SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors
Regata del Sol al Sol 2005 Trailering to Key West: P a rt I I H u rr i c a n e S u rv i v a l : Know Your B re a k P o i n t
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News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS July 2005
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ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY
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TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN SOUTHWINDS! SOUTHWINDS provides this list as a courtesy and asks our readers to support our advertisers. This list includes all display advertising. SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Apex/Mayer Yacht Brokerage...................................................25 Beneteau Sailboats ..................................................................BC BigFish Sailboat ..................................................................10,29 Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats .......................................38 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau...................................................BC Cortez Yacht Brokerage ...........................................................63 Eastern Yachts .........................................................................BC Flying Scot Sailboats ................................................................64 Gulf Coast Raider.....................................................................18 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales ...................................................62,63,64 Hanse Sailboats .......................................................................65 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack..........................................................53 Hunter.......................................................................................9 Island Packet............................................................................21 Island Yachting Centre.............................................................61 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina//Hunter/ Shannon/Albin..............................................11,19,27,58,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina ........................................7,14,67 Mayer Yacht Brokerage............................................................45 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau ..................................................BC Performance Sail and Sport .....................................................37 Raider Sailboats ..................................................................18,64 Sailboats Florida, Inc................................................................65 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage ....................................61 Sailtime, Fractional Sailing & Brokerage................................6,13 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats........................60 Seafarers International Yacht Brokerage ...................................29 Shannon Yachts .......................................................................12 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter......................................35 Southerly Yachts ......................................................................28 St. Barts/Beneteau ...................................................................BC Southern Trades Brokerage ......................................................62 Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida............................................55 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg .............................53 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program .................................56 Two Hulls Brokerage ................................................................60 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power ...............30 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Anne’s Anchors...................................................................26,67 Air Duck Hatch Windscoop......................................................67 Bluewater Sailing Supply .........................................................54 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL ....................38 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware .......................................................32 Defender Industries .................................................................67 E-Marine..................................................................................66 Garhauer Hardware .................................................................41 Glacier Bay Refrigeration..........................................................48 Hotwire/Fans & other products ..............................................67 Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc..........................33 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter.....................................................33 Leather Wheel .........................................................................50 Masthead Enterprises.......................................................7,14,67 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign .............................................52 Noble Awards ..........................................................................16 Performance Sail and Sport .....................................................37 Rparts Refrigeration .................................................................28 SSMR.......................................................................................57 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg .............................53 West Marine ........................................................................8,IFC SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Atlantic Sail Traders .................................................................30 Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida...............51 Cruising Direct/sails online by North .......................................49 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging ......................................67 Masthead/Used Sails and Service.....................................7,14,67 National Sail Supply, new&used online ...................................32 North Sails ..............................................................................14 Performance Sail and Sport .....................................................37 Porpoise Used Sails ..................................................................67 Quantum Sails and Services.......................................................3 4
July 2005
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SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL ........................................................47 SSMR.......................................................................................57 Sunrise Sails ............................................................................51 Ullman Sails .............................................................................36 West Marine ........................................................................8,IFC CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida ..............51 Quantum Sails and Services ......................................................3 USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida ........................52 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL ....................44 SAILING SCHOOLS Sea School/Captain’s License ..................................................34 St. Augustine Sailing School ....................................................67 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES America’s Generators...............................................................67 Beta Marine ............................................................................16 Fleetside Marine Service/Yanmar (813) 645-8971 ...................66 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke ........................................10 Yanmar ..................................................................................66 RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Bob and Annie’s Boatyard .......................................................22 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina ...........................................59 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage ....................................61 FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER COMPANIES Sailtime, Fractional Sailing....................................................6,13 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online ............51 Beachmaster Photography ......................................................65 Drive Insurance From Progressive............................................20 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio........................................................................23 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter ....................................................33 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication ................................48,67 WEATHER SERVICES Weather Wave .........................................................................29 BOOKS/CHARTS/VIDEOS Bubba Book ............................................................................39 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Sailing Services Directory West Florida ....................................51 Regional Sailing Services Directory ..................................................50 Subscription Information.......................................................this page Alphabetical Advertisers’ List............................................................68
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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS
FOR
SOUTHERN SAILORS
7
From the Helm
8
Letters
15
Short Tacks
22
Bubba Bad for Blue Moon Business By Morgan Stinemetz
24
Hurricane Protection for Your Boat
28
Race to Mexico: Regata del Sol al Sol By Dave Ellis
32
Tales of a Trailerable Sailboat: Georgia to the Florida Keys and Back. Part I By Walt McFarlane
34
Southeast Coast Sailing: Carolinas and Georgia: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report
37
East Florida Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report
39
Southeast Florida Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report
42
Florida Keys Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report
44
Northern Gulf Coast Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report
52
West Florida Sailing: Upcoming Events and News, Race Calendar, Race Report
63
Classifieds
70
How to Take a Sailing Class By Bruce Sanspree
50 51 68 4 4
Regional Sailing Services Directory West Florida Sailing Services Directory Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category Subscription Form
COVER: Lunna Danns sails in the C2B, the Charleston to Bermuda Race. Debra Gingrich Photography. www.debragingrich.com.
Hurricane protection for your boat. Know Your Break Point. Photo by Gary R. Gray. Page 24.
Regata del Sol al Sol. Seraphim takes a wave. Photo by Andy Jones. Page 28.
From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS
July 2005
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SOUTHWINDS News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindssailing.com e-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Volume 13 Number 7 July 2005 Copyright 2005, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993 Steve Morrell
Doran Cushing, Publisher 1993-2002
Publisher/Editor editor@southwindssailing.com (941) 795-8704
Advertising Gary Hufford David Curry Advertising Advertising Director davidcurry@southwindssailing.com Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties, FL gary@southwindssailing.com (941) 761-0048 (727) 585-2814 Regional Editors CAROLINAS AND GEORGIA Walt McFarlane waltmcfarlane@aol.com (912) EAST FLORIDA Roy Laughlin mhw1@earthlink.net (321) SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com (941) SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACING Art Perez miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) FLORIDA KEYS Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com (305) WEST FLORIDA Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com (941) NORTHERN GULF COAST Kim Kaminski kimberlyk@connectpens.net (850) Production Heather Nicoll
Rebecca Burg Hugh Grant Roy Laughlin Art Perez Hone Scunook Rebecca Burg Amanda Fleming Andy Jones Walt McFarlane Steve Romaine
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Proofreading Kathy Elliott Contributing Writers Julie Connerley Gary R. Gray Walt McFarlane George Regenauer Morgan Stinemetz
Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Ron Mitchellette Bruce Sanspree Meaghan Van Liew
Contributing Photographers Julie Connerley Debra Gingrich Gary R. Gray Hobie Cat Kim Kaminski Roy Laughlin Dody Nollman George Regenauer Hone Scunook Sunrise Sails
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some faroff and far-out place. SOUTHWINDS welcomes contributions in writing and photography, stories about sailing, racing, cruising, maintenance and other technical articles and other sailing-related topics. Please submit all articles electronically by e-mail (mailed-in discs also accepted), and with photographs, if possible. We also accept photographs alone, for cover shots, racing, cruising and just funny entertaining shots. Please take them at a high resolution if digital, or scan at 300 dpi if photos, or mail them to us for scanning. Contact the editor with questions. Subscriptions to SOUTHWINDS are available at $19.95/year, or $37/2 years for third class, and $24/year for first class. Checks and credit card numbers may be mailed with name and address to SOUTHWINDS Subscriptions, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL, 34218-1175, or call (941) 795-8704. Subscriptions are also available with a credit card through a secure server on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations throughout 10 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.
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July 2005
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FROM THE HELM Counties & Cities & Individuals Need to Develop Boater Hurricane Plans—Now
T
he marine industries association of Palm Beach County, along with government officials, boaters, Power Squadron members, and others representing boatyards, marinas, yacht brokers and towboat operators, met this last spring to establish a general plan to help the boating community withstand the potential damage of another hurricane. Ideas discussed, along with recommendations for individual boaters to protect their boats, were plans promoting better awareness of bridge closings, flood areas, safe mooring areas and no anchor zones. Other Florida counties and boating industry groups would be wise to do the same, and boaters everywhere should help promote these plans in their own counties and cities. It is in the public interest of county and city government to promote such plans. Most hurricane plans are targeting the non-boating community—and rightly so considering they are the larger group, but Florida is a boating state, and it is unrealistic to not give greater emphasis to boaters and the waterways than is currently given. The amount of time and money spent on cleanup is considerable, and the cost to the communities for marina repair and replacement is substantial—to say nothing of the economic effect such damage as experienced from last year’s hurricanes had on the local economies. Perhaps it is because I recently purchased a boat that I think much more of how to protect it by formulating a plan to
News & Views for Southern Sailors
minimize any damage it could suffer from a hurricane. I learned two things from the hurricanes of 2004: 1) Damage to boats and marinas can be devastating; 2) Most people did nothing or next to nothing to protect their boats. I walked around the docks before, during, and after the storms that hit the Tampa Bay area. Many boats had no extra lines or extra fenders or extra anything to prepare for the coming storm—and many of these suffered severe damage. I talked to a lot of people and have read a lot about what to do with your boat, and one of the main things I learned is how many people spent a lot of time and effort to protect their boat only to have it destroyed by another boat whose owner did nothing for it for protection, the prime example being the boat owner who set several anchors with care, and everything held only to have several other boats crash into it and destroy it—the most common being the boat owner who set his boat out with one anchor. One anchor won’t do it. The most common plan I saw was pay your insurance and pray. That’s not enough. It is in everyone’s interest to encourage others to protect their boats—to protect theirs. Go to our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com, and to our recently created hurricane page, and read some of these stories of what people have done. If you have one, share it with us. Steve Morrell Editor
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LETTERS
Continued from page 9
“Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.” H.L. Mencken In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.
HURRICANE STORIES WANTED SOUTHWINDS is looking for stories and experiences people had with their boats in trying to protect them during hurricanes. SOUTHWINDS has created a dedicated Web site page on hurricane protection for boats at www.southwindssailing.com. Send any articles or letters to editor@southwindssailing.com. SOUTHWINDS DISCOVERED We were sailing last week and stopped in at the Crows Nest for fuel down in Venice, FL, and picked up your magazine and found your Web site from same. Just wanted to stop and say thanks for great info and a great fun read! May the wind be with you. Rue Luttrell The Lady Rue RUDE AWAKENINGS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT IN BOOT KEY HARBOR My wife is a teacher, and I am disabled, but still, we are cruisers. We just got to Marathon, FL, a week ago looking for a new home, or a place to drop the hook. Judy has applied to the Monroe County School District. At 11:00 p.m., Florida law enforcement showed up, woke us up, and demanded all our papers and gear be checked. Then we were written a citation for anchoring in Boot Key Harbor without a light. I was going by federal anchoring rules Right of Navigation and had no light on in an area which was for anchoring. We were in the middle of 17 boats. Some did have lights; some did not. There are about 75 anchored vessels and about 150 on moorings. People here are taking a fair share of abuse by local law enforcement with late night raids on some boaters. Some have been boarded at 3:00 a.m., while the wife was not dressed—with frightened, sleeping children. I think this is a bit out of hand, and something needs to be done to protect our rights and those of others, as well. If anyone could e-mail me any information on these matters, it would be a great help (send any e-mails to editor@southwindssailing.com and we will forward – editor). It’s time we asked for help from the boaters who are lawyers and will help at no cost. We also need any cases that define the right of navigation. A fund needs to be set up that can be used for court costs. We need to let boaters know if we stand together now, just like the motorcycle riders who won the no-helmet law in Florida because they stood together, we as boaters can push back the counties, cities and town laws again! Jim and Judy Jacobs Aboard S/V Krugerrand, a proper yacht—not some live-aboard roach motel. Jim and Judy, I am disappointed that people are not treated with more respect by See LETTERS continued on page 10 8
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LETTERS
Continued from page 8
law enforcement officials. It doesn’t appear that you are a danger to them, but you seem to be citizens who are trying to comply with the law. If anyone else can send us more information on this anchoring situation and light requirements, we would appreciate it. Editor DISAPPEARING MARINA/BOATYARD IN PANAMA CITY RAISES POWER LINE QUESTION FOR TALL MASTS The person who wrote the article concerning the boatyard/marina closings in the Panama City area is correct in one sense, but misinformed in another. Yes, the boatyards and marinas are selling out to the condo developers at an amazing rate, but there is a boatyard that remains operational in the Panama City area. It is Miller Marine in Southport, FL, which is about an hour’s travel from the Panama City Marina. The only problem is the access: Tall mast sailboats may not be able to make it under the power lines that cross North Bay. My mast is 51 feet from the water, and I have to get close to the tower platforms in order to get under the lines, which are listed as 45 feet at center. Apalachicola, FL, also offers haul-out facilities, but I do not know the size of a vessel that can be hauled out there. The owner of Snug Harbor is purported to have purchased land in the Southport area and is currently planning to open a self-help haul-out facility just down the channel from Miller. Sincerely, Dave and Judy Newby S/V Last Affair Dave and Judy, I am glad to hear (if true) that someone is opening a facility near Miller Marine. I would like to hear more about this if anyone knows any details. It is always good news to hear of a new yard opening. Upon reading your letter about the power lines, I became a little concerned about getting a mast too close to them so I contacted Stephen Sommer, who has written many articles for Southwinds magazine on electrical and mechanical subjects in his “Boatek” column (will hopefully be returning as Steve gets more time from other pressing issues). Below is his response. Editor You are right to be cautious around power lines. Making contact with a mast or even getting too close will have dire consequences. There is a rule of thumb for how far a high voltage can arc to ground, based on the voltage in use. I use a crude estimate of 30,000 volts per inch. You could look it up and then somehow find out what voltage a particular power line is running or more simply, just look at the power pole and its insulators. The insulators are designed long enough to keep the wires far enough from the grounded support structure. That’s how far you need to keep from the lines. I’m sure you’ll stay farther away than that, and you should, just to be sure. Steve Sommer Boatek (Stephen Sommer is a degreed electrical engineer with extensive experience in electrical, mechanical, refrigeration and air conditioning systems and holds a USCG Masters license. He consults See LETTERS continued on page 13 10
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LETTERS
Continued from page 10
in all areas of yacht systems, which include all the equipment on board yachts beyond a basic hull and motor or sails.) Miami Beach Anti-Anchoring Law: Seven Seas Cruising Association Letter On April 20, cruising sailors suffered another blow to their anchoring rights when the mayor and city commissioners of Miami Beach, FL, unanimously passed the first reading of a bill prohibiting anchoring within city limits for periods longer than 72 hours. The last hurdle before the bill becomes law is a second public reading that will take place (see note below – editor) on Wednesday, May 18, at a public hearing in commission chambers at Miami Beach City Hall. Miami Beach has become a favorite staging and provisioning location for a large percentage of the estimated 100,000 cruising boaters bound for the Bahamas, in addition to boats headed for the Caribbean and Florida Keys each year. Businesses in Miami Beach that serve the cruising community were not consulted regarding the economic impact of the action. However, one commissioner was somehow able to determine that “the amount of money spent (by these boaters) was miniscule.” For cruising boats crossing the often-turbulent Gulf Stream, concerns are larger than where to provision. While another commissioner claimed with authority that 72 hours was sufficient time to wait for weather, those of us who have made the crossing know that small craft warnings are often posted for weeks at a time during the winter months, making the passage dangerous for many. This extremely brief window will undoubtedly create a situation that will force captains to decide between harassment and fines or subjecting their boats and crews to seas neither were meant to handle. The reason most often cited by the eight or so residents who spoke in favor of the restriction was the visual intrusion associated with vessels anchored near their expensive waterfront homes. Also cited were theft, trespass, and pollution. Dr. Morris Sunshine, chairman of the Miami Beach Marine Authority, an advisory group on marine matters, testified before the commissioners that the commander of the Miami Beach Marine Patrol was questioned by the Authority and could not cite a single case of theft attributable to the cruising community. The commissioners ignored Dr. Sunshine’s request to firmly instruct the city manager to start planning to install a mooring field and to designate a legal anchoring area. If the city was serious about controlling pollution, it would apply for one of the many grants available to build free or low-cost pump-out facilities for area boaters. In contrast to cities like Vero Beach, FL, where forwardlooking leaders implemented well-thought-out plans that cleaned up derelict boats from the harbor, accommodated seasonal boaters, and brought revenue to the city and local businesses, the Miami Beach leadership’s plan is to spend $1.75 million over the next two years to enforce a legally questionable ordinance that chases legitimate boaters and their business away while leaving the real problems behind. After last year’s hurricane season, the Florida Legislature is being pressured to allow marina operators to force boat owners out of the marinas during major storms. Therefore, it makes far more sense to spend money to proSee LETTERS continued on page 14 News & Views for Southern Sailors
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July 2005
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LETTERS
Continued from page 13
vide a harbor with safe, heavy-duty moorings that will protect residents’ boats during hurricanes in the summer, and accommodate transient boats year round. The city can then prohibit anchoring elsewhere, protecting the seabed and eliminating derelict boats, if it so chooses. It’s ironic that a city that spends millions each year to attract tourists and hosts the largest boat show in the United States is trying to pass a law that will chase a large and responsible group of boaters out of local waters. This ordinance is full of holes and could be defeated by a coalition of boaters who are losing their rights, local businesses whose profits will suffer, and residents who will bear the $1.75-million enforcement price tag that benefits a handful of Miami Beach’s wealthiest residents. Local regulators rely on the assumption that sailors have little interest in waging political/legal battles; so in addition to local action, we must also address this issue through the state legislature and courts. The marine industry is one of Florida’s largest. It’s time for businesses to realize that they must persuade lawmakers in Tallahassee to protect boaters’ right of access to safe
haven before there are no boaters left to buy their products. There’s a better solution than enacting an ordinance that penalizes responsible boaters, local businesses, and residents who will bear the estimated $1.75-million enforcement price tag that benefits a handful of Miami Beach’s wealthiest residents. Richard W. Blackford Vice President, Board of Directors Seven Seas Cruising Association Richard, The second reading was done on May 18 and the law was passed. There was some change to the wording, but the most important was that the time was extended to seven days. For more information on this subject and a copy of the ordinance passed, SOUTHWINDS has created a dedicated page on its Web site on this issue. We invite others to send us information to post on this site. Go to www.southwindssailing.com and click on “Miami Beach Anchoring Ordinance Information” at the top of the home page. Editor
editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com PO Box 1175,Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705
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Government Recognizes Need to Protect Endangered Corals In recognition of the extensive loss of coral reefs in Florida and throughout the Caribbean, new federal efforts are underway to provide additional protection. On May 9, the Federal Register announced a rule proposal and request for comments on an effort by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to add two species of coral—elkhorn and staghorn–to the Endangered Species List. The rule proposal notes that NMFS found that coral decline for the two species is estimated at greater than 97 percent. The main factors affecting the two corals are disease, elevated sea temperatures, and hurricanes. Other factors include sedimentation, human-caused breakage, competition, excessive nutrients, elevated carbon dioxide levels, predation, contaminants, loss of genetic diversity, African dust, and sponge boring. The agency determined that the corals qualify as “threatened” rather than “endangered,” because they are estimated to be capable of surviving for the next 30 years. The petition for the listing was filed in March 2004 by the Center for Biological Diversity, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and wild places. “The coral reefs of Florida and the Caribbean are one
News & Views for Southern Sailors
of the world’s great biological assets, and it is our shared responsibility to do what we can to protect these corals,” noted leading author Brent Plater. Reef Relief, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting coral reefs, fully supports this effort. “In the past, these were the fastest growing shallow branching corals at the reef,” noted Executive Director DeeVon Quirolo. “Our 12-year ongoing coral reef survey has documented the extensive decline of elkhorn and staghorn corals in the Florida Keys. We’ve documented the emergence of white pox disease, and it is decimating Elkhorn corals. Working with scientists, we’ve learned that the disease is caused by a common bacteria found in sewage,” she noted. “Listing the corals will increase protection by addressing global warming, pollution and habitat loss at the federal level to save these important reef-building corals. If you care about coral reefs, take the time to send in a letter or email of support. Go to www.reefrelief.org for more info.” Comments will be received from the public until August 8, and can be e-mailed to Acropora.Info@noaa.gov. The agency is seeking information from the public on historic and current distribution and abundance, areas that may qualify as critical habitat, and any activities that may be affecting them. For more information, contact Reef Relief www.reefrelief.org. (305) 294-3100.
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Dogs Can Easily Learn To Climb New Boat Ladder
For dogs, getting aboard the boat is tough. Providing a ramp approach into the craft, the Doggy Boat Ladder from Paws Aboard makes climbing in and out of the boat a simple task to master. Following easy instructions, owners can train their dog to use the Doggy Boat Ladder. Once the dog is out in the water, boaters just attach the ladder to the craft and entice their pet to it by placing treats on the rungs. The owner then gradually moves the treats up the ladder until the only treat left is sitting on the boat. With some praise and encouragement, the pet will quickly get the hang of it. The Doggy Boat Ladder has a slip-resistant design that is safe for all pets. It easily attaches to the boat’s swim ladder using a universal grip and will float when not in use. Measuring 16” x 66,” the ladder folds in half for easy storage. The durable device is made of high-quality ABS plastic and stainless steel and is rust-, corrosion- and UV-resistant. Paws Aboard is dedicated to developing products designed for the convenience and pleasure of maritime pets and their owners. For more information, go to www.pawsaboard.com.
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UK and Halsey-Lidgard Sailmakers Merge The merger of two of the premier sail brands has formed one of, if not the most comprehensive sailmaking organization in the world. UK Sailmakers and Halsey-Lidgard Sailmakers jointly announced the formation of UK-Halsey Sailmakers, an organization with 51 lofts and service centers in 20 countries and an extraordinarily versatile and experienced staff. Although this ranks UK-Halsey as one of the largest sailmaking operations in the world, the purpose of this merger was to share each company’s unique and complementary expertise, giving customers the advantages of both and broadening service coverage around the world. UK-Halsey unites two very successful sailmakers, each known for quality and performance in different segments and territories within the sailing community. UK Sailmakers, based in City Island, NY, where the combined operation will be headquartered, is known as a leader in loadpath laminate construction, having pioneered TapeDrive sails and, more recently, it introduced UK Ultra grand prix sails; UK dominates PHRF and club racing among production and semi-custom racer-cruisers in North America and through the grand prix levels in Europe. Halsey-Lidgard brings to UK-Halsey an engineering
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expertise which has produced sails for such yachts as Playstation (now Cheyenne), record-holder under Steve Fossett for sailing around the world, and Rebecca, one among dozens of vessels over 100 feet flying HalseyLidgard sails. In addition to many winners in Sydney-Hobart and other top-level Australian and New Zealand races through the years, this company has an outstanding reputation in multihulls, ranging from cruisers in the Caribbean to roundthe-world racers. A new Web site, www.ukhalsey.com, has been launched to help customers find the nearest UK-Halsey loft and to receive more information about UK-Halsey products and services.
Hurricane Plan for Boaters Being Established in Palm Beach County The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County met recently to set up a plan for boaters, marinas and boatyards to help better prepare for a hurricane. After suffering substantial damage to the marine industry in the are, guidelines for action are being drafted to help prevent a repeat of last year’s losses. Prior to the recent meeting, there were no industrywide guidelines established for the marine industry. Representatives of many marine-related groups spoke at the meeting: Marinas, boatyards, boatowners, yacht brokers, towboat companies, and federal, county and state officials. Plans discussed included providing better information on bridge closings, flood zones, no anchor zones, mooring areas, and guidelines for boaters to prepare their boats. The plan was to be presented in June. When the plan becomes available, SOUTHWINDS will place the plan and/or a link to it on the hurricane page on its Web site, www.southwindssailing.com.
considering a dockmaster’s office, bathrooms with showers, and other shoreside facilities boaters could use. The city has already spent money on a land survey for the field and when that is completed, a more exact estimate of the costs can be evaluated.
Florida Town Rejects Boat Ramp, Angering Florida Boaters Although boat ramps are in short supply around the state, officials in Indiatlantic in Brevard County, FL, decided to not allow a state-proposed public boat ramp, angering many boaters in the area. Because of a tremendous shortage of boat ramps in the area, a 1995 study in the county proposed adding 60 boat ramps by 2005. Only one has been built since then. The town turned down the ramp because of opposition to increased parking, traffic and erosion that would result from its proposed location on the town’s causeway.
Bradenton Beach, FL Working on Establishing a Mooring Field The city of Bradenton Beach is working on establishing a mooring field south of the city pier. Boats have been anchoring in the area for many years, and local residents have complained that many are dumping their waste into the bay. The city believes a mooring field can be a good source of income for the city and for local businesses visited by boaters. Moorings and marina slips are in short supply in the area, as they are everywhere in Florida, and the new field can be a destination point for boaters. After Hurricane Jeanne damaged the roof on the pier, the city decided, before rebuilding it, to investigate the requirements for shore facilities for a mooring field. They are News & Views for Southern Sailors
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A New Home for Bluewater Books and Charts Bluewater Books and Charts has moved to a new Fort Lauderdale location at 1811 Cordova Road. The 17th Street location closed on May 27, and the new store has been open ever since. Bluewater was able to maintain normal business hours throughout the move. “Moving is never easy. This went as well as we had expected. Customers were at the old store until the movers came and were already at the new store before they arrived,” says John Mann, one of the store’s two owners. One of the biggest changes at Bluewater over the past several years has been the growth of the electronic chart department. In the new store, one of Bluewater’s goals is to make electronic navigation much less daunting. The store features a comfortable conference room, where customers can discuss their needs with Bluewater’s chart department. Also, customers will be able to receive demonstrations of the various programs. Seminars, author events and lectures will have a higher priority in the new store as well. All Ashore, Bluewater’s selection of land-based guides and travel literature, will also have the ability to grow more in the new location. Bluewater’s contact information remains the same except for the street address, which has changed to 1811 Cordova Road, still in the middle of the Fort Lauderdale yachting community. Bluewater Books and Charts remains dedicated to serving customers both in and out of the marine industry, whether in person, by phone at (954) 7636533, or on the Web at www.bluewaterweb.com.
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Catalina and Fischer Panda Generators Team Up to Develop Diesel Electric Propulsion Boat Fischer Panda Generators US has reached an agreement with Catalina Yachts to purchase and outfit a CatalinaMorgan 440 with a custom-built Whisperprop, a diesel electric propulsion system. Following sea trials, Fischer Panda US hopes to debut the diesel electric prototype this fall at the St. Pete Sail Expo. “This is a major step forward for Fischer Panda in the U.S.,” stated Ashley Rushton, chief operating officer for the Florida-based company. “Diesel electric propulsion, in use for years in larger cruise and military vessels as well as in some recreational boating segments in Europe, has never made inroads as a viable option in the recreational market in the states. Once installed and operational, we feel this prototype CatalinaMorgan 440 will help change perceptions and allow OEMs to offer consumers a cost-effective alternative propulsion system, especially in the sailboat and trawler markets.” According to Jurgen Mertens, who is overseeing the installation and who has designed and installed several diesel electric systems, including in his own 49-foot Bavaria sailboat, which ran flawlessly during a 3,000-mile journey along the Baltic and Mediterranean, the principle behind diesel electric propulsion is simple. The generator—a custom-built 26 KW Panda in the case of the CatalinaMorgan 440 prototype—creates electric power that feeds the drive and charges the house battery bank. The drive turns the prop shaft. The minimum components are a generator, motor controller and electric drive motor. In addition to equaling the performance of traditional power systems, Whisperprop is expected to result in significant decreases in noise, fuel usage, maintenance, weight, and time of installation. More compact and efficient than conventional propulsion systems, the Whisperprop system keeps the diesel engine operating at an ideal speed while allowing the prop shaft to operate at a separate RPM than the diesel engine. This keeps the diesel engine properly loaded. The Whisperprop system also charges the DC house battery bank and runs the AC consumers through inverters. The basic diesel electric system will include the Fischer Panda AGT generator, AC propulsion engine, high output DC charger, and inverters. Installation will be similar to a conventional system that includes diesel engine, inverters, battery banks and chargers. The Whisperprop planned for the CatalinaMorgan internally generates 26kW. The generator provides power to the electric motor, and a reserve 7.5kW of power is then supplied to the battery bank. The battery bank then will supply the AC power to the boat through inverters. For more information, call (954) 462-2800 or go to www.fischerpanda.com. www.southwindssailing.com
BoatU.S. Testifies To Simplify Customs Process for Returning Bahamas Boaters From Boating Industry Newsletter Congressional legislation that would make it simpler for recreational boaters returning from outside the U.S. to move through federal customs procedures was strongly supported by BoatU.S. in testimony before Congress in May, the association said in a release recently. The legislation would allow returning boaters to report in using a videophone at a number of Florida marinas and public docks rather than being forced to travel to out-of-theway federal customs and immigration offices. BoatU.S. President Jim Ellis testified before the House Homeland Security subcommittee in favor of H.R. 1509, the Recreational Boater Streamlined Inspection Act, introduced by Florida congressmen Mark Foley (R-Fla.) and Clay Shaw (R-Fla.). “This legislation offers a practical way for recreational boaters to report back to customs officials after visiting the
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Bahamas, as well as other Caribbean islands,” Ellis said in his testimony. “Upon returning to the U.S., boaters are currently required to find transportation and potentially travel many miles to report to a government office in person. These federal offices are often located in difficult to find outof-the way places or not open on Sundays when many boaters return. “The current method of enforcing these regulations is inconvenient, inadequate and inefficient. Law abiding American citizens are turned into scofflaws by a system that has not changed to meet the needs of the times.” Ellis said the use of modern technology could readily meet the needs of the government’s customs and immigration services. Presently, videophones are used extensively in the Great Lakes for boaters returning from Canada, BoatU.S. reported.
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Bubba Bad for Blue Moon Business By Morgan Stinemetz
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News & Views for Southern Sailors
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HURRICANE SEASON 2005 Gary Gray’s Catalina 30, Resolute, tied up to the dock in preparation for a storm. Photo by Gary Gray.
Know Your Break Point By Gary R. Gray Resolute, Catalina 30
Many
Send Us Your Hurricane Stories Our Mission Is To Save Boats H
urricane season opened on June 1 and ends on November 30. We are looking for readers to send in their hurricane stories—whether on the water, at the dock, or at anchor/moored, both sail and power. Tell us what worked, what didn’t work, what lines, fenders, anchors, chafe protection gear and other techniques were used to help save your boat or what didn’t; what you saw worked or didn’t work on other boats—or what you heard about; or just tell us what happened. Following is one of the success stories we received after SOUTHWINDS asked readers last fall to send in their stories of experiences with boats and hurricanes. Over the coming months, we will publish more of these stories and letters along with those we continue to receive. Through sharing these experiences, other boaters can learn what to do next time a storm comes, and perhaps save their boat and, perhaps, even lives. Send them to editor@southwindssailing.com. Send pictures if you have them.
Visit Our New Hurricane Page On The SOUTHWINDS Web Site For more information, links, and other stories and letters on hurricane protection for you and your boat, go to our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. The Southwinds hurricane page will be dedicated to saving boats during tropical storms—sail or power. The stories printed monthly will be available on the online magazine each month and then posted to our hurricane page the following month along with other stories previously printed (follow the link on the home page). 24
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of us in South Florida struggle with whether we should leave our boat at the dock or anchor it out to ride out the storm. In these days of boatyards being transformed into condos, hauling a boat out of the water really isn’t an option. Then too, if “The Big One” comes, the storm surge could be over 18 feet, and the boat would be swept off the jack stands anyway. NOAA provides information on storm categories in terms of winds and what kind of storm surge generally goes with those winds. Briefly: Category 1: winds 74-95 mph, surge 4-5 feet. Category 2: winds 96-110 mph, surge 6-8 feet. Category 3: winds 111-130 mph, surge 9-12 feet. Category 4: winds 131-150 mph, surge 13-18 feet. Category 5: winds over 150 mph, surge over 18 feet. Spend a few moments looking at your boat in the slip and imagine another 6 feet of water on top of the current condition. Now, depending on how exposed your slip is, imagine intense wave action on top of that…you get the idea. Remember; the surge is on top of whatever the tide happens to be when the storm arrives. If it arrives at low tide, you get a break. At high tide, add another 2-3 feet to the predicted storm surge. My “break point” is a weak Category 2 storm with a predicted surge of less than 6 feet. I am blessed with a slip that is on a little bay lined with buildings protected from all sides with a natural breakwater to the northeast, which insures a minimum fetch, meaning less of a chance to produce big waves. When a storm is expected, the jib comes down, the canvas comes off, the electronics go home and the main is secured, preferably taken off and stowed below. I then remember the old saying, “the longer the line, the tighter the line.” If you are going to allow for a 6-foot tide surge, you can’t tie your boat off with a 6-foot line. You must find ways to run the lines long enough so that the boat can float up and down in a web of lines. I do my best to avoid tying more than two lines to any one attachment point (you may wish to run as many as four lines to the mast, but be mindful of your lifelines so that neither are damaged). Double the bow and stern lines. I always have fore and aft spring lines out from midship cleats. I wind up with about 15 or 20 lines on my boat. (see photo). Careful consideration must be given to the places where the boat may come in contact with the dock. Again; remember that there may be a 5- or 6-foot rise in the water level, even for a minimal storm. My best defense is to use a “fender board” made of a 2-by-6 about four feet long. Place this where it can ride up and down on a piling (usually about midship) and use at least three fenders behind the board. Use other fenders where indicated. Sometimes tying them to the dock is a better option, as they then provide prowww.southwindssailing.com
tection at the point of contact wherever the boat is. Some other considerations are the storm’s predicted path and whether we will be hit by the strong NE quadrant or receive a less intense blow from another quadrant. Last year, we actually received more wind from the SW after Ivan had gone by than we had in the approach of the storm. If it seems that we will have a direct hit (which we have avoided so far), I would anchor my boat out in the bay. It is very scary to me to trust the whole boat to just a couple of lines. One of my neighbors was bringing a boat back from the keys last year ahead of Charley and ran into Charlotte Harbor for protection. His 35-foot sloop parted several 1inch lines before the boat was dismasted under a bridge, which was probably a good thing as the next obstacle was a set of power lines (see the story in Southwinds, November and December 2004, or go to the hurricane page at the Southwinds Web site at www.southwindssailing.com). If I had to anchor the boat out, I would use a technique mentioned by the Pardeys in their books. You take 100 feet of chain with one end shackled to your best anchor. My boat is a 30-foot sloop. In my case, this would be a 33-pound Bruce anchor. I would lay it to the northeast (the most exposed side). I would then shackle a strong swivel to the center of the chain. My 35-pound Danforth would go on the other end behind my Fortress FX 11 on 15 feet of chain. The subject of trip lines is debatable. Some kind of trip line will be needed to retrieve one end of the chain with its anchor. The Pardeys bring this one back to the center and up to the boat. If floats are used, they must have enough line to allow for surge, and you may run the risk of them being snagged by another boat. The other anchors are deployed to the southwest—the quarter most likely to have the next strongest winds. To the swivel, at the center, 30 feet of chain is attached with a large shackle to receive the rodes; the primary being 5/8-inch double braid, and the other two are 1/2-inch three-strand. The water depth is normally about 12 feet, plus the storm surge and four feet for the boat; the water depth could be 25
News & Views for Southern Sailors
feet. A minimum of 125 feet of scope would be needed. The rodes would be attached to the forward cleats and taken back to the primary winches. The third rode would be taken to the mast. Lots of chafing gear would be used to protect the line. This should be material like leather, towels, fire hose, etc., that can breathe and allow heat to dissipate. I hope I never have to get the break point…but if I do, this is my plan.
Four Boats on Trailers By Deborah Scott
I had four boats that were on trailers that took the surge pretty hard. My boats included a 23-foot Larson inboard/outboard, a 24-foot pontoon, my Catalina 22 and my Capri 14.2. I tied each boat to the trailer at the bow and on each side on the stern to the trailers, and then tied the trailers to large trees, down low. I used dock lines for each boat. The Larson and the pontoon both broke loose from their trailers and were swept away several yards. The trailers remained tied to the trees, both of which blew over. These are trees of over 14-inch diameter. The Catalina 22 stayed tied, but somehow floated up enough (I tied it as tight as I could) for the swing keel to now be setting on the wheel well, with damage at the keel bolt connection point, so the boat does not hold water in the cabin. The mast was tied to the bow pulpit, stern and cabin top. It was caught on power lines that came down and pulled the mast away from the boat, ripping the cabin top off (do not tie anything to a cabin-top door in the future). The boat and trailer were pulled to a new location when the large tree moved about 15 yards to the north. The Capri 14.2 stayed on the trailer and was 180 degrees turned around the tree, and the mast was damaged by falling trees. All four were lined up in the same area. The pontoon boat was 50 yards to the west. A small dinghy was blown away from the tree. The line
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HURRICANE SEASON broke and the boat was two neighbors to the north. Oh yes, the house on this lot was totally destroyed, as was a large storage building. All told, not a good day...
Three Can is owned by Joe Stanley, Steve Headley, and myself, Donald Taylor. The boat is normally docked at Pensacola Beach behind the Elks Club. We are all members of the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club.
Mast Hits Roof
One Way To Survive A Hurricane
By Jake Dye
By Hugh Grant, Key Largo
The only tale is that I lost only one roof tile. That was because the wind blew so hard the mast actually hit the top of the house. A Neighbor saw it happen. Said he could see the keel. Sure there are some worse stories around!
I found that most boaters do not have a fixed plan when it
Sailboat Moves to the Front Lawn Donald Taylor, Pensacola Beach, FL
We have one story about our 37foot Endeavor, Three Can, that is somewhat interesting. We anchored the boat at Pensacola Beach near the EPA station (outside the Little Sabine area). It is near the south end of the Bob Sikes Bridge leading from Gulf Breeze onto Pensacola Beach. The anchor line broke sometime during Hurricane Ivan, and the boat traveled almost due west across the bay to the Coast Guard station at the Pensacola NAS. The boat actually got past the station and into the front lawn area where it got pinned Three Can on the front to a pine tree—sitting upright. Preliminary inspection (from photos) revealed that most of the damage to the boat was caused by the pine tree. The boat appeared to be dry down below. You will notice from one of the interior pictures, a roll of duct tape is still sitting on one of the countertops. At this time, we have not been able to give it a thorough inspection for complete damage assessment. However, it doesn’t look like it banged into a lot of stuff going in.
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comes to protecting their boat from a hurricane. In the February issue of Southwinds, Van Sant states that one should employ the methods used by any writer who survived the storm undamaged. He also cites the boat that survived at anchor in 200 mph winds. The problem with getting into shallow water near shore is that a boat may be lifted hundreds of yards inland. We saw many cases of this after Andrew passed. The problem with multiple rodes is the possibility of chafing and tripping Of those boats that stayed at their docks in my marina, seven of them went to the bottom, and every boat that stayed in the marina was greatly damaged. Of the seven or eight of us that went to anchor, three of them broke anchor and ended up on the bottom after hitting bridge pilings, docks or other boats. So, of the many boats, five or six of us survived unharmed, and all five or six were at anchor. The fact that a boat at anchor turns into the wind is a lawn. Courtesy Photo. big advantage. If a comprehensive, five-chaptered book was written on sailing, one chapter would deal exclusively with anchoring. Some thirty years before Andrew I had a game plan devised from the extensive reading I did about storm survival. I found a place a quarter mile from the marina, away from other anchored boats and about 300 yards from land in 10 to 15 feet of water. I carry 120 feet of chain and three anchors; a CQR and two Danforths. I placed the CQR at the end of the chain, one Danforth at about the middle of the chain and the other very close to the rode-chain attachment. I let out a short, 30 feet of three-quarter-inch nylon line, secured it to the bow cleat and then back to the mast. I removed the sails, boom, the bimini, solar panel and all other stuff that might put up a resistance to the wind. After the initial shock of the storm, I don’t think the CQR knew that there was a wind blowing up above. I got out of town! When returning, I saw the first damage of the storm as far north as Palm Beach. Yet, Key Largo, twenty-five miles south of the eye, was unruffled. What a difference the right or the left side of the storm makes! I believed in my anchoring method, but seeing all the destruction en route played with my confidence. But, there was my boat, gently bobbing at anchor. Total damage: one frayed halyard. www.southwindssailing.com
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The docks at Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo courtesy Sunrise Sails.
Race to Mexico: Regata del Sol al Sol 2005 – Gulf Storm Brings a Rough Ride for Many By Dave Ellis
T
he 37th running of the race from St. Petersburg across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Mujeres will long be remembered by the sailors on the participating 45 boats. The weather computer models showed a pleasant light air sail for several days after the start. Perhaps all those safety preparations, seminars and rented offshore life rafts would be just idle practice. Each class had a smooth sail Friday, April 29, out Tampa Bay and past the security zone around the pillars of the Skyway Bridge. But the warm Gulf water and air did not read those computer models. Soon the fleet was experiencing increasing wind. Then it became scary. Winds were reported at a steady 40 knots with higher gusts and with steep seas to 20 feet. Naturally, this was between midnight and dawn. Mike Boom was on the yacht Mi Vida Loca. “We watched lightning strike all around us for seven hours,” he said. “It was the most intense storm I have ever seen. We hove-to for two hours in wind gusts exceeding 65 knots.” There were many knockdowns, and most in the fleet had sails blown out. Two boats were struck by lightning. There was a dismasting. Two other boats were disabled. Roller furlers took a beating. A successful Medevac rescue
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off a yacht saved a crewmember, who had become ill. Seven boats returned to their Florida ports. Jim Johnston’s Luan Two was enjoying slightly slacked sheets with a reefed main and a 170 genny in 15 knots with an occasional 20. “All I can say is there was absolutely no warning for the gust that hit,” said Johnston. The jib blew up at the same time the sheave holding the furler exploded.
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Midnight Rider had The 5/8-inch jib sheet about $4000 in damwas torn and peeled age, including the for about a foot. traveler and a hole in About four hours the diesel tank. But later, the main gave the most telling damway. There was plenage was on the sail ty of diesel fuel, as back to Fort Myers. It the race instructions seems he was using demanded a 150the head when the mile range. But the boat fell off a steep extreme bouncing of wave. His 200 pounds the boat stirred up pulled the bolts of enough junk in the the throne right out tank that the filters of the base. It is not a had to be changed often. Finally, the Tom Rose’s Mason 53 Seraphim, in 30-knot winds about 100 miles west of the wimpy sport. High winds made pump gave out, leav- Dry Tortugas, leaps over a wave. Photo taken by Andy Jones while aboard for a rough ride ing the boat helpless. another race boat, High Cotton. aboard Seraphim (see They called the Coast photo page 29), Tom Rose’s Mason 53. Leaking diesel fuel in Guard for a tow. the cabin, requiring regular clean-up, didn’t make the trip Joe Herlocker on China Doll stood by until the Coast any easier. Guard arrived. Johnston was complimentary of the skill and Donna Nickelson on the Tayana 37 cutter Restless care of the USCG vessel Drummond and her captain, Lt. reported that one storm lasted 17 hours. “The sea state was Felger. She had the wisdom to ask him what speed the boat 18 to 20 feet with the tops being cut off like a machete had should be towed and then stayed under that recommended been used,” Jill stated. “The second storm had more lightlimit. The boat was towed back to Florida. ning. Imagine someone with a flash bulb in your eyes conSpinnaker class winner Forest Banks’ Tartan 41 tinuously. This lasted for nine hours.” After all that, they only found water in the silverware drawer and one broken wine glass. And then the wind diminished. Ironically, several of the boats that had weathered the storm found themselves carried northward by the four-knot current off Mexico and had to beat back upwind and up current to the finish. Many chose to use the engine to get to the festivities. Only 14 of the 30 boats in the cruising divisions finished under sail. The larger, faster racers missed the brunt of the early Gulf storm. It was a port tack close-hauled course for the most successful boats with only one hitch near the Mexican coast. Their big wind for many was at the finish with 35 knots across the deck. One of the features of this Gulf crossing is the requirement for communication with the race committee during the race. At 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EDT, each boat had to check in. The means to communicate for that distance was
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required, as a VHS marine radio would not have the range. A side benefit was the tracking of the boats, based on their position input, on the Web site. Interested sailors could see where their friends were in the Gulf, what route they were taking to cross the three big currents and how smart they looked for that choice. This year, the stringent reporting requirement was vindicated in its effectiveness in the conditions. Fred Bickley of St. Pete Beach sailed the venerable Irwin 54 Mango Latitude with his wife Penny and son Freddie, Joe Presentation of the sonogram machine to Isla Mujeres. Photo by Dody Nollman. and Cindy Frohock and John Quicksall. “Last year we held back a bit to save wear on the boat This year the Pregnancy Center of Pinellas County, FL, and crew,” said Joe. “We came so close to winning. This year donated a sonogram machine to the island’s Navy Hospital. we raced the boat all the way.” They did not have one on the island previously. This did not mean that comfort and fun was cast aside. The trawler Kinship shadowed the fleet and took the “We ate well,” reported Cindy Frohock. “Spaghetti, pot trophies and ultrasound across the Gulf. Unfortunately, she roast and chicken were the main courses the three days’” came to grief on a sand bar on a side trip after the race finThey sailed the arcing great-circle route, not heading to ish. A stabilizer was damaged, and the boat settled on the the finish until it bore 240 degrees. A rhumb line from St. sand. Again, the Mexican navy came to the rescue, and a Petersburg to Isla Mujeres is about 210 degrees. A northerly successful refloat and tow to port was made. Kinship is course stays out of the stronger current until nearing the being repaired in Fort Lauderdale. coast of Mexico when there is no other choice but to cut Steve Pettingill’s Hunter 50, Hunters Child II, did not across that strong flow. save her handicap time despite a fast crossing. They placed Their efforts were rewarded, as Mango Latitude placed second to Midnight Rider in Spinnaker after the handicap first among all of the boats on corrected time. It was among was applied, and seventh in fleet. the first boats to finish, all of which owed handicap time to the cruiser. The festivities on the island are a draw for this popular event. Jose de Jesus was Mexico’s director of sports in 1966 when the idea of races from the United States to Isla Mujeres was floated. His family is still at the forefront of the event. There are banquets, a basketball game pitting the sailors against a local team (stick to sailing, guys), and the Regatta de Los Amigos. This is a fun rounding of the island by all boats that weren’t laid up for repairs. Local kids clamber aboard and gleefully enjoy the ride. Regata del Sol al Sol was a pioneer of the charity regatta events. Long before benefit regattas became popular, participating sailors and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club have been donating needed gear to the island. Notable was a fire truck and one later year, more fire equipment.
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There were two Cross, the winner. multihulls entered. Island Packets did The 76-foot Patriot well, with Steven dashed across the Higger ’s IP 38, 500 miles in less Sunset, taking E than two days. But class. Sierra Hotel, a LaCruising F class goon 47 sailed by was led by Mike James Fauske, easiNoble in his Morgan ly saved her handiOut Island 41, cap time to win the Nobility. He was secdivision. ond overall in fleet The Non-Spindespite being the naker sailors were slowest boat with a led by Scott Collins’ 258 rating. Severance, a Tartan The mood among 34, followed by the fleet was one of Mike Boom on Mi Sunset at Isla Mujeres. Photo by Dody Nollman. pride to have comVida Loca, a Benepeted in this event. teau 40cc. Those who finished the race, those who motored to Isla In the True Cruising A fleet, Hall Palmer’s Beneteau 53, Mujeres and even those who had to return to port before the Relativity, was victorious, with the Catalina 42 Escapade, finish, report that it was an experience they are proud to sailed by Mark Wesson, taking second place. have had. The True Cruising B fleet was led by Bickley on Mango Ironically, a testing of the fleet may bode well for particLatitude. In second was High Cotton, Curtis Beebe’s Jenneau 40. ipation for next year’s event, April 28, 2006. Nobody will The True Cruising C victor was the Island Packet 42, begrudge the safety equipment requirements or the semiReflection, sailed by Mitchell Massie with Sea Biscuit, Steve nars. It’s a little boat on a big Gulf out there. Leonardo’s Heritage 36, finishing second. For complete results go online to www.regatadelsolalsol.org. The D class also had an Island Packet 42, Ryan Cox’s Southern
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TRAILERING
Tales of a Trailerable Sailboat PART II By Walt McFarlane In Part I, Walt and Jan McFarlane left their home in Savannah, GA, and towed their MacGregor 26 to St. Petersburg, FL, where they stayed on their boat at a marina and sailed in Tampa Bay. They ended Part I ready to head south to the Florida Keys.
Marathon before looking for a marin the day of our departure from na. Sounds simple enough, but boy Saint Petersburg, the weather were we in for more surprises! was sunny and warm. Our route would take us down the west coast of Arrival in the Florida Keys Florida to Alligator Alley where we We left Florida City on U.S. Highway would cross over to the east coast 1, and before you knew it, we rolled and Miami. into Key Largo. The Keys at last! The thought of driving through The drive down Highway 1 along Miami sent chills running up my the Keys was great. It was everything spine. My wife Jan and I studied the I had thought it would be. The sun atlas. We saw where we could bypass was out, the palm trees swayed in a it so we did. gentle breeze and the water was so Here is pre-planning lesson clear we could see the bottom; just number four: Plan your route. Think beautiful. about not only where you are going, Marathon is the last large town but what would be the best way to before hitting Key West. We started get there. How confident are you at looking for a marina. Everywhere we pulling an extra 30 feet or so? You Walt checking over the safety and emergency checked was either full, no dockside may want to ask yourself; do I want equipment. the shortest route or one a little less stressful? If you decide services, or they had some type of restriction or another. One to go through a city, you could end up driving intercity marina had a spot with shore power, but, stating insurance streets; it may not be a bad plan to find something out about concerns, would not allow us to sleep aboard. It became very frustrating. This is pre-planning lesson the city route before you get there. There can be few things worse that running head on into street construction or a dead number five: Don’t take it for granted that you’ll find a mariend. It is not easy driving with a sailboat in tow, but running na with all the services you want without some restrictions. into these types of obstructions can really push your blood December, January, February, and March are peak tourist pressure through the roof. A couple of sources you may want months in the Keys. During this time, you can bet on prices being higher and accommodations meager. This includes to contact are the AAA or the local Chamber of Commerce. After a long day, we made it as far as Florida City, just marina services. We stopped at half a dozen marinas. We asked shopnorth of the stretch to Key Largo, where we found a motel for the night. The next morning, we decided to go as far as keepers. However, before we knew it, we had worked our
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way down to Key West. I was able to are mostly small mangrove islands. find the city marina, which is owned On our third day, the weather wasn’t and operated by the city of Key West. looking really great. There was wind, It’s not plush, but it does provide all but there was also a front expected in the necessary services. later that evening. We decided to give My fingers were crossed as I went it a shot. The harbor was smooth as we into the office and asked if there were motored out, but as we approached any transit slips available. At last, we the mooring field, the water became a found an available slip. little choppy. We set out heading for After registering, Jan and I backed Sand Key. Jan took over the helm as I Sea-Renity down the boat ramp. We Gracie on board Sea-Renity. hoisted the main. The wind filled the would have to wait to set the mast and sail with a pop and Sea-Renity started rigging; after launching we had to motor underneath a low to heel. The motor was cut, and it was just the power of the bridge in order to clear the cove and to get over to our wind moving us across the open water. assigned slip. The transit slips were really nice. I decided not to deploy the jib. However, after a short Beware when using the city marina ramp. There is a lot while, the wind really started to blow and the seas got heavof boat traffic. A large charter fishing fleet uses the same ier. To be honest, we did not want to push ourselves beyond cove. Take care when going under the bridge; it’s not only our experience level. Without hesitation, we turned around, low (vertical clearance 19 feet), but narrow as well. cranked up the motor, dropped the sail, and headed in. Since it was late afternoon, Jan and I decided to wait Pre-planning lesson number six: This is one that Jan and until the next day before rigging Sea-Renity. I had discussed prior to our trip. It was decided right from What can I say about Key West? It is different. I had heard the start that if either one of us became uncomfortable with stories about how unique Key West and its populace were. a situation or that it looked like we could get into trouble we Well, you can take my word for it that I was not disappointed. would back down and run for cover. Know your ability, your The city itself bustles like crazy. In addition to vehicles crew’s and your vessel’s. Go through and check all of your and boat traffic, folks move about on foot, bicycle, and scoot- safety equipment before leaving home, and do not forget ers. The traffic is never-ending. How about the nightlife? It that float plan. Keep an eye on weather as it can change in a appeared to be a lot on the wild side. “Fun, fun, fun,” should heartbeat. We have all read stories about tragedies that have be the motto of Key West. occurred on water. It does not take much to get into trouble. So if at all possible, avoid it. Sailing in Key West We returned to the safety of our slip. I again started lisThe next morning was beautiful; clear skies with a nice tening to the weather report coming across the VHF radio. A breeze. Jan and I set the mast and secured the standing and small craft warning was to be posted for the next couple of running rigging and got under way early. We wanted to see days. Jan and I talked it over and decided it was time to head what the other side of Key West looked like. The markers are home. very easy to follow. The weather was nice, but we had no It had been a good trip. We learned a lot about Seawind to speak of. That was disappointing, but we were on Renity, trailering, cruising, and ourselves. The flu was no the water and under way so our sprits began to rise. fun, but we managed to endure it. This summer we look forWe passed the city marina mooring field. The field can ward to trailering Sea-Renity to other destinations. We want accommodate a large number of boats. It’s cheaper than a to explore some of the beautiful lakes found in Georgia, slip, but you have to dinghy in, and you are exposed. South and North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Our trip to the other side of Key West took us past a Trailering has opened up a hold new world and lifestyle number of smaller keys. I realized there were no white, for us. We hope to meet some of you down the road and on sandy beaches. The water was clear as crystal, but the Keys the water.
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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING Carolinas & Georgia Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Racing Calendar Race Report
SE Coast July Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Cape Hatteras, NC - 78° Savannah, GA - 85° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Cape Hatteras, NC 69° lo - 85° hi Savannah, GA 68° lo - 92° hi For Real Time Southeast Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Southeast.shtml
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS North Carolina Maritime Museum Summer Science School
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he North Carolina Maritime Museum Summer Science School is a program offered to entering first through tenth graders. Participants are introduced to the natural environments and the maritime history of coastal North Carolina. Courses are offered each week from mid-June to early August. Small class size, hands-on activities and field trips combine to make the courses unique educational experiences. Go to www.ncmm-friends.org/onthewater/summer_science.htm for more information.
Tall Ships in Beaufort, NC, June 30 – July 5, Pepsi America’s Sail
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he North Carolina Maritime Museum will be hosting the tall ships coming to Beaufort, NC. This event is the fourth in a series of Americas’ Sail rendezvous held throughout the western hemisphere since 1995. Ship tours, sailing, other activities during the six-day event. For more information, go to www.nctallships.com.
JULY 1 Fourth of July Sunshine Festival, Saint Simons Island, GA., Neptune Park/Oier Village. www.bgicoc.com
July Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend
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July Fourth Celebration, Hilton Head Island, SC., Sea Pines Resort & Harbor Town. www.wliinc3.com 2-4 Fantastic Fourth Celebration and Festival, Savannah, GA., River Street www.savcvb.com 3 Fireworks on the Beach, Tybee Island, GA., Tybee Pier. www.tybeeisland.com 4 Fireworks, Waterfront, Elizabeth City, NC. www.elizcity.com 15 Beaufort Water Festival, Beaufort, SC. www.beaufortsc.org 16 Beach Party, Long Bay Sailing Association, SC. www.longbaysailing.org AUGUST 13 Beach Party, Long Bay Sailing Association, SC. www.longbaysailing.org www.wliinc3.com 26-27 Tybee Island Seafood and Music Festival, Tybee Island, GA., www.tybeevisit.com
RACING Women’s Helmsperson Regatta, May 15 By Ron Mitchellette
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he Barefoot Sailing Club event the lady skippers have been waiting for all season came alive on May 15 when five boats took part in a race that usually has a dozen or more participants. The problem was wind. There just wasn’t any, so the race was shortened to one lap around each marker. The way the race is conducted is the lady skippers must helm the boat, but they can have a male crew, although most of the women like to have an all-female crew. The allfemale crew presents some concern to a few of their male counterparts because of the male perception of the boathandling skills of their female partners. Funny, how the women usually show better skills than the guys like to admit; in fact, there is a good case that the women are better drivers than the guys, who usually do better at sail trimming and tactical exercises. SOUTHWINDS is looking for sailors/boaters to send race reporting and boating/marine news from the Carolinas and Georgia. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com.
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In the Spinnaker Fleet, Edith Collins won on her S20, Shameless. Caryl Barret took second aboard her U20, Tog, and Rob Whitley took third aboard her J/24, Wild Card. Consuelo Godden, helming her San Juan 23, Hokey Smoke, won the Non-Spin Fleet as the only participant in that class. Trophies were awarded after the race along with a cook-out hosted by the commodore of the club. Tom Graham served as race officer.
C2B: Charleston to Bermuda, 2005 — Midnight Rider Goes All the Way By Meaghan Van Liew
The C2B fleet passing downtown Charleston after the start. Debra Gingrich Photography. www.debragingrich.com.
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Canada, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and elsewhere to race. The Ocean Sailing Academy entries are a solid reflection of the C2B’s inclusive attitude and desire to encourage new sailors to participate in the event. Another unlikely suspect on the racecourse was Richard Hartley, sailing his Hinckley B40 Mark III, Alice Kay. Hartley marks the first time a Bermudian has trekked over to Charleston with his boat, in order to race back. Twenty-four hours into the race, everyone was getting wet. The Gulfstream was littered with squalls. “It has been a lot of work,” said Brad Van Liew aboard Midnight Rider on Sunday afternoon. “Lots of sail changes, fluky conditions, and the wind is unexpectedly out of the west right now. So far the C2B is a weather challenge.” Luckily, the Gulfstream was also marked by some amazing visions. The crew on Babsan reported a great treat
n Saturday morning, May 14, a very light breeze, scooting under the new and nearly complete Cooper River Bridge, made for downwind conditions. An incoming tide hindered progress, making it seem as if the fleet, intent to race from Charleston to Bermuda, were standing still at times. Midnight Rider, a Santa Cruz 70 with Teddy Turner at the helm, Brad Van Liew navigating and owners Hank Hofford and Susan Ford on hand in the cockpit, made a close pass of the docks and committee boat, with hundreds of people cheering. With fifteen 15 onboard, Midnight Rider boasted the largest crew and the lowest rating at -69. Minutes later, the 15 boats entered in the Charleston to Bermuda (C2B) yacht race all headed for the start line on a port tack. Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. fired the cannon at 12:00 noon, marking the start of the C2B, a 777-nautical mile trek from Charleston, SC, to the St. David’s Lighthouse in Bermuda. Joining him aboard the Navy’s Afloat Lab, were Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Commodore Jane Correia, U.S. Congressman Henry Brown and the Honorable Walter M. Lister, JP, MP, Bermuda’s acting minister of tourism. The Charleston to Bermuda Race was founded 10 years ago by David Browder and Rick Hennigar, two local sailing enthusiasts. The event challenges sailors to navigate the 777 nautical miles between Charleston and Bermuda at a time of year known for tricky, unpredictable weather. Simply known as the C2B, the race has also acquired a reputation of focusing on fun. The parties are lively, with raucous music, great food and libations by Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. It was Crescendo, a Swan 44 MKII sailed by Australian James Wilmot, that crossed the start line first, directly off the south dock of the Charleston Maritime Center. Midnight Rider was quick to follow and quick to take the lead. Twilight was third over the line. Sixteen boats were expected to race, yet only 15 showed up. One was literally lost along the way. Bob Cummings was transporting At Ease, his Bavaria 41 from Newport, VA, to the start in Charleston when he and crew Jerry McCarthy encountered massive seas and 50+ knots of wind. The story is a wild one, but they eventually had to be airlifted off the sinking boat near Cape Hatteras by the U.S. Coast Guard. Reflecting the undying spirit of an offshore sailor, Jerry remained eager to race and said that Bob was already shopping for another Bavaria. The C2B fleet of 2005 reflected a wide breadth of experience levels and skill. Midnight Rider held sailors from the America’s Cup and the Around Alone solo circumnavigation race. At the other end of the spectrum, 20 amateurs manned the decks of three student entries, managed by the Ocean Sailing Academy. Each boat sailed with student crews and two professional captains. Ages ranging from the 20s to 60s, these new sailors traveled from Bermuda,
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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING when they were offered the Northern Lights, followed by a visit by hundreds of dolphins. Only 24 hours later, the Camper Nicholson 40 from Wisconsin was on a wild ride with breezes in excess of 25 knots and boat speed pushing nine knots. At the same time, J-Henry was flying its asymmetrical spinnaker overnight, and E’s Alee had every sail possible flying in 10 knots of breeze from the SSW. At 4:45 a.m. local time on May 18, the Charleston crew aboard Midnight Rider sailed across the finish line at St. David’s Lighthouse in Bermuda. They looked like a ragged bunch after racing hard for three days. Unshaven, tanned and tired, the crew of 15 appeared more than ready for a nap. Through their glassy eyes, it was also obvious that they had had a good time and were happy to be first to finish the race. “The crew was incredibly cohesive,” said Walter Prause. “Through difficult maneuvers, while tired and working hard, everyone pulled their weight. It all seemed to work seamlessly.” Midnight Rider’s total elapsed time for the race was 3 days, 15 hours, 45 minutes and 0 seconds. As the crew of Midnight Rider celebrated their first-tofinish accomplishment, a large blocking high-pressure area very slowly moved to the east, leaving a large area of little to no wind to the west of Bermuda. This system trapped the remaining fleet in very slow sailing conditions. The C2B Race Committee was prepared for such a scenario with an unusual rule in the sailing instructions, which provided an alternative scoring method. If no positively rated boat had crossed the finish line by a specific day and time, the race committee would mark the position of each boat via GPS tracking device and allow the vessels to motor to Bermuda for the planned festivities. At 2100 local time May 18, the
Tao and La Barca di Sogno leave Charleston for Bermuda in the 2005 C2B. Debra Gingrich Photography. www.debragingrich.com.
position of each racing yacht was received, and the race was officially complete. For more information, go to www.charlestontobermuda.com. Results:1. Midnight Rider; 2. Zippity Do Dah; 3. Weed; 4. Alice Kay; 5. Lung Ta; 6. J Henry; 7. Tao; 8. E’s Ale; 9. Ricochet; 10. Crescendo; 11. Twilight; 12. Kintaro; 13. Luna Danns. Retired: La Barca di Sogno, Babsan
RACE CALENDER These dates and events are subject to change without warning. Please refer to each sailing club’s Web site for more accurate details. Races listed should be open to anyone.
July Lake Lanier, GA. www.larc.strictlysailing.com 6,13,20,27 Atlanta Inland Sailing Club Series 9,16,30 Evening Breeze series, Barefoot Sailing Club 16-17 Lake Lanier, GA, O’Day Trophy Semifinals, Laser, LakeLanier Sailing Club 23 Moonlight Scramble #1/Firefly, Barefoot Sailing Club Southern Sailing Club Charleston, SC www.charlestonoceanracing.org. 5 CORA Executive Meeting 6, 13, 20, 27 Summer Series Racing. Every Wed. Evening Go to www.longbaysailing.org for additional information 1-5 Southport, NC., Fourth of July Regatta 9 Little River Inlet, SC, Race week 2 23 Little River Inlet, SC, Race week 3 Go to www.sayra-sailing.org/pages/racing.htm for more info 2 Southport, NC, Commodores Regatta, PHRF, Cape Fear Yacht Club 2-3 Mooresville, NC, Independence Day Regatta, Open, Lake Norman Yacht Club 8 Savannah, GA, SAYRA Youth Challenge; Opti, Sunfish, Laser, Laser Radial, Savannah Yacht Club 9-10 Raleigh, NC, Oriental Sailing Social, Open, Carolina Sailing Club – NC 9-10 Savannah, GA, Firecracker Regatta; 3Ys, Laser, Sunfish, Opti, Savannah Yacht Club 15-17 Savannah, GA, US Sailing Junior Olympic Festival; Opti, Sunfish, Laser, Laser Radial, 420, Savannah Yacht Club 1617 Charleston, SC, Charleston Yacht Club, Open, 16-17 Beaufort, SC, Beaufort Water Festival, Open, Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club See SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING continued on page 69 36
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EAST FLORIDA COAST Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cruising Racing Calendar Race Report
East Florida July Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Daytona Beach - 80° Jacksonville Beach - 83° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 3.5 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Daytona Beach 72° lo - 92° hi Jacksonville Beach 74° lo - 89° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS Brevard County Waives Fees for Boat Disposal
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s the 2005 hurricane season begins, the Brevard County Board of Commissioners permanently waived solid waste disposal fees for boats taken to the county landfill. The county commissioners waived fees to encourage owners of wrecked or derelict boats, or property owners who have an abandoned boat on their shore, to remove them from the lagoon and its shores in preparation for the most active part of hurricane season this year. The county land fills on Sarno Road, Melbourne, or Adamson Road, Cocoa, will accept trashed boats. It is the owner’s responsibility to take them there. Expect the landfill staff to ask for the address from which the boat came. The staff will not accept boats from outside Brevard County. Additional information is available at the Brevard County Solid Waste Department at (321) 633-2042.
July Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend
the Tybeean), Mike Krantz and David Lennard (Team Sail Max I) and Harry Newkirk IV and Charlie Trinque (Team Key Sailing). This was a different Tybee 500 race than has been held previously. Last fall’s hurricane damage to the usual hotels that sponsored the evening stopovers forced Chuck Bergeron, the event’s organizer, to substitute longer legs, bypassing damaged locales. The first three legs were notably longer as a result. Correspondingly, the first day’s race was a round trip from Fort Lauderdale to the south end of Key Biscayne and then back. This increased the legs’ distances, but kept the event at five days. In previous years, including experience during the
RACING Team Tybee Wins Tybee 500, Fort Lauderdale, FL, to Tybee Island, GA, May 8-13 By Roy Laughlin
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ohn Casey and Ken Pierce, Team Tybee, won the five-day, 500-mile distance race from Fort Lauderdale, FL, to Tybee Island, GA, with an elapsed time of 44:33:20. Following the lead position were, in second through fifth places, respectively, Carla Schiefer and Clive Mayo (Team Coconut Grove Sails), Rod Waterhouse and Robert Remmer (Team Pirates of Writers and Reporters Needed SOUTHWINDS is planning to increase coverage in Northeast Florida and is looking for someone to send us stories, news, events and racing information and reports from Northeast Florida in the region from around Daytona north to the Georgia border. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com. News & Views for Southern Sailors
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Team Tybee, winners of the Tybee 500. Photo by Roy Laughlin.
Worrell 1000, winds during May were usually sufficient to make hundred-mile days last about seven hours. In 2005, lighter than usual winds off peninsular Florida made the first three legs long, tiring days on the water, with early evening arrivals at way points. Many of the sailors seemed less comfortable with the mental fatigue of chasing light airs than from the physical effects of constant effort on the water. Team Tybee accumulated a significant lead in these light airs. During the final two legs, from Ormond Beach to Tybee Island, the fleet sailed into much better winds. Standings began to change. For example, Team Coconut Grove Sails had two good days of first place landings on their Marstrom 20, a carbon fiber, 20-foot catamaran. By the
time of their arrival at Tybee Island, however, no other team was able to better Team Tybee’s accumulated time. Team Coconut Grove’s accumulated time, 44:40:59, was still about 7.5 minutes behind Team Tybee. Distance racing appeals to a hard core of sailors who seem to compete year after year. This year, though, two “new” teams of much younger sailors participated. Harry Newkirk IV and Charlie Trinque sailed to a very respectable fifth-place standing, while Trey Brown and Thaddeus Pecorak, who is 19, sailed the whole way to Tybee Island during their first experience in an ocean distance race. Their usual event is lake sailing around Raleigh, NC, so this was an impressive accomplishment. Maybe the old men on the course, those in their 30s and 40s, will be looking over their shoulders in coming years at a new crowd just behind them, and maybe in front occasionally. For complete scoring results, go to www.tybee500.com.
Brevard Challenge, Indian River Yacht Club, May 14-15 Hey Look, No Triangles By Roy Laughlin
Sneaker, a Tarten 10, races in the Brevard Challenge. Photo by Roy Laughlin.
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s it approaches 40, the Brevard Challenge, sponsored by the Indian River Yacht Club, is one of the oldest continuing regattas in Brevard County. Even better, it’s not a triangles race. The first day, Saturday, is a 28-mile round trip race down the Indian River from Cocoa to Pineda. The race committee usually adds a deviation around a mark or two on the west side of the Indian River to keep the course from becoming a drag race. This format invites sailors of all types of craft and skill level to take part. This race is one of the few that includes beach cats among entrants. Scoring is by boat class and Portsmouth rating when needed in a class. Class starts occur over a half hour period, and finishes occur over a two-hour interval. The yacht club has a fabulous catered barbecue dinner after the race, so sailors back on land can watch the later finishers from a picnic table. Saturday started out breezy and stayed that way all day, with ESE breezes. The trip down was a close-hauled sail, followed by a broad reach or spinnaker ride back to Cocoa. Then the barbecue was delicious. Sunday’s race is best compared to a rally. The course is anything but a straight line, with trips back and forth between the Intracoastal Waterway channel and the east or west side of the Indian River. There is usually at least one
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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Racing Calendar Southeastern Florida July Weather Race Report WATER TEMPERATURE Miami - 86° Stuart - 79° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 3.5 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Miami Beach - 77° lo - 91° hi Stuart - 74° lo - 90° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml
July Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS
RACING
July 2 - Abacos, Bahamas - The Green Turtle Cay Race. Host GTYC. Tune-up race for Regatta Time in Abacos.
Annual Sunburn Regatta, BBYRA #4, April 16-17
July 1-9 – Abacos, Bahamas - Regatta Time in the Abacos. (305) 665-8316. Fax: (305) 665-0318, e-mail lightning@cofs.com. Web site: www.rtia.net.
Miami Beach Passes Anti-Anchoring Ordinance
By Art Perez
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he Annual Sunburn Regatta hosted by the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club promised to be a gear-buster. A stationary high-pressure system over the Carolinas had for the past
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n May 18, the Miami Beach City Commission passed the ordinance limiting anchoring in the waters of the city. The original ordinance that had its first reading in April by the commission limited anchoring to 72 hours. The final, approved ordinance extended that time period to seven days. The main complaints that prompted the commission to pass the ordinance were from waterfront property owners, who complained of noise and inappropriate activities from boaters anchored near their homes, but the main point of the homeowners’ arguments was invasion of privacy. There are exceptions to the seven-day limit, such as emergency medical and boat repairs. Heavy fines and boat impounding will be the results of those breaking the rule. SOUTHWINDS magazine has created a dedicated page for readers to learn more about the new law, including a copy of the ordinance and opinions of others about it (including a legal opinion from a maritime lawyer), among other documents. A list of e-mail addresses of the city commissioners is also listed for those who would like to voice their opinions. SOUTHWINDS invites readers to send their opinions and other information about the law to editor@southwindssailing.com. Many will be posted on the Web site or printed in future issues of the magazine. A link to the Web site page can be viewed at the SOUTHWINDS‘ Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. The link is on the home page.
Bluewater Books and Charts Moves to a New Location See Short Tacks, pages 15-20. News & Views for Southern Sailors
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week generated winds in the 20-to 25-knot range. The weather forecasters were predicting no letdown. As Saturday rolled around, the one-design fleet headed out expecting a wild and wet ride, and they weren’t disappointed. With winds in the 20-25 knot range and gusting, crews were working hard to keep the boats flat and fast in the chop. Surprisingly there was no equipment failure reported and, except for a thorough soaking for everyone, it was a perfect day of sailing. Sunday was the PHRF fleet’s turn with more of the same weather expected. As always, Mother Nature has a way of toying with us mortals, and as the morning broke, the breeze dropped to just over five knots, leaving teams undecided whether to bring aboard their heavy-air sails or not. By the start of the first warning signal, the whole fleet had switched over to their light air #1 genoas. The wind was gradually increasing as well as clocking to the east from its original heading. By the time the boats rounded the windward mark, the downwind run had become a beam reach. The wind, continuing to shift, forced almost everyone to change over to their genoas! By the start of the second race the breeze was up to 18-20 knots, and all indications were that it was going to increase even further. By this time, all boats were sporting their heavy air inventory, and the crew hunkered down for a wet ride. Truth be said, the race committee did a fine job setting up an accurate windwardleeward course, which provided some exhilarating downwind sailing. The race over, everyone headed back to the dock to dry out and receive their welldeserved trophies. Results: Saturday: Etchell; 1st Pl, Pipe Dream XII/Scott Piper; 2nd Pl, Bob/John Jansheski; 3rd Pl, Leading Edge/D.Jeffrey Dever; Flying Scott; 1st Pl, Slime/Nick Martens; 2nd Pl, Two Bear’s Boat/Charles Fowler; Lightning; 1st Pl, Main Squeeze/Eamonn de Lisser; 2nd Pl, 14684/Bill Johns; 3rd Pl, Free Beer…Yesterday/John & Carol W\Ewing; Snipe; 1st Pl, Danila/Augie Diaz; 2nd Pl, Argie/Ernesto Rodriguez; 3rd Pl, 28812/Lynn Fitzpatrick; Sunday: PHRF1; 1st Pl, Triptease/Rubin-Shellow; 2nd Pl, Quick Wit/George Whitfield; 3rd Pl, Pipe Dream XIV/Scott/Tom Piper; PHRF2; 1st Pl, Hot Air III/David Berg; 2nd Pl, Goombay/David Kurtz; 3rd Pl, Xtreme/ David Behney; PHRF3; 1st Pl - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn; 2nd Pl, Magic/John Degen; 3rd Pl, Sailing for Life/Karen Mitchell; PHRF4; 1st Pl, Special Warfare/Stuart Sorg; 2nd Pl, Pale Rider/Gerry Marston; 3rd Pl, St Clair/Richard Hall; J24; 1st Pl, Pick Up Sticks/Jonathan Luscomb; 2nd Pl, Gotta Go/Peter Benziger; 3rd Pl, I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr.
BBYRA #5, May 14 By Art Perez
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hatever happened to the expression “Sunny Florida?” With yet another cold front scheduled to pass through for the weekend, the weather was guaranteed to be all but sunny. As Saturday rolled around, skies were overcast with a strong breeze out of the NE at about 20 knots. Not your typical beach day but a great day for racing. After a brief shower before the start, the clouds dissipated, and the sun finally made its debut. With the warning signal rapidly approaching,
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the wind decided to cause havoc and dropped to the 12-15-knot range, leaving everyone scrambling with last minute sail changes. At the sound of the gun, the PHRF 1 fleet sailed off, but not before Pipe Dream XIV experienced equipment failure, which ruined her chance to finish in the top three. The PHRF 2 fleet would also not go unscathed. On the first downwind mark rounding, Blackbird received substantial damage to her transom, a product of a collision, forcing her to retire. Owner Pat Cacace said, “I tried to maneuver out of the way of the other boat, but it seemed that every turn I made the other boat would follow.” The rest of the fleet managed to stay out of trouble long enough to finish the regatta and head back to the club for some drinks, while others stayed behind licking their wounds. Results (boat/skipper): Sunday: Etchell; 1st Pl – Pipe Dream XII/Scott Piper; 2nd Pl – Bob/John Jansheski; 3rd Pl – Leading Edge/D. Jeffrey Dever; Flying Scott; 1st Pl – Slime/Nick Martens; 2nd Pl – Two Bear’s Boat/Charles Fowler; Lightning; 1st Pl – Main Squeeze/Eamonn de Lisser; 2nd Pl – 14684/Bill Johns; 3rd Pl – Free Beer… Yesterday/John & Carol W\Ewing; Snipe; 1st Pl – Danila/Augie Diaz; 2nd Pl – Argie/Ernesto Rodriguez; 3rd Pl – 28812/Lynn Fitzpatrick; Sunday; P H R F 1 ; 1st Pl – Triptease/Rubin-Shellow; 2nd Pl – Quick Wit/George Whitfield; 3rd Pl – Pipe Dream IV/Scott/Tom Piper; PHRF2; 1st Pl – Hot Air III/David Berg; 2nd Pl – Goombay/David Kurtz; 3rd Pl – Xtreme/David Behney; PHRF3; 1st Pl - Mild to Wild/Russ Horn; 2nd Pl – Magic/John Degen; 3rd Pl – Sailing for Life/Karen Mitchell; PHRF4; 1st Pl – Special Warfare/Stuart Sorg; 2nd Pl – Pale Rider/Gerry Marston; 3rd Pl – St Clair/Richard Hall; J24 ; 1st Pl – Pick Up Sticks/JonathanLuscomb; 2nd Pl – Gotta Go/Peter Benziger; 3rd Pl – I’ll Go/Gonzalo Diaz Sr.
Key Biscayne Yacht Club Annual Regatta — BBYRA #6, June 4-5 By Art Perez
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ey Biscayne Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta had all the makings of a complete washout. A slow-moving low-pressure system with its southerly flow had soaked Miami the preceding week. As race day rolled around, all hopes for any sunshine evaporated as competitors woke up to another day of heavy overcast skies, rain and a dying breeze. As it turned out, only a slight drizzle made it out to Biscayne Bay, sparing everyone from a good soaking. In spite of the weather, the turnout was decent with over 30 boats divided into five classes showing up at the start. And if anyone thought the rain was going to dampen the spirit of this group of hardcore sailors, they were dead wrong. The action started from the getgo with the PHRF 1 fleet continuing to demonstrate why they have become the top fleet on the bay. Tom Seghi aboard Group Therapy put up a battle for first place with two solid secondplace finishes, only to be overtaken in the last race by the eventual winner, Thin Ice (Stuart Hebb), which came back strong in the last race with a first-place finish and top honors. Eternal favorite Triptease opted not to finish the last race after mistakenly sailing the wrong course! In PHRF 2, Goombay continued to roll over the competition with two first-place finishes, far ahead of their nearest competitor. David Kurtz, owner and helmsman, is just getting better with every regatta and has placed Goombay in the enviable position of being the boat to beat. Last year’s overall winner, Blackbird, sits at the boatyard awaiting repair to her transom— product of an unfortunate collision during last month’s race. www.southwindssailing.com
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST
After dominating the early goings of the season, Blackbird had slipped back into second place for the season with only one more race to go for the series. In the J/24 fleet, Mark Milnes and Jonathan Luscomb were having a terrific go at each other with both scoring a 1-2 finish and the same overall elapsed time! The win went to Jonathan on the tiebreaker. Most of the One-Design fleet decided to skip Sunday’s regatta since only three classes were represented (if you count the single Snipe that showed up at the start as a class). The Etchells, ever so elegant, dominated the horizon with their sleek profiles. Eamon DeLisser from Doyle Sails once again dominated from the start with two first-place finishes, earning top honors for the day. Results (boat/skipper): Saturday:PHRF1;1, Thin Ice/Stuart Hebb; 2, Group Therapy/Tom Seghi; 3, Sleeper/Malcolm Swartz; PHRF2; 1, Goombay/Dave Kurtz; 2, Hot Air III/David Kurtz; 3, Tiburon/Art Perez; PHRF3;1, Magic/John Degen; 2, Sailing for Life/Karen Mitchell; 3, Mild to Wild/Russ Horn; PHRF4; 1, St Clair/Richard Hall; 2, Special Warfare/Stuart Sorg; 3, Just Chillin’/Steve Perry; J24;1, Pick Up Sticks/Jonathan Luscomb; 2, Blah Blah Blah/Mark Miles; 3, Gotta Go/Peter Benziger; Sunday: One-Design: Etchell; 1, Victory/Eamonn Delisser; 2, Pipe Dream XII/ Scott Piper; 3, Pipe Line/Tom Piper; Laser; 1, Lagniappe/Michelle Davis; 2, 81/no name available; 3, 181165/Andrew Renshaw; Snipe; 1, 16606/Lynn Fitzgerald.
News & Views for Southern Sailors
RACE CALENDAR JULY 23 Ed William Memorial Round the Island Race. KBYC - The 40th annual race around Key Biscayne starting at Donovans Channel and finishing off KBYC. After-race raft-off and party afterwards at the yacht club for all participants. AUGUST 6-7 Lime Cup, Host – BBYC Important Notice: The regatta date has been moved to Sept. 17-18. 6-7 SSummer in the City, Host – MYC The regatta is open to the following classes: Dinghy – Laser, 420, IODA (opti) Red, White, Blue and Green; Multihull – Hobie 16 13 Single Handed Race, Host – CGSC Designed to test skippers sailing ability for single hand sailing – open to all PHRF and One Design boats with PHRF rating. 14 Double Handed Race, Host – CGSC Maximum two sailors per boat makes this regatta a challenge when it comes to spinnaker handling. 20 Conch Cup, Host – MYC Annual Multihull race starting off Hobie Beach in Biscayne Bay and finishing at Miami Yacht Club 27 Flat Earth Racing – J24 The last race of the J24 summer series sponsored by Flat Earth Racing. Legend – Yacht Clubs and Organizations BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association www.bbyra.net BBYC Biscayne Bay Yacht Club www.bbyra.net CGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club www.cgsc.org KBYC Key Biscayne Yacht Club www.kbyc.org. MYC Miami Yacht Club www.miamiyachtclub.net.
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F LORIDA KEYS SAILING Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cuising Racing Calendar Race Report
Florida Keys July Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Key West 80° lo - 89° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES Key West 87° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (305) 292-5993. www.keywestsailingclub.org. Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West. Youth Summer Sailing Program. Key West Sailing Club. Ages 8-16, beginner and advanced courses. Learn valuable seamanship, safety, classroom and hands-on sailing and racing. Each session will run for two weeks on Monday through Friday. Sessions begin July 4, 18. Call Jeff at (305) 587-4059. July 4 Islamorada. Celebrate Independence Day at the beach! Daytime family fun with booming fireworks at night. (305) 853-1685. July 4 Key West. 21st annual picnic with games, silent auction and entertainment starting at 5 pm at the Wyndham Casa Marina. (305) 294-8812 View the fireworks on the South side of the island at the beach or from the water. July 15-20. Key West. “20 Years Later: Diving Into Glory.” Mel Fisher Society celebrates the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the Atocha, shipwrecked southwest of Key West in 1622, and its vast treasures. Exhibits, shows and lectures by visiting scholars. www.melfisher.org. July 18-24. Key West. 25th Annual Hemingway Days Festival. Readings, theatrical premiere, short story contest, fishing tournament and the famous look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s. (305) 296-2388 (look-alike info: 294-0320).
Coast Guard Rescue near Boca Chica Key
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t some time in the night on May 8, the sailing vessel Sun Chow headed out of Boca Chica and toward Miami. The two men onboard, in their 70s, soon became lost and unsure of their position. About five nautical miles southeast of Boca Chica Key, Sun Chow ran agound on the reef at Pelican Shoal. The crew thought they were near Islamorada, which is well over 60 nautical miles away up the Keys chain. On May 9, just after 1:00 a.m., the sailors placed a Mayday call. According to Coast Guard spokeswoman Roxanne Jensen, the 74-year-old captain couldn’t fire a flare because he was unable to read the directions after losing his glasses. The shallow reef prevented an approach by boat,
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July Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend
and the Coast Guard rescue team had to use a helicopter to hoist the two men out of the grounded sailboat. The men were unharmed, and Sun Chow, damaged and sinking, was removed and taken to shore by Marine Sanctuary officers. The boat’s captain will be fined after Sanctuary officials determine the amount of damage done to the living coral.
RACING Key West Sailing Club. Wednesday night races have begun! Casual and fun racing in the sea plane basin every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. until October. Socializing and food afterwards at the clubhouse. Women’s Sailing continues every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Non-members and members welcome.
RACE CALENDAR Upper Keys Sailing Club July 2 Firecracker Regatta. PHRF July 3 Firecracker Portsmouth, picnic on the jetty July 23 Ladies Sailing Program August 2,4,9,11 Boating Skills and Seamanship, 7:00 p.m August 13 Dog Day Regatta. One-Design August 14 Dog Day PHRF, beach party and cookout. August 27 Ladies Sailing Program August 28 Ocean Side Championship, Regatta #2
Marathon Sailing Club’s Sunfish Races on Sombrero Beach, Marathon
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n May 11, about 20 people enjoyed beautiful sailing conditions and social fun off Sombrero Beach in the city of Marathon. The club also held its general membership meeting along with the well-attended Sunfish event. The MSC Sunfish fleet gathers on most Saturdays at the beach to sail and to show anyone who is interested how to rig and handle the sprightly boat. For more information or to help onboard the MSC committee boat, contact Fleet Capt. Ridge at (305) 766-2737.
Upper Keys Sailing Club Hosts Hogsbreath-Keys 100 Race
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eventeen highly caffeinated catamarans pulled no punches in a dramatic 100-mile blast. The first of two www.southwindssailing.com
FLORIDA KEYS SAILING
legs began May 1 where boats rushed from Key Largo to Marathon in about 15 knots of wind with choppy seas. The cats were overpowered at times, and one suffered damage after the start and had to drop out. On May 2, the second leg from Marathon to Key West was completed with easier winds and sunny skies. An Olympic Class Tornado, sailed by Jamie Livingston and Brian Lambert of Miami, finished the 100-mile race in just over five hours and won first place. Carla Schiefer and Clive Mayo, also from Miami, took second place with a Swedish-built Marstrom 20. Third-place finish went to New England sailors Garrett Norton and Mike Ferrara.
1st Annual Sam Chapin Laser Regatta, Key West Sailing Club, May 14-15
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n May 14-15, a swift group of Lasers pumped up the volume in a total of 10 races out of a planned 12. The first day greeted competitors with strong east winds at 1520 knots and sunny skies. Lasers completed a series of six races. Day two saw lighter winds from the north and gathering clouds. Near the end of the race series, pelting rain and gusty winds provided a new challenge. After a series of four races, poor weather conditions necessitated an early closing. Sailors skillfully settled the final score in the rain before scurrying back to the clubhouse for dry towels and savory Cuban food. Each entrant’s worst score was tossed out in the final tally. Helping out were regatta co-chairs Jeff Serrie and Natalie Watson. The race committee consisted of Fleet Captain Ed Gully and PRO Julie Gully.
Results (Place, Skipper, Points): 1, Jeff Serrie 13; 2, Teresa Brooks 21; 3, Dave McMullen 24; 4, Tom Theisen 28; 5, Dave Oatway 50; 6, Natalie Watson 57; 7, Cheryl Bradley 64.
Wreckers Cup Craze at Troika’s Helm, Part II—Races Three and Four
In part I, we left Rebecca Burg, on her Windrider 16, Troika, dismasted at the start of race three in the Wreckers Cup race series. Race Three, March 27 The newly dismasted Troika was anchored away from traffic. “Ouch!” radioed Capt. Jeff on the committee boat after I explained why I was dropping out of the race. Meanwhile, Defiant was curiously nosing past the strange scene like a rubbernecker at an auto crash. Carefully motoring, the big blue ketch bodily settled alongside Troika and I. “Come aboard,” urged my best buddy Capt. Bill. Before I knew it, the normally singlehanded Defiant eagerly swept me off my soggy feet and gained a crew member. “I’ll help you find a new mast,” said Bill, knowing how much I loved my tri’. (Later, I’d learn that Troika’s mast had broken near the base where the factory had drilled two unused holes that were hidden under hardware. Corrosion had spread into the holes and weakened the mast, which has seen many years of use.) “Come on, let’s bust some waves!” Capt. Bill said, unfurling Defiant’s huge genoa. I couldn’t help but grin. In moments, the race began, and the waves tried to bust some boats instead. Inside the harbor, one cruiser was News & Views for Southern Sailors
picked up by a roller and tossed toward schooner America. The schooner’s thick bowsprit snapped the cruiser’s antenna before the wave flattened and allowed the harried boats to rush away from each other. Near land, the winds were gusty, but settled out to a steady 15 knots farther out to sea. The lean yellow speedster Rampage lost the use of her headsail when a strong gust parted some webbing. In the spirit, Rampage continued on under main alone. Sailors were glad to get away from land and into steadier winds. As it always seems to be, all the other boats were pointing higher while the full-keeled Defiant strayed away from the rhumb. The wind slowed to a frustrating 10-knot crawl. Capt. Bill, fussing with his sails, plunked me in front of Defiant’s wheel. I unwittingly tried to sail the ketch as I would Troika. Strangely enough, it worked and we were able to squeeze a little higher into the wind without loss of speed. Nevertheless, rival vessels Constellation, Tabasco and Lady Eloise finished far ahead and basked in the prizes and honors. “When you’re walkin’ on Thin Ice, you might as well dance,” read the team T-shirts of the Thin Ice crew, the firstplace winner of monohulls-under-30-foot category. Trimaran Calypso Poet earned some playful ribbing and a special award for the most tacks in the smallest amount of space, as the big vessel struggled to finish with the fading wind and current right on her nose. Race Four, April 24 Sailors, knowing that today was the last race of the series, were aggressively at their best. A cool wind of 15-17 knots from the northwest kept the excitement high. Troika, enjoying her new mast, paced near the start where several feisty J24s were ambushing each other for clear air. The starting horn sounded, and a few dozen vessels crammed through the harbor. “Shrimp, SHRIMP!” shouted Golden Omen’s bowman. With its vibrant pink center stripe, the pinched spinnaker indeed resembled a giant shrimp. Omen twitched and the sail popped open with a bang, allowing the vessel to furiously surge forward with a bone in her teeth. Surfing a smooth wake, Troika and I rode behind the J/24, Thin Ice. For the entire race, rivals Golden Omen and Thin Ice would fight bow to bow until Omen finished a mere 10 seconds behind. The supernatural trimaran Pterodactyl placed first in the multihull category, followed by a small Tornado catamaran with a deadly sense of speed and accuracy. The swift cat and her crew of two successfully rode the high seas and finished second. Just after crossing the line, the unruly little cat called it quits and promptly rolled over, the surprised skipper falling through the mainsail. Unharmed, the wet crew was assisted by the photo boat, and the tired Tornado was set back on her feet and towed home for sail repairs. The formidable A-Train beat Troika for third place and the coveted bottle of rum. Monohull Delaphinis breezily won first in her class while Defiant, reveling in the strong wind, took third. Wooden classic Clay Basket won the classic boat category while schooner Liberty Clipper elegantly placed first in the schooner class. The final party and awards ceremony was well attended by a tired but enthusiastic crowd. Open to the public, Schooner Wharf’s Wreckers Cup series will return for more wild action in January of 2006. www.schoonerwharf.com. SOUTHWINDS
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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Northern Gulf July Weather
Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Race Report & Calendar
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS Sea-N-Sail Adventure Camp, July 6-29 Seven one-week sessions offered to children ages 6-13. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, 115 1st St, Biloxi, MS. (228) 435-6320. Project Marine Discovery Sea Camp, June 6-July 29 Five-day sessions for ages 5-16. Campers will go on an ocean odyssey through hands-on activities, encounters with live animals, field trips, games, a computer lab and art projects. Weekly “Ocean Odyssey” carnival. Times: 8-11 am, age 5, 8 am-4 pm, ages 6-16 J L Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, 115 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS (228) 374-5550 Orange Beach, AL, Sail Camp for Kids 7/11-15, 7/18-22, 7/25-7/29 Waterfront Park, Orange Beach. Price: $75 for Orange Beach residents, $100 for non-residents. Ages 8-14. Morning session 9 am-1pm. Afternoon session 2:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Applications are available at Orange Beach City Hall, Orange Beach Rec Center or online. (251) 981-6039. www.obparksandrec.com.
WATER TEMPERATURE - 85° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Pensacola, FL 75° lo - 91° hi Gulfport, MS 74° lo - 91° hi For Northern Gulf Weather go to: www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/
July Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend
Pensacola Shipyard Marina Complex (PSMC) By Kim Kaminski
The Pensacola Shipyard’s serene setting is nestled in one of the most protective inlets along the shorelines of Pensacola. Photo by Kim Kaminski.
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he Pensacola Shipyard Marine Complex (PSMC) has a long history in its 88 years of operation along the Gulf Coast. In its humble beginnings…the Pensacola Ship-building Company back in 1917 received a large government contract to build steel ships, thus opening their doors to over 1500 workers and their families. The economic boom could be felt throughout the city, and the growth did not stop there. The Pensacola Shipyard expected to hire up to 5000 workers due to the increasing need for government ships, and with the flood of new workers into the area, community resources were increased. The shipyard built its own electrical plant to assure continued power during outages and even created its own militia to protect the shipyard
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www.southwindssailing.com
NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING and its workers. New housand vertical clearance of 65 ing complexes were confeet) toward the serene shipstructed, and the economic yard setting. Some of the boom continued to soar. services found at the PSMC During World War II, the facility are: new floating Pensacola Shipyard was one docks with 60 wetslips, 100 of the many facilities that ton Travelift with a 200,000was contracted to build the pound capacity, new boat Liberty Ships for the war ramp (public ramp - small effort. Women shipyard fee required), pump-out staworkers were abundant as tion, full-time dockmaster, they replaced the men who parking for 80 cars and trailwent off to war. ers, marina store and picnic This historic marina area, full-service paved boatcomplex is located in Bayou yard with air, power and Chico, an inlet waterway water, four-point tie-downs located off the northeast corfor high wind protection in ner of Pensacola Bay. The all yard stalls, a boatyard and bayou is known locally as marina fully lighted with having some of the most pro- The Pensacola Shipyard’s 100-ton Travelift has a 200,000-pound locking gates. There are also tected waters during danger- capacity and can assist numerous boat owners along the Gulf numerous independent conous weather conditions. As a Coast with getting their boat in or out of the water. Photo by Kim tractors located on site to Kaminski ,matter of fact, several boats perform work on your boat. survived Hurricane Ivan riding the storm out in the bayou, Chip MacMillan, the PSMC marina supervisor, stated and with the recent threat from Tropical Storm Arlene, the that the repairs from Hurricane Ivan still continue to this Bayou was once again filled with boats seeking shelter from day. Water has been restored to all slips, but many are still the storm. without power. The pump-out station was submerged and Access to the PSMC takes the traveler down the Bayou still needs to be totally replaced. “A” dock, which floated Chico entrance channel, past the Pensacola Yacht Club, off the 14 foot pilings, has been replaced with all new docks through a bridge overpass (horizontal clearance of 125 feet and pilings. The boat ramp was not damaged, and the yard
News & Views for Southern Sailors
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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING was in operation immediately after the storm. The location on Bayou Chico and the quality of its construction limited the damage the marina experienced during Ivan. The bulk of the damage was done by boats that were anchored out and dragged down onto the marina. That’s the marina’s most serious problem and one that cannot easily be solved when less protected marinas require their tenants to evacuate prior to a storm. Thankfully, the Pensacola Shipyard remains one of the best ports in a storm and is ready to service the boating community. Boat owners are utilizing the facilities daily, making repairs to their hurricane-damaged boats or upgrading their new boats that were purchased after the storm. During this year’s Corsair Nationals, many of the trimaran race participants were able to stay at the shipyard facility thanks to Chip Macmillan and his staff at PSMC. For more information about the Pensacola Shipyard Marine Complex contact (850) 439-1451 or www.psmc.net.
RACING Coco Seemann One-Design Keelboat Regatta, April 15-17, New Orleans, LA Legacy of Pioneer Woman Sailor Continues By Julie B. Connerley
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orn in New Orleans on January 15, 1915, Coco Seemann was learning to sail while other children were learning to ride bicycles. Her grandfather was commodore of the Southern Yacht Club (SYC) in New Orleans, so it was only natural that the entire family became actively involved with club activities. “My mother,” said Bill Seemann, “was truly a pioneer in women’s sailing. She had a great desire to compete, and her enthusiasm for the sport was contagious.” In August 1952, Seemann had distinguished herself by qualifying for the Sir Thomas Lipton Cup team in a grueling 12race round-robin series. She went on to take second place in the Lipton Cup. Coco was the first woman from the South to be invited to compete in the U.S. Sailing Women’s Championship for the Frances Adams Trophy. The year was 1954. Her team sailed a boat called a Quincy Adams sloop. Handling a vessel unfamiliar to them, in waters not sailed before, Seemann and her team placed fourth after winning the final race in the series! Seemann enjoyed sailing and competing for several years and continued to win several regattas throughout her lifetime. After Seemann passed away on November 28, 1996, family friend Danny Killeen, Sr., suggested a women’s regatta as a memorial to the pioneer whose love of the sport no doubt influenced many others to learn to sail. Coco’s son, Bill, agreed and purchased a perpetual trophy to honor his mother’s legacy. From 1997 to 2000, Pass Christian Yacht Club hosted the regatta. In 2001, an enthusiastic group of women sailors from the SYC approached both Pass Christian and SYC about hosting the womenonly regatta. From borrowed club members’ Rhodes 19s to the pres-
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Elaine Boos, skipper of Stars and Bars, and her crew Debbie Ellis, Dee Mollenkopf, and Catrina Swafford, maneuver for position at the line behind Blew By You skippered by Lani Sybert-Wielke with crew Louise Bienvenu, Priscilla Duffy, and Michelle Hitter during the Coco Seemann OneDesign Keelboat Regatta at the Southern Yacht Club earlier this year. Photo by Julie Connerley. ent use of J-22s, the women who have competed in the annual Coco Seemann Regatta embrace the true sprit of Coco herself—the joy of sailing and competing. Results from the April 15-17 Coco Seemann One-Design Keelboat Regatta held at Southern Yacht Club: 1 – Cayenne - Debby Grimm; 2 Blew By You - Lani Sybert-Wielke; 3 - Stars and Bars – Elaine Boos.
Fuzzy Lojic sets record at Dauphin Island Regatta By Julie B. Connerley
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he 47th annual Dauphin Island Regatta (DI) is now history—some of it factual, and some of it sailors’ tales to be embellished with each retelling. However, for the crew of eleven aboard the J-125 named Fuzzy Lojic, DI 2005 was THE ride of a lifetime, reaching speeds of 18.1 knots. Of course, one would expect no less from the ultimate sport boat. It is manufactured with a patented vacuum resin-infusion molding process and hull and deck materials that include a carbon-fiber inner skin, Kevlar/E-glass outer skin, and Pro-Set epoxy. The J-125 is 1500-2500 pounds lighter than competitive designs and from my perspective twice as fast. Combining advanced technical components and a radical design departure from typical racing sloops, Fuzzy Lojic proved it was crystal clear from the start of the race just who was going to take and keep the lead. With a minus three PHRF rating and winds from 18 to 26 knots all day, churning Mobile Bay into a frothy “chocolate bay” as locals call it, Fuzzy Lojic broached about six seconds after skipper/owner Stanton Murray of Murray Yacht Sales crossed the starting line. He managed to maintain the lead even while the boat crabbed sideways at 10 knots. Two nameless crewmembers also managed to hang onto lifelines while they did some unscheduled shrimpwww.southwindssailing.com
The Fuzzy Lojic crew before the start of the 47th Annual Dauphin Island Regatta. Julie B. Connerley photo. ing during that first broach. The crew, including three “young bloods” as anyone younger than 30 is often called, performed admirably. In this case, our “young bloods” were Murray’s two sons, Stanton, 13, and Thompson, 11, and their friend, James,13. Normally, the popular DI regatta attracts more than 200 competitors, but Hurricane Ivan’s wrath knocked out the Pensacola area racing fleet, which was noticeably absent this year. The Mobile Yacht Club hosted the 2005 regatta cabin yawls. A total of 188 boats registered. Only 142 managed to finish under what could only be described as grueling conditions. Race chairman Tom Batty later reported, “Several spinnakers were shredded during the race,” but no injuries were reported. About two minutes before the finish line and a number of broaches, the spinnaker halyard rope clutch simply failed, and the spinnaker dropped about 15 feet. We broached one final time. Seventeen miles, one hour, 27 minutes and 39 seconds later, we heard the horn announcing first to finish. What Stanton Murray didn’t know was that the perpetual trophy he would be awarded later that evening for “first boat to cross the finish line without respect to division, class, or handicap rating” was in honor of an old friend and mentor, George R. Brothers. Originally, from Virginia, Brothers moved to Mobile because he thought it would be a good place to sail. He was a mainstay of the Mobile Bay Star Fleet for 50 years and was founder of the Mobile Bay Sailing School, which has been responsible for teaching hundreds of youngsters to sail at the Mobile Yacht Club (MYC). He also served as MYC commodore in two different decades, the ‘60s and ‘80s. Brothers extended his services to sailing as a USSA senior race officer and as commodore of the Gulf Yachting Association. Brothers, sailing a Star 3344, En Garde, was the first to News & Views for Southern Sailors
finish the first Dauphin Island Long Distance Race (as it was called) on April 18, 1959. The fleet included a Fish class, Thistles, Chris Crafts, and cabin yawls, among others.
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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING Thirty-one boats finished that first regatta. One sailor was hailed for his tenacity for sailing through “calm, fog, and spray-filled wind” for 10 long hours for “the sport of sailing.” After Brothers passed away, MYC authorized a perpetual trophy be awarded in his name for the first boat to finish the Dauphin Island Regatta. Stanton Murray will be the fifth recipient’s name inscribed on the trophy. “I remember sailing the Star with George years ago,” recalled Murray. “He was a fine sailor and a good man. It is an honor to be listed among the winners.” The crew of Fuzzy Lojic had an exciting day on the water, which, for some of us, was over all too quickly. Luckily, the memories will last a lifetime, and the retelling, well, it just gets better.
RACE CALENDAR Club Racing Hobie 16s race in a previous championship’s start. Photo courtesy Thursday evenings. Thursday Night Sunfish Hobie Cat Company. Sailing. Navy Yacht Club’s Bayou Grande Marina, Pensacola, FL, from 5-7 p.m. (850) 452-4152 T-shirt will be provided. Skipper and crew must be current youth or family April through October – members of US SAILING and are invited to join US Wednesday Night Fun Races.PHRF. SAILING through the Multihull Council Golden Anchor Pensacola Yacht Club program. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month The ISAF has designated the Hobie 16 as the platform Every Wednesday night – One-design races for the youth multihull discipline through 2006. Go to New Orleans Yacht Club www.ussailing.org/championships/youth/multihull for more information.
U.S. Youth Multihull Championship for the Arthur J. Stevens Trophy, August 3, Panama City, FL, St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club
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his regatta is a qualifier for the 2006 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Weymouth, Great Britain. This annual event is open to all youth (girls, boys and mixed) teams. Team members must not turn 19 years old in the year of competition. Housing, meals, racing clinic, and
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Women’s Trilogy — Sailboat Racing Series By Kim Kaminski
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omen sailors of the Gulf Coast look forward to the month of July when the Women’s Trilogy Sailboat Racing Series takes place. Starting on July 16, women skippers and their crews sail toward Perdido Bay to participate in the annual Fast Women Regatta held by the Point Yacht Club in Josephine, AL. On Saturday, July 23, sailors head
www.southwindssailing.com
NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING back to Pensacola Bay where the second opportunity for ladies will occur at the Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Here the participants will enjoy celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Bikini Regatta (the regatta that started it all). And finally, on Saturday, July 30, the ladies will wrap up the series with the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club’s all-female regatta; the Race for the Roses. Participants can race in just one of the three races. However, the overall women’s trophy is given to the skipper and crew who compete in all three races. Individual race information can be obtained at the following Web sites; www.pointyachtclub.org, www.navypnsyc.org, www.pensacolabeach-yc.org.
CSA FWBYC FYC GYC LCYC LFYC MYC NOYC NYC OSYC
JULY 2 2 2 2-3 9-10 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 16-17 16 16 16 16 16 16-23 22-24 23-24 23 23 30 30 30 30 30 30-31
BYC
Horn Island Hop, OSYC Rodenella, BWYC Biloxi Invitational, BYC Independence Day Regatta, PYC Meigs Regatta, FWYC Area D Sears J22, Bemis 420, Smythe Laser Semis, BYC Quail Challenge Sunfish, ABYC Race the Case, BYC SingleHanded Race, FYC Patriot’s Day Regatta, PBYC CSA SingleHanded, CSA Biloxi Summer Series #1, BYC Summer Regatta, MYC Bastille Day, NOYC Fast Women Regatta, Point Yacht Club, Josephine, AL Biloxi Summer Series #2 & #3, BYC Lightning Invitational, PCYC Star District Champs, BYC Texas Youth Race Week Bikini Regatta, NYC Junior Lipton Cup, PontYC CSA Summer #1, CSA Summer in the Pass, PCYC Weatherly Regatta, GYC Race for the Roses, PBYC CSA Summer #2, CSA TYC 25th Anniversary Regatta. TYC Birthday Regatta, PCYC GYA J22 & Lightning, PCYC
PBYC PCYC PONTYC PYC STABYC SYC TYC
Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL www.bucyc.com Corinthian Sailing Association, New Orleans, LA www.corinthians.org Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL www.fwyc.org Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL www.fairhopeyachtclub.com Gulfport Yacht Club. Gulfport, MS www.gulfportyachtcclub.org Lake Charles Yacht Club. Lake Charles, LA www.saillc.org Lake Forest Yacht Club, Daphne, AL (251) 626-9329 Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile, AL www.mobileyachtclub.com New Orleans Yacht Club www.noyc.org Navy Yacht Club Pensacola, FL www.navypnsyc.org Ocean Springs Yacht Club, Ocean Springs, MS www.osyc.com Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL www.pensacolabeachyc.org Pass Christian Yacht Club, Pass Christian, MS www.pcyc-gya.org Pontchartrain Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA www.pontyc.org Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL. www.pen sacolayachtclub.org St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, F L www.stabyc.com Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA www.southernyachtclub.org Tammany Yacht Club, Slidell, LA www.tammanyyachtclub.org
AUGUST 6 6 6 6 6 13 13 20 20 20 20 20 27 28
Commodore’s Cup #4, NYC CSA Summer #3, CSA J22 Angus Invitational, GYC Star Gulf Coast Champs, BYC Jerry Ellis Junior Regatta, BYC Knost Regatta, PCYC Round the Rig, MYC Charles R. Galloway GYA Sunfish/Laser/Opti - GYC CSA Around the Lake, CSA Summer Splash, BYC Big Mouth Regatta, PBYC Summer Swelter. PYC Hill Junior, SABYC Pam Sintes, SSYC, CSA
Northern Gulf Coast Yacht Club Legend ABYC BWYC
Apalachee Bay Yacht Club, Tallahassee, FL Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS www.bwyc.org
News & Views for Southern Sailors
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Regional Sailing Services Directory Sailing Services Directory starts as low as $8 a month. Call (941) 795-8704 or e-mail editor@southwindssailing.com CAPTAIN SERVICES
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ADVANCED SAILS (727) 896-7245 Quality Cruising Sails & Service Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg Marinas Keith Donaldson......................(727) 896-7245 Scuba Clean Yacht Service See ad in Underwater Services Masthead Used Sails………..(800) 783-6953 www.mastheadsailinggear.com Largest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361
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WEST FLORIDA COAST Upcoming Events Calendar News for Sailors Regional Sailing & Cruising Racing Calendar Race Report
West Florida July Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 78° lo - 90° hi Naples 73° lo - 91° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 86° Naples 87° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu
Upcoming Events & News Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs. Ongoing. Each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 72. Completion satisfies the State of Florida boater safety education requirements. The continuous rotating program has 11 lessons. One lesson is presented each Tuesday night. Lessons include: Which Boat For you, Equipment, Trailering, Lines and Knots, Boat Handling, Signs, Weather, Rules, Introduction to Navigation, Inland Boating and Radio. (727) 823-3753 Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Public Boating Programs: Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs July 7-28 Sailing Fundamentals Program July 23-24 Boating Safely Program Aug. 25, 31 GPS and Chart Reading All programs are held at the Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key (Clearwater). They are open to adults and youths. For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check visit www.uscgaux.org/~0701101/PublicEducationPrograms.htm or call (727) 469-8895. West Marine Seminars Largo, 10289 Ulmerton Road, Suite B, (727) 586-7040, 7 pm July 26 Raymarine C and E series systems, presented by West Marine boat services.
July Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend
South Saint Petersberg, 5001 34th St south, (727) 867-5700, 6 pm July 28 GPS basics, with Peter Barton Boat U S Seminars Clearwater, 11477 U.S. Hwy. 19 north, (727) 573-2678, 5:30 pm July 13 Paper charting, presented by Eric Lewis.
Bahia Beach Marina and Boatyard in Ruskin Sold to Homebuilder; Boatyard to Close
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he Bahia Beach Marina and boatyard in Ruskin, which has served boaters as a do-it-yourself yard for over 50 years, has been sold, and the boatyard will be closing in the coming months to make way for 400 homes. The boatyard was one of the most popular yards in the Tampa Bay area, at one time, in the ‘80s and ‘90s, holding as many as 150 boats. The yard was known throughout the region and the Caribbean as a good place to work on your boat. There are currently 200 slips and a “high and dry” storage facility for another 200 small boats. The slips and storage facility will stay open to the public, but homeowners in the new subdivision will eventually get preferential treatment for them. The boatyard will close regardless.
Parrot Bay Marina Opens in Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton
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arrot Cove Marina, previously known as Sunny Shores Marina, will be opening this summer on Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton. The marina was purchased by Bob Gertz in March 2004 and has been completely rebuilt. There has been a marina at this location for over 50 years. When Bob purchased it, the pilings and docks, although still being used, were literally falling down and falling apart. After complete removal of the old dock, Bob installed new pilings, dock framing and boards. New services were also installed, including power (30-and 50-amp service), water and pumpout services. Shore facilities, besides parking, include bathrooms, and there are plans to install showers. A county park is next door to the marina. The marina has 30 slips from 30 to 45 feet. Dockside
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WEST FLORIDA SAILING depth at low tide is five feet, and approach depth is about the same. The marina can be approached from the ICW by turning east into Palma Sola Bay about 1/2 mile north of the Cortez Bridge to Anna Maria Island. The marina is on the south side of the entrance to Palma Sola Bay just before the entry opens out to the wider bay. New channel markers are being installed to guide boaters into the marina. The marina will be open for slip rentals, perhaps as early as July. Month-to-month and annual leases are available. Longer term leases are available for those who want to install boat lifts at a slip. Liveaboards are not allowed, as prohibited by Manatee cCounty. The marina is located at 11510 36th Ave. West in Bradenton. It can be reached by turning north on 115th Street off Cortez Road just east of Cortez and going to 36th Avenue West. The phone number is (941) 795-0088.
Youth Sailing Camp Gets Underway at Clearwater Community Sailing Center. By George Regenauer
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learwater Community Sailing Center’s Youth Sailing Camps are underway at their facility on Sand Key. The number of young sailors attending the first weeks of the summerlong program indicate this should be another great season for youth sailing. Last year, CCSC instructed over 500 students, and the interest is just as high this year. The weeklong sailing camps begin with the basics for the first time skippers, utilizing Prams and Optimist, while the more
News & Views for Southern Sailors
Pat Regenauer and students at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center’s Youth Sailing Camp. Photo by George Regenauer.
experienced sailors are instructed on Sunfish, Lasers and JY15s. All participants must pass a swim test before being allowed to continue with the sailing program. The staff and volunteers at CCSC began preparations for this year’s sailing camps several months in advance. The boats and rigging needed extra TLC to have them seaworthy by the time the first session was launched in May. The sailing camps began May 23 and will continue through July 29. Each weekly session is Monday-Friday, 0900-1600 hrs. CCSC’s location on Clearwater Bay is an ideal place to conduct the sailing camps because of the shallow, protected
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WEST FLORIDA SAILING waters, and it is away from major channels. The swim test and capsize drills are performed between the two piers that protect the boat launch area of the center. Instructor Patricia Regenauer says, “It is wonderful and exciting to see the younger students sailing by themselves on the second day of camp.” Her youngest sailors this year are eight years old and are learning to sail on the Prams. The beginner camp is dedicated to learning the parts of a sailboat, skills required to operate the vessel, wind direction, rules of the road, seamanship and the maintenance of the vessels. The students receive a solid knowledge of sailing concepts prior to advancing to the next level of instruction. An extensive accomplishment check list is maintained on each individual who completes the sailing camp. The check list is written documentation utilized in tracking progress toward advancement. Instructors Gabriel Saunders, Josh Brown and Greg Diffendale are helping to sharpen the skills of students enrolled in the advanced classes onboard the Sunfish and Lasers. The next step in the skill level progression is practicing teamwork when the students pair off into crews onboard the JY15s. Windsurfing lessons are also available from instructors Britt Viehman, John Vamvace and Kristin Britt for those interested in an alternative sailing program. The summer sailing camps are open for youth between 816 years of age. Beginning and advanced instruction is offered during each weekly sailing camp. For more information concerning sailing opportunities, schedules and registration for the summer camp, contact Clearwater Community Sailing Center at (727) 517-7776, or visit their Web site at www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.
The Massey 2005 All Cruisers Rendezvous and Boat Show, Regatta Pointe Marina, May 20-22 Another Successful Event
The Regatta Pointe Marina during the 2005 Massey Rendezvous. Photo courtesy Massey Yacht Sales.
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he Massey 2005 All Cruisers Rendezvous and Boat Show was held May 20-22 at Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto. This second annual event was very successful and well-enjoyed by everyone in attendance. The purpose of the event was to show appreciation to all the area yacht owners and anyone interested in Massey’s large selection of new and pre-owned sail and power yachts. The weather was picture-post-card perfect and set the mood for the three-day rendezvous. There were over 60 yachts available for inspection. Each yacht was open for all to view. All yachts were boat-show decorated, with appropriate signs and flags. Representatives from each yacht builder were present to answer questions. Massey yacht sales team members from all three Massey dealership locations were there to help their customers. The yacht builders offered special purchase incentives. There were approximately 500 attendees during the three-day event. Catalina, Hunter, Caliber, Shannon and Albin boat owners were given canvas totes or nylon Hunter bags filled with yachting publications, Massey yacht information and a variety of other items. They were also treated to a welcome party Friday evening and dinner party on Saturday night. There was a steel drum player and a wide array of quality door prizes at the Saturday night party. The menu included barbecue chicken, ribs, pork, pulled chicken, potato and macaroni salad, baked beans, cole slaw, corn bread, cookies, bottled and keg beer, wine, tea and soft drinks. There were about 170 meals served Saturday night. All attendees were invited to take advantage of the
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WEST FLORIDA SAILING Friday demo rides, the Saturday seminars and review the latest electronics displayed at the Tropica Marine Boat Show trailer. The demo rides were on Catalina, Hunter, Shannon and Albin yachts. Sponsors included West Marine, Sail, Cruising World, Power Cruising, Southwinds, Latitudes and Attitudes, Catalina, Hunter, Caliber Long Range Cruisers, Shannon, Albin, Mastry Engine Center, Tropica Marine, Doyle Ploch Sailmakers, Best Rate Yacht Finance, Gloria Rector Vessel Documentation, Mariner Marine Insurance and Regatta Pointe Marina. The Massey team thanks the many sail and powerboat enthusiasts who attended the rendezvous. The Massey All Cruisers Rendezvous and Boat Show has become an important Florida west coast spring event, and Massey Yacht Sales plans to host many rendezvous in the years to come.
RACING Davis Island Yacht Club One-Design Crew Training Postponed to August
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ecause of scheduling conflicts with the Key West Rendezvous in May, DIYC one-design crew training was postponed to August 6-13-20 and will be held from 12-5 p.m. to catch the afternoon sea breeze. This training is designed to teach the skills to be a crew member on one-design boats and is not to be confused with a Learn To Sail program. This program has been offered three times in the past five years. This training is conducted in a orderly, non-threatening manner as opposed to learning under race conditions. Each applicant must be in good physical condition and have normal flexibility. The primary boat to be used in training will be the J-24. Melges and J-35 owners are invited to join the program. The program is open to all who desire to partipate. The
News & Views for Southern Sailors
cost of training is a $100 tax-deductible donation to the Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation. Those who are interested may contact King Purton at (813) 760-0177. kpurton@tampabay.rr.com.
RACE REPORT Third Annual Corinthian Regatta to Key West: Storm Causes Many to Abandon Race
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he Corinthian Regatta from Bradenton to Key West is the race south after school is out for many. The race began on June 1 in Bradenton, and a late-season storm came through that evening. High winds, reported to be up to 50 knots, forced many to head for calmer waters inland. Expecting calm or no winds in June, the race, sponsored by the Bradenton Yacht Club, allows for three hours of motoring without penalty. This year, those hours were used by many to motor to safety through one of west Florida’s inlets. An injured crewmember on Millertime, Bob Miller’s Catalina 36, forced the boat to go in at Venice, while others suffered blown sails (Pat Roberts on board Spring Fever blew out a day-old mainsail) and other damage. Only four of the 10 boats finished. A good time was enjoyed by all, though, who made it to Key West, including a dinner party and awards ceremony at Crabby Bills.
Results (place, boat, skipper): 1, Marianna, M. Zeppi; 2, Spirit 2, L. Lecuyer; Tranquility, S. Evans; Miller Time, B. Miller. DNFs: Genesis (went in at Longboat Pass), Star Wake (in at Boca Grande for repairs), Spring Fever (delayed at Venice – blown main), Harmony (went north and aground), Easy Rider (in at Longboat Pass), Remedy (in at Longboat Pass), Seraphim (DNS for family matters).
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WEST FLORIDA SAILING
KEY WEST 2005: Great Winds Bring Boats to Key West for Plenty of Party Time By Morgan Stinemetz
Orangutan and crew, winner of the Spinnaker fleet from Clearwater, just before the start from Key West. Photo by Amanda Fleming.
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he 2005 edition of the Clearwater to Key West race—officially called the Key West Rendezvous—saw 65 boats compete in Florida West Coast’s annual rite of passage. In order to attract more entries and appeal to more participants, the race has three separate entry points—Clearwater,
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Boca Grande and Naples. Put another way, a skipper can pick his race and participate in that, but be assured that when he and his crew get to Key West, there will be many others to play with in Gomorrah by the Sea. The legs are, respectively, Clearwater: 216 miles; Boca Grande: 132 miles; Naples: 95 miles. The Clearwater section started at noon on May 18. The Boca Grande section started exactly 24 hours later, on May 19, and the Naples section started seven hours later than the Boca Grande group. The staggered start may also assure that early arrivals do not inadvertently drink Key West dry, a thought that can boggle the mind. The general consensus among the racers was that the weather and winds could not have been better this year. The winds, light and omnidirectional at the start, built to a consistent 12+ for the Clearwater group, and sped boats down the course at a speed that seemed to satisfy most. “We gybed a few times right after the start, then the winds filled in, and we were able to sail the rest of the way to Key West on one tack. What made the race exciting for us was that we were competing in the West Florida PHRF www.southwindssailing.com
WEST FLORIDA SAILING
Suncoast Boat of the Year in nonspinnaker,” said a crewmember of the J-40, Intrepid. “When daylight came, we were some place off Cape Sable, and we looked behind us to see Dick Booth’s Tartan, Addiction, about a mile behind us. We knew right then that there was no chance for Boat of the Year. We had a rating of 91 and Addiction had a rating of 125. They needed to be way behind us, like out-of-sight behind us.” Addiction closed the gap the rest of the way to the finish line, which was anchored on the shore side, at the outside bar of The Galleon Resort. (Race committee officials were able to sight the line and order another rum drink at precisely the same moment. Regatta Chairman Fairlie Brinkley has claimed all availFairlie Brinkley, who puts the race together and has able credit for this stunning feat of made it the successful event it is today. Photo by race committee synergy.) Dodging Amanda Fleming. the small armada of see-the-sunsetfrom-the water boats that launches every evening in Key West Harbor, Intrepid beat Addiction to the finish by three minutes, but lost by two hours on corrected time and slipped to third in class, as Frank Hanna’s Beneteau 44, Prime Plus, slid into second by more than 30 minutes corrected. Richard Gress of Sarasota and a veteran crew, sailing on Mother Ocean, put together a race from Clearwater that— several weeks after the race was over—had Gress as stoked as a high school kid with his first six-pack of beer. Gress has an O’Day 40, not exactly a marquee name in sailboat racing circles. “We won our division, and Spinnaker C, and we beat all the other spinnaker boats, with the exception of one, on corrected time,” Gress stated with satisfaction. “The start had light winds, fluky easterlies, and people were waiting for the sea breeze to fill in. We horizoned all but eight to nine boats in the first two hours,” Gress said. “What we did when the wind went light was chase the wind. The fleet stayed west, so we went close to land, and the breeze filled in from the landside. We were up there with the catamarans. We stayed inside the rhumb line by about a mile and a half, got 10-15 knots of wind and averaged eight knots of boat speed all the way down. As we got further south, the wind switched to ESE, but the velocity stayed about the same. We were in Key West in 31 hours.” Gress went on to say that superior and experienced crew work—three sail-making lofts represented—paid off. There were some sweaty moments before the race, he admitted, when a new engine went into the boat in the nick of time. And a halyard that broke in the Northwest Channel coming into Key West parted behind the stopper. “We surprised a lot of boats, but I have been racing this News & Views for Southern Sailors
boat for a long time. She is in perfect sailing shape. Besides, the crew really stayed focused the entire race. We never stopped working the boat,” Gress concluded. The top spinnaker boat in the Clearwater section of the race was Orangutan, Tim Randall’s J-105. On corrected time, Orangutan beat Mother Ocean by eight minutes. First to finish in the class was Steve Mills’ J/125, Velox, although with a rating of -3 finished third in corrected time (some sources claimed Velox set a new monohull spinnaker record for actual finish time, but Southwinds could not get final confirmation of this by press date). The Naples contingent— 20 boats starting with one
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WEST FLORIDA SAILING DNF along the way race that was only — had a breeze of a one tack from race. What is rather Naples to the southweird is that a West ern end of the Sail 32, Ave Del Mar, Northwest Channel a boat that in racing was in any way circles is a certified strategic. A drag slug, came up with race, yes, but not the best corrected one that required a time (08:17:41) of lot of thought above the 19 boats that finkeeping the pointy ished. When the end going in the weather gods deal right direction. up reaching condiSailors are not tions and your boat known for being carries a 259 rating, Steve Romaine and the crew of Air Supply receiving the award for first place unusually free with you are in high cot- Non-Spinnaker Naples to Key West. Photo courtesy Steve Romaine. discretionary dolton, but you have to lars, and there was a work your butt off to earn a victory like that. post-race undercurrent of muttering about the high prices The Naples group, sponsored by the Naples Sailing involved on the southern end of this year’s Key West and Yacht Club, also had a fast mover in Steve Romaine’s Rendezvous. One competitor said he was shocked to learn Jeanneau 35, Air Supply. that dockage charges at The Galleon Resort had been inflat“I love sailboat racing because it’s a real challenge,” ed over everyday prices for the racers. In addition, some said Romaine. “You never know what you will get.” boats—wherein the crew had been hot-bunking for the Romaine, racing in the smallish non-spin division finrace—didn’t have enough sleeping accommodations for all ished four minutes after Ave Del Mar on corrected time. He crew at the same time and left for the return trip early. Key was not above mentioning a better finish than all the spinWest is now a year `round destination resort of wide naker boats and then added that the race was strategic in renown, and the days of a caved-in economy in the summer nature. An inquiring reporter did not ask Romaine what he months are well past. Key West is Prime Time all the time. had been smoking before he reached the conclusion that a Fairlie Brinkley acknowledged that prices in Key West have gone upward but added, “The Galleon has been very gracious to us. The last two years they reserved the marina for us and they are reserving the marina for us next year.” Brinkley also acknowledged that the race finished in the black this year, but confirmed it was a near thing. “There is not enough money left in the kitty to take the race committee out to a movie,” he said. The would-be Florida Sailing Association championships, buoy racing off Key West, went down the tubes this year for a lack of interest. There may be some cogent reasons: Sailors who have just sailed down from Clearwater, Boca Grande or Naples seem not to have the remaining verve to do another day of racing. Additionally, a number of boats that might have been contenders headed back north to the crews’ wives, sweethearts, children, business obligations and HDTVs with 80-button clickers. Fairlie Brinkley admitted that the Florida Sailing Association championships was an idea whose star never shone. “I don’t think that we have the format for it,” Brinkley said for publication in the article. “People are just not interested. Our idea of having an east coast fleet and a west coast fleet meet in Key West just didn’t generate any interest. The sailors would rather party. Besides, no east coast fleet ever materialized, so I would say that this year was the end of it.” Maybe, in the imaginary future, someone could broach the idea that the east coast sailors and the west coast sailors could get together to race across Florida through the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Waterways for coastal bragging rights. Stranger things have happened in sailboats, you know. For results go to (the link is also on the SOUTHWINDS’ Web site, www.southwindssailing.com): www.clwyc.org/keywest05/results/. 58
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RACING CALENDAR
Damiana, skippered by Eric Sorenson, was the winner of the Multihull Class to Key West from Boca Grande and from Key West to Naples. Photo courtesy Steve Romaine.
Club Racing—Open to Everyone Wanting to Race The races listed here are open to those who want to sail. No club membership is required, although a West Florida PHRF rating is most likely required. For publishing, send us your race schedule by the 5th of the month to editor@southwindssailing.com. Bradenton YC. Thursday evening races at 6:30 p.m. through the fall. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401. Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-round john@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com Since races are sometimes canceled, postponed or locations changed, it is advisable to contact the organization beforehand. JULY 05 4 SSS 4
TBCS
16 TBCS 17 CortezYC AUGUST 05 14 CortezYC
Firecracker Race www.sarasotasailingsquad.com Race For Liberty, Catamarans www.tampabaycatsailors.com Leisure Sail (yea right) www.tampabaycatsailors.com Commodore’s Cup Series Race # 3 www.cortezyachtclub.com Commodore’S Cup series Race #4 www.cortezyachtclub.com
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CLASSIFIED ADS — 3 Months for $25 Place then on the Internet early for $10 • Classified ads with text only for boats are $25 for a three-month ad for up to 30 words. $50 for ad with horizontal photo ($65 if vertical photo). Check or Credit cards accepted. Must be for sale by owner – no business ads. Boats wanted ads included. • Free ads for boats under $500 (sail and dinghys only), all gear under $500, and windsurfing equipment. For sale by owner ads only. • All other ads (including business ads) are $20 a month for up to 20 words, add $5 a month for each additional 10 words. $10 a month for a horizontal photo. Frequency discounts available. Contact editor. • All ads go on the SOUTHWINDS Web site. For a one-time $10 fee, we will place your ad on the internet before going to press on the next issue. • No Refunds • The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (10/06) is October, 2006.
BOATS WANTED ___________________________ S-2, 7.9, outboard version, preferably with trailer and racing sails, but all 7.9s considered. Must be in good condition. (239) 945-3063, p.perisho@att.net (8/05)
BOATS & DINGHIES ___________________________ FLYING SCOT…Very Attractively Priced New Boats used only for the Adams Cup Finals. Race rigged and professionally tuned. Includes North Sails main, jib,spinnaker, and galvanized trailer. Available in mid-September at Rye, NY. For details Call (800)-864-7208 (12/05)
• Ad must be received by the 10th of the month. TO PLACE AN AD: 1. On the Internet at www.southwindssailing.com This applies only to the $25 and $50 ads above with and without photo. Pay with Paypal and put your ad in the subject line. If a photo, then e-mail to editor@southwindssailing.com as a separate jpeg attachment. 2. Via E-mail and Credit Card. E-mail your ad to editor@southwindssailing.com. Text can be put in the email. Send photos as a separate jpeg attachment to the e-mail. Pay be mail (see below) or credit card. You can call us with a credit card number. Give us the credit card number, expiration, billing address and name on card. Call (941) 795-8704. 3. Mail your ad in. Mail to SOUTHWINDS, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175. Send a check or credit card number with information as listed in #2
above. Mail the photo in (35mm best). If you want the photo back, enclose a SASE. Add $5 for a typing charge. 4. Telephone or fax your ad in. Call (941) 7958704 and give us your ad over the phone. There is an additional $5 typing charge. If you have a photo, you can mail it in. We can take your credit card number, or you can mail a check. Fax: (941) 795-8705. 5. Do a combination of the above. E-mail, call in or send the ad text in via Paypal on our Web site. Email the photo directly to the editor. If you don’t have a scanner, mail the photo to us separately. Call the editor at (941) 795-8704 with any questions. 6. We will pick up your ad. Send the editor a check for air flight, car rental, hotel, travel, eating and entertainment expenses, and he will come to your location and pick up the ad. Any ads to be picked up on tropical islands or other resort destinations will be free.
DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS
Advertise your business in a display ad in the classifieds section. Sold by the column inch. 2 inch minimum. (3 column inches is 1/8 page) MONTHLY COST ADS PER INCH
12 6 3 1
$19 $22 $25 $29
MINIMUM INCHES
TOTAL COST
2" 2" 2" 2"
$38 $44 $50 $58
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9’1” Caribe dinghy, wooden insert deck and seat inflatable. 1993 $1,200. 9.9 Mercury Outboard 1999. 2 hours on engine with stand and gas can $1,200. (813) 632-9684. (8/05) 1978 J-24, ready to sail, 2 mains, 1 Jib, 1 genny, 2 spins, depth, complete new electrical system, option on trailer, Melbourne FL, $4000, (321) 288-1157 (7/05)
26’ Pearson One-design, 1979. Jib, genoa, spinnaker, Evinrude 9.9. Clean, solid, sails. Great, huge cockpit. Best $6900 boat out there. Located in Slidell, LA. (985) 847-0374. (7/05) 28’ Albin Mariner 79, 1977. Good condition. Watermaker, 10hp diesel, 7 sails. Auto pilot, GPS, Loran, VHF. 3’ 6” draft. $15,000. On a trailer in good condition. (507) 744-2579. (9/05)
D I S P L AY C L A S S I F I E D A D S S TA R T I N G AT $ 3 8 / M O N T H News & Views for Southern Sailors
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Cal 29 Mk II, 1971 classic. Fully overhauled with new equipment & material. 23hp Universal diesel, roller furling, 2 mains, jib, genoa, gennaker, tiller auto pilot, Imron hull, Awl Grip deck, Trinidad bottom 2005, barrier coated. A must-see to appreciate this beauty. $19,000. (941) 730-8200. (8/05)
30’ Cape Dory, Cutter Rig,1978 In great condition,cruise ready. Sleeps 4, 6’ 1” head-room.Teak and holly sole. Volvo Penta 12 hp diesel rebuilt in 2002. Many extras $22,900, (251) 974-1389, Email puddicombe@gulftel.com (7/05) 30’ Catalina 30, 1990. std rig, fin keel 5’3”, roller furling, bimini, cushions, instruments, Excellent condition. Reasonably and practically priced at $32,900. email: galileo430@comcast.net or (727) 207-0717. (7/05)
Catalina 30, 1990 shoal draft, Universal diesel, loaded with new gear, Harken RF, Raymarine radar/GPS chart plot, wind gen, solar, custom arch, Auto Helm 4000, inverter, VHF, stereo, carry on AC, dinghy w/OB, bottom job 2005. $36,500. (941) 792-9100. (8/05) PHOTO: “COLUMBIA 8.7 79” CO Handyman Special 1979 Columbia 8.7m (28'7") sloop. Overhauled Kubota (Universal) diesel. Main, working & genoa jibs, spinnaker. Good bottom, Awlgripped topsides. Shore power w/smartcharger, fridge & AC. Must sell. $8000 OBO. (941) 504-4556 (9/05) Catamaran. Iroquois MK I, 30’, 1966. Many Sails. Standard navigational aids. T9.9 EXRX Yamaha 1999 O/B. Bimini hardtop, swim platform. Sound; cosmetic attention needed. (850) 926-2356. Crawfordville, FL. “Big Bend” Gulf. (8/05)
1974 Northstar 1000, 30’, two mains, four headsails, spinnaker, bristol condition. Inboard engine. Topsides repainted 2003. Interior upgrades. Auto pilot, VHF, depthfinder, GPS and more. Overall first place Daytona to Charleston Race. Good heavy weather racer/cruiser. South Carolina. $18,900. (843) 884-1729. (8/05)
1996 Cheetah 30 sport boat. 87 PHRF. Carbon lift keel and bow pole. 3 spinakers. 2 mains, 2 jibs. 15+ knots on reach. KVH, Knotmeter, depthmeter. Trailer. $24,500. (904) 880-6503. (9/05)
Erickson 31’ Independence 1979, Cutter Hull, # 36. standing rigging replaced 2001, wheel, VHF, Depth, Yanmar 15 hp, Green hull. ONLY 74 BUILT, unique boat. $26,500. E-mail bowlegs2003@aol.com. Call (727) 3985646. (9/05)
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BUSINESS/INVESTMENT ___________________________ Would take 40+ ft range sailboat as partial payment on established, profitable small business near Asheville, NC, with Web and walk-in customers. Integrated Web site, accounting, and shipping systems with documentation and 30 days training make it a great one or two-person operation. Residence could be included in the package. (800) 915-2320. (7/05)
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Construction/Real Estate Investment A highly-experienced, honest, licensed, responsible and reliable contractor seeks investor/partner in new construction/remodeling in west Florida. Perhaps a spec house or purchase to remodel. Contractor is experienced in custom homes of all sizes, including very high-end homes. Only interested in doing interesting and enjoyable projects. (941) 795-8711
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32’ Allied Seawind II, 1977 ketch, Westerbeke 30, roller furler, new sails, auto helm, depth, VHF, speed, stereo, GPS, EPIRB, Lectra-San MSD,epoxy bottom. Well-maintained classic-looking boat with graceful lines. $34,000 (941) 792-9100. (8/05) FREE-New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down–own 100%.1-866-Sailtime.
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36 Catalina 1985 $49,500. Sea Gypsy. Medical forces sale. Tall rig, fin keel 4.5 Harkin system, central air, refrigerator, 2 mains, 3 headsails, 2 anchors, dodger, bimini. Plus extras. bobhrck@aol.com. (8/05) 1975 41’ Gulfstar. Totally Equipped for cruising. Hard top w/ full enclosure over center cockpit. SSB, watermaker, radar, VHF, autopilot and much more. Call for details. $72,000. robynsnest51@yahoo.com or (561) 707-4372. (7/05)
FREE – New Hunter 33 or 36. SailTime will pay mortgage and all expenses for 5 years – you put 20% down and own 100%. Call 1-866-Sailtime.
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Sailtime.com is looking for base operators on the Florida coast. This may suit existing marine business owners who wish to add an additional income stream. Sailtime is a unique business model that requires minimal capital and no staff. Tel. (813) 817-0104 or jtwomey@sailtime.com
C REW AVAILABLE/WANTED ___________________________ Visit SOUTHWINDS “NEW” boat and crew listing service at southwindssailing.com
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35’ GARDEN KETCH, 1965-Japan, riveted wood, Yanmar 30,monel tanks,Doyle tanbark fullbatten sails,6 Trojan batteries, Bose, Lewmars, Force 10, RIB & 8 hp OB, HW, fridge, New standing, running rigging, bimini, cutlass, carpet, Great cruiser. $31,000 firm. Clearwater (813) 391-0470 georgetheleo@hotmail.com. (8/05)
1987/88 Brewer 44 shoal-draft w/board, center-cockpit, cutter-rig, Perkins 85, RIB w/15 hp, R/F foresails, cruising-equipped, for sale by original liveabord owners, well-maintained, lying Palmetto, FL, (941) 962-7100 or paritytwo@yahoo.com. (9/05)
BOOKS & CHARTS ___________________________ Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 5740289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm
36’ GULFSTAR Rare Salon Pilothouse 1971 Bristol loaded A/C Dual Steering. Inverter Hard bimini Kubota generator. 80 HP Lehman Freshwater. Huge decks & cockpit $62,500. TN River. (931) 425-6420. themissquita@hotmail.com (7/05) News & Views for Southern Sailors
ALL CLASSIFIED ADS DISPLAYED ON WEB SITE www.southwindssailing.com
CAPTAIN/sweetheart/companion NEEDED. Come Caribbean cruising with me on my great luxury catamaran! Lets enjoy an endless adventure filled with fun, laughter and love. E-mail me for more info and photos. And tell me a bit about yourself. smilingmermaid@hotmail.com (8/05)
HELP WANTED ___________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Opportunities-Massey is accepting resumes and interview appointments for yacht sales positions in both their sail and power divisions. Dealership locations are in St. Petersburg at the Harborage Marina, Palmetto at Regatta Pointe Marina and Fort Myers at Centennial Harbour Marina. Massey offers its sales team an extensive range of yacht sales tools as well as expansive advertising, marketing and boat show attendance. We are the largest Southeast U.S. dealer for Catalina, Hunter, Caliber and Shannon sailing yachts and the exclusive Florida west coast dealer for Albin and Shannon power yachts. Massey is an industry leader in brokerage yacht sales with continued rapid growth, in both sail and power. Applicants must be selfmotivated, successful yacht sales professionSOUTHWINDS
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C L A S S I F I E D als. A thorough knowledge of either the sail or power industry and substantial computer skills are essential. Fax resume to the attention of Frank Hamilton at (941) 729-7520 or call (941) 723-1610 for interview information.
MARINE ENGINES ___________________________
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Ponce de Leon Hotel Historic downtown hotel at the bay, across from St. Petersburg YC. 95 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 550-9300 FAX (727) 826-1774 www.poncedeleon hotel.com
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AC/DC Reefer, 22# Bruce Anchor, Anchor Ball, Sospenders, Magma Grills, Mariner 9.9 Mercury Long Shaft 7.5 HP, folding bikes, windsurfers, Metzeler sailing rig, windscoop, Drogues, lifesling, Type I life jackets w/strobe. Nautical Trader. (941) 488-0766. (8/05)
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LODGING FOR SAILORS ___________________________
2 new 4” x 14’ polyester slings, 8000# capacity each, D ring ends. Paid $200, sell $100 + shipping. (281) 324-1416. (9/05)
Robertson AP 2500 parts. Just rebuilt by Simrad, control box ($300), new RF 100 rudder feedback ($295), Fluxgate compass ($125). Control Head is out of service and Simrad won’t support it any longer. If you can fix it, it is free for shipping. (727)-866-2295 or sleeper41@pol.net. (8/05)
Service Dept. Rigger. Massey Yacht Sales is accepting applications and resumes for sail and/or powerboat riggers/outfitters. Many employee benefits including paid holidays, paid vacations, health insurance, workmen’s comp insurance, performance bonuses, and good hourly salary. Must be hardworking, honest, have own tools and be a team player. Excellent service department support and organization. Call George Humes, service department manager at (941) 723-1949, ext. 16 or fax resume to (941) 729-7520. SOUTHWINDS is looking for someone to help part time/spare time in running the magazine in all phases. Must be good at writing, grammar, etc. Must also be “comfortable” with selling (not looking for a salesperson – no soliciting), able to do bookkeeping, computer literate, have (or can get) high-speed Internet access (like DSL), good on the Internet, and other misc. tasks—and have lots of great ideas and interested in running a business. Great future potential. You can learn the business here, but experience helpful. Must live in West Florida (living near Bradenton a plus), but almost all work can be done on a computer from home. Four-year college degree required or good writing/grammar ability. Must be extremely reliable and responsible and communicate well and easy to get along with, like the editor. Must have a fair amount of sailing experience, basic racing knowledge. editor@southwindssailing.com.
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MISCELLANEOUS BOAT GEAR NEW & USED ___________________________
Offshore, OCR Category 1 Survival Pack. Certified. 1-year old $3500. C&C 110 Schurr Racing Mainsail, Mylar/Kevlar Laminate. 2Years Old. Good Condition (P=45’, E= 15.5’) $1500. (770) 265-0187. (8/05)
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20HP NEW !! Lombardini marine diesel engine weighs only 218 lbs model mg702. Can find more infomation on our link www.prp-inc.com net price only $5450 complete contact Ralph at (732) 286-6104 or ralph@prp-inc.com (8/05)
Tiralo floating deck chair - a beach chair that floats in water and rolls easily on the sand. Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.tiralousa.com. VHF radio, fixed mount, excellent condition.$45 (941) 235-1890. (9/05)
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Wanted-SSB transceiver.Under $500. (941) 235-1890. (9/05)
YOUR DISPLAY AD
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A D S SAILING INSTRUCTION ___________________________
SAILS & CANVAS ___________________________
SERVICES FOR SAILORS ___________________________
CHECK OR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. PAY ON LINE. News & Views for Southern Sailors
WINDSURFING GEAR ___________________________ Wanted: Used Prodigy (standard or race), other boards, miscellaneous windsurfing equipment. Steve (941) 795-8704, editor@southwindssailing.com SOUTHWINDS
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INDEX
OF
ADVERTISERS
TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN SOUTHWINDS! Southwinds provides this list as a courtesy and asks our readers to support our advertisers. This list includes all display advertising. Air Duck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 America’s Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Anne’s Anchors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26,67 Apex/Mayer Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . .25 Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Banks Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Beachmaster Photography . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 BigFish Sailboat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,29 Bluewater Sailing Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Boaters Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Bob and Annie’s Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Bubba Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Carson/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Crew Wanted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Crow’s Nest Restaurant/Marina Regatta . .59 Cruising Direct Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Drive Insurance From Progressive . . . . . . .20 Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC E-marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Fleetside Marine Service/Yanmar (813) 645-8971 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Glacier Bay Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Gulf Coast Raider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . .62,63,64 Hanse Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . .67 Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Island Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Island Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Island Yachting Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter . . . . . . . . . . .33 Laurie Kimball Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . .11,19,27,58,IBC Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . .7,14,67 Mayer Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . .BC National Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Nautical Trader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Noble Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Performance Sail and Sport . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Quantum Sarasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Raider Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,64 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . .10 68
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Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sailboats Florida, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage . . .61 Sailtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,13 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program . . . . . . . . .60 Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Scurvy Dog Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48,67 Seafarers International Brokerage . . . . . . .29 Shannon Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Snug Harbor Yacht Brokerage/Hunter . . . .35 Southerly Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Southern Trades Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . .62 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 St. Augustine Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . .67 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Sunrise Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . .56 Two Hulls Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 UK-Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Weather Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,IFC Windcraft Catamarans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Yanmar Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Advertise in SOUTHWINDS
With 15,000 printed each month, and 10,000 more viewing the magazine on our Web site, advertising with SOUTHWINDS is the best bargain in the sailing business.
NO ONE CAN BEAT OUR PRICES! Reach sailors in 8 southern states where SOUTHWINDS is delivered to over 500 locations Advertising links on our Web site to yours. Excellent brokerage rates in our brokerage section. Advertise in our annual West Florida Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory David Curry
Gary Hufford
Advertising Director davidcurry@southwindssailing.com (941) 761-0048
Advertising - Pinellas/Hillsborough Counties, FL gary@southwindssailing.com (727) 585-2814 www.southwindssailing.com
EAST FLORIDA SAILING continued from page 38 triangle somewhere along the way. The major challenge of this course is to figure out where the marks are and the proper order. Often slower and more careful attention wins over breakneck carelessness as, every year a few teams find out upon returning to shore that they missed a mark and sailed an improper course. This course format, rarely used in other regattas, is the most challenging and satisfying part of the event (when successfully completed. Sunday began with clouds and absolute calm and stayed that way until after noon. The south part of the county had a strong storm in the middle of the day, with clouds clearly visible to those of us hoping to race. Finally, a sea breeze began, first as a gentle breeze and then rose to a good wind later in the afternoon, blowing rain clouds inland. Cocoa had no rain and a great second day of sailing as a result. To take no chances on bad weather interfering, the race committee shortened the usual course by a few miles, but the weather stayed fine for the whole afternoon. The Indian River Yacht Club has a long history of good company and fun sailing. The slightly different course structure of the Brevard Challenge is one of its best qualities. It is a whole lot of fun and something slightly different for a change. Results (for complete results, go to www.sail-race.com/iryc/bcresults2005.htm): Catalina 22; 1, Mercury Rising (Skipper: Ruffe); 2, Pedal (Skipper: Oliver); 3, Tom Cat (Skipper: Carter): Melges 24; 1, Mr. Hyde (Skipper: Laguna); 2, Airborne (Skipper: Nulf); 3, Moving Target (Skipper: MacKenzie); Lindenburg 28; 1, Five Speed (Skipper: Smith); 2, Fast Lane (Skipper: Beckett); 3, Rookey (Skipper: Yates); Non-Spinnaker Monohull; 1, Ulikai (Skipper: Wooten); 2, Butz (Skipper: Malachi); 3, Magic (Skipper: Snow); Spinnaker Monohull; 1, PDQ (Skipper: Daniel); 2, Sneakers (Skipper: Arriens); 3, Chasing Rainbows (Skipper: Wiese); Multihulls; 1, Fearless (Skipper: Rodrick); 2, Chuck (Skipper: Karr); 3, Dingo (Skipper: Ingram).
Race Calendar JULY – CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA 1 Summer Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 2-4 Fireworks Cruise to Melbourne Harbor, East Coast Sailing Assoc. 2-3 Firecracker Regatta. Cocoa Beach Yacht Club 13 Wednesday Night Sailing. Indian River Yacht Club, Cocoa 16 Gilligans Run, Daytona Beach. Fleet 80, Catamaran distance race from Daytona Beach to New Smyrna Beach and back 16-17 Cruise to Yellow Dog Café, ECSA 17 Spring Series #6, Indian River Yacht Club, Cocoa 17 Small Boat Racing, Melbourne Yacht Club 20 Wednesday Night Sailing, Indian River Yacht Club, Cocoa 22 Summer Rum Race, Melbourne Yacht Club 23 Summer River Race #3, ESCA/Melbourne Yacht Club 23 Moonlight Regatta, Rudder Club, Jacksonville www.rudderclub.org 23 Full Moon Cruise, Indian River Yacht Club 27 Wednesday Night Sailing, Indian River Yacht Club, Cocoa 30 Summer River Race #3, East Coast Racing Assoc. Melbourne Yacht Club 31 Fall Women’s Race #1, ECSA/Melbourne Yacht Club 31 Summer/Fall #1, Indian River Yacht Club, Cocoa 31 Small Boat Racing, Melbourne Yacht Club August – Central East Florida 14 Adult Sailing Class begins (5 Saturdays) Melbourne Yacht Club www.melbourneyachtclub.com 8 Summer/Fall Race #3, Indian River Yacht Club 8 Small Boat Sunday Racing, Melbourne Yacht Club 13 Fall Rum Race #1, Melbourne Yacht Club News & Views for Southern Sailors
SE COAST SAILING continued from page 36 23 -24 30 30
Mt. Pleasant, SC., Hobcaw Yacht Club, Open Charleston, SC., Carolina Yacht Club – SC, Open Manteo, NC., 3rd Annual Summer One-Design Regatta; Opti, 420, Sunfish, Jr. & Master, Outer Bank Community Sailing
August Lake Lanier, GA. www.larc.strictlysailing.com 3, 10,17,24,31 AISC Series II, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club 6, 13 Trade Winds Series, Barefoot Sailing Club, 6 p.m. 20 Women’s Helmsman Race, Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, AISC does RC 20 Moonlight Scramble #2 / Better Late Than Never, Barefoot Sailing Club and Southern Sailing Club (Combined), 8 p.m. Flat Start 27-28 Raft-Up Regatta, Southern Sailing Club Charleston, SC. www.charlestonoceanracing.org 2 CORA, Executive Meeting, www.charlestonoceanracing.org 3,10,17 Summer Series #2 race 4 20-21 Melges 24 Charleston Harbor Challenge 27 Fall Ocean Race #1 Go to www.longbaysailing.org for additional information 5-6 Wooden Boat Race, South Port 20 Race Week 4, Little River Inlet Go to www.sayra-sailing.org/pages/racing.htm for additional info 5–7 Wrightsville Beach, NC., South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association Open Invitational, Carolina Yacht Club-NC 6–7 Wadmalaw, SC., Rockville Regatta, Open, Sea Island Yacht Club 13 – 14 Hilton Head, SC., Spar Wars - Opti, Sunfish, Laser – South Carolina Yacht Club 20 – 21 Charleston, SC. , Melges 24, Charleston Yacht Club SOUTHWINDS
July 2005
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How to Take a Sailing Class By Bruce Sanspree
Have you seen all the ads for sailing schools? I have—and wondered if it was worth the time and money. I had been pondering the idea of sailing lessons for quite some time.
A
few years ago a college friend had purchased a Catalina 22 and invited my wife and me for many a weekend afternoon on the lake. He had not taken any lessons himself and was self-taught. He eventually sold the sailboat, and my occasional sailing trips ceased. However, there was the constant nag of how refreshing, relaxing and occasionally adventurous the sailing trips were. I owned a powerboat once, but sailing seemed to bring me closer to a connection to the water and to nature. I would go to boat shows and eye the sailboats. I would walk along the marinas during my coastal beach trips. I subscribed to several sailing magazines to pick up what I could about sailing, thinking one day I would eventually buy a sailboat. I actually came close to buying a day sailer on several occasions. I came across several sailboat owners who were offering to sell and who stated that it was “only used once or twice.” Any boat purchase was a significant expense, and with a son in college extra money was limited. But I was nagged by this feeling of uncertainty concerning my ability to sail. Further I felt I was limited by not living on the coast. One day while reading the ads in the back of one of my sailing magazines, I noticed the advertisement for a sailing school. It was not anywhere close to my location, however. I wondered, “If there are ASA Sailing Schools around, then there might be one in my area.” Surfing the Internet, I found one about an hour’s drive from my home. It is located at Lake Norman just north of Charlotte, NC, the Lake Norman Sailing Academy. It had a basic keel board class, the next one starting in March. No more waiting. I decided to take the plunge. The instructors were Jack and Mike. Both Mike and Jack had been sailing most of their lives and were extremely knowledgeable. The boats used are Hunter 216s. The classes were divided into three weekends, part classroom and part “on the water practice.” Within the first few hours I learned more about sailing than I had “picked up” sailing for years with friends. At the end of the first day I had a general understanding of sailing principles and practices. What’s more, I found the ASA Sailing Fundamentals book easy to understand. (Yes – there is a test at the end.) Mike was our primary teacher and an excellent instructor. Learning from an expert leaves one with assurance and confidence about the information, maneuvers, reliability, and limits of sailing. Having the “hands-on” experience of watching correct sailing skills demonstrated was invaluable. 70
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I must pause here and say we had a variety of experiences on the water, all of which a sailor would experience under normal conditions. We had times where there was no wind. Or the wind changed directions or there was too much wind. We had powerboats zip by. It was a great advantage to have an instructor in the sailboat to ask the why, what, where, and history of things. I am a firm believer that information reduces risk. The more you learn, the safer you are—for yourself, your family and others on the water. I actually experienced sailing close-hauled, reaching and running. We tacked, jibbed, and used correct terms for all items on the boat. I was actually learning - not just trying to “pick it up” while watching others sail. Additionally, I knew I would be tested at the end of the course. This forced me to take the class seriously. One thing became clear. There was a lot of information that I had NOT been exposed to and had not “picked up” along life’s way. If I thought that I had an understanding of sailing prior to the class, I was mistaken. The class was invaluable both as a learning tool and to help me feel comfortable at the helm and with the rigging, sails, everything. If I had previously purchased a sailboat, as I had toyed with in the past, I may have been over my head skills-wise. I would not have known what I was doing. It might have even been dangerous because of my lack of knowledge and experience. Remember there is no “driver’s license” to operate a boat. A critical piece was learning basic rules of the road between sailboats and powerboats and between sailboats on different points of sail. So here is what I want to share. If you have been thinking about sailing, then go ahead and take the sailing class and learn the correct way. You do not have to buy a boat or commit to anything else. You do learn that the basic class is a “license” to learn. You do find out that there is a lot to sailing, and it can be learned like anything else is learned – through small steps. To borrow a scuba slogan, you do get to meet new people, have fun, and learn new things. I may or may not buy a boat in the near future; however, I will continue to take more classes that increase my skill level. So if you have been eyeing the sailing life for years, then go ahead and take the plunge and take the class. You won’t be disappointed. If you are serious about safety, take lessons and learn the right way. You will learn good information and the skills you need to sail safely. And you will probably even have fun. www.southwindssailing.com