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SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS January 2009

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS 8

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

Editorial: Anchoring Off a Lee Shore

By Steve Morrell Letters

11 16

“Incoming” at the Boat Parade

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

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Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

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Miami Boat Show and Strictly Sail, Feb. 12-16

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St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail: Sail and Power, Together Again

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Our Waterways: Anchoring Restrictions— South Daytona and FWC Move Forward on Anchoring Laws

37

ABYC Electrical Certification

By Rebecca Burg

38

Prout 34 Catamaran Boat Review

By Tom McAlear

42

Regatta Pointe Marina: Investing in the Future

By Steve Morrell

44

SSCA Annual Gam

By Paula Biles

46

Carolina Sailing: The Charleston Yacht Club

By Dan Dickison

49

Convenient Cruising

By Capt. Ron Butler

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Travels with Angel: Man-O-War Cay, Bahamas

By Rebecca Burg

52

Sailboat Match Racing: An Emerging U.S Regatta Format

By Roy Laughlin

54

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

78

Drinking Wine From the Bottom

By Tom Garvey

28-31 63 70 76 77

Marine Marketplace Boat Brokerage Section Classifieds Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category

The Prout 34 catamaran. Photo by Tom McAlear.

The Charleston Yacht Club. Photo by Dan Dickison.

COVER: Art by Rebecca Burg, a regular writer for SOUTHWINDS and an artist.

View her art in Key West Galleries or at www.artoffshore.com.

Each issue of SOUTHWINDS (and back issues since 5/03) is available online at www.southwindsmagazine.com 6

January 2009

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FROM THE HELM

STEVE MORRELL,

EDITOR

Anchoring Off a Lee Shore omebody recently recounted a story about friends who spent a worrisome and windy night anchored off a lee shore. This brought to mind one night I spent on a charter trip in the Sea of Cortez off La Paz, Mexico. It was in November 1996, and my wife and I and another couple had chartered a 43-foot sailboat for seven days from the Moorings in La Paz. I had already spent a bit of time around Baja California in all sorts of ways, but it was always on land. We chose November because it was borderline peak season, saving us some money, the water was still warm from the summer, and November was known to be a great month for cruising.

We set out fully stocked with food, beer and rum (or was it tequila?). Conditions for sailing and cruising north up into the Sea of Cortez could not have been more ideal. We never had any clouds overhead, and the wind was always real light to maybe up to 15 knots. Nights were calm and warm, but it never got too hot. After a week of these idyllic conditions, we headed back for our last night’s stay at an anchorage that the charter company recommended as a convenient last night stop only hours from their docks.

All of our anchorages up to this point were well protected from three sides in small bays, but this last one was off a long beach that was open to the north. But after five nights of calm, we didn’t bat an eye—just dropped an anchor and settled in for some rum drinks (or was it tequila?). As the evening

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wore on, the wind started to increase from the north, and by nine o’clock, it was in the 25-knot range. I—the captain— started to worry since we were anchored off a lee shore. I made the decision that we must put a second anchor out. I have many times put a second anchor out from the sailboat—and many times in a dinghy—but it was always in calm conditions, and in daylight—but never in a dinghy with this kind of wind.

We started up the dinghy and motor, and I and my friend John headed out into the wind with a second anchor—no easy task, mind you. You must point the dinghy into the wind, and since we decided we would pay out the anchor rode (I am not sure I would do that again), which was attached to the sailboat, as we worked our way into the wind and choppy seas, it became real tricky to make sure it did not get fouled in the prop. Our wives yelled at us over and over—from the moment we left the boat—to be careful—a thought that had crossed our minds, also. The motor seemed to barely push us out there in the winds and seas, but we made it without incident and returned safely to the boat. I couldn’t sleep all night, though.

The boat was moving about like crazy in the wind and waves, as I was constantly getting up and checking to see if we had dragged anchor. Fortunately, we didn’t.

Ever since then, I have decided that I will always put out two anchors off a potential lee shore right from the beginning—no matter what the weather looks like.

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News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 866-7597 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 17 Number 1 January 2009 Copyright 2008, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

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Printed by Sun Publications of Florida Robin Miller (863) 583-1202 ext 355 Contributing Writers Letters from our readers Capt. Ron Butler Tom Garvey Roy Laughlin Morgan Stinemetz

Paula Biles Dan Dickison Dave Jefcoat Tom McAlear Rick White

Rebecca Burg Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Hone Scunook

Contributing Photographers/Art Paula Biles Capt. Ron Butler Kim Kaminski Scunook Photography

Rebecca Burg (and Artwork) Tom Garvey Dave Jefcoat Roy Laughlin Tom McAlear 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 $24/year, and $30/year for first class. Checks and credit card numbers may be mailed with name and address to SOUTHWINDS Subscriptions, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL, 34218-1175, or call (941) 795-8704. Subscriptions are also available with a credit card through a secure server on our Web site, www.southwindsmagazine.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations throughout 8 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

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How

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

H.L. Mencken

RELIABLE

is your furler?

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

E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com POTTY TROUBLE IN BOOT KEY HARBOR In May, we moored in Boot Key Harbor. We have a small 28foot cruising boat with a self-contained Porta-Potty. We checked in the first time with no problem and were pleased to find that it had a designated dump station for us to use.

Second stay, no problem. As we checked in our third time, we were informed that our head was illegal and would have to be changed to a Porta-Potty with a connection to be pumped out on deck. (That’s a totally different head). We were forced to sign a document that said we would change it within 30 days. What’s happening? I’m not sure who to talk to anymore. We’re not sure what’s legal and what isn’t and don’t want to spend the money for yet another head, since our present one is new. Any ideas? What we can’t understand is being treated differently within a period of only two weeks. One note, our third check-in was on the weekend with a completely different person.

Our only contact over this problem was the weekend harbormaster at Boot Key. She showed us a computer printout of another model Porta-Potty that connects to the deck with a hose. I read over the regulations and it would seem that we fall under the portable toilet regulation. I agree that the best thing to do would be to install a marine head and holding tank, or better yet, stay far, far away from Boot Key. It’s expensive and really doesn’t offer that much. In contrast, we stopped at the new Fort Myers Beach facility and it was great—reasonable, clean new showers, laundry room, and even a trolley you can catch and go all over the island for almost nothing. We hope to go to the Bahamas next spring and will avoid the Keys—not very good for the businesses down there.

Florida is changing so much and not for the better. We did have a pleasant encounter with a marine officer in Newfound Harbor. We were anchored in a no-anchor zone, and he was extremely courteous and let us stay until the next day. This all seems so confusing and unfair, and it takes all the pleasure out of boating. Maybe we can get clear answers that will help many boat owners. It really put a damper on our cruise to be threatened with a fine over a head solution that we were convinced was legal.

Eventually, we contacted the harbormaster, Richard Tanner, with our questions and got a response. We told him we moored in Boot Key Harbor on May 5, 6, and l3, that we have a Porta-Potty on our boat and when we checked in, there was no problem, but when we checked in on May 17, we were told that our head was illegal and had to sign a paper that we would convert it to a deck pump-out. He replied that we were given the 30-day letter of intent to ensure that we would be able to rent a mooring ball and be legal during our stay. That way, if we were boarded by a FWC or Monroe County Marine Sheriff’s officer, we would be considered in compliance. He mentioned that the Florida Keys are in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,

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January 2009

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LETTERS which is an area of critical concern and is a no-discharge zone, explaining that the laws there are slightly more stringent there than in other parts of Florida in order to protect the coral reefs.

We asked him why our head was illegal one night but okay for three others. He said that had they realized we had a Porta-Potty at check-in, we would have been advised of the 30-day letter of intent.

We also asked if a portable head was legal in Florida and, if not, where is that documented. He replied that portable toilets on vessels under 26 feet and not being lived aboard are legal and that Florida Statute 327.53 requires all vessels regardless of size being lived aboard to have a permanently installed Type III MSD. We also asked if there was a Boot Key Harbor regulation about this, and he replied that the City of Marathon Ordinance 2007-32 requires a permanent Type III MSD on all vessels being lived aboard. The Boot Key Harbor City Marina mooring ball license agreement requires that you have a permanently installed toilet and Type III MSD with a deck fitting.

We also asked how can there be so many boats equipped with portable heads if they are illegal, and he replied that portable heads are not illegal, but a liveaboard vessel must have a permanently installed pumpable Type III MSD, and that many day sailors and fishing boats in the Keys use Porta-Potties legally, but people are not living on them.

Thanks again for all your info. You do a great service for the cruising community. Best regards.

Mary Nickos S/V Eliza, Elizabethan 29 sailboat Mary, Understanding what the Florida law and the FWC want and anyone else is like solving a crime mystery—except that if you don’t solve it fast enough, you will be cited if they catch you. Your experience at Boot Key is consistent with the lack of clarity on the law. If you go to the FWC Web site and look for sanitation laws, it is like finding a needle in a haystack. After a while, you wonder if the needle even exists. If you go to the site and click on “Boating,” there is nothing that leads you to the boat waste laws. You can find a section called “Boating Safety” and from there go to Florida Boating Law Summary (don’t ask me why toilets are in the “safety section”). You eventually find a list where the section title is “Marine Sanitation Devices.” At this point, you figure you have finally arrived at the end of your search and this is the totality of what it says: Marine Sanitation Devices Vessels operating in Florida waters must comply with the U.S.C.G. requirements relating to marine sanitation devices, where applicable.

I am not joking. That’s all it says. Here is the link: http://myfwc.com/boating/safety/law_summary.htm. It says it is updated through June 2008.

Florida law, though, is equally confusing. If you do a Google search outside of the FWC, you will eventually come up to Florida Statute 327.53, Marine Sanitation. This law states in 327.53 (1): (1) Every vessel 26 feet or more in length which has an enclosed cabin with berthing facilities shall, while on the 12

January 2009

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waters of the state, be equipped with a toilet. On a vessel other than a houseboat, the toilet may be portable or permanently installed. Every permanently installed toilet shall be properly attached to the appropriate United States Coast Guard certified or labeled marine sanitation device.

Next pertinent section is (3): (3) Every floating structure that has

an enclosed living space with berthing facilities, or working space with public access, must be equipped with a permanently installed toilet properly connected to a Type III marine sanitation device or permanently attached via plumbing to shoreside sewage disposal. No structure shall be plumbed so as to permit the discharge of sewage into the waters of the state.

According to (1) above, you can have a portable toilet. According to (3) you can’t.

If that isn’t confusing, what is? I don’t want to get into all the other confusing and vague areas of the law, including the definition of a Type III MSD (the Coast Guard regulations do not mention the words “holding tank”), but it looks like you at least got a definite answer from someone, although they sure weren’t very clear about it from the beginning. I believe all these people are interpreting the existing laws their own way. I just wish they would make it clear and easily available to the public—you know, the people they are supposed to serve.

Editor GET A PERMIT TO GO BOATING We received the following letters in response to my editorial in the October issue about having to get a permit to go boating in Newburyport, MA. Editor You don’t have to go to Massachusetts for this story. Winter Park and Maitland, FL, have been charging boating fees for using their lakes for years.

Sandy Graves S/v Lily Pad I picked up your magazine in Beaufort, NC. I read the editorial in “From the Helm” about Newburyport, MA, and the “harbor user fee.” Before moving to North Carolina four years ago, I did my boating in Newburyport, MA. This fee has been in effect for at least 10 years and started out as $1 per foot and went up from there. The town across the Merrimac River, Salisbury, also has the same fee. The harbormasters from both towns will cruise the marinas there and give tickets for not having a sticker. However, it does include free pump-out for the season, and a pump-out boat will come to the dock and empty your tank. It is just another tax in the form of a user fee.

I hope this doesn’t catch on all down the coast.

At any given day in the summer, there is much law enforcement presence there: the Coast Guard (Newburyport is the birthplace of the Coast Guard), harbormasters from three towns and the environmental police—all our tax dollars at work.

Gordon Cram See LETTERS continued on page 14

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

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LETTERS I read your editorial about the mooring and docking permit in Newburyport, MA. This is very common practice in Massachusetts. I spent many years sailing up there and do know something about the tax, or as you call it, a user fee. You first pay an excise tax on your boat to the local tax collector. This is a state tax, which is split between the state and city. It goes into the general fund.

Back then I had a new 29-foot Island Packet, and I never paid more than $110 a year. Each year after that the tax dropped, but not much. I kept the boat on the south side of Cape Cod. I had my own mooring, and each year I paid the town of Barnstable $65 for a mooring tax or a fee. This covered a place on the town bottom, free pumpouts, use of the town dock for water and a place for an inflatable. This $65 went to the harbormaster department to help cover the cost of the department. The harbormaster and local police did patrol the town waterways, and the harbormaster every year had to remove and install the local channel markers. So the tax that

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Newburyport is charging boaters is only for boats that are moored or docked in their waters. It’s not for boaters navigating through their town waters, so the water cops shouldn’t be chasing a boat without the blue sticker. The harbormaster might check the mooring fields or the marinas for boats with no stickers.

Let’s face it—some people don’t believe they should help pay for anything—let the other guy pay. Each year, I had a mooring for my boat for a grand total of $175. Not a bad deal.

The best part was that I had it as long as I wanted it.

John Almeida St. Petersburg, FL Referring to your concern about waterways permits: I don’t keep my boat in Newburyport, so I can’t comment on their permitting process. But I do keep my boat in Winthrop Harbor, just a day’s sail from Newburyport. I know that when I pay my annual fee to the town, they give me a sticker that I affix to the port side of my bow. It signifies that

I’ve paid the town for keeping my boat in town waters. The town office actually gives me two stickers, the one for the bow of my boat and the other for my mooring ball. When the harbormaster goes around and checks who’s on the moorings in town, the number of the permit on the boat better match the number of the permit on the mooring.

I don’t really have a problem with this system. My boat is documented and so the town doesn’t collect any excise tax from me. I’m happy to pay something to the town so that the municipality can hire a harbormaster and an assistant harbormaster and a couple of boats for them, one of which is a pump-out boat. Consider that if you keep your car in town, you’d have to register it and pay the town a fee for the privilege of keeping your car in that town.

What’s the difference between paying for keeping your car in town and paying for keeping your boat in town?

It wasn’t clear to me from your column whether in Newburyport they’re ticketing transients. Hard to

www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS imagine that the permitting policy would apply to transients. What’s the system in Florida? (I grew up outside Orlando, but that was a long time ago, and I don’t recall if we had to register our little runabout with the town in order to keep it on the lake where we lived.)

By the way, how’s the boating industry doing down there? I know that the real estate market is in the toilet, but so far as I can see from your magazine, advertising doesn’t seem to have fallen off. Up here, boats—especially brokerage boats and lower-end boats—aren’t selling, and the malaise is starting to work itself through the entire marine trades market. Looks like it’ll be a couple of tough years for all concerned.

Bernie Editor, Points East Magazine P.S. We here at Points East continue to look forward to the monthly arrival of Southwinds.

To our letter writers on this issue, I stand corrected. Although I wrote that it was a permit for all boats that docked or moored in the town waters, I also commented that it was a permit for anyone who went boating. That is incorrect. It is only for those who have a slip or moor their boat in town waters. That bothered me, but what also concerned me was how the law was enforced—as though it was a great source of income since so many received tickets who were new to town and had no idea the $100 fine existed. Even a local marina operator complained about the fairness of the enforcement. I can think of many ways to enforce this registration without getting a big fine as a means of administering the law.

It appears that the fines are an intentional source of revenue on top of the main fee.

It appears that the fee goes towards a mooring—or a marina slip—with attached amenities, like a pump-out boat and water. This sounds like a great service, and Florida could probably learn something about boating from our neighbors in this town. Floridians would love to find a place to moor for a $65 annual fee (sounds like it is higher now) that included water and dinghy dock. I would hate to see—as one letter writer wrote above—towns in Florida starting to charge similar fees. What Florida town charges $10 a day for a dinghy dock? How much is that annually? If we could have a $100 fee in a town and get pump-outs, dinghy docks and water for our boats for that amount, it would truly be a good value. But I don’t see Florida towns being so reasonable. They seem to want to charge for every little action.

What I am concerned about is the non-stop use of fees for boating and every other little activity. Boaters first get charged a state registration fee, and then they are charged a local town fee. Imagine the outrage if a town started charging a local car fee. Where will it all end?

My apologies to the town of Newburyport for my misinterpreting the purpose of the fee. It sounds like it does more good than I originally thought.

Editor

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

SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

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“Incoming” at the Boat Parade O

ne might say it’s an annual ritual, this disruption of the Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights that seems to occur with a practiced alchemy as precise as sidereal time.

As usual, I found out about the snafu in the pages of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, a local newspaper. The story said that a sailboat that was passing by the judges’ float in the dark “shelled” the judges and various local dignitaries with explosive fireworks, forcing all the judges and dignitaries, including the Sarasota Chief of Police, to jump into the cold waters of Sarasota Bay to keep from being set on fire and possibly burned. The boat that perpetrated the barrage, the story said, escaped in the night. With the resulting mayhem at the reviewing float, people in the water and all that, the parade was called off, and the boats that had yet to pass in review were sent home by local waterborne police.

Doobie, the bartenderette at The Blue Moon Bar, usually has the inside track on all pertinent local information that is (mostly) fit for publication and (sometimes) unfit for public consumption. Because I spend a good deal of money in The Blue Moon Bar, often buying more than my fair share of suds for Capt. Bubba Whartz, and because I am a journalist who knows how to keep a confidence, Doobie will pass on rare tidbits of information to me. She has been a veritable Trevi Fountain of good stuff over the years, and I value her for that nearly as much as I value looking at her gorgeous shape that she manages to squeeze into tight, leather pants on a daily basis.

“Doobie,” I began after getting to The Blue Moon Bar, hiking myself up on a bar stool and ordering a beer, “I read in the mullet wrapper that the Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights was called off after a sailboat fired some kind of explosives at the judges and they all jumped in the water.”

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“That’s not what Bubba said,” Doobie replied.

“Oh, then Bubba was involved in the fracas this year?” I asked.

“When has he not been?”

Doobie responded. She had me there. I couldn’t think of a single year in which Bubba had not been somehow involved in the problems that had adhered to the annual boat parade like ticks to a steer.

“What happened this year? I mean, I know the parade went in the tank,” I asked and affirmed at the same time.

“Indirectly, Bubba said, it was Tripwire’s fault,” Doobie began. “Bubba had secured about a dozen industrial-grade Roman candles from some place. He had mounted them in a rack on the foredeck of Right Guard, his ferro-cement sloop. The plan was to use a railroad flare and set them off as they went by the reviewing float. But that plan went awry.

“As is usual, Bubba and Tripwire and interior decorator Bruno Velvetier, ASID, were all on the boat. Bubba told me that Bruno was on the helm, Tripwire was back in the cockpit with him, the boat was under auxiliary power and Bubba was up on the foredeck with fireworks. Apparent ly, Bruno noticed that the boat that was behind them in the parade line was from Michigan. It had “MC” on its bow before the numbers. Bruno, who had done some interior decorating of a hunting cabin in the Upper Peninsula, which, in Michigan, is referred to as the You Pee, hollered back to the people on the following boat and asked them where they were from. One of the people replied that they were from Manistee. It’s a town on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Bubba said. But what the guy said was drowned out by a terrific belch from Tripwire, who had been drinking beer all afternoon and into the evening.

“So, Bruno asked again, and this time all of the people on that boat, in an eruption of civic pride that couldn’t have come at a worse time, hollered out at one time, ‘Manistee!’ The marine police, who were hovering about to make certain that the boat parade wasn’t disrupted again this year, misunderstood what the Michigan people said and apparently thought that someone had seen a manatee, which all marine police are sworn to protect.

They turned on their flashing blue lights and put the throttles down to find the manatee.

“Just as the police were digging out in their patrol boat with two 175-horse motors on it, creating a huge wake, was when Bubba lit the fuses of his industrial strength Roman candles. The rack that the candles were positioned in apparently didn’t have a lot of lateral stability. Just before Right Guard passed in review in front of the judges, the cops’ wake hit Bubba’s boat and rocked it badly. The rack tipped over, and the Roman candles stopped the tipping when they www.southwindsmagazine.com

By Morgan Stinemetz

hit the lifeline on the starboard side, but now they were aimed at the judges’ float, and of course, once you light a Roman candle, you cannot shut it off.

The burning pyrotechnics, Bubba said, arched in perfectly, and all the judges and dignitaries, including the Sarasota Chief of Police, had to take to the water to keep from getting their clothes and their hair set on fire. The women who used hairspray in large quantities were particularly vulnerable, because that stuff is flammable.”

“So what happened next,” I asked.

“When the cops roared back from their bogus manatee alert, the judges and dignitaries were all floundering around in the water,” Doobie explained. “Bubba’s Roman candles had all fired off, so there was only some smoke left around, and Bubba was gone. He knows when not to hang around. He said that he put all the fired Roman candles in the trash bucket on Right Guard and threw the rack they had been positioned in up on the foredeck over the side where it would wash up on shore some

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“Then he got an explanation from Bruno about what had happened at the back of the boat. Tripwire admitted that he had belched at the wrong time but maintained that the people from mainland Michigan were overzealous in their civic pride. If they had been from the Upper Peninsula, Tripwire said, they wouldn’t have hollered out the name of their town because half the people who live up there cannot even pronounce the name of the next town. A lot of the places up there have Indian names. Like Waucedah. Or Ishpeming. Or Tahquamenon. If someone shouted out those names, you’d say, ‘God Bless.’”

You know, besides the great britches she wears, Doobie has a sense of logic that always seems to be on the mark. I’d vote for her for vice president of the United States except for the fact that she speaks in entire sentences that actually have subjects and predicates. She’d never get much media attention, do you think, huh?

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Southeastern U.S. Air & Water Temperatures and Gulf Stream Currents – December

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

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

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January 2009

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EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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

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

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

I RACING EVENTS

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

I UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS Go to the SOUTHWINDS Web site for our list of youth sailing programs in the Southern coastal states, www.southwindsmagazine.com. The list was printed in the April 2006 issue.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING Monthly Boating Safety Courses 2009 Schedule in Fort Pierce, FL About Boating Safety—Boating Safety Course designed for the recreational boater, to encourage safety on the water.

This one-day boating course emphasizes safety on the water to enhance the boating experience and to increase confidence on the water. The course is State of Florida approved for those 21 and under to obtain their Florida State Boaters License. Next scheduled class Jan 17. Classes are usually very full, call and reserve space on the preferred program date. $36 (+ $10 for each additional family member).

Courses are held from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Flotilla 58 Coast Guard Auxiliary Building 1400 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce FL. (772) 579-3395 Stephanie, or (772) 321-3041 Gary, or e-mail stephcgaux@hotmail.com.

program graduates. Mike Christnacht. (904) 502-9154.

Generally held once monthly on Saturdays. Go to www.uscgajaxbeach.com for the schedule.

Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements.

Eleven lessons, every Tuesday. Boating skills and seamanship programs, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. Lessons include: which boat for you, equipment, trailering, lines and knots, boat handling, signs, weather, rules, introduction to navigation, inland boating and radio. (727) 823-3753. Don’t wait until next summer to have your children qualify for a Florida boater safety ID, possibly lower your boaters insurance premium or just hone your safe boating skills.

Coast Guard Auxilliary Boating Courses, Jacksonville, FL Safe Boating Saturdays. Captains Club, 13363 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. Meets Florida legal requirements for boater education. Most insurance companies offer discounts to 2009-12 RACING RULES SEMINAR St. Petersburg Yacht Club, FL, Jan. 3 At St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Miami, FL, Jan. 4 At Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Isles Yacht Club, Punta Gorda, FL, Jan 31 At Isles Yacht Club, Punta Gorda, FL, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Racing rules seminar by Dave Perry and sponsored by North U. New rules of racing 2009-12. Learn new rules and how they will affect racing. Use of North U’s Racing Rules Seminar Workbook to solve race situations and to gain a better sense of the racing rules. (800) 347-2457. www.northu.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron.

Six-week public boating course begins every Monday. Includes safety information plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 8673088. Other courses continuously offered. (727) 565-4453. www.boating-stpete.org.

Review Your Boat SOUTHWINDS is looking for boaters to review their own boat. We found readers like to read reviews by boat owners. If you like to write, we want your review. It can be long or short (the boat, that is), a racer, a cruiser, new or old, on a trailer or in the water. Photos essential. If it’s a liveaboard, tell us how that works out. Or—is it fast?

Have you made changes? What changes would you like? Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com for more specifics and specifications on photos needed.

Articles must be sent by e-mail or on disc. We pay for the reviews, too.

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Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs About Boating Safely. Two lessons. Jan. 3-4, Feb. 28-March 1. Another three-lesson course Jan. 19,20,22—No Skipper — Now What!! Jan 17. GPS and Chart Reading (including chart #1 & 11411, books & charting tools)—February 9 and 10.

For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check call (727) 469-8895 or visit www. a0701101.uscgaux.info. Click on Public Education Programs. America’s Boating Course and other courses regularly posted on the Web site.

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC Ongoing adults sailing programs. Family Sailing. 2-6 people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30-foot keelboat. $50$240. www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 728-7317. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638

www.southwindsmagazine.com

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

BOAT SHOWS Houston International Boat Show.

Jan. 2-11. Reliant Center, Houston. www.houstonboatshows.com.

(713) 526-6361 New Orleans Boat Show. Jan 7-11. Ernest Morial Convention Center. New Orleans. NMMA. (504) 780-1818. www.nmma.org.

Marine Systems Certification, St. Petersburg, FL, Jan. 2730. American Boat and Yacht Council. www.abycinc.org.

(410) 990-4460.

Stuart Boat Show. Jan 9-11. Waterway Marina, the Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group Marina. Stuart harbor.

Stuart, FL. AllSports Productions. www.allsportsproductions.net/boat_shows.html. (305) 868-9224.

Marine Systems Certification, Charleston, SC, Feb. 10-13.

American Boat and Yacht Council. www.abycinc.org. (410) 990-4460.

Atlanta Boat Show. Jan 14-18. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. NMMA. www.atlantaboatshow.com.

Standards Certification Course, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Feb. 23-25. American Boat and Yacht Council. www.abycinc.org.

(410) 990-4460.

Austin Boat Show. Jan. 15-18. Austin Convention Center.

Bring the whole family to the largest boating event of the year featuring over 200 vendors and boat dealers.

Thursday and Friday, 12 pm-9 pm. Saturday, 10 am-9 pm.

See the Catalina Dealers for BOAT SHOW SPECIALS at the Miami Boat Show, Feb. 12-16

Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit www.austinboatshow.com for more information.

Charleston Boat Show. Jan. 23-25.

Charleston Convention Center, Charleston, SC. (843) 364-8491. www.marinesource.com/Boat_Shows/ charleston_boat_show.cfm.

San Antonio Boat Show. Jan. 29- Feb. 1 at the Alamodome.

Bring the whole family to the largest boating event of the year featuring over 150 vendors and boat dealers. Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m.-9p.m. Friday, 12 pm-10 pm. Saturday, 10 am-9 pm. Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. Visit www.sanantonioboatshow.com for more information.

First Coast Boat Show, Jacksonville, FL, Feb. 6-8 Prime Osborne Convention Center, Jacksonville, Fla., (904) 759-2758. www.firstcoastboatshow.com.

68th Annual Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami, Feb. 12-16 See page 27 for more information.

Central Florida International Boat Show, Orlando, FL, Feb. 19-22.

Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., Central Florida Marine Trades Assn. (407) 298-1167. www.boatshowflorida.com.

Carolina Power and Sailboat Show. Feb. 20-22. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC. Southeast Productions Inc., (336) 855-0208. www.ncboatshows.com.

Central Carolina Boat Show. Feb. 28-March 1.. Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, NC. Southeast Productions Inc., (336) 855-0208. www.ncboatshows.com

OTHER EVENTS

International Marina and Boatyard Conference Jan 25-28. Professional development seminars. Fort Lauderdale Conventions Center.

International Marina Institute/ Association of Marina Industries. (401) 247-0314. www.marinaassociation.org.

Workshop for Recreational Boaters to Contribute to Ocean Observing System Development in the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg, FL, Feb. 4-5 The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) is tasked with integrating coastal and ocean information for the Gulf of Mexico.

The coastal ocean observation program can provide information that will enhance recreational boaters’ enjoyment of the water and their safety, but this will only happen with the active interest and participation of the boating community.

Recognizing that recreational boaters and divers are important users of ocean information, the GCOOS-RA is hosting a workshop to address the needs of these communities. Participants will learn about the variety of instruments on coastal stations, buoys, satellites, ships, and underwater vehicles, and the computer models and high frequency (HF) radars that are used to make observations and predictions of the ocean and atmosphere.

Requests could be as simple as acquiring information on wind and waves from specific locations or more sophisticated, such as generating circulation models, better charts for a particular bay or harbor, or measuring bottom currents and water clarity.

Input from this free workshop will be incorporated into the GCOOS-RA observing system design.

While registration is free, pre-registration is mandatory, and attendance is limited. If you cannot attend but have Articles Wanted About Southern Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations and Youth Sailing Groups SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for articles on individual yacht clubs, sailing associations and youth sailing groups throughout the Southern states (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX (east Texas). Articles wanted are about a club’s history, facilities, major events and general information about the club. The clubs and associations must be well established and have been around for at least five years. Contact editor@Southwindsmaga zine.com for information about article length, photo requirements and other questions.

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comments, e-mail them to the GCOOS Office (srmartin @tamu.edu).

For more information and to register, go to www. gcoos.org, and click on “Calendar.”

2nd Annual Allied Boats Gam, Tampa Bay, Florida, March 20-22 A gam of Allied Boats is being planned for the weekend of March 20-22 in Tampa Bay, Florida. Any Allied sailboats are welcome, such as the ketch boats Seawind I 30, Seawind II 32, Seabreeze 35, Princess/Contessa 36, Mistress 39, or the 42 foot S&S-designed yawl. If there are any of the more obscure Chance 30s or Luders 33s made by Allied in the area, feel free to join in the fun. This gam would include Allied successor Wright Yacht boat builders, also.

To add yourself to the e-mail contact list as details gel and plans are made, contact Ed Verner (a Seawind II owner hailing from Apollo Beach, FL) via e-mail at seawindii@yahoo.com with you and your vessel’s information. Details are still being sorted out, but ideas so far are for a two-day event to offer aerial photography, a raft-up anchor session, a possible dinner, and/or flotilla.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

I NEWS

GPS Blamed for Bottom Damage in Florida Keys Use of the GPS is the cause of much of the damage to bottom and sea grass in the Florida Keys, according to some who expressed their views at a recent meeting in Tavernier, as reported in the Keys’ newspaper, the Keynoter.

On Nov. 18, at a workshop on Everglades restoration, several people blamed this modern navigational tool as one of main culprits in people running aground. In Glades restoration, the National Park Service is considering alternative plans—including banning boat motors—in protecting Florida Bay, much of which is in the Everglades National Park boundaries. There have been many propeller scars left in the bottom in recent years by powerboaters, who power through shallow areas, thinking they are in a channel or going into one. Many Keys’ fishing guides stated that amateurs following channels on their GPS units power right where their GPS unit says is a channel—figuring there must be a channel there if the GPS says there is. They either run aground and damage the bottom or are in water so shal-

SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

23

low that they can power through it—still moving while scarring the bottom. The guides— and the National Park Service—said the GPS units are not accurate enough to navigate the narrow channels of the Keys and that your eyes and polarized glasses are the proper tools for bay navigation. One guide said, “There are more morons out there.”

Seven Seas Cruising Association Recognizes Members for Outstanding Achievements Each year SSCA recognizes some of their members’ achievements at their Annual Gam in Melbourne, FL. In 2008, the following received awards and recognitions.

The Seven Seas Award went to Noël Marshall, an accomplished circumnavigator on his boat, Sadko II. After a 36-year career in the English diplomatic service and 15 years of ocean racing, Noël Marshall retired in 1993 and began cruising aboard his first boat, Sadko, a Hallberg-Rassy 38. In 1997, he was awarded the Royal Cruising Club Challenge Cup for his four-year circumnavigation, which included visits to Japan and the Russian Far East.

The second Sadko, a custom 42-foot aluminum cutter

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designed by Mike Pocock, was launched in 2002 and made her maiden cruise to the White Sea to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the “discovery” of Russia by Sir Richard Chancellor in 1553. In 2004, Noël crossed the Atlantic where he then cruised up the North American coast and as far as Disko Island in Greenland before returning to the Chesapeake. Over the following two years, he continued via the Bahamas to Panama and thence to the Galapagos Islands, single-handed to southern Chile and, with a relay of crews, through the Chilean channels to Cape Horn, and thereafter up to Buenos Aires. This skein of cruises was awarded three more trophies by the RCC. For the 2006-2007 southern season, Noël returned single-handed to the Beagle Channel and then, with a full crew, spent six weeks visiting the Antarctic Peninsula. They reached Detaille Island, 20-odd miles south of the Antarctic Circle, and concluded with a landing on Elephant Island, taking with them a bronze plaque honoring the members of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s expedition who survived there in 1916, one of whom, James Wordie, had been the Master of his college when Noël was at Cambridge. This was, beyond doubt, the “cruise of a lifetime,” and one for which the Royal Cruising Club awarded Noël both the Challenge Cup for 2007 and the Goldsmith Exploration Award. Sadly, Noël passed away a few months before the award presentation. It was accepted on his behalf by his friend, Marcie Lynn.

This award signifies the highest international recognition of a cruising sailor whose experiences on the sea demonstrate a deep commitment to good seamanship, and an understanding of his ship and the environment. Voyages should consist of good planning, sensible equipment, and be executed in a competent manner. Past recipients of the Seven Seas Award include Irving and Electa Johnson, Yankee; Eric and Susan Hiscock, Wanderer; and Hal and Margaret Roth, Whisper.

The Southbound II Award went to Don Anderson, Summer Passage. Anderson, of Summer Passage SSB Radio, has been reporting weather for sailors from his home in Oxnard, CA, since 2002. His reports encompass the West Coast from California to Panama, including the Sea of Cortez as well as weather routing to the Marquesas. He receives no compensation for the enormous amount of time and energy that he puts into very detailed daily weather reporting that hundreds of cruising boats rely on for safe passage-making.

Bateman Cruising Station of the Year Award went to Steve and Kay Van Slyke, Kavenga. The Van Slykes serve cruisers in a significant capacity in both Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (winter), and in Gig Harbor, WA (summer). This award is presented to a volunteer cruising station host who has assisted visiting cruisers and particularly SSCA members in a significant capacity, and who has made an effort to promote SSCA and recruit new members.

The Seven Seas Clean Wake Award for Humanitarian or Environmental Efforts went to several recipients: Jim and Kyoto Bandy, Also II, and Michael and Kendra Homsany, for their humanitarian efforts with the villagers of Also Island, Fiji; Ralph and Barbara Beyhl, Wakea, for their humanitarian www.southwindsmagazine.com

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efforts delivering medical supplies while cruising in the Caribbean; Karen Earnshaw and Cary Evarts, Seal, for their environmental efforts initiating the Mieco Beach Yacht Club Majuro Reef Protection Mooring Project in the Marshall Islands; Henk and Nelleke Meuzelaar, Rivendel II, for their humanitarian efforts as Project MARC founders/directors in Vanuatu. Project MARC (Medical Assistance to Remote Communities) provides medical, educational and technical support to outer island communities in the Vanuatu archipelago.

Another recipient was Burger Zapf, M.D., Halekai, for his medical volunteer efforts in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Mexico, Ecuador and Fiji.

This award recognizes voyaging cruisers, whether members or not, who exemplify by their behavior one of the main principles of SSCA, to leave a clean wake to show respect for others and for our environment so that those who follow in our wake will be warmly welcomed. Award recipients are those who show generosity and offer assistance to others, especially to people who live in the countries they are visiting, and/or those who involve themselves in activities of significant benefit to mankind and the environment.

The Seven Seas Cruising Association also honored 17 members who fulfilled their dream of circumnavigating the world with a Circumnavigator Award and 64 members who crossed an ocean with a Transocean Award.

To see a list of past SSCA award recipients, and for more information on the Seven Seas Cruising Association, go to www.ssca.org.

along with advertising and marketing, he believes “customer focus” is the lifeblood of a successful marina operation. “It’s all about relationships. We love having great relationships with our marina members, as well as our business partners.”

Scheimann first joined Marinas International in 2000. He has had full accountability for over 4,000 slips at three marinas. His career also includes working with local governments and staff in acquiring and operating marinas as well as developing and implementing harbor management plans.

Scheimann is a certified marina manager and currently serves on the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) National Water Access Task Force, is a member of the Florida Clean Boating Partnership, and is on the National Marina Day Committee, along with the faculty of the International Marina Institute. Over the past 10 years, he has become a regular speaker and presenter for the marina industry around the United States and abroad. Kirby Cay (as he is known around the docks) combines his experience and background with a genuine passion for the marina industry. He is also known to flash back to his Florida Keys days and do an acoustic set with his guitar without much prompting.

New Manager at the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg Seeks New Relations with Boaters Kirby Cay Scheimann recently took over as manager of the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg.

Scheimann plans on bringing a new level of “customer focus” to the Harborage. As a faculty member of the International Marina Institute who teaches customer service

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68th Annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami FEBRUARY 12-16 One of the largest boat shows in the world, this event combines the main show at the Miami Convention Center, the annual Strictly Sail Miami Show at the Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace and the Yacht and Brokerage Show on the 5000 block of Collins Avenue with in-water displays of powerboats at the Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center at 1633 North Bayshore Dr., Miami.

Directions to Strictly Sail Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami From the North: I-95 South to exit 395/Miami Beach East, exit at Biscayne Blvd. Turn right; follow Biscayne to Port Blvd. (NE 5th Street). Turn left; follow right hand lane into the Bayside Garage.

From the South: I-95 North. Exit at Biscayne Blvd. Stay in left-hand lane until the stop sign at Biscayne. Turn left on NE 3rd Street.

Follow the left side of the road into the Bayside Garage.

Additional Parking if Bayside is Full Shuttle from park-and-ride facility at the American Airlines Arena, two blocks from Bayside. $10 per day.

The Strictly Sail Miami Show is the largest catamaran show in the world. Sailboats of all sizes, monohulls and multihulls, are on display along with numerous vendors and exhibitors. Boating and sailing seminars are held daily.

Children 12 and under free. Ages 13-15 at $6. $16 for adults for a one-day pass, $30 for a two-day pass (any two days), Friday through Monday. Premier Thursday costs $30.

Hours are 10a.m.-6p.m. Thursday thru Monday. In-water displays close at 6 p.m. E-tickets can be purchased in advance at www.miamiboatshow.com, or www. strictlysail. com. All tickets include entry to the convention center show and vice versa if you purchase the tickets at the center. If you go to the convention center, a shuttle will take you to the sailboat show and vice versa.

For more information, go to www.strictlysail.com. Buy your tickets online and included in your paid admission is a one-year subscription to one of the following magazines: Yachting, Motor Boating, Salt Water Sportsman, Islands or Cruising World ($7.00 value).

Discover Sailing Free half hour lessons and sail with an experienced sailor from the docks.

Kids Aboard Boatbuilding Program Children ages six and older can participate in free boat building workshops from noon to 6 p.m., Friday through Monday. Under the supervision of bilingual, U.S.-certified instructors, children will create two 10-foot wooden sailing yachts that will be launched at the show on Monday.

South African Pavilion Multi-Hull Lagoon The South African Boatbuilders Business Council and the South African Consulate General return to Miami for the fourth year. With them, they bring world-class sailing companies, including six large boats, marine accessories and tourist information from the Cape.

See MIAMI continued on page 75

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

31

Inside the big exhibitor’s air-conditioned tent.

The colorful Wharram Tiki 32 polynesian-style catamaran attracted a lot of attention.

St. Petersburg Boat Show & Strictly Sail, Dec. 4-7

Sail & Power—Together Again

By Steve Morrell

F

or the first time since 1991, sailboats were present at the St. Petersburg Boat Show—and a great show it was.

Although in many respects, sailors and powerboaters seem to be two different types of people, they all have one thing in common: They are all on the water and love the water. And today, with all the modern gear, much of boating today is shared by these two groups.

Tampa Bay and west Florida sailboat interests—feeling lost in the greater number of powerboats—broke off in 1992 and started their own show, which eventually became Strictly Sail. But let’s face it: There are more powerboats on the water by far than sailboats—and that’s the way it was at the December show. But when you looked across the landscape of the in-water boats at this show, what stood out the most was the hundreds of flags adorning the masts and rigging of the sailboats. And every time I went down to the docks, it seemed to me that the sailboat section was the busiest, for there was no shortage of people at the show.

Perfect weather helped out tremendously and a slower

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economy might have cut back on the buying, but it sure didn’t cut back on the interest.

There was also no shortage of boats, both sail and power—with over 325 boats. There were 40 sailboats in the water and 35 on land. Powerboats totaled over 100 in the water and over 150 on land, many of which were dinghies— always of interest to sailors.

On the docks, there were some unique sailboats. Largest was the Hunter 50, which made its debut at the show. It carried all the amenities that go with a large boat, including a bathtub secreted away under the aft double berth (that is not a misprint). I believe it was a Jacuzzi, too. Beneteau had its 49-footer there, shorter than Hunter’s 50-footer, but at that size, who’s counting? Catalina unveiled its new 375, which one salesman described as a “350 on steroids.” That it was.

But it was not just size that attracted interest at the show. One of the most beautiful boats with lots of colorful character was the Wharram Tiki 30—a Polynesian-style catamaran built by craftsman David Halladay of Boatsmith

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Two brokerage boats at the show were of classic design. On the left is a Vagabond 47 and on the right is a Cheoy Lee 42.

The Heel Wheel can be locked in several positions.

(See SOUTHWINDS November issue). With red canvas and red hulls, the boat stood out as the most unique sailboat at the show.

Other sailboats included a Gemini Catamaran, J/Boats and Hanse, to name a few. Not seen at the St. Pete sailboat shows in recent years were brokerage boats, which were allowed at this show. Only two were present, brought by Edwards Yacht Sales. It brought two classics, which seemed to draw a steady group of visitors. These boats, a Vagabond 47 and Cheoy Lee 42, were two beautiful ocean-cruising yachts with sweeping overhangs and classic lines. The woodwork on deck and down below, along with a traditional cabin and cockpit layout, made one want to sell everything and sail to the South Pacific with visions from the old ’60s TV program, Adventures in Paradise.

On land, there was the usual assortment of smaller boats with a couple of multihulls that seemed to attract a lot of people. One was an inflatable catamaran by Aeré. The other was the Jim Brown-designed 17-foot trimaran, the Windrider, which one boater called “the most fun sailboat he ever sailed.”

The exhibitor tent was the biggest tent I have seen since the last time I went to a three-ring circus—plus Show Management supplies an air-conditioned tent, which was well appreciated on some warm days. And when it cooled down for a few hours on Sunday morning, all those people kept the tent just warm enough. Exhibitors did not hold back from showing up in spite of a slower economy. Sailing

interests had their own section, but blended in, as so much of boaters’ gear today is shared in common between sail and power. It seemed like LED lights were making their mark at this show, and there were all sorts of them on display and for sale by vendors who both specialized in them and carried them among other products.

One of the products I noticed as unique was a new movable helm wheel. Originally designed as a way of moving the wheel to walk around the helm, it serves also as a way of making the helm more accessible on different tacks. It’s named the Heel Weel (www.heelweel.com) and made its debut at the show. You have to see it to believe and understand it, but it seems like a great idea to me.

Another product, which I found interesting, was digital map software that overlaid Google Earth. This was a great visual aid that allowed for great planning with real photos, since that is what Google Earth is built on. The product is called EarthNC, and more information can be seen at www.earthnc.com.

The usual cruising and sailing seminars, which marked the Strictly Sail shows, were present and they were here organized by Sail America. There were over 70 seminars (some were repeated on different days) that again proved a great resource for sailors. In fact, where else can you find that many seminars in one location over four days?

All in all, it was great to see all boaters in one show that

News & Views for Southern Sailors

See ST. PETE continued on page 75

SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

33

OUR WATERWAYS City of South Daytona Considers Implementation of Anchoring Limitations

By Steve Morrell In December, the city manager of South Daytona submitted a proposal for an anchoring ordinance in the city’s waters.

The proposals are aimed at several perceived problems: liveaboard boaters who use waterfront parks for bathroom facilities and as a source for water; liveaboard boats that appear derelict; boats that appear to be derelict but unattended that are anchored; anchored boats that could break loose in a tropical storm and cause damage to property; boats that, in the words of the chief of police, appear to “have become somewhat of an eyesore and a nuisance to property owners in the area and those who use the park.”

The first part of the ordinance would prohibit the anchoring of liveaboard vessels and floating structures (defined as a floating entity not used for transportation) in city waters. The second part would prohibit the anchoring of any “unattended vessel” for more than 24 hours.

It also defines how a boat is to be anchored, saying that it must have at least two anchor lines—one at the bow and one at the stern. The third part states that any anchored vessel must be removed within 24 hours of a hurricane or tropical storm warning being issued for the city unless someone over 18-years-old stays on board until the storm has passed and the warning expired. It goes on stating that this does not apply to a boat at a dock.

Since Florida law allows local communities to regulate liveaboard vessels, the city is within its rights to do so. The concern will be how does it define a liveaboard. If someone lives on their boat year around and that is their sole residence, it is obvious, but someone who has a land residence and lives on board a few months a year, it would be unfair to define them as a liveaboard. How the city and the law interprets this is crucial. But the second part about unattended vessels will run into some real problems for the city.

Since the city is not targeting non-liveaboards, it is acceptable for cruisers to anchor, but if they want to spend a night or two onshore, they will be breaking the law. The intended target of this law might be to rid the city of people storing their boats on the water, or perhaps the city wants to also prohibit cruisers from leaving a boat unattended.

Regardless, it would be wise for the city to read about what happened in Stuart in the case of Vincent Sibilla, who left his vessel unattended many times, yet won his case hands down in court, the city having to apologize to Sibilla to get out of the lawsuit filed against it (SOUTHWINDS, “Our Waterways,” October 2008). If the city lawyers don’t know about this law, then they are asleep. Stuart is only a short way down the coast. They should pay particular attention to the definition of “in navigation” as defined in the court decision. It appears clear that leaving a vessel unattended does not necessarily mean it is not “in navigation.”

Another part of this ordinance says that a vessel anchored must have at least two lines securing it, one at the bow and one at the stern. Whoever wrote this law is obviously ignorant of good anchoring technique. Although there are times when a bow and stern anchor are advisable (and sometimes necessary), it can be stated without a doubt that in most cases, anchoring off the bow only is the most prudent anchoring method. This becomes even more important the stronger the storm is. This affects the last part of the ordinance, which discusses tropical storms and hurricanes.

The section of the proposed ordinance that discusses tropical storms really shows the boating ignorance of whoever wrote this up. Just about every hurricane-knowledgeable expert out there will advise that the worst thing individuals can do is stay on their boat during a hurricane. The city of South Daytona will be passing a law that goes against every hurricane safety agency’s policy on boats in the South: Don’t stay on your boat. Plus—if the city expects to

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require boats during hurricanes to be anchored with at least one anchor at the stern and one at the bow, it is again exhibiting ignorance of good anchoring practices. Only a novice would anchor a boat in a hurricane like that.

It appears the city would like to solve a few problems.

One is the liveaboard boats using park facilities for their bathroom and water needs. The city is in its legal rights to regulate these liveaboard vessels. The other is derelict boats.

The problem with derelict boats is that what appears to be derelict to one person might just be evidence of a sloppy owner to another. If we define a derelict boat as one that can easily (and easily is the key word here) break free in a storm and cause damage on shore (or to another boat), or one that is a navigational hazard—then we will all find lots of agreement on getting rid of them. If we also define a derelict boat as one that is just not nice to look at, then there is going to be a lot more than just disagreement. There will be fights. If being an eyesore is good reason for getting rid of something, then I have a few hundred miles of commercial urban sprawl filled with signs, concrete and pavement that I would like to see demolished.

The city should also learn a little about hurricanes, boats and the law in Florida. A marina has a right to remove a boat from its marina and anchor it out if it feels that is the best place for it to protect the marina and the boat—if the owner has not taken proper precautions. There are also situations where a boater might find that the best place for his boat during a hurricane is anchored out—and he has the right to do that. And if he follows all the recommendations that even the

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South Daytona emergency hurricane services probably advise, he will get off the boat when the storm arrives.

Another concern of the city is anchored boats breaking away in storms. In a strong enough storm, any boat could break away. A boat that was not properly anchored—and the law defines what is meant by an owner taking prudent preparations—is dangerous and a community would be justified in ridding itself of such boats. But the city of South Daytona should look at the case of Fisher v. S/Y Neraida that was decided in favor of the boat owner. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in 2005 that the owner was not liable and had made prudent preparations of his anchored boat, which broke away and did substantial and costly damage to structures during a hurricane.

I am certain that the city of South Daytona has attorneys that advise them on laws. So did the city of Stuart, but they lost. They knew little of maritime law—or ignored it. A city is liable if it passes a law with knowledge that it could be an illegal ordinance. With all these cases recently decided in favor of boaters and anchoring, like the Marco Island case and the Stuart case, how could they plead ignorance?

FWC Announces it is Moving Forward on New Mooring and Anchoring Rules The FWC is proposing changes in Florida law that affect mooring and anchoring rules throughout the state. It has held public meetings around the state for feedback but have put no word out if that feedback has affected its proposal. As evidenced by the information posted on the FWC Web site on the final meeting on the proposals on Dec. 3, it does not appear that the FWC is making changes to the proposals as a result of public comment. The Web site says that it intends to submit the proposals to make changes in the law to the state legislature.

The FWC posted on its Web site a list of common comments made about the proposals. All of the comments listed are critical of anchoring limitations that the FWC wants to implement, or will allow local government to implement.

Even with this, the FWC has made no changes to its proposals nor put out any reason why it is not changing them in light of public comment. The only thing that it appears the comments are in agreement with the FWC on is that everyone would like to see uniform rules and enforcement

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SOUTHWINDS January 2009

35

OUR WATERWAYS throughout the state.

SOUTHWINDS reported on these proposals in the November issue (“Our Waterways” section).

Below is the FWC list, titled “Common Comments/ Suggestions on Draft 4. Updated October 1, 2008.” The below list, proposals and comments, can be viewed at www.myfwc.com/boating.

• The 3/10 day limit in F.S. 327.61(2) is too brief.

• Anchorage time limits should include an emergency exception for weather conditions and equipment failures.

• Anchorage time limits do not take into account time to provision, crew health, repairs and maintenance, faulty auto-pilot, etc.

• Creating a mooring field in one location and restricting anchoring throughout the jurisdiction will cause some places to cease to be useful anchorages and make some passages more difficult. (Monroe County was often cited as an example.)

• The amendments do not distinguish between “good boaters” and “bad boaters.” They should address derelict vessels directly.

• Rules and enforcement should be uniform across state.

• F.S. 327.61(2) will cause boating to be more costly. Many people will no longer be able to afford to cruise in Florida.

• FWC should keep current rules and step up enforcement.

• People enjoy having the option to anchor or enter a

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SOUTHWINDS

• • • •

•

marina. Being able to anchor allows for more freedom to travel and enjoy nature.

Many people feel these amendments are meant to protect the views of waterfront property owners.

F.S. 327.61 is overly complicated/draconian.

The amendments are open to abuse by local governments.

There is a serious shortage of moorings, dockage, and shoreside facilities throughout Florida, and imposing the 3/10 day limit would prevent boaters from entering many jurisdictions.

These amendments will hurt local economies and encourage cruisers to travel to other states or the Bahamas.

Are Wag Bags Acceptable in Florida in Place of a Holding Tank?

And What About a Porta-Potty?

Since we first heard about Wag Bags a little over a year ago, we have had many inquiries by people with older boats without holding tanks whether a Wag Bag will serve in place of a holding tank. The answer to that is no for the state of Florida at the present time. The only requirement that I know of is that a boat have a proper Coast Guard-approved MSD. In the Coast Guard regulations, the word “holding tank” is never used. The regulations define an MSD as: “Marine sanitation device and device includes any equipment for installation on board a vessel which is designed to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage, and any process to treat such sewage.”

This is clearly what a Wag Bag does, but at this time, we have heard that in almost every FWC inspection done on those who have contacted us, Wag Bags have not been accepted in place of holding tanks, although we have heard of a couple of instances where they have been.

Read in the “Letters” section this month about requirements for holding tanks and also more information on Porta-Pottys and how the FWC marine patrol is enforcing their use. Currently, although the Florida laws are vague, Boot Key Harbor and the FWC are stating that portable toilets on boats under 26 feet and not being lived aboard are legal but that all vessels regardless of size being lived aboard must have a permanently installed Type III MSD. If you have a boat over 26 feet that has cabin space in it, you must have a holding tank (with deck discharge for a pump) along with a permanently installed toilet. They will accept a special portable toilet that is hooked up to be pumped from the deck as mentioned in “Letters”—where one boater ran into this situation.

Wag Bags have proven useful for those who don’t want to use their holding tank when it is only rarely used, since you then have to deal with a pump-out—and we all know they are rare and hard to find in Florida. They can also help those who are planning to get a holding tank and want to keep our waters clean and need a method of waste disposal until they get the holding tank installed. They can also be used by placing the bag in a portable toilet, like a Porta-Potty, since disposing of a bag is a lot easier than lifting and carrying a Porta-Potty off a boat and walking down the dock. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Advance Your Marine Career, ABYC Electrical Certification

By Rebecca Burg

I

n 2005, fishing captain and marine repairman Bill Robinson learned that an ABYC electrical certification course would be available at Key West Community College.

I signed up along with Bill in the mutual interest of bringing our work as cruising marine electricians up to ABYC’s high standards. Compliance with a proven set of codes has multiple reasons, such as safety, coherence throughout the industry and keeping abreast of technological advancements. ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council), began its electrical certification program in 1997. Professionals in marine services, such as repair, manufacturing or design, benefit from these courses. They’re an opportunity to increase your skill level and become up-to-date with ABYC industry standards. There are eight different specialties to certify in, the general areas being electrical, diesel engine and support systems, gas engines and support systems, refrigeration/air conditioning.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Rebecca working on her electrical panel on Angel.

Technical courses from entry level to advanced are offered in classroom-style training. ABYC can arrange for an on-site certification course in your area if there are enough people to sign up. For example, marine service shops will certify their employees to provide the highest levels of professionalism to customers. The course Bill and I had taken was a week long, and had an examination at its conclusion.

Passing the exam earns ABYC certification and a valuable base of relevant knowledge. The instructors for these courses are high-caliber professionals in their respective fields. A serious endeavor, the course, learning materials and ABYC membership cost me about a thousand dollars in 2005.

Nowadays, instead of taking the full course, marine technicians have the option of testing out by taking an exam for $225 dollars (ABYC member price) or for $385 (non-member price). Online testing is also available at one of over 700 computer centers nationwide and overseas.

The electrical certification course we’d taken was not entry level and required an existing knowledge and base of experience in the field. It was assumed that the student already knew the basics, how to test and diagnose, etc. The course helped us focus existing skills and integrate them with the understanding and application of ABYC standards.

Our exam consisted of 200 multiple choice questions in 12 categories (battery charging systems, AC components and safety equipment, to name a few). As the study guide read, “The exam is not easy, and requires that a high level of competence in all topic areas be demonstrated to achieve certification.” Not everyone passed the test on the first try, but students can retake it after a period of study. Thanks to our own hands-on experience, Bill and I passed the first exam, with Bill earning a higher score than I. For more info on testing centers nearest you, visit www.abycinc.org and www.lasergrade.com.

SOUTHWINDS January 2009

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BOAT REVIEW One Pole Cat

Prout 34, a Perfect Boat for Thin Water

By Tom McAlear

H

aving returned to Florida from San Diego, CA, we were house hunting for a retirement home. We wanted warmer winter weather and less population than our hometown of Jacksonville, and we wanted to be on the water. Our search took us to the Charlotte Harbor area. The town of Punta Gorda was perfect. It had a small town feel with homes on canals with access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. We found a great location with a house on a canal near an exit to the harbor. It was time to get down to serious business

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and check out the local sailing.

We chartered an Island Packet 31 from Yachting Vacations at nearby Burnt Store Marina and headed out the channel to Charlotte Harbor. Motoring past day beacon number 2 in the marina access channel, I glanced at the depth meter. Years of sailing in the deep waters off Southern California had not prepared me for the number displayed on the instrument. I immediately called the Burnt Store Marina dockmaster on the VHF. “Help! I am in extremely shallow water and need a heading to deeper water.”

“How deep is the water?” asked the dockmaster. “I’m showing eight feet.” Slowly and clearly he responded, “You are in the deep water.” The next week back in San Diego, a “For Sale” sign appeared on our solid, six-foot draft Westsail 32.

The search began for a strong bluewater boat—strong enough to go anywhere one would want to go and with a shallow enough draft for Charlotte Harbor, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. It must be big enough to be comfortable and efficient enough to be single-handed, plus a draft of less than four feet. A one-year search of sailing magazines, books and the Internet came up with the perfect type of boat, a catamaran. A “cat” would be spacious for its length, and lacking a heavy lead keel, it would be ideal for thin Florida water. Now I had to find a strong cat. Leery of buying a possibly beat-up charter boat with four heads and four staterooms designed to ship a small army, I concentrated on long-time catamaran builders and boats with proven reputations of worldwide cruising. Not that I thought I would make a circumnavigation, but I wanted a boat strong enough to compensate for any unsafe omissions or commissions that I was capable of making. While I myself could live on peanut butter sandwiches and warm beer, the galley and salon had to meet critical safety and convenience criteria to satisfy social and nutritional needs of polite society. This spousal requirement was non-negotiable.

Once the criteria was determined, choosing a make and model of catamaran was relatively easy. The Prout Event 34, built in England, met or exceeded every requirement, www.southwindsmagazine.com

The cockpit and stern of the Prout 34.

including being designed and built by one of the oldest and most respected catamaran builders with over 50 years of catamaran experience. Finding the right Prout 34 took another year. We bought a beautiful single-mast catamaran.

As my wife said, a one-pole cat, and that’s what she named the boat. We have sailed One Pole Cat up and down the west

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coast of Florida, the Florida Keys, the Abacos and around Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. I have sailed single-handed to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas and to Charlestown, SC, and back. For our needs and desires, the boat is perfect.

One Pole Cat is a 1994 Prout with an LOA of 34 feet, a beam of 16 feet, and a two-and-one half-foot draft. The 39-foot, tabernaclemounted mast is securely supported by a forestay, shrouds, twin backstays and staysail stay with two baby stays. The small mainsail of 185 square feet and a large genoa of 380 square feet are the primary means of propulsion. There is also a 95-square-foot staysail and an 800-square-foot spinnaker, which is easily tended from the strong, solid foredeck. All sail controls are led to the helm except for the main sheet, which is just behind the helm seat, and the jib sheets, which are controlled through self-tailing winches on each side of the cockpit. This arrangement means that a single-hander does not have to leave the cockpit to raise, lower, trim or reef the main. The furling genoa control line is routed to the stern of the cockpit for deploying, partial furling or complete furling of the large genoa. This feature, along with the raising and lowering of the anchor from the cockpit, is a great safety factor, particularly when single-handing the boat.

There is a 20-horsepower Volvo Penta diesel in each hull, giving a powered cruising speed of five knots. Another safety feature is the two engines located 15 feet apart, which enable the boat to turn around in its own length. The addition of two Autostream feathering props added one knot to the power cruising speed, now six knots, and subtracted appreciable drag from the sailing speed. A Westerbeke diesel generator lives in the space where a single sail-leg power plant was intended to reside. And yes, the three diesels do make the boat heavy and slow. In the light winds of summer in southwest Florida, I tell my friends that we have a very slow trawler with auxiliary sails. In the winter, with 20 knots of wind, One Pole Cat is in her element. We are

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SOUTHWINDS January 2009

39

BOAT REVIEW

The main salon sitting area and table has ample room for many people.

comfortable in using the boat year round because anytime it gets too hot, we can start the generator and the air conditioner, and then any speed penalty is forgotten in the cool air-conditioned breeze.

The navigation station in the port hull, looking forward at the head.

While on the subject of boat speed, no, we can’t keep up with the 40-foot cats. After the day’s start of a boating club trip, we are usually left behind and only catch up outside the gunkhole chosen for the club’s night anchorage.

Always, One Pole Cat, with its shallow draft, great maneuvering ability and depth sounders in each hull, safely enters and anchors in unfamiliar anchorages. Sometimes we are even asked to go in first.

The boat interior is very functional. There is space for eight adults around the salon table. Every boat review talks about “head room.” The room in the head in the port hull is very generous with a great shower and plenty of storage.

The head room in the salon gives the impression that no person in England is taller than six foot. Friends that are over six feet tall develop a charming tilt of the neck when standing in the salon. Once in either hull, they have a more straightforward look about themselves. My wife and I, being under six feet tall (quite a bit under in fact), find the accommodations perfect.

The galley can produce copious amounts of food from the freezer, refrigerator, three-burner stove, oven and microwave. The watermaker produces plenty of fresh water for storage in the two 40-gallon water tanks and the 110-volt icemaker produces ice cubes as desired. The large house battery bank provides plenty of power for the inverter, all the 12-volt appliances and interior lights. The pantry contains the freezer and refrigerator plus storage room of a year’s worth of food. We prove this continually by unloading several months’ food supplies that are left over from each three-week cruise.

The two staterooms have adequate hanging and flat storage places. The double beds are not as comfortable as those at home, but after a long day’s sail we never notice the 40

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

difference and always sleep er all operating, these two soundly. The interior is very panels maintain the battery cozy, warm or cool, as banks at near full capacity. required. That is enough for One day at anchor with the interior. The inside of a only the refrigerator and boat is for eating and sleepfreezer operating, the bating. You have to eat and teries are fully recharged. sleep to keep sailing.

Interior lights are either fluThe navigation station is orescent or LED to reduce large with plenty of storage power consumption and for paper charts and addiheat production. tional chips for the helmBack on deck, the helm mounted chartplotter. It constation has great visibility of tains the monitoring disall four corners of the boat, plays for the A/C and D/C absolutely necessary for power systems. The Link maneuvering in close quar2000 and a Blue Sky solar ters and unfamiliar surboost display track the perroundings. The chartplotter formance of the diesel generhas a radar screen and the ator and of the two GE 110ability to overlay the radar volt solar panels mounted picture on the chart. It also on the top of the sternhas the water depth readOne Pole Cat sailing under spinnaker. mounted davits. In cruising out of the starboard hull. mode, with VHF radio, two The port hull water depth depth sounders, wind speed and direction indicator, is displayed on a separate instrument near the helm, as is Autohelm, radar in standby, and the refrigerator and freezthe wind speed and direction and the speed through the water. The GPS in the chartplotter provides the speed over ground.

For night sailing, the LED tri-color uses less than onetenth amp of power per hour. At anchor, the anchor light provides bright 360-degree white light, also using less than oneST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER BEACH, FL tenth amp of power each hour. There is a photo cell in the fixture that turns the anchor light on at dusk and off at dawn, further saving power. Night motoring navigation lights are LEDs also. The object here is not to save power, but to have sealed units that will still be brightly working when the boat goes to the junkyard. The LEDs mean that I will not have to Unlimited days of sailing for climb the mast to replace burned-out bulbs nor continually fuss with the festoon bulbs in the running lights. $195 a month (plus tax) What would I do to improve my boat? Perhaps I could • No additional costs give her perfume and flowers, because I think she is perfect • No dock fees, maintenance the way she is. or insurance costs.

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SOUTHWINDS January 2009

41

Looking south. The marina as viewed from the second floor offices over the marina entry from the street. The building with the restaurant and banquet/meeting halls isat the end of the walkway. The dockmaster’s office and store are to the right just out of the photo on the dock that goes to the right from the restaurant.

Regatta Pointe Marina Reinvests in the Future

By Steve Morrell

R

egatta Pointe Marina is one of the largest marinas in west Florida—some say the largest —and it’s come a long ways since its beginning over three decades ago. Current owners plan to take it a lot further.

The American economy was slow when construction began in the late ’70s, and after the first phase of about 100 slips was completed, the marina sat dormant until Harry VanDerNoord purchased it in 1987.

VanDerNoord came to the marina with a long history of construction and real estate behind him and used this expertise to expand the Looking north. View of the marina from the second floor above the restaurant, looking at the marina and waterfront. He built shops and offices along the waterfront. The two-story building at the end of the walkway with shops and offices, two restaurants, the arched window is where the VanDerNoords’ offices are located, above the marina entry. a pool and other facilities that the hundreds of boats. today make it one of the prime waterfront destinations in What is impressive today about Regatta Pointe Marina Florida. Harry and his son, Peter, today run the marina and is where the VanDerNoords are going with it. Today, you their other real estate holdings and construction business will find construction all over this waterfront complex. from second-floor offices accessed through and above the Recently, the main building received a new coat of paint, portico, which serves as the main entry to the docks. new light fixtures and a new colorful standing seam metal Today, the marina boasts 350 slips—of mostly fixed roof, replacing the old shake roof. On the docks, one can see docks—and a pier that runs down the center with a wide new dock boards everywhere. In some places, all the dock boardwalk out to an island-like building housing a restauboards are new. Nothing seems rundown at this marina. rant, banquet/meeting hall and marina facilities. Shops and Everything is well maintained and in good condition. You offices, many of which are home to several yacht brokers, can just feel it. run along the marina’s waterfront. A popular restaurant At the end of the main boardwalk out to the “island” and pool with deck for marina boat owners sits at one end sits a three-story building that houses banquet and meeting of this commercial complex that gives one a nautical feel. rooms on the second and third floors, and on the ground The building was designed and built with a maritime flavor floor—at boardwalk level—is the main restaurant facility— in mind. Trees line the parking area along the front of this currently undergoing major remodeling—marina bathbuilding. The backs of all the shops and offices open out rooms, a clubroom and a workout facility. onto a boardwalk that runs along the waterfront across from

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Regatta Pointe Marina restaurant building, looking west.

The VanDerNoords are using the slow economic times today to reinvest in the marina. Since the 2004-5 hurricane years, marinas experienced higher insurance costs, and many had to rebuild. Expenses went up, followed by rising slip rates. Many boaters had to get out of the boating lifestyle—and different from the hurricane-free years, empty boat slips today are much more common.

Consequently, many marinas, including Regatta Pointe Marina, are experiencing high vacancy rates. But the VanDerNoords are reinvesting in the future. Many companies during slow times cut back, but the VanDerNoords are in this for the long-term and are creating a first-class boaterfriendly marina for the future.

The VanDerNoords have always welcomed boaters, and many believe this is the best marina for liveaboards in the state. Could be true. Liveaboards pay only a $125 liveaboard fee, which includes water, wireless Internet, a daily newspaper, ice, cable TV and other services. Along with this come all the amenities of the marina: pool, clubroom, washer/dryer facilities, new, expanded bathroom facilities and workout room. Power is metered separately for each slip.

This is different from many marinas, which charge a set fee for power for each slip—a practice that many boaters deem unfair as complaints are lodged that this often leads to an excuse for extremely high charges for those who use little.

The new restaurant, currently undergoing major refurbishing, is expected to open in the spring of 2009. It will be on the main level and seat approximately 150 people inside and at least 50 people outside. It will include European-style opening doors that open up to give those sitting inside an outdoor feel. One new feature will be a trolley-like shuttle that will take people to the restaurant from the parking area, instead of the older and smaller inconvenient golf carts. An outdoor tiki bar will also be one of the main features of the restaurant—a welcome addition to any Florida restaurant.

At least 20 slips are dedicated to the restaurant, banquet hall and other businesses for transients. It will be one of the few places in the area where boaters can dock and shop.

Several of the marina docks are dedicated for brokerage boats, one for liveaboards, although liveaboards are allowed at some of the other docks. Massey Yacht Sales, the marina’s largest tenant—and the largest sailboat broker in the Southeast—has been there for over 20 years, and keeps a full line of new boats for buyers to view. Several other brokers also keep their boats at the marina.

Regatta Pointe Marina has also taken a special interest in hurricane preparation. This has grown substantially since the damaging 2004-5 hurricane seasons. It has an annual meeting for all slip renters to discuss hurricane preparation and hands out a preparation manual to all slip renters.

The marina is fairly well protected from high winds from all directions. It lies on the north side of the Manatee River, and winds from the east are well blocked by land and News & Views for Southern Sailors

a bridge. To the south, it is a short expanse to the river’s other side. The main threat is from the east, where a long, wide expanse exposes the marina to west winds, but a concrete breakwater exists along the west side of the marina, giving ample protection.

Rates at the marina are divided into groups. For boats that are approximately 28 feet and less with a draft of four feet or less, the rate is a low $199 a month. Larger boats pay different rates depending on size. The marina is the largest submerged bottomland lease in Florida. Most of the boats in the marina and the slips are for the mid-range boats around 35 feet, but there is dockage for boats up to 65 feet and longer. Depths around the marina—except where the smaller boats are kept—are generally around 6 to 9 feet, but the marina already has approval to dredge the entire marina, which will allow about an extra three feet throughout all the slips. It plans to do this within the coming year.

For more information, including slip rates, go to www.RegattapointeMarina.com, or call (800) 257-6020.

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Commodores & Cruisers & Dreamers…

SSCA 2008 Annual Gam

By Paula Biles

T

he annual gam of the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has been attracting world cruisers for 33 years, and this year was no different. The three-day event (December 5-7) in Melbourne, FL, drew over 400 attendees by air, by land and by sea. Most were SSCA members – bluewater or coastal cruisers, former cruisers, or circumnavigators. However, there were also several “first-timers” who attended the gam to learn more about the cruising life in order to get closer to their dream.

This was the ideal venue to soak up information about living aboard and sailing (or powering) long distances. As with other things in life, many people talk the talk, but that’s all they do. That was definitely NOT the case here. The SSCA members at the gam have logged several hundreds of thousands of cruising miles. They’ve been there and done that; they know what they’re talking about. Sharing information is the main reason for the annual gam, although they also want it to be fun. The goal is to have an enjoyable and productive weekend. (The italics are mine. I’ve never been to any conference where productive was an objective. I certainly wish it was considered important by more groups.)

Another way this gam was so perfect was its location on the eastern side of Melbourne, about a block away from the Intracoastal Waterway. Several restaurants are within walking distance, and numerous hotels are only a few miles away—on the mainland or on the beach. What’s even more important is that it is very close to an anchorage, which is served by a dinghy dock.

EDUCATION The primary focus of the gam is two days of seminars, followed by a half day of roundtables and demonstrations. The

Jimmy has sailed 200,000 miles, including three circumnavigations plus voyages to Antarctica and Alaska. One of his 27 books, World Cruising Routes, is the offshore sailors’ bible and one of the bestselling nautical publications. He was the keynote speaker and presented three seminars.

16 seminars were presented two at a time, which enabled couples to double their learning by splitting up. The seminars were not theoretical or abstract talks about the cruising lifestyle … oh, no … not by a long shot. They covered things like assembling a workable medical kit, electronic charting, cruising with pets, wind and solar for cruisers, communications while cruising, marine weather, and Web design.

Sessions also included cruising in specific geographic regions, plus a women’s forum and one on issues affecting cruisers in Florida.

The high seminar caliber was demonstrated by the featured speaker, Jimmy Cornell, the renowned sailor and author. Jimmy has sailed 200,000 miles, including three circumnavigations plus voyages to Antarctica and Alaska. One of his 27 books, World Cruising Routes, is the offshore sailors’ bible and one of the bestselling nautical publications. He was the keynote speaker and presented three seminars. In between sessions he usually had a crowd of people around asking questions and getting his autograph for their copies of his books. He was extremely friendly to everyone and didn’t mind a bit when I asked for his photo.

The eight roundtables each covered a different destination, from the Western Caribbean to Pacific Crossing. Like all the presentations, each of the four demonstrations was very practically oriented, from emergency sail repair to rigging maintenance and failure. For those who pre-registered, there was even a CPR course.

NETWORKING Sharing information is fundamental to SSCA, whether it’s about equipment, destinations, tips, or products. Attendees at the gam were encouraged to take full advantage of every encounter to learn more and develop friendships.

Even the trade show was geared to distributing information in addition to selling products. There were over two dozen tables and booths. (The number of vendors was smaller than last year because the St. Petersburg Strictly Boat Show was going on at the same time.) The best infor44 January 2009

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Mike and Eve, “First Timers” at the Gam, are currently outfitting their boat, named Plan ‘B’, and getting ready for the liveaboard lifestyle.

mational vendor was NOAA, which distributed mountains of instructional materials, including full-color clouds charts and a thorough 51-page fact sheet on marine weather.

Getting a chance to meet those in attendance was remarkable, especially since this was my first SSCA annual gam. As a vendor, I was stationed at our booth so was unable to attend the seminars. My main contact with atten-

More About SSCA The Seven Seas Cruising Association was founded in 1952 by six live-aboard couples who shared a common lifestyle and shared experiences with one another as they cruised, through their letters. Times have changed, but a shared passion for the freedom of the cruising lifestyle remains. The organization is now a non-profit organization of nearly 10,000 members from around the world.

SSCA members include weekend cruisers, offshore passagemakers, and dreamers … people who all aspire to the live-aboard cruising lifestyle. They all support each other and provide assistance whenever it is needed. They continually share experiences and information (online, in print, and at gams). SSCA members also strongly adhere to a “clean wake” policy to treat all people and the environment respectfully … so those following in their wake will be warmly welcomed.

Besides the wealth of information and networking opportunities, there are numerous other membership benefits. They include: a monthly bulletin, workshops, an interactive Web site, a marine equipment survey, port guides, cruising stations, special member discounts, and an SSCA online ship’s store.

If you’re thinking about joining SSCA, find out more at www.ssca.org or (954) 771-5660. Perhaps there is a local member you can contact or a scheduled gettogether/social event in your area. This is a very friendly group that is keen on sharing. They’d love to have you join. dees was when they stopped by our table. There were several sailors who had “circumnavigator” ribbons on their name badge and were really interesting to talk to. Other people were pursuing their dream by getting their sailboat equipped and making plans to cut their ties with land.

However, the most fascinating person was a man who bought a seat cushion from another vendor and joked that at age 92 he needed more padding in his cockpit. It turns out that he had just decided it was time to give up single-handing his boat on trips to the Bahamas. What convinced him was his last trip, when he had to replace an impeller while under way.

That was more than he wanted to handle again. He started listing his voyages: 50 trips between New York and Florida, two Bermuda races, some trips to Spain, and regular cruising throughout Europe. This man was a delight to talk to—filled with knowledge, stories, and a great sense of humor.

FUN, FOOD, AND FLEAS The fun and social aspects of the gam were also important.

There were lunches, a cocktail party, and even a dinner buffet complete with live steel drum music. These meals were geared to ensure interaction and help folks get to know each other.

Other popular events were the raffle to win all kinds of marine products and the nautical flea market. Their flea market is legendary and the perfect place to find a bargain or sell unused items and raise your waterline.

Paula Biles is co-owner of Seaworthy Goods. It makes and sells smart products to enhance time afloat, including the PortVisor™, a rain shield for opening portholes. www.SeaworthyGoods.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

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CAROLINA SAILING

The Charleston Yacht Club – One of a Kind

By Dan Dickison

The back of the Charleston Yacht club and the docks.

I

t’s not news that every major waterfront community in the United States has its complement of yacht clubs or sailing associations. And it’s pretty widely known that most locales with several clubs have organizations that span the spectrum from hoity-toity to down-and-dirty. Typically, in between those two extremes are a variety of club types that often end up containing the majority of active sailors in a given community. It’s in these clubs where you often find the unsung heroes of the sport, the folks whose names add critical mass to scratch sheets at regattas and whose volunteer efforts consistently make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy races, rallies, and the on-shore festivities that custom-

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arily culminate in those events. In the case of Charleston, SC, one such club—the Charleston Yacht Club—has a unique gathering of members who have been living up to that description for decades.

Situated along the banks of the Ashley River in a modest, two-story, gray building in downtown Charleston, the Charleston Yacht Club boasts 343 members, most of whom identify themselves as sailors. According to Mike Messinger, who recently completed his one-year stint as the club’s commodore, there’s roughly a 70-30 split between sailors and powerboaters at the club.

But, says the out-going commodore, boating orientation really doesn’t matter here. “Whatever the interest,” he explains, “what distinguishes this club is—above all—our membership. We are all very active boaters. Other yacht clubs around here draw our members to help run their regattas all the time. And our members participate in events all around this area. Additionally, we really have a lot of friendship among the members because we’re a volunteer club. We don’t have more than a half dozen people on staff.

So, members here do the cooking and much of the organizing and work for the events and activities we host.”

From his perch near the club’s pool table on a chilly weeknight in December, Messinger sweeps his hand toward the adjoining lounge to drive home this point. Just beyond the doorway, 40 or so of his fellow members are noisily enjoying one of the club’s staple activities, a Tuesday night dinner. Fueled by pot-luck lasagna and free-flowing libations from the bar, these folks are variously rehashing www.southwindsmagazine.com

recent club activities or chatting ceived in part by Charleston YC about upcoming ones. Comments members in 1998. Much of that is regarding the previous weekend’s due to a fun, inventive spirit that big boat regatta and oyster roast are permeates the club. It’s the kind of interspersed with talk of the thing that prompts members to Christmas party and the holiday suggest a sailing race with a boat parade. mandatory fishing requirement. Or A few folks are reminiscing the sort of thing that makes no one about a recent cruise up the ICW. bat an eye when house committee Typically, Charleston YC members chairman John Buck signs his engage in a number of cruises to report in the club’s newsletter nearby destinations each year, but “House-a-Matically Yours.” invariably, the cruise to tiny Moise No doubt, there’s a zeal here Island is among the most popular. In that Charleston YC members’ share October, says Messinger, 14 boats for their organization, as well as for participated, making their way east their enjoyment of the sport. It’s a to this diminutive barrier island on force that can produce raucous Halloween. “We had a costume moments or lead to productive proparty and contest,” recalls grams. Not too many months back, Messinger, “and we all dressed up the club’s entertainment committee and awarded various prizes. initiated a speaker’s series. Now, Mike Messinger, who just completed a year Altogether, it was really typical of from time to time, members can as commodore. the kind of socializing we do.” attend authoritative presentations Like many yacht clubs across the on boating issues like health and United States, this one maintains a full schedule of activities safety on the water or new Coast Guard regulations. Up to 50 throughout the year, both on shore and on the water. Many members and guests have gathered for these occasions, some members will tell you that a crucial factor in all of this is the of which are open to the public. “That’s all consistent with the existence of the club’s Auxiliary. These are the folks who are married to active members but aren’t actually members themselves. Without their dedication and energy, it’s generally agreed that much less would get done here, and this is a very active place. In addition to the monthly membership meetings (held in the club’s 2,000-square-foot flag room) and the First Friday social gatherings, there are regular get-togethers for barbecues, oyster roasts, cruises, fishing tournaments, holiday parties, and of course, races. Apart from the club’s own regattas, a number of more prominent competitions are also staged here. This past year alone, the club played host to the Melges 24 National Championship and the Adams Cup regional semi-final regatta.

Hosting events that garner national attendance and attention can prove particularly challenging. At the outset of the Melges regatta, just two days before the competition began, the club’s brand-new, three-ton hoist abruptly stopped working. Talk about a bottleneck. There were almost 50 boats registered for the regatta, and many of the crews were intent on getting their boats in the water to practice. The members in charge scrambled, but they didn’t panic. They got the installation company to send a mechanic and while he sorted out the issue, they had a boom truck from a local draying company stand by just in case. After that brief mishap, the event proceeded much more smoothly.

That kind of initiative, say various members, is par for the course around here. Consider that a number of Charleston’s signature sailing events were hatched or finetuned by club members and friends at this very facility.

Eleven years ago, the biennial Charleston-Bermuda Race took shape through a series of meetings in the club’s junior room. And another biennial event—the 225-mile Daytona to Charleston Race, known as the Gulfstreamer—was conNews & Views for Southern Sailors

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CAROLINA SAILING mission statement of the boats, but also the club,” explains Messinger shoreside venue. On with a shrug. “This club top of it all, these same was founded to promote volunteers have develboating and boating oped and run a very interest in the area. Ours successful junior sailis a yacht club that was ing program (for 25 of created by people who those years). loved the water, and So, what will become now we attract likeof the Charleston YC minded folks.” over the next 75 years?

The founding he “The club is solvent,” mentions took place in asserts Messinger, “very 1934 on the other side much so, and we have Yacht Club members and friends enjoying a weekend at the cruise to Moise of the Charleston an extended lease on Island, north of Charleston a few hours on the ICW. peninsula at Adgers this property. We’d like Wharf. That year, nine to increase our memCharlestonians gathbership and keep stagered to draw up the charter ing fun and important for a new boating club. events. We also plan to Within two years, these expand the dining facilifounding members had ties upstairs here so that succeeded in getting land our members can enjoy donated for a site. Though the club on a more regular the initial clubhouse was basis; bring friends for little more than a dilapilunch or drinks in the dated mule barn—near evening, that sort of thing. what is now an inland But we do face some chalpond about a quarter mile lenges in the future, and from the club’s current the principal one relates to location — the members dredging. The waterfront soon enough rendered it here is silting in. It’s a suitable for their use. In problem we share with the 1960, the club was moved marina management, and to the new city marina, and so far no action is being for over 20 years it was taken. But, we’ve also got operated out of a building a lot going for us. We’re in on the main dock that a great downtown setting extended out into the with a wonderful view of Ashley River. When its the Ashley River, we’ve membership began to outgot a tremendous managgrow that facility in 1985, er—Oliver Smalls—who’s the organization initiated been with the club for construction on its current nearly 25 years, and we’ve home. got amazing, active memSome of that history is bers. Really, what more Boats preparing for a regatta in the waters off the Charleston Yacht documented in large blackcould you want?”

Club. The Club is in the background with the blue awning. and-white photographs that That thought prompts hang along the walls near Messinger, a West Virginia the club’s entryway. And some of the historic highlights will native who has called the Carolina Low Country home for be on display in the coming months as the Charleston YC just 10 years, to recall his initial impression of the club. celebrates its 75th anniversary. Seventy-five years of fun and “When I first came to Charleston, I didn’t know one person. camaraderie, on the water and off. During that time, the I had bought an O’Day 31 from a guy in Wrightsville Beach, club has contributed immeasurably to sailing in Charleston. and he introduced me to someone from the club shortly Its members have been vital players in establishing and furafter that. We were welcomed right away. Before that, my thering the activities of the Charleston Ocean Racing wife and I both assumed that this was one of those clubs Association. They’ve played a role in almost every major where non-members need not apply. As it turns out, this is (and minor) regatta staged here, often providing not only a very open club. If you’re a nice person, you’ll definitely be race management expertise, as well as the flags, shapes, and welcome here.”

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

It’s a Matter of Convenience

By Capt. Ron Butler

When it comes to cruising boat equipment, I often evaluate the cost of convenience. That is, am I willing to spend $x for the sake of convenience, or maybe, more accurately, will my wife still sail with me if I don’t opt for certain conveniences? venience worth? Is it worth $4000 or example, a marine head is for a watermaker that’s more conmore convenient than a cedar venient than jerry-jugging water bucket, but if I don’t spend the few from the dinghy dock. Is it worth hundred bucks on a marine toilet, $1000 for a lazy jack/sail-cover sysholding tank, waste processors and tem that replaces the lacing on a sail chemicals, I’m pretty sure I’ll be cover? Is it worth $5000 to buy a sailing alone. Same goes for presmarine SSB unit just to get e-mail on sure water and a hot shower. While board? Where is the line drawn? if it was just me, I might settle for a Could you live without a stern ladclean shirt once a month or so der? How about a stern ladder for …which gives rise to an expression your dinghy? Davits are more conon one of my shirts, “same shirt, difvenient than hauling the dinghy up ferent day.” She won’t. on deck with a halyard, but at $1800 A while back we were considera pair maybe the halyard is the beting the convenience of a power ter choice? windlass. Weighing anchor at the I know at least one sailor for push of a button sounds good to me, whom a blender is required equipbut then my wife pointed out that ment and another that won’t leave we don’t have room for the Bowflex machine that I would need to keep Capt. Ron Butler and his Ericson 38, Kismet, home waters without his cofmy abs in shape if I didn’t have to anchored in the Bahamas. Ron cruises the Bahamas feemaker. Come to think of it— maybe it’s the same guy. “armstrong” the anchor in every with his family every winter. once in a while.

She’s right, of course…

The fridge is more convenient than an icebox, too. But the ice keeps my Bud colder…come to think of it, the fridge is more convenient than a Bowflex machine, too. Maybe the Bowflex should be an accessory item for beer coolers.

Certain electronics make things more convenient. Take my GPS. PLEASE. With a GPS I know where I am with a minimum of hassle. No tables to fuss with, no sun sights to reduce or plots to maintain—just push the buttons. In fact, it’s so convenient I have two; one for the helmsman and the other for the navigator. They might as well both enjoy the convenience.

Autopilots are definitely more convenient than steering all day. That is until someone turns on the Lectra-san. Then it’s a fire drill until we get things back on course. You see, my Lectra-san, while about six feet away from the autopilot’s electronic compass, is still powerful enough to induce a 60-degree course change. How convenient is that? I’ll bet flushing your crapper doesn’t tack your boat.

The radar I find to be especially convenient. It can tell me when it’s raining—and I don’t even have to hold my hand out. Of course, you have to keep watching it to gain the confidence of not crashing into something.

Then there’s the old reliable VHF, which would be convenient for calling the Coast Guard, but the traffic on channel 16 hailing the towboat for radio checks means that smoke signals might be more convenient. Actually, it’s the towboat policy, which makes it really convenient for getting some gas or getting dragged off the sand bar when the party’s over. It would be even more convenient if they’d bring you some beer and ice.

Which brings me to the point. How much is a little con-

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TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

The Man-O-War Time Warp, Abaco, Bahamas

By Rebecca Burg

Back in time, surviving on a chain of remote islands in a tropical paradise involved lots of ingenuity. Plaster was made from burned conch shells, and wooden boats were slowly built by hand. Men headed out in these vessels to earn a living by sponging or to catch common staples like conch, turtle, fish and lobster.

Unpredictable weather was always a factor, and sailors did what they could to even the odds. Arrowhead-shaped “thunderstones” were kept aboard in hopes of repelling lightning strikes, and shark liver oil was displayed in a glass jar to serve as a barometer.

A

n approaching storm usually caused the translucent oil to grow opaque, warning the men to head for safe harbor. At home, children would gather sea gull eggs, coco plums and sapodilla fruit to supplement the family menu. Flour, vegetable oil and sugar were rare commodities until the mid-1900s when tourism introduced an income beyond subsistence level.

Settled in the 1820s by a single couple, Man-O-War Cay grew into a small, conservative community. Today, this two-and-a-half-mile-long Abaconian out-island still relies on its own enterprising and independent spirit. Twelve gen-

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erations of boatbuilders have established their legacy here, and this fine craft is presently a thriving business under the Albury name. Two famous Bahamian vessels that grace local waters, Abaco Rage, and the handsome schooner, William H. Albury, were built on Man-O-War. The island’s maritime heritage is a boon to traveling cruisers. Mariners can haul out at Edwin Albury’s full service boatyard and find marine supplies at Man-O-War hardware. Albury’s Sail Shop got its origins by crafting rugged sails for workboats, but today turns out quality canvas goods like bags, hats and jackets. Albury’s Ferry provides daily island-toisland taxi service, convenient for cruisers who are hauled out in the yard.

Visitors can rent a mooring or secure a slip at the full service Man-O-War marina and dive shop in the island’s ultra-sheltered harbor. Upon arrival, there was no room in either of the crowded harbors, so I anchored outside. Angel, my Bayfield cutter, nestled in a comfortable spot in five feet of water near the northern tip of Dickie’s Cay on Man-OWar’s bay side. Fellow singlehander, Bill Robinson on his ketch, Defiant, settled just behind me in deeper water. This is okay as long as the weather is fair. We took Angel’s dinghy through the northern route, a rock-bottom stretch of shallow water leading into the settlement’s harbor. The harbor’s main entrance is on the southwestern side, and one must take care when nosing through the narrow channel between the limestone bluffs. Another vessel may be approaching www.southwindsmagazine.com

Potcakes are a small, short-haired breed of dog found on the islands and had earned the unusual moniker for their dishwashing ability. In other words, these pups were skilled at removing stubborn “potcakes,” a partially burned disk of food that’s firmly stuck inside a pot after simmering on the fire for too long.

Abaco Rage was built on Man-O-War Cay.

unseen from the inside, and there’s scant room for two boats to pass through simultaneously. After clearing the bluffs, to a sharp right is the eastern harbor, and to the left is the settlement’s harbor with boatyard and marina. There’s a free public dock for dinghies near Albury’s Harbour Grocery store. Under the impression that we’d just stepped back in time, Bill and I explored the island’s two main roads, Bay Street and Queens Highway. A green canopy of tropical blooms arched overhead, and birds twittered in the tidy landscaping. A grandmotherly woman in a golf cart stopped by and tempted us with homemade cinnamon buns for sale.

Understandably, her cart was emptied before morning’s end. Tail wagging, a young potcake sauntered up to beg for leftover bakery and surveyed our ankles with her curious nose. Potcakes are a small, short-haired breed of dog found on the islands and had earned the unusual moniker for their dishwashing ability. In other words, these pups were skilled at removing stubborn “potcakes,” a partially burned disk of food that’s firmly stuck inside a pot after simmering on the fire for too long.

Primed by the cinnamon bun lady, we stopped at the Hibiscus Café for lunch. Bill tried to order beer but found that no alcohol is sold on Man-O-War. Of course, people are allowed to bring it and enjoy it on their own. “No booze. Hah- that’s why you French-kissed Angel!” Bill said, stifling a derisive chuckle. “That wasn’t kissing!” I insisted, hiding my reddening face. Naturally, a recent, indelicate act had become the source of endless taunts. Earlier, after anchoring Angel, I’d intended to sprinkle a few drops of rum on her bowsprit and into the sea, abiding a superstition that showed appreciation for a safe journey completed. Instead, I’d clumsily tipped over the whole lot, not a good thing when no liquor stores are nearby. Dignity tossed aside, I stuck out my tongue and tried to save the precious liquid as it pooled down Angel’s clipper ship snout. This absurd behavior earned me some awful, salt-flavored rum and comic relief for Bill. “Hey, let’s see the beach!” I blurted, trying to distract Bill when he began to recite some silly rhyme involving me and Angel sitting in a tree.

The southern end of Queens Highway met a side News & Views for Southern Sailors

path that led to the Atlantic.

Another timeless piece of ManO-War, a tiny cemetery, rested near the path’s end before the slope of the beach. When Bill removed his shoes and indulgently squished his toes into the white sand, it was my turn to tease. “You’re stepping in parrotfish poop,” I said. It was true; I wasn’t kidding. Bill raised one foot and with a suspicious glance asked, “Where?” Smirking, I said, “It’s everywhere. Your feet are coated in it.” Grabbing a handful of sand, I explained how hungry parrotfish nibble on the reef, their digestive systems absorbing the edibles and excreting the chewed-up coral bits. Throughout time, this feeding process creates much of the sand on beaches along reefs. Amused, Bill shuffled his feet. “I’ll step in it, too,” I said, kicking off my sandals. Hand in gritty hand, we walked along the ocean’s edge, followed by the surf’s muted whispering, embraced by the humid air.

The time? We had no idea.

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Sailboat Match Racing: An Emerging U.S Regatta Format

By Roy Laughlin and to start after the ost avid sailboat race committee signals racers watch the the beginning of the America’s Cup race. For the remainder Race and are at least of the race, the team passingly familiar with intending to win must sailboat match racing. do everything possible Unlike Europe, in particto cross the finish line ular, where match racfirst. Covering the rival ing is extremely popuis usually the most lar, only a minority of effective tactic in order U.S. sailors are likely to to remain ahead and have participated in control that boat until match racing. That may the finishing line. This change in the next few “one on one” is what years if a growing group makes this race format of devotees to this racso exhilarating, a feeling ing format successfully that increases as the cultivate appreciation sailing skills of the two for the sport.

Catalina 22s match racing in Cocoa, FL, in November. Photo by Roy Laughlin. teams converge. The For the sailors, closely spaced competimatch racing’s appeal tion between worthy lies in its intensity and competitors in sailboat one-on-one competition. match races is certainly “The non-stop action, one of the format’s priintense strategizing, and mary appeals to both constant execution of the participants and tactics combine…to fill spectators. racers with a sense of Other distincaccomplishment, delivtions between class racers lessons learned to ing and match racing the loser, and brings more directly involve pure joy to the winthe racers. Match racners,” according to ing’s penalty system is Jerry Butz, one of the distinctly different from sport’s obvious evan- Catalina 22s match racing in Cocoa, FL, in May. Photo by Roy Laughlin. that of class racing. gelists. While there may Each pair of rivals has a referee on a chase boat who will be multiple pairs of boats on a course simultaneously as decide if a penalty should be enforced and what that penalwith class racing, the competition is—for each race—only ty is. In match racing, for example, it is not an automatic between the two boats designated as rivals for that race. penalty to have a minor collision with a rival, an occurrence During the course of a regatta, winners will be paired for a that is routine while circling to gain a position on the start subsequent race until standings are complete. The scoring line. Sailboats always round a mark to starboard, in contrast system is similar to tennis match competitions. to port in class racing. North U has a downloadable handMatch racing is different from class racing in a few signifbook of match racing rules and strategies, www.northu.com icant ways. The starting strategy is perhaps most obvious and Sailboat handling skills are similar in match racing to occurs during the interval from the first flag until the starting those used for class races with a few subtle distinctions for signal. During this time, a pair of sailboats “spin,” in U.S. parlmatch racing. Circling, often by gybing, requires a much ance, or “circle,” the European term. The two boats bear away closer cooperation between the helm and the headsail hanfrom the starting line, circling each other on the course. dler than is typically the case with class racing, according to Gaining control of the rival, so as to determine both the timing Bill Gladstone of NorthU’s seminar series.While good sail and the position at the start line, is the goal of circling. handling is important in fleet racing, the most effective Using this strategy, it is not important to cross the line headsail handling is invaluable in match racing starts. first immediately when the cannon signals. It is important Competitors are only half of a regatta. The sponsoring only to gain the first place on the approach to the start line

M

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

club, the race committee and the support crews are the other. Match racing, according to Jerry Butz, is less expensive for sailing clubs. In central Florida, he organized two match regattas in Cocoa using Catalina 22s in a BYOB (bring your own boat) format. Bill Gladstone elaborated this facet of match racing, noting that yacht clubs with a matched fleet for racing boats have a simple job of holding a match race. His example is a match racing program in Sheboygan, WI, directed by Hans Graf and based on eight Sonars owned by the facility.

Both Jerry Butz and Bill Gladstone agree that match racing works best for displacement hull sailboats. Planing hull craft, such as catamarans, dinghys and scows, are less suited for the match racing tactics. Bill Gladstone summarizes his opinion, “There are certainly boats that are better suited to match racing. Boats that are too fast and maneuverable are not as good.”

Match racing is growing steadily, but the rate is subdued, a growth Bill Gladstone attributes to “a slow outgrowth from the America’s Cup, to the elevation of woman’s match racing to an Olympic competition event, and to the present level of refinement of the sport.” In the United States, the Prince of Wales Bowl, administered by USSailing (www.ussailing.org ) is one of the top match racing competitions.The Woman’s International Match Racing Organization (www.wimra.org) has also actively and effectively promoted match racing. Several sailing facilities around the country now have active match racing programs and include invited regattas in some cases.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

A sport on its way up uniformly depends on a strong advocate. For match racing, Liz Baylis, WIMRA’s founder and a primary force convincing Olympic Games authorities to establish women’s match racing as a new event, is likely the most significant personality. Others, such as Bill Gladstone with NorthU and Dave Perry, are also emerging as match racing’s active evangelists. According to Bill Gladstone, the sport has deep support in limited areas.

Where it is organized and promoted, match racing gets the interest of local sailors. When match racing is effectively promoted, participation increases. Jerry Butz saw participation in a match race regatta he organized in Brevard County grow from just four boats in a May 2008 regatta, to eight in the fall regatta. Bill Gladstone characterizes interest in match racing as “a rush of interest” that he hopes will be sustained.

Match racing is far more of a fad and has a global following mostly outside the United States. Response to the sport during the next few years will tell whether the interest we see now is just a passing fancy or the start of a new love affair with sailing for U.S. sailors. Paul Hellings, a sailor and third-place finisher in the Cocoa Invitational Match Regatta perhaps characterized match racing best: “For those of you, like me, who know little or nothing about match racing, let me assure you that it’s fast, furious and slightly insane.” What else should sailboat match racing sport need for mass appeal to American sailors?

See the article on match racing in Cocoa, FL, and the note on two upcoming Florida match-racing clinics in the racing section, following this article.

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SOUTHERN RACING 2009-12 RACING RULES SEMINAR St. Petersburg Yacht Club, FL, Jan. 3 At St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Miami, FL, Jan. 4 At Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Isles Yacht Club, Punta Gorda, FL, Jan 31 At Isles Yacht Club, Punta Gorda, FL, 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Racing rules seminar by Dave Perry and sponsored by North U. New rules of racing 2009-12. Learn new rules and how they will affect racing. Use of North U’s Racing Rules Seminar Workbook to solve race situations and to gain a better sense of the racing rules. (800) 347-2457. www.northu.com.

US SAILING’s One-Design Sailing Symposium, Acworth, GA, Nov. 16-18 More than 100 one-design sailors and class and fleet leaders traveled from across the country to Atlanta Yacht Club in Acworth, GA, to attend US SAILING’s One-Design Sailing Symposium. The over 100 attendees represented more than 30 one-design classes and came from over 20 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The event featured many seminars and workshops, including presentations by sailing experts Dave Perry, Greg Fisher, Craig Leweck, and many more.

Organized annually by US SAILING, the symposium is geared toward one-design sailors who are interested in keeping the one-design sector of the sport thriving and growing and in improving their own sailing skills.

The event kicked off on Friday, November 14, with a race management seminar. Other symposium sessions covered a wide range of topics, including small boat safety, insurance, best practices for measurement, sponsorship, coordinating event registration and results, and much more.

Racing rules expert Dave Perry was one of the many highlights of the symposium, speaking at a US SAILING Mount Gay Rum Speaker Series on “Winning Moves in One Designs”—improving tactical skills—and at a US SAILING racing rules seminar presented by North U. The Symposium also included a series of “Go Fast” seminars taught by Skip Dieball, Mike Ingham, and Greg Fisher, designed to help

one-design sailors improve their sailing skills.

In addition to seminars and workshops, US SAILING presented several awards to one-design sailors and organizations. For the complete list, go to www.ussailing.org.

I UPCOMING RACING — RELATED EVENTS

Dave Perry and LaserPerformance Team Up to Hold Two SB3 Match Racing Clinics, Miami, FL, Jan. 21-23, Feb. 2-4 This winter Miami will be the hottest place for sailors looking to hone their sailing and match racing skills. When US SAILING selected the Laser SB3 as the approved equipment for US SAILING’s 2009 Rolex Miami OCR event, LaserPerformance teamed up with Dave Perry to organize two match racing clinics surrounding the event. The Clinics will be held in the same Laser SB3s as are used in the OCR. The first clinic is Jan. 21-23 for women sailors, and the second is Feb. 2-4, open to all advanced sailors.

The focus of the women’s clinic will be on advanced match racing. Dave Perry will cover the tactics, rules, umpire calls, strategies and techniques for the pre-start, upwind and downwind legs, and mark roundings. He will also cover how to burn a penalty and regatta strategies for winning an event. The clinic will immediately precede the 2009 US Sailing Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta, and is open to all women, all nations.

The open advanced sailors clinic is for advanced sailors, who may or may not have any experience with formal match racing, to come learn how to match race, or how to match race better. In almost all fleet races, there are situations where two boats are fighting for the same piece of water, fighting for position in the pre-start or coming into a mark. Knowing the fundamentals of match racing makes it easier to win those one-on-one battles, whether you are a skipper or crew.

Often the last race of a regatta, whether a medal race or not, will come down to one boat attacking another, and knowing how to match race will help whether you are doing the attacking or being attacked. In this clinic, Dave Perry will cover the topics in the women’s clinic plus how to get more involved in formal match racing, the event schedule, and how to get a world ranking. This clinic is open to all experienced sailors.

To learn more or register for one or both clinics, go to www.sail-laser.com. For questions, call (305) 285-3442, or email sb3clinic@sail-laser.com

Upcoming Changes in the US SAILING Rule Book, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Jan 23 Tom Farquhar, international race officer and US SAILING national race officer, will speak about upcoming changes in the US Sailing rule book. 6-9 p.m. Refreshments and food, 54

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

$5 for visitors. SSS members free.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236. (941) 388-2355

US SAILING Basic Race Management Seminar, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Feb. 7 Designed for people who have some race committee experience, but newcomers are also welcome. Topics covered include RC objectives, RC responsibilities, sailing instructions, RC jobs, RC equipment, setting the course, starting system, starting penalties, before the start, during the race, finishing, and scoring. The changes in The Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012 that affect race management will be discussed. Attendees will need their own copy of The Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012, which comes with membership in US SAILING. The Club Race Officer Certification test, which is given at the conclusion of the seminar, is optional.

However, in order to be certified as a US SAILING club race officer, it is required to attend a complete seminar and to pass the test.

Held at Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For further information, contact, Stu Gilfillen at (941) 504-4236, or stuart_gilfillen@hotmail.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

I UPCOMING MAJOR REGATTAS

31st J/24 Midwinter Championship, Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa, FL, Jan. 7-11 Davis Island YC, the International J/24 Class, and J/24 Fleet 86 will host this flagship event for the sixth time.

DIYC provides easy launching and hauling at two hoists, instant access to racing areas on Tampa Bay and world-class shoreside amenities.

Thirteen races are scheduled over four days. For NOR and registration details go to www.j24d10.org/midwinters.

The sailors and officers of J/24 Fleet 86, with the support of the DIYC membership, will be coordinating shoreside events and activities and have made it their goal to host the finest in a long history of exemplary regattas.

The regatta is providing easy online registration. This, along with the tradition of hospitality at DIYC, four days of world-class, warm weather racing, and a shot at some great trophies and prizes, makes for a regatta that you need to have on your racing schedule.

Visit www.J24d10.org/midwinters for complete details, and go to www.diyc.org for the club Web site.

Contact is Brian Malone at (813) 842-0401, or e-mail j24fleet86@gmail.com.

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SOUTHERN RACING Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race, Jan. 14 A 160-nautical-mile sprint down the Florida Keys. The 34th annual Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race will start off from Port Everglades on Wednesday, January 14, and will run along the Florida Keys to Key West. Boats are expected to begin finishing the race throughout the day of January 15.

Fleets include IRC, PHRF, Multihull and One-Design.

“The PHRF fleet is traditionally the largest and split into three or four classes,” said race chair Joel Bowie. “For the IRC class boats, this race is the kick-off for the 2009 IRC Gulfstream Series. The Multihull fleet continues to grow with the popularity of this course.”

The Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race is sponsored by Lauderdale Yacht Club and the Storm Trysail Club and hosted by the SORC race management group.

The current monohull race record of 10 hours, 24 minutes and 2 seconds was set in 2005 by Carrera, the Reichel/Pugh 81 owned by Joe Dockery (Stamford, CT.).

The multihull record is 8 hours, 31 minutes and 4 seconds set in 2007 by Stars & Stripes, the Custom 60 owned by Steve and Scott Liebel (Bradenton, FL.).

A skippers meeting and cocktail party takes place January 13 at Lauderdale Yacht Club, site of this year’s race headquarters. The start is at 1300 hours on January 14, with the awards scheduled for January 16 in Key West and hosted by Kelly’s Caribbean. The Turtle Kraals Restaurant Bar in Key West will serve as the finish headquarters. For more information about the 34th Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race including the NOR and online entry, go to the official race Web site, www.keywestrace.org.

Annual Keelboat Regatta at Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa, FL, Jan. 17 This regatta has something for everyone…drop mark racing for spinnaker and class racers, distance race for racer/cruisers, and an on-the-water poker run for everyone else.

The overall winner of the Spinnaker, Non-Spin and Racer/Cruisers classes will be awarded the perpetual Clint Johnson Memorial Trophy.

Registration will be at DIYC on Friday, Jan. 16, from 1800-1845 with the skipper’s meeting to follow at 1900.

Racing will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, with the first gun at approx 1130. The Davis Island Yacht Club bar will be open on a cash basis during the event and for breakfast on Saturday morning. Keg beer will be provided for racers.

For more information and to register online, go to www.diyc.org and click on the Keelboat Regatta or call (813) 251-1158.

Acura Key West 2009, Jan. 19-23

By Rebecca Burg Sailboat racing’s hottest players will be back in Key West this January for the greatest saltwater showdown around.

This highly-anticipated event draws competitors from over 30 states and from about 20 different countries. The opportunity to race against the best in the sport, with the possibility of winning, makes Acura Key West especially allur56

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ing. The exotic location is also a notable draw. The after-race parties at the Historic Seaport and tours through a small island famed for its rich culture add to the appeal. Local weather in January can be unpredictable, a contributing factor in the racing game’s many challenges. Temps average from 65º to 75º F and winds average about 10 to 15 knots from the southeast to the northeast. Winter cold fronts will bring increased wind speeds.

The exciting and aggressive one-design classes like the Swan 42, J/105, J/80, Farr 40 and M30 will be back in action.

The PHRF National Championship title will once again be up for grabs in Key West. 2008 champion Robert Armstrong will return to defend this hard-won title. The IRC class is shaping up with a TP52 subclass. An encouraging number of Key West veterans are appearing on the entry list. Pete Hunter’s Wairere from North Carolina and Jon Halbert’s Swan 42, Vitesse, from Texas, are back in the game. Lynn Dell’s BH 36, Kali, from Florida, and David Eames with his S2 9.1, Lightning Rod, Florida, will be joining the competition for 2009.

If you’re considering being part of this rewarding challenge of skill and nerve, it’s not too late to sign up.

This well-organized event divides classes into four large divisions just off shore of Key West. Monday through Friday. Racing takes place in the mid-morning and finishes early afternoon. Points are calculated and the day’s winners are determined. The main party and awards tent becomes a beehive of social activity in the afternoon.

There are complimentary refreshments with sponsor Mount Gay Rum, and videos of the racing are shown throughout the tent. Booths offering quality gear and goods for sale inside the tent are also popular with sailors.

Awards are announced and presented in the evening.

Pump up the volume with the game’s greats and play a part in the most prestigious Key West event around. You just might end up in the winner’s circle and make history in the annals of yacht racing. Online registration is available at www.premiere-racing.com.

US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR, Coconut Grove, FL, Jan. 25-31 US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR is preparing for its 2009 debut as the second stop on the inaugural International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) Sailing World Cup 2008-2009 circuit. Already a long-time ISAF Grade 1 world-ranking event as well as a US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics qualifier and preferred winter training regatta for the world’s elite Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, the Rolex Miami OCR will also celebrate its 20th anniversary this year when it returns to Coconut Grove, FL, on January 25-31, 2009.

Established in 1990 by US SAILING, the Rolex Miami OCR annually draws elite sailors, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists and hopefuls from around the world.

In non-Olympic/Paralympic years, the regatta is especially important as a ranking regatta for sailors hoping to qualify for the US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics, which annually distinguishes the top three sailors in each Olympic and Paralympic class. The 2009 Rolex Miami OCR consists of five days of fleet racing from Monday, Jan. 26 through Friday, Jan. 30, and one day of top-10 medal racing (for Olympic classes only) on Saturday, Jan. 31. For complete www.southwindsmagazine.com

and up-to-the-minute regatta information and resources, including the notice of race, entry list, online registration, schedule, hosts and area information, go to www.RolexMiamiOCR.org.

5th Annual Hospice Regatta, Avow Hospice, Naples, FL, Jan. 31 The Avow Hospice Regatta is sanctioned by the National Hospice Regatta Alliance and will take place on January 31 at 10 a.m. in the Gulf of Mexico near the Naples Pier.

Proceeds will support the Avow Hospice. Avow Hospice is a non-profit organization that has served patients and families facing end-of-life issues in Collier County for more than 25 years.

Race chairman is Jerry Watkins. The skipper of the boat raising the most funds will be recognized as the winner of the 2009 Winds of Hospice Perpetual Trophy. This trophy was dedicated in 2004 in memory of Joan R. Day for fundraising excellence. The person (skipper or crew member of any boat) raising the most funds for Avow Hospice will also be recognized and will receive a $100 gift certificate to West Marine in appreciation for his/her fundraising efforts. The winner of the regatta will represent Avow Hospice in the Hospice Regattas National Championship in New York in June 2010.

For information, call Bonnie Dinger at (239) 649-3686.

All regatta forms and information are available at www.avowhospice.org. Deadline for entry is January 30 at 1800 hours.

Washington’s Birthday Regatta, Barnacle Historic State Park, Biscayne Bay, FL, Feb. 21 The 14th annual revival of the Washington’s Birthday Regatta takes place on Biscayne Bay just off shore of Barnacle Historic State Park. The regatta was first organized in 1887 by Commodore Ralph Munroe, founder of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Coconut Grove pioneer. The race is open to traditional-style sailboats (eg, mudhens, seapearls, bullseyes, sharpies, Bahama dinghies, cat boats, gaffrigs, etc.). It is a great spectator event by land or sea. Award ceremony follows the race at 4:30 p.m. at the park.

The entry fee is a suggested donation of $15 per boat, made payable to The Barnacle Society, a not-for-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to support the state park. The park is located at 3485 Main Hwy. in downtown Coconut Grove. For an entry packet, and more information, call the park office at (305) 442-6866. Go online for the NOR and other registration information at www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/Events.cfm.

Gasparilla Regatta, Tampa Sailing Squadron, Apollo Beach, FL, Feb. 21-22 Tampa Sailing Squadron will be the host for the annual Gasparilla Regatta on Feb. 21, sponsored by Lexus. This will News & Views for Southern Sailors

be followed on Sunday, Feb. 22, by the Women’s Gasparilla Regatta. These racing events tie in with the annual Gasparilla celebrations, parades, and pirate festivals in the Tampa Bay area.

Racing will include both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes as well as True Cruising and Mother Lode. OneDesign fleets are encouraged to attend.

Go to www.tampasailing.org for more information.

Mardi Gras Regatta, New Orleans, LA, Feb. 27-28 New Orleans requests your presence to participate in two events that together equate to the world’s largest party. What would Mardi Gras be without a monster regatta? In what will be a true carnival experience, the New Orleans Yacht Club is holding its annual premier racing event the weekend of Feb. 27-28. Following on the heels of Fat Tuesday (Feb. 24) and a few weeks after Key West Race Week, Southern racers refuse to let the party end and will be ready for more hard-core one-design and PHRF racing.

With six boats constituting a class, the one-design classes expected are Melges 32, Melges 24, Finn, J/22, J/24, J/30, J/80, Lightning, Open Flying Scot, R-19, V15, Moths, Fish Boats, Sonars, Sunfish and Optimist.

More information, as well as hotels and directions are posted on the Web site, www.mardigrasregatta.org.

Limited free “college style” housing is available.

See you in the Big Easy!

I RACE REPORTS

University of South Florida Wins National College Sloop Championship, St. Petersburg Campus, Nov. 21 - 23

By Dave Ellis USF sailors were victorious in the Sloop National Championship, the first time any Florida college team has won the event.

Mitch Hall, Tim King, Simon Sanders, Darby Smith and Dave Weaks made up the crew. St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s 23-foot Sonars were used by the 10 teams sailing off The Municipal Pier on St. Petersburg’s waterfront near the USF campus.

“They have been working really hard for this event.” said coach Allison Jolly. “Tim King is the only senior and recruiting looks good for next year,” she said.

It was close, as State University of New York Maritime tied for first with USF, winning on a tiebreaker.

St. Mary’s was third. Other schools competing were Notre Dame, Western Washington, Miami of Ohio, Brown, Southern California, Texas and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

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SOUTHERN RACING 88th Annual Lipton Cup Regatta, Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS, Nov. 22-23

By Kim Kaminski Typically, this annual regatta is held Labor Day weekend.

Each year, the winning club from the previous year is host, and this year it was the Bay Waveland Yacht Club in Bay St. Louis, MS. During the hurricane season, yacht clubs, sailors and boat owners in the northern gulf have learned to deal with tropical storms. The 2008 season was no different and is one for the record books. Not only did Tropical Storm Arthur kick off the season two days earlier, but this season is the only one on record that had a major hurricane system in every month from July to November. Two of the storms played havoc with the region and the Lipton Cup. On Labor Day weekend, Hurricane Gustav stormed into the area. The Bay Waveland Yacht Club had just opened its facility, the previous one destroyed by Hurricane Katrina three years ago. The new clubhouse weathered the storm, but the dock area suffered some damages and cleanup was required.

The regatta was postponed to mid-September and downsized from three to two days. However, Hurricane Ike put a stop to the plans, and the regatta was once again postponed and held on Nov. 22-23. The yacht club did not have to deal with a hurricane, but everyone did have to deal with a winter storm system. Temperatures were in the low 40s with strong easterly winds at 20 to 25 knots, gusting upwards of 30 knots on the first day of competition.

Since the regatta was downsized to two days, two races were scheduled for Saturday and two for Sunday, instead of the normal three-day, five-race series. Sailors bundled up in heavy foul weather gear preparing for the wet and cool conditions. The race committee proposed shorter courses to get the sailors back off the water before the temperatures dropped and the sun began to set. The first race was set as a 2-and-a-half-leg windward/leeward course. After the first start, a general recall occurred, and racers were called back to the starting area. The second race start officially kicked off the racing competition, and the Ponchartrain Yacht Club took the first-place win, followed by the Pass Christian Yacht Club in second and the Buccaneer Yacht Club in third.

After a short break, allowing the racing teams to switch out their skippers and crew members, the second race was held as the temperatures began to drop. Keeping with the same racecourse, racers were challenged to finish the course and sail back to the docks before the sun began to set. The Bay Waveland Yacht Club won a first-place finish, with the Pass Christian Yacht Club capturing second place once again and the Buccaneer Yacht Club repeating its win by taking third.

On Sunday, the race conditions were similar to Saturday’s with cold temperatures and strong winds.

However, the racing started a little earlier, with the hopes that the sun would help the weather conditions in being more tolerable. The Bay Waveland Yacht Club came back with a first in race three with the Ponchartrain Yacht Club taking second and the Buccaneer Yacht Club third.

Competition was extremely close after the third with the Pass Christian Yacht Club and Buccaneer Yacht Club 58

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both tied with nine points each and Bay Waveland and Pontchartrain Yacht Clubs tied with seven points each. At this point, the silver Lipton Cup Trophy could go to anyone.

After the last race, the Buccaneer Yacht Club surprised everyone with a first-place with a total of 10 points. It is only the second time in the Buccaneer Yacht Club’s history that it won the GYA Lipton Cup Trophy. Pontchartrain took second, although tied in points with Pass Christian, which took third. The host club, Bay Waveland, took fourth.

DIYC Thanksgiving Regatta, Tampa, FL, Nov. 29

By Dave Ellis Saturday, November 29, produced ample breeze for 138 dinghies on Tampa Bay within view of the veranda of Davis Island Yacht Club. Three racecourses were set with one dedicated to the 66 Optimist dinghies.

The largest fleet in the regatta was the 32 Green fleet, representing the newest sailors on the bay. Connor Harding of the Blue fleet won all seven races in the combined Blue, Red, and White Optimist fleet.

The Windmill class used this regatta as its Southern Championship, with a large silver cup with 40 years of class history engraved around its base up for grabs. Windmill, Star and Contender sailor Arthur Anasov of Tampa had an extra jet of upwind speed in the wind and short chop to win. St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s John Jennings was second.

Sailors attended from as far away as New England and California to make up the 14-boat fleet.

Flying Scot and Lightnings shared the same course as Windmills. On the other course was the Laser, Radial, 4.7, C420 and Portsmouth Handicap fleet. Three boats made up this fleet, with Allison Jolly’s 470 leading the way.

Sunday dawned with wind whistling in the rigging.

Most fleets chose to pack up for the trip home. Ironically, the juniors in Optimists raced, as well as the 470 and James Nunn on his Fireball braving the tempest with a seventh race.

Results, minus crew names and the Portsmouth results are at www.diyc.org.

52nd Annual Wirth M. Munroe, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dec. 5 The 52nd. Annual Wirth M. Munroe Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach Race, co-sponsored by the Cruising Club of America and the Sailfish Club of Florida, was held on December 5. Light easterly winds with moderate seas and sunny skies made for a pleasant day of racing, but the skippers who figured out the vagaries of the Gulf Stream took home the top prizes.

The IRC class included yachts from California, Chicago, New York, and Florida, some preparing for the Pineapple Cup early next year.

Results: IRC (six boats): 1st.: Spider Glide, a Sydney 36, Kevin Lawrie, 2nd.: Interlodge, a Swan 42, Austin Fragomen, 3rd.: Soozal, a King 40, freshly delivered from the builder in Argentina, Daniel Woolery. PHRF A: (7 boats) had a tie for first place: Second Wind, Ray Sullivan and Primal Scream, Steven Stollman, 2nd.: Bandana, David Wallace, 3rd.: Pipe Dream, Scott Piper. PHRF B: (9 boats) 1st.: Unicorn, Michael Peteler, www.southwindsmagazine.com

2nd.: E-Ticket, Dan Myers, 3rd.: Yellow Jacket!, Chris Woolsey. Special awards: First Yacht to Finish: Interlodge. Navigator of First Yacht to Finish: Geoff Ewenson. First CCA Yacht to Finish: Pipe Dream. First PHRF on Corrected Time: Unicorn. First Sailfish Club Yacht to Finish: Rindle, Matt Fifield. First Sailfish Club Yacht on Corrected Time: Rindle.

New Wave Wins Melges 32 Gold Cup, Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club, Dec. 5-7

By Dave Ellis The core crew of the Melges 32 New Wave has been sailing together for a decade on boats of the same name, starting with a Henderson 30 and then a Melges 24. The M-32 fleet has increased in competitiveness significantly with pro sailors and motivated owners transferring from less active types of racers. Last year there were eight boats at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club Gold Cup M-32 regatta. This year there were 20 boats, most with two or three professional sailors calling the shots.

On New Wave only Scott Nixon the tactician was a pro.

The rest of the crew have regular jobs and sail for the fun of it.

It was not at all easy. Some races had the top boats well down in the fleet at the finish. But after the fleet finished a hard-fought series, the Tampa Bay area boat had won.

Marty Kullman was the helmsman with co-owner Mike Carroll crewing along with Nixon, Ron Hyatt, Joseph Kuebel, Steve Liebel, Judah Rubin and Stephen Shaffer.

Key Largo Woman Wins Wave National Championship, Key Largo, FL, Dec. 5-7

By Rick White

The regatta was a real nail biter. Leah started off poorly on the first day but really got it in another gear after that. On the final day, she started off 12 points behind the leader, Patrick Green from Put-in-Bay, OH, who is a past national champ and was the odds-on favorite to again take the big perpetual trophy back North. But White rattled off three bullets in three races, while Green got caught back in the pack.

With only one race to go, the two sailors were tied for first. The winner of the last race would take all the marbles.

Green had a very good start, while White was forced off to the unfavored side of the course. Going around the first mark, Green was in eighth place while White was in 13th .

During the next two legs of the course, White passed all the boats except Green and was right behind him with two more legs to go.

It was then that Green had a bad mark rounding, allowing White to take the lead, and she went on to take second in the race, while Green slipped to seventh. She won by five points in the final standings.

The White family gets a lot of practice and a lot of tips as they usually sail a lot with Dave White’s father, Rick White, who is the Wave World Champ, is in the Sailing Hall of Fame, and runs Rick White’s Sailing Seminars.

The Wave Fleet in Key Largo sails about 90 series races every winter season at the Upper Keys Sailing Club, where there is a fleet of over a dozen boats that usually race regularly.

The Wave Class was formed about 11 years ago when the boat design first came out. It is a 13-foot beach catamaran and is roto-molded by the Hobie Cat Company—and nearly bullet-proof to damage. It is one of the least expensive boats to purchase and requires very little maintenance.

The next Nationals will be held the first weekend in December of 2009 again at Founders Park Watersports. For more information on the Hobie Wave contact Rick@catsailor.com or www.Catsailor.com

Cocoa’s 2008 Invitational Match Race a Big Success, Cocoa, FL, Nov. 8-9

By Roy Laughlin

Leah White sailing her Hobie Wave. Photo by Rick White

Leah White of Key Largo won the 11th Annual Hogsbreath Hobie Wave National Championship over the weekend of December 5-7 held at Founders Park Watersports in Islamorada, FL. She is the only the second woman to ever win the title in this fastest-growing class of sailboats in North America.

Her husband, Dave White, had been running in second place through most of the regatta, but slipped to third place.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

The weekend weather on November 8-9 was just about perfect for Cocoa’s Invitational Match Race Regatta. Eight Catalina 22 crews came to participate in the two-day race in the Indian River off Cocoa and Rockledge. The afternoon breeze was light on Saturday, and after passage of a cold front very early Sunday morning, much fresher on Sunday afternoon.

Match racing is an emerging format in Florida. This regatta, like those last year, have been organized and heavily promoted by Jerry Butz, a local sailor and sailboat dealer. “Boaters Exchange loves sponsoring match racing, a new facet of the sport which greatly increases enthusiasm and participation,” he commented to explain his motivation both to organize and to sail in match regattas.

In order to familiarize match racing strategies and tactics, Bill Gladstone and Steve LeMay of North Sail’s NorthU, gave instruction on the water on the Friday before the weekend regatta. They followed that in the evening with a seminar on match race rules and strategies. More SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING turnout of sailors. With the wind as light as it was on Saturday, they rescheduled the race for Sunday but still held the dinner and dance on Saturday night.

In the PHRF Spinnaker fleet, Jim “Chappie” Chapman won the A class onboard his boat, Stoked. In B class, Troy Cruthirds won on his J/24 boat, Just Magic, and Fred Chadsey got a second on Kaotic. In the PHRF NonSpinnaker A class, Dan Herzog onboard New Wake got a first, and the B class was won by John Bystricky onboard his boat, Church Lady. In the Portsmouth Spinnaker fleet, Jim Finch won onboard his Rhodes 19, Gun Dog. In the Portsmouth Non-Spinnaker fleet, Patty Johnson won on her J/24 Bad Influence.

Bill Gladstone and Steve LeMay of NorthU begin one of their training modules for match racers on the Friday evening prior to match racing. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

than half the weekend, racers attended the Friday evening seminar. Then they raced on the weekend during the regatta.

Most, but not all, the crews at this invitational regatta are learning match race strategies and tactics. Breezes on Saturday were sufficient to sail easily, but light enough for crews to have the opportunity to think about both boat handling and race strategy. Sunday’s conditions put a bit more emphasis on sailing, but not so much more as to overwhelm consideration of strategy and planning. During the two-day regatta, 56 races were held. Each “race” pitted a pair of teams on a Catalina 22 as rivals. Teams accrue points differentially as winners or losers in a match race. The team with the most points at the end of the regatta is in first place.

Notably, no team won every match. Nevertheless, the expert team from NorthU, Bill Gladstone, Steve LeMay and a local, Randy Talbot, finished first, with 13 points. Doug Shannon, Peter Bush and Jim Lacey on Godspeed were second with 10 points. Randy Pawlowski, Steven Johnstone and Casey Koch scored 9 points to earn a third-place standing. Jerry Butz, of Boaters Exchange in Rockledge, who was also a regatta competitor, summed up the event this way: “It was highly successful: Great boats, great race committee, great competitors, perfect weather.”

Sponsors of the 2008 Invitational Match included the Indian River Yacht Club, North U, Brevard County Department of Parks and Recreation, Boater’s Exchange, Carroll Distributing and Waters Sails. This match race is the second one of a regatta series that began last May. The next match race in Cocoa is scheduled for the second week of May 2009. Please watch the SOUTHWINDS race schedules for specific dates.

I REGIONAL RACING CALENDARS Regattas and Club Racing—Open to Everyone Wanting to Race For the races listed here, no individual club membership is required, although a regional PHRF rating, or membership in US SAILING or other sailing association is often required.

To list an event, contact to editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Send in the name of the event, date, location, contact info, possibly a short description. Do not just send a link to this information.

Since race schedules and venues change, contact the sponsoring organization to confirm.

JANUARY Charleston Ocean Racing Assoc. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Local races 9/13 and 9/27, every other Saturday.

2009 Schedule not yet posted. See Web site.

Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org See Web site for local club races 1 Fred Latham Regatta. www.BlackbeardSailingclub.com 10,24 Winter Race #5, #6 Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) www.llsc.com See Web site for weekly local club races 1 Poker Run/Mad Hatter. Barefoot ,SC, Southern SC

GMAC Bowl Regatta 2008, Fairhope, AL, Dec. 6-7

By David Jefcoat Patty Johnson and Anke Meyers receiving their trophy for winning the Portsmouth Non-Spinnaker class onboard Bad Influence, a J/24. Photo by David Jefcoat.

Fairhope Yacht Club hosted the 10th annual GMAC Bowl Regatta on December 6-7 and had a very nice 60

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SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

10,18,31 Winter #1, #2, #3. Lanier Racing Committee 17,24 Ice Breaker #1, #2. Southern SC 25 Winter Gale #1. Barefoot SC South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 1 New Year’s Day Regatta. Columbia Sailing Club 1 Ice Bucket Regatta. LNYC. Lake Norman Yacht Club.

10 Race Management Seminar. Columbia Sailing Club www.longbaysailing.com See Web site for local club races 1 Hangover Regatta.

FEBRUARY Charleston Ocean Racing Assoc. www.charlestonoceanracing.org SAYRA annual meeting 2/6-2/8 in Columbia, SC Local races every other Saturday on 2/10 and 3/1 Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 23 Commodore’s Ball Regatta Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) www.llsc.com 2 1064 LLSC 3 Ice Breaker #3 SSC 9 Hot Buttered Rum. UYC 16 Winter #4 SSC 24 Ice Breaker #4 SSC 24 Winter Gale #2 BFSC South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com SAYRA annual meeting 2/6-2/8 in Columbia, SC 28 Basic Race Management Seminar. LNYC www.longbaysailing.com See Web site for local club races

JANUARY 2009 1 Blessing of the Fleet & Fun Run. Titusville Sailing Center 1 Small Boat Hangover Regatta. Melbourne Yacht Club 3-4 Club Races. Lake Eustis Sailing Association 3-4,24-25 Frostbite Regatta #1,#2. Rudder Club 4,18 Winter Rum Race #5, #6. Melbourne Yacht Club 10,24 Winter Series #1. East Coast Sailing Association–Racing 12-13 St. Augustine Cruise. East Coast Sailing Association– Cruising 11 Race of Champions. Indian River Yacht Club 11,25 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club 24-25 Florida Sunfish Masters Championship. Palm Beach Sailing Club 24-25 Cruise to Ballard Park. East Coast Sailing Association– Cruising 25 Women’s Spring Race #1. East Coast Sailing Association– Women’s FEBRUARY 1,15 Winter Rum Race #7,#8. Melbourne Yacht Club 8,22 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club 6-8 10th Annual Wayfarer Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Club 7-8 1st Annual GWB MC Scow Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Club 7-8 Frostbite Regatta #3. Rudder Club 14-15 USO Regatta. Navy Jax Yacht Club 21-22 39th Annual George Washington Birthday Regatta. Open Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Club 21-22 Spring River Race and Frostbite Regatta # 4. Rudder Club News & Views for Southern Sailors

Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net Go to the Web site for local club races BBYC Biscayne Bay YC BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net CGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.org CRYC Coral Reef YC. www.coralreefyachtclub.org.

KBYC Key Biscayne YC. www.kbyc.org.

MYC Miami YC. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

JANUARY 2 BBYRA Annual Meeting & Registration. CRYC 3 BBYRA OD #1. MYC 4 BBYRA PHRF #1. CGSC 10-11 Levin Memorial Stars. CRYC 10-11 Sidney Doren Memorial Etchells. BBYC 14-16 Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race. LYC/STC 17-19 Alex Caviglia Bluewater Classic. SAL/Flat Earth 19-23 Premier Racing Key West Race Week 22-24 2.4Mr Midwinters. Flat Earth 24-25 Biscayne Trophy Stars. CRYC 26-30 Olympic Classes Regatta 31 BBYRA OD #2. MYC FEBRUARY 1 BBYRA PHRF #2. BBYC 2-5 Team Paradise Open Paralympics Regatta. SAL/FlatEarth 5-7 49ers North Americans. USSC 6 Pineapple Cup - Motego Bay Race 7-8 Masters Regatta Stars. CRYC 7-8 Florida State Championships Etchells. BBYC 7-8 Comodoro Rasco Snipes. CGSC 8-11 J/24 Midwinters. DIYC 9-11 Sonar Midwinters. Flat Earth Racing 19-22 J/22 Midwinters. DIYC 21 MYC Annual BBYRA. PHRF #3 22 MYC Annual BBYRA. OD #3 27-1 Jaguar Mid-Winter’s Etchells. BBYC

Key West Sailing Club. Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (305) 292-5993. www.keywestsailingclub.org. Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West. Come by the club to sail. Non-members and members welcome. Wednesday night racing has begun for the summer season. Skippers meet at the clubhouse by 5:00 p.m. and boats start racing at 6:00 p.m. in the seaplane basin near the mooring field. Dinner and drinks afterward.

Upper Keys Sailing Club (UKSC). www.upperkeyssailingclub.com. Go to the Web site for regular club racing open to all.

JANUARY 2-4 Catalina 22 Fun-n-Sun Regatta. Bayside 16-18 Dead Dogs and Tin Whistles Buccs & Mutts Regatta. Bayside 24 Fleet Captain’s Regatta. Portsmouth. Bayside SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING 25 Fleet Captain’s Regatta. PHRF. Bayside FEBRUARY 6-8 JY-15 Midwinters. Bayside 14-15 Commodore’s Regatta

SOUTHWINDS Annual Online West Florida Race Calendar Posted Sept. 1 — SOUTHWINDS magazine posts the annual race schedule/calendar (9/1/08 — 8/31/09) on its Web site for all racing in the central west Florida area from just north of Tampa Bay south to Marco Island. The calendar includes all scheduled races of the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org), plus club races in the area and any others that boaters in the area would like to post. The Boat of the Year races are listed for all the areas of the West Florida PHRF organization.

The race calendar can be accessed through the racing pages link at www.southwindsmagazine.com. It is also the race calendar link at the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org) and many other sailing associations and yacht clubs in the area.

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com to list your race, make corrections, or changes. Sorry, but we cannot list every single weekly club race.

Club Racing Boca Ciega YC. Gulfport. Third Sunday each month. 10am, PHRF racing. (727) 321-7295 or www.sailbcyc.org. One-design, dinghy racing every Wed., 5:30 p.m. May through September. (727) 458-7274.

Bradenton YC. Races April through October. Thursday evenings.

Races at 6:30 p.m. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info, call Susan Tibbits at (941) 723-6560.

Clearwater Community Sailing Center. The center holds regular weekend club races. For dates and more information, go to www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.

Dunedin Boat Club. Monthly club racing. For more information, contact saraherb@aol.com.

Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-round john@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com.

Punta Gorda Sailing Club. Charlotte Harbor. Fall Series Sunday afternoon racing begins Sept. 9 through Nov. 18. www.pgscweb.com.

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

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venicesailing-squadron.org BOAT OF THE YEAR RACES (BOTY) — LEGEND Below are areas from Tampa Bay going south to greater Fort Myers area (Southwest Florida). For a list of the BOTY races for each area, go to the West Florida online race calendar at www.southwindsmagazine.com/westfloridaracecalendar.html.

Suncoast Boat of the Year Races (SuncoastBOTY) This is the Tampa Bay Area.

Sarasota Bay Boat of the Year Races (SBBOTY) Sarasota Bay Motley Fleet Boat of the Year Races (MBOTY) Charlotte Harbor Boat of the Year Races (CHBOTY) Southwest Florida Boat of the Year Races (SWFBOTY) Ft. Myers/Marco Island area 62

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

Caloosahatchee Boat of the Year Races (CBOTY) Fort Myers/Cape Coral area JANUARY 1 Tampa Bay Catamarans. Hangover, Dunedin Causeway 1 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Hangover Regatta, PHRF 2-3 Davis Island YC. Egmont Key Race. (SuncoastBOTY) 3 Naples Sailing & YC. New Year’s Cup 9-11 St. Petersburg YC. Multiclass Regatta, One Designs 10-11 Platinum Point YC. Golden Conch Regatta. (CHBOTY) 10 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. PHRF 10 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Snowbird Regatta, PHRF 11 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Motley Fleet Race. (MBOTY) 17 Davis Island YC. Keelboat Regatta 17-18 St. Petersburg YC. Southeast Team Champs, Optimist Dinghies 19-24 Key West Race Week 24 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society Chili Cookoff Race 25 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Motley Fleet Race. (MBOTY) 31- 2/1St. Petersburg YC. Master Driver Team Racing Invitational FEBRUARY 2-4 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. 29er Regatta (Tentative) 6-8 505 Midwinters & A-Cats. Fort Desoto, Tampa Bay .ethan. bixby@northsails. com 7 Naples Sailing & YC. Hospice Charity Regatta, PHRF. (SWFBOTY) 6-8 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Beneteau Rendezvous 6-8 Lake Eustis SC. Wayfarer Nationals 7-8 St. Petersburg YC. Valentine’s Regatta, Juniors Opti and Laser 8-11 Davis Island YC. J/24 Midwinters 12 Davis Island YC. J/24 Race to St. Petersburg YC 13-15 St. Petersburg YC, Sailing World NOOD Regatta 14 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Cherry Pie Pursuit Race, PHRF (SBBOTY) 14 Valentines Massacre, Sunfish. Port Charlotte, bdselah1@bdsailing.com 15 Cortez YC. St. Valentines Day Race, PHRF 15 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Motley Fleet Race. (MBOTY) 19-22 Clearwater YC. Laser Midwinters East 19-22 Davis Island YC. J/22 Midwinters 20-22 St. Petersburg YC. Disabled Sailor Midwinters, Paralympic Classes 21 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society. Edison Gulf Regatta. (CBOTY) 21 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Gasparilla Regatta, PHRF 21-22 Lake Eustis SC. George Washington’s Birthday Open Regatta 22 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Gasparilla Women’s PHRF 27-3/1 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Island Style Classic Windsurfing Regatta 28 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. PHRF 27-3/1 Davis Island YC. Commodore’s Cup. (SuncoastBOTYS,NS,RC,C)

For northern Gulf coast race calendars and more information, go the Gulf Yachting Association Web site, at www.gya.org.

See NORTHERN GULF COAST continued on page 76 www.southwindsmagazine.com

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January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

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Your Authorized Dealer for SELECTED LISTINGS Eagle PH 53 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$599,000 (S) Marine Trader 44 SD 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$129,000 (P) Hatteras 43 DC 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$129,000 (S) Mainship Pilot 34 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$108,000 (S) Lien Hwa Seahorse 32 1986 . . . . . . . . . . .$59,900 (N) Boston Whaler O26 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,000 (S) Holby Pilot 19 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900 (N) Irwin 52 1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$135,000 (S) Morgan OI 51 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$133,900 (S) Phinn Custom Schooner 1989 . . . . . . . . .$167,000 (P) Beneteau 49 ‘07 & ’08 (2 cabin & 3 cabin) . .Call for Special Beneteau 46 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Call for Special Sea Master 46 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175,000 (P) Beneteau O440 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$139,000 (N) Beneteau 43 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Call for Special Beneteau 423 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$189,000 (P) Morgan Classic 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$77,000 (N) J/Boats J 130 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$225,000 (N) Beneteau 40 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Call for Special Beneteau First 40.7 ‘02 & ‘02 Starting at . .$150,000 (S) Passport 40 1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$119,000 (N) Tayana 37 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43,900 (S) Beneteau 361 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99,500 (S) Farr 36 Custom 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125,000 (N) Gulfstar 36 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30,000 (N) Beneteau 34 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In Stock Hunter 340 ‘99 & ‘01 Starting at . . . . . .$57,500 (S) Tartan 34-2 1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59,000 (P) Beneteau O331 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$79,000 (N) J/Boats J 100 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$109,900 (S) Hunter 320 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$58,000 (S) Pearson 323 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30,500 (P) Beneteau 31 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In Stock (S) Beneteau 311 ‘00 & ‘03 Starting at . . . . .$65,000 (P) Catalina 30 ‘88 & ‘90 Starting at . . . . . .$29,000 (N) Nonsuch 30 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59,900 (S) Alerion Express 28 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$109,144 (S) Alerion Express 28 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$89,000 (N) Catalina 28 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,900 (S) Beneteau FC 7.5 ‘06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,900 (N) Details & Pictures Go to www.MurrayYachtSales.com

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SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

65

Largest Selection of Sailboats &Trawlers in Florida www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

72’ Taswell Cutter, 1996, Bill Dixon design, 4 staterooms, Dual Helms, Bow thruster, Awlgrip in ’07, New A/C ’07, Prof.Captain maintained, $1,395,000, Call Bob @ 239-877-4094,

60’ Custom Catamaran, 1999, World cruiser, 4 staterooms, Unsinkable! A must see boat, $577,900, Call Bill @ 727-421-4848

55’ Tayana 3 Stateroom Cutter, 1988, Major upgrades in ’08, New Standing Rigging, New electronics, Liferaft, Genset, 2 Watermakers, $299,900, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907

55’ Jeanneau Lagoon Catamaran, 1991, Many upgrades, Genset, Watermaker, new sails, Loaded! $475,000, Call Bob @ 239-877-4094

48’ Dekker Steel Ketch, Centercockpit, Holland built, total refit in ‘97, $169,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

48’ Golden Wave Ketch, 1988, Solid Bluewater cruiser, original owner, sleeps 8, $159,000 Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907

47’ Vagabond Ketch, 1979, New spars, rigging and sails in ‘03. Bluewater ready, $139,900, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907

47’ Vagabond Ketch, 1982, Imron Black Hull.

Beautiful teak interior, A show piece! $ 224,900, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291

44’ Freedom Cat Ketch, 1982, Easy to sail, Huge interior, Shoal draft, $88,900, Call Jeff @ 954224-8291

43’ Beneteau Idylle, 1986, Well Equipped blue water cruiser. Radar, Autopilot, $84,900, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

43’ Endeavour Center Cockpit Ketch, 1980, Roomy live-aboard cruiser with seakindly sailing performance, Autopilot, Priced right at only $60,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446,

42’ Hunter Passage Center Cockpit, 1995, A/C, Lines lead to cockpit, Integrated swim platform, Reduced $99,000, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291

42’ Whitby Ketch,1985 (Sistership photo) Custom Hard top over cockpit, 62hp Volvo, 3 solar panels, 2 wind generators, New A/C $99,000. Call Leo @ 941-504-6754

37’ Endeavour B Plan 1979, 5kw Genset, Repainted hull, New interior, Good Electronics, $44,900, Call Bill @ 727-421-48483$49.900, Call Bill @ 727-421-4848

36’ CS 36T, 1982, Blue water cruiser, Solar Panels, Wind Generator, SSB, $77,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

41’ Hans Christian, 1985, Loaded for cruising! Dropdead beautiful inside and out, This is a MUST see Bluewater cruiser. $179,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

37’ Gulfstar, 1977, Total refit inside and out.

Turn key vessel! $54,900, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907

36’ Bayfield Cutter, 1988, Updated, two cabin layout, new fuel and holding tanks, full cockpit enclosure, Solid, blue water boat that is ready to go. $99,000, Call Roy S @ 305-775-8907

39’ Pearson Yawl, 1974, Diesel, Centerboard, Dark blue hull, New Canvas, A/C, $54,900, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

39’ Allied Mistress Ketch, 1975, Diesel, Solid bluewater cruiser @ only $ 35,900, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907

37’ Tartan, 1982, Just back from 6 month cruise, barrier coated, Radar, GPS Plotter, All the toys, $69,900, Call Joe @ 941-224-9661

37’ Island Packet 2007, Better than new! Well equipped and cruise ready. Save Thousands, $299,900, Call Leo @ 941-504-6754

31’ Southern Cross, 1985, New Yanmar, Cutter rigged, Blue water cruiser, Staylocks, Loaded! $35,900, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907

30’ Woods Windsong Catamaran, 1989, 32” draft, twin Outboards, Great Pocket cruiser, $29,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

Edwards Yacht Sales Quality Listings, Professional Brokers BOAT LOANS FROM 5.75% 727-507-8222 • FAX 727-531-9379 www.EdwardsYachtSales.com • Yachts@EdwardsYachtSales.com 66

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

Largest Selection of Sailboats &Trawlers in Florida www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

54’ Gulfstar Ketch 1986, Beautiful Deep blue hull. Fiberglass dodger/hardtop, All sails roller furling. Many upgrades. Dry stored at present, $289,000, Call Bob @ 239-877-4094,

51’ Jeantot Marine Privilege 1994, Big, beautiful cat loaded with electronics, genset, watermaker, dive compressor, dual a/c, cherry interior. Sleeps 10 in 5 double cabins, $530,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

50’ Prout Quasar Catamaran, 1980, New 2006 Yanmar diesels, A/C, Genset, Serious Bluewater Cat. $249,000, Call Bill @ 727-421-4848

50’ Gulfstar Center cockpit Ketch, 1976, Rare 2 stateroom, New Cushions, New stainless ports, rebuilt engine, Solid Bluewater cruiser, $114,900, Call TJ @ 941-741-5875

45’ Jeanneau, 2002, New genset, A/C, many upgrades, Loaded! $269,000, Call Bob @ 239877-4094

45’ Hunter Legend 1987, Repainted with Imron, New Mast & rigging, Total refit, Very clean, $124,900 Call Rick @ 727-422-822945’

44’ Beneteau First 435, 1986, Radar, Dingy davits, Genset, many upgrades on this great sailing boat, $119,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

44’ St Francis Catamaran, 1994, Twin Diesels, 4 staterooms, Rare performance catamaran, many upgrades, Watermaker, SSB, Autopilot $296,000, Call Bob @ 239-877-4094,

42’ Tayana Cutter rig, 1988 Was a fresh water boat so the gelcoat looks great! Wind genset, Radar, Proven crusier, $194,900, Roy @ 305775-8907

42 Beneteau Center cockpit, 2002, Shows like new, Hard dodger, Wind generator, Inverter, $169,000, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291

SIST ERSH IP

42’ Tayana, 1980, New engine, solid bluewater cruiser, Just back from cruising, Priced right @ $79,900, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291

42’ Cheoy Lee Clipper, 1970, Topsides, deck and cockpit Awlgriped in 2005, Teak decks removed, $95,000, Call Joe @ 941-224-9661

MONOHULL SAILBOATS 72’ 64’ 55’ 54’ 52’ 50’ 48’ 48’ 47’ 47’ 47’ 47’ 46’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 44’ 44’ 44’ 43’ 43’ 43’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 41’ 40’ 40’ 40’ 39’ 39’ 39’

Taswell Durbeck Ketch Tayana Gulfstar Derecktor Motorsailor Gulfstar Golden Wave Ketch Dekker Ketch Wellington Gulfstar Sailmaster Vagabond Ketch Vagabond Ketch Antigua Jeanneau Hunter Legend Hunter Legend Camper Nicholson Beneteau Freedom Endeavour Beneteau Idylle Slocum Cutter Whitby Centercockpit Hunter Passage Tayana Tayana Tayana Cheoy Lee Clipper Beneteau Bruce Roberts Center Cockpit Hans Christen Hunter Bayfield Ketch Northstar CC Horizon Cutter Pearson Yawl Allied Mistress MKIII Ketch

1996 1980 1988 1986 1966 1976 1987 1971 1991 1979 1982 1979 1987 2002 1987 1987 1978 1986 1982 1980 1986 1986 1985 1995 1988 1988 1980 1970 2002 1985 1985 1997 1987 1976 1982 1974 1975

$1,395,000 $ 95,000 $299,000 $289,000 $350,000 $114,900 $164,900 $169,000 $131,000 $154,900 $209,900 $139,900 $134,500 $269,000 $104,900 $124,900 $ 74,900 $119,000 $ 88,900 $ 60,000 $ 84,900 $159,900 $ 99,000 $ 99,900 $194,900 $179,000 $ 79,900 $ 95,000 $163,900 $269,000 $179,900 $124,900 $113,900 $ 84,900 $ 44,900 $ 54,900 $ 35,900

Mexico Tampa St. Petersburg Boston St. Petersburg Bradenton Punta Gorda St. Augustine Fernandina Beach Madeira Beach Ft. Pierce St. Petersburg Ft Lauderdale Miami Ft. Lauderdale Crystal River Ft. Lauderdale Palm Coast Ft. Lauderdale Titusville Melbourne Ft. Lauderdale Punta Gorda Ft. Lauderdale Bradenton Pueto Rico Ft. Lauderdale Bokeelia Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale St. Augustine Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Dunedin Panama City Palmetto

Bob Roy S. Roy S. Bob Roy TJ Roy S. Tom Tom Roy S. Jeff Roy S Jeff Bob Jeff Rick Jeff Tom Jeff Tom Tom Jeff Leo Jeff Roy S. Roy Jeff Joe Jeff Jeff Tom Jeff Jeff Jeff Rick Tom Roy S.

Roy Edwards • Clearwater • 727-725-1600 Tom Morton • St. Augustine • 904-377-9446 Bill Mellon • St. Petersburg • 727-421-4848 Roy Stringfellow • Tierra Verde • 305-775-8907 Jeff Sorgen • Ft Lauderdale • 954-224-8291 News & Views for Southern Sailors

38’ 38’ 37’ 37’ 37’ 37’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 35’ 35’ 34’ 34’ 32’ 32’ 31’ 31’ 31’ 31’ 28’ 28’ 24’ 24’

Catalina 380 1997 William Baylock Custom Cutter 1982 Gulfstar Sloop 1977 Endeavour B Plan 1979 Island Packet 2007 Tartan 1982 Bayfield 1988 CS 36T 1982 Catalina MK II 1995 Catalina MK II 1996 Catalina 350 2003 Young Sun Cutter 1984 B & J Cutter 1967 Tartan 1985 Capital Gulf 1981 Beneteau 32.1 1997 Southern Cross 1985 Hunter 1984 Bombay Pilothouse 1978 Hunter 1998 Shannon 1978 Pearson 1986 Pacific Seacraft 1986 Pacific Seacraft 1989

$124,900 $ 46,000 $ 54,900 $ 44,900 $299,000 $ 69,000 $ 99,000 $ 77,900 $ 82,900 $ 97,900 $139,000 $ 89,900 $ 16,000 $ 57,500 $ 27,900 $ 59,900 $ 35,900 $ 15,900 $ 23,900 $ 48,900 $ 47,000 $ 27,500 $ 49,685 $ 59,900

Punt Gorda Port Charlotte Bellaire Gulfport Cape Coral Ft. Lauderdale St. Petersburg St. Augustine Ft. Lauderdale Melbourne Palm Coast Punta Gorda St. Petersburg Ft. Myers St. Augustine Deerfield Beach Madeira Beach Ft, Lauderdale Palmetto St. Petersburg St. Augustine Safety Harbor Sanibel Orange Park

Leo Leo Roy S. Bill Leo Joe Roy S. Tom Jeff Tom Tom Leo TJ Joe Tom Jeff Roy S. Jeff TJ Bill Tom Rick TJ Tom

MULTI-HULLS 65’ Brooks/Custom Power Cat. 60’ Custom Catamaran 55’ Lagoon Catamaran 51’Jeantot/Priviledge Catamaran 50’ Prout Catamaran 48’ Nautitech Catamaran 44’ St. Francis Catamaran 43’ Lagoon Power Catamaran 39’ Fountaine Pajot Fidji Cat. 35’ Charter Cat, Wildcat 30’ Woods Windsong Catamaran 28’ Telestar Trimaran

1998 1999 1991 1994 1980 1998 1994 2005 1990 2003 1989 2007

$495,000 Bradenton Beach $577,900 Tarpon Springs $475,000 Georiga/Florida $530,000 Florida $249,900 Ft. Pierce $459,000 Punta Gorda $269,000 Savanna, GA $425,000 Georgetown, MD $179,000 Palau, South Pacific $149,900 Ft. Lauderdale $ 29,900 Bahamas $ 79,000 MD

Joe Bill Bob Tom Bill Rick Bob Rick Rick Jeff Tom Rick

Bob Cook • Naples • 239-877-4094 Rick Hoving • St. Petersburg • 727-422-8229 Leo Thibault • Punta Gorda • 941-504-6754 Joe Weber • Bradenton • 941-224-9661 TJ Johnson • Palmetto • 941-741-5875 SOUTHWINDS

January 2009

67

CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25 FREE ADS - All privately owned gear for sale up to $200 per item • $25 for three months, 30 words. $40 for 40 words. $50 for 60 words.

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

• These prices do not apply to ads for business services and products. Call for pricing.

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

• Add $10 to place the ad early on our Web site. Otherwise, all ads go up on the 1st of the month of publication. No refunds.

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

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

• The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (12/08) is January 2009.

• Ad must be received by 6th of the month, sometimes later. Call to see if later or go online for our monthly deadline schedule.

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

AD RENEWALS — $15 to $30 Sign up for automatic renewal to get the $30 (ads with photos) and $15 (text only ads) rate on renewals. Credit card on file required (or prepayment). Ad will be renewed automatically unless you cancel. No broker or dealer boats (see Broker Ad specials below).

Otherwise, ad renewals after the first three months will be $50 (ads with photos) and $25 (text only ads) for another three months.

Lower renewal rates do not apply if a month is skipped. Contact us for questions.

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

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

BROKERS: Photo and text ads only apply to this offer. $5 to change your ad first 3 months. After 3

months: $20 a month for a new ad or $15 to pick up old ad. Price changes and mistake changes free. Credit card must be on file if not a monthly display advertiser.

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

Photo must be e-mailed.

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

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

We advise you to list the boat type first followed by the length. For example: Catalina 30. Your boat is more likely to be found by Internet search engines in this format.

Boats Wanted Boats & Dinghies Powerboats Boat Gear & Supplies

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY _________________________________________

Businesses for Sale/Rent Engine For Sale Help Wanted Lodging for Sailors

Real Estate for Sale or Rent Sails & Canvas Slips for Sale or Rent Too Late to Classify

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________

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

1975 Catalina 22. Ready To Sail. Retrofit Summer (2006). Too Much New To list; email for brochure hytedin@hotmail.com, Trailer, NEW Tohatsu 6hp. Jacksonville, FL. (850) 443-7451. $3500 FIRM. (1/09)

BOATS WANTED

_________________________________________ Sunfish and Sunfish Rigs Wanted. TSS Youth Sailing, Inc., Tampa Youth Sailing, an organization to which donations are tax deductible, is in great need of sailing rigs for Sunfish sailboats. If you have a Sunfish rig (mast, sail and spars.) which you are not using, please consider a gift to us. Go to www.tssyouthsailing.org and click on Contact Us. z

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $24/year • 3rd Class $30/year • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site 70

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

Chris White Discovery 20 trimaran. Rare opportunity, launched 1987, Lombardi Multihulls, refurbished 2004 by John Lombardi. 16+ knots, she’ll do 20+. Good condition. New Sunrise tramps, bottom repainted 2007. LOA: 20’, BOA 15’3”, (8’6” folded), Draft 11”/3’6” rotating aluminum mast, new Schaefer furler drum, original main, jib (both usable), symmetric spinnaker (good condition), demountable. Includes trailer, 4 cycle Honda 2 HP, anchor, closed-cell cockpit cushions. Eustis, FL. $22,500. Arlen (352) 391-4317. arlen211@yahoo.com .

(1/09a)

$50 – 3 mo. Ad & Photo 941-795-8704

1976 Cape Dory 25. 2005 Tohatsu 6 hp 4stroke. New batteries, porta-potty, halyards.

Roller furling. Newer sails. Good condition, ready to sail. Needs some TLC. $3,500 OBO. Must sell. In Sarasota (941) 345-2617.

(12/08a)

See Classified Information This Page www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

Cape Dory 25-D. 1982. Classic Carl Alberg design with full keel and attached rudder.

Large cockpit with ample interior. Cape Dory’s sea-kind capabilities are well known and these vessels are sailing all oceans. St. Pete Municipal Marina slip transferable thru October. Reduced to $18,500. Stew (727) 415-0350, (727) 5600901. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com

MacGregor 1998 26X, 50 HP Honda 4-stroke OB. Unique water ballast system. Less than 1 foot draft when board is up. 7’ 10” beam and comes with a trailer. Enclosed head, aft sleeping cabin, galley, and dinette. CDI roller furling jib. VHF radio. Stereo with cockpit speakers.

Wheel steering, cockpit cushions and more. $13,500. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

28’ Corsair F-28R Trimaran ‘97. ‘07 Carbon sails, ‘07 - 9.8 OB, overhauled trailer. Turn-key condition. $69,900. Palmetto, FL. Write for particulars to fmp28r@yahoo.com. (941) 538-8540. (2/09a)

Catalina 30 sailboat, 1989, 3’10” draft, tall rig, new bottom paint and running gear, Engel refrigeration. Sails in excellent condition. Diesel rebuilt Oct 08. 10 amp solar, 8.5 Achilles and 3.5 Nissan, $22,000. Cruise Ready. South Florida. (305) 509-2834. (2/09)

32’ Watkins 1983 Ideal for cruising or liveaboard, well maintained. Hybrid refrigeration, 27HP Yanmar, A/C, autopilots, GPS, High output alternator. Pictures and list of equipment: www.kollmann-marine.com/Loreli.htm or call (954) 583-7215. (2/09a)

1975 C&C 33. New Standing and running rigging, racing & cruising/delivery sails.

Good race record. Epoxy barrier coat bottom. AM/FM CD and speed/depth. Asking $17,900 Call Mike at (727) 510-4167 or (727) 796-4260; (1/09)

WHARRAM TIKI 30 CATAMARAN FOR SALE Brand New — Professionally Built Go to www.tiki30.blogspot.com to view an online journal documenting the step-bystep building of this boat. Built by Boatsmith, Inc., Jupiter, FL www.boatsmithFL.com. (561)744-0855

Oday 272 1987. Drafts 2’11”! 2003 Honda 9.9 four stroke engine, wheel steering, roller furling, autopilot, GPS, VHF, surround stereo, Bimini, dodger. $10,500. (321) 544-1733 Cocoa Beach, FL. (2/09)

Catalina 28 MKII. 1998. Excellent condition.

Dodger, Bimini. Huge cockpit and comfortable. Low hours on original diesel. Radar, GPS, Chartplotter, VHF, Autopilot, VHF. Anchors, line, Gear. Cushions excellent down below and in cockpit. Rebuilt roller furling. Whisker pole. 135 and 155 headsails (both like new).

New Bottom job, Jan. 2009. $46,900.

Located Palmetto, FL, in Tampa Bay. (941) 795-8704. Craig100@tampabay.rr.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

1987 Catalina 30 with Universal diesel, Harken RF, lazy jacks, Bruce and Danforth, Lemar STs, Bimini, Data Marine instruments, Grill, GPS, VHF, Stereo, TV, front door refrig, alcohol stove, swim ladder, marine air and more. A great boat at a fantastic offer. $21,000. www.Cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100 1978 Endeavor 32. new Bimini, hatch/sail cover, all new interior, cushions and bedding.

Top shape. 20 HP Yanmar, new bottom 2007, 10’ Avon. Needs electronics update. Located Pensacola. $19,500 OBO. (850) 232-8599.

(3/09)

2004 Catalina 34 MK II, loaded and ready.

This boat is equipped for the discriminating sailor for pure pleasure or the competitor for pure enjoyment. Everything you need in a boat. Two complete sets of sails, one to cruise, another to race. Everything is like new. $127,500. www.Cortezyachts.com for listing or call (941) 792-9100.

1968 Classic Morgan 34’ In process of refurbishing for past 2 years. Full Lead Keel added complete with CAD designs. New wiring. New Simrad electronics still in the box. Auto Pilot System and Radar (electronics cost 9K). Owner deceased. Widow wants out at $15K or BO. Located in St. Augustine.

(727) 505-4247. (2/09a)

SOUTHWINDS

January 2009 71

CLASSIFIED ADS

1985 Baba 35 - full keel Blue Water cruiser.

Lots of gear with manuals and records. VHF, SSB, GPS, windlass, wind gen, life raft and more. Needs some exterior teak work. On the hard for your inspection. A fantastic offer @ $59,000. Call Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 7929100 or visit www.cortezyachts.com

1995 Hunter 35.5 loaded, Yanmar diesel, low hrs, Roller Furling 150% and 130, 2 mains, Dutchman, two GPSs, SSB radio, VHF, Auto Pilot, solar, like new dodger, Bimini, dinghy w/OB and crane, boom vang, new running rigging, manual windlass, full galley, head w/shower, Marine air. Must see. Asking $65,000. www.cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100.

Jeanneau 37. 1978. Very fast center cockpit cruiser/racer. Lots of room below. Excellent offshore sailing vessel. Hawk’s Flight is a proven design. Built in France. Fast and safe passage making or very comfortable liveaboard. She is sound, large inventory of spare parts and recent improvements. Priced to sell, owner very motivated. $37,900. Stew (727) 415-0350 (727) 560-0901. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com

O’Day 37, 1984.. Center cockpit performance cruiser/racer offers speed, comfort & privacy.

Very well maintained and clean “in and out,” with long list of constant improvements and upgrades, shows pride of ownership. Maintenance records available. Well cruise-equipped. $44,900. Stew (727) 415-0350 (727) 5600901. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com

2003 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37. (New 2007: Yanmar engine, 3 Optima batteries, Garmin 440 at helm.) Interphase Chart Plotter at Navigation Station. 12 Volt Refrigeration System. Stereo w/4 speakers (2 cockpit), 25 AMP Battery Charger. New cruising spinnaker.

Custom hard dodger/bimini. Forward cabin w/optional sink and vanity. Master stateroom w/king-sized berth. Walk-through transom w/swim ladder. $136,900. (941) 365-9095.

(12/08a)

1984 Hans Christian 38 Cutter w/ Yanmar diesel, full keel double-ended, blue water cruiser known for its sea-keeping ability and sturdy construction. Owners completed Caribbean cruise and now offer you this unique opportunity. This is a chance of a lifetime to purchase a proven well-equipped and maintained sailing vessel just waiting to go again. $99,000 www.cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

Privilege 39 1988 Cat. 4 cabin, 2 head.

Yanmar 27 hp. Major refit 2005. New UK sails, AC/heat, Onan genset 6.5 kw, Autohelm 7000, new interior, Corian counters, teak sole, Bimini/dodger $145,000. (321) 917-5863. palexy@cfl.rr.com. (3/09) 40’ Searunner Trimaran. Absolutely solid and complete with all you’ll need. Only $69,000.

OBO. Just get on board and sail the dream. All pics and full details at http://groups. msn.com/moscan. E-mail to davenaudrey2@yahoo.co.uk. (813) 312-1029.

Cruising Cuba, December-February. (2/09)

1997 Catalina 40, Cruise ready, AC, 4K Generator, 10” color Garmin GPS, ST6000 AutoPilot, watermaker, TV/DVD/CD/Stereo, 10’ Zodiac w/9.9 4-stroke Yamaha, Davits, and much more. Longboat Key Moorings. $149,900. (407) 810-5621 (12/08a)

BROKERS:

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT STARTING AT $25 FOR 3 MO 72

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

Advertise Your Boats for Sale.

Text & Photo Ads: $50 for 3-months.

Text only ads: $25 for 3 months

www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

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

Exceptional condition with lots of new gear.

Harken roller furling on all sails. Marine air, WS, WD, depth, VHF w/remote, SSB, cd/radio, autopilot, chartplotter, radar, dinghy, life raft. $109,500 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com.(941) 792-910

50’ Hunter 2003. Hunter’s Child. This HC 50 is the ultimate offshore racing machine.

Custom built for Warren Luhrs and Steve Pettengill. This is a WINNER …Only $445,000. St Augustine Yacht Sales (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com

POWERBOATS

_________________________________________

Schucker 440. Safe harbor for shrinking dollars, a real liquid asset, the best motorsailer, trawler ever built and a floating tropical condo you can escape in. Cruise down island to South America, or do Cuba, Bahamas, the Great Loop, European canals. Complete information & photos on www.Luperon Cruising.com, or call (809) 821-8239. (1/09)

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

_________________________________________

FREE ADS Free ads in boat gear for all gear under $200 per item. Privately owned items only.

Editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

(941-795-8704) TransWorld CT 41. 1979. Proven full-keel blue water cruiser. Perkins 4-108 diesel. 46’ LOA with bowsprit. Ketch-rigged Center Cockpit with walk thru to aft cabin. Complete Awlgrip paint. Custom stainless steel rails and davits.

10’ 6” Caribe RIB with 15hp OB. Full galley.

Beautiful teak interior with lots of storage.

Maxwell electric windlass. Much more. New sails and rigging. As is - asking $69,000. North Carolina. www.Cortezyachts.com (941) 7929100

1979 Albin 33 Trawler. Traditional with no teak decks. 120hp Lehman diesel with excellent range. Navigate from either the fly bridge or below out of the elements. 16000 BTU Marine Air, fwd cabin with head, aft cabin w/head. Galley up with main salon. Swim platform. Recent bottom paint. $29,500 wwwcortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

CORTEZ YACHT SALES

Dinghy Davits. $299. Edson. Heavy duty.

Cast aluminum. Excellent condition.

Bradenton, FL. (941) 792-9100. (2/09)

Erickson & Jensen Marine Supply.

Fort Myers Beach, FL. (239) 463-4050 ext. supply house. Ejs5@embarqmail.com.

Commercial supplies for yachtsman. Chain, shackles, rope, hardware and boat repair. In business for 50 years same location. (2/09)

SAIL 410 Hunter 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$124,500 41’ Transworld 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$69,000 40’ Bayfield 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$109,500

38’ Hans Christian 1985 . . . . . . . .$99,000 35’ Baba 1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59,000 34’ Catalina 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . .$127,500 35’ Hunter 35.5 1995 . . . . . . . . . .$65,000 34’ Nassau 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900 30’ Catalina1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21,000 26’ Macgregor 1998 26X . . . . . . .$13,500 POWER 33’ Albin Trawler 1979 . . . . . . . . . .$29,500 30’ Silverton 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,000

30’ Island Hopper, Diesel 2004 . .$85,000 28’ Sheffield Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900 WE HAVE BUYERS — LISTINGS WANTED —

(941) 792-9100 visit www.cortezyachts.com CORTEZ YACHT SALES

$50 – 3 MO. AD & PHOTO

941-795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

1986 Young Sun Sunrise 40’. $74,900 Port Charlotte, FL. Great condition. Absolutely beautiful interior. 2008 Bottom Job. All the amenities. Burns less than 2 gallons per hour.

Full details at www.whiteakeryachtsales.com.

(941) 776-0616. (3/09)

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

Sailing, scuba diving, and treasure hunting in the teal blue tropical waters of Florida. What could possibly go wrong? Free updates at www.southerncrosses.com. (1/09) _________________________________________ SOUTHWINDS

January 2009 73

CLASSIFIED ADS (2) Barlow Winches #28. Self Tailing, 2 Speed, base 8”. Compare with Lewmar 48/50 Size. Used but excellent condition. Sold as pair only. $1500 for both. Possible trade for smaller 2-Speed Self Tailing and cash.

Ewbus@Msn.Con, or (727) 492-4017. (2/09) _________________________________________

Used Boat Gear for Sale. CQR 25 & 45#, Bruce 16 & 66#, Hookah by Airline, 55# Folding Fisherman anchor, Para-tech 15 w/Rode, Edson rack & pinion steering w/ wheel, new awning w/side curtains. Nautical Trader, 110 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL. Shop online at www.nauticaltrader.net. (941) 488-0766.

Mainsail and Mast. 19’ 6” mast. Shortened off 18’ Catalina. Complete with Spreaders, lights, etc. Mainsail: 16’ luff. 8’ 4” foot.

Powerhead. 1 reef point. Will separate. $150 each or OBO. (352) 728-0098. (2/09)

_________________________________________

DONATE YOUR BOAT

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

ENGINE FOR SALE

_________________________________________ Universal Atomic 4 For Sale. This engine runs and comes complete with good gearbox and wet exhaust. Good compression. Mounts 12 by 16 O/C. Call Gary Smith Cell (321) 6740886 or e-mail Fivespeed05@cfl.rr.com $900 OBO. (3/09)

HELP WANTED

_________________________________________ EDWARDS YACHT SALES is expanding again!

We’ve had a record yr. & are ready to expand in selected locations, experience preferred but will train the right person, we need brokers for the East Coast, Panhandle & Keys, aggressive advertising, group health care plan, bonus plan. www.EdwardsYachtSales.com, contact Roy Edwards, 727-507-8222.

Yachts@EdwardsYachtSales.com _________________________________________ Yacht Broker Wanted. Lots of Work. Growing company, with years of experience, in Tampa Bay looking for a team player. Great company support. Call (727) 823-7400, or Jacek at (727) 560-0901. _________________________________________ Waterfront Director Wanted The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, located in Panama City, FL, is seeking a Sailing and Waterfront Director for fulltime employment. Qualifications include: U.S. Sailing certification; general seamanship knowledge; and the ability to plan, organize, and promote waterfront activities. Duties will include: managing year-round sailing programs to include the summer sailing program; planning/managing additional activities for member events; assisting with Regatta planning and Fleet maintenance; and overseeing the appearance and usability of the waterfront facilities.

Competitive salary with benefits. Drug-free work environment. Please submit resume to 218 Bunkers Cove Rd, P.C. Fl 32401 Attn: Jay M Wallace GM. Or e-mail resume to manager@stabyc.com. (1/09) _________________________________________

See Classified Information on page 70 74

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

Sailing Instructors/Branch Managers. Offshore Sailing School is seeking skilled sailors with strong teaching experience, performance and cruising boat sailing experience, US SAILING certification (or skills to pass exam).

USCG license required, or experience to obtain appropriate level. Manager applicants must have organization & management skills.

Email resume to Doug Sparks at doug@off shoresailing.com, fax (239) 454-9201 visit www.offshoresailing.com/employment.

(1/09a) _________________________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office? If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and powerboats. Call Frank Hamilton (941) 723-1610 for interview appointment and position details.

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 www.poncedeleon hotel.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

Sailor’s Paradise “Old Florida”. Lakefront mobile home cottage with dock on 20K acre Lake Crescent in Crescent City. Small, quiet, adult park with reasonable lot rent. $7500 (386) 698-3648 or www.LakeCrescentFlorida.com. (1/09a)

2” DISPLAY ADS STARTING $38/MO www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED

Protected Sailboat Canal. Port Charlotte.

Ship-shape 3/2/2 CBS. Split plan. Two screened porches. 30’ concrete dock w/davits, with two mooring pilings. Updated AC, roof, appliances. Screened porches. Fruit trees.

Boating neighborhood. $293k/Offers. (941) 753-7433. (12/08a)

SLIPS FOR SALE OR RENT

________________________________________ DOCK SPACE off SARASOTA BAY!! Slips start at $117 a Month on 6-Month Lease.

Sheltered Marina accommodates up to 28’ sail or power boats. Boat ramp. Utilities included. Call Office: (941) 755-1912. (2/09) 3/2/2 Townhome with 40’ boat slip, in NE St Petersburg, FL. Updated Granite, appliances, cabinets, baths, windows, porcelain tile, 1392 sq ft, screened patio. Linda McIlroy (727) 432-1706, Exit Realty Suncoast. (2/09)

SAILS & CANVAS

________________________________________

MIAMI continued from page 27 Seminars The show seminars schedule at Strictly Sail was not available at press time.

They will be printed in the February issue if available. They can be viewed on line at www.strictlysail.com.

types and what they mean to a mariner. 2. Basic review of pressure and wind concepts. 3. The surface weather map: An overview of surface weather systems (lows, fronts, and troughs; highs and ridges). Warning labels and wind barbs and other surface chart symbols as depicted on Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) and Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) marine surface weather maps. 4.

Navigating for your weather information; where to access weather information from the public domain.

Marine Meteorology Level II, Monday, February 16, Course Fee $195. Prerequisites: Marine Meteorology 1, The Basics I, or permission from the instructor. Course fee also includes the book Modern Marine Meteorology by David Burch and endorsed by Lee Chesneau. 1. Scales of Weather from global weather patterns to local weather phenomenon. (i.e. Gulf Stream North Wall, Puget Sound Convergence Zone, West Coast Coastal Jet and Tehuantepec episodes. 2. Introduction to upper air weather charts & their uses. 500 Mb basics and the integration with surface weather maps for forecasting and introductory routing and heavy weather avoidance. 3. Introduction to sea and swell wave formation, propagation and decay concepts.

Overview of OPC and TPC wind and wave analyses and forecast charts. 4.

Tropical cyclone basics and the 1-2-3 rule for avoidance.

Special Show Symposiums:

BROKERS: Advertise Your Boats for Sale.

Text & Photo Ads New ads: $20/mo Pickup ads: $15/mo News & Views for Southern Sailors

Lee Chesneau’s 2009 Marine Weather Symposium Both seminars are held 8.am. – 5p.m., in the Key Biscayne room on the 10th floor of the Holiday Inn (across the street from Strictly Sail at Bayside).

Seminar fees include one two-day ticket to the boat show (show tickets good Friday – Monday). For more details, see a complete course description on the special events page of the show Web site at www.strictlysail. com. Advanced registration (available at the Web site) is required.

Marine Meteorology Level I, Sunday, Feb. 15, Course Fee - $175.

Prerequisites: None.

1. Overview of how weather works: The atmosphere and principles of how clouds form; observing cloud

ST. PETE continued from page 33 was well put on. One vendor who had never been to a St. Pete show called it a major boat show he didn’t know about. After 17 years apart, to have both sail and power come together at one show did indeed make the St. Pete show a “major” boat show—unlike the two separate smaller shows, which never attained that status. And it was also great to see thousands of visiting boaters during what many describe as slow economic times—not only for boaters but for us all. Better economic times will return—and boat shows— one of the few venues available to the public for seeing the tens of thousand of products and boats out there—will continue to play a major part in that.

SOUTHWINDS

January 2009 75

NORTHERN RACING continued from page 62

DRINKING continued from page 78 retractable keel on their Kelt 28, unfortunately wound up on the rocks. We didn’t know that until morning light.

We could see them high and dry upon the iron rock at low tide. Everyone there at the anchorage dinghied over to help by moving rocks and digging.

We eventually managed to free their boat from the jagged iron rock. With a big hole in the port side, Pat and Marty continued on to the Berrys with us. They found someone in Chub Cay—the southernmost roadstead and marina in the Berrys—who was pretty good with fiberglass and patched up the hull temporarily. It wasn’t pretty, but it was strong; it kept seawater from coming in, and they were able to continue cruising.

The weather on that entire cruise was iffy, squally, windy or raining— or both. We had a great time regardless, and Pat got his boat fixed when he got home.

None of us really believe in bad omens, but I wish those wine bottles had screw caps.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

LEGEND BucYC Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL BWYC Bay Waveland YC, Bay St. Louis, MS FWYC Fort Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL FYC Fairhope YC Fairhope, AL GYC Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS JYC Jackson Yacht Club, Jackson, MS LPRC Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit, New Orleans, LA MYC Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile,AL NOYC New Orleans YC, LA NYCP Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola, Pensacola, FL PelYC Pelican Yacht Club, New Roads, LA (Baton Rouge) PYC Pensacola YC, FL PBYC Pensacola Beach YC, FL SPYC St. Petersburg Yacht Club, St. Petersburg, FL SYC Southern YC, New Orleans, LA StABYC St. Andrews Bay YC, Panama City FL TYC Lake Tammany YC, New Orleans, LA

ADVERTISERS

Advanced Sails .......................................31 Annapolis Performance Sailing...............53 Antigua Surveying..............................31,64 Atlantic Sail Traders................................33 Bacon Sails .............................................31 Bay Rigging.............................................30 Beneteau Sailboats................................BC Beta Marine.............................................22 Boaters’ Exchange..................................21 BoatNames.net .......................................28 Boatsmith ................................................38 Bo’sun Supplies ......................................33 Capt. & First Mate Yacht Delivery...........29 Catalina 28 for sale.................................25 Catalina Yachts ...............................IFC, 21 Clearwater Municipal Marina ..................35 Coral Reef Sailing...................................55 Cortez Yacht Brokerage..........................73 Couples Sailing School...........................30 CPT Autopilot ..........................................74 Cruising Solutions ...................................25 Dancing With the Wind Video .................30 David McKie Surveyor ............................31 Defender Industries.................................27 Dockside Radio.......................................37 Doctor LED ........................................20,29 Doyle/Ploch Sails ...............................28,31 Dunbar Sales ........................................IFC Dwyer mast .............................................74 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau...........IFC,63,BC Edwards Yacht Sales .........................66,67 Fairwinds Boat Repairs...........................30 Fairwinds Yacht Sales.............................63 First Patriot Insurance.............................34 Flagship Sailing.......................................41 Flying Scot Sailboats ..............................72 Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field...............50 Garhauer Hardware ..................................7 76

PLEASE note the dates listed for various events may have been re-scheduled or changed due to damages from Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Check the yacht club or event Web sites for any updates or cancellations.

JANUARY 3 Frostbite Regatta, PBYC 4,18 2009 Frosty Nipple #4, #5 FWYC 9 Basic Race Management Seminar, GYC 10,24 Winter Series Race #2, #3 StABYC 10-11 GYA Winter Meeting, GYC 11,25 Zevon Cup, FWYC 17-18 Senior Bowl Regatta / MYC Winter Series 1 & 2, MYC 24 Mardi Gras Regatta, PYC 24-25 Sunfish Bowl, BWYC 31 MYC Winter Series 3, MYC FEBRUARY 1 MYC Winter Series 4, MYC 1 Zevon Cup, FWYC 7 Winter Series Race #4, StABYC 7 Super Bowl Regatta, PYC 7 Mardi Gras Regatta, NOYC 7 Billy Goat Regatta, BucYC 7 MYC Winter Series #5, MYC 8 2009 Frosty Nipple #6, FWYC 8-10 Mardi Gras Regatta, NOYC 14 Valentine Regatta, PBYC 14-15 Sailing World NOOD, SPYC 15 Zevon Cup, FWYC 17-22 J22 Midwinters, FWYC 21 Winter Series Race #5, StABYC 22 2009 Frosty Nipple #7 - Final, FWYC 28 Two Against the Lake, TYC 28 Maxine #1/Commodore’s Cup #1, NYCP

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

Gasparilla Regatta ..................................23 Harborage Marina .....................................8 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack........................14 Hotwire/Fans & other products ..............29 Hunter ...................................................IBC Innovative Marine Services................28,30 International sailing school .....................30 Island Detail ............................................28 Island Packett Yachts..............................68 Island Yachting Center Brokerage ..........68 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales ..........65, BC Kathleen D Charter .................................29 Knighton Sails .........................................31 Leather Wheel.........................................29 Mack Sails...............................................19 Massey Yacht Sales .....................IFC,9,69 Masthead Enterprises .........21,31,49,63,75 Mastlight..................................................25 Mastmate ...............................................29 Miami Boat Show......................................5 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau .........65, BC National Sail Supply................................39 Nautical Trader........................................39 North Sails .............................................15 North Sails Direct....................................12 North Sails Outlet....................................75 Online Marine..........................................10 Porpoise Used Sails ...............................31 Profurl......................................................11 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke.....37 Regatta Pointe Marina ..............................4 Rparts Refrigeration................................27 Sailboats Florida .....................................29 Sailing Florida Charters ..........................29 Sailmonster.com .....................................47 Sailors Wharf boatyard ...........................44 Schurr Sails.............................................54 Scuba Clean ...........................................28

Scurvy Dog Marine .................................36 Sea Hagg ................................................28 Sea School..............................................26 Sea Tech .................................................74 Sea Worthy Goods .................................29 Shadetree ...............................................26 Snug Harbor Boat Works & Co...............21 Snug Harbor Boatyard ............................24 Spintec furlers .........................................35 SSB Radio Books ...................................29 SSMR.................................................30,45 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises............30 St. Barts/Beneteau.................................BC Stowmate ................................................16 Strictly Sail Boat Show Miami...................5 Suncoast Inflatables................................18 Sunrise Sails, Plus.............................28,31 Tackle Shack...........................................14 Tampa Sailing Squadron Gasparilla Regatta ...................................................23 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program34 Tideminders ......................................10, 25 Trans Marine Pro ....................................25 Turner Marine........................................IFC U-Boat Yacht Management.....................15 UK Halsey Sails ......................................13 Ullman sails.............................................28 Wag Bags ...............................................36 West Marine..............................................3 Winchmate ..............................................30 Windpath Fractional Sailing ....................30 Windrider Trimarans................................17 Womanship .............................................25 Yacht Authority.com ...........................12,28 Yacht Boarding Services.........................43 Yacht Sales Florida .................................64 Yachting Vacations..................................51 www.southwindsmagazine.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

BY

CATEGORY

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

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau .......................................................................................BC Boaters Exchanges/Catalina............................................................21 Boatsmith/Wharram catamarans ....................................................38 Catalina 28 for sale ........................................................................25 Catalina Yachts.........................................................................IFC,21 Cortez Yacht Brokerage ..................................................................73 Dunbar Sales.................................................................................IFC Eastern Yachts.....................................................................IFC,63,BC Edwards Yacht Sales ..................................................................66,67 Fairwinds Yacht Sales .....................................................................63 Flying Scot Sailboats ......................................................................72 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack ................................................................14 Island Yachting Centre ...................................................................68 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Hunter/Eastern/Mariner ............IFC,9,69 Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina ...................................21,31,49,63,75 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau...................................................65, BC Sailboats Florida .............................................................................29 Snug Harbor Boat Works & Co. .....................................................21 St. Barts/Beneteau .........................................................................BC Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida ..................................................18 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg ....................................14 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program ........................................34 Turner Marine ...............................................................................IFC Windrider Trimarans.......................................................................17 Yacht Sales Florida..........................................................................64 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Annapolis Performance Sailing .......................................................53 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware..............................................................33 Coral Reef Sailing ...........................................................................55 CPT Autopilot ................................................................................74 Cruising Solutions ..........................................................................25 Dancing With the Wind Video........................................................30 Defender Industries ........................................................................27 Doctor LED ...............................................................................20,29 Garhauer Hardware..........................................................................7 Hotwire/Fans & other products .....................................................29 Leather Wheel................................................................................29 Masthead Enterprises .................................................21,31,49,63,75 Mastlight LEDs ...............................................................................25 Mastmate Mast Climber.................................................................29 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign....................................................39 Online Marine................................................................................10 Profurl............................................................................................11 Rparts Refrigeration........................................................................27 Sea Hagg .......................................................................................28 Seaworthy Goods...........................................................................29 Shadetree Awning Systems ............................................................26 Spintec furlers ................................................................................35 SSMR .......................................................................................30, 45 Stowmate ......................................................................................16 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision ............................................14 Tideminders .............................................................................10, 25 Wag Bags.......................................................................................36 West Marine.....................................................................................3 Winchmate ....................................................................................30 Yacht Boarding Services .................................................................43 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Advanced Sails ...............................................................................31 Atlantic Sail Traders ........................................................................33 Bacon Sails .....................................................................................31 Bay Rigging....................................................................................30 Doyle Ploch .............................................................................28, 31 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging ............................................74 Innovative Marine Services.......................................................28, 30 Knighton Sails ................................................................................31 Mack Sails ......................................................................................19 Masthead/Used Sails and Service ...............................21,31,49,63,75 National Sail Supply, new&used online ..........................................39 North Sails Direct/sails online by North..........................................12 North Sails, new and used .............................................................15 Porpoise Used Sails.........................................................................31 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL...............................................................54 Spintec Furlers ...............................................................................35 SSMR .......................................................................................30, 45 Sunrise Sails, Plus ....................................................................28, 31 Trans Marine Pro ............................................................................25 UK Halsey Sails ...............................................................................13 Ullman Sails ..............................................................................28,31 News & Views for Southern Sailors

CANVAS Knighton Sails ................................................................................31 Shadetree Awning Systems ............................................................26 USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida ...............................39 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL...........................36 SAILING SCHOOLS/DELIVERIES/CAPTAINS Capt. & First Mate Yacht Delivery ..................................................29 International sailing school.............................................................30 Sailing Florida Charters ..................................................................29 Sea School/Captain’s License ........................................................26 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises.....................................................30 Womanship....................................................................................25 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES Beta Marine ...................................................................................22 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke...............................................37 MARINAS, MOORING FIELDS, BOAT YARDS Clearwater Municipal Marina .........................................................35 Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field.......................................................50 Harborage Marina............................................................................8 Regatta Pointe Marina......................................................................4 Sailors Wharf Boatyard ...................................................................44 Snug Harbor Boatyard ...................................................................24 FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER COMPANIES Kathleen D Charters .......................................................................29 Flagship Sailing ..............................................................................41 Sailing Florida Charters ..................................................................29 Windpath Fractional Sailing............................................................30 Yachting Vacations .........................................................................51 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. First Patriot Insurance.....................................................................34 Antigua Surveying..........................................................................64 BoatNames.net ..............................................................................28 David McKie Surveyor....................................................................31 Fairwinds Boat Repairs/Sales...........................................................30 Innovative Marine Services.......................................................20, 30 Island Detail ..................................................................................28 Sailmonster.com Web site ..............................................................47 Scuba Clean Yacht Services ............................................................28 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio ..............................................................................37 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication ............................................74 YACHT MANAGEMENT U-Boat Yacht Management ............................................................15 SAILING WEB SITES, VIDEOS, BOOKS SSB Radio Books.............................................................................29 BoatNames.net ..............................................................................28 Dancing With the Wind Video........................................................30 Sailmonster.com Web site ..............................................................47 Yacht Authority.com.................................................................12, 28 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOW Tampa SS Gasparilla Regatta ..........................................................23 Strictly Sail Boat Show Miami...........................................................5

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SOUTHWINDS

January 2009 77

Drinking Wine from the Bottom

By Tom Garvey

We’ve all heard the sailor’s superstitions and bad omens such as “wearing high heels on board,” “going onboard with suitcases” and “departing on a Friday.”

I’m sure there are several others, but here’s a possible new bad omen to consider.

Anita and Tom Garvey’s boat, Aloha.

I

t was Bahamas cruise-planning time again when one of our members in our local sailing club here in the Pompano Beach, FL, area threw in the Berrys as a suggestion for a cruising destination. It was spring 1998 when we read a couple of articles in Sailing and other boating magazines about the Berry Islands. We all wanted to compare the Berrys with the Abacos, and the beautiful aerial photos of the anchorages in the Berrys in our chart kits provided eye candy for our cruising spirits.

We were a hardy and able fleet, excited and ready to go: Norm and Anne in their pretty Rosebud, Richard in his Sybarite, Dick and wife Boots in Lorelei, past commodore Pat and wife Marty in Chateau Lafite, and my wife Anita and I in our Aloha.

With provisions on board, and the latest essential navigational toy— the GPS—our fleet departed Key Biscayne very early in the morning in beautiful and stable weather. Crossing the Gulf Stream was uneventful as we cruised into the entrance in Bimini with sparkling weather as high pressure continued to dominate. All of us were having a great time doing that Bimini thing; strolling the main drag and stopping in at the Compleat Angler (funny spelling) after a nice

78 January 2009

SOUTHWINDS

fresh-fish dinner. The next morning, we left Weech’s Bimini Docks in Bimini for a nice sail down to the anchorage on the east side of Gun Cay, in the Bimini chain, stopping first at the sunken ship on the bank for a bit of snorkeling.

We were all having a great time; the weather was great. We looked forward to our Berrys cruise since none of us had ever been there, and we had a good two weeks to enjoy ourselves. After setting our anchors on the Great Bahama Bank on the eastern side of Gun Cay, it was time to relax.

While snorkeling in eight feet of water, we saw them. There they were, two pontoons from what appeared to have been a catamaran of about 28 feet in length that sunk lying on the bottom. Two or three of us were looking for anything salvageable. I saw what appeared to be a small white refrigerator, and that is exactly what it was. The door was facing upward, and my curiosity got the best of me as I opened it while a flash from an old ’50’s deep-sea horror movie freaked me out a little. Inside were four bottles of wine. At last! Treasure! We brought them up, threw them in the dinghy and raced to the nearest boat, our Aloha. We rinsed them off and put

them in our fridge to cool them off.

What a perfect day! We decided to open the bottles at sundown and celebrate with potluck goodies when everyone arrives later. With a promise of a lavish sunset, they all arrived.

How exciting! It felt as though we were giving closure in some way to the doomed catamaran on the bottom by toasting with the very wine she gave to us. With corkscrew in hand, I opened all four bottles of white and red. We poured, toasted while raising our glasses and drank. Our facial expressions changed. I, of course, could not see my own face, but I knew it must have been the same. Our taste buds revealed to us all that our special wine from the bottom was briny! Salt had migrated through the corks! We either poured our glasses overboard, or set the glass on the cockpit table.

You could hear a pin drop. Then we looked at each other and laughed.

That night was moonless as the anchorage was rudely awoken by very strong winds out of the east, which threatened to drive our boats on the lee shore. There were widespread anchor drills and loud voices in the wind and rain. Pat and Marty, anchored close to shore with their See DRINKING continued on page 76 www.southwindsmagazine.com