, Palm Beach County passed a referendum that allows the county to purchase property to buy development rights to privately-owned marinas, build new boat ramps and create more parking. This was done because of the growing trend of private developers to buy marinas and adjoining property and build waterfront condos. Many of these condos will not have marinas and many will, but they will be private—for use by condo residents only.

There are other reasons the marinas are disappearing.

While many of the marinas bought up were for powerboats, many were public marinas with docks and slips. A good example (see East Florida Regional News) is the recent buyout of Whitley Marina in Cocoa, FL. It will become a private yacht club and is the last of the public marinas to turn private in the Cocoa area. That makes the third public marina lost in that area in 10 years. And it’s happening in many other Southern locations, Florida being the prime one.

The Marine Industries (see Short Tacks) Association of South Florida recently met and determined that the most pressing boating problem in South Florida is lack of boat ramps and parking for trailers—threatening the public’s access to the region’s waterways. The main problem: competition from condominiums for waterfront space.

This is all contributing to the rising cost of owning a sailboat beyond the size of one that can be trailered. Slip costs keep rising as demand increases and supply decreases. The interest in sailing in Florida has risen in recent years, and all indications are it will continue to rise as more baby boomers seem to want to move here and buy a sailboat. What we need is some new, innovative ways to keep your sailboat—without breaking your pocketbook. The cost of slip fees is on top of insurance, bottom cleaning, bottom painting, and general maintenance—besides the cost of the boat.

We need to lower these costs with some new thinking.

Small boat sailing is on the rise, and these boat ramps for launching them are becoming more important to sailors.

Having been a trailer-sailor at one point in my life, I know how much work it is to launch a sailboat from a trailer. We need a new way of thinking for launching and storing sailboats.

Yacht clubs and other sailing associations have yards and launching facilities for such boats—where you need not raise and lower the mast on each occasion. When you see these yards, they are overflowing. We need to start thinking about public marinas that have such facilities. Perhaps we should take it one step further. Perhaps the time has come to develop facilities for quickly and easily launching larger sailboats—up to maybe 30 feet. If your boat is stored on land, the insurance goes down, the bottom painting and cleaning costs go way down, and the demand for boat slips goes down. With this in mind, maybe the cost of launching a larger sailboat is not so prohibitive.

I’d like to hear from our readers on this subject. Let us know what you think.

Steve Morrell Editor

WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED Stories and photographs wanted in the following areas: 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 THE FLORIDA KEYS BAHAMAS THE POLITICS OF SAILING “Politics begins when two or more people get together.”

Politics affect us all and particularly in the general world of boating and our waters. We have already heard about anchoring, liveaboards and other topics (like Cuba), but there is always more.

MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL ARTICLES INDIVIDUALS IN THE SAILING INDUSTRY 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. Send us letters or articles.

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?

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

MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS Photographs are always enjoyable, whether for their beauty, their humor, or for many other reasons, and we take them alone.

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 good resolution. If digital, they need to be taken at a very high resolution LETTERS TO THE EDITOR For those who are not as ambitious to write stories, we always want to hear about your experiences and opinions.

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

Local News For Southern Sailors

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LETTERS

Continued from page 9

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

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

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, FL, ASSISTS BOATERS AFTER HURRICANE JEANNE I would like to personally thank Capt. Steve Nichols with the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department, Mayor John Peyton, and the city of Jacksonville for their generosity concerning the after-effects of Hurricane Jeanne.

Since its beginning in 1940, the Rudder Club of Jacksonville has continued to sponsor very successful sailing education programs for both adults and juniors and is one of the finest member-owned sailing facilities in Florida.

For 51 years, the club has been the proud sponsor of one of Florida’s premier races, the Mug Race.

After Frances, the Rudder Club sustained considerable damage to both dock facilities and some of our members’ boats. When it became apparent that Jeanne might cause considerable damage as well, a good number of our vessels took refuge at Metropolitan Park. The aftermath was devastating for the club. Our docks took a severe beating and in many places were destroyed. As of today, members have to be ferried out to their boats.

Metropolitan Park has a policy of a three-day stay, which it graciously extended for our members in lieu of the circumstances. Notwithstanding previous reserved engagements, the marina has offered to accommodate our boats while repairs are made.

It is my opinion this holds to the commitment the mayor expressed during his press conference after the storm concerning cooperation and patience and understanding. It is also my opinion that the city of Jacksonville recognizes what we do for the sailing community in the area and is unselfishly helping us continue with our role in that same community.

Scott Lloyd Rudder Club Member Jacksonville, FL SWIMMING, SKIING AND SAILING IN VERMONT Bravo to the winning Sears Cup team of Sims, Tebo, and Strammer (the three youths from the Venice Youth Boating Association who won the U.S. Junior Triplehanded Championship for the Sears Cup last summer in Vermont) for their sailing performance. However, as I assume that I am one of the very few readers of SOUTHWINDS who actually knows where the Mallets Bay Boat Club is (I grew up there), I am acutely disappointed that they didn’t avail themselves of the unique opportunity of a refreshing dip in Lake Champlain. When I was in high school (a very long time ago), one Easter weekend, a couple of my crazy friends and I went snow skiing on Mt. Mansfield (Stowe) in the morning, and waterskiing that afternoon in the cove in front of the club. Neither activity was remarkably pleasant, but then, that wasn’t the point. I don’t know if wetsuits had been invented yet, but we didn’t have ‘em.

Steve Crooks s/v Encore Panama City, FL

See LETTERS continued on page 14 12

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LETTERS

Continued from page 12

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

LETTER FROM A SAILBOAT THAT MET CHARLEY. THAT’S RIGHT—FROM A SAILBOAT. I just wanted to drop you a note about my experiences with Hurricane Charley. I am an old sailboat, 23 feet in length. I was born in 1975 and have lived my entire life in South Florida and have been called the Crazy Cracker. I thought I’d seen weather and storms, but, man, was I ever wrong. My current masters brought me back from the dead, literally. I was nearly sunk when they rescued me. They nursed me back to health with new engine, sails, TLC and some great sailing in Charlotte Harbor. On Thursday, August 12, they tied me off across the canal, put on every fender they could find, doubled my dock lines, stripped off my brand-new sails, engine, rudder and added chafe protection. I knew I was in for one hell of a blow. On Friday, August 13, my owners came aboard and wished me good luck. At this point I knew I was screwed. By the time the sun had set, I had seen sustained winds of 145 mph with gusts well above that. I danced in the eye of a category four storm and watched my entire neighborhood get blown away. Somehow I came out with only a foot of leaves in my cockpit, several dozen shingle scares all over me and half of my Windex blown away. I had survived Hurricane Charley. Now I can truly call myself one Crazy Cracker. s/v Crazy Cracker Charlotte Harbor, FL, USA, Earth ANOTHER ANCHORAGE LOST! In mid-October, the city of Fort Myers Beach started installing a field of 70 moorings in the Matanzas Pass anchorage. Not content with just taking the prime area for their moorings, they’re also outlawing anchoring in their leased water area and restricting anchoring to 24 hours within 1000 feet of city land (which means most of Estero Bay). According to the city attorney and the FWC legal counsel, this is legal.

Moreover, they’re going to require boats to have liability insurance to use the moorings. I’m told that the Fort Myers mooring field is changing to require this, too.

Marathon is not. Originally, Fort Myers Beach was not going to require liability insurance, but homeowners along the waterfront heard about that and forced the town council to change the rules.

Personally, I can’t live on a mooring. It feels as if I’m living in a taxi, with a meter running and money flying out of my wallet. I dropped my insurance a couple of years ago when rates started going up 50 percent a year. And the recent hurricanes will send rates higher.

Bill Dietrich s/v Magnolia 1973 Gulfstar 44 ketch motor-sailer Bill, I am sorry to hear that another anchorage has gone down the drain. Please keep us informed on this. I wonder how long before these mooring fields and city docks have parking meters.

The way things are going, it won’t be long and you won’t be able to sail past that city down the ICW without insurance; then you won’t be able to sail through a county without it; then it will be through a state, and then it will be in U.S. waters. And these new laws will be promoted by many who complain about too many 14

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laws. Mark my words. The day is coming. After that, you will probably have to have personal liability insurance to walk around.

That will come with identity cards—and you better have your papers with you.

Editor IS SOUTHWINDS A PROPER VENUE FOR POLITICS AND CUBA? You implied that I must be half asleep since I didn’t realize that the lack of maintenance on the ICW has been going on for 10 years now. Yes, I can see that is true, but it hasn’t been true on the Texas Gulf Coast where there is a lot of commercial traffic. The lack of maintenance here only began in April of this year.

Regarding your coverage of Cuba: While I agree it is inappropriate to talk politics in a sailing magazine, I do believe that you should be more active in keeping us sailors updated on the current activities of the U.S. government and its harassment of U.S. citizens who go to Cuba by boat.

I haven’t heard anything about them for several months now. Specifically, I would like to stay updated by you regarding those people who have been dragged before a grand jury and have had their businesses threatened, etc. If you followed this more closely, it would be helpful to cruising sailors in your coverage area, and you wouldn’t have to express a political opinion when you reported this.

Hugh Freebairn s/v Alberg 30 Aliage Hugh That was not my intended implication that you were asleep as you would not have written a letter if you had been. I probably share your opinions on this more than anything else. My apologies if I worded it poorly. I just get mad and sarcastic when I see funds cut across the board indiscriminately in the name of controlling expenses. I can think of other places to cut, and I would rather see taxes increase if that is what it takes to keep the ICW in good health.

As for Cuba, I have never said that it was inappropriate to talk politics in this magazine. (I majored in political science in college and can’t get it out of my system, although sometimes I wish I could.) I said the purely political talk unrelated to sailing would end, and I believe I made my point clear, although perhaps not.

What I said was that I would end the “purely political discussion which does not cover those aspects related to sailing, or at least marine or boat-related. I leave the path open to those sailors who want to discuss the right to sail to other lands without fear of government reprisal.”

I hope everyone goes back and rereads what I said in that October issue, as there is more. I want to continue to talk about Cuba, love to do so and will probably push the window of this restriction more than most. I will continue to give it coverage depending on how much news I get and how much space I have, but it must be related to boating issues as you mention here - and not the purely political stuff. And I hope readers continue to send me their comments and news about sailing to Cuba and our rights to do so. I never said anything else, and hope you will continue to send me your thoughts as you have done here.

Thanks for the letter.

Editor See LETTERS continued on page 16 Local News For Southern Sailors

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LETTERS

Continued from page 15

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

BOAT AD SCAMS TO PURCHASE YOUR BOAT I’m writing in response to a reader’s letter about a suspicious response to a used boat ad. A friend of mine recently told me that the ONLY two responses he has received from an ad in Sailboat Trader were both similar to the one reported by your reader.

Latitude 38 recently reported on similar reports by their readers. (Latitude 38 is from California, so I guess the problem is nationwide.)

Latitude 38 reported that the scam nearly always involves shipping the boat, and the shipping being handled by the buyer or an agent of the buyer. It also involves payment by a foreign cashier’s check that will cover the purchase price and shipping costs. The seller is asked to forward the shipping costs to the agent, and that is the objective of the scam. It is expected that the seller will wait until his bank releases the funds to his account before he does this, though generally banks will release the funds before the foreign cashier’s check actually clears, which can take weeks. The check will eventually bounce, and the bank recalls the funds from the seller’s account. By this time, the buyer and the shipping costs have vanished.

I don’t know how this would work if a wire transfer is the chosen method, though I expect that the buyer hopes that the cashier’s check is the chosen method due to the insecurities involved with sharing account information required for wire transfers.

Norm Hansen Highland Beach, FL Norm, I do not believe there is a risk in wire transfers, although if there is, I would like to hear it. As for sharing your account information, the only thing you give up for a wire transfer is the bank routing number and your account number, which is on every check you write and almost public information at that point. If I am wrong, I would like someone to enlighten me on how a wire transfer would work in a scam.

I do get many scam e-mails, having a Web site and owning the magazine, and I thought I would share some that I received.

It’s typical, but some are hilarious in their English grammar and spelling. Below are two, unedited (they would drive my proofreader crazy).

Editor HELLO, MY NAME IS HOUSTON JONES, I AM INTERESTED IN YOU(CLASSIFIEDS) ,AND I WILL LIKE TO KNOW YOUR FINAL OFFERING PRICE AND PRESENT CONDITION OF THE ( CLASSIFIEDS),EMAIL ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. THANKS goodday. its beennice knowing this web site and frnly found what exactly have been looking for i am from west africe i specialised in selling of new and used anto parts,(CREW WANTED) i will like to know your residential area and your confact phone number incluing your name ni fullso interesting to haer from you very soon - best refards dotun 16

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Local News For Southern Sailors

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Charleston to Bermuda Race Gears up for 2005 Race The Charleston to Bermuda Race, also known as C2B, is a 777 nm race that begins in Charleston, SC, and finishes in Bermuda. The race is devoted to providing fun for all participants and is based on a unique, ultra-inclusive format. Bring your Open-50, Swan 45, Cal 40, Santa Cruz 70, or your Cheoy Lee 31. Every seaworthy boat 31 feet and longer is welcome.

The event offers individual fleets for classes entering five or more boats, as well as fleet trophies, and limited free docking space in Charleston.

The race starts on Saturday afternoon on May 14 in Charleston Harbor. The captain’s bon voyage party and other festivities begin May 12. It runs in conjunction with the Charleston Maritime Festival, May 12-15.

Well-known racers such as Teddy Turner, Brad Van Liew, Hank Hofford, Pierre Manigault and more will participate.

For those who would like to crew, go to the event Web site.

The event is hosted by the Charleston Maritime Center and the Bermuda Yacht Club, Hamilton, Bermuda. The Charleston Ocean Racing Association is assisting in the event.

For more information, contact Katy Durant at the race office at (843)722-1030, or Meaghan Van Liew at the media office at (843) 856-0392. More information is also available online at www.charlestontobermuda.com.

Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District. The bill now awaits the President’s signature. This funding will ensure the historic canal will remain open through September 30, 2005, the end of the Corps’ fiscal year.

Penny Leary-Smith, Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center in Camden County, NC, learned in February 2004 the proposed fiscal year ’05 federal budget was $470,000 short of the $905,000 needed to keep the Deep Creek and South Mills locks operating for the fiscal year beginning October 1. She partnered with the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce to form a grass-roots campaign to “Save Our Waterway.” Local residents, city and county officials, state and federal lawmakers, and Canal supporters, held rallies both in North Carolina and Virginia, inaugurating an e-mail campaign for months before the canal received enough funding to remain open through December 31. The new bill funds the remainder of the fiscal year – to the end of September 2005.

The 199-year-old canal has come close to closing several times in its history, but not since 1989 when the center opened and the 22-mile waterway was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. In February 2004, the canal was recognized as part of the National

The Dismal Swamp Canal will Stay Open An omnibus bill passed by Congress on November 20 included $785,000 to maintain the Dismal Swamp Canal for navigation, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Army

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Underground Railroad “Network to Freedom” program.

Leary-Smith and others plan to lobby to get a 1937 law changed that bases the necessity of the canal on barge traffic.

Barge and other commercial traffic fell off decades ago, but about 2,000 recreational boaters travel the canal each year.

For more information on the center call (252) 771-8333 or go online to www.DismalSwamp.com, you can e-mail dscwelcome@coastalguide.com

USCG Auxiliary Asks the Boating Public to be Careful When Buying Nautical Charts There have been several reports that retail chart sellers have been selling out-of-date nautical charts to the boating public.

Proper up-to-date nautical charts are the first step in taking any cruise, whether it’s around the local bay or from San Diego to Catalina Island. Without accurate charts, the boat, its crew and passengers face increased risks from the ever-changing ocean.

Recently, the United States Coast Guard’s Navigation Center (www.navcen.uscg.mil) issued nine regional Local Notices to Mariners. These Notices detail specific changes in the waters within the region.

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NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration is charged with producing nautical charts.

Before purchasing any nautical chart, boaters should stop by their Web site and check on the latest edition of its chart. located at: http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/dole.htm.

TV Program to Air Classic Wooden Boats Under Restoration Antiques Roadshows, the Public Broadcasting System television program, will air a segment on several classic wooden boats under restoration at the Mahogany Bay restoration facility during the show’s season premier in January, Mahogany Bay said in a recent press release.

The segment will first air on Jan. 3, 2005.

“We are pleased that they thought of us when they decided to do a feature on vintage boats,” said Todd Warner, CEO of Mahogany Bay. “It’s certainly a compliment to be able to share our work and philosophy with the Antiques Roadshow audience.”

A video crew from the show visited the Mahogany Bay restoration facility in Lester Prairie, MN, and taped footage of several boats including: a 1931 28-foot Hackercraft, a 1929 26-foot Chris-Craft, and a 1925 33-foot Hackercraft. The

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video crew also shot footage on Lake Minnetonka in a 1928 21-foot Bassett launch.

The producers contacted Mahogany Bay because of its expertise in antique wooden boat history, restoration and care, the company said.

Labor Shortage for Boatbuilders in Florida Prompts County Officials to Act From Boating Industry News A labor shortage in Florida has given other states a foothold in their efforts to recruit local boatbuilders to relocate, something which has scared county officials into taking action to end the shortage, according to an October 31 report of the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Boatbuilders are considered vital to Florida’s economy, with Manatee and Sarasota County currently possessing 15 such manufacturers that together employ more than 1,200 people, according to the journal.

In response, several area boatbuilders have partnered with the Suncoast Workforce Board, the Manatee Economic Development Council and the Manatee Technical Institute

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to offer a finishing and laminating training program, whose graduates boat builders could draw on to fulfill their need for skilled workers.

The program is currently accepting students at the MTI campus, the journal reported. The group estimates that there will be local demand for more than 140 finishers and laminators over the next three years.

“These people are in high demand,” Maura Howl, MTI’s grants and marketing specialist told the Tampa Bay Business Journal. “North Carolina is aggressively going after boat manufacturers and telling them they have the work force they need. We want to keep the companies here.”

Shortage of Docks Poses Major Problems in Florida From Boating Industry News A shortage of docks and parking for boat trailers were two of the most pressing needs identified at the Marine Industries Association of South Florida’s 2004 Marine Summit in October in South Florida, according to a story in Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel newspaper.

John Sprague of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County warned those at the summit that without new boat ramps and parking spaces for trailer-hauled boats, public access to South Florida’s waterways is under threat, and that the “public will have a hard time” getting their boats to water, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Yesterday’s sixth-annual gathering was attended by 155 people, including boating company executives, government officials and real estate developers. The MIASF, which sponsored the meeting, used the event to gather comments for an industry report to be issued in November, according to the newspaper.

In addition to the dock shortage and parking problems, summit attendees also expressed a desire for the industry to develop a stronger political voice in the area. The marine industry “has a regional presence in South Florida that crosses county lines,” said Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman. “We have to make sure we create an environment that promotes” the industry’s growth.

The marine industry generates about $8.8-billion in

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economic activity and accounts for about 109,000 jobs in Broward County, making it one of the area’s top industries, according to an industry-sponsored study, quoted by the newspaper.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle said the marine industry’s higher paying jobs – such as for mechanics – mean it has more of an economic impact than tourism, the newspaper reported. He added that the marine industry’s future depends on how well it responds to competition from condominiums for waterfront space.

Other Florida Counties Considering Boating Access Referendums From Boating Industry News Following Palm Beach County’s adoption of a referendum that would allow the county to borrow $50-million to improve boat access, other Florida counties are considering walking in its footsteps, according to an article Saturday in the News-Press in Collier County.

Collier County, which faces a shortage of parking spaces at public boat ramps, appears to be particularly interested. If a similar referendum were to get on the ballot in two years, work needs to start now, R.L. Caron, vice president of North Bay Civic Association, told the newspaper.

“The first step would be to petition commissioners during a meeting,” he said. “Lay it out and if you get a favorable reaction, it would move along through the various county departments.”

As a representative of northwestern Collier County, Commissioner Frank Halas is concerned about public marina owners selling out to private developers and thus is willing to consider the concept, according to the newspaper.

“Everyone who moves to a coastal county moves here because they want to have access to the beaches, the sun and the sand and the water, and if it’s only for a select few,

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that does not bode well for the rest of the population,” he told the News-Press.

Amanda Townsend of Collier County’s Parks and Recreation Department told the newspaper suggestions to help solve the boating access problem are being collected.

She said voters have recently pledged funds toward the Zoo and Conservation Collier and thus may be reluctant to approve another tax increase.

An increase in boater access is also needed in Lee County, commissioner Ray Judah told the newspaper.

While he said he would support a referendum like the one adopted by Palm Beach County, finding support in Lee County would be difficult, he predicted

BoatU.S. Offers New Boat-Buying Service From BoatUS Smart consumers learn all they can before making a big purchase, and if you’re trying to find your dream boat this winter, Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.) has free services, helpful consumer information and advice that can make your next boat purchase a breeze.

Sometimes prospective boat buyers want to talk first to owners of the type of boat they’re considering. BoatU.S. has set up a free boater-to-boater directory where you can email boat owners who are willing to share their knowledge.

BoatU.S. also offers unbiased reviews from noted surveyor/designer Jack Hornor, Practical Sailor and Powerboat reports.

To help you find the right boat, BoatU.S. has recently improved the online classifieds section of its Web site www.BoatUS.com. It includes new easier-to-use search tools, photos and a weekly classified e-mail newsletter.

The Association’s Consumer Affairs Department offers a free BoatU.S. “Guide to Buying and Selling a Boat”—

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either online or via mail—that covers initial sea trials to final documentation.

Once you’ve found the boat of your dreams, a free BoatU.S. value check will give you honest, third-party advice about a boat’s real value, because we know emotion sometimes overcomes reality.

An online directory of surveyors can help you identify potential problems before you make an offer, and BoatU.S. can also help with a boat loan with an easy online loan application or by phone. A comprehensive settlement service (fee paid) is especially helpful when buying without a broker as it will verify liens, coordinate payoffs and hold deposits. And if you’d like to get a competitive insurance rate quote online, you can do that, too.

Once you’ve splashed your new boat, the BoatU.S. Boat Graphics Service puts you in the artist’s seat with a free and easy online design program to make your own boat name.

All of these boat-buying services can be found at http://www.BoatUS.com/buyer.

docks in the spring of 2005. A perfect yacht for sailing the shallow waters of the beautiful Florida west coast.” said Tom Patterson, Partner in Shannon Yachts.

“We are delighted to be a part of Shannon’s future and heritage. We look forward to introducing Shannon’s renowned quality and performance to the Florida market.

The power line is ideally suited for all areas in the state. The Blue Water Shannons will meet the needs of the market’s most demanding cruising sailor, and the Shoalsailors are made for our backyard,” said Ed Massey.

Massey generates over $18-million dollars in annual sales volume and anticipates continued growth with the addition of the Shannon line. Those searching for Shannon yachts will now be able to inspect them at Regatta Pointe Marina, Palmetto, Centennial Harbour Marina, downtown Fort Myers and the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. The Massey service department is headquartered at the Palmetto location. The Massey Mobile Marine team is available to extend warranty and after-sale service solutions at the yacht owner‘s dock. For more information, visit the Massey Yacht Sales Web site at www.masseyyacht.com or call (941) 723-1610.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Shannon Yachts Appoints Massey Yacht Sales Exclusive Florida Sales Agent Shannon Yacht, LLC has announced the appointment of Massey Yacht Sales as its exclusive sales agent in the state of Florida and coastal Georgia.

“Ed Massey and his staff have demonstrated a high level of integrity and professional knowledge in the sale of fine yachts for over 25 years. As Shannon’s growth has required us to venture outside our traditional factory-direct approach of selling our semi-custom yachts, Massey Yacht Sales was the most obvious choice for our first agent relationship.

Ed and his staff will represent the entire Shannon line from our time-honored Blue Water Yachts, to our exciting line of new SRD power cruisers. They will also have our new 35 Shoalsailor available for demonstration at their

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Quantum Sail Design Group Opens Florida Loft Gregg Knighton recently joined the Quantum Sail Design Group as Quantum Sarasota. They will be supplying sails and services throughout Florida and areas beyond. Now you can get anything from Fusion M sails to rigging to full enclosures and Bimini tops at his full service and production facility in Sarasota. Until this recent change Gregg has run Knighton sails in Sarasota since 1993. He has over 20 years’ experience in sailmaking and is well-known and respected for his sailmaking abilities along the west coast of Florida.

They are located at 7060 15th Street E. Suite 12, Sarasota, and can be reached at (941) 752-7746. Joining Gregg is Jeff Layne, Alan Capellin and Robbie Brown for outside sales and service along the west coast including the Tampa Bay area, as well as throughout the state of Florida.

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A Whole New World In Small Boat Leadership The industry’s most innovative and award-winning design and construction methods all wrapped up in a Hunter trailerable model, from 9-21 feet.

386.462.3077 • Fax 386.462.4077 For Dealer/Product Information:

huntermarine.com -Building Daysailers through Passagemakers-

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REFRIGERATION

New technology improves portable refrigeration

By Julie B. Connerley

T

The TropiKool operates using a ravelers frustrated with insufree-piston Stirling Cooler, with lated coolers which have to be only two moving parts in the herconstantly replenished with bags metically sealed capsule. of ice will soon be able to enjoy Helium is the working fluid in their trips in style, thanks to a the Stirling Cooler unit, and carnew technology demonstrated at bon dioxide is the fluid used in the Strictly Sail St. Petersburg the evaporator unit. Both fluids boat show in November. are exempt from proposed ventIn addition to previewing the ing restrictions, and easy installanewest boat models for purchase, tion means no technicians are more than 175 vendors offered needed. sailing equipment, accessories, Henderson continued, “The pisand gear.

TropiKool 40 on display at Strictly Sail St. Pete boat show. ton is ‘free’ – meaning there is no From all-natural liquid mechanical linkage between the piston, armature, and case Motion Eaze for those prone to seasickness, to AvXcel’s as in rotor motion compressors. innovative refrigeration unit, the boat show had something “The piston’s stroke length is approximately proporfor everyone. tional to the voltage applied to the motor. Side forces “AvXcel Inc. was formed in 2002 as a research and applied to a piston from rotary motion are eliminated. development operation specializing in refrigeration niche “Because the piston-stroke length and compressor market applications,” began Tom Henderson, CEO. capacity is a function of the power input to the linear motor, “I flunked retirement,” he laughed, admitting to a 30-year temperature control is achieved by controlling the voltage career as an aerospace engineer. “I received a phone call from applied to the compressor motor. a former boss, and that is how the company began.”

“After the desired temperature is reached, the comThe company’s first product, a TropiKool 40 marine pressor capacity reduces to match the heat load.” refrigeration system, was introduced at the April 2004 The portable units demonstrated at the boat show were Strictly Sail Pacific Expo in Oakland, CA. extremely quiet, and the beverages quite cold.

By the response of the boat manufacturers, owners, boat Benefits of this newest technology include superior service and installation companies, the TropiKool “offered temperature control and performance at temperature significant improvements over existing technology.” extremes, greater efficiency, less sensitivity to orientation, AvXcel then invested in a manufacturing facility in no motor startup loads, and it is environmentally preferred.

Vista, CA, and by September 2004, installed its first unit in The entire system weighs less than 25 pounds, and a Pacific Seacraft 34. after initial cool-down, draws less than 18 amp hours per Existing cooling systems use a rotary compressor, a 24-hour period. condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. These Acting on a suggestion from a potential buyer, units are subject to environmental regulations regarding Henderson discovered another potential market for a good venting. Servicing must be done by qualified technicians. portable refrigerator in addition to boat owners.

“I made a sign explaining my product and took it to a big semi-truck stop out in California,” Henderson smiled.

“A trucker came by, purchased a portable refrigerator, liked how it performed, and shared that news with other truckers via the CB radio.

“Pretty soon trucker after trucker stopped, and in just over a day and a half, I had sold all 100 units!”

Because of that positive test-market experience, AvXcel plans to participate at three fishing/camping/RV shows later this year.

While generators were the hot consumer purchase item during this year’s hurricane season, next year it may very well be a portable refrigerator that works on a car’s 12-volt battery.

To learn more about AvXcel’s new refrigeration technology, visit its Web site at www.avxcel.com.

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THE BAHAMAS

George Town (or Chicken Harbor), Bahamas – Part I of II

Why Go and How to Get There

By Colin Ward

I

f you have never been to George Town in the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas, you may wonder why George Town is also known as Chicken Harbor. There are several reasons for that moniker but mainly it is because George Town’s Elizabeth Harbor is the southernmost really good harbor in the Bahamas. Many cruisers who intend to travel south to the Caribbean make it as far as George Town but do not continue on because of the grueling beat into the prevailing winds and currents all the way to St. Martin. In addition, the anchorages in the southeast Bahamas are relatively exposed and offer much less in the way of supplies or support in case problems arise.

For many years, cruisers have congregated in George Town for the winter season. The anchorage in hole one, Stocking Island.

Some of them are passing liquor stores, a library, a bank with an ATM, a hardware through, but for many George Town is their destination or store, a travel agent, several Internet cafes, three laundries, a winter home. At times, there have been more than 400 boats propane refill station, several small hotels and numerous in Elizabeth Harbor for the cruising regatta that is held in restaurants. There is also a Batelco (telephone company) early March. Fortunately, the harbor has several anchoroffice and Internet hookup, a post office, as well as businessages, each of which can accommodate from 50 to 100 boats es that handle most courier services. There is a marina with so a total boat count of 400 is much less congested than one basic services including fuel right downtown. Nearby on might imagine. Elizabeth Harbor is roughly eight miles Great Exuma, there is a boatyard (George Town Marine) and long and a mile or so wide with a number of coves, small a lumberyard, and an international airport with frequent islands and even hurricane holes to utilize. service to Nassau and Florida. There are numerous taxis, a So why would you want to leave the crowds in the bus service, and a recent proliferation of upscale resorts. If anchorages of the United States and head to a Bahamian you have medical needs, there are doctors, a dentist, and a vet island that has 400 boats in it rather than heading to an isoavailable. A radio net takes place on VHF channel 68 each lated anchorage where you are almost alone? Well, most morning in season. Listen at 0810 to find out what is going on cruisers prefer to spend some time unwinding in idyllic and listen to commercials for the various businesses. lonely spots, but then need either the facilities of a town or These facilities are enough to attract most cruisers who the companionship of other boaters. In fact, it is quite poshave been isolated a little too long. It is also a good location sible to find both right in George Town because there are for guests to fly in for a visit. Transportation is convenient, lonely beaches and less populated anchorages right in and there is a lot to do for folks accustomed to living in the Elizabeth Harbor if you know where to find them. fast lane.

Facilities Navigation Although George Town is a small town by any standards, it Great Exuma is almost the southernmost island in the has two well-stocked grocery stores, two gas stations, three

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Fun volleyball tournament in Georgetown.

Exuma chain. Elizabeth Harbor is located between Great Exuma and two large offshore islands known as Stocking and Elizabeth islands. The Exumas are on the eastern edge of the Bahama Banks, and the water to the east of the Exumas, known as Exuma Sound, is 5,000 feet deep. The prevailing winds in the Exumas are from the east, and there is protected sailing on the west side of the island chain much of the time. To reach George Town, however, you must sail out into the sound because the harbor is not accessible from the Banks side. Most deep-draft vessels leave the Banks via Galliott Cut and day sail to George Town.

Catamarans and shoal draft monohulls can sail on the Banks as far south as Rat Cay Cut before heading out into the sound.

There are two entrances into Elizabeth Harbor from Exuma Sound that are almost 10 miles apart. Boats arriving from the northwest will arrive at Conch Cut first. Entering Conch Cut is fairly straightforward especially using the waypoints on the Explorer Charts. There are reefs on both sides of the wide entrance, and there is another reef inside the harbor. All must be treated with respect. Following the freighter channel into the harbor will bring you to the first anchorage in George Town, known as Hamburger Beach.

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You may see depths as shallow as eight or nine feet in the channel. Dropping the hook at Hamburger is easy enough, but be sure you are out of the big ship channel that is frequently used by freighters.

Entering the harbor from the south will bring you in through a deep entrance close to the North Channel Rocks. Again, using the Explorer Charts, follow the channel northwest into the harbor, and you will see 20 feet of depth most of the way. As you approach the Sand Dollar Beach anchorage, you will pass between two reefs that are marked by buoys and then south of another reef, also marked. Be sure you are in the channel because these reefs are very shallow and very solid. Once you are in the Sand Dollar anchorage, you can drop the hook in about 15 feet of water or proceed to one of the other anchorages. We have seen ships and motor yachts more than 200 feet long use the south entrance and anchor near Sand Dollar Beach.

Next Month: Anchorages and services. What to do and happenings in Georgetown.

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The Mysteries of the Tortola Sloop

By Mike Kirk

M

ysteries abound in the Caribbean, from the lost pirate treasures of Blackbeard to the more contemporary superstitions of the Bermuda Triangle. But, for sailors, the history of the Tortola sloop presents an enigmatic series of questions that have their roots in over two centuries of the culture of the Virgin Islands.

There are only three known Tortola sloops in existence: Vigilant, Moon- Vigilant awaiting repairs. beam and Youth Instructor. All are owned by the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. (Rumor has it that a fourth sloop exists in a Pussers bar in Germany!) Vigilant is the oldest Tortola sloop and is one of the most historic vessels in the Caribbean. Built by William Penn of East End in 1882, she has maintained her name despite changing ownership several times. She is best known historically for the transportation of goods and passengers between Tortola, St. Thomas, St. John and Jost Van Dyke twice a month. Today she lies on the hard at the Sand Spit in West End awaiting hull repairs.

The Tortola sloop evolved in the 19th century as the singular means of transportation between the Virgin Islands, suiting the living needs and sea conditions of its people.

Being some 20 to 30 feet in length, Edwin Doran describes the Tortola sloop as having “considerable sheer and pronounced overhang fore and aft. Although the mast is stepped on the keel one-third of the latter’s length toward the stern, its pronounced rake and the long overhang of bow and stern make it appear to be located about the middle of the boat. Mast and boom approximate the overall boat

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length, and the boom extends far beyond the transom over the water.

The typical Tortola sloop has a leg-of-mutton mainsail and an overlapping, genoa-type jib with sail cloths sewed parallel to the leech.”

Why Does the Tortola Sloop Sail so Well?

So much for the observed facts. But what of the design origins?

When, why and how was the design formulated and by whom?

Why does she sail so well on most points of sailing? And finally, why did this successful craft fall into decline?

Attempts to answer these questions have been made by Edwin Doran (The Tortola Boat: Characteristics Origin Demise) from his studies in the 1960s, by Douglas Pyle in the 1970s (Clean Sweet Wind) and by Ermin Penn 2000 (Virgin Island Maritime History). All include valuable and interesting conjecture. However, in the last analysis Pyle calls the Tortola sloop an anomaly with her origins a “riddle.”

As to hull design, theories range from Biblical origin to the adaptation of European-established designs. While boats were built by eye and the generational memory of the island boatbuilders, the formula is quite precise based on the critical dimension of the keel. The boat’s maximum breadth is one half keel, and depth is one-fourth the keel.

The mast is 1.75 to 2.0 times the keel length. Beyond these overall criteria, available materials have a considerable bearing on detailed construction; frames were often shaped by pre-selecting the knees from live tree limbs found in the lush forests of Tortola! There are no designs on paper.

What about the rig and sail plan? Did it evolve from southern influences of the early Indian migrations, and was it passed north from the Virgins to become the traditional Bermudan rig we know today? Or did it migrate south from Bermuda or the Bahamas based on European colonial influence? Or could independent British shipwrights (names like Davies, Penn and Smith) import their memories of the fishing cobles of the British Isles during the peak of the Triangle Trade and the plantation era.

Why is the design so effective? These boats successfully traversed the waters between St Croix, St Thomas and Tortola upwind and downwind. Some clues lie in the low sail aspect combined with the aft positioning of the sail plan. A balance is found with the lateral hull resistance created by the large drag to the keel—no accidental design!

Island lore has it that the Islanders thought the sail power www.southwindssailing.com

came from the leech of the mainsail. This belief might be rationalized when compared with modern racing rigs sailed with large genoas forced to carry a bubbled mainsail in the heavy Caribbean trade winds. The enigma’s compound…?

vide a meaningful contribution to the cultural tourism in the BVI. Most recently, two volunteer initiatives have emerged to capture and honor this history—-the Jost van Dyke Preservation Society (JVDPS) and the Island Sloop Society. Each shares a The End of an Era common goal of the Finally the sad myspreservation of the tery of the boat’s Moonbeam crosses the start line in the BVI Sweethearts Regatta 2004.

Tortola sloop by credecline and demise can probably be found in the march of ating a program to build new sloops. Fundraising programs progress. Blame it on the invention of the marine outboard, are under way. the metal-hulled ferry ships, fiberglass, the tourist boating The JVDPS has established a U.S.-based non-profit industry or the rise of the offshore financial industry. But a organization, the JVD Preservation Society, with a widesingle event may have sealed things: In 1962 the governranging vision of the preservation of Jost van Dyke and its ment of the day accepted a recommendation of Dr. Carlene neighboring cays, recognized locally as a rare vestige of the O’Laughlin that the BVI should opt to introduce tourism Virgin Islands’ ecology. Tax deductible donations can be and invite ex-patriot financing. The rest, as they say, seems sent to: JVDPS Inc., c/o Mr. John Kreutzer, 326 First Street, to be history. To date no role has been carved out for the 37B, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Tortola sloop in this rush for financial progress. But yet traThe Island Sloop Society, supported by the West End ditional Island boats succeed today in other parts of the Yacht Club, has its primary goal the support of sloop buildIslands, most notably in Anguilla and Grenada. ing and preservation focused initially on the three remainSo to unravel the riddle and save the Tortola sloop, ing sloops owned by the H. Lavity Stoutt Community there is a groundswell in the BVI sailing community for the College. Donations can be made by contacting Geoff Brooks re-creation of this proven design and preservation of the of Brewers Bay or Dave Cooper, commodore, West End remaining examples. Vigilant epitomizes historic island Yacht Club. boatbuilding skill, but she is deteriorating awaiting (fundRemember next time someone waxes lyrical at the bar ing of) repairs. The pace of contemporary growth of the about the “slot effect” or an innovative hull design, give a financial industry and cruise ship tourism is overshadowthought to the creative shipwrights of the Virgin Islands ing the revitalization of this sailing heritage, which can proand the mysteries of the Tortola sloop.

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Clean Bottoms win Foxy’s Cat Fight Regatta in the BVI

By Mike Kirk

T

he east wind returned on schedule for the eighth annual Foxy’s Cat Fight sailed off Jost van Dyke on October 30. Winds were 12 to 18 knots for the tworace series, sailed around Sandy Cay. A slow time for the counterclockwise course prompted race captain Martin van Houten to shorten the second race to a clockwise rotation of the first course, omitting the planned long race around Great Thatch. Visiting three-legged cat, Laurus Roc, making a great start in the second race of the eighth annuNevertheless, the visiting three- al Foxy’s Cat Fight. Owner Lars Svensen had sailed her from St. Martin just for this event, believed legged cat, Laurus Roc, from St. to be the only multihull regatta in the Caribbean.

Martin completed the second great race. Recognition and thanks also go to the race in a respectable 50:42 minutes. Skipper Lars Svensen Catamaran Company for the grand prize of a case of reported touching 17 knots on the return reach. Credit to 36Pusser’s Rum, and special thanks to Mark Saunders and foot Avalon for hanging in for a finish time of 1:48:22 mins.

Benson Baker at TMM for the loan of an immaculate cat for They are reported to be planning to add a third hull for the the committee. Without the mutual support of charter comrace next year! panies, such BVI fun-filled events would be impossible.

Mike Fallis and his motley crew from West End sailed a creditable but noisy race to take the Baddest Cat Award, First place winners: given to the first charterboat to finish. They were almost Over 50-foot Class: Dalliance — Mike Fallis disqualified by the race committee due to an unfortunate 40-50-foot Class: Rendezvous Cay — Tim Stanich showing of excessive glutei maximi by the crew, as Under 40-foot Class: Avalon — Rich Herman Dalliance crossed the second-race finish line. However, an Over 60-foot Class: Laurus Roc — Lars Svensen appeal to Foxy overruled the more conservative views of the committee. (Photographic evidence will be held in the West End YC archives for future appeals.) Close finisher Tim Stanich, sailing Rendezvous Cay, was heard to comment that the reason he did not beat Dalliance was definitely due to Dalliance’s cleaner bottoms.

At the especially revealing costume party, Foxy thanked the entrants for their creative costumes and the West End Yacht Club race committee for running another

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33

Seven Seas Cruising Association Holds its 29th Annual Gam

By Gary Jensen

T

he “Gam,” as it’s known to the sailing community, attracts cruisers from across the country and around the world. Although down from the usual 80-90 boats, more than 40 boats made the early November trip to Melbourne and anchored in the Indian River. From the opening of the doors at the Eau Gallie Center until their closing at four Sunday afternoon, nearly a thousand cruisers busied themselves socializing, attending seminars, and exchanging cruising tips and experiences.

SSCA cruisers shop the nautical flea market for bargains.

The Friday morning dawn broke clear and warm as vendors set up their booths, and cruisers readied themselves for the 29th Annual Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) Gam. In spite of destroyed marinas, and a hotel room shortage— the result of a record four hurricanes in six weeks—nearly a thousand cruisers registered to attend the Nov. 5-7 event held at Eau Gallie Convention Center (EGCC) in Melbourne, FL.

Seminars As in years past, the seminar schedule was arranged in two tracks. One track offered a variety of sailing-related subjects from coastal cruising along the Black Sea, to weather and hurricane avoidance, fiberglass repair, and home-schooling.

The other track focused on communications, specifically SSB radio and using Airmail, the client software program that cruisers use to access the Sailmail and Winlink 2000 (WL2K) e-mail networks.

Mr. Airmail, a.k.a. Jim Corenman (KE6RK), Airmail’s author, backed up by Steve Waterman, the WL2K network administrator, provided a room full of eager cruisers an entire Saturday afternoon of training and instruction on how to get the most out of their SSB/Pactor radio systems using the Sailmail and/or WL2K networks.

The seminar series ranged from the basics of how to send/receive email and request weather documents, through to the more esoteric and technical aspects of the Airmail program like Mail POP/SMTP Server Steve Waterman, WL2K Network Administrator.

Setup.

Marine Flea Market Put together two sailboats heading in the same direction and before you know it, you’ll have a race. Likewise, if you put together a group of cruisers on an early Saturday morning, you’ll probably wind up with a marine flea market. The SSCA Gam was no exception. Saturday morning found buyers and sellers bustling through the annual SSCA marine flea market. Sellers, seizing the opportunity to create onboard space by turning unused sailing gear into cash, courted buyers who were looking for bargains and specialized sailing equipment.

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Awards eracy among young people in the Caribbean, Each year the SSCA acknowledges members collecting and distributing new and used who, through their actions, best exemplify children’s books to young people in the the SSCA’s Clean Wake philosophy (see Caribbean Islands. author’s note at the end of the article).

Arnold Gibbons from Auckland, NZ, won Hosted BBQ this year’s first place Southbound II Award.

No cruiser gathering is complete without a For more than twenty years, Arnold potlatch, and the SSCA Gam is no exception.

(ZL1MA) has been using his ham radio to The SSCA takes the Gam potlatch one step provide vital weather and communications further, however. Thanks to West Marine’s services to Pacific Ocean cruisers. In addigenerous financial contributions of both tion to a crystal sailboat award trophy, money and labor, the Gam’s festivities culmiArnold will receive a check for $1000. nate in a Southern BBQ served up by West The second-place Seven Seas Service Marine employees. award went to Luc Callebut and Jackie Lee Was it a Success? for their service to cruisers in French Kathy Oberle, director, Boaters “Sandy” Billings from McKinney, TX, probaPolynesia. For years, Luc and Jackie have for Books bly summed it up best when he said “…this is great! I’ve selflessly helped cruisers to clear customs and immigration, learned more in the last two days than I would have in a find boat parts, get laundry done, and deal with the myriad year of cruising…the people are great and the information of other problems and tasks that cruising presents. invaluable…” Next year’s SSCA Gam will be held on Nov. Three additional SSCA Service awards were given. Lin 11-13 in Melbourne, and it’s open to members and nonand Larry Pardey received a SSCA Service Award for work members alike. If you are planning on cruising, just starting they have done while making two circumnavigations. out on a cruise, or just finishing up a circumnavigation, plan During more than thirty years of sailing, the Pardeys have on being at next year’s SSCA Gam. You’ll meet a lot of great authored 10 books, five videos and numerous magazine sailors, make new cruising friends, learn a lot, and have a articles. In addition to all this work, Lin and Larry found great Southern BBQ. See you there! time to be their own little Peace Corps, assisting the communities in which they found themselves with projects like digAuthor’s Note: The SSCA is an international organization of more ging wells, building schools, etc. than 10,000 members sharing the lifestyle dream of sailing the Gina and Tom Muha, and Kathy Oberle received the seas. SSCA members are committed to the “Clean Wake” philosoremaining two SSCA Service Awards for their work with phy; developing international friendship and goodwill, treating Boaters for Books, (www.boatersforbooks.org), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. As director of Boaters for Books, others and the environment with respect, and conducting themKathy Oberle manages a volunteer community of cruisers selves responsibly and honorably—so that those who follow in and boating enthusiasts committed to raising the level of littheir footsteps will be welcome.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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35

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BOOK REVIEWS Cruising Guide to Western Florida.

Claiborne Young. Sixth edition. Updated 2004.

Claiborne Young, writer of a series of cruising guides covering the waters of the Southern United States from the Carolinas through Georgia, Florida and the Gulf coastal states, recently came out with the sixth edition of this guide. This is perhaps the most important of all the editions since the first in 1992. The new guide is 34 pages larger than the previous edition and has new chart reproductions and photographs for locating marinas and anchorages. Also listed are changes to marinas, anchorages, and aids to navigation and bridges.

The book covers the ICW and the coastal waters from Cape Sable through the Florida Panhandle. There is detailing of all the navigational changes along the entire coastline, lat/lon positions of marinas and anchorages, details on the new and expanded marinas, and reviews of new restaurants in the coastal communities. Claiborne has also for the first time established a rating system for transient overnight dockage fees.

There is also a listing of the marinas’ Web sites in the region along with phone numbers including those for rental car companies, taxis, and marine supply businesses.

Pelican Publications. $34. Available at marine stores or online at www.cruisingguides.com.

Reed’s Nautical Almanac, East Coast, 2005 Carl Herzog, Editor If you have not picked up a Reed’s Nautical Almanac lately, as I haven’t, you might want to take a look at it. It has been several years since I’d owned one, and I am now surprised that I did not have one when I brought my boat down from North Carolina to Florida. The book covers the East Coast from Nova Scotia to Mexico— quite a large area. With over 1100 pages, it covers it well.

This book has good general coverage as a reference and contains descriptions and pictures of the buoyage systems one encounters in these waters, along with quick reference graphics of lights, flags, markers, etc. There is even space for notes at the back. But the real coverage is all that is contained between the covers. If you have never picked one up, then do so, because a description here cannot begin to describe it. In addition to about 60 pages of general information on resources (communications, gps and loran notes, radio nets, weather broadcasting, etc.) for navigating the East Coast, there are also distance tables between major points, astronomical

Local News For Southern Sailors

information, medical information and more.

But the real meat of the book is the coast pilot, with descriptions on inlets, approaches, waterways notes, and chartlets (which, although not to be used for navigation, are more updated with light lists than some older charts that are the newest version) to help with coastal navigation or the ICW. The latter part of the book contains the 2005 tide tables and information on currents along the East Coast.

The book is updated yearly, and its East Coast navigation information is about as new as is available in print. For a quick overview of going anywhere in the East Coast—approaches distances, and conditions—there is probably not a better resource.

Thomas Reed Publications. www.ReedsAlmanac.com.

The History of the Loves and Bloody Exploits of the Most Noted Pirates: Their Trials and Executions The cover of this book—a painting of a blindfolded, bound man walking a sailing ship’s plank with a crew of armed pirates looking on—along with the fact that the words “bloody exploits” are in the title are enough to prepare you for the tone of the stories in this book. Other illustrations are in the book, but they add little compared to the cover. These are the tales of famous pirates, many of whom were captured, sentenced and executed for crimes. It tells the stories of some starting with their younger days—like Capt. Misson, who was brought up in a reputable family, attended the best schools and went on to become a famous pirate. The book includes the tale of the infamous Capt. Kidd and his capture, sentencing and execution. One strange fact, as this writer knew little of the exploits of Capt. Kidd, was that after his execution, along with others from his ship, the pirates’ bodies were taken and hung in chains above the river, away from the execution dock and away from each other “where their bodies hung exposed for many years.” It did not mention it, but it made this writer wonder if that was commonplace at the time.

This is an unusual book and one to bring along on a cruise for interesting reading. It is easy to pick up and read one story, as 19 are in the book, and it will certainly prompt you to tell your fellow sailors a little bit of the pirate trivia you have learned.

The book oddly enough claims no authors and gives no explanation for the origins of the stories—just tells them as supposedly they happened.

The Lyons Press. 295 pages. $13.95. www.globepequot.com.

SOUTHWINDS

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37

Mad Cow: Interview with a J/24 Crew

By Jim Burkett If you should see sail number 3262 cruise by, get your crew focused and ready to race. You’re going to have your hands full, ‘cause Mad Cow is looking to take you on! With a crew that has been together since 1990, it’s hard not to acknowledge their drive and competitive spirit, even among the most seasoned of sailors.

How long has the crew been together as a team?

Since we bought the boat in ’96, we have had the same crew with two others who worked in and out of the fifth position.

How was the crew formed?

The four of us raced my Nelson Merek 36 since ’90, so we’ve been together for a long time. Christian, Zig and I have played lacrosse recently had the pleasure of meettogether for many years. Zig has ing with David German of Mad Christian Albert, Ed Burkardt, Dave German, Mark sailed on my boats since 1986. Ed Cow for a one-on-one interview to “Ziggy” Ziegler, Ed Ruark. Courtesy photo. and I have sailed together since 1986 ask him some questions about this also. We are all close friends and work well together. Most boat and the great crew that keeps the win count escalating. important, we keep sailboat racing in perspective: We’re out there to win, but it has to be fun. We’re intense competitors What is the make, model and year of the boat? who can leave the emotions on the racecourse. That’s how It is a J/24 and was originally built in 1982. we’re still friends after all these years.

Do you have a preference on the brand of sails?

Are there any modifications to the boat since you’ve Quantum at the moment. taken ownership that you care to acknowledge?

Who are the owners of the boat and their occupations?

Absolutely. We rebuilt Mad Cow twice. The first time, when There are two primary owners: myself, and I’m in sales we bought it, it spent six months in a warehouse. We rebuilt management, and Ed Ruark, a professional engineer. We most of it. The second was this past spring. This time, it took have two minor partners in the boat: Mark Ziegler, a profesthree months. The boat is new with the exception of the hull. sional geologist and Christian Albert, who is in accounting.

We had the bottom and blades professionally faired (and What are the names of the main crew and their measured). The mast, all standing and running rigging, assignments? sails, Awlgrip paint, and hardware are new this year. We I’m the skipper; Ruark is cockpit/tactician. Ziegler is on even put a new trailer under it so we can travel if our schedforedeck and Albert at mast. We rotate two people in the ules permit. fifth position and for substitution. They are Mike Burke and Any future modifications that the boat will undertake or Scott Lowke. All of us are DIYC members. you want to see done?

What class or classes does your boat race in?

We added a masthead spinnaker this time to increase our We race in the J/24 one-design and PHRF spinnaker with a downwind speed in PHRF. Last weekend was the second custom masthead chute. time we’ve raced PHRF since our initial outing for Key West How often do you race, and what type of race does the last May. We’re pleased so far, but we need a few more races crew prefer? to see if it is worth the six-second penalty we took for We like a variety. Our preference is offshore or distance racing, adding it. Of course, we’re always looking at new sails. but we also enjoy racing in tight conditions around the buoys.

I

Steve Morrell photo.

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Obviously the crew has to stay in top shape in order to constantly compete the way they do. Is there any type of training regimen that the crew performs before a race or during your off season?

Yes, we drink and tell stories. Actually, we always spend a few hours on the boat before any major race. Boats accumulate stuff that adds weight. Boat prep is key. We have also committed to do some on-water prep before each race to improve our first-leg performance.

Okay, big question. Do you know the total number of races Mad Cow has won and lost?

We’ve won many and lost many. We really focus on winning a couple of our favorite specific races and the overall series. We’ve won the J/24 fleet 2001 Boat of the Year, MORC BOTY when it was active, second in class Suncoast BOTY, which we lost to a J/29, second in class Tampa Bay BOTY, and first in class DIYC BOTY, and first in the Egmont Key race. Clearwater to Key West is the big one that has eluded us. We’ve raced Mad Cow twice but have not won it. We’ll keep doing it until we win with Mad Cow because everyone says we can’t do it.

What’s the biggest race to date for the crew? Where and when was it, and how did you do? Any special memories about that race?

No doubt it was the first J/24 Midwinters at DIYC. There were close to 70 boats on the starting line. What a humbling experience! We had our moments, but it certainly made us appreciate the difference between professional sailors and amateurs. But we always have more fun than the pros. I’ll take our program.

Have there been any memorable catastrophes or mishaps?

We always have stories, but fortunately our preparation of the equipment and confidence in our crew keeps us floating, usually in the right direction. Our most memorable moment was our first year racing the boat at Apollo Beach during Gasparilla. As is normal for that time of year, a cold front came through with all its fury and wind. We were not too strong with our boat-handling skills, and the chute wrapped around the headstay. This happened as we planed by two boats that were knocked down. I left the helm and climbed the headstay to unwrap the chute, and we took off like a shot. We survived the day, but we knew then our boat-handling skills had to improve to match the capabilities of a J/24.

Any specific goals for the team as they continue racing?

We set a goal at the beginning of each season. This year, our focus is to win selected races. Our schedules do not permit commitment to go after a series. Of course, it will culminate with a victory to Key West !!

Does any crew member(s) have their own boats and do they participate in any other form of sailing? Are they ranked?

Heavens, no! I think Ed has a Sunfish he sails once every five years or so. Zig had a sailboard once in his backyard, but I think it dissolved into the ground. I just sold my C&C 40 that we occasionally raced PHRF, but it was primarily a cruising boat. I am also a member of the Mudheads in Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

January 2005

39

INTERVIEW

Mad Cow in the recent SE Regionals in St. Petersburg. Gary Hufford photo. www.beachmaster.smugmug.com.

Steve Morrell photo right.

Connecticut. I race up there in the summer for a few weeks each year. We’re just a bunch of guys who enjoy the competition and camaraderie of sailing on Tampa Bay. Who do you consider your strongest competition at this club or elsewhere and why?

In our J/24 fleet, it would be unfair to single any one boat out.

We have about 10 or so at our club, and they are all capable of winning any day. Preparation and consistency is the only way to win in the J fleet. In PHRF, the competition changes, but we love to race with the bigger boats, such as the J/29s. There are a couple of SR 22s that give us fits as they plane faster.

Is there any friendly competition you race against on a regular basis that ends with any humorous standing bets? Like for instance, beers, the losing team has to run naked through the clubhouse?

We’ve always had a standing bet for drinks with our Key West competition. Rocket and Heart of Gold were always good for drinks. But I think I’ll up the ante and use your buff idea. Might put some pressure on the boys.

Is the boat used for any recreational sailing? If so, when and where?

Chris and Zig have threatened to cruise in it, but I haven’t seen them try it in eight years.

Have you had any trophies awarded, and who gets to keep them eventually? Do you share like they do with 40

January 2005

SOUTHWINDS

the Stanley Cup? Of course, we always share in the spoils, especially when you can drink out of them. We try to give the trophies to the crew members who work the hardest to earn it.

None of us covet the prize.

Experiencing the event and sharing in victory is where the memories come from. Actually, we prefer the practical trophies like hardware or luggage bags.

Is there any particular race that you will participate in next year that will require extra training or gear?

J/24 Midwinters is back to DIYC this spring. We definitely intend to do better. We’ll have to carefully set a target, but it won’t be an easy one. Oh, and Key West. We have to find food that tastes better than last year’s MREs (military rations), but doesn’t weigh any more.

What would be the biggest change in the race rules, restrictions or requirements you would make if you could?

I read the rules and play by them.

We are rarely involved in protests because we don’t put ourselves in a position to foul very often. As long as we all play by the same rule book and read it, I’m okay. Maybe an online test of the rules would be worthwhile?

Are there any activities outside of sail racing that any crew member is an active participant in?

Chris, Zig and I all play lacrosse still. We’re getting old, but it keeps us in shape. We also coach youth lacrosse. Zig and Ed are the golfers. We all share in adventures like skiing and bareboat charters in the Caribbean. Ed and I have powerboats, so we all pitch in for race committee detail at DIYC when we aren’t racing.

Does the crew get together outside of sail racing?

Every weekend we’re all doing something. Our families and spouses are best of friends. We’re an active bunch and very fortunate to have a wonderful place to live and great friendships to enjoy it.

Mad Cow is docked at Davis Islands Yacht Club in Tampa, FL. If you and your crew are up for the challenge, let us know. They placed 10th out of 22 boats in the recent J/24 2004 SE Regional Championship in December in St. Petersburg. www.southwindssailing.com

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RACE RULES

Playing by the rules

By Dave Perry

The 2005-2008 edition of the Racing Rules of Sailing goes into effect on January 1, 2005.

Rules expert Dave Perry helps you navigate the rule book and previews the significant changes in the 2005-2008 rules.

Steve Morrell photo.

W

atch a crowded windward mark in a large fleet of boats. As the boats converge from different directions and angles, it looks as if it will be a chaotic collision-fest to the non-sailor. But with the smoothness of a Broadway dance number, the boats intertwine within inches of each other with no contact (usually!), then exit the mark in an orderly line and head for the next mark. This is the beauty and ingenuity of the rules of the sport, called The Racing Rules of Sailing.

The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) are cleverly crafted and written in clear, plain English to promote the widest possible knowledge and understanding of the rules. Everyone who races, whether skipper or crew, newcomer or seasoned veteran, should make an effort to learn the rules. Quite simply, it makes the game better and safer for all participants.

Sailors who do not know the rules can ruin the game for others; sailors who know the rules can best position themselves to gain a tactical advantage when boats come together.

I have spent much of my life studying the rules. I am fortunate that my father was a real student of the rules.

Growing up, he would quiz me on rules situations at the dinner table, which I enjoyed. But you don’t need a lifetime to gain a working knowledge of the racing rules. Any sailor can learn to navigate the rulebook and apply the rules to most situations you’ll encounter on the racecourse. This article will get you started.

Step one: read the rule book The first step to knowing the rules is to read the rule book!

The Racing Rules of Sailing is automatically sent to US SAILING members who register as racers. Many clubs and organizations have copies they will lend, give or sell. The complete rule book is also included in my book, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing, which is a thorough explanation of the rules and their nuances with extensive quotes from the authoritative interpretations found in the US SAILING Appeals and ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Cases. The rule book, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing, and the US SAILING Appeals and ISAF Cases are all available from US SAILING (see Resources).

When reading the rule book, understand that it has a clear structure. The rules are divided into seven parts, each with a distinct subject. At the back of the book there is a

Local News For Southern Sailors

This common pre-start rules situation illustrates how the right-of-way rules (Part 2, Section A) work with the limitation rules (Part 2, Section B). It also demonstrates the importance of knowing the terms in “Definitions” at the back of the rule book.

Illustration by Brad Dellenbaugh, from Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing.

Position 1: L and W are on the same tack and not overlapped; therefore L is required to keep clear of W under rule 12 (Section A, On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped).

Throughout the incident both boats are required to avoid contact with each other under rule 14 (Section B, Avoiding Contact).

Position 2: L and W are now overlapped; therefore W is required to keep clear of L under rule 11 (Section A, On the Same Tack, Overlapped). However, L has just acquired the right of way, so she must initially give W room to keep clear of her under rule 15 (Section B, Acquiring Right of Way).

From Position 2 to 3: L is the right-of-way boat and W is keeping clear under rule 11. However, L is changing course, so she must give W room to keep clear of her under rule 16.1 (Section B, Changing Course). Furthermore, because L became overlapped to leeward of W from clear astern, L must not sail above her proper course while the boats remain overlapped under rule 17.1 (Section B, On the Same Tack; Proper Course). However, there is no “proper course” (defined in Definitions) before the starting signal; therefore, L can sail up to head to wind before the starting signal.

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RACE RULES Steve Morrell photo.

glossary of terms, entitled Definitions. When these specifically defined terms are used in a rule, the term appears in italics. This further ensures that all who use the rules will interpret them in the same way.

The rule book also includes about 15 appendices that either apply to a specific type of racWhen reading the rule book, ing (e.g., match racing, team racing, understand that it has a radio-controlled clear structure. boat racing, etc.) or provide rules or useful advice on matters such as writing sailing instructions, hearing protests, lodging appeals, etc.

When boats meet The complete rule book is long, and sailors should be familiar with all the rules it contains. But the rules that apply to situations when boats come together are covered in one short section: Part 2, which is only five pages long! Make it a goal to read through Part 2 before your next race. Don’t try to memorize every rule. It is much easier to remember and understand the rules if you understand their structure and

the structure of Part 2 itself.

The structure of the rules is simple. When two boats are approaching each other, the rules give one boat the “right of way” and the other boat the obligation to “keep clear” of the right-of-way boat. The right-of-way boat has the right to sail the course she is on without a need to avoid the keep-clear boat.

For example, when a port-tack boat (P) is crossing ahead of a starboard-tack boat (S), S is the “right-of-way” boat and P is the “keep-clear” boat. If S does not need to take any action to avoid hitting P, then P has kept clear; if S has to change course to avoid hitting P, then P has not kept clear and has broken a rule (rule 10, On Opposite Tacks).

There are essentially four right-of-way rules, and they are in Section A of Part 2. They are premised on the fact that there are basically four different relationships the boats can be in. If you think in terms of these relationships, it will be easy to know which boat has the right of way. The boats can be either: (1) on opposite tacks; (2) on the same tack and overlapped; (3) on the same tack and not overlapped; or (4) changing tacks.

If they are on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack boat has the right of way (rule 10). If they are on the same tack, they will either be overlapped, in which case the leeward boat has the right of way (rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped); or one will be clearly in front of the other, in which case the boat in front has the right of way (rule 12, On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped). If one of the boats is tacking, it must keep clear of one that is not (rule 13, While Tacking).

The rules also place “limitations” on what boats can do, and these often apply to the right-of-way boats as well as to keep-clear boats. An example is rule 14, Avoiding Contact. Rule 14 tells all boats to avoid contact with others if reasonably possible; and it tells right-of-way boats that if they don’t avoid contact and there is damage, they can be penalized along with the keep-clear boat. So if S collides with P despite being able to avoid doing so and there is some damage, P will be penalized for breaking rule 10, and S will be penalized for breaking rule 14. There are just four Gary Hufford photo. www.beachmaster.smugmug.com.

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www.southwindssailing.com

Significant Rule Changes for 2005-2008*

Gary Hufford photo. www.beachmaster.smugmug.com.

limitation rules, and they are in Section B (General Limitations) of Part 2.

When boats are about to round or pass marks or obstructions, there need to be special rules so the boats will round or pass in a fair and orderly way. These are in Section C (At Marks and Obstructions) of Part 2. There are some situations where a rule in Section C might give different rights and obligations from those in Sections A and B. When this occurs, the Section C rules take prece- Applying the rules to situations, dence as long as the boats are either actual or hypothetical, rounding or pass- will help you gain confidence ing the mark or in your rules knowledge. obstruction.

Applying the rules When applying the rules to a situation, my advice is to ask the three questions below, in this order. Clearly there are situations that will require the application of other rules, but this model will resolve a large majority of situations.

1. What was the relationship between the two boats, which will determine which boat had the right of way (Part 2, Section A); did the keep-clear boat keep clear?

2. Did either boat have any limits on it imposed by a rule in Section B; and if so, did it comply?

3. Where were the boats on the racecourse? For instance, if they were about to round or pass a mark or obstruction, then look in Section C to see what rules may apply.

Remember that different rules can apply as a situation develops on the water, as you’ll see in the diagram on page 45.

Applying the rules to situations, either actual or hypothetical, will help you gain confidence in your rules knowledge. To expand your knowledge further, attend rules seminars run by clubs and class associations. Ask judges at regattas about rules situations that may arise. To understand procedural rules for running races and hearing protests, volunteer to help run races and sit in on protests. Your rules knowledge will rapidly expand—which will make you not only a better racer but also more qualified to run races and hear protests, all to the benefit of the sport.

Local News For Southern Sailors

Here is a quick overview of the significant changes in the 2005-2008 edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), from the 2001-2004 RRS. These brief summaries are not intended to be actual representations of the rules, nor is this a complete list of all the changes in the 2005-2008 RRS. Preamble to Part 2 (When Boats Meet): The preamble now clarifies that when a racing boat meets a boat having no intention of racing, the racing boat is required to comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCAS) or government right-of-way rules, or risk disqualification. However, only the race or protest committee can protest the racing boat.

Rule 16.2 (Changing Course): This rule now applies only when a port-tack boat (P) is keeping clear by passing astern of a starboard-tack boat (S). If P is crossing ahead of S (upwind or downwind), S may change course and make P immediately change course to continue keeping clear, provided P can do so in a seamanlike way.

Rule 19.1 (Room to Tack at an Obstruction): Now, a boat that hails for room to tack when it does not need to make a substantial course change to safely avoid the obstruction breaks rule 19.1. The boat being hailed must still respond to the hail, but she now has a rule she can protest under when she thinks the hail was unfounded.

Rule 31.2 (Touching a Mark) & Rule 44.2 (Penalties for Breaking Rules of Part 2): Once a boat that has touched a mark has done one turn that includes a tack and a gybe (in either order), it may continue in the race; i.e., it does not need to do a complete 360-degree turn. The same is true with the second turn of a boat doing two penalty turns for breaking a Part 2 rule; it no longer needs to do a complete 720-degree turn.

Rule 40.2 (Personal Buoyancy; Harness): As of January 1, 2006, trapeze and hiking harnesses must have a device that allows competitors to quickly release themselves from the boat at any time while in use.

Rule 42 (Propulsion): “Sculling” has been redefined as any repeated “forceful” movement of the helm, regardless of its effect. Furthermore, any repeated helm movement that propels the boat forward is also sculling. Sculling is now permitted when a boat is above close-hauled and has little steerageway and is trying to turn back down to close-hauled.

Rule 61.1(a)(3) (Protest Requirements): In an incident in which it is obvious to the boats involved that there was damage or injury, the boats involved do not need to say “protest” or fly a protest flag to protest; they simply have to inform the other of their intent to protest within the time limit for lodging a protest.

Rule 62.1(a) (Redress): The actions of the organizing authority can now be the subject of a redress request.

Appendix F (Appeals Procedures): All appeals of protest committee decisions in the United States are now to be sent directly to US SAILING, which in turn will forward them to the appropriate association appeals committee. *Excerpted from Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing Through 2008 by Dave Perry, available from US SAILING (www.ussailing.org/merchandise).

Reprinted with permission from “US SAILING,” the Newsletter/Fall 2004, a publication for the members of US SAILING.

RESOURCES: www.ussailing.org/rules To order copies of the rule book, Dave Perry’s Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing, and other books on rules, visit www.ussailing.org/merchandise.

Reprinted with permission from “US SAILING,” the newsletter, a publication for the members of US SAILING. SOUTHWINDS

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

NORTH CAROLINA

SE Coast January Weather Lake Lanier

WATER TEMPERATURE Cape Hatteras, NC - 49° Savannah, GA - 51° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Cape Hatteras, NC 40° lo - 53° hi Savannah, GA 38° lo - 60° hi For Real Time Southeast Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Southeast.shtml

UPCOMING EVENTS Atlanta Boat Show. Jan. 12-16.

Sailboats, powerboats, gear, etc. seminars. Georgia World Congress Center Hall C. 285 International Blvd. NW. Atlanta, GA. Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 10-9. Sun. 10-6. www.atlantaboatshow.com. (954) 441-3228

NEWS South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation Attains Financial Commitments in Excess of $1-Million

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he South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation announced that recent financial commitments have been attained in excess of $1-million, fulfilling 25 percent of the capital needed to build the tall ship Spirit of South Carolina.

The organization is primed to begin construction of Phase II – planking the ship, which forms the outer skin of the vessel’s hull and deck.

Comprehensive nusiness plan provides answers The foundation has recently completed in-depth research on tall ship programs across the United States, providing valu-

GEORGIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Beaufort

Wilmington

Charleston

1

Savannah SOUTHEAST COAST

January Prevailing Winds See page 81 for Windrose legend

able insight in achieving successful results in funding the construction of a tall ship and ongoing operations and educational programming. A comprehensive business plan has been developed for the Spirit of South Carolina. Some of the details discovered in this process include: 1) plans to serve more than 2,800 students per year onboard the tall ship; 2) establishment of an extensive education committee; and 3) the need for an endowment fund and an educational programming fund.

Sneed departs organization Charlie Sneed, the man who founded the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation in 2000, has decided to move on to pursue other exciting projects. Sneed’s creative mind, determination and skill have been great assets to the Spirit of South Carolina.

Voyage publication to be launched in late 2004 The foundation has created a publication entitled Voyage, which will assist in the dissemination of foundation news, maritime history, and educational initiatives. It is a journal which brings the vision of a tall ship to life. The first edition is targeted for distribution to approximately 15,000 households in South Carolina in late 2004.

Foundation Web site redesigned.

Visit www.scmaritime.org to check it out.

Ship Shapes Maritime Gallery Opens in Charleston, SC

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hip Shapes Maritime Gallery opened its doors Oct. 1 at 56 1/2 Queen Street between Meeting and Church streets in the heart of the historic French Quarter in Charleston, SC. Co-owners Diane Scher and Bill ThomasMoore, a couple in their 60s, are owners of the store, the only one of its kind in the area. Currently, the gallery’s hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday, or call for an appointment or for information at (843) 577-5766 or 324-0900.

The gallery showcases high end, original nautical antiques and artifacts, museum-quality ship models, historic maps and original marine paintings. These rare nautical items are part of a private collection and are available for purchase.

Co-owner W. G. “Bill” Thomas-Moore is a well-

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www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING known professional model shipwright with thirty-five years’ experience. In 2001, he was commissioned to build the infamous tall ship, The Queen Anne’s Revenge, an impressive eight-foot model of Captain Blackbeard’s pirate ship, for the QAR Restaurant on Daniel Island.

Ship Shapes is exhibiting other museum-quality miniature ships, including historic tall ships, schooners and an eight foot high, radio-controlled, pond boat built by internationally known artist/sailor, Andrew Charters. Mr. Charters has raced his miniature boats in various locales, such as Mystic Seaport, and competes regularly in the Northeast. He recently was featured at the Charleston Harbor Maritime Festival and is well-known in the elite sailing community.

Mr. Thomas-Moore was commissioned by Sterne, Agee and Leach for the Hunley Commission to build the five-foot model of the CSS H. L. Hunley Submarine. He presented it to the Charleston Museum in 1997, and it is currently on temporary loan to the gallery for viewing. Visitors and local residents are encouraged to see the Hunley, plus other fine ship models, up close and free of charge, compliments of the gallery “Ships in the Attic” is a model restoration service at the gallery. Mr. Thomas-Moore cleans, repairs and restores ship models to their original natural beauty and luster. Call (843) 324-8792 for information.

In the long term, the owners also wish to encourage the community to erect a world-class maritime museum in Charleston, which should reflect the area’s outstanding maritime history.

23 29 29 30

Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 1064 Open Tune Up, LLSC, Open Icebreaker #3, SSC, Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design

FEBRUARY 4-6 South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA) annual meeting. www.sayra-sailing.org. Host Carolina Yacht Club. www.carolinayachtclub.org. Wrightsville Beach, NC. 21 Wrightsville Beach Ocean Racing Assoc. (WBORA) Kickoff Meeting Seapath.

Lake Murray Yacht Racing Assoc. series begins. www.columbiasailingclub.org, Lake Murray, SC Charleston, SC, CORA schedule (www.charlestonoceanracing.org) 1 CORA Executive Meeting 13 Frostbite # 3 17 CORA member meeting 26 Frostbite # 4 Lake Lanier, GA (www.larc.strictlysailing.com) 5 Icebreaker #4, SSC, 6 LARC Winter #3, LARC, LARC Series – AISC, BFSC, LLSC, SSC, UYC 6 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 12 Hot Ruddered Bum, UYC, Open Regatta UYC 13 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 13 Icebreaker #5, SSC, 19 LARC Winter #4, LARC, LARC Series – AISC, BFSC, LLSC, SSC, UYC; BFSC Winter Gale #1 20 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 20 Icebreaker #6, SSC, 26 Icebreaker Make Up, SSC, 27 Winter Gale #2, BFSC, 27 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design

RACING Race Calendar These dates and events are subject to change without warning. Please refer to each sailing club’s Web site for more accurate details.

JANUARY 1 1 1 8

New Year’s Day Regatta, Columbia Sailing Assoc. www.columbiasailingclub.org, Lake Murray, SC Hangover Regatta, Laser, Sunfish, JY15, Catamarans. www.columbiasailingclub.org, Lake Murray, SC Ice Bucket Regatta, Open, Lake Norman YC. www.lakenormanyachtclub.com.

Icicle Series begins. Outrigger YC. www.outriggeryachtclub.org.

Charleston, SC, CORA schedule (www.charlestonoceanracing.org) 1 Hangover Race 4 CORA executive meeting 9 Frostbite # 1 12 CORA race committee meeting 20 CORA member meeting 29 Frostbite # 2 Lake Lanier, GA (www.larc.strictlysailing.com) 1 BFSC Poker Race Mad Hatter, BFSC, 2 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 8 Icebreaker #1, SSC, 9 LARC Winter #1, LARC, LARC Series – AISC, BFSC, LLSC, SSC, UYC 9 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 15 Icebreaker #2, SSC, 16 Laser Frostbite, LLSC, Open – One Design 22 LARC Winter #2, LARC, LARC Series – AISC, BFSC, LLSC, SSC, UYC Local News For Southern Sailors

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Race Report 2004 Lake Lanier Cup, University Yacht Club, Lake Lanier, GA, Nov. 20-21

By Ron Mitchellete

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he seventh annual University Yacht Club-sponsored regatta took place on the weekend of November 20-21.

The weather was clear with moderate winds. Five sailing clubs with 20 skippers competed for the coveted trophy. The winner this year was the Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) with 70 points, and the runner up was the Barefoot Sailing Club (BFSC) with 103 points. The BFSC won first place last year. The course was approximately 3.7 miles on a windward/leeward tract repeated three times for the best average time per team. The race is a team event with each club sponsoring four of its top racers. The winner is determined by the fewest amount of points accumulated by each team, based on adjusted time, registered by each skipper’s finish, accumulated in three individual races per club (re: total results below).

Results (Club, total pts. skipper, boat, boat name, place in race 1,2,3): 1. LLSC, 70. Mas Azuma, Wavelength 20, Voodoo, 4, 1, 1; Dennis Slaton, Catalina 25, Tar Baby, 20, 4, 9; Michael Iuvone, Hunter 30, Strega, 5, 5, 7; Randy Phillips, Wavelength 24, Dangerous Curves, 1, 8, 5; 2. BFSC, 103. David Pope, Ultimate 20, Orbit, 6, 3, 2; Bruce Barrett, Ultimate 20 14, 12, 11; David DeLorme, Catalina 22, Bandit, 16, 19, 18; Tom Grahm J-24, Hawkeye, 11, 10, 12; 3. ALSC, 114. Scott Tylor, Wavelength 24, Endrophin, 3, 7, 6; John McCarthy, S-2,9.1, Roswell, 7, 9, 3; Scott Loesel, SR 25 15, 2, 15; Kurt Schurenberg, Catalina 27, Beau Gust, 17, 17, 13; 4. SSC, 128. Mike Czarich, Wavelength 24, First Wave, 2, 13, 4;Mike Reynolds, Santana 525, Yeah Baby, 10, 14, 17; Steve Sudderth, J-24, Dixie Chic, 9, 11, 16; Dennis Edmiston, Pearson 31-2, Impetuous, 16, 6, 10; 5. UYC, 182. John Wirtz, J-27, Flash, 13, 16, 14; Robin Terrel, Capri 22, Marmotta, 12, 15, 8; Rick Smith, Catalina 320, Layla, 8, 18, 19; Steve Tucker, Hunter, Windsong, 19, 20, 20;

A Sailor’s Goodbye — Well-Known Lake Lanier Racer Dies

By Ron Mitchellete

Charleston Yacht Club Big Boat Regatta 2004, Charleston, SC, Nov. 13

By Walt McFarlane

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he historic city of Charleston, SC, has always been a hub of seafaring activity. From its colonization, its strategic location to the sea has always affected the city’s history, from the Revolutionary War, the War Between the States (starting with the firing on Fort Sumter), into the 21st century.

Vessels under sail have been a part of this city for nearly 300 years, so there is little wonder that this jewel of the South is not only a popular port of call for worldwide cruisers but also home for a world-class yacht club.

The Charleston Yacht Club, established in 1934, overlooks the Ashley River. The clubhouse is well laid out. The lounge located on the top floor, with its large windows and decks, made the perfect vantage point where I could view the start and finish of this year’s Big Boat Regatta.

Jane Beasley, Charleston Yacht Club’s sailing chairwoman and PRO, stated that this year’s regatta featured 30 vessels broken into five fleets. There would only be one race, but the course was 7.77 nm for four of the five fleets and 7.42 nm for the fifth. The course would start on the Ashley River directly in front of the yacht club, lead downriver into Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter, then return to the starting point for the finish.

Winds at the club were estimated to be 15 to 18 knots.

The river was flat, but we expected there would be rougher seas with heavIer winds once the boats reached the harbor.

The race committee gathered on the upper deck. With care and precision the race committee guided the crews through the pre-race signals.

It was time for the first fleet to launch. The countdown started. Each fleet took its turn, maneuvered for position, and started when the cannon fired. All of the fleets started See SOUTHEAST SAILING continued on page 74

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on Martin is a name well-recognized and respected on Lake Lanier and throughout the sailing community. Unfortunately, Don’s ultimate skipper called him to helm a bigger ship in a much larger sea on September 25.

Don passed away on St. Mary’s Island, GA, while working on his retirement home. Don’s funeral was held first on St. Mary’s, where, at his request, he was cremated and part of his ashes were spread into the Atlantic Ocean. A second ceremony was held at his sailing club’s facility (LLSC) on Lake Lanier, where more of his ashes were spread. Both ceremonies included all the trappings afforded a sailor of his outstanding reputation. Don’s wishes to have his body cremated and the ashes scattered over his favorite spots were beautifully executed by his family and friends. Don was only 55 years young.

The oyster roast at the Charleston Yacht Club after the Big Boat Regatta. Photo by Walt McFarlane.

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

Jacksonville

Daytona

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

Eastern Florida January Weather Melbourne

WATER TEMPERATURE Daytona Beach - 61° Jacksonville Beach - 57° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 2.5 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Daytona Beach 47° lo - 70° hi Jacksonville Beach 46° lo - 63° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

UPCOMING EVENTS Indian River Yacht Club Presents “Sail A Small Boat Day” Jan. 22

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he Indian River Yacht Club is pleased to present its upcoming Sail A Small Boat Day event on Saturday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Whitley Bay Marina in Cocoa. This family-friendly event provides an excellent opportunity to test-sail new sailboats from 10-feet to 25-feet on the Indian River. Sailboats from Catalina, Hunter, ComPaq, Vanguard, Walker Bay, and Precision will be featured from a number of dealers throughout the state.

“The Indian River is quite possibly the best place to sail on the planet,” says Jerry Butz, co-owner of Boaters Exchange, the Catalina dealer in Rockledge. “Our location in Central Florida is unmatched for protected waters, easy access, and consistent breezes. And sailing on a small boat is a great way to spend the day with the family!”

This event is free and is open to everyone; no previous experience required. For more information, please contact Jerry at Boaters Exchange at (321) 638-0090 or www.BoatersExchange.com.

This event is also scheduled for the following dates: Saturday, April 2 and Saturday, June 4.

Coastal Navigation Course Offered

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he Daytona Beach Flotilla 44 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering an in-depth coastal navigation course starting Jan. 17, to run every Monday and Thursday evenings through February 28th.

This is a comprehensive curriculum for those having a basic knowledge, or experience,in recreational boating. This same course is used internally by the USCG Auxiliary in member training classes. The course, using hands-on applications, covers a review of compass techniques, use of charts, tides and currents, radio and electronic navigation

Local News For Southern Sailors

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January Prevailing Winds See page 81 for Windrose legend

(including GPS), fuel and voyage planning, plus more.

The classes (open to the public) will be held at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University.

The cost for the program, including texts, charts and essential supplies is $75.00 (less for couples sharing the same texts). For further information and advance reservations, phone (386) 248-8363 or 676-2354, or e-mail 0700404@www.uscgaux.org.

NEWS Port Canaveral Locks Closed Jan. 10 - March 17

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avigation locks between the Banana River – Barge Canal and Port Canaveral will be closed for repair and upgrade between Jan. 10 and March 17. During this time, sailors may enter the Atlantic from the ICW either through Ponce Inlet at New Smyrna Beach or Fort Pierce Inlet.

Sebastian Inlet is a possible entry point south of Cape Canaveral. Bridge height, however, may exclude many cruising class sailboats because it is about 36 feet, depending on tide height and wave activity.

St. Augustine Marine Canvas and Upholstery Opens Design Center

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new, innovative design center was opened recently in St. Augustine, FL. The new center is part of St. Augustine Marine Canvas & Upholstery, Inc., which services several Florida OEM builders and the local marine community as well. The new Design Center is focused on residential and commercial, as well as marine applications. St. Augustine Marine Canvas and Upholstery has manufacturing facilities in St. Augustine as well as Alachua, FL, and is the supplier of canvas, interior fabrics and furniture for Hunter Marine, Mainship Trawlers and Luhrs Sportfishing Boats.

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST base in our area, as well as visiting yachtsmen,” said Hunt Bowman, president. “This is a long-term investment for our growing business.” For more information contact Hunt Bowman at (904) 826-3591.

Last Public Marina in Cocoa, FL, to Become Private Yacht Club

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hitley Marina in Cocoa has been purchased by a private developer from Naples. The developer announced he plans to convert the marina to a private yacht club. Sailors and boaters fear this will mean the complete absence of public boating accommodation in the immediate Cocoa area. In the past 10 years, Cocoa has lost three public marinas to private development, including a marina directly across the lagoon on Merritt Island. State Representative Allen has requested a review of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to determine if its rules and review procedures for conversion of public marinas to private yacht clubs adversely affect public access to Florida’s waterways.

Performance Sail and Sport Now Carries Precision Sailboats

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cott and Dior Hubel of Performance Sail and Sport recently began offering Precision Sailboats to sailors in Brevard and adjacent counties. Precision Sailboats are trailerable upper end cruising and racing boats. Precision Boats 185 won Sailing World magazine’s Best Boat of the Year in the Best Value category. Performance Sail and Sport has four models available for inspection at its riverside shop in Melbourne: The Precision 15 centerboard, Precision 16 racing design, Precision 18 with a cuddy cabin and a Precision 23. Additional information about the complete Precision line is available at www.precisionboatworks.com.

REGIONAL SAILING AND CRUISING Three months after the Storms in Central Florida

By Roy Laughlin

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he fall has been as peaceful as the end of summer was tumultuous in Central Florida. This gesture from Mother Nature has considerably helped storm-damage recovery. The following is a synopsis of conditions along Florida’s central east coast—the region that bore the brunt of the storms.

Marinas Most marinas are back to at least limited operation. This means they have a few or some slips available. Marinas on the mainland side were hardest hit. Sheltered marinas on the east side of the lagoon and in Merritt Island’s Barge

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Canal area had virtually no damage from the storms. Many cruisers are anchoring out and using the scarce space in marinas for dinghy landing.

ICW and Inlets All the inlets from Ponce Inlet just south of Daytona to West Palm Beach are open and navigable. Shoals are marked, and, generally, the storm modified and moved existing shoals. Jetties along the inlets remain damaged, so expect more wave action than in the past if you’re passing on a windy day. Sebastian Inlet is noteworthy: The outermost 15 percent of the jetty was destroyed and will not give the previous protection from a northeast swell.

The ICW is generally in good shape with shoals and obstacles marked. Most of the buoys and other aids to navigation remain in place. The areas to exercise extra caution are inside the Sebastian Inlet and Jupiter Inlet, according to David Roach, executive director of the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND).

The Army Corps of Engineers began an extensive survey of channels and inlets following the storms but has not completed it. Segments of the ICW where caution is advised is available in graphic format from the Florida Inland Navigation District’s Web site, www.aicw.org/channel.htm.

(From the list link on the right side of FIND’s home page, pick ICW Channel Conditions.) According to Roach, “The channel conditions information is still useful as it documents shoal areas that we have previously identified that haven’t been dredged yet. It also provides the best depth locations in these areas. “When the Corps survey information is available, it will be posted on FIND’s Web site.

Parks and Ramps Many of Brevard County’s waterfront parks and ramps remain closed. In other counties they are open but damaged.

For example, Sebastian Inlet continues to allow park patrons to use the paved ramps on the Inlet’s south side even though the docks are gone. Sebastian Inlet’s beach-launching area for non-motorized boats was seriously eroded, like many other parks, but park management still allows its use.

Other damage to pavilions and bathhouses has been repaired there. Conditions in St. Lucie County are very similar with most parks open to provide water access, but with few of the landside amenities available before September.

Because of a shortage of money, labor and materials, it will likely be a year before these damaged parks and ramps are conveniently useful again.

Debris Debris remains a significant but difficult to characterize hazard for boaters. Trash collection by cities and counties hauled away stranded wood and lumber, boats and other debris if land owners put it close to streets for pick up. In developed areas, most of the debris was hauled away. Elsewhere, it remains in the water and on shores. When tides are highest, lumber and posts floating in the water are common throughout the Indian River Lagoon. Highest tides occur during the new and full moons. Posts floating at the surface or just barely submerged are capable of the greatest damage to boats and hull protrusions. The best strategy is to keep a sharp lookout and give wide berth to even what appears to be a small piece of wood with any part underwater.

The “lions of summer” left their marks with both claws and teeth, causing wounds slow to heal. But the waters are still there, and the warm peaceful fall was a marked contrast www.southwindssailing.com

EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

Dinghies take available space in front of the Indian River Colony Club’s docks until repairs on the docks are completed. Photo by Roy Laughlin

to the previous season’s end. Few activities give the true sailor a greater sense of well-being than sailing. That hasn’t changed regardless of the weather’s aftermath.

RACING Race Calendar JANUARY 1 1 1 1 2 15 15 - 16 23 23 29 30 30

One Design/PHRF, Rudder Club, www.rudderclub.com. Hangover Regatta.

New Year’s Day Dinghy Race. Melbourne Yacht Club. www.sail-race.com.

New Year’s Day Fun Race. Titusville Yacht Club. www.sail-race.com.

First Saturday Sailing. Indian River Catamaran Association. Sebastian Inlet State. Park, south side.

Winter Rum Race #4. Melbourne Yacht Club. www.sail-race.com One Design, Rudder Club, www.rudderclub.com.

Frostbite Series #1.

Progressive Dinner and Poker Rally (Cruise).

East Coast Sailing Association. www.sail-race.com.

Spring Women’s Race #1. Melbourne Yacht Club. www.sail-race.com FCSA Awards and General Meeting. www.sailjax.com.

One Design Rudder Club, www.rudderclub.com.

Frostbite Series #2.

Winter Series #2. Indian River Yacht Club (Cocoa) www.sail-race.com.

Winter Rum Series #6. Melbourne Yacht Club. www.sail-race.com.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST sailors, yet they were always willing to give a hand to other crews, and they really presented Sailing Anarchy as the 5/6 One Design, Epping Forest YC, www.efyc.com. place to go for real sailing info,” said fellow competitor Tim Inter Scholastic 420.

Snow. The first day found A-Unit tied up front and center at 5 One Design, Rudder Club, www.rudderclub.com. the yacht club dock with all her colors flying. The crew was Frostbite Series #3. completely decked out in SA and Sailing Pro Shop gear.

12 St. John’s Regatta, Spring Series #1 Florida YC. www.thefloridayachtclub.org.

Jason Smith filled in for foredeck Kat “sailingkitty” Malone, 13 TSC Spring Series #1 MYC Small Boat Racing as she was competing in St. Petersburg with her J/29 prowww.sail-race.com. gram, Semper Fi. 19 ECSA Spring RR #1. www.sail-race.com.

The winds were light, and the current was flowing as 19 Spring River Race, Spring Series #2 North Florida the fleet started their first race. Expectations were high for Cruising Club www.nfccsail.com.

A-Unit, with most of the crews looking on to see how the 19 – 20 George Washington Birthday Regatta. LESC. www.lakeeustissailingclub.org. All-class, dinghies, new team would perform. The first race was a nail-biter, Cats, Windsurfers with the winds very light and the current sketchy at best.

20 IRYC Winter Series #3. MYC Spring Rum “We were launched at about four lengths from a very short Racewww.sail-race.com. starboard layline, and we sailed into a freakin’ vacuum, I 26 One Design, Rudder Club, www.rudderclub.com. mean an ear-popping-hypoxia-stupor-down-current-getFrostbite Series #4. the-frigging-anchor-up-here-hole-in-the-atmosphere, and 27 TSC Spring Series #2. MYC Small Boat Racing. www.sail-race.com. watched three-quarters of the fleet ride the river down from the left and sail right on by,” commented skipper Brian Malone. A-Unit finished a devastating 17th in the first race.

However, the tables were turned as the crew shook off the loss and went on to finish a respectable seventh in the second race of the day despite an altercation with another boat, Thin Ice, resulting in a penalty turn at the windward mark.

The first day of racing under their UK, or is it DoyleUK, belts, the team hit the docks to lock the boat up for the night. The crew mingled with the other teams, and they fielded many questions relating to SA and to Sailing Pro Shop. Brian, John, Danny, and Colin circulated with the other participants of

By Kat Malone the regatta handing out SA T-shirts and stickixed strains of the ers. The crew received Sex Pistols and 50 news that Kat unfortucent announced the nately was stuck in St. arrival of team A (for Pete due to a reschedAnarchy) - Unit to the ule of the Saturday race King’s Day Regatta at as a result of notthe Florida Yacht Club enough wind, so the in Jacksonville, FL. As crew decided that on the sun set Friday Nov. Sunday they would sail 19, Skipper Brian with four, a decision “Quitpinchin” Malone, also in line with the tactician John “Flip weather, as the winds Rigsby” House, Trimmer for Sunday were to be Danny “AST69” Wiedenextremely light and hoft, and Pit/Foredeck fluky.

Colin “C-Unit” Ranney After a good started to proclaim night’s rest, some lovetheir presence at the ly food from Denny’s, a J/24 regatta. “Halyards little jackassery, and are up” announced the some porn for C-Unit, unfurling of the huge the crew headed to the Sailing Anarchy battle boat to prepare for the flag as the team quickly displayed their col- Jason Smith, Colin Ranney, Danny Wiedenhoft, John House, and Brian Malone last day of racing. After ors even before the prepare for the King’s Day Regatta in Jacksonville, FL. Photo taken by Katie Ross. some light-air practice, A-Unit was joined by mast was completely the other boats in the fleet. After the first race was abanstable. Various sailors and teams circulated around the doned due to the windward mark breaking free just as they decked-out A-Unit in complete amazement and asked many rounded it in the top five, the second race proved extremely questions of the coordinated crew. rewarding with A-Unit garnering a fourth place and feeling The two-day regatta in Jacksonville drew 21 J/24s from quite happy with its shake-down regatta. In fact, Robby around the East Coast to compete in four races, with team Brown, Skipper of Preparation J, commented, “The Anarchy A-Unit making a distinct impression on and off the raceboys sailed a very good regatta and made quite an imprescourse. “They definitely are a gritty bunch of hard-core FEBRUARY

Race Report

All Flow, No Blow at the King’s Day Regatta, Jacksonville FL, Nov. 19

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST sion with their Anarchy presence.” A very angry Kat joined the team to break down the boat, as her race was cancelled in St. Petersburg due to lack of wind.

As the regatta ended with awards and drinks, other anarchists and soon-to-be anarchists discussed the events of the previous days. The crew from Short Bus was quite proud of its theft of A-Unit’s placebo flag, and they were even happier when they attempted to return it and received SA TShirts instead, proving that anarchy will be rewarded.

The team expresses thanks to Sailing Anarchy, Sailing Pro Shop, and UK Sailmakers Gulfcoast for their support and encouragement.

Results (place, boat, total pts.): 1, Team Tarheel, 6; 2, No Justice, 10; 3, Majic, 14; 4, Control Freak, 16; 5, Haleys Comet, 20; 6, Jiz, 23; 7, Wild Card, 23; 8, Preparation J,23; 9, A Unit, 28; 10, Airodoodle, 31; 11, 2504, 32; 12, Mischief, 34; 13, Sightseeing, 36; 14, Dr. Feelgood, 41; 15, Just Barely, 43; 16, Clear Air, 48; 17, Rush, 49; 18, Short Bus, 51; 19, Thin Ice, 54; 20, Gizmo, 57; 21, Breezin, 58.

Snipe North American Championship, Florida Yacht Club, Jacksonville, FL, Oct. 15-17

By Hal Gilreath

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t was windy … and it wasn’t. That sums up the conditions at this year’s North American Championship held in Jacksonville, FL. The beautiful Florida Yacht Club was the venue for the event. Reeling from damage caused by Hurricane Jeanne, the club was concerned about whether it could handle the event. The answer was a resounding yes. The club and regatta officials pulled it together to host a first-class, memorable long weekend for the 48 teams who made the trip.

Hot and humid weather gave way to an approaching front Thursday night, leaving some to wonder where the Florida weather had gone. Friday dawned to predictions of winds from 25-40 knots. After the rain showers swept through, the day cleared quickly and the breeze picked up.

Fortunately for all, it settled in at 15 to 20, which made for delightful, if exhausting sailing.

The race committee ran three excellent races that day: one Olympic and two double triangles.

Friday night, the fleet gathered around for a cool weather cookout followed by a good night’s sleep for our aching bodies.

Most were delighted to wake up Saturday to a cloudless day with medium breeze. A cool morning warmed quickly, but the breeze stayed in the 5-10 range all day.

Again, the race committee ran 3 races in shifty conditions.

The three windward-leeward courses enabled everyone to win (and lose) big in the tactical conditions.

Saturday night, FYC hosted a low-country boil feast, with music and a video of the two days of sailing as entertainment. The dinner finished off with make-your-own sundaes and a more energetic crowd ready to see the sights.

Several of the group were treated to a river cruise by Steve Suddath, giving them the chance to see downtown at night and choose their seats for the Superbowl.

Sunday morning, the wind finally breathed its last. The race committee brought the fleet out in hopes of enough breeze to get in a race, but by 11 a.m., it was clearly not going to be. The fleet headed in to unrig, finish off some of

Local News For Southern Sailors

the beer provided by Miller and attend the trophy presentation before heading home.

Augie Diaz, with crew Lisa Griffith, came away with the top honors, followed by Hal Gilreath with James Liebl. Since both Augie and Hal had previously qualified for the Worlds in Japan, third-place finishers Henry Filter and Lorie Stout and fourth-place finishers Peter Commette and Sheehan Commette earned the honor of qualifying.

Many thinks to all who helped out, and we look forward to your return to Jax soon.

Results of Top 20 out of 45 (place, crew, pts. – six races, total pts.): 1, Augie Diaz & Lisa Griffith, -12, 0.75, 4, 4, 2, 2, 12.75; 2, Hal Gilreath & James Liebl, 3, 6, 2, 0.75, 8, -10, 19.75; 3, Henry Filter & Lorie Stout, 6, 2, 3, 10, 6, 7, 24; 4, Peter Commette & Shehan Commette, 2, 7, 0.75, 5, 12, -28, 26.75; 5, Mike Blackwood & Patty Mueller, 14, 8, -15, 7, 0.75, 0.75, 30.5; 6, Ernesto Rodriquez & Enrique Quintero, 4, 3, 10, 18, -21, 18, 53; 7, Brad Funk & Lynn Fitzpatrick, 5, 9, 6, -25, 20, 20, 60; 8, Steve Burke & Nancy Gilreath, 9, 15, 18, -33, 4, 17, 63; 9, Steve Suddath & Stephanie Gibbins, 15, 11, 5, 24, -39, 13, 68; 10, Micheal Lenkeit & Barb Evans, 11, 12, 20, 17, -28, 9, 69; 11, Tod Sackett & Mandy Sackett, -32, 22, 14, 3, 26, 5, 70; 12, Andrew Pimental & Julia Langford, 7, 4, 12, 26, 22, -37, 71; 13, Mike Mergenthaler & Christi Stroud, 17, 10, -29, 19, 7, 23, 76; 14, Jerry Thompson & Allen Capelin, 24, 16, 11, 6, -38, 25, 82; 15, Gonzo Diaz & John Kehoe, 8, 19, 9, 28, -30, 19, 83; 16, Bill Schoenberg, -41, 18, 31\DNF, 8, 19, 8, 84; 17, Shawn Burke & Joyce Harvey, 18, 23, (30\ZFP), 15, 13, 16, 85; 18, Lisa Pline & Alex Pline, 13, 13, 17, 13, -37, 29, 85; 19, Lee Griffith & Andrea Griffith, 21, 17, 13, 14, -33, 21, 86; 20, Rob Hallawell & Cameron Biehl, 19, 5, 16\ZFP, (48\OCS), 3, 44\DNF, 87;

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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Southeastern Florida January Weather Racing Calendar WATER TEMPERATURE Miami - 71° Race Report GULFSTREAM CURRENT 1.5 knots

January Prevailing Winds See page 81 for Windrose legend

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Miami Beach 63° lo - 73° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

West Palm Beach

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Fort Lauderdale Miami

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS Quarter-Mile of Temporary Floating Docks to be Built for the Stuart Boat Show, Feb 17-21

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ecause hurricanes destroyed almost every boat dock in Martin County, the producers of the annual Stuart Boat Show, AllSports Productions, will be building a quartermile of temporary floating docks so the show may go on.

The show, held for the last 30 years, is usually based at Northside Marina in Stuart, whose docks were wiped out by the two hurricanes in September. Since the boat show producers knew the docks would not be rebuilt till months after the show, they started building temporary docks last October in Miami. The docks will be transported to Stuart where foam will be attached and then put in place at Northside Marina in early January after the old damaged docks are removed.

The temporary docks won’t hold as many boats as the previous marina, and land space is more limited this year because of washed-out shoreline from the storms, but the show will still have about 400 boats on display. Even before the storms, there was a demand for more space from exhibitors.

The boat show is scheduled for Jan. 14-16. Allsports Productions. (305) 864-7333

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

JANUARY JANUARY 2 8

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2-5 4-11 5-6 12 13 12 - 13 19 23 - 26 26 27

Etchells Mid Winters – Jaguar Cup Series. BBYC. www.expage.com/BiscayneBay Third and final part of the Annual Jaguar Cup Series.

Pineapple Cup. LYC. www.lwyc.org Commodore Rasco Snipe Regatta. CGSC. www.cgsc.org BBYRA One Design #2. BBYC – Second race of the BBYRA Series1 regattas for one-design registered classes. Start time 1130 hrs. www.expage.com/BiscayneBay BBYRA PHRF #2. CGSC – Second race of the BBYRA Series 1 regattas. For registered PHRF & ARC classes.

Start time 1130 hrs. www.cgsc.org Masters Regatta – Stars. CRYC Annual regatta brings the best in Star Class. www.coralreefyachtclub.org Nielsen, Virgin & Hughes Cup Womens Regatta.

CRYC. www.coralreefyachtclub.org J22 Mid Winters. Shake-A-Leg. www.bbyra.net BBYRA One Design #3. MYC Annual Regatta. Third race of the BBYRA Series 1 regattas. Start time 1130 hrs.

Open to all one- design boats. www.miamiyachtclub.net BBYRA PHRF #3. MYC Annual Regatta. – Third race of the BBYRA Series1 regattas for PHRF & ARC classes.

Start time 1130 hrs. Open to all boats with a PHRF certificate. www.miamiyachtclub.net

RACE REPORT Southeast Florida Championship Regatta, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Miami, FL, Nov. 20-21

By Art Perez

Cruising Orange Bowl Fun Regatta. CRYC BBYRA Annual Meeting & Registration. KBYC – Annual Award presentations for ’04 Series Overall Winner and registration for ’05. PHRF Certificate required. 7 p.m.

January 2005

Bob Levin Memorial Stars. CRYC BBYRA PHRF #1. CGSC – Start of the Series 1 racing for PHRF & ARC classes. 11:30 a.m.

12-14 Ft. Lauderdale to Key West. LYC – Feeder race for Key West race week, organized by Premier Racing.

15 BBYRA One Design #1. MYC – One design racing for Etchell, flying Scot and Lightning, Snipes classes. 11:30 a.m.

22-23 Biscayne Trophy Stars 24-28 Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta.

USSA,CGSC,CRYC,KBYC & MYC 29-30 FSA Championship Etchells. BBYC – Florida State championship regatta, prelude to the Jaguar Cup Series.

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he Southeast Florida PHRF Championship Regatta once again is enjoying the huge success of the past. In its third year after its revival in 2002, the two-day regatta not only www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST

PHRF2 first place winner. Photo by Art Perez. attracts the best of the local racing scene but also a solid group of out-of-town competition. Sailors as far away as Fort Walton Beach came to Miami this year to race.

The Championship intrinsically bestows the winner bragging rights and the “Top Dog” honor for the year, which makes for some very competitive sailing.

This year’s race distinguished itself by the excellent performance put in by the members of the CGSC race committee, which excelled in more ways than one. Not only was the regatta managed in a timely fashion, in addition, the courses were a mix of windward-leeward and Olympic Triangles with 1.75-mile beats, offering the competitors ample opportunity to exercise their sailing skills.

The weather, a crucial ingredient of a regatta, didn’t let anyone down. Winds oscillated between 8-10 knots on Saturday, while Sunday’s race started with a light 5-knot breeze peaking at 8 knots during most of the day.

For the second year in a row all eyes were on the PHRF 1 and 2 fleets. Could the PHRF 1 fleet avenge the loss of last year’s overall trophy to the PHRF 2 fleet winner Tiburon?

Would Tiburon repeat last year’s dominance? These questions were promptly answered by the end of the first day of racing, which saw an invigorated PHRF 1 fleet, 11-boat strong, put in a brilliant performance, outdistancing their counterpart PHRF 2 fleet with some of the most fierce racing seen in quite some time, with a collision or two along the way. At the end of the day, Chris Woolsey’s Mostly Harmless stood poised to win it all after an impressive 1-2 finish. Unfortunately, Sunday’s race saw a collapse of its dominance with an eighth-place finish, paving the way for Stuart Hebb, piloting Thin Ice, to finish with top honors.

Although the PHRF 2 wasn’t as populated, the competition was even throughout, resembling more one-design racing. Three boats were in contention for first place after the first day of racing. With the outcome of the regatta hinging on the results of the last race, the intensity among the competition was running high. In spite of a valiant effort by Tiburon with a first-place finish on the final day, Craig Setzer sailing Mistral pulled off the upset by finishing a close second, winning the championship by a margin of one point with finishes of 3-1-2.

Competition in the J/24 and PHRF 3 fleet were also close, with no clear winner until the last day of racing.

Afterwards, Dave Kurtz, president of SEF PHRF, preSee SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING continued on page 81 Local News For Southern Sailors

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F LORIDA KEYS SAILING Key Largo Cape Sable

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

Marathon Dry Tortugas Key West

Florida Keys January Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Key West 65° lo - 79° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES Key West 69° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS FEBRUARY 5-6 Islamorada. Holiday Isle Sweethearts Arts and Crafts Festival offers original island color and culture. 664-2321.

11-13 Key West. Heritage Festival. Island history comes alive with Civil War re-enactments and historic tours of Fort Zachary Taylor. 292-6850.

12-13 Marathon. 11th Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival.

Rich with culture and history, this tiny tropical island comes alive with color and fine art under the old Seven Mile Bridge. 743-5176.

26-27 Key West. 40th Old Island Days Arts Festival.

Beauty and fine art delight the senses in the charming and historic setting of Key West’s Old Town.

294-0431.

Main Ship Channel Dredging Near Key West Continues

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redging in the main ship channel near Key West continues. Boaters take note that the tugs and barges operate day and night, traveling through the harbor and moving spoils to the west shore of Fleming Key. A no-anchoring zone has been established near this area to allow the barge to maneuver. On Nov. 5th, a tug engaged in the dredging procedure was heading out of the harbor and collided with docked cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas just before 8:00 a.m. The resulting six-foot-long gash was above the waterline. The cause of the collision was not known, and there were no injuries.

Malabar X, 54-Foot Schooner, Available For Charter In Key West

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eneca Daysails. Malabar X, a John Alden design, is a gorgeous 54-foot racing/cruising schooner now available to

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January Prevailing Winds See page 81 for Windrose legend

take you out on a salty date. Originally built in 1930, and victorious in both the 1930 and 1932 Bermuda Race, this vessel is the epitome of the fine wooden racing/cruising schooners designed by John Alden.

Enjoy delightful morning, afternoon or sunset cruises in balmy tropical air over turquoise blue waters. Malabar X departs from Glen Harbor Park fishing pier, Watkins Glen or slip #61 Marathon Marina, ocean side. Prices range from $30-$40 per passenger. www.senecadaysails.com or (607) 535-LAKE.

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

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

JANUARY 17-21

Key West 2005 week of racing last year brought thousands of sailors and crowds of boats from Maxis to Melges 24s. A massive party tent entertains visitors and sailors, while each day’s winners are celebrated in Key West’s historic seaport.

Live, uncensored and only in the Keys!

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his month’s Key West 2005 is a world-class event attracting about 3000 sailors and boats of all kinds. With hot sailboats, strong winter winds, tropical ambiance and plenty of party action, what more does a sailor need? Take a sail on the wild side and join the action in and around Key West’s Historic Seaport.

By early December there were already 31 J/105s on the entry list for Key West 2005 presented by Nautica, and 40 are expected. Also, there are now 42 Melges 24s from coast to coast and seven countries entered, matching the current number of PHRF entries. There will be lots more before the deadline. Luna Rossa helmsman James Spithill will be there www.southwindssailing.com

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING

Mike Phillips and crew Joe Green on a Marstrom 20 in the Steeplechase Race. Photo by Rick White of Catamaran Sailor Magazine.

sailing a Melges 24 with Jonathan McKee. “It is my first time in (a Melges 24),” said McKee, who owns Olympic bronze and silver medals. This is not official Luna Rossa business, just a fun event for us. Having said that, we are sailing with mostly Luna Rossa guys, including (brother) Charlie McKee and Manuel Modena, but also a young kid from Miami who sails Optimist.”

The entry list currently shows boats from two dozen countries and five of the seven continents. Many of those will figure in the intense competition among teams for the International Team Trophy. Peter De Ridder’s Mean Machine from Monaco won the Farr 40 class last January as part of the Europe B team that wrested the title from Italy’s multiyear dominance.

For more info. check out www.premiere-racing.com.

Jason Chiles were doing well, but broke a tiller on their boat just five miles from the finish line. They had to retire from the race.

The winner was Lars Guck of Providence, RI, who is the next to highest ranked sailor on the USA Olympic Team.

See FLORIDA KEYS SAILING continued on page 81

FEBRUARY 6

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

Race Report Key Largo Steeplechase Race was Fast and Furious

By Rick White

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he Annual Key Largo Steeplechase, a 110-mile trek for catamaran sailboats around Key Largo and the Matecumbe Islands, was held 11-12. There were 45 highspeed, world-class beach catamaran sailors competing from all around North America. The winner finished the race in just nine hours and 10 minutes.

Sailors from the Florida Keys included Joe Green, who sailed to fifth place. Dave White and Leah Soares placed 10th against some of the best in the world. Curt Johnson and

Local News For Southern Sailors

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING

LOUSIANA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

TEXAS

Pensacola

Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS 7th Annual Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport & RV Show (Jan 7-9). Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. Houma, LA. (337) 436-4355.

2005 Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show.

Jan 7-16. Reliant Center. Houston, TX. A 10-day show with sailboats, powerboats, and RVs. Acres of exhibitors.

Jan. 7, 5-10 pm. Jan. 8, 10-9 pm. Jan 9. 12-9 pm. Jan. 10-15, 109pm. Jan. 16, 12-6 pm. Adults $7. Children under 12, $3. www.houstonboatshows.com.

FLORIDA

NORTHERN GULF

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Northern Gulf January Weather

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

Mobile

Gulfport New Orleans

WATER TEMPERATURE - 58° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Pensacola, FL 43° lo - 61° hi Gulfport, MS 43° lo - 61° hi For Northern Gulf Weather go to: www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

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January Prevailing Winds See page 81 for Windrose legend

have been re-sunk, docks are being re-built and area marinas are starting to see more activity. The channel markers that guide travelers through the inter-coastal waterways are being measured and verified for accuracy by members of the Coast Guard as well as other area surveyors. Overall, the Gulf Coast is upgrading and preparing for another season of sailing and boating activity….Hurricane Ivan can’t bring us down. We might have been hurt but this is still paradise to those who live along the Gulf Coast.

Pensacola Yacht Club Hosts Florida Council of Yacht Clubs General Membership Meeting

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Bob Dean (left) and Joy Kaminski (right) discuss the damages caused by Hurricane Ivan at the Pensacola Yacht Club. Dredging, re-sinking of pilings and construction of the dock slips are some of the activities that will be going on in several locations. Photo by Kim Kaminski

n January 7-8, the Pensacola Yacht Club in Pensacola, FL, will host the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC) General Membership Meeting. The FCYC was established in 1960 by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club where the creation of a body of legislative representatives was formed to encourage the sport of yachting and general club activities, to promote safety afloat, to encourage reciprocity between qualified yacht clubs and to promote and support beneficial legislation for the boating community.

The FCYC continues today to be at the forefront in its dedication to promote fair boating laws and safer waterways for the boating public.

Considering the effects of the 2004 hurricane season on the

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Northern Gulf Sailing: Hurricane Recovery Continues

By Kim Kaminski

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he recovery efforts have been in full force since the ravages of Hurricane Ivan were felt along the area over three months ago. Pilings

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING state of Florida, this council will be providing a valuable voice to any new legislation created due to results of Bonnie, Charley, Frances, and Ivan.

Gulf Yachting Association Holds Winter Meeting in Pascagoula, MS

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n January 8-9, the members of the Gulf Yachting Association (GYA) will meet for their annual winter meeting in Pascagoula, MS. Representatives from the 33 member clubs will not only be electing new officers to take the helm for 2005, but also have the chance to set up the racing calendar in the Southeastern area for the upcoming year, review the new 2005-2008 Racing Rules of Sailing with Dick Rose (a US Sailing Racing Rules committee member) as well as attend various one-design, off-shore and idea meetings and workshops for the upcoming year.

Louisiana Sailor Brings Hurricane Donations to Florida Sailors

By Julie B. Connerley

T

he camaraderie among sailors everywhere is common knowledge. The stories about kindnesses of strangers during the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan are becoming common knowledge, also.

This is a story of one sailor who fell in love with Pensacola Beach and wanted to personally help some fellow sailors who suffered losses from the storm.

Local News For Southern Sailors

Her name is Jacque Jenkins and she lives in Slidell, LA. “I first sailed in Pensacola Bay this past summer as a crew member on one of three Wavelength 24s from the New Orleans area,” began Jacque.

Immediately after Hurricane Ivan wreaked havoc along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jacque sprang into Louisiana sailor, Jacque Jenkins, organaction.

“If it was the ized a hurricane relief effort for Florida other way around, I sailors after Hurricane Ivan devastated would want people the Gulf Coast. Courtesy photo. to help me, too. I know how I would feel,” she said.

As the captain of the “Mona Lisa and Moon Pies Krewe,” which participate in Slidell’s Mardi Gras Walking Carnival every year, Jacque gathered her forces to coordinate a hurricane relief event for the Pensacola area.

She arranged for publicity in the local newspaper and some radio spots asking folks to bring non-perishable goods to the parking lot between Copeland’s and Not Just Donuts on Gause Boulevard in Slidell. The event was held Sunday, Sept. 26.

“My very first donation that morning was from an eld-

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING erly woman who went out and bought six brand-new sleeping bags. Slidell just has a big heart. The people here are just so nice, I knew it would be a success.”

Unfortunately, Jacque’s efforts weren’t all smooth sailing. First, her arrangements for a Red Cross truck to deliver the items collected fell through.

“I ended up hiring a truck and driver. We arrived in Pensacola around 8:30 p.m. that evening.”

Jacque had contacted the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club about her plans to provide relief to area sailors. With just a few hours’ notice, PBYC’s vice commodore, Rick Zern, arranged to meet Jacque at his Murray Yacht Sales office in Pensacola on Barrancas Avenue.

Hampered by the loss of communications throughout the two-county area, Zern’s efforts to find club members who could help unload the truck on Sunday evening were unsuccessful—another setback.

He, Jacque, and the truck driver began the arduous task themselves. Their luck changed when some neighborhood kids strolled by and agreed to help unload the donated items.

After Jacque returned to Slidell, Rick Zern coordinated

the project locally.

“I hired two ladies to organize the many, many items, and to hand out donations at my office during the next two weeks,” he said.

Like all businesses in the area, Murray Yacht Sales had no power, but the women were there every day to assist those in need.

“It was truly amazing how much was donated,” Zern continued. “It was a crisis that became an opportunity for those who cared to share with those who lost so much.”

Sailing memories and friendships formed are the wind in the sails for people like Jacque Jenkins, who showed her appreciation for this beautiful area by assisting with hurricane relief efforts. And for that, Pensacola’s sailing community and donation recipients are grateful.

RACING Pensacola Yacht Club Championship – Pensacola Yacht Club

By Kim Kaminski

The traditional year-end championship regatta held in November by the Pensacola Yacht Club (PYC) had a slightly different result this year than in years past.

Hurricane Ivan hit the Pensacola area on September 16, and many of the boats in the racing fleet were damaged from the storm (approximately 70 to 80 percent). It wasn’t easy finding boats to compete.

A small handful of competitors were found among the ruins of boat pieces and parts. Determined not to let Ivan get them down, these sailors persuaded the race committee that a competition could be held.

Instead of two weekends, the race committee decided to have only one weekend of sailing competition.

Two windward-leeward races were held on Saturday and one on Sunday. The small fleet of four spinnaker boats journeyed out on the foggy and misty racecourse. One race competitor—Betty Timms (who lost her home in the recent storm but The Pensacola Yacht Club Race Committee improvised racing equipment during this year’s Club Championship. Borrowing what equipment they could find still managed to come out and sail)—compared the (including borrowing a boat) helped to keep the traditional race going after weekend of racing to a very awkward feeling. She said, “It was almost like doing something too soon Hurricane Ivan. Photo by Kim Kaminski after a funeral…so many people lost their boats, homes and businesses that you felt kind of awkward out on a racecourse with so many of your friends not present.”

The skippers and crews of Roka Dobi, Pretty Women, Antares and Recess weathered the winds of Ivan to compete in the Championship and gave their all to keep the racing efforts going despite the loss of the club’s race committee boat Maxine and the committee’s race equipment.

Substituting and borrowing items where they could, the races were held.

Racing may not be quite the same as in years past, but as new sailboats enter the scene, who knows what next year’s Pensacola Yacht Club Championship Regatta might be like…perhaps it will be the start of a new racing era.

Results (place, boat, skipper, total pts.)

1 - Roka Dobi, Ron Bray; 2 - Pretty Women, George Gamble; 3 – Antares, Dave Hoffman; 4 – Recess, Jim Oyler.

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www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING

Sail What You Got Left Regatta, Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Nov. 27 Bad Weather And Good Times For Sailors

By Julie B. Connerley

maintained a lead to finish first. The regatta around Pensacola Bay marks was good practice for Gamble’s crew, who will be heading to Key West in January to compete in the annual Key West Race Week.

Rick Zern, PBYC’s past commodore, who owns a rigging business, is Gamble’s helmsman for Key West. Local sailmaker Hunter Riddle of Schurr Sails will serve as tactician.

Although the day started out badly, it ended in typical good spirits around the bar at Pensacola Beach Yacht Club members gathered to support the the beach yacht club. first Sail What You Got Left Regatta November 27, in memory From all accounts, of Hurricane Ivan, which destroyed the Pensacola area’s racing Saturday’s Sail What You Got fleet. Julie Connerley photo Left Regatta proved the adage that a bad day on the water IS better than a good day at work.

Weather Too Rough to Launch the Committee Boat However, Mother Nature took another swing at the area.

Dark gray clouds greeted early risers, and by the time most crews would be leaving the docks, the skies had opened up like a broken water main.

Most skippers and/or their crews, bailed out. Even the race committee had their problems.

PBYC member Paul Robbins had volunteered his powerboat to start and finish the race. The weather was so bad he could not launch it from Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze. Instead, the race committee extended an imaginary start line from the boat ramp across the Intracoastal to some condominiums on Pensacola Beach.

Meanwhile, Ronald Bray and his crew aboard Roka Dobi, had to leave their dock in Bayou Chico at the height of the windy rainstorm in order to get to the start line in time.

“We clocked some wind gusts at upwards of 40 knots,” Bray said. “It was difficult to tell the difference between salt spray over the bow and the rain itself.”

By the time the clouds parted, only two boats had made it to the starting line.

As one longtime local sailor is fond of saying, “Anytime you have two boats on the water, it’s a race!” So they did.

When asked why he braved the elements to compete in a no-fee regatta, he laughed, “Somebody had to do it.”

The regatta’s other competitor was George Gamble and his crew aboard Pretty Woman, a Beneteau 47.5. “Saturday’s weather was as good as it gets in England any day,” Gamble reported.

As usual after a rainstorm, the winds died. Midway through the 17.5-mile racecourse, crews ditched their foul weather gear and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon.

Pretty Woman handled the rough weather easily and

S

omebody once said, “A bad day on the water is better than a good day at work.” And so it was for the hearty souls who braved high wind gusts and pounding rain to compete in Pensacola Beach Yacht Club’s final race of 2004.

After Hurricane Ivan destroyed 70 percent of the area’s racing fleet, Pensacola Beach Yacht Club rallied to jumpstart some friendly competition by hosting the first Sail What You Got left Regatta Saturday, Nov. 27.

In lieu of registration fees, club members donated almost $600 to replace race committee equipment destroyed or lost during Ivan.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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WEST FLORIDA COAST Cedar Key

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

West Florida January Weather St. Petersburg

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 54° lo - 69° hi Naples 53° lo - 75° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 62° Naples 66° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

Tampa

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January Prevailing Winds See page 81 for Windrose legend

Fort Myers Naples

2

Cape Sable Key West

UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS Safe Boating Course. Jan. 17—Feb. 28. Mondays 7-9 p.m.

The St Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Sailing Center on Demens Landing, St. Petersburg. The course covers all safety topics plus aids to navigation, charts and basic piloting. For information and pre-registration call (727) 565-4453.

Nominal charge for text, chart and course materials. Meets Florida’s mandatory education requirement for vessel operators under age 21. Jesse Marsano.

Jmarsan1@tampabay.rr.com.

Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs. Each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg.

Ppresented by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 72.

Call (727) 823-3753 for information on this and other Safe Boating programs. Completion satisfies the State of Florida boater safety education requirements. The continuous rotating program has 11 lessons. One lesson is presented each Tuesday night. Lessons include: Which Boat For you, Equipment, Trailering, Lines and Knots, Boat Handling, Signs, Weather, Rules, Introduction to Navigation, Inland Boating and Radio.

Miami Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami. Feb. 17-21.

Strictly Sail is at the Miamarina at Bayside in Miami. www.strictlysail.com.

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Charlotte County Waterways Get Hurricane Debris Cleaned Up for Boaters, but “Proceed at Your Own Risk”

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ight after Hurricane Charley struck Charlotte Harbor in August, three barges began to pick up the debris which made safe navigation a challenge for boaters in the area’s waterways. As they finished up in November, the boating life there is getting back to normal.

Still, boaters should be cautious traversing these waters.

For powerboaters, who have a tendency to travel at higher speeds, damage could be dangerous for both the boat and the passengers. Hitting a log which is till floating just beneath the surface—undetectable to the naked eye— could be a real collision at 20-30 knots. For sailors, who travel more slowly but whose boats generally have deeper drafts, caution should be the word as sunken items that shallow-draft boats pass over could be more easily hit.

Nevertheless, many areas are getting cleaned up and boaters are less fearful of hitting the debris that Hurricane Charley spread throughout the area. Everything, including twisted aluminum girders from screened-in porches, timbers from docks, sunken boats, trees, and whatever else one can imagine—including entire roof structures—was scattered by the storm. Running along at high speed and hitting one of these items would be taking your life into your own hands.

www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING It is estimated that it will be many months, if not a year or more, before boaters can safely traverse the waterways with the same confidence as before the storm. The federal government is giving Charlotte County $8.1-million to clean up canals and drainage ditches. It is estimated that the job will take six months, beginning, hopefully, in January. It is still in doubt when the waterways outside the county will be cleaned up—and who will pay for it.

Many private boaters continue to call up and complain about why debris is not yet picked up—others clean it up themselves. Notifying the Coast Guard of major obstructions would be helpful. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is already playing an important role in cruising the waters looking for navigation aids and debris.

Another problem is missing, damaged, or destroyed aids to navigation. The Coast Guard has repaired more than 100, but still others are found, or not found, to be in need of repair or replacement.

These problems, along with shifting sandbars and channels, have prompted public officials to caution boaters to proceed with extreme caution, go slowly and keep a lookout. Sometimes, what appears to be a stick is a limb from a partially submerged log.

Bayfield Rendezvous, Seafood Shack Marina, Cortez, FL Dec. 3-5

By Jim Tillges

Tampa Bay Sailing Center Changes for Kids

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he St. Petersburg Sailing Center has since 1977 been a great place for kids to learn how to sail in the summer. From the early 1990s it was also a training site for kids racing on Optimist Dinghies and Club 420s.

It was not necessary for a child or his parents to belong to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club to be on the racing team, even though the club paid all expenses. However, coaching has become very expensive. A veritable bidding war developed among clubs for the best coaches. The SPSC racing program became significantly more expensive than Sailing Center operations.

Last fall, the St. Pete Yacht Club decided, because of these mounting costs, that it is no longer possible for children whose parents are not members of the yacht club to be on the racing team.

The summer learn-to-sail program is unchanged and still open to kids who are members of the Sailing Center, as is the free-sailing of sailing center boats by sailing center members.

One area program available for kids is at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, which is working toward re-establishing a community kids racing program. Al Humphers is in charge.

Clearwater Yacht Club s program accepts non-member kids. Ask for David Billings. Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa also accepts non-yacht club members.

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he Bayfield owners held a rendezvous December 3-5 at the Seafood Shack Marina in Cortez, FL. They had 10 boats in the water, with two 25-foot boats trailered in from Ontario, Canada, and North Carolina. The remainder of the fleet included several 29s, 32s and a pair of 40-footers.

There is a lot of pride in the Bayfield fleet, as is evident by the high standard of upkeep and maintenance these boats exhibited. On December 4, the fleet paraded out Longboat Pass, just in time for the cold front to hit, with 1618 knots and gusts to 22 out of the north. This was “Bayfield Weather,” just what designer H. Ted Gozzard had in mind when he designed these full-keeled cruising boats. In addition to the 10 boats present, we had five that are still on the hard due to damage from Charley. We hope to have all of them with us when we sail to the Dry Tortugas in April 2005. If you are a Bayfield owner or are interested in the Bayfield, let Jim Tillges know, and he will add you to their e-mail list. jatillges@earthlink.net.

Island Packet Receives Boating Award

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sland Packet Yachts, with offices and manufacturing in Largo, FL, has been recognized as the only builder this year to earn a CSI Award for excellence in customer satisfaction in the Inboard Sailboats category. The National Marine Manufacturers Association presented the award in Miami.

Island Packet builds four quality sailboat models ranging from 37 to 52 feet. While not designed as a race boat, the 2004 St. Petersburg to Mexico race saw Island Packet 42 boats win both Non-Spinnaker and True Cruising Class-2.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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

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

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

SAILBOAT SERVICES AND REPAIRS

Masthead Used Sails………..(800) 783-6953 www.mastheadsailinggear.com Largest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361 SARASOTA PORPOISE SAILING SERVICES • New and Used Sails • Buy • Sell • Trade • Furling Packages • Discount Sunbrella (941) 758-2822 www.porpoisesailing.com

ELLIE’S SAILING SHOP Clearwater Lifelines, rigging, hardware, repairs Serving small boat sailors Since 1958 Sunfish Boats and Parts...........(727) 442-3281

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

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

SAILING INSTRUCTION/SCHOOLS

MARINE SURVEYING

Adventure Cruising & Sailing School A sailing school for Women and Couples • ASA • West Florida and Chesapeake www.acss.bz............................(727) 204-8850 FLAGSHIP SAILING/TAMPA BAY AREA ASA Sailing Instruction – Basic thru Advanced Instructor Certification • Sailing Club Bareboat & Captained Charters www.flagshipsailing.com.......(727) 942-8958 YACHTING VACATIONS SW FLORIDA Live-aboard/non-live-aboard ASA instruction www.yachtingvacations.com (800) 447-0080

UNDERWATER SERVICES

Towne Yacht Surveys Member ABYC, SAMS John M. Towne, AMS Jim Towne (813) 645-4896 townesurvey@gbronline.com 66

December 2004

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

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

(727) 327-2628 www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Sailability, Making a Difference

By George Regenauer

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hen it comes to sailing, Sailability Greater Tampa Bay is making a difference for people with disabilities. Founder and Vice President Alder Allensworth says, “We teach people to captain their own boat; We do not give boat rides.”

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay was the first organization to train people with disabilities for the Special Olympics sailing and racing teams. Alder and her dedicated volunteer staff are celebrating their third year of operation.

Last year, Sailability experienced its first Special Olympic State Championship at Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key. CCSC is designated as the official training site for the Special Olympics sailing events. Three classes a year and a monthly “Community Sail” keep the participants trained and in shape to compete in the Special Olympics events.

Sailability is a non-profit 501C3 organization, which relies on generous donations of time and funding from individuals and businesses to keep equipment and boats in perfect working condition and to sponsor events throughout the state.

Alder has 15 regular volunteers who train the participants for the sailing events. The men and women who make up the volunteer team donate many hours to ensure the quality and success of the training and smooth operation during events. During the Special Olympics events, as many as 50 volunteers muster for the occasion, ensuring everything goes well and safely.

Access Dinghy Regatta in Naples November and cooler temperatures will usher in the Access Dinghy Regatta being held this year in Naples. The 40-plus registered participants from Miami, Naples and Tampa Bay will be competing for top honors. No matter who crosses the finish line first, everyone racing is a winner. US Sailing rules are studied during the class sessions and are utilized

Local News For Southern Sailors

during all race events.

The equipment used by Sailability is specialized gear required for many of the disabled participants. A portable hoist is used from the dock to assist individuals into and out of boats.

The Australian-made Access Dinghies used by Sailability, are specially designed not to capsize adding to the safety and providing a sense of security for the crews.

The Sailability concept was adopted and expanded by the Access Dinghy Foundation, an Australian boat manufacturer, whose mission is “to make sailing accessible to everyone.” Sailability is a worldwide program with locations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Japan, United States and Canada. Sailability Greater Tampa Bay offers support to other groups around Florida who want to begin programs in their own areas.

Groups interested in beginning a Sailability program should e-mail Alder at Sailabilitygtb@aol.com.

Volunteers Needed Sailability’s motto is “Sailing for people of all ages and all abilities.” It offers sailing instruction, therapy, rehabilitation and fun to people of all ages and abilities in the Tampa Bay community. As with any community program, volunteers are needed at Sailability. Volunteers are “wind” in its sails.

It needs help with instructors, fund-raising, administrative support and maintenance on boats and equipment. One goal, of many that reflect the direction of Sailability, is “to build a crew of sailors, skippers, captains, instructors, boat owners and sponsors so people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport of sailing.”

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay, for its work with people with disabilities, and to all the sailing organizations across

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Florida that sponsor its youth sailing programs, and senior citizen sailing events, a well earned thank you! The dedicated groups of sailors across the state have made the sport of sailing available to everyone.

For more information on Sailability Greater Tampa Bay and volunteer opportunities, call (727) 327-0137 or visit their Web site at www.sailability.org/us/florida.

canceled, postponed or locations changed, it is advisable to contact the organization beforehand.

JANUARY 05 1 1 6–9 8

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

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

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

Fort Myers Sunfish Races Changed in January In order to avoid conflicting with the Winter Regatta, the Fort Myers Sunfish races in January will be held on the 23rd, with a noon skipper meeting and one p.m. start, at the Edison Sailing Center, downtown. For more information contact John Kremski at (239) 425-6017 or www.johnkremski.com.

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

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

Races listed should be open to anyone. Since races are sometimes

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8–9 8–9 15 15 – 19 15 – 16 17 – 21 28 – 31

Hangover Race Hangover Race.

Dunedin Causeway, Catamarans SPYC Optimist Dinghy National Team Practice BYC Round the Bay. PHRF Bradenton, Egmont and Skyway course DIYC Commodore’s Cup. Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY PPYC Golden Conch Regatta. CHPHRF BOTY series SSS Snowbird Race. SBPHRF BOTY series SAISA Team Racing. Eckerd College campus SPYC Southeast Optimist Team Racing Championship Premiere Racing. Key West 2005 by Nautica week of racing www.premiere-racing.com SPYC Multi-class Invitational, Windmill Midwinters. Windmill, Snipe, Moth, Jet 14, F18HT, Flying Dutchman, Martin 16, 2.4 Meter, Ultimate 20, SR Max and others with 6 boats registered in advance.

SSS TBCS

FEBRUARY 05 4–5 5 5 5

National Wayfarer Regatta Gasparilla, PHRF Meet In The Middle Race, J-24 Around Egmont North or South. PHRF Reverse Handicap. SBPHRF BOTY 5–6 LESC Flying Scot Regatta 5–9 SPYC International Optimist Dinghy Clinic 11 – 13 SPYC Valentine’s Day Regatta and SE Team Race. Optimist Dinghy, 420 11 – 13 Venue TBD 505 Midwinter Championship. www.int505.org 12 SBYA/SSS Cherry Pie Race 12 – 13 TSS/TBYRA Gasparilla, women’s PHRF. BYRA BOTY 12 – 13 USFSC Mendelblatt Team Race Invitational @ USF 13 CortezYC Annual St. Valentines Day Massacre Race 14 – 16 SPYC Sonar Midwinter Championship 14 – 16 DIYC J-29 Midwinter Regatta 17 – 20 SPYC SAILING WORLD NOOD. (National Offshore One Design). Keelboats 20 – 30 feet 17 – 21 Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show, Miamarina. www.sailamerica.com 19 – 20 CYC Laser Master Midwinters 19 – 20 LESC George Washington Birthday Regatta.

All-class, dinghies, Cats, Windsurfers 19 – 20 TBCS President’s Day Regatta 19 – 20 CMCS Edison Gulf Regatta. SWFPHRF BOTY series 23 – 27 DIYC J-24 Midwinters 24 – 27 CYC Laser Midwinters East 26 BYC River Run. PHRF to Twin Dolphins and back 26 – 27 TSS 110 Class Midwinter Regatta 26 – 27 USFSC Old South Regatta @ U of Florida 27 – March 5 SPYC Thistle Midwinters LESC DIYC/TSS DIYC/SPYC BYC

www.southwindssailing.com

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

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

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

Race Report Sarasota High School Laser Sailor Tops In Nation

By Morgan Stinemetz

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hristopher Enger, a Sarasota High sophomore, is the top high school Laser sailor in the nation. Enger proved that

Local News For Southern Sailors

in Minnesota the middle of October when he won the National Single-handed High School Champion-ships on Lake Minnetonka. Enger and 15 others from around the country competed in the championship, sailed over two days in strikingly different conditions.

Enger, a rangy six-footer, who is 16 years old and weighs 175 pounds, most of which is muscle, had things his way on the first day of competition. He is, admittedly, a better Laser sailor in stronger winds than weaker winds, and Christopher Enger, winner the first day of racing, a of the Laser National Saturday, Minnesota was both Single-handed High cold and windy. While Enger School Championships. might have felt a bit out of Photo by Morgan sorts about the cold, the 17-30 Stinemetz. mph winds were right up his alley.

Wayzata Bay and the host sailing organization, Wayzata Yacht Club, are located on the east end of Lake Minnetonka, which is itself due west of downtown Minneapolis. For sailors who dream about the welcoming warm waters of Florida and live in a state where the water freezes up for a good part of the year, Lake Minnetonka is

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING where sailing happens.

Temperatures were just above freezing on the opening day of racing, Enger recalled. In fact, it was so cold at the start of racing that the numbers that were required to be affixed to the sails of the competing boats wouldn’t stay on.

After one race, the principal race officer sent the competitors back to shore so that numbers could be affixed to the sails. The sailors took a lunch break at the same time and then went back out to sail three more races. Enger, in his element in the hefty breezes, was picking up first- and secondplace finishes. In the middle of the afternoon, the sailors were sent ashore again, this time to warm up, and then they sailed three more races to finish the day. Enger stayed on top of the 16-boat fleet.

Sunday, the final day, had considerably lighter winds, in the 4- to 6-knot range. Enger said he also had to deal with frozen sheets on his boat in the morning. Putting sheets and halyards into a dryer after sailing is a discipline that Florida sailors just don’t understand.

The light air never got heavy, and Enger’s bold lead from the seven races the previous day was eroded in the only two races that were sailed on Sunday. After a postponement that turned into an abandonment, racing was called for the championship. Chris Enger had the Laser class by a margin of three points after a total of nine races.

Trains in Clearwater, FL Enger trains on the water in Clearwater once a week. “We do drills and practices then. We sail upwind, downwind and compete against each other. It requires trimming all the time,” he said. Off the water, he stays in shape physically—a necessary part of sailing a Laser, which is a very physical

boat—by lifting weights, running and doing abdominal exercises. His brain is already sharp. He has been an honor roll student at Sarasota High since he was a freshman last year.

Why does he do it? “I love the people who are into sailing,” he answered. “Sailing is a lot of fun. I have friends from all over the world, and I have always enjoyed the water. When I got to international events, I got to meet new people.”

Enger sailed in Brisbane, Australia, in the Laser Radial Worlds in 2003. He finished about midway in the Gold Fleet, which would have put him about in the top quarter of the entire 200-competitor roster. A Laser Radial, incidentally, is a lighter version of the Laser, usually sailed by kids transitioning out of Opti Prams before they are ready for the conventional Laser, which is also called a Full Rig Laser.

Enger’s win in October will get his name engraved on the Cressy Trophy, a trophy that resides at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Another Sarasota High student won the Cressy Trophy in 1987. His name is Alex Ascencios.

Sarasota area youths have brought sailing distinction to this area this year. In addition to Enger’s winning of the Interscholastic Sailing Association’s top award, Justin Doane and Zeke Horowitz were on the team that won the United States Opti Team Championship, and Charlotte Sims, Fred Strammer and Dalton Tebo won the Sears Cup, emblematic of US Sailing’s triple-handed youth championship.

Way to go, guys! You do us all proud.

J/24 Southeast Regional Championship, St. Petersburg, FL, Dec. 4-5

By Kat Robinson-Malone

T

he J/24 Southeast Regional Championship was held on Dec. 4-5 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Twenty-two boats with ports of call ranging from Dillon, CO, to Chicago, IL, competed with local contenders in the capricious conditions of Tampa Bay. The world-qualifying event for District 8 and 10, hosted by Fleet 169 and the SPYC, consisted of six completed races, one abandoned race, and in typical J/24 fashion, numerous starts.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, the conditions ranged from three knots at the beginning of the day to nearly 15 knots for the last race. A (Anarchy)-Unit skipper Brian Malone commented, “Day one was all about shifting gears and making the most of the evolving conditions and being able to get the most out of the boat as the wind picked up.” At the end of the day, USA 799, skippered by DIYC and Fleet 86 member Robby Brown, finished in first position with a fifth, a first, and a second. Team Tarheel, skippered by Fleet 55 member Peter Bream, finished in second place with a first, a fourth, and a fifth, the latter a result of a Z flag penalty. Fat Lady, skippered by Fleet 169 and SPYC member, David Mendelblatt, was positioned in third place with a second, an 18th, and a third.

On Sunday, the winds were lighter, and the conditions consistently challenged the skippers, crews, and race committee. Paul Abdullah, trimmer for Team Tarheel, commented, “We had a little bit of everything in the racing, which gave everybody an opportunity to perform. The race com-

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J/24s in the SE Regional Championship. Gary Hufford photo. www.beachmaster.smugmug.com.

mittee was terrific, and there is no better place to sail than SPYC. It was an excellent weekend, and our team performed better then ever before.�

Team Tarheel’s performance resulted in a first, a second, and a first for the last day of racing. USA 799 placed third, fourth, and 10th. Jiz placed second, third, and sixth.

With six races being held, the competitors were allowed to discard their worst score, with Team Tarheel dropping a potentially deadly Z flag score and Jiz dropping a DSQ. After the boats were all docked and stocked, the crews headed to the SPYC Regatta Room for the awards. Skipper David

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING Mendelblatt, Fat Lady, placed in the fifth position with a nice recovery after an emergency trip to the dock to retrieve another headsail. Skipper Brian Malone, A -Unit, placed in the fourth position aided with an impressive first-place finish in the second race on Sunday. Jiz, skippered by Dan Borrer, finished in third place after throwing out a DSQ. In second place, USA 799, skippered by Robby Brown, proved consistency results in pickle dishes. Rounding out the top five, Peter Bream, Team Tarheel, finished in first place, and the skipper earned a berth at the 2005 J/24 World Championships in Weymouth, England.

“The Regatta was very successful, and the level of competition was very high, which showed through the wide range of wind conditions,” stated Jim Lindsay - Fleet 169 captain and SE Regionals regatta chairman. This sentiment was expressed by many competitors, and as the boats and crews exited SPYC and the St. Petersburg Sailing Squadron, most were taking the lessons learned at the regionals in stead as they prepare for their next one-design competition at the St. Petersburg NOODs in February.

Dan Borrer, skipper of Jiz, summed up the experience by stating, “The top Florida sailors are getting very good on the world and the national levels, and it is very nice to see the local fleets improving as well. We look forward to the improving competition.”

Results, top 10 of 22 (place, skipper, crew, home, boat name, total points): 1,Peter Bream, Paul Abdullah, Scott Griffin, Scott Smith & Chad Palmer, Jacksonville, FL, Team Tarheel, 9; 2, Robby Brown, Skip Canfield, Rob Britts, Drew Amery & Holly Coger, St. Petersburg, FL, Preparation J, 15; 3, Daniel Borrer, Nate Vilardebo, John Poulch, Patrrick Wilson & Keith Van Landingham, St. Augustine, FL, Jiz, 18; 4, Brian Malone, John House, Danny Wiedenhoft, Colin Ranney & Kat Robinson-Malone, Tampa, FL, A-Unit, 26; 5, David Mendelblatt, Frank Mendelblatt,

Caj Flynn & Jeff Sherman, St. Petersburg, FL, Fat Lady, 31; 6, Brain Twomey, Rene Ben-Avraham, Jay Bonewit, Gina/Sylvia Bonewit/Stephen & James Nunn, Tampa, FL, Mischief, 37; 7, Kyle Vowels, Shane Vowels, Brenden McCoy, Lindsey Duda & Josh McCaffrey, Waukegan, IL, Red Eye Express, 40; 8, Mark Leibel, Rob Whetmore, Tim Snow, Dody Nullman & Richard Allen, St. Petersburg, FL, Haley’s Comet, 44; 9, John Denman & James Fox, Beverly, MA, Airodoodle, 48; 10, David German, Ed Ruark, Mark Ziegler, Bob Crawford & Ben Givens, Tampa, FL, Mad Cow, 49.

2004 Flying Scot Florida State Championship, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Nov 13-14

By Dave Thinel

T

he 2004 Flying Scot Florida State Championship came in like a lamb and went out like a lion. The father/son team of Fred and Fred Strammer came out on top of the 24boat fleet after three races Saturday and one Sunday.

Race one started in a very unstable, light southerly. The Strammers held their lane coming off the line as the wind persistently veered right. On the run, the wind continued to the right, and the race committee shortened the course after two legs. At this point, most chutes had been doused.

Chuck Koch followed in second place. His consistent finishes throughout the regatta led to finishing in that place at the end.

The wind started to settle in from the north for race two. Another big righty came in on the first beat. The Strammers again successfully managed the beat and the subsequent close reach. They won the second race ahead of Robby Brown from St. Pete as the race committee again shortened the race due to the skewed configuration.

For the third race, the breeze was stronger but still very unstable. Jeff Pennfield and Chuck Koch blasted out of the fleet on the right in a big veer to lead at the first mark. Team Bacalao was right on their heels at the leeward mark and took the lead when they tacked first on the second beat, which had become a fetch. The inexperienced Bacalao team blew the set at the beginning of the second run. This allowed Pennfield to pass, and they finished 1-2.

Sunday the breeze was honking nicely. Nicely enough so that half the fleet did not finish due to capsizing, dismasting, or mutiny. Team Bacalao charged off the start line and led to the finish. The run was a wild sleigh ride with spray flying and boats flipping. The race committee decided there would be mass insurrection if they ran another race so they sent us in.

Peter Robinson and his commitee did a fine job at the race committee. Ron Pletsch and his group did a fine job organizing. Next stop is Gator Bowl at Jacksonville.

This regatta held at the Sarasota sailing squadron was the second of seven regattas that will make up the Florida State Championship: 1 - Miami, 2 - Sarasota, 3 - Jacksonville, 4 - Key Largo, 5 - Lake Eustis, 6 - Tampa, 7 - Melbourne.

Results (place, boat, skipper, total pts.): 1, American Dream, Fred Strammer, 9; 2, Firth Lady, Chuck Koch, 14; 3, Steele Boat, Team Bacalao, 16; 4, Damfino, Jeff Penfield, 21; 5, Stealth, Mike Douglas, 29; 6, Pig Pen, Dave Thind, 29; 7, Patchwork P., Marsh Pardey, 32; 8, Pain Management, Bob Leib, 35; 9, Andiamo, Dave Ortmeyer, 40; 10, **, Robby Brown, 46; 11, Margarittaville, Larry Whipple, 52; 12, Sidewalk Express, Ron Pletsch, 55; 13, Funky Diva, Michael Roberts, 55; 14, **, Donna Mohr, 58; 15, Moustro, Gabor Karafiath, 64; 16, New Wave, Bill McGuirk, 64; 17, Poco Alegro, Dan Muss, 69; 18, Night Hawk, Sue Sweetser, 69; 19, Snowbird, Robert Zavos, 78; 20, Two Bears Boat, Charles Fowler, 80; 21, Pico os boca, Henry Ricco, 87; 22, Alapathao, Mike Sherlock, 90; 23, Blue Blazer, Bob New, 94; 24, Celtic Mist, Chuck Smith, 98; 72

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Annual Thanksgiving All-Class Regatta, Davis Island Yacht Club, Nov. 27-28

By Karol Pichon

D

avis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, FL, recently held its annual All-Class Regatta, inviting IOD – Green, White, Blue, Red, Laser Radial, Laser, Laser 4.7, Sunfish, C420, Windmill, Lightning, Flying Scot, Thistle, Moth, and other Portsmouth monohull classes. This event also served as the District 13 Laser Grand Prix Championship for Laser, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7.

Regatta Chairman Kelly Ferro and Executive PRO Karol Pichon, along with their organizing committee, recruited 50+ volunteers for race committee, registration, parking patrol, hoist assistance, scoring, sponsorships, and whatever else needed to be done. They also recruited 15+ boats to man the four separate courses, plus a dozen or so parent/coach boats and safety boats for the youngest sailors.

The goody bags for the sailors at registration check-in held giveaways from Sail magazine, Hewlett Packard, and Ronstan, as well as local businesses, Masthead Enterprises, Smoothie King, Blue Water Sailing Supply, McLaughlin Boats, Tackle Shack, Zebra Color and several local West Marine stores. In addition, West Marine Corporate donated four new five-foot marks to the Regatta. And, last but not least, several club members made private contributions.

For racing conditions we had a landside postponement due to lack of breeze on a sunny but chilly Saturday morning. However, sailable conditions from the south came in around 1300, and it built all day to upwards of 15 knots, which resulted in terrific sailing conditions. After a wonderful taco bar dinner and light entertainment Saturday evening, many of the sailors struggled to make the starting line at 0930 the next morning! Sunday dawned clear with a light northerly breeze that held for most of the morning, enabling the race officers to get in a total of six races for the Laser and Optimist classes, and five for the others.

Turnout was outstanding. We had 11 420s, 10 Flying

Scots, 29 Lasers, three Laser 4.7s, 32 Laser Radials, 11 Lightnings, five Moths, 17 Sunfish, five Windmills, and 63 Optis, for a total of 186 boats.

From the second-floor veranda of our just dedicated new clubhouse, the families and friends had a breathtaking view of all four courses, and race officers Jay Tyson, Mike Dawson, Dave Bell, and Ken Hardy made it all look easy. We had only one protest over the two days of racing!

As I heard one out-of-town parent say as the awards ceremony came to an end, “This was totally awesome–we will definitely put this regatta on our calendar for next year!”

Results: 420: 1- Andrew Vann 2-Robert Vann 3-Tim Murphy; Flying Scot: 1-Marshall Parday 2-Vladimir Kulinchenko 3-Michael Roberts; Laser (Full): 1-Ed Adams 2-Fredrick Backstrom 3-Christopher Enger; Laser Radial: 1-Paige Railey 2-Fred Strammer 3Dalton Tebo; Laser 4.7: 1-Amanda Holm 2-Thomas Merker 3-Julia Ceraolo; Lightning: 1-Jeff Linton 2-Earonn Delisser 3-Pete Marriott; Moth: 1-Rod Koch 2John House 3-Ken Wilus; Opti Blue: 1-Luke Adams 2-Teal Strammer 3-Laura Hernandez; Opti Green: 1-Tyler Thorpe 2-Harrison J Bate 3- Rick Livernois; Opti Red: 1-Abby Featherstone 2-Matt Dowd 3-Jackie Simms; Opti White:1-Corey Page 2-Kevin Holmberg 3-Jennifer Hays; Sunfish: 1-David Mendalblatt 2-Paul Strauley 3-Conner Blouin; Windmill: 1-Ed Sherman 2-Arthur Ahosov 3-Lee Mortimer.

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SOUTHEAST SAILING continued from page 50 with perfection; there were no mishaps. I was amazed at how the crews worked their vessels within the confines of the river bank and the marina wall, which stood protecting the slips. It was a true show of seamanship.

As the boats headed downriver, we spectators retired to the lounge to enjoy a little refreshment and to warm up. The race committee went about its work updating the race charts and making preparations for the oyster roast, which would follow the finish.

The crews did hit heavier winds once they reached the harbor. According to Bill Rembold, skipper of Sanity, a Catalina 36 TM, the winds were between 20 and 25 knots.

Dan Machowski, who was aboard the Northstar 1000 Cheers, told me that even with the blowing winds, all seemed to go well. That is except for the crew of Buzzard, a Melges 24, which blew out its spinnaker near Fort Sumter.

All in all, it was a challenging and close race. The winners in their fleets were: A Fleet – Adrenalin, a J80 with Eddie Parker as skipper.

B Fleet – Adrenalin Rush, a Beneteau FC 8, with Dick McGreeve as skipper.

C Fleet – No Surrender, a Morgan 27, Peter Hamm and Jervey Simmons.

D Fleet – Bargain Hunter, a Hunter 23, Randal Swan skipper.

M-24 Fleet – Spray, a Melges 24, Marcus Durlach and John Lucas.

For the complete results, go to www.charlestonyachtclub.com.

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

Capt C.T., St. Petersburg, FL

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

BOATS & DINGHIES Wanted 30-foot Gemini, Catalac, or similar catamaran. (239) 728- 9813. (3/05)

BOATS & DINGHIES Force 5, two sails, new rudder, asking $499 obo. Please call (786) 208-2193 or e-mail is ddava002@fiu.edu (2/05)

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

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Snipe, 15’ 1989 Phoenix. Great shape/ garage stored. 2 sets of sails (newer North).

Fully equipped and race ready. Trailer. $2100.

(727) 596-2809. (3/05)

Melges 24, 1994. Just Awlgripped/like new.

Two sets of sails (newer North). Yamaha outboard. Fully equipped and race ready. Custom trailer. $21,000. (727) 596-2809. (3/05)

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

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

1990 Hunter 27' walk-through transom, wheel, 10 hp diesel, autohelm, roller furling, drifter sail, new bimini & sail cover, solar generator, 3' 6" wing bulb keel, dinghy. $19,900 (352) 5967192.l abet@tampabay.rr.com (2/05)

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

Inboard engine. Topsides repainted 2003.

Interior upgrades. Auto pilot, VHF, depthfinder, GPS and more. Overall first place Daytona to Charleston Race. Good heavy weather racer/cruiser. South Carolina. $18,900. (843) 884-1729. (2/05) Local News For Southern Sailors

(FI) ’80 28’ San Juan FWC Yanmar 700 hrs., 4’-6” draft, 4 sails. New full batten main w/150 genoa, 3 ground tackle, windlass, electronics, tiller autopilot, inflatable w/OB, no hurricane damage, sail-away condition. $12,500. For fax info call (586) 468-7461.(1/05)

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

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A D S

1981 Erickson 30. Well Kept. Sails Great. 4’ draft, new bottom paint 10/04, refrigeration, solar panels, autopilot, full sunshade, dinghy, dock available, much more. $19,995 Consider trade 26’ travel trailer or 5th wheel. Hernando Beach, Fl, (352) 232-0453, e-mail augustine@peoplepc.com. (3/05)

1979 J/30 racer/cruiser, freshwater since new, 9 sails, Yanmar, feathering prop, Harken roller furler, full interior, sleep 6, VHF, full instruments, more. BEST OFFER NOW! Bob ph. (704) 895-5317, cell (630) 248-8096 or rconrad99@mindspring.com (2/05)

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

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

(2/05)

1989 O’Day 322, 4’2" draft, AC, roller furling, Yanmar, cruise spinnaker, wind gen, H20 maker, dinghy & OB, cruise ready, turn key, $48,900. (727) 514-5700. For complete info. www.captainbobdaly.com (2/05) 32’ Westsail (1977) Perkins 4-107 diesel, Aires vane, Harken rollerfurling, S-L windlass, 35CQR, 33Bruce, coldplate refrigeration, air conditioning, Garmin chartplotter, dodger & Bimini. Exceptional condition, little used. $60,000. Call (954) 560-3919. (2/05) FREE-New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down–own 100%.1-866-Sailtime.

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

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

1981 Herreshoff 31’ Cat ketch. Bellatrix is hull #1 of this cold-molded classic. She is a lovingly cared for 2 owner boat. Major refit in 2002 included new keel/skeg bolts, floors, custom fully battened sails and interior cushions. $29,900 Call (727) 647-7972. (3/05) Prout 31 catamaran, 1980, lots of new gear including; autopilot, mapping GPS, running rigging, paint, bimini, refrigeration, solar panels, batteries, ground tackle, etc. Newer Honda 15. $39,500. (541) 980-8242, sandpiper@pocketmail.com. Marathon. (3/05)

33 Endeavour Sloop, Yanmar diesel, roller furling jib, autohelm, VHF, GPS, sailing dinghy and 3hp engine. Solar battery charger. $42,500. Jack (772) 335-0180. (3/05)

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

Electronics update ’03. Phone (504) 734-7331 or e-mail biosyntpi@msn.com,35K (2/05) 76

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1980 Union Cutter 36 World Cruiser just completed 3 yr. documented keel-up renovation and 1000 mile sea trial. The best material and craftsmanship throughout. All new stainless standing rigging, electronics, plumbing and custom everything. 45' LOA, 12 ton, full keel, double-ended cruiser equipped with all new toys. Beautiful inside and out. Brokers welcome. Laying Key West. Over $200K invested. Sacrifice at $129k. E-mail: mtnhackr@aol.com (702) 275-8752. (2/05) 1970 38ft Morgan Sloop, main, three headsails, plus spinnaker, 5 inches insulation in icebox; roller furling, new transmission. $ 29,900. details at home.nc.rr.com/islanddreaming located Minnesott Beach, NC (919) 467-669. (3/05) 1976 CT41 Cutter-rigged ketch. Come to Louisiana to see La Mouette, beautiful, seaworthy double-handed cruiser. Many improvements. Offered by liveaboard owners of 20 years. $79,500. (985) 781-5625 Details www.ct41ketchforsale.com.

(3/05)1988

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

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

Located SW Florida. Can deliver. (413) 2812749 (2/05) Brewer 44’ shoal-draft w/board. Center-cockpit cutter, Perkins 85, sale by original owners, (941) 962-7100 or (813) 671-0862 or paritytwo@yahoo.com. (1/05)

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

Marine Air, WS, WD, Depth,VHF w/remote, SSB, CD/Radio, Autopilot, Chartplotter, Radar, Dinghy, Life Raft $114,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com (1/05) 50’ Airex foam fiber trimaran. See at Bob and Annies, Jan 10-14, Pine Island, FL, or call (530) 647-2757 prior to 12/28/2004 or email randk@d-web.com. Will return from Bahamas 4/18/05. For details log onto www.

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

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 75 Local News For Southern Sailors

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HELP WANTED

Nautical 60' Ketch, 1982, Bristol condition maintained by professional skipper (refit yearly), 4 cabin layout plus crew, large family or charter, 125 hp desiel, A/C, Sat phone, $250,000 (1/04) w w w. y a c h t southerncomfort.com scomfort@islands.vi Capt Mike (2/05)

Yacht Salesperson Wanted. Massey Yacht Sales has sales positions available for professional, successful yacht salespersons for the new Fort Myers dealership location. Massey is one of Florida’s largest dealers for the sale and outfitting of Catalina, Hunter, Caliber and Mainship yachts plus sells a wide range of preowned sail and power yachts. Sales candidates need to be computer literate, self-motivated with a good knowledge of the sail and power industry. Massey offers the best marketing and sales support system with a large lead base for the right candidate. Call Edward Massey for interview appointment. (941) 7231610. (1/05)

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

Advertising Sales Reps wanted in the South for SOUTHWINDS magazine. Must be a good communicator, have a computer, and some experience in selling to call on national advertisers and advertisers in your area. All areas of the South. Part time by commission. To call on national advertisers, you can live almost anywhere for this job. (941) 7958704 or editor@southwindssailing.com .

BOOKS & CHARTS

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Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 5740289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm FOR SALE, Danforth 55 LB breakapart, solid stainless anchor. $150.00. Lewmar locking winch handle. $25.00. (727) 543-1250 Clearwater. (3/05)

BUSINESS/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Nissan 18 hp. outboard. 25” shaft, electric start, remote, 6 amps charging, 100 lbs.

Great kicker for a fast multihull. $450. (561) 278-2570. (2/05)

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

42” Leather-covered Destroyer wheel. 1” shaft. New $755. Yours for $350. (813) 9323720. (3/05)

MISCELLANEOUS BOAT GEAR NEW & USED

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

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED Visit SOUTHWINDS “NEW” boat and crew listing service at southwindssailing.com DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS STARTING AT $34/MONTH

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A D S LODGING FOR SAILORS

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

NAVIGATION SOFTWARE

Honda BF100-ELA, 1984, longshaft, Auxilliary, very low hours, alernator with output for charging batteries. $1000/OBO. 27’ Bayliner Buccaneer hull/deck/rig. Excellent condition/no blisters. No interior. Misc. Gear available. $1500.OBO. (850) 442-6510.

(2/05)

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

Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.tiralousa.com AC/DC Reefer, 22# Bruce Anchor, Anchor Ball, Sospenders, Magma Grills, Mariner 9.9 Mercury Long Shaft 7.5 HP, Folding Bikes, Windsurfers, Metzeler Sailing Rig, Windscoop, Drogues, Lifesling, Type I Life Jackets w/strobe. Nautical Trader. (941) 488-0766. www.nauticaltrader.net (1/05)

SAILING INSTRUCTION

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CLASSIFIED ADS SAILS & CANVAS

SERVICES FOR SAILORS

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

WINDSURFING GEAR

Go on-line to www.southwindssailing.com

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

FIRST SAILING continued from page 82 If I had purchased a sailboat, as I had toyed with in the past, I would have been in over my head. I would not have known what I was doing. It might have even been dangerous, even though I had sailed with friends in the past. Remember, there is no “driver’s license” to operate a boat. A critical piece was learning basic rules of the road between sailboats and powerboats and between sailboats on different points of sail.

So here is what I want to share. If you have been thinking about sailing, then go ahead and take the sailing class and learn the correct way. You do not have to buy a boat or commit to anything else. You do learn that the basic class is a “license” to learn. You do find out that there is a lot to sailing, and it can be learned like anything else is learned—through small steps. To borrow a scuba slogan: You do get to meet new people, have fun, and learn new things. I may or may not buy a boat in the near future; however, I will continue to take more classes that increase my skill level.

So if you have been eyeing the sailing life for years, then go ahead and take the plunge and take the class. You won’t be disappointed. You will learn great information and skills about sailing. And you will probably even have fun.

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INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

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

Air Duck 78 America’s Generators 79 Anne’s Anchors 19,78 Aqua Graphics 66 Atlantic Sails 32 Banks Sails 66 Beachmaster Photography 77 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 27 Bluewater Sailing Supply 65 Boaters Exchange 53 Boatpix.com 76 Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 31 Bo’sun Supplies 19 Carson/Beneteau BC Charleston Spars 15 Charleston to Bermuda Race 39 Coast Weather Routing Services 80 Cortez Yacht Brokerage 76 Crow’s Nest Restaurant/Marina Regatta 69 Cruising Direct Sails 16 Defend Cuba Sailors 22 Defender Industries 79 Dockside Radio 29 Dwyer mast 78 Eastern Yachts 21,IBC Eckerd College Watersports 72 El Cid Caribe Marina, Mexico 13 E-marine 78,79 Fleetside Marine Service 78 Flying Scot Sailboats 77 Frigoboat 59 Garhauer Hardware 33 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 37 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 75,76 Hanse Sailboats 77 Hobie Cats/Saltwater Sports 73 Hotwire/Fans and other products 79 Hunter 25 Island Marine Products 35 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 35 JS9000 PHRF Racer 75 Koch Entertainment/Lighthouse 23 Leather Wheel 36 Manton Marine Surveying 66 Massey Yacht Sales 5,11,26,41,42,43,44,70,IBC Masthead Enterprises 18,80 Memory Map 79 MG Mayer Yacht Brokerage 61 Miami Strictly Sail Show 17 Mike Shea Maritime Legal Services 32 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau BC National Sail Supply 48 Nautical Trader 64 North Sails 22 Nuclear Sails 8 Ocean-Pro Bluewater Instruction 14 Ocean-Pro Weather Routing Services 80 Performance Sail and Sport 55 Pocket Charts 20 Porpoise Used Sails 80 Quantum Sarasota 3,66 Raider Sailboats 76 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 12 Regata Del Sol Al Sol 4 Ronstan 24 Rparts Refrigeration 24 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 77 Sailing Services 57 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 64,68 Sailtime 10 Saltwater Sports/ Hobie Cats 73 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 74 Schurr Sails 63 Scurvy Dog Marine 62 Sea School 30 Sea Tech 37,79 Sea, Air, Land Technolgies 59 Seafarers International Brokerage 14,77 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter 49 SSMR 69 St. Augustine Sailing School 36,79 St. Barts/Beneteau BC Strictly Sail Miami 17 Suncoast Inflatables 67 Sunrise Sails 66 Tackle Shack 71 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 68 Ullman sails 15 US Spars 16 Weather Wave 34 West Florida Race Calendar 74 West Marine IFC West Marine Books & Charts 20 Winch Buddy 8 Windcraft Catamarans 12 Yanmar Diesel 78

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FLORIDA KEYS SAILING continued from page 59 Local sponsors for the event, hosted by Gilberts Resort, were Caribbean Watersports at the Sheraton, Calvert Sails of Islamorada, Catamaran Sailor magazine of Key Largo, and their store at www.onlinemarinestore.com Next year’s event will be the second weekend in December.

Marathon Sailing Club: Sunfish Fall and Frostbite Series

T

he Sunfish Fall and Frostbite Series began on November 20th on Sombrero Beach with beautiful weather and wind speeds ranging from 15-20 knots. The series is governed by the 2005 Racing Rules of sailing. It will be held off the east end of Sombrero Beach every other Saturday and will continue through the winter. Cancellations and weather days will be announced as needed. The next scheduled dates are December 11 and 18 and January 8 and 22.

Competitors should meet at the sheriff’s house at the end of the beach at 1100. Boats may be unloaded and moved onto the beach here, but cars must then be moved to the regular parking area. The warning signal for the first race of the day will be at 1230 with up to four races being sailed each day. There are no entry fees. PFDs are required. Competitors are encouraged to provide some method of mooring their boats in shallow water to facilitate rigging and breaks. To request further information, a copy of the sailing instructions, or if you are interested in assisting on the committee boat contact Ridge Gardner at liveaboard@mindspring.com or, as a last resort, call 766-2737.

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING continued from page 57 sented the winners with their corresponding trophies, with this year overall PHRF winner and bragging rights going to Thin Ice of the PHRF 1 fleet. Special mention goes to the sponsors, Gossling Rum, West Marine, Banks Sails and Rigging Systems for their participation in making the event a success for the third year in a row along with CGSC as the host club. A job well done by all.

Results (place, boat, skipper): PHRF1; 1st Pl – Thin Ice/Stuart Hebb; 2nd Pl – Mostly Harmless/Chris Woosley; 3rd Pl – Group Therapy/Tom Seghi; PHRF2; 1st Pl – Mistral/Craig Setzer; 2nd Pl – Tiburon/Art Perez; 3rd Pl – Blackbird/Pat Cacace; PHRF3; 1st Pl - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn; 2nd Pl – Touchstone/Jaime Topp; 3rd Pl – Detente/Rick Jurchow; J24; 1st Pl – Lacalaca/Iker Belaustewigoitia; 2nd Pl – Pick Up sticks/J.Luscombe; 3rd Pl – Geronimo’s Cadillac/Sean Brown.

BBYRA # 11 – PHRF and ARF, Miami, FL, Nov.7

By Art Perez

The next to last race of the season cemented the class leader’s grip on the BBYRA Series Annual Regatta with wins by newcomer Blackbird of the PHRF 2 fleet, and a true veteran of the racing circuit, Triptease of the PHRF 1 fleet.

Temperatures in the high 60s, courtesy of a cold front the day before, brought a unfamiliar chill to the usual warm climate of South Florida along with a prevailing westerly breeze that held for most of the day. These conditions usually result in 20 -30 degrees shift as the wind comes off the Local News For Southern Sailors

land over bay waters, making it a tough day for tacticians to figure out where to go.

PHRF1 winner, Triptease, certainly had its game plan in high gear with two first place finishes, earning it top honor in class. Runner up was Gordon Ettie aboard Sazerac, a Swan 56. Following suit with finishes of 2-2 was Sleeper. SEF PHRF Class winner Thin Ice had a difficult day settling for a fourth place finish.

The PHRF 2 fleet showed more inconsistency with the top-place finishers each carrying a high score for one of the two races. In the end Blackbird squeaked out a win over favorite SE PHRF winner Mistral.

Most newsworthy is the increase in numbers of the J/24 fleet. The national resurgence of this class is finally making its way to South Florida translating to a greater number of boats showing up at the starting line. Congratulations to the fleet.

In spite of the good turn-out and beautiful weather the host club’s race committee didn’t perform to the demanding standards that the fleets are demanding. Confusion at the start of the races marred an otherwise beautiful day of racing.

Results (place, boat, skipper): PHRF1; 1, Triptease/Rubin Shellow; 2, Sazerac/Gordon Ettie; 3, Sleeper/Malcom Schwartz; PHRF2; 1, Blackbird/Pat Cacace; 2, Mistral/Craig Setzer; 3, Goombay/David Kurtz; PHRF3; 1, Touchstone/Jaime Topp; 2, Stoked/Steven Stallman; PHRF4; 1,Three Gimps/Karen Mitchell; 2, Special Warfare/Stuart Sorg; 3, Leprechan/ Edward Asmus; ARF; 1, Blew Ba You/Kerry Gruson; 2, Finesse/Bill Beavers; 3, Freebird/Kenneth Ellis; J24; 1, Fasttac/Luis Vecchi; 2, Geronimo’s Cadillac; 3, Pick Up Sticks//Jonathan Luscomb.

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81

First Sailing Class: A License to Learn

By Bruce Sanspree

H

ave you seen all the ads for sailing schools? I have, and wondered if it was worth my time and money. I had been pondering the idea of sailing lessons for quite some time. A few years ago, a college friend had purchased a Catalina 22 and had invited my wife and I for many a weekend afternoon on the lake. He had not taken any lessons himself and was selftaught. He eventually sold the sailboat, and my occasional sailing trips ceased. However, Bruce Sanspree at the helm of a Capri 25. there was the constant nag of how refreshing, relaxing and occasionally adventurous the sailing If I thought that I had an trips were. Anytime I had a chance to understanding of sailing prior sail with someone, I would go. to the class, I was mistaken.

However, all of these sailors were selfThe class was invaluable both taught as well. as a learning tool and to help I had owned a powerboat once, me feel comfortable at the helm but sailing seemed to bring you closer to a connection to the water and to and with the rigging, sails— nature. I would go to boat shows and everything. eye the sailboats. I would walk along the marinas during my coastal beach trips. I subscribed to several sailing Schools around, then there might be magazines to pick up what I could one in my area.” Surfing the Internet I about sailing, thinking one day I found one about an hour’s drive from would eventually buy a sailboat. I had my home. It is located at Lake a longing. I actually came close to buyNorman just north of Charlotte, NC: ing a day sailer on several occasions. I the Lake Norman Sailing Academy. came across several sailboat owners They had a basic keelboard class, the who were offering to sell, who stated next one starting in March. No more that it was “only used once or twice.” waiting. I decided to take the plunge.

Any boat purchase was a significant The instructors were Jack and expense, and with a son in college Mike. Both had been sailing most of extra money was limited.But I was their lives and were extremely knowlnagged by this feeling of uncertainty edgeable. The classes were divided concerning my ability to sail. Further I into three weekends, part classroom felt I was limited by not living on the and part “on the water practice.” coast.

Within the first few hours I learned One day while reading the ads in more about sailing than I had picked the back of one of my sailing magaup sailing for years with friends. At zines, I noticed the advertisement for a the end of the first day, I had a genersailing school. It was not anywhere al understanding of sailing principles close to my location. However, I wonand practices. What’s more, I found dered, “If there are ASA Sailing the ASA Sailing Fundamentals Book

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easy to understand. (Yes, there is a test at the end.)

Mike was our primary teacher and an excellent instructor. Learning from an expert leaves one with assurance and confidence about the information, maneuvers, reliability, and limits of sailing.

Having the “hands on” experience of watching correct sailing skills demonstrated was invaluable.

I must pause here and say we had a variety of experiences on the water, all of which a sailor would experience under normal conditions. We had times where there was no wind. Or the wind changed directions or there was too much wind. We had powerboats zip by. It was a great advantage to have an instructor in the sailboat to ask the why, what, where, and history of things. I am a firm believer that information reduces risk.

The more you learn, the safer you are—for yourself, your family and others on the water.

I actually experienced sailing close-hauled, reaching and running.

We tacked, jibed, and used correct terms for all items on the boat. I was actually learning something—not just trying to pick it up while watching others sail. Additionally, I knew I would be tested at the end of the course. This forced me to take the class seriously.

One thing became clear. There was a lot of information that I had NOT been exposed to and had not picked up along life’s way. If I thought that I had an understanding of sailing prior to the class, I was mistaken. The class was invaluable both as a learning tool and to help me feel comfortable at the helm and with the rigging, sails— everything.

See FIRST SAILING continued on page 80 www.southwindssailing.com