Southwindsjuly2007

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Bruce VanSant Cruising Key Largo Isla Contoy

July 2007 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

Reinventing the wheel is one thing that makes Beneteau such an exceptional sailboat manufacturer.

For over a century, we’ve been leading the industry with innovations like our patented pivoting wheel on the Beneteau 323.You’ll also find many other features and options on the Beneteau 323, including a retractable keel that allows you to sail into the most shallow gunkholing spots. Experience the exceptional. Visit your nearest Beneteau dealer to view the new sailing yachts for 2007.

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS July 2007

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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.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 15 Number 7 July 2007 Copyright 2007, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Doran Cushing, Publisher 11/1993-6/2002

Steve Morrell

Publisher/Editor 7/2002-Present editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(941) 795-8704

Steve Morrell

Advertising editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(941) 795-8704

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

Regional Editors EAST FLORIDA mhw1@earthlink.net

Roy Laughlin Production Heather Nicoll

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Letters from our readers Rebecca Burg Jack Foard Ron Mitchellette Hone Scunook

Contributing Writers Phyllis Atha Julie Connerley Kim Kaminski Philip Pratley Cliff Stephan

(321) 690-0137 Artwork Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com Carol Bareuther Jack Findlater Roy Laughlin Kate Pursell Morgan Stinemetz

Contributing Photographers/Art Phyllis Atha Dean Barnes Gary Brown Rebecca Burg (& Artwork) Jack Findlater Jack Foard John Hanson Heather Harthcock Gary Hufford Kim Kaminski Ron Mitchellette Kate Pursell Cliff Stephan Morgan Stinemetz Ocean Watch EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some faroff and far-out place.

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

Contact the editor with questions.

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

Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web site

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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Suggestions for Marinas and Mooring Fields

By Steve Morrell

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Letters

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Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

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Right Guard: Art Or Blight?

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

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Our Waterways: Ticketing Anchored Boats in Miami, Boot Key Harbor Pump-Out Boat

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Hurricane Season 2007 Section: Tips and News on Hurricane Protection for Your Boat

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A Gin & Tonic With Bruce VanSant

By Jack Foard

Cruising to Key Largo. Photo byRebecca Burg. Page 44.

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Florida Keys Mystery Cable

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Travels with Angel: Coastal Hopping to Key Largo

By Rebecca Burg

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Mexico’s Isla Contoy

By Phyllis Atha

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Yacht Haven Grande Rebirth: St. Thomas’ New Marina Complex

By Carol Bareuther

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Key West Rendezvous 2007

By Steve Morrell

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

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Story: The Crescent Moon Cruise Ship Line

By Kate Pursell

28-29 Marine Market Place 40-41 Regional Sailing Services Directory – Local boat services in your area.

57 Boat Brokerage Section 62 Classifieds 68 Alphabetical Index of Advertisers 69 Advertisers’ List by Category 69 Subscription Form

Mexico’s Isla Contoy. Photo by Phyllis Atha. Page 46.

Cover: A sloop at rest in Man-O-War Cay, Bahamas.

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

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing 6

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FROM THE HELM Marina and Mooring Field Suggestions Wanted SOUTHWINDS was contacted by someone involved in a community committee for future planning (including long-range plans) of waterways access, including marinas and mooring fields, for suggestions and ideas. This is a Florida community but all ideas for the southern states are applicable. We are seeking public input to present these ideas and will also post them on our Web site. Besides passing them on to this individual, a future article on these ideas will be published. Anyone who would like to offer their suggestions, please send them to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. We also feel that this can be a good opportunity for an open discussion in general for future marinas and mooring fields.

Some of the ideas which I have come up with—to give readers an idea of what would be pertinent—are the following, although in no way limited in scope to these suggestions. We welcome all ideas: • Suggestions for floating or fixed docks.

• Docks and slips designed (or refurbished) to better protect boats and docks during a hurricane. For example: stronger and larger cleats so that more lines can be secured to one cleat and more cleats at more locations for more lines; docks better engineered to withstand storms; dock boards well secured that won’t lift up during a storm surge; slip contracts that mandate boaters prepare their boats for storms or the marina will charge them; creation and encouragement for hurricane plans for the marina and boat owners.

• Pump-out facilities at each slip and a pump-out boat for mooring fields.

• Encourage pump-out boats by private business, or community-funded for anchored boats and private docks.

• Allow boaters to bring in contractors to work on the boats.

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• For large marinas, allow responsible bicycle use on the docks. Establish bicycle racks and promote bicycle use.

• Encourage liveaboards, as they also provide security for the marina and a sense of neighborhood. This holds true for marinas and mooring fields.

• Wireless Internet service available.

• Allow boat owners to be released from their slip or mooring field contracts if their boats are sold, with limitations.

• Have transient slips and moorings and facilities, with bicycles, available.

• Encourage general boater education and safety through the marina.

• Establish reasonable slip, mooring field and utility fees.

• Encourage waterways access for all, regardless of where they live, as our waterways are a national treasure and belong to all.

Steve Morrell Editor

www.southwindsmagazine.com

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

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

E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com NAPLES MOORING FIELD CLOSED The Naples city mooring field has now been closed for over three years. The city blames the state. The state says Naples is taking no actions. The Naples city dockworkers and city management have no priority on reopening the field. It’s convenient for city dock people to leave it

closed. The mooring field consists of approximately 15 moorings, which continue to be in place but are not used.

Jay Gray Fort Myers Beach, FL Jay – I don’t know the status of that, but I hear rumors that the city and state have been

arguing about it. Meanwhile, boaters don’t get to use them. Perhaps a reader can fill us in on what is happening in Naples.

Editor THE PUMP-OUT BOAT MEETS RESISTANCE IN TAMPA BAY Last year, a pump-out boat service in Tampa Bay was opened and tried to become established, but ran into so much resistance from marinas and governments, that after several months, the owner was forced to shut it down. In this issue, we have an article about a pump-out boat service in the Florida Keys (“Our Waterways” section, page 30). We publish this letter this month, so that perhaps people can realize that their own government and some marinas did nothing but offer resistance to a pump-out boat company that found great demand for their service.

Editor If I think too long, I risk ruining the moment by realizing that this is one of the most corrupt states in the union. It’s hard to ignore when boatyards and marinas are being sold off to build waterfront condos so there is no place left to dock recreational boats. Real estate agents show their clients the beautiful view of sailboats on the ICW in efforts to “stage condos” for sale, yet owners want to run boaters off the map after they move in. I don’t get it!

As you know I started The PumpOut Boat business in January of last year in the Tampa Bay area, and I would like to review what happened in the course of its demise.

Steve, I would like first and foremost, to thank you for your support and enthusiasm to raise public awareness for clean waterways and issues of overdevelopment. I would like to thank a handful of loyal The Pump-Out Boat customers and activists who were willing to stand up for their rights. I am delighted that Southwinds has drawn attention and support from a terrific crew of readers.

I closed down operations and fell out of circulation for a while after my disappointing experience to do something good for the environment in Florida. The Pump-Out Boat boat service was ahead of its time for a state like Florida, because the environment does not appear to be a priority with the powSee LETTERS continued on page 10

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LETTERS ers that succumb to greed. The local and state government allows developers to run city hall, and I miscalculated the politics. It appears that they invest more in jails and courthouses to fuel their judicial money machines than they do in education and public schools, so why should they worry about clean water?

When I started the service, I quickly gained many interesting customers and managed to get a lot of great press, so there is certainly a strong demand for pump-outs. Initially, I had support from every agency and harbormaster prior to investing and refitting a boat for service, but when I became operational, they all turned their backs, except for one. Walt Miller, port manager of St. Petersburg, was very supportive.

However, another major privately owned marina in St. Petersburg (whose name I won’t mention here) did not allow me to enter the harbor to pump out more than 13 tenants who requested my services—even after I complied with every guideline that the harbormaster imposed.

The marina management at several private and municipal marinas, including the city of Gulfport, refused to empty our tanks, so we were left with one municipal marina 12 miles away to transfer waste to shoreside treatment facilities. Although the Clean Marina Program is a great idea, marina operators take liberty to brag about it as a marketing device, but the fact is that many Clean Marina pump-out facilities are not maintained properly so they are inoperable much of the time.

Some marina operators and even harbormasters appeared to be on the take when I would show up to pump out, and many did not like the fact that we charged for the service. I’m certain that they would not choose to drive around in a boat full of waste every day, for free. They made it so difficult with corporate red tape and liability issues, that the venture became a “cause” instead of a “service.”

The cities and state let developers get away with murder, raping the land with no regard for the boaters who pay taxes as well. After spending countless hours on the phone with agency and government officials in certain cities, including Tallahassee, I was told to have my attorneys contact the municipalities directly. I realized that the uphill battle for clean waterways would become expensive. I decided to throw in the towel and let ‘em swim in their own waste until sadly, it becomes an environmental crisis—but we are not quite there yet.

On a positive note, the only good thing about the current real estate slump is that housing starts and closings on new properties are down, which has caused a few builders to shelve plans for new condo projects. Maybe this will give Florida boaters a bit more time to organize and make a difference.

I feel happy that I rattled some cages and that a few gutsy editors like yourself care to write articles and raise public awareness about clean waterways. (Almost worth the price of admission!)

Fair Winds, Capt. Dave Bergen The (old) Pump-Out Boat BOATERS VOTE WITH THEIR DOLLARS My husband and I look forward to getting our copy of SOUTHWINDS each month for the latest news and articles.

We find the recent news about fellow boaters being harassed from the Keys, Marco Island, and throughout the See LETTERS continued on page 12 10

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LETTERS coastal waterways appalling. There is no justification for these unwarranted “night raids,” nor probable cause for arresting boaters anchoring over 24 hours. We think it’s time that all boaters and friends of boaters boycott these municipalities and counties which have chosen to use these un-American, Gestapo tactics upon its citizenry. We will NOT be taking our boats and spending our money to have our TAXES used in this manner by bullies.

This behavior cannot be tolerated by a free society. It’s time for a VOTE, and we’re going to VOTE with our DOLLARS! We promise our fellow boaters that we won’t spend a DIME on fuel, hotels, shopping, restaurants, or supplies in any county, town or municipality that mistreats our fellow Americans. And we’re going to let them know it!

Pat and Janet Armstrong Pat and Janet – I have always believed that there is more power in voting with your pocketbook than with your political vote, as you can concentrate power toward a smaller entity and have an effect, and I applaud your plans. Its real power, though, comes when many get together and act in unison. I know that already, the marinas in Marco Island are feeling the effect and don’t like the financial cost they have paid for Marco Island’s being known as boater-unfriendly. Same for Gulfport, FL, which, if many people have their way in that town, will soon be looking like Marco Island and have a condo waterfront.

Editor FLORIDA FWC After reading the letter in your April 2007 issue regarding Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission officers, I wanted to add my experience. Several years ago, we were in the Venice area, when a FWC officer boarded our boat to check the Florida registration. After showing him our documentation and proof that we had paid the Florida sales tax, he proceeded to explain to us for 30 minutes, how, if the sales tax had not been paid, he could have handcuffed us, taken us off the boat and impounded it to be sold at auction later. He was a big man with a gun, which he kept handling all the time he talked to us. We were actually afraid for our safety.

I would like to know how many of these impounded boats end up being purchased by FWC officers. They call it law enforcement. I call it piracy.

Recently we were in Venice again, and at the sight of the FWC boat, our hearts started pounding as if we were common criminals. We are responsible boaters who have taken U.S. Power Squadron and USCG courses, have the proper equipment and obey the laws, yet we are afraid of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission officers.

On this same trip, we met a couple from Alabama, who were also boarded by the FWC in the Venice area. Even though their boat is registered in Alabama, where they live, they were given a “warning” ticket and told that if they were caught in these waters within the next six months, they would be in big trouble because the boat isn’t registered in Florida.

One morning, within the space of two hours, we saw the Sarasota Sheriff boat and the Venice city police boat in addition to the FWC boat. Do we really need this much protection? And who is going to protect us from them?

Withholding my name out of a real fear of harassment Witholding – When they did the “night raids” in the Keys, one offi12

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cer called it “education.” Rumor has it that that officer has now moved on from that earlier stance and now is working at educating boaters in the traditional sense. But I think some officers have it in their heads that they are there to educate, so they need to give out a lecture—even though you might still have everything legally in order. Maybe they are bored, or a wannabe professor or just like to lecture people. Either way, there are a few of them who just like to intimidate and are on some sort of power trip.

I figure that when they have nothing better to do, they go hassle people for their registration. You’d think if they are that desperate, they would cut back on the number of officers needed, as nonregistration is not really that criminal. I know there’s bigger fish to fry (pun intended) than checking registration infractions just in case someone might be breaking the law—but not because of suspicion that they are, through evidence that can be seen. Can you imagine the police doing that with cars? Or in the street? Imagine a police officer stopping you walking down the street just to see if your personal papers are in order—even though you are just minding your own business? Does this remind you of something?

This could also be part of a new “welcome tourist” plan in the state of Florida.

You said this officer boarded your boat. My understanding is that they cannot board your boat except to inspect something they can’t see from not boarding, like a holding tank. Otherwise, you can bring everything up top, and they can see it from their boat. They also have to ask you if they can board but can demand to board to inspect sanitation equipment if they want. Below is the law as I understand it, but please verify it for yourself.

Florida Vessels Code Section 327.56 - Vessel Safety - Safety and marine sanitation equipment inspections; qualified.

Title XXIV. VESSELS. Chapter 327. VESSEL SAFETY 327.56 Safety and marine sanitation equipment inspections; qualified.— (1) No officer shall board any vessel to make a safety or marine sanitation equipment inspection if the owner or operator is not aboard.

When the owner or operator is aboard, an officer may board a vessel with consent or when the officer has probable cause or knowledge to believe that a violation of a provision of this chapter has occurred or is occurring. An officer may board a vessel when the operator refuses or is unable to display the safety or marine sanitation equipment required by law, if requested to do so by a law enforcement officer, or when the safety or marine sanitation equipment to be inspected is permanently installed and is not visible for inspection unless the officer boards the vessel.

Editor MARATHON AND BOOT KEY HARBOR— SUCH A BOATER-FRIENDLY PARADISE This winter our boat manufacturer, Mirage, sponsored a cruise for Great Harbour trawler owners beginning in Stuart and ending in Marathon in the Florida Keys. On March 2, 13 Great Harbour trawlers arrived in Marathon heading either to local marinas or the newly installed city mooring balls. We had planned to stay in Marathon for just 2 or 3 days.

However, six of us still remain in Boot Key Harbor a month later. This extended stay was due primarily to the many outstanding services and amenities provided by Boot Key Harbor City Marina and the city of Marathon.

First, without fail, the city marina staff was extremely helpful and courteous. We were delighted to have a convenient dinghy dock, water supply, laundry facilities, bicycle See LETTERS continued on page 14 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS racks, mail service, trash disposal, recycling (including old fuel and oil), and free weekly pump-outs. We were impressed with their attention to the environment.

The city of Marathon offers numerous entertainment opportunities including restaurants, parks, museums, shopping, diving/snorkeling, public beach and an inexpensive bus service to as far south as Key West. Other events include potluck gatherings, the annual Marathon Seafood Festival, and spontaneous get-togethers. The daily Marathon Cruisers Net (9 a.m. on VHF 68) became an important part of our day, highlighting additional activities and providing boaters assistance.

Lastly, we found the Smorgasboat service to be an integral part of what makes Marathon such a boater-friendly stop. We used it frequently, either when weather conditions or the sheer bulk of what we were hauling ruled out using our dinghy. Bonuses of that water taxi service included newspaper delivery to our boat as well as transportation to the many great restaurants. Finally, the welcome packet, delivered by Smorgasboat, is a very nice touch and quickly got us connected to all the services, restaurants, and other activities.

We are sad to leave Marathon. However, many of us Great Harbour owners are already planning our return trip next year and thinking about an extended stay—several of us for two to three months. The city of Marathon and the local businesses were wonderful hosts, and they have created the perfect environment for both power and sail cruisers.

Submitted by the crews of: Forever 39, Lazy Dolphin, Lo Que Se A, Moon Beam, Puffin, and Esmeralda Great Harbour Trawler Owners – Now that is some good news, and I am glad to hear it. Boot Key Harbor and Marathon have gradually gotten better for boaters over the last few years. I am sure you will all be welcomed back next year.

And thanks for letting us know so we can pass the word along—especially back to those who treated you well.

Editor FERNANDINA BEACH MOORING FIELD AND INCREASED FEES AT THE MARINA The city of Fernandina Beach in northwest Florida has begun installing its mooring field in the anchorage just opposite the city marina. Twenty mooring buoys at a taxpayer cost of $250,000 will eventually be installed. The buoys will rent for $300 a month, $90 a week, or $15 a day. Boats taking a mooring will be expected to pump out their holding tanks three times a month (and how are they going to enforce this rule one has to wonder). Luckily, for the time being at least, boaters can still drop anchor north and south of the mooring field, which means a longer dinghy ride to get to the dock.

There is also talk of increasing the dinghy dock fees at the marina from $65 a month to $90. This increase follows in the wake of huge increases in transient, liveaboard and regular marina dock fees. As a result of all these increases, the marina is mostly empty, and has been so for the last year, in spite of the major renovation that has taken place. Overall, the boaters I’ve talked with are angry about the high prices, which include the price of fuel (pumped, I should note, by very slow pumps).

Harry Knickerbocker On board Victory of Burnham in Fernandina Beach, FL E-mail your letters to the Editor: editor@southwindsmagazine.com 14

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

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

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

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EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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

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

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

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

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

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements. Eleven lessons, every Tuesday. Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. Lessons CONTRIBUTE TO SOUTHWINDS WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED SOUTHWINDS is always looking for articles and photos on various subjects about sailing (cruising and racing), our Southern waters, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

For more information, go to our Web site, www.southwindsmagazine.com, and see the “Writers Guidelines” page, or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

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include: which boat for you, equipment, trailering, lines and knots, boat handling, signs, weather, rules, introduction to navigation, inland boating and radio. (727) 823-3753. Don’t wait until next summer to have your children qualify for a State of Florida boater safety ID, possibly lower your boaters insurance premium or just hone your safe boating skills.

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Sixweek Public Boating Course begins every Monday. Includes safety information plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 8673088. Other courses continuosly offered. (727) 565-4453. www.boating-stpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs Sailing Course. August 13, 14,16. America’s Boating Course: July 14,15.

For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check please call (727) 469-8895 or visit www.a0701101.uscgaux.info.

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

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will also allow participants to attend the classes.

To apply, call (813) 677-2354.

Jacksonville, FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. Americas Boating Course. July 21. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $25.00, including books and materials. Meets Florida legal requirements for boater education, and most insurance companies offer discounts to program graduates. To register, or for more information, call Mike Christnacht at (904) 502-9154.

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

OTHER EVENTS Regatta Time in Abaco, July 3-11 This annual regatta, one of the most famous in the Bahamas and Florida starts with Bobb Henderson’s immense “Cheeseburger in Paradise” picnic and runs through a week of festivities and casual racing with Bahamian boats and cruisers from all over.

For more information, go to www.rtia.net.

23rd Annual Underwater Music Festival, July 14, Looe Key, Florida Keys Divers, snorkelers and swimmers enjoy a fun and quirky form of underwater entertainment. (305) 872-2411.

27th Hemingway Days Festival. July 19-27, Key West.

The island of Key West celebrates the legendary author’s work and life with literary readings, theater, short story contest, exhibits and more. www.hemingwayday.net. (305) 296-2388.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

■ NEWS

Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Adds Anchorage Directory The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net recently added an anchorage directory to their Web site, www.CruisersNet.net. Currently, the directory only includes anchorages along the North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia coastlines. In the coming months, they are planning to add anchorages in eastern Florida, western Florida, the St. John’s River area, the Okeechobee Waterway, the Florida Keys and the northern Gulf Coast (Florida Panhandle to New Orleans). This is a free service offered by the cruisers net.

The listing of an anchorage includes the ICW statute mile, a rough latitude and longitude location (not to be used for navigation), a short descriptive location (regarding navigational aides and geographical markers), water depth, swing room available at the anchorage (the maximum length vessel that can comfortably swing in the anchorage), rating as a foul weather shelter and an overall subjective rating. There is also a portion of a chart showing the anchorage’s general location.

The cruisers net is looking for individual comments about the anchorages, so that they can post them on the directory in the future for other boaters to read. They are also looking for information from boaters on other anchorages not listed in the directory, so they can add them to the list. Boaters can e-mail anchorage information to CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net.

The directory can be accessed by going to the Cruisers’ Net Web site, www.cruisersnet.net, and going to the anchorage directory pages on the left side of the home page menu.

St. Augustine Providing Free Pump-outs The St. Augustine Port Waterway Authority is providing a free holding-tank pump-out service to all vessels anchored in the north and south anchorages at the Bridge of Lions

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and in Salt Run. This will happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week, If you would like your vessel pumped out, tie the orange ribbon to a visible structure on the bow of the vessel to alert us to your vessel. The city is providing this service to prevent waste contamination of St. Augustine’s waterways. If you have any questions or concerns or if you need a ribbon, contact the Conch House Marina at (904) 824-4347.

Youth Sailing Program Debuts in Upper Keys

Upper Keys Sailing Club supports the program with volunteers and partial funding. Last year, the MSYSP incorporated as a 501(c)3 to facilitate donations.

This year, the first summer sailing camp was a beginning Opti camp with two sessions for junior sailors ages seven to nine. Kids learn pram sailing, which includes rigging, steering with a tiller, tacking and capsizing. Other classes are being offered throughout the summer, including programs for ages 10 to 17, sailing Sunfish sailboats.

Although most sessions are full, the program is encouraging people to add their names to a waiting list, as there will be cancellations.They are also considering adding more classes.

This year there was a high enrollment for these camps, so additional prams were borrowed from the Marathon Sailing Club and the Marathon Youth Sailing Program. The MSYSP is currently holding a fundraising drive to purchase more Opti prams. The MSYSP is also always looking for donations to improve and help expand the program.

For more information about the summer camps and/or to make a tax-deductible contribution, call Karen Tone at (305) 849-0659. More information is available about the Upper Keys Sailing Club and the MSYSP at www.upperkeyssailingclub.com.

For a list of all Southern summer youth sailing programs, go to http://www.southwindsmagazine.com/youthprograms.html.

Marathon Considers Eliminating Boot Key Harbor Bridge Sailing camp in Key Largo. Photo by Heather Harthcock.

This summer, the Mark Sorenson Youth Sailing Program (MSYSP) held its first summer sailing camp in early June in the Upper Keys. The Mark Sorenson Youth Sailing Program is a nonprofit organization operating out of the Upper Keys Sailing Club located on Buttonwood Bay in Key Largo. The

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The city of Marathon in the Florida Keys is considering entirely eliminating the drawbridge linking the city with Boot Key Island. It is the only real access to Boot Key Harbor, where hundreds of boats are anchored and moored. The only other access, Sisters Creek, would have to be dredged to qualify as the access. The city is currently looking at an immediate need of $1-million for bridge repairs and another $4-million over the next five years. In recent years, the city has been spending $90,000 a year on the bridge, but repairs are needed to keep it functioning properly. Last hurricane season, the bridge was stuck in the down position while waiting for repairs, and many boats could not get into the harbor for refuge. The bridge is old and this has happened more and more over time. Decisions are needed that will lead to a more permanent answer to the problem.

The city is consequently considering total elimination of the bridge, and the only obstacle is the rights of landowners who have property on Boot Key Island. The only current uses for the island are a radio station and dockage for fishing vessels. The city agrees that the landowners have certain rights, but it is used by so few people that the city does not want to burden the majority of citizens with the cost of maintaining the bridge for those few. At this point, Marathon City Council members have directed the city staff to investigate putting the property owners in a special taxing district to solve that problem. www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Boaters Exchange in Rockledge, FL, Moves Boaters Exchange of Rockledge is pleased to announce that its entire business has moved to a new location, just two blocks south of its previous facility. “After five years of serving local boaters from our current collection of buildings, we are delighted to be moving up to a new facility,” says Jerry Butz, president of Boaters Exchange. “Our new location is spread across three acres and offers a huge service center, a large store and a modern sales office.

Check it out. You will be delighted.”

Boaters Exchange’s new location is at 2145 S. U.S. 1, Rockledge, FL. For more information, contact it at (321) 6380090, or go to www.BoatersExchange.com.

Boaters Exchange is the exclusive dealer for the following boat lines: World Class catamarans, Triumph powerboats, Edgewater powerboats and Catalina sailboats.

Boaters Exchange is the authorized service and parts center for the following outboard manufacturers: Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Tohatsu/Nissan. Boaters Exchange, besides a fully stocked boat store, also offers a range of qualitychecked used boats and motors.

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ICW Problem Section at Jewfish Creek/Longboat Pass in West Florida to be Dredged From the Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net, www.cruisersnet.net.

The entire cruising community owes a debt of gratitude to Capt. Peter Van Roekens and the rest of the Boater’s Coalition of Sarasota. Through their efforts and the efforts of other friends of the cruising community, this number one problem spot on the western Florida ICW is now slated for dredging in the near future.

For those who don’t already know, the ICW borders the eastern flank of Jewfish Creek, north of Sarasota, and just south of Longboat Pass. Shoaling has been a marked problem along this stretch for some time now. Dredging in the Jewfish Key area was slated to begin in June, and the area will be passable during the dredging.

Marathon Boat Yard Named First Clean Boatyard in Florida Keys

The Clean Boating Partnership named Marathon Boat Yard and Marathon Boats & Yachts as the first Clean Boatyard

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and first Clean Retailer in Monroe County.

Marathon Boat Yard is the 25th Clean Boatyard in the state and the third in the south district.

Marathon Boats & Yachts is the third Clean Marine Retailer in the state and the second in the district. Bruce Popham is the Marathon Boat Yard owner/manager and past chair of the Clean Boating Partnership.

The Clean Marina Program boasts 136 Clean Marinas, 25 Clean Boatyards, and three Clean Marine Retailers. The designation of this facility has added 20 wet slips and 90 dry storage spaces to the Clean Marina community.

R.B. Grove Extends Westerbeke Coverage in Southern States Westerbeke Corp., a manufacturer of diesel- and gasolinefueled engines and generators, extended the territory covered by its distributor in Florida, R.B. Grove. In addition to Florida and the Bahamas, Grove will now cover Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

To deliver service in this expanded territory, R.B. Grove, based in Doral on Florida’s southeast coast, opened a regional office and distribution center in Pensacola, FL. R.B. Grove is also a distributor of Universal engines and parts. The company can be reached at (800) 281-7545. It is located at 1881 NW 93 Ave., Doral, FL 33172. www.rbgrove.com.

Island Packet Receives Two U.S. Awards for Motorsailer Innovation

distances with easy control and modest fuel consumption.

With twin cockpits (one aft and one forward of the deckhouse) and an interior arrangement that provides exceptional livability in this size range, the SP Cruiser is unique. Most notable, however, is a new sail-handling system that makes it the first “popular-sized” sailboat with the availability of “push button” sail controls. The new StoWinch™ sheeting system, a joint development effort between Lewmar, Inc., and Island Packet Yachts, brings a new level of convenience to sailing and ultimately opens the door to fully automated sailing. Developed specifically for the SP Cruiser, the new system appeals not only to cruisers looking to stay in sailing longer, but also to new sailors wishing for simplified sail controls and increased enjoyment of sailing in general.

Island Packet’s V.P. of Sales and Marketing, Bill Bolin, adds, “Growing our sailing industry is going to come in the form of more models like the SP Cruiser that deliver to a wider market through innovation and new features that increase the accessibility.”

Articles Wanted on Southern Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations and Youth Sailing SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for articles on individual yacht clubs, sailing associations and youth sailing groups throughout the Southern states (the eight Southern coastal states from North Carolina south all the way around the Gulf and into the Gulf through eastern Texas).

The clubs and associations must be well established and have been around for at least a few years. It does not matter whether the organization has a fixed location or facility. The SOUTHWINDS editor reserves the right to make a judgment on how well established the organization is to qualify for an article, although we encourage everyone to contact us. Any article must be written by a member of the organization (except for the youth sailing organizations) and must include at least one photograph.

Contact editor@Southwindsmagazine.com for information about article length, photo requirements and other questions.

The Island Packet SP Cruiser.

Island Packet Yacht’s new motorsailer, the 41-foot SP Cruiser, has recently won two U.S. awards for innovation.

Selected from numerous new sailboat designs this year, it received both SAIL magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award for Innovation in January and the National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award for Sailboats at the Miami International Boat Show in February.

Like many motorsailers, the SP Cruiser’s enclosed deckhouse offers year-round cruising comfort. A self-tending sail plan and powerful engine allow it to travel great News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Cleaning up the canal trash.

A kayak diver brings in collected trash.

Ocean Watch Foundation’s 19th Annual Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup, Fort Lauderdale, June 9 On Saturday, June 9, over 4,194 pounds of trash was collected from southeast Florida’s reef systems and beaches. One hundred five divers participated either on charter dive boats or from the shore at Pompano Pier and the Deerfield Beach Pier searching for trash. Over 580 beach walkers participated along the shores of Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach. Private boaters turned their trash in at Fletcher Park in Lighthouse Point.

“This annual event brings out the best in the community, from beach walkers to boaters to divers. In the past 19 years our volunteers have collected and disposed of tons of harmful non-biodegradable garbage,” said Julie Ciucevich, president of the Ocean Watch Foundation.

At the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea location, volunteers Shelley and Jenna Slemnoms (mother and daughter) rescued a seagull with fishing line wrapped around its beak. The seagull was taken to the Wildlife Rescue Center.

One of the unusual items found was a handgun, which was turned over to the police.

Besides individuals from southeast Florida communities, employees and volunteers from many local organizations and companies participated. This included six local dive clubs.

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All participants were invited to the Reef Sweep party at R.J. Gator’s Florida Sea Grill & Bar, in Fort Lauderdale. At the party, awards were given for the most unusual items brought in. Prizes included a signed lithograph from Guy Harvey, a Marriott hotel stay, Isle of Capri Racino certificates, scuba lessons, jewelry and more.

Sponsors of this year’s event include Carnival Cruise Lines, Broward County, The Image Group, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, Rotary Club of Pompano Beach, Gerdau Ameristeel, Project Aware, the Department of Environmental Protection, Coastal Corps, The Frog & Toad Pub, Florida Park Service, Guy Harvey, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. Since its inception in 1989, the Reef Sweep has hauled in more than 33 tons of harmful garbage collected by more than 8,700 volunteers who have participated in the cleanup effort. The daylong event includes removal of debris from the ocean environment by scuba divers and beach walkers.

Ocean Watch Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer organization located in Broward County, involved in conservation and educational projects to preserve the coral reef environment. For more information about the Reef Sweep, e-mail info@oceanwatch.org or go to www.oceanwatch.org.

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The Boat with Two Lives: the Rededication of George Luzier’s “Baby Doll”

By Steve Morrell It’s not every day that a boat gets a second life, but a boat built by Sarasota’s George Luzier has as good chance as any to get one. Luzier, now 83, has been building solid and finely crafted boats in the Sarasota area for many years. On June 16, admirers and friends of Luzier’s rededicated one of his most cherished boats, Baby Doll, in a small gathering at Historic Spanish Point, an “outdoor museum” of historic significance on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, FL. One of the many activities at Baby Doll. Photo by Steve Morrell.

Historic Spanish Point, run by a not-forprofit organization, is traditional boatbuilding and restoring. The grounds are a beautiful combination of dense vegetation, peninsulas, lagoons and historic buildings.

Baby Doll was Luzier’s personal boat, which he built in 1962 in an old military training facility building at the Sarasota airport. He owned the boat for about 12 years and sailed it around west Florida, the Keys and the Bahamas. He eventually sold the boat, and it changed hands a couple of times until it eventually fell into the hands of a Luzier admirer, Sarasota resident Pat Ball, who had also done his share of boatbuilding in the area. When Ball got the boat about 2 1/2 years ago, it was in pretty rough condition, but he knew what he was getting and had plans to revive it. He took the boat to Luzier’s shop where he and George Luzier.

George rebuilt the boat over a period of Photo by Morgan Stinemetz. about a year and a half. Some of the work

News & Views for Southern Sailors

that was done included a new mast step, keel bolts and new flooring.

Today, Baby Doll is a work of perfection and exquisitely clean. She is 27 feet long, has an 8 1/2-foot beam and draws 3’1” with the centerboard up—perfect for skinny water cruising in west Florida. The boat now carries a modern roller furling system with new sails. An added bonus that gives her hull a super-smooth finish is the Fiberglass coating on the bottom.

Ball doesn’t believe he’s an owner of the boat—he’s just taken on the responsibility of being its curator for a while.

With all the local residents—of all ages—who showed up for the dedication, it’s obvious that George Luzier and his boats have a lot of admirers in the area.

With wood boats becoming a thing of the past, there won’t be many more like him in the future.

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1st Annual Regatta Pointe Marina Boat Show, Palmetto, FL, May 18-20 The Regatta Pointe Marina boat show, held at west Florida’s largest private marina in Palmetto, just south of Tampa Bay’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge, turned out to be one of the largest private boat shows in Florida. The marina held a smaller boat show last August, but the weather was a bit hot for visitors.

Massey Yacht Sales has also held their own boat show on the same May weekend for the last two years. These were combined into a larger show this year.

The show was organized by the marina, brokers and dealers located at the marina, as well as those from other nearby areas. Booth exhibitors displayed various products and services on the large central walkway that goes out to the main building at the marina.

Total exhibitors numbered 29, with 20 booths, 13 boat dealers and 109 vessels for sale, both brokerage and new sail and powerboats. Sizes ranged from small dinghies up to large cruising boats. Fifty-four were brokerage boats and 59 were new. There were 20 sailboats and 89 powerboats.

Brokers and dealers reported seven boats were sold at the show, and all were pleased with contacts made for even more potential buyers.

Besides the sail and powerboats that were exhibited in the water, there were many boats on trailers that included dinghies, fishing boats and small cruising pleasure craft.

Ed Massey of Massey Yacht Sales, whose central office is at Regatta Pointe, said, “This show was the most productive show we have attended during this last year.”

Barry Lipoff of Dolphin International Sales, who also has an office at the marina, stated, “This boat show was the second-best show for us during the past year, and we attend a lot of shows.”

Stanton Murray, of Murray Yacht Sales of St. Petersburg, said, “I should have brought more boats to the show. I’ll make sure I do so next year.”

West Marine held a drawing at the show and gave away a $500 gift certificate. Dave and Sharon Miller of Bradenton won the drawing out of 350 entrants.

Entry to the show was free to the public, and the cost to exhibitors was very low, especially compared to some of the larger boat shows. Weather was perfect and the location on the Manatee River is a great spot for a boat show with good parking and a restaurant at the marina. Next year, especially with the opening of a new restaurant at the end of the walkway on the marina, the boat show should be even bigger and better. Organizers hope to again hold the show in late May. 26

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OUR WATERWAYS

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

Our coastal waters and our waterways belong to all of us, and all of us have a right to use them. These waters are not just for those who live on the water, and it is up to us boaters and lovers of these waters to protect that right. We hope that by helping to inform you of these changes, we will contribute to doing just that.

We are looking for news and information on changes, land sales, anchorages, boaters’ rights, new marinas, anchoring rights, disappearing marinas, boatyards and boat ramps, environmental concerns and other related news. Contact Steve Morrell, editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or call (941) 795-8704.

City of Miami Ticketing Moored Boats In early June, the owner of a boat who keeps his sailboat anchored in the Watson Island area of Miami informed SOUTHWINDS that his boat was ticketed for being in the

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anchorage. This owner, an attorney in Miami, anchors his boat in what is known as the Watson Island Anchorage. He said the anchorage became popular 1992 after Hurricane Andrew hit the area in 1992.

The boat owner said that he spoke to a Miami police officer, who informed him that they would start ticketing all of the boats in the area. The police officer also told him that local waterfront residents had complained about the boats, although what exactly the complaints were, he did not say.

The officer also told him that police believe about 30 percent of the boats in the anchorage are liveaboards, although the boat owner that we talked to said that is an overestimate, and that probably there are only five or six of the 60 boats are out there that are liveaboards. He said the officer told him that police believe these liveaboards are dumping their sewage in the waters.

The boat owner also said that, in recent years, as slips have become unavailable and very expensive—making boat ownership unaffordable—these anchorages have become more populated. He said the city of Miami has been discussing plans for several years to establish mooring fields in the area, but nothing has been done and he wonders if the city is really progressing towards that. He also believes that mooring fields are one of the solutions to the

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problem of lack of slips in the area and derelict boats in these anchorages, but until the mooring fields are established, forcing boaters out of the area by ticketing them will only force boaters to abandon boating. He said there are a lot of boats out there, not derelict boats but just boats that are not perfectly kept up, which the police call derelict boats, or at least want to call them that. He stated that whether a boat is kept up in great condition or not is not the government’s business.

Marina Suggestions Wanted SOUTHWINDS is looking for suggestions for short- and long-range planning for future Southern marinas to improve them. See “Short Tacks” for more information.

Marco Island Trial Date on Anchoring Case Postponed The judge in the Marco Island anchoring case postponed the trial date for David Dumas, the boater who was arrested in February in violation of a local anchoring ordinance. The judge originally had set the date of June 7 for the prosecution to respond to the motions of the defense attorney for Dumas.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

The judge had also said previously that he would set a trial date that would be in July. The prosecution said it was not ready to respond to the motions and asked for more time. The judge gave prosecutors till July 10 and also set the trial date for August 14 at 9 a.m. The trial is expected to last one day.

Anchoring Warnings in Florida: Contact Us to Publicize Warnings Note from the Editor A new state law went into effect on July 1, 2006 limiting communities’ power to limit anchoring restrictions to non-liveaboard cruisers. Recently, I have received several e-mails and calls from cruisers who received warnings from local law enforcement officials in Marco Island, Miami Beach, and Gulfport. In some cases, the officers have been polite and in others, they have not been.

Cruisers can contact the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) lawyers who will send a letter to these communities telling them about the state law. (Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com for a copy of this letter and contact information—or call us at (877-372-7245).

This law has not yet been tested in courts and perhaps someone will, but we at least need to have the letters sent to every community that ignores this law.

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OUR WATERWAYS Pump-out Boat Service Helps Clean up Waters in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, Florida Keys

By Cliff Stephan Do pump-out boats make a difference? YES—the waters of Boot Key Harbor are evidence of their impact. Elsewhere in the Keys, places for boats to legally empty their holding tanks are still sparse. As of October 1, 1994, boaters were prohibited from discharging raw sewage into freshwater or within coastal saltwater limits. Coastal limits are nine nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico and three nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean. At that time, shore facilities to receive vessel waste didn’t exist. Grant money was available, and shore-based pump-out facilities slowly grew in number.

Still, the number of boaters and vessels are increasing faster than the marinas and pump-out boats to service them.

In the Florida Keys, pump-out boats meet a need in areas where shore facilities are insufficient, or don’t exist.

Elsewhere around Florida, there are currently 19 pump-out boats in operation, and more await grant approval. Two of the first pump-out vessels are in Marathon and still service Boot Key Harbor.

The Monroe County Marine Resource Department first started providing service by pump-out boat after a local private service, known for some reason as the Turd Tug, was found to be dumping its collected boat waste offshore. When Marathon became a city in 1999, Monroe County worked with the city in developing the marina, mooring field and pump-out services, all run by the city of Marathon.

Key Largo and the surrounding keys and islands now benefit from the services of a 30-foot offshore pump-out vessel (see sidebar), provided through the foresight of the Monroe County Marine Resources Department. The visible look of Boot Key Harbor—now compared to 10 years ago— is amazing. The change is both visible and healthy.

The changes in the last five are more subtle, as leopard

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The pump-out boat in Boot Key Harbor.

rays, mullet, sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, ospreys, pelicans, and other wildlife have returned to live and play in Boot Key Harbor.

The city of Marathon’s two original pump-out boats have serviced anchored and moored boats in Boot Key Harbor and nearby marinas for seven years. These vessels are overdue for replacement and updating. The pump-out boats now work hard just to cover the vessels on moorings and anchored vessels in Boot Key Harbor. The flattop pump-out has proved so efficient that even the vessels on the seawall at the city marina get pumped by boat instead of the shore-based mobile pump.

Before Hurricane Wilma, the city pump-out boats serviced marinas both in the harbor and on the gulf side of Vaca Key. Since Wilma destroyed the gulf-side marinas, the pump-out boats only service the harbor. All marinas are now required to install shoreside pump-out facilities, so the city pump-out boats only have to provide service in Boot Key Harbor. Having a mobile pump-out service coming right to your vessel takes the work and worry out of obeying the law and protecting the environment.

A record of 49 vessels were pumped in one day by Sean Cannon, the first city pump-out boat captain. Story is that he was called away from the 50th vessel by the harbormaster to assist with another vessel, which was sinking. Sean now shares the job with Andy Tsouchlous, and they typically schedule 20 to 30 boats a day. With an average tank holding 12 gallons at pump-out, the 1000-gallon pump-out boat can hold the waste from 100 vessels. While it is usual to empty the pump-out boat daily, on occasion it has returned to the city marina to dump its load before returning to the harbor to complete the day’s work. The city’s holding tank at the marina is pumped up to four times a week during the winter season, and the waste is trucked to a treatment plant on the mainland. One can only imagine what Boot Key Harbor would be like today if the ever-increasing amounts of waste were still being dumped directly into the water.

The marina staff has constantly sought to improve the pump-out operation, even designing and installing laborsaving remote start-and-stop switches controlling a new electric start pump motor. The harbormaster, Richard Tanner, went along for a ride to observe the pump-out operation. When he returned to the dock, a new electric start www.southwindsmagazine.com

The pump-out boat at work.

motor was soon on order, and Andy and Sean came up with and installed the new motor and remote switches.

Vessels on the moorings receive a weekly pump as part of the mooring fee. To provide for the weekly requirement for 226 moorings and an estimated 75 boats at anchor, Tanner expects the two pump-out boats will need to average 30 vessels a day to meet the peak demand. Grant applications are in for a new flattop and a rebuild/modernization of hull #1. The flattop vessel has proven to be a far superior platform for the harbor duties than the high- speed inflatable RIB, which was used mostly for runs to the bay side. A service area now much neglected, the bay side awaits the rebuilding of the marinas, complete with at-slip pump-out facilities Getting everyone in the harbor on board with the Clean Marina Act and Clean Vessel Act (CVA) was not easy, and full compliance did not occur until 2005, when the city marina started refusing dinghy dock privileges to vessels which had not pumped out in the prior month. DEP and CVA require records be kept and submitted quarterly, so the holdouts were easy to identify. The target vessels were required to undergo an inspection for CVA compliance before being allowed to renew their monthly dinghy dock stickers. Several smaller vessels scrambled to replace PortaPotties with holding tanks, and others replaced type I and II The County Pump-out Boat The Monroe County pump-out boat operates in the Key Largo area. The service covers from Whale Harbor Channel at the southwest extreme all the way north to Pumpkin Key. The vessel operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services are scheduled by calling Capt. John Brousard at (305) 747-2388. The 30-foot offshore vessel’s services cost $5 per holding tank. The pump-out boat can hold 500 gallons of waste. Service is provided to vessels at anchor (there are no moorings in Key Largo waters) and at marina docks. The county is encouraging all marinas to install pump-out facilities.

Currently, only marinas which allow boaters to live aboard are required to provide pump-out services. This leaves a lot of boats that are used frequently—and some that are used daily—searching for a pump-out.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

MSDs (onboard treatment systems) or added a holding tank to their system.

The pervasive view that everyone who ventures aboard a vessel for any length of time dumps their waste overboard needs to change. Waste does not feed the fishes.

Sewage dumped in the water feeds the bacteria, which digest the sewage causing population explosions of bacteria, which consume the limited amount of oxygen in the water. While dumping provides food at the bottom of the food chain, it reduces the oxygen available, and the fish suffocate. Our state waters are very beautiful and fast becoming overcrowded. There are no excuses for boater transgressions, and while violations are difficult for law enforcement to enforce, the fines are steep: $50 per infraction for compliance issues, and a $250 civil penalty for discharge of raw sewage.

I remember an old saying that just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t make it right. But pumping out to a shore facility is the right thing, so everyone should be doing it.

Yet land-based sewage treatment systems have not improved. Vessel waste is only one small source of effluent. Meanwhile the survival of the existing Florida Keys’ marine ecosystem is dependent upon clear, low-nutrient waters. Beaches along the Keys are closed periodically because of E-coli levels, yet no one is clear on what causes the closings, although it is generally known that they come from the land-based sewage. It is hoped the Monroe County improvements to the Keys’ waste treatment facilities—currently under construction—will be able to stem the tide of beach closings, which have nothing to do with boats. According to the USGS Web site, http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/projects98/7242-37657.html, “Currently the Florida Keys contain 25,000 septic tank systems, approximately 5,000 cesspools, and 1,000 class 5 injection wells. Depth of injection wells ranges from 10 to 30 meters. Excessive algal growth, coral diseases and both marine grass and sponge mortality is perceived to be caused by sewage nutrients leaking from groundwater on both sides of the Florida Keys.”

Although the pump-out boats have greatly contributed to cleaning up the waters of Boot Key Harbor, the Florida Keys have a long way to go before the ongoing pollution of the waters—mainly land-based—is stopped, and an even longer way to go before they get back to the pristine condition they were in before man starting dumping into them in excess.

Go to our “Letters” section to see a letter from a former pump-out boat business owner in Tampa Bay who closed his business after only a few months because of local marina and government resistance.

Getting a Pump-Out in Boot Key Harbor Pump-outs are scheduled, so call a day ahead for this service. Any vessel forgetting to schedule a timely pumpout can come to the seawall at the city marina during operating hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. A space is kept clear just for vessels needing pump-outs or to fill their water tanks. Call ahead to make sure the spot is not in use by someone else. The pump-out boat is scheduled by hailing the City Marina on VHF Channel 16, or call 305289-8877. $5 per pump-out.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2007

Tropical Storm Barry hit at high tide with a two-foot surge. Some boat lines at the dock were stretched to their upper limits. Photo by Steve Morrell.

Tropical Storm Barry Forms on Opening Day of the Atlantic Hurricane Season Barry couldn’t wait till the middle of the season to get started, forming in the southern Gulf of Mexico on June 1. The storm headed north in the Gulf with winds at 40-50 knots.

She paralleled Florida’s coast till coming ashore in the Big Bend area and giving northern Florida and points north lots of rain to help the drought conditions. In that respect it was the best thing that could have happened to Florida—kept people thinking about being prepared, too. There were a few who called it a harbinger of a bad season to come, but they either never knew or forgot that Tropical Storm Alberto formed in early June last year, and 2006 turned out to be a light season. What we know for sure is that there is nothing we know for sure; just suspicions—and educated suspicions. Be ready for anything.

Keep in mind, though, that a tropical storm coming at high tide can have some consequences to think about. The accompanying photo is a dock in the Tampa Bay area that was a few inches underwater when Tropical Storm Barry was running north many miles offshore. The storm hit at high tide with a two-foot surge. Some of the boats at the dock had their lines stretched to the limit above the dock. Another foot and the lines and cleats would have been under substantial stress.

One boat, I notice, had its long bowsprit sticking out over the dock. An exceptionally low tide could have had costly consequences in that situation.

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Alabama Law Would Prohibit Anchoring During Hurricane A bill was recently introduced into the Alabama Senate that would prohibit anyone from anchoring a vessel in any tidal river that flows into Mobile Bay within 24 hours of a hurricane. Anyone who does anchor in such a condition would be guilty of a criminal offense. Since many marinas require that all boats leave their marinas prior to a tropical storm, this would put substantial restrictions on what boaters could do with their boats in preparing for an approaching storm. Boats left at a marina would be very damaging to many marinas. The bill would eliminate all hurricane holes that are up to 15 miles from Mobile Bay. The bill would also be very hard on the shrimp industry in the area, since its boats, too, would be subject to this limitation.

Port Canaveral Hurricane Evacuation Rules Update

By Roy Laughlin Port Canaveral implemented a new hurricane rule for 2006.

Boats will no longer be allowed to raft up in the Barge Canal Send Us Your Hurricane Stories We are always looking for stories on your experiences, to learn those techniques that succeeded and those that didn’t, as we can learn from both. Ideas, tips and Web site links wanted, too. editor@southwindsmagazine.com. www.southwindsmagazine.com

during hurricanes. This is a significant change. In the past, fishing boats, shrimpers and other large craft evacuated the port basin and went west across the Banana River to raft up inside the two-mile-long canal.

Larger pleasure craft from along the ICW did the same at the west end of the canal.

According to Rosalind Postell, communications director for the Canaveral Port Authority, the Coast Guard made the decision to end use of the canal as a hurricane refuge. In the last couple of years, boats sank in the canal, blocking it sufficiently to require salvage efforts to reopen it. There is no substitute within at least 20 miles for the refuge the canal offered to boats over 50 feet in length so it is not clear where these boats will end up in the event of stormy weather, perhaps on the front porch of riverfront property owners.

The Canaveral Port Authority also reiterated that significant fines will be levied on port tenants who do not follow the evacuation plan. According to Postell, boats in dry storage are not necessarily required to evacuate as boats in the water may be required to do. Each facility, including marinas and the yacht club, has its own hurricane plan that its tenants will be expected to follow.

Big Pine Channel in Florida Keys Closed to Anchoring Citing potential damage to power lines, effective December 6, 2006, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission closed the Big Pine Channel anchorage between Big Pine Key and Little Torch Key to masted boats within 6000 yards of the power lines sited along Highway 1. Masted boats in the past have hit and damaged the power lines, causing substantial delays in repairs, and consequently delaying restoring of power to the lower Keys below that point.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Moorings during Hurricanes Denied in Little Sabine Bay in Pensacola

By Julie B. Connerley Little Sabine Bay. Florida has been subject to hurricanes since the NOAA began keeping records in 1851 (and long before then, of course). The following year, two Category 3 storms hit. One in the Panhandle and one in central Florida. A third storm passed just west of the border between Pensacola Beach and Alabama.

Since Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans, there has been much discussion and debate about how to “fix” the problems that the city faced.

On a much smaller scale, though every bit as important to the lives it affects, is the “fix” along another area of the Gulf Coast; Pensacola Beach, which suffered the direct hit from Hurricane Ivan on September 16, 2004.

Within the confines of Santa Rosa Island, also known as Pensacola Beach, is a small body of water called Little Sabine Bay. The bay has probably been used as a “hurricane hole” since the area was first settled, since history tells us that as the nation’s oldest settlement, Pensacola was founded by men who came in boats. The expedition, headed by Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano, landed 11 vessels on the shores of what is now known as Pensacola Bay and claimed the territory for Spain on August 14, 1559.

Fast-forward to 2004. Pensacola Beach has a developed commercial core and residential neighborhoods, including one of its oldest subdivisions, a portion of which is waterfront property on Little Sabine Bay. When Hurricane Ivan headed north, sailboat owners headed for the safety of Little Sabine Bay to moor their boats as they had for many previous storms. But “Ivan the Terrible”— as the storm became known — was different. It turned out to be the worst hurricane the area ever experienced.

While it was only a Category 3 storm when it hit land, it had reached a Category 5 three times during its life cycle. It

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Hurricane Season 2007 Hurricane Tip:

Extra Storm Protection with Fender Boards From Jack Findlater While we all add lines and make them as long as posFender boards sible to accommodate the rise and fall of the water, we sometimes forget that those nylon lines will stretch up to 30 percent of their length under heavy load. A vessel initially centered in a slip may actually have its lines “stretch” enough to put it in contact with a piling. One of the more effective ways to deal with this problem is to use fender boards, since they will rise and fall with the vessel and offer a broader range of potential contact protection (with less chance of slipping off the piling) than fenders alone. They are simple to construct and can be as plain or elaborate as you like.

Based on my observations, fender boards are not used as much as they could be to minimize damage to both vessels and pilings.

Actually, having a heavy duty set for storms, and a lighter weight set for alongside-transient docking, might make sense if your cruising area includes a lot of fixed docks with outside piling supports and/or significant tidal range while you are docked alongside (as opposed to secured in a slip).

in some instances, boat owners were also caught in the middle of homeowners’ insurance claims. A few homeowners, by placing a lien on the real property, refused to allow owners of vessels that had washed up onto their properties to retrieve personal items, or even to remove their boats!

Homeowners complained to the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA), the governing body of Pensacola Beach, that vessels should not be allowed to moor in Little Sabine Bay during severe weather because of the possible damage they may do to upland property owners’ docks, homes, land, etc.

But it wasn’t just boats that washed up on the north side of Little Sabine Bay. There were also docks, drywall, furniture, Dumpsters, and air conditioners from the property owners who lived on the south side of Little Sabine Bay. Debris from gulf-front homes farther south washed across the road and bay also, adding to the piles that ended up on the north side of the island. However, it was the boat owners who took the brunt of the blame.

Why? Because Santa Rosa Island property owners do not really “own” their land. It is leased for 99 years, with options to renew. Homeowners do not pay property taxes, but instead pay a lease tax to the SRIA. Because they lease the land, they are considered the “property owners.” Folks who moor their boats in Little Sabine Bay are not “property owners” and therefore not given the same weight as the homeowner who lives on the south side of Little Sabine Bay and whose home washed through another person’s house, destroying it.

was that cumulative effect of wind and waves that washed over Santa Rosa Island. Tons of sand and millions of gallons of water destroyed everything in their path. Virtually every boat in Little Sabine Bay was either destroyed or severely damaged. Local images flashed across the newscasts around the nation showed boats in trees, homes, swimming pools, or in piles on top of one another.

Afterwards came the arguments regarding home insurance claims. Was it wind damage or water damage?

Homeowners were caught in the middle of what seemed to be a losing battle against the insurance companies. However,

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But what about those boat owners who lease a slip in a marina in Little Sabine Bay? They pay SRIA lease fees, and understandably would expect to be able to moor their boats nearby. Unfortunately, they are considered a sub-lessee.

The issue was discussed informally for months. Then in April 2006, the SRIA adopted a regulation prohibiting the mooring of boats in Little Sabine Bay. Although the SRIA was created by a special act of the Florida Legislature in 1947, the land is owned by Escambia County, and as such, the SRIA works in conjunction with the Board of County Commissioners.

The initial regulation was reviewed by both the SRIA and county’s legal counsel and upon further discussion with Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, suggested revisions were made. A final regulation was formally adopted at the SRIA’s July meeting.

The regulation states, “Mooring of boats in Little Sabine Bay is prohibited while the Island is under a hurricane watch condition or more serious hurricane condition. Boats shall be removed from Little Sabine with 24 hours of an announcement by the National Hurricane Center of a hurricane watch condition or more serious hurricane condition on the Island.”

Standard definitions are provided, and enforcement is “any manner allowed, authorized or provided by Section 810.09, Florida Statutes for the criminal offense of trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance.”

Enforcement for the regulation is given to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Marine Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.

At first glance, one might immediately object to the idea that government could prohibit boats from anchoring or mooring in a public body of water. However, the island authority maintains it has the powers “to adopt and enforce rules for the regulation of the use of such portions of Santa Rosa Island as may be owned by Escambia County or in which said County may have a proprietary interest (the “Island”), and all improvements, projects, and things thereon, including but not limited to the ownership, maintenance and operations of harbors; and to promote health and safety by adopting and enforcing rules and regulations relating to health, sanitation, and safety generally…”

Boat owners reacted with anger and frustration. Next came: Where will we put our boats? The Pensacola Bay area does not have that many protected bayous, and with the loss of the only one on the south side, that means conditions will be more crowded in the remaining ones.

The alternative, of course, is to have the boat hauled out and put on the hard—a viable alternative if the marina has enough room, and one has connections to get on a wait list. The other option is to find that perfect hurricane hole that nobody else has discovered because contrary to the adage that there is “safety in numbers,” the fewer boats, the better, is the rule when anchoring out during hurricane conditions.

SOUTHWINDS Hurricane Web Site Visit the hurricane page on our Web site for the best weather links, boat preparation information and links, and past hurricane articles in SOUTHWINDS. www.southwindsmagazine.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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BAHAMAS

A Gin &Tonic With Bruce VanSant

By Jack Foard

It has been fun getting to know Bruce and Rosa VanSant—“God and his wife,” according to some cruisers in the harbor here in Luperón, Dominican Republic.

V

anSant is the man whose name is known and respected by almost everyone who has sailed (or dreamed of sailing) the Caribbean. He spent most of the last 27 years sailing, exploring, testing and writing about the best way to sail the “thorny path”—which is what we sailors call the route down the string of islands from the Bahamas to the Caribbean, against the prevailing winds and currents that can make it an unforgettably uncomfortable ordeal if you do it the hard way. VanSant says that his well-known book, The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South, is his gift to

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the women, who out of love, guilt, a sense of adventure (or some odd combination), set sail with their mates for better or worse. Bruce is convinced that the men rarely follow his advice, but the strong woman who makes her man follow “The Book” reaps great rewards. I am now a convert and promise to follow Bruce’s advice every leg of our journey.

Bruce is a passionate purist, and as anyone who has read his cruising guides can tell, he is a bit egotistical. He’d correct me if he read this. He’d say something like, “Damn it, Jack, it’s not egotistical if you know what the hell you’re talking about, and you tell the truth!”

Bruce seems to be right most of the time. The only argument I think I may have won was whether a key lime is yellow or green. Of course, they are both. They start out green like any other citrus, but as they get ripe, they turn yellow, just like a grapefruit. Bruce disagrees, and only uses the green ones for his famous “SG&T,” (sundowner gin & tonic, but VanSant has a second generic definition. See Sidebar.)

If you have read his book, you know the “SG&T” is the reward awaiting any good sailor after a successful day of sailing the VanSant way. Since the SG&T is an important part of sailing, I felt I better go back to the manual to make sure I had it down right before inviting Bruce and Rosa out to our Admiral 38 catamaran, Famous Potatoes, for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. I was sure I had read his simple directions somewhere in his book, but I couldn’t find them, when I decided to double-check the recipe just before Bruce and Rosa arrived. Rather than look like a moron as a bartender when the moment of truth came, I panicked and said, “Bruce, I’ve read about your SG&T for years now, and I’d sure be honored if you would mix the first round.” (Desiré recorded the momentous event on film.)

We also invited Ann and Steve from Receta. (Always invite Ann if you want something good to eat. She never comes for dinner or cocktails without some marvelous treat). This night, she brought Dominican-style Asian rice wraps stuffed with crabmeat, mango, garlic and carrot, along with a little dipping sauce she just made up. (Oh, if I could cook like she does!) You may know of Ann. She wrote the Caribbean sailing story, “An Embarrassment of Mangos, a Caribbean Interlude,” and Steve has published several very popular Great Lakes cruising guides.

I’m not a great conversationalist—don’t like to talk all that much—whereas Bruce can be quite the pontificator, another reason we asked Ann and Steve to join us. Steve loves to talk, and I thought he’d be a better sparring partner for Bruce than I. Besides, I had already heard many of Bruce’s best stories, and I knew our friends would enjoy getting to know him. We made a good choice. I pretty much sat back, kept the drinks fresh and enjoyed the evening.

Bruce told a story about an obnoxious French tailor who treated him as though he was a scumbag American, until he informed the tailor he was a Swede (he was living www.southwindsmagazine.com

that “will” would be a in Sweden at the better choice than time anyway), at “shall.” which point the Let me give you tailor fell all over an example from the himself apologizbook. On page 57, ing for his rudeBruce is writing about ness. Bruce used Mayday procedures. many terms for “Force yourself to this wretched little speak clearly, slowly Frenchman, but and with a minimum “pompous arroof words,” writes Van gant bastard” sumSant. “Everyone shall marizes nicely. understand ‘man overLater in the board’ even with bad evening, I finally Bruce VanSant, on the left, mixing a Sundowner G&T onboard Famous Potatoes. reception.” asked the question He really had to that had been ponder this for a minute, but finally, he said, “It’s funny you bouncing around in my brain for months. I made sure should ask that; one of my reviewers just said something the master was adequately mellowed with gin before I similar about the draft of my next edition.” This really did risked his wrath. surprise me; he’s written like this in every edition I’ve seen, Bruce tends to use the word “shall” any time the and only now has anyone asked the emperor about his posword “will” would otherwise be used. Such as, “After sible lack of clothing? you get your anchor squared away, you shall still have Much discussion ensued with Bruce largely defending plenty of time to mix yourself a SG&T to sip, as you his “shalls” as proper English. But he did wonder why this enjoy the sunset, knowing that those other fools who subject was coming up, and why did his reviewer want him did not follow my directions are getting the shit beat out to tone down the “shall” business as well. of them far out at sea.” I’m exaggerating only slightly.

At this point, Steve jumped in and offered, “Perhaps I passed Bruce another SG&T. because it makes you sound like a ‘pompous arrogant bas“Are you trying to get me drunk?” he laughed, as tard’, ” which caused an explosion of near hysterical laughhe snatched the glass from my hand. ter, and yes, Bruce was laughing, too. He does have a great “So Bruce,” I finally asked. “What’s with your use sense of humor. of ‘shall’ in your book?”

(Good choice inviting Ann and Steve I thought, popHis look told me he didn’t understand the question. ping another tasty rice wrap into my My pulse jumped 10 beats per mouth.) minute. “I mean, in your book anyThe other definition of SG&T It has been quite a few months where you might have used the word since that enjoyable evening aboard ‘will,’ you say ‘shall,’ and I wondered “...any inflexible custom which makes Famous Potatoes. Not long ago, Bruce what’s behind that. My guess is that the Leisure Sailor perform all passage ordered the printing of his newest and you might be making fun of someone, planning so that late afternoons get possibly last edition of the Gentleman’s perhaps an old English teacher who spent at leisure in a safe anchorage Guide. Since it may be a collector’s item, gave you a hard time in your youth.”

I’m going to order a new updated copy Much to my surprise, I realized he with the yacht completely put away to replace my frayed, stained and welldid not have a pat answer to this quesand ready for sea. This gives captain worn one. And to tell you the truth, I’ll tion. I expected a sharply honed and crew a full evening of rest and be checking to see if the “shalls” still response that would put an upstart relaxation with which to face the next dominate the “wills.” Be it shall or will, like me in my place with no effort, I shall recommend you get the guide leaving me stunned and wondering, day, or with which to face an anchor and follow it faithfully.

“Why did I provoke the great man like drill called invariably at 2 a.m. in the that?” wintertime Bahamas. Any other cusFor more stories about Bruce VanSant and He seemed to struggle to undertom at sundown doesn’t classify as his homeport, Luperón, Dominican stand what I was asking. I immediateRepublic, see my Web site at ly began to think perhaps I am the fool Leisure Sailing, but a mark of the anxweb.mac.com/famouspotatoes2. after all. Maybe I was wrong thinking iety-driven working class.”

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Mystery Cable in The Florida Keys Frustrates Inquiries

By Morgan Stinemetz Guard station in his story is rather Cortez gave me the loosely stitched main St. Pete number, together, basted which I called. Turns really. It started unexout that the main numpectedly when profesber in St. Pete gets a sional delivery skipper caller an automated Bob Willard, on vacamessage that says one tion in the Florida needs to enter an Keys, called me from extension number to his cell phone one go any further.

Sunday night a few And what if you weeks back. Willard don’t know an extenwas skippering a charsion number? There’s tered catamaran with no place to go. some family members I tried what in comaboard. puter parlance is called What was very a “work around.” Basmuch on his mind ically, it’s a Plan B when he called was the device that will get clearance under a cable you where you want to that stretched across go, but by the long the water on the inside route. It’s like trying to of the Snake Creek drive from Sarasota to Bridge, between PlantaSnake Creek St. Petersburg through tion Key and Windley Tampa. What I did was Key. The overhead cable call the Coast Guard Exchange—a PX—in St. Pete to secure wasn’t on the charts he had, he said. I looked on my charts, the main number. which are electronic. It wasn’t on my charts, either. There When I called the main Coast Guard number in St. was, however, a notation that there was an underground Petersburg, I got the duty section. I told the guy who cable running underneath Snake Creek. I told Willard I answered the phone what I was after: What was the height would try to find out what the cable height was for him. So of the cable across Snake Creek? He switched my call to begins this story. someone who had absolutely no idea whatsoever of how to In checking my list of phone numbers for the U. S. Coast go about accessing that information. I suggested to him that Guard, I discovered that the phone number for the Coast he use his computer to just search the Notices to Mariners Guard station in St. Petersburg had an old area code for any notice that had Snake Creek listed in it. He had no attached to it, so I called the Coast Guard in Cortez to get the idea of how to do that. current number in St. Pete. The man I talked to at the Coast So he put me on hold and switched my call to another person, who turned out to be just as clueless. I gave up on Coast Guard St. Pete. I had spent 30 minutes spinning my wheels.

Next I called Coast Guard Key West. No one I talked to at Coast Guard Key West had any idea of how to find out the height of the cable across Snake Creek. In fact, they couldn’t tell me if there was a cable there at all. They suggested that I call the Coast Guard station at Islamorada, which sits on Snake Creek. I called the duty section at Islamorada. The duty officer who answered the phone was unaware if there was an overhead cable across Snake Creek at all. I suggested he look out the window and then call me back. And he did both.

“You are right,” he said. “There is a cable across Snake Creek just inside the Snake Creek drawbridge.” I asked him

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what the height of the cable was. He had no idea.

The next day I managed to get through to someone at the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami. What I was looking for, I told the guy who answered the phone, was a definitive reference to the height of the cable across Snake Creek. I couldn’t take someone’s word for it, I said. If some agency had put a cable across Snake Creek, the height of the cable had to appear someplace.

A couple of hours later the Coastie called me back from Seventh District. He had found where the overhead cable was noted on NOAA charts 11464 and 11463, but he also said that the height of that cable didn’t appear on the charts, as required. It seemed that information I needed was imbedded in another federal bureaucracy, possibly the Corps of Engineers. He had some phone numbers he could call. He would check further and get back to me, because he had my name and phone number. I have talked to him once since.

No one knows anything, he said. I tried the Army Corps of Engineers myself and found a total maze of wrong numbers, know-nothing people, phones that were not answered or people who were out of the office for weeks. Not fun.

Why does the height of the cable matter? Up until this particular overhead cable was placed across Snake Creek,

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Snake Creek was the only viable transition point for sailboats with tall masts—more than 65 feet—from north of Key Largo to Key West. By “transition point” I mean a waterway that would allow a tall-masted sailboat to go from the Atlantic side of the Keys to the Florida Bay side. Besides Angelfish Creek, north of Key Largo and bordering on Ocean Reef Club, there are two channels—Channel 5 and Moser Channel—where the authorized bridge clearance is 65 feet.

Snake Creek, then, allowed unlimited vertical clearance.

Not anymore.

Officially, the height of the cable is a mystery, wrapped in a bureaucratic enigma, something like a taco made in Poland.

Help Us Find Out About the Mystery Cable Anyone who knows anything about this cable and how high it is, please call (941) 795-8704 or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com. We promise to pass the word along to the Coast Guard and the Army Corp of Engineers. Maybe they’ll put its height in Notice to Mariners and on the charts.

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TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

The Upper Keys: Key Largo

By Rebecca Burg

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he ship’s clock read 2:00 a.m. I’d just been jolted out of bed by a frightful hissing and squealing noise. Growing louder, the steady sound reverberated throughout Angel’s hull. I scurried outside. The dark sea was placid. Then, a great mass of objects thudded against Angel’s bottom while the water erupted in a thrashing froth. Two large shapes surfaced behind me. Dolphin! Using echolocation and creating what View looking east at end of the channel in Key Largo where there are seemed to be a fizzing net of bubbles, hungry bot- marinas and the Sharkey’s and Coconuts eateries. tlenose dolphin were corralling schools of fish, headAngel, and we’d been sociably cruising together for several first, against Angel’s nether parts. The stunned fish were years. Buddy-cruising, two or more boats sharing the easy prey. For the rest of the night, my innocent sailboat was adventure, is more interesting for us than wandering the the centerpiece for a rowdy, all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. seas alone. Bill and I were presently in Key Largo and with “I slept so good last night,” enthused my buddy cruisthe favorable weather, we’d anchored in a 7-foot pocket near er, Bill, after I paddled over to his boat for a social breakfast. the inlet to Key Largo Harbor Marina. A few miles to our “We anchored in a great spot,” he continued. I blearily eyed south lay the uninhabited Rodriguez Key, a popular anchorhim over my coffee and grunted in response. At least someing stop for travelers. It offers soft bottom holding and probody had a restful night. Bill single-handed his Morgan tection from most compass points except due east, since its ketch, Defiant, while I single-handed my Bayfield cutter, west side is an ankle-deep tidal flat.

A four-part tackle, safety lines and Angel’s boom served as a crane for the usual task of securing my heavy 15-hp outboard to a patch-riddled 9-foot RIB inflatable, appropriately named Squishy. I collected Bill and we nosed into the channel. It was lined with ostentatious houses, and I feared that we were lost. However, Key Largo Harbor Marina was found near the canal’s 90-degree turn. Gas, diesel and water are available until closing time at 5 p.m. Proceeding down the canal, one will find Marina Del Mar and a Holiday Inn with slips close to groceries and a shopping center.

Restaurants along the seawall, like Sharkey’s Pub and Galley and Coconuts, offer dinghy dockage for patrons.

Tying Squishy out of the way, we investigated Sharkey’s, which is adjacent to a shop called Ocean Divers. The relaxed and casual eatery offered fresh, generous servings with full bar at prices surprisingly reasonable for the Keys. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and dinner concludes by 10 p.m.

The subtropical Keys compose North America’s only living coral barrier reef, and measuring over 2,800 square nautical miles, this reef tract is the third largest on earth. Not to be outdone, Florida Bay boasts the world’s largest sea grass bed. So it’s only natural that beautiful Key Largo’s claim to fame is its aquatic scene. The local John Pennekamp State Park is 178 square nautical miles of wild splendor with a submerged wonderland full of historic shipwrecks, caves, coral reef jungles and a famous underwater statue called Christ of the Abyss. With a mask, snorkel and fins, you can pay a visit to a bubbly fairyland bejeweled with tropical fish and shimmering corals. Dive gear will take you deeper into the muted blues of a mysterious place populated by bugeyed sea creatures that haunt the eerie graveyards of sunken ships. You’ll never know what you’ll see since over 5,000

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A peek into the wild upper Keys backcountry where the ICW takes you through remote mangrove wilderness.

different species of marine life make up the reef and sea grass bed ecosystems.

Free public mooring buoys are found at dive sites along Hawk Channel, and sheltered mooring buoys inside Largo Sound are available for a fee. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the park’s visitor center near Largo Sound educates and entertains nature lovers with an aquarium and a theatre. Already provided are barbecue grills and scenic spots for a beachside picnic. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, and up-to-date information can be obtained at the visitor center.

Along the upper keys, the ICW can be accessed via Angelfish Creek north of Key Largo and near the southeastern end of Biscayne Bay. On the inside route along Key Largo, the ICW winds through Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, Tarpon Basin and Buttonwood Sound out to Florida Bay. After Angelfish Creek, the next chance to duck into the ICW, or out of it, is Snake Creek.

Snake’s opening bridge is located between Windley Key and Plantation Key, near Highway 1’s mile marker 86. This channel has a 3 1/2-foot depth at low tide on the Atlantic

side. For deeper draft boats, Channel Five Bridge offers 6foot MLW access and a fixed bridge with a vertical clearance of 65 feet. Channel Five is between Long Key and Lower Matecumbe Key, near mile marker 71. (Key Largo is centered over mile marker 105.) Channel Five also offers large areas of sheltered anchoring on either side of the bridge. Whichever route a boat chooses, charts and a local cruising guide are essential to help the navigator safely avoid the shallow flats and reefs.

After returning to our cruisers, we rafted up. The larger vessel, Defiant, hung on her own hook while I approached with Angel and secured her as if she were sidling, starboard side, to a floating dock. It’s a simple procedure, but I am always uneasy about the possibility of jabbing Defiant’s davit-hung inflatable with Angel’s elongated, clipper ship snout. Angel’s 10-foot beam was also a challenge to work around. Masts and rigging are spaced to avoid snags should a large wake roughly rock us. Under an electric Key Largo sunset, we lounged in our cockpits and watched the world go by. A family puttered past in a pontoon boat, and a little girl’s voice was overheard. “Oh, look!” she said, pointing at us. “A mommy and a daddy sailboat. Will they have a baby?” Looking embarrassed, a woman hushed the imaginative child while they idled onwards. Amused, I chuckled.

Bill rolled his eyes. “Just to clarify things,” he said. “Angel is, without a doubt, the girl boat.”

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SOUTHWINDS July 2007

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Mexico’s Isla Contoy National Park

By Phyllis Atha

I

sla Contoy is a Mexican national park within a few hours sail north of Isla Mujeres and Cancun. We visited the island in April 2005. At that time, the Mexican customs and immigration were requiring that cruising boats check in and out of each port. One of the benefits of sailing to Isla Contoy was that it fell under the jurisdiction of the Isla Mujeres customs and immigration, thus no additional bureaucratic inconvenience, though the comparative solitude in relation to bustling Isla Mujeres would have been well worth the hassle.

The sail north from Isla Mujeres required us to traverse five miles of open water, no reefs or islands to break the easterly swells, making for a roll-y ride. But, we were hoping that the reef, which lies north, and south below Isla Contoy would make the last six miles of our sail more comfortable. No such luck. The seas were breaking on the reef, making visual navigation up the west side of the reef easier, though the reef did little to slow the rolling swells.

However, once in the lee of the island, the seas calmed quickly, even though it was only another half mile to the tiny bay where the national park visitor’s center is located.

The depth west of the reef shallowed to 10 to 15 feet with sandy shoals requiring some visual navigation; not difficult, but of some concern.

The Mexican national park provides two mooring balls inside the tiny bay for visiting boats. There is no charge for the mooring, though there is a daily use fee charged for visiting the park. In April of 2005, the fee was $2 per person. We were told in Isla Mujeres that visiting boats were required to obtain a permit at the National Park Office in Isla Mujeres. But, over several days’ time, we were unable to find the office open.

When we dinghied into the visitor’s center at Isla Contoy, the authorities were quite welcoming, accepted our daily use fee, and even offered us a tour of the facilities and a talk

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on the wildlife to be found on the island. No mention of a required permit.

We dinghied into a substantial dock where two daycharter boats were moored. Approximately 30 to 40 visitors were milling around on the patio (where the charter boats were serving lunch), walking the small beach, swimming and snorkeling. The charter boats cast off about two o’clock, leaving the three or four park officials and ourselves alone to enjoy the beauty and solitude of the island. Isla Contoy is a long, narrow island. We could hear the crashing waves on the east side of the island from the anchorage and visitor’s center on the west. A short trail crossed the island where we spotted iguanas and oodles of hermit crabs. The visitor’s center itself is a large building housing several enclosed offices and an open-air museum with exhibits displaying the flora and fauna of the island. The open-air museum also serves as a patio with picnic tables providing a shady and relatively cool area for lunching or relaxing.

After visiting ashore, we snorkeled out to the tiny islands that enclose the bay. We saw a few fish, some large sponges, soft coral and a stingray. Though the water was clear and refreshing, the snorkeling was not memorable.

Our night on the mooring was calm and secure, though we could still hear the crashing waves across the island, a welcome change from the roll-y anchorage at Isla Mujeres. During the night the winds and seas calmed, and below decks it became a bit muggy.

Since the winds and seas had abated, the ride back to Isla Mujeres was calm and comfortable, but the calmer seas just glided over the reef, making it difficult to discern its location and to navigate visually. The GPS and our recorded track helped immensely.

Isla Contoy is a jewel in the Mexican cruising grounds. An enjoyable day trip from Isla Mujeres or Cancun, but worth a bit more extended stay. www.southwindsmagazine.com

SOUTHERN RACING

Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas’ Historic Yachting Venue Comes Back To Life with New Marina Facility Chock Full Of Pizzazz

By Carol Bareuther

T

he transformation is incredible. Where once lay the hurricane-strewn rubble of the old Ramada hotel at Yacht Haven, where charter yachting got its start back in the 1960s, now stand the ritzy structures of the nearly $200-million development at Yacht Haven Grande. Located at the far east side of St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie harbor, the megayacht marina and onshore retail and resort facilities opened last November and offer cruisers to the territory a level of amenities and ambiance that haven’t been previously available.

Included in Phase I of a two-phase schedule are 50 dedicated marina slips with 6,000 linear feet of slip space—and one dedicated slip able to dock up to a 400-foot megayacht.

Slips offer high-tech services, such as high-speed in-slip fueling, wire and wireless communications and 600 amps of power with three phases. The main docks, sturdy concrete fixed piers pre-fabricated in Trinidad, span 18 feet with finger piers ranging between 10 feet and 18 feet in width.

In addition, Phase I also has 83,000 square feet of retail space primarily dedicated to marina services. The main marina building, located about 50-feet from the central dock, has a U.S. Customs office, a computer center, conference room, showers, a laundry facility, banking and ATMs, marina-related shops such as the Island Water World chandlery, high-end florist, and a comprehensive provisioning center along with a convenience-type gourmet store with deli.

Yacht Haven Grande marina staff also has put together a preferred vendor list to make it easier for boaters to arrange for repairs.

There’s also 31,000 square feet of retail space housing everything from upscale clothing boutiques to jewelry stores, a pet accessories shop and an art gallery, as well as 12 luxury condominiums and 400 parking spaces.

Four stand-alone restaurants, three of which are now open, are part of Phase I. One is Wikked, a casual dining eatery with gourmet burgers, calamari nachos and wickedly hot wings, Another is Fat Turtle, a barbecue restaurant on the water. Then there’s Grande Cru, a martini bar and bistro. Three60, a magnificent fine-dining facility, will open this summer.

For those who anchor in the harbor and want to access the property, there’s a public-access dinghy dock that’s currently located at the far west end of the property.

Elie Finegold, president of Yacht Haven Grande, says,

News & Views for Southern Sailors

St. Thomas’ Yacht Haven Grande. Photo by Dean Barnes.

“As construction continues and progresses into Phase II, we’ll be working to open greater access to the property from the sea and ultimately plan to have a very nicely constructed dinghy dock available.”

While the docks in the Phase I portion of the marina are indeed high, they are not impossible to debark from for those with moderate-size yachts in the under 80-foot range.

However, it is smaller yachts—both sailing and power-that will be targeted in Phase II. “We’ll be pushing forward with Phase II and plan to begin construction within the next 12 months,” Finegold says. “Most likely, this phase will be completed in a variety of different substages.”

Phase II will include another 110 marina slips, with amenities similar to what’s available on the megayacht docks, 30,000 square feet of retail space, another stand-alone restaurant, a 70-unit hotel, another 10,600 linear feet of marina, a 2500-square-foot convention center and 200 more parking spaces.

More than a singular megayacht marina facility, property developers see Yacht Haven as a prototype for similar properties they’d like to develop around the world.

IGY already operates three megayacht facilities in St. Maarten-Isle de Sol, Port de Plaisance and Portofino.

Developers are planning for a new marina, Dock Maarten, located adjacent to the cruise pier in Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of this Dutch-French island.

Earlier this year, IGY purchased St. Lucia’s Rodney Bay Marina and its yard, and negotiations are continuing for a new marina in Nassau and a development in Tortola, all with residential and commercial components. The average cost of each project will range between $100-million to $150-million.

Beyond the Caribbean, IGY has looked to Mexico, Greece and the Middle East.

In fact, IGY has recently partnered with Nakheel to provide the design, development, management and environmental engineering services to its UAE marina properties, including The Palm Islands, The World and Dubai Waterfront. Five star marinas in these locations will offer state of the art dockage, in-slip fueling, three-phase power, waste output and Internet access along with restaurants, VIP concierge service, luxury retail shops and residences.

Have the yachts, now need slips in desirable locations.

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22nd Annual West Florida Race to Key West:

Key West Rendezvous, May 16-21

By Steve Morrell

I

t seems as if everyone has a good chance to win, place or show in this race down Florida’s west coast to Key West. With four different start locations (and one race back north), “Rendezvous” is the right name for this race as there are several classes at each start, for a total of 17. This year, light, but continuous winds, brought everyone down in a timely manner. As a bonus, festivities in Key West were expanded to keep the island city’s reputation as a party town alive and well.

With 75 entries from the four start locations, the Key West Rendezvous got underway on May 16 off Clearwater, FL—the race’s oldest start venue. In the Clearwater Yacht Club Commodore Spetz presents the Spinnaker class awards to the Wired last few years, the Rendezvous has crew. Photo by John Hanson. expanded from the original two starts at started two hours late, but windier conditions enabled Clearwater and Naples to a total of four, so that more west them to set a record.

Florida boats could race. The locations added in recent This year’s Key West festivities were expanded considyears are Sarasota and Boca Grande. This enabled boats to erably with a 30 percent increase in budgeting with multirace that don’t want to make the trip north to Clearwater or ple parties held around Key West. There were many differsouth to Naples for the start. The Sarasota start has been the ent party venues with different themes and locations. A one that has grown the most—partly because of the many brochure listing the party schedule was part of the captain’s racing boats that are in Sarasota Bay, but also because of the packet. For those who arrived early on Thursday afternoon, new Racer/Cruiser class that west Florida PHRF added in the festivities started at race headquarters at the Galleon the 2006-7 season. Although boats in the class can start from Marina & Resort, but really got going the next day with any location, all of the Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay boats in complimentary trays of appetizers and rum punch. After that class opted to start from Sarasota. Plus many of those that, the place to be was Pat Croce’s Rum Barrel, followed who had started in previous years from Clearwater raced in by the turtle races at Turtle Kraals, and then it was Sunset at the previous week’s regatta, the Sarasota Bay Cup, and left Dante’s. Saturday started with breakfast at the Dock Café, their boats in Sarasota so that they could race in the followed by mid-afternoon partiers at the Conch Republic Rendezvous five days later.

Seafood Company. The day was capped off by what some The traditional morning start from Clearwater began swore was a few hundred pounds of shrimp at Dante’s for with the usual light morning winds that occur in the region a peel ’n eat shrimp boil w/corn, potato salad and a keg of this time of year. As usual, onshore winds picked up the beer. The weekend continued on Sunday with the dock first evening and continued on through the night. Racers party and awards ceremony. The following morning the starting in Sarasota also had a light-wind start and enjoyed race began back to Naples for those heading north. good evening and nighttime winds all the way to Key West.

Rendezvous organizer Fairlie Brinkley credited Alice Petrat, The race to Key West was basically a broad reach, with spinthe Key West event coordinator, for the great success of the nakers up for those Spinnaker classes, all the way to the festivities in Key West. waterfront in Key West. One tack seemed to make it all the It was on the way back north that high winds caused way down the coast for most boats. In previous years, crosshavoc for many. Gregg Knighton onboard Misty, his Ranger ing Florida Bay often meant—unless a front came through 33, left on Saturday morning and said he started in winds which did not occur this year—no winds and a slow, hot that were upwards of 30 knots. He said crossing Florida Bay and humid run to the island. But this year, light continuous was in extremely difficult conditions as the entire bay was a winds brought most boats down there on Thursday night, washing machine and confused sea. With high winds, he many after midnight. The rest came in on Friday. suffered one knockdown while sailing under a full main Stars and Stripes, the 60-foot America’s Cup catamaran, and working headsail. When the boat righted itself (the was the first to reach Key West this year, but—because of mast almost touched the water), his boom was bent so badly lighter winds—set no record as they did last year, that sailing was out of the question. His mast compression although this year they started on time. Last year they 48

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post was also damaged, and his cabin roof was pushed in. This happened about 10:30 in the evening, and he motored for the next six or seven hours into Fort Myers. From there he motored up the ICW to home in Sarasota. Others had similar conditions as they crossed Florida Bay, but conditions were the worst for those who left the earliest, lightening up a little bit by the time the race to Naples began at noon on Monday.

Along with the Clearwater Yacht Club, the regatta is co-hosted by the Gulf Coast Sailing Club, Naples Yacht Club, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Platinum Point Yacht Club, Punta Gorda Sailing Club and Sarasota Yacht Club.

The regatta is a WFPHRF Boat of the Year event for the Suncoast, Charlotte Harbor, Sarasota Bay and southwest Florida fleets.

Esprit and Chances R sail into the tropical waters of Key West. Photo by John Hanson.

RESULTS (for complete results, go to www.clwyc.org): Clearwater (first start time 10 a.m., May 16), 25 boats in four classes.

Stars and Stripes was the only Multihull entry and finished at 1:13 a.m., Thursday morning, averaging 14.2 knots, with an elapsed time of 15 hours 12 minutes and 15 seconds.

First in corrected time but second to cross the line in Spinnaker class after one hour, 15 minutes and 38 seconds, was the Farr 395, Wired, followed by Velox, which was first to cross, and then Fire and Ice. In Non-Spinnaker, first to finish and in corrected time was Tranquilo, a Tartan 37, with Tango Three taking second, followed by Fixation in third.

In True Cruising A class, it was Esprit, a Bristol/Hood, followed by Chances R, and then Long Gone. True Cruising B class saw Juju, an Alberg 35, at first, then Exotica, with Syros coming in third.

Sarasota (first start time at 2 p.m., May 16), 29 boats in six classes One boat in the Multihull class, Merlin, a Gulfstream 35, finished in 21 hours and 54 minutes and 13 seconds.

In Spinnaker, Mischief, an AJ/92 skippered by Bob Armstrong, took first in 21 hours 23 minutes and 58 seconds elapsed time, although it was second to cross the line behind Renegade, a Carrera 290. Salty Pause took third.

Non-Spinnaker saw Gregg Knighton take first on Misty, a Ranger 33, although it was second to cross the line behind the only other boat in its class, Geoff Kendrick’s Lex Sea, a Mac Gregor 65.

In True Cruising, Adelie, a Catalina 42, finished in 34 hours 36 minutes 35 seconds—first across the line and first in corrected time, followed by Constellation and then Shearwater.

In the Racer/Cruiser A class, first in corrected and to News & Views for Southern Sailors

cross the line was Relativity, a Beneteau 53.5. Second was Prime Plus and third was Intrepid.

In the Racer Cruiser B class, it was Mother Ocean, an O’Day 40, that took first and was first to cross the line.

Second was Another Road and third was Relentless.

Boca Grande (first start time at 5 p.m. May 16), 6 boats in four classes Wimpie, a Seaward 26 took first as the only boat in the Spinnaker Class.

In Non-Spinnaker, it was Fancy Free, a Tartan 39, who took first in corrected time, followed by Journey on.

In True Cruising, with two boats in the class, Serendipity, a Hunter 420, was first across the line and first in corrected time. It was followed by Ironic Breeze.

In the Racer/Cruiser class, with one boat racing, it was Bilbo, a Catana 38, who took the honors.

Naples (first start time at 7 p.m. May 17), 12 boats in two classes In Spinnaker, Midnight Rider, a Tartan 4100, took first, although it was second to cross the line. Second was Toad Hall, a S2 9.1, and third was Macushla, a Beneteau 34 In True Cruising, Wiley Coyote, a Tartan 27, took first, although it was third to cross the line. It was followed by Island Time. Third was Never Again II. Key West to Naples (first start time at 11:30 p.m. May 21), 20 boats in four classes Damiana, the only boat in the Multiple class, took first.

In Non-Spinnaker, first was taken by Fancy Free, second by Hoku Lele, and third was Koucky. First in Spinnaker was Midnight Rider, followed by Tippecanoe in second and Toad Hall in third. True cruising was won by Serendipity, followed by Chances R. Third was Minerva.

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SOUTHERN RACING ■ NEWS

Southern Sailors Named to Intercollegiate All-America Team Evan Brown Photo by Gary Brown Several Southern women sailors received status on the 2007 Intercollegiate Sailing Association’s (ICSA) Women’s AllAmerica Team for outstanding achievement throughout the year.

Named to the AllAmerica Team were Stanford University junior Evan Brown, originally from Tampa, FL (Berkeley Prep ‘04), Charlotte Hill of Miami, a junior at the U.S. Naval Academy, Emily Hill of Miami, a senior at Yale, and Andrea Savage of the College of Charleston.

College of Charleston freshman Shannon Heausler of Tampa (H.B. Plant ‘06), and Katie Whitman, also of Tampa and now a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy, received 2007 ICSA All-America honorable mention.

Named All-America crew were Betsy Bryant, a Dartmouth junior and Tim King, a sophomore from University of South Florida. Both are from Tampa, FL. Brown, Heausler, Whitman, Betsy Bryant and King are products of the Davis Island (Tampa, FL) Youth Sailing Foundation’s race team.

Emily Hill was runner-up for Quantum Sails Collegiate Sailor of the Year and Evan Brown was ranked third for this honor. Shannon Heausler won the Women’s singlehanded nationals as a freshman last fall.

In addition to her All-America status, Evan Brown was third-place A Division skipper at the ICSA Women’s National Championships

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■ UPCOMING MAJOR SOUTHERN RACING EVENTS

Junior Olympic Sailing Festival, Pensacola Yacht Club, July 6-8

By Kim Kaminski The Pensacola Yacht Club will host the USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival Independence Day Regatta on July 6-8.

The Junior Olympics participants will learn techniques and skills taught by Tom Coleman (one of the best Opti coaches in the country) and then follow-up hands-on practical application sailing in competitive races.

Various skill-level classes will be available for the youth sailors including: Optimist Red, White, and Blue classes, Optimist Green (with a three-day clinic), Laser, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, and Club 420.

Youth sailors will enjoy a practice day filled with clinics and fun races beginning on Friday, July 6, with competitive racing on Saturday and Sunday. The awards ceremony will be held Sunday after racing at the yacht club.

For more information, go to www.pensacolayachtclub.org, or contact Linda Thompson, regatta chair at Linda.thompson@mchsi.com.

Ladies Sailing Trilogy – Fast Women, Bikini and Race for the Roses Regattas, July 14-Aug. 4

By Kim Kaminski The Trilogy Trophy is awarded to the best team of the following three women’s regattas.

The initial race in the Ladies Trilogy, the Fast Women Regatta, will be held on July 14 at the Point Yacht Club in Josephine, AL. www.pointyachtclub.org.

The second race, the Bikini Regatta, will be held on July 28 at the Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the Bikini regatta, which also has the honor of being the first ladies sailing event in the area. www.navypnsyc.org.

The final race in the Trilogy Series, the Race for the Roses, will be held on Aug. 4 and hosted by the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club. This will be the 20th anniversary of this

www.southwindsmagazine.com

Beach Yacht Club. This will be the 20th anniversary of this special all-female regatta. The overall winner in the Women’s Trilogy will be determined at this race. www.pensacolabeach-yc.org.

St. Johns Optimist Green Fleet Regatta, July 14-15 This regatta is open to all Optimist sailors. Racing on Sat. and Sunday. Child-friendly buffet on Saturday and awards Sunday afternoon. Can sail on one or both days. Florida Yacht Club. www.floridayachtclub.org. (904) 387-1653. Don Wansor, wansord@aol.com.

Regatta Fundraiser for Pungo District Hospital Foundation Offers Something for Everyone, Bellhaven, NC, July 20-22 The Pirates on the Pungo Regatta is an annual fundraiser for the Pungo District Hospital Foundation in Bellhaven, NC. Honorary chairperson for the 2007 Regatta is WITN’s Chief Meteorologist Marvin Daugherty.

Sponsored by the Pamlico Sailing Club, the River Rat Yacht Club, and the Bellhaven Yacht Club, the 2007 Pirates on

News & Views for Southern Sailors

the Pungo Regatta will offer a weekend of fun and serious sailing with supporting festivities and activities for sailors as well as non-sailors beginning Friday evening, July 20.

Bellhaven’s River Forest Manor Marina is the anchor site of the weekend-long events, providing dockage, accommodations and launch facilities at a reduced rate to regatta participants. Water taxi service will be provided by PDH Foundation. RV and camper spots are available on a limited basis (call for details: 252-944-2283). A boat ramp is available for launching trailerables, and convenient trailer storage is available at the ramp.

The 2007 Regatta will be governed by US Sailing Rules.

Visit www.piratesonpungo.org for more information, invitations to join as a sponsor, sailor or partygoer in support of the Pungo District Hospital Foundation!

A-Class Catamaran World Championship to be Held in Florida Keys Nov. 10-16 The world’s best catamaran sailors will converge on Islamorada, FL, on Nov. 10-16 to compete for the 2007 Ronstan A-Class Catamaran World Championship presented

by FSE Robline. Hosted from the Islander Resort, the races will be sailed on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Florida Keys.

The 18-foot A-Class catamaran is a state-of-the-art carbon-fiber sailing machine. Weighing in at a mere 165 pounds, it provides fast and furious sailing action in even

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SOUTHERN RACING the lightest winds. Many renowned sailors plan to compete in this year’s event, including current world champion Glen Ashby, and other high profile sailors including Ben Hall, Pete Melvin and Lars Guck.

Bob Hodges, United States A-Class Catamaran Association class president, said, “We are pleased and excited to welcome Ronstan & FSE Robline as the primary sponsors for the 2007 A-Class Catamaran World Championship.

They are recognized around the world for their high performance sailing product lines, and this support of the AClass Catamaran World Championship regatta will add a high level of prestige to an event that will be contested by some of the best racing sailors in the world.”

Recognizing the opportunity to showcase their latest technological advancements, both Ronstan and FSE Robline agreed to be title sponsors of this year’s event. Ronstan President Scot West said, “Our involvement with cutting-edge racing classes is worldwide and goes back for years. Ronstan’s products and image are a perfect fit for these high-tech cats.

We are thrilled to be a major supporter of the event.”

Alexander Kubizek, international sales manager of FSE Robline, also sees this as a great place to introduce its high performance sailing lines to the U.S. market. He said, “FSE Robline is well-known throughout Europe as a leading provider of high performance cordage; sponsoring a high performance world championship being held in the U.S. in cooperation with our U.S. distributor made perfect sense.” FSE Robline is Europe’s largest manufacturer of high performance sailing cordage and has recently entered the U.S. market.

Established in 1967 as a development racing class, the A-Class catamaran has enjoyed a recent resurgence in the United States and Canada driven by hot new designs and very active fleets. For more information on the world championships, go to www.acatworlds.com. For more information on the A-cat class, go to www.a-cat.org.

Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and finish just outside of Charleston Harbor.

A classic dual of ocean racing tactics and sailing endurance, this 408-mile race is sailed straight up the Gulf Stream. Competitors will enjoy a constant two- to four-knot push as navigators work to keep boats in the axis of the stream and avoid countercurrents.

The race is sponsored by the Lauderdale Yacht Club, Carolina Yacht Club of Charleston and the Storm Trysail Club of Larchmont, NY. The race will be organized and managed by Southern Ocean Racing Conference, Inc. The inaugural race in 1968 was won by Dr. Dean Woosley in his 40-foot Columbia. The race record is held by the 53-foot sloop Bumblebee, owned and skippered by J.D. Kahlbetzer, completing the 1976 race in 40 hours, 34.5 minutes.

“With today’s yacht designs, sails and navigation equipment, we expect the previous record time to be easily smashed,” said Buck Gillette, race chairman and LYC past commodore. “We are also pleased to welcome this classic back to the racing circuit and consider it to be ranked along with other great ocean races, such as the Newport to Bermuda and the Fort Lauderdale to Jamaica races.”

“The Carolina Yacht Club is proud to host the race finish and awards party,” stated Crayton Walters, past commodore.

“Charleston is a beautiful town rich with history and entertainment for the whole crew and supporting families.”

Additional information including the Preliminary Notice of Race can be found at www.fortlauderdale charlestonrace.org. To automatically be placed on future email announcements on this and other SORC events, send an e-mail to press@fortlauderdalecharlestonrace.org.

Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race Back on the Circuit for April 2008

Captain’s Cup Challenge, Pensacola, Navy Yacht Club

In June, the Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC) announced the dates of the 2008 Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Ocean Yacht Race. Scheduled to begin April 23, this event marks the rebirth of a race that originated in 1968 and ran for 10 years. The race will start just outside of Port

The Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola helped in staging the annual Captain’s Cup Challenge between the various school commands on Pensacola Naval Air Station.

The races were held on Monday and Thursday after-

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■ RACE REPORTS

By Kim Kaminski

www.southwindsmagazine.com

noons from 4 to 6:30 p.m. over a three-week period starting in May. Multiple races were held in Bayou Grande with race activities being held by volunteers from the Navy Yacht Club and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staff. The various base commands took up the challenge and sailed against each other on small one-design sailboats—Hunter 17s and Sunfish. The format for the races included team racing on each one-design boat. Teams rotated boats and days throughout the competition. The top team earned the coveted Captain’s Cup trophy. This event was open to all Pensacola Naval Air Station commands, command against command.

Last year’s challenge was won by a difference of one point by NATSC over VT4. This year—in an amazing coincidence—the same two teams were battling it out on the water in an effort to take the top honors. Who won the 2007 Captain’s Cup? NATSC beat VT 4 by two points.

Kathy Bush Wins FWSA Championship, St. Petersburg, FL, May 18

By Morgan Stinemetz Luffing Lassie Kathy Bush, a Sarasota sailor with good local credentials, won the Florida Women’s Sailing Association Championship in spinnaker-equipped Sonars on May 18 in light air off St. Petersburg.

Bush and her crew of three—PJ Summerville of the Tampa Yacht Club, and Karen Park and Trisha Birkenstock of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, who call themselves Team Fwazaa—had a line score of 1-2-1. Bush and company won the first race by about a minute over the second place boat in a six-boat Sonar fleet. But Bush was second by about 75 seconds in the second race.

“We got stuck out on the left side and couldn’t tack,” Summerville explained.

In the third and final race, with primarily southerly winds getting fitful and light before the afternoon sea breeze filled in at 12+ knots, Bush rounded the downwind mark on a windward/leeward course in third place. The surface of the water was starting to look oily as the breeze nearly disappeared. The first boat around, the same boat that had won the second race, managed to find a place where there was absolutely no wind and it parked. So bad was the boat’s lack of momentum, it was unable to finish the race.

Team Fwazaa cut the mark close and headed up the final windward leg close-hauled, but at a slow pace. The race committee, looking at the possibility that the wind would go to zero, eliminated the last leg altogether, and that is why the boats finished to weather.

Bush’s team went from third at the leeward mark to first at the finish, easing by veteran sailor Carole Bardes of St. Petersburg in the process. Bardes had rounded the leeward mark in second but was not able to hold off Bush in the final leg, though it was awfully close.

“I was really pleased with how well we did,” Bush said after the racing was over and the boats were back at the St. Petersburg Sailing Squadron docks. “We have great teamwork on this boat. It was such a thrill to win that race; the competition is pretty tough.”

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Second overall in the race was Sarasota’s Ursula Olson, which put Luffing Lassies one and two for the day. The win for Bush adds another champion sailor to a fleet of noteworthy local sailing stars that number about a dozen now.

“EmOcean” Wins Overall Honors in 2007 Charleston to Bermuda Race, May 18-26 From www.charlestontobermuda.com This 777-mile race began on May 18 with eight tall ships and hundreds of spectators looking on and ended with a convivial evening of awards at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on May 26, during which the final finisher—the Hylas 45, E’s Alee, was towed to the dock and met by all the other crews with rousing applause.

This year, overall honors were awarded to a skipper and crew who performed superbly. The award went to young Will Hanckel and his friends on board his father’s J/120 EmOcean. This Charleston-based group made their intentions known early in the proceedings as they were the second entry to set their kite at the start and the first to round the race’s initial turning mark. Though Hanckel and company couldn’t maintain the boat-for-boat lead for long, they sailed smartly and aggressively and remained in contention throughout the nearly five days it took them to reach Bermuda. En route, they dealt deftly with a variety of conditions that ran the gamut from 25- to 30-knot northeasterly winds and confused, 10-foot seas, to light zephyrs and moderate swells. Near the end of the race, the crew opted to abandon its watch system in order to have all bodies on the rail and all hands on deck for the final 24 hours. And they did this despite having on board provisions that were limited at that stage to cookies and crackers.

Sailing more than 95 percent of the race on port tack, Team EmOcean finished in 4 days, 21 hours, 43 minutes, and 32 seconds, giving them a corrected time of 4 days, 9 hours, 25 minutes, and 16 seconds. By comparison, Scott Jones’ Peterson 44 Lung Ta took almost a full day longer (5 days, 21 hours, 20 minutes, no seconds), which equated to a corrected time of 4 days, 11 hours, 39 minutes, and 29 seconds.

That was good enough for second overall honors. Third overall was awarded to Kevin Hogan and crew sailing aboard his C&C 44 Kintaro.

For scoring purposes, the 18 competitors were segmented into four classes. Joe Harris’ Open 50 Gryphon Solo, with Hugh Piggin as skipper, was the first boat to arrive in Bermuda and finished first in the Exhibition class with a corrected time of 4 days, 23 hours, 26 minutes, and 32 seconds. Despite her actual elapsed time of 4 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes—more than 11 hours faster than the next boat—this ’round-the-world racing machine finished eighth overall. The race is sponsored by Bermuda Tourism, Gosling’s Rum, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Charleston Harbor Resort, Bennett-Hofford, and Charleston Boatworks. The seventh edition of this every-other-year race will be in 2009.

For additional information and full scores, log onto www.charlestontobermuda.com.

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SOUTHERN RACING 43rd Annual Navy Cup, Pensacola, FL, May 19-20

By Kim Kaminski

be able to respond to changing wind conditions on the bay.

As a result, a quality regatta was provided.

Both days of the regatta had ideal weather conditions with sunny skies, breezes between 10 to 15 knots and plenty of close competition. Refreshments were provided to the participants following each day’s racing event courtesy of the Navy Yacht Club. On Sunday, racing continued, followed by the awards presentation and Navy Cup party. The top three scoring boats in each class counted for points toward earning the coveted Navy Cup trophy.

This year’s winning club, the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, not only had the most entrants but also had the highest points. Pensacola Yacht Club came in second with the Navy Yacht Club in third.

1st Annual Meatball Regatta, May 20, Lake Lanier, GA Members from the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club participated in the 43rd Annual Navy Cup Regatta. Their joint efforts helped the club earn the coveted perpetual silver trophy cup. Photo by Kim Kaminski.

The Navy Cup sailing tradition is back! After a two-year hiatus, the annual regatta (one of the oldest and most prestigious sailboat races along the Gulf Coast) was held once again by the Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola on May 19-20.

This year’s event had a great turnout with 26 boats racing for three area yacht clubs.

This time-honored regatta, which began in 1963, endured a two-yearlong break (2005-2006) due to back-toback destructive hurricane seasons. Many sailors lost their boats, had to replace them, handle insurance, get slips and then maintain their enthusiasm. Thankfully, things have improved, and more boats are returning to the water.

The 42nd Annual Navy Cup was last held in May of 2004 prior to Hurricane Ivan, and so this year will mark the 43rd annual running of the event. The two-day contest pits yacht club against yacht club in a quest to earn the perpetual silver cup. Many of the local area yacht clubs, which include the Navy Yacht Club, the Pensacola Yacht Club and the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, sent their club members to the Navy sailing facility at the Bayou Grande Marina on Pensacola’s Naval Air Station for the regatta.

Classes included Sunfish, Hunter 17s, and PHRF (Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker and Bimini).

There was small-boat racing in the bayou, and the PHRF boats raced in Pensacola Bay. The event was open to all yacht clubs and required that the skippers be current members of the yacht club they represent. Each club was allowed an unlimited number of competitors.

Not only was the competition a joint effort between yacht clubs but also aboard the boats as well. Races on the bayou were held by the past year’s Navy Fleet Captain Stu Hamblin and, on the bay were PYC members John Matthews, Betsy Moraski, and Bev Stagg. William Paden was the PRO. Maryann Hayes, the 2007 fleet captain for Navy, managed the PHRF fleet. The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department of the Navy base came to the rescue on Friday prior to the races by coming up with small boats to use as markset/pinsets. This allowed the race committee to 54

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By R. J. Mitchellette

Light winds marked the Meatball Regatta. Photo by Ron Mitchellette.

The Performance Cruising Racing Fleet (PCRF) launched its first annual—and sure to continue—Meatball Regatta on Lake Lanier on May 20 from the Holiday Marina A Dock.

The event commenced with a scheduled pursuit start at 1100 hours. However, due to minimum wind conditions, the start time was delayed until 1230 hours with the Chassners in their new 33-foot Hunter crossing the start line first and eight other cruisers following in their respective time slots.

It was a beautiful sight watching boats from 30 to 44 feet moving ever so slowly over the blue waters, until the day’s race captain and co-host, sympathetically, called the race around the first windward mark—approximately 2.4 miles—on what would have been a two-lap 4.8-mile course had the wind co-operated.

The winners on this shortened course were Ivars Blumenau finishing first in his 35-foot Beneteau, followed

by Don and Lee Curt in their Hunter 336 and Bill Amorin in his Buccaneer 29. The rest of the fleet drifted in from time to time. However, all made it to the Italian Fest, alias the Meatball Party, hosted by Paula Moore and Fred Kempner www.southwindsmagazine.com

with a start time of 1700 hours and an end time when the fabulous food and wine stores emptied much later in the evening. Paula prepared most of the food herself and a special cake to celebrate this writer’s B-Day (thanks to Fred and Paula).

The most interesting component of a race like this one with 3-5 mph winds is the skill of the skippers and their crew when sail trim, wind shift reading and tactics are critical to victory. Boat design and equipment are meaningful, but a boat can only go as fast as its design, and some boats are more cruiser than racer and others are more racer than cruiser. And then some boats are light wind performers, while others are much better medium and heavy air performers (such as my 14,000-pound Swedish-built beauty, which meets the latter criteria).

It’s sailing skill that wins races with boat design providing the edge.

Corinthian Regatta, Bradenton to Key West, Bradenton Yacht Club, May 30

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

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

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

By Philip Pratley The BYC Corinthian Regatta is nicknamed by some as the “School’s Out Regatta,” because the regatta was originally scheduled, and still is, to start right after school is out in late May and accommodate those who have restricted schedules—both parents and kids. Knowing that winds are pretty sparse this late in the spring, boats are allowed to do some motoring. Powerboaters were to rendezvous with the sailors in Key West.

Eleven boats raced this year, starting at marker #3 of the Egmont Southwest Channel at five p.m. on May 30. The race finished at the #1 mark of the Northwest Channel to Key West—185 nautical miles.

The race started in light easterly winds, which died down even more as the love bugs moved in to accompany the sailors. The wind built from the west as the evening progressed. Later in the evening winds and seas began to build, as what was to become Tropical Storm Barry was forming in the southern Gulf. Winds built up in the 20s, gusting to the 30s, with 10-foot seas. Two boats retired because of equipment failures and went in at Boca Grande pass. Radio check-in was every six hours starting at midnight. Eight of the 11 boats finished the race. The first across was Windcaller, crossing the line at 8:35 p.m. Thursday evening, followed one minute later by Mariana.

A banquet at Dante’s in Key West, attended by 75 people, capped off the race festivities. The group decided to have T-shirts printed with “I survived 2007 Corinthian BYC to Key West” to commemorate the race.

Results: Class A (Place, Boat, Elapsed Time, Hours Motored, Corrected Time, Time Behind Leader): 1, Spring Fever, 30:37:00, 0 NM, 20:38:50; 2, Windcaller, 27:35:00, 0 NM, 20:41:50, 0:03:00; 3, Mojo, 29:23:00, 0 NM, 21:06:35, 0:27:45;4, Marianna, 30:38:00, 20 NM, 21:28:40, 0:49:50; 5, Miller Time, DNF;6, Naxos, DNF; Class B (Place, Boat, Elapsed Time, Hours Motored, Corrected Time, Time Behind Leader): 1, Tranquility, 32:16:00, 17 NM, 23:03:44; 2, Star Wake, 34:42:21, 9 NM, 24:10:58, 1:07:14; 3, Kitten, 37:42:00, 4 NM, 24:55:46, 1:52:02;4, Mirage, 40:30:00, 0 NM, 27:23:45, 4:20:01; 5, Odyssey, DNF. News & Views for Southern Sailors

JULY Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 7-8 Cherry Pt HYC HYC Regatta 7 Pamlico PSC SOLO Race 19-23 Rhode Island. Beneteau 36.7 North Americans 21-22 Bellhaven PSC Pirates on the Pungo 28 New Bern NYRA Parrothead 28-29 Harkers Island MOBYC. Harkers Island Regatta (Sunfish) South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 7-8 Firecracker Regatta Laser, Sunfish, Opti, 420 SYC 7-8 US Sailing Match Racing Quarters TBA LLSC 14-15 Edenton Bay Challenge OD, DPN CSC-NC 21-22 Charleston Yacht Club Open ChYC 28-29 Carolina Yacht Club Open CYC-SC 28 Jolly Jordan Regatta Opti CSC-NC AUGUST Charleston Ocean Racing Assoc. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Club Racing every Sunday.

Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 4-5 Oriental ODC Dragons Breath/ICRC 11-12 Merrimon MCBC Hoop Hole (Flying Scot, Sunfish) 11-12 Oriental/Bath PSC Moonlight Mimosa 25 Bogue Sound MCBC Lake Lanier. www.lakelaniersailing.com AISC Wed Night Club Race every Sunday BFSC Tradewinds Club Race every Sunday 4 BFSC/SSC Moonlight Scramble / Firefly #2 South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 3 SAYRA Splash. 420 CYC-NC 4-5 SAYRA Open Invitational. Open CYC-NC 4-5 Rockville Regatta. Open SIYC 11-12 Spar Wars Opti, Sunfish, Laser, Harbor 20 SCYC 17-19 Rock Regatta. Open CFYC www.longbaysailing.com Regular Club Racing in Little River Inlet 4 Wooden Boat Race. Southport, NC SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING

JULY 5,12,19,27 Sunset Racing. Halifax Sailing Association.

7-8 Firecracker Regatta. Port Canaveral Yacht Club 14-15 Optimist Green Fleet Regatta.Florida Yacht Club 14-15 Cruise to Cocoa Village. East Coast Sailing Assoc–Cruising 27 Howl at the Moon. Halifax Sailing Association 7 Fall Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 28 Moonlight Regatta. Rudder Club 28 River Challenge Regatta. East Coast Sailing Assoc–Racing AUGUST 1,8,15,22,29 Wed Nite Race. Indian River Yacht Club 2,9,16,23,30 Sunset Racing. Halifax Sailing Association.

4 Gilligan’s Run. Daytona Cat Sailors Fleet 80 10,24 Fall Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club 11 Make Up Day. Port Canaveral Yacht Club 12,26 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club 11 - 12 Cruise to Conch Key Grille. East Coast Sailing Association–Cruising 18,19 Fall Race Series #1. East Coast Sailing Association–Racing 19 Fall Women’s Race #2. East Coast Sailing Association–Women’s 30 Sunset Racing Awards Banquet. Halifax Sailing Association.

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

Club Racing Bradenton YC. Winter Races starting in October until April. Races at 1:30 p.m. Thursday evening races at 6:30 p.m. start in April through Daylight Savings Time. PHRF racing on Manatee River.

For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401.

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

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

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

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venicesailing-squadron.org JULY 1,8,15,22,29 Cortez Yacht Club Commodore’s Cup series. Racing in southern Tampa Bay. 4 Sundays with July 29 a makeup weather day. Cortezyachtclub.com. davidp20@verizon.net.

4 Tampa Bay Catamaran Sailors. Race for Liberty

Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net JULY 2 GTYC Great Turtle Race 4-14 Regatta Time in the Abacos 28 Full MOON Regatta.

AUGUST 11 Single Handed Race. CGSC 12 Double Handed Race. CGSC 18 J/24 #8. Flat Earth 25 Full MOON Regatta

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

Upper Keys Sailing Club. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com.

Regular club racing open to all.

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Wednesday Evening Fun Races PYC. Every Wednesday of the Month, April thru October Fort Walton Yacht Club. April thru October JULY 5-12 Ida Lewis Regatta – Pontchartrain YC, Mandeville 6-8 GORC – Buccaneer YC, Mobile YC, Mobile 6-8 Junior Olympic Festival (one design) – Pensacola YC, Pensacola 7-8 Meigs Regatta (Capdevielle) – Fort Walton YC, Ft. Walton Beach 14 Bastille Day Regatta – Southern YC, New Orleans 14 Fast Women Regatta – Point YC, Josephine 14-15 USSA Adams – Semi Finals – Jackson YC, Jackson 14-15 Summer Regatta (Capdevielle) – Mobile YC, Mobile 21-22 Junior Lipton Regatta (Capdevielle) 28 Bikini Regatta – Navy YC, Pensacola 28-29 Weatherly Regatta (Capdevielle) – Gulfport YC, Gulfport 28-29 Birthday Regatta (one design) – Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian AUGUST 4 20th Annual Race for the Roses. Pensacola Beach YC, Pensacola Beach See NORTHERN GULF COAST continued on page 68 www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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BROKERS & BOAT OWNERS BOATS FOR SALE ADVERTISING CLASSIFIEDS ADS TEXT & PHOTO $50 FOR 3 MONTHS Prices for 3 months of advertising: • $50 for 30-word ad & horizontal photo ($65 for vertical photo)* • Power or Sail • New or used • No monthly changes (unless phone numbers, e-mails or prices) • Change your ad/boat for sale monthly at a total cost of $20 a month for ad and photo • 3-month minimum • Text-only ads – $25 • Small charge for more than 30 words • All ads go on the Internet on 1st of month or place it today for $10 • Brokers: monthly credit card billing on file unless a regular display advertiser (or prepay by check)

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704 *Ads and photos must be e-mailed. $5 extra charges for photo scanning or typing in ads over the phone or ads mailed in.

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CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25 Place them on the Internet now for $10! Open to all Brokers, Businesses and Boat Owners • $25 for three months, 30 words. $40 for 40 words. $50 for 60 words.

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• Add $25 for a horizontal photo (total $50 for 30-word ad and horizontal photo). Add $15 if vertical photo. Boats and item wanted ads included.

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

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BROKERS: Photo and text ads only apply to this offer. $5 to change your ad first 3 months. After 3 months: $20 a month for a new ad or $15 to pick up old ad. Price changes and mistake changes free. Credit card must be on file if not a monthly display advertiserl

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SAILING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Americas #1 Sailing School is taking applications for immediate employment at our Florida locations. If you have a passion for teaching sailing, please contact us at 239985-7539 or doug@offshoresailing.com for more details.

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR WANTED SOUTHWINDS is looking for a sales director to run sales program. Great sales percentage. For more info (requirements/job description), first go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/adrepinfo.html.

be canceled if not renewed. Contact us by the 2nd Saturday of the month preceding to renew or for new ads. Boats must be in the Southern coastal states. No businesses. _________________________________________ Boom off a C&C 29. Measures 10’3” long by 3.5” high. Free but pick up only in West Palm Beach, FL. (561) 655-9555. (9/07)

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________ Molds to build original Optimist Pram, not IOD. Ellie’s Sailing Shop. St. Petersburg. (727) 442-3281.

(9/07) _________________________________________

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY _________________________________________

Dinghy 10’ RIB 310. West Marine. 4 years old, very good condition. Storage bag needs repair. $950. Lou (305) 394-0901. (7/07) _________________________________________

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

Bauer 10. Sprit-rigged. Tan Bark sail. 7’ oars and hardware. Galvanized trailer does not go into water. Yacht finish. Everything as new. $2900.

Siesta Key, FL, (941) 349-3102. (8/07) _________________________________________

BOATS & GEAR FOR FREE

_________________________________________ SOUTHWINDS is starting this section for people who have boats they want to get rid of, whether on land or in the water. List your boat for free with up to 50 words and a horizontal photo. Editor reserves the right to not list or discontinue any boat or gear he chooses.

“Boats wanted” listings only by approval of editor. Ads will run for three months and then 62

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

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

July 2007

SOUTHWINDS

16’ Precision 165 Sailboat. This 2004 Sailboat is in perfect condition. Includes 4stroke Yamaha 2.5 HP Outboard. Boat is built in Palmetto, FL. See Web site for all details and retail price, www.precisionboatworks.com.

This boat lists new for $10,995. I’m asking $9000 including motor. This boat can be seen at Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL. Talk to the Harbormaster (941) 729-6021. (8/07)

BRAND-NEW 10’2 Aquastar sport dinghy, NEVER put in water, 4Pc plywood floor, inflatable keel, two seats, carry bag, Cost $1,800, yours for $900 (239) 370-2403. (8/07) _________________________________________ Port-a-Boat folding boat. 12 Ft. $400 OBO (727) 585-2814. Largo, FL. (7/07)

2” Display Ads Starting at $38/month editor@southwindsmagazine.com 941-795-8704 www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS Mold to build traditional-shaped 18’ canoe.

Very sturdy split mold. Boats were built under the name Clearwater Canoe. Ellie’s Sailing Shop. St. Petersburg. (727) 442-3281. (9/07)

19’ Seaward Fox Catboat 1998. 5HP Merc and elect. trolling motor. Carbon fiber rotating mast. Fully battened main – 2 sets reef pts.

Lazy jacks, Bimini, current safety sticker, portapotty, bilge pump. Full-fitted canvas cover.

Wing keel. 10” draft. In water. Asking $7,000.

OBO. (941) 387-8786. (7/07)

1984 O’DAY 26. 4-stroke 9.9 Mercury outboard w/electric start. New stays, rigging, group 31 battery, forward hatch, motor mount and solar panel. VHF marine radio, headsail furler, anchor, cruising spinnaker (in a shoot), extra sails and much more. Dockside A/C with outlets in galley and head.$7,500 Lake Keowee, SC, Contact Phil (828) 2300928 or (828) 645-9259 or philnix@charter.net. (8/07) 28’ S-2 Sloop 1979. Yanmar diesel, 4’6” draft, wheel steering, auto pilot and Tri-Data Autohelm instrument new 2002, 12V refrigerator, good sail inventory, quality construction and proven design. Asking $23,000. For more info, call (727) 560-0901. (7/07)

1976 Tartan 27, $9000, 3’ draft to 6’ w/centerboard, New bottom, hull paint. Atomic 4.

Very good condition. New head, holding tank, 130 genoa with Pro-furl. Fairhope, Alabama. (251) 747-2013. (9/07) VIPER 830 27’ sport sailboat with trailer, carbon mast, motor, instruments, new sails, excellent condition, always on trailer or boat lift, no bottom paint, extras, asking $39,500 Located in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Call evenings 850-243-1804. (9/07)

1975 Catalina 22. Ready to sail. Retrofit summer (2006). Too much new to list in ad. email for brochure. hytedin@hotmail.com.

Trailer, new Tohatsu 6hp., warranty. (850) 443-7451. $5000 firm (9/07) 1968 Westerly Cirrus 22’. Stout little cruiser.

Yanmar 2005, Navik self-steering vane, standing headroom (6’), enclosed head. Lying in NE Florida. Ready to go. Excellent condition. $12,500.

(228) 324-6504. (9/07) _________________________________________ 1979 Pearson 26 One-Design. Over $7000 invested in ‘06. New performance mainsail and 155 Genoa. Epoxy barrier coat. Harken self-tailing winches. Excellent condition. $7800 (850) 271-8550 williamssignserv@bellsouth.net. (7/07)

1985 Catalina 27 Tall rig with Universal diesel, 4’ draft. wheel steering, Hood furling, head w/shower, Bimini, autopilot, VHF, GPS, depth, galley, cockpit table, sleeps 5. Reduced for quick sale $12,900 (941) 792-9100

San Juan 28. 1980. FWC Yanmar. 700 Hrs., 4’ 6” draft, 4 sails included, all as new, Shore full batten main w/150 Genoa. 3 ground tackle, windlass, electronics, tiller autopilot, inflatable w/OB, no hurricane damage, sail away condition. $9500. For fax and info, call (586) 4687461, or (586) 405-2261. Located in Ft. Lauderdale. (9/07)

1983 S2 9.1 Racer/Cruiser. 3 headsails, spinnaker, GPS,VHS, depth sounder, extra sheets, gas stove, ice box, enclosed head w/shower, teak table. Asking $13,950. 941-729-5401.

(9/07)

Southern Cross 28 cutter with Westerbeke diesel, Pro furl, Autohelm, radar, mapping GPS, and much more. Excellent condition.

Located in Pensacola, FL. Asking $35,000.

(850) 501-2532. (9/07)

Southwinds Classifieds.

Distributed throughout 8 Southern coastal states. $25 for up to 30 words for 3 months editor@southwindsmagazine.com

941-795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

$50 – 3 mo.

Ad & Photo 941-795-8704 SOUTHWINDS

July 2007 63

CLASSIFIED ADS

30’ Pearson, Racer/Cruiser Sloop, 1976 Red, Excellent cond., 2 mains, 3 jibs, 3 spinnakers, spinnaker pole. Tiller, marine radio, stove, new pot, sleeps 6, $11,900. Madeira Beach, FL terrycshan@aol.com. (727) 581-4708 or (727) 244-4708. Motivated Seller. (8/07)

31’ Island Packet 1985. 27 hp Yanmar, 500 hrs, bimini w/windshield 2006, dinghy, outboard, AC, 2002 Roller Furling Genoa, 2002 main. Asking $47,500. St Augustine, FL (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (8/07)

33’ Tartan Sloop 1980. Universal diesel 24 hp, 990 hrs, owner of 15 years has done constant upgrading, full electronics w/radar, AC-heat, roller furling main and headsail, a beauty in and out. Asking $37,500. St Augustine, FL. (toll free) (866) 610-1703. Will trade for 40’+ sailboat. www.sayachtsales.com. (8/07)

Mainecat 30 sailing catamaran. Launched 1999, fast cruiser, well-equipped, exceptional condition. Details and photos at: www.toucanme.com. Ready to sail away. $120K (941) 313-0999). (7/07)

1979 O’Day 30 Shoal draft w/retractable centerboard. Many brand-new big ticket items. Professionally restored bottom and above waterline paint job. Great for first time owner or O’Day enthusiast. Asking $19,000 (954) 784-6677 drewsiegle@hotmail.com (7/07)

31’ Catalina 310, 2004. Just taken in trade on new Catalina. In-mast furling, air conditioning, Autopilot, ST-60 wind/speeddepth, VHF w/Ram Mic, custom Bimini/windshield, microwave, nice condition $89,900 Massey Yacht Sales. (727) 824-7262 St Petersburg, or (941) 723-1610 Palmetto, FL. 1981 Cape Dory Cutter 30. Well equipped cruising boat. Surveyed 2000 at $39K. Tough boat, no damages in Katrina. Volvo Diesel.

New head and sailcovers in 2005. $26,000.

John (228) 343-9546. (7/07)

Advertise in the Southwinds Classifieds.

Viewed by thousands on our Web site. $25 for up to 30 words for 3 months editor@southwindsmagazine.com

941-795-8704 64 July 2007

SOUTHWINDS

AIRES 32 CUTTER. Single-hand remote autopilot mast-rigged. Blue water full keel.

Main cabin pullout double berth, too.

Excellent fresh water history care. 900-hour Westerbeke 33. $67,000. (800) 324-7214.

(8/07)

Morgan O.I. 33. Full keel, only 3’ 11” draft.

Yanmar 38 hp diesel w/only 950 hrs. The Out Island series by Charlie Morgan is well known for their exceptional interior volume. The shallow draft makes it an excellent choice for cruising the Keys and Bahamas. Loaded with new equipment and upgrades including: Auto-pilot, color chartplotter GPS, electric windlass, wind generator, propane stove, refrigerator, marine air conditioning, dinghy with new OB, flat screen TV, stereo and more.

Owner has new boat ordered. Here is a chance to get a great boat for a great price.

Asking $29,500, but let’s hear your offer.

Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

32 Gulf Pilothouse, complete refit: all new 2005- standing running rigging, performance sails, wiring, circuit breakers panel, water heater, holding/macerator, fuel tanks, 12v/110 standing fridge-freezer, propane cooktop, infared broiling, 3 batteries, autocharger, 17000 btu heat/air, Bimini. $39,500. sailsetc@ilnk.com (904) 810-1966. (7/07) 35 Fuji/Alden Ketch 1974. $45,000. Totally refitted with all top gear 2005. Yanmar 4HJ2.

Ultraleather, new rigging and canvas, full electronics, 3.5 Nissan OB, beautiful classic.

Clearwater. (813) 391-0470. (8/07)

33’ Pearson Sloop 1987, 18 hp Yanmar w/ 522 hrs., complete engine service 1-07, maxed out w/ cruising gear, owner is anxious and will trade for 40’-47’ sailboat. $54,500.

St. Augustine, FL, (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (9/07)

2” Display Ads Starting at $38/month editor@southwindsmagazine.com 941-795-8704

Sail/Live aboard your own boat in the Bahamas. Beneteau Oceanis 351 (1997), UK registered, marina based in Bahamas, fully equipped and positioned to cruise Bahamas, U.S. East Coast or Caribbean; includes new upholstery, inflatable w/3.3 Mercury, sails, running rigging, air conditioning unit, and full safety and live-aboard equipment. $78,000 For full spec e-mail Colin@colin37.orangehome.co.uk. (7/07)

See Classified Information on page 62 www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

1971 Chesapeake 36 Wood Ketch. $17,500.

Very solid unique beauty. North red sails 1999. Self-tailing winches. 1984 Yanmar 3QM30F diesel with rebuilt transmission.

Dock $375/month Clearwater. georgetheleo@hotmail.com. (813) 391-0470. (7/07)

1980 C&C Landfall 38. Legendary speed, comfort, quality. 5 sails, radar, GPS, AP, wind, depth, speed/log. new equip: RF dinghy with davits, Bimini, stove. Slip available. 2-boat owner. $57k OBO (727) 709-3375. (9/07)

1974 Cheoy Lee 40’, Midship Ketch fiberglass, 2 cabins with 2 heads/shwrs. Upgrades include Perkins 50 HP DSL, Furono Radar, Hyd/Sat AutoPilot, Dory Dinghy, Sails, etc.

Tampa Bay/Ruskin $49,000 (269) 449-1295.

(7/07)

Gozzard 36, 1987 Paradise had refit in ’06 at Gozzard factory which included partial Awlgrip, new sails. Also, the bottom and the exterior wood stripped and redid ’06. Bob (314) 487-4543, rgruener@earthlink.net. $139,000 (8/07)

2005 Hunter 38. Call for huge savings on this leftover stock! This boat is incredibly wellequipped. The price includes full commissioning. Call Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100 (7/07) 36’ Morgan Out Island Sloop 1974, Perkins 50 hp, 2003 electronics, upgraded sails and 2003 standing /running rigging, Generator, custom drive platform, lots of ugrading,ready to cruise, $39,900. St. Augustine, FL, (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (9/07) Searunner 37 Phaedrus. New main, water maker, solar, Yanmar 2GM, new rigging & lifelines LPU paint, new bunks & galley cushions. Much more. Just back from western Caribbean $54,999. captpondo@yahoo.com.

(985) 966-3504. (7/07)

2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381. Air conditioning, Autopilot ST6000, speed and depth, Ray Chart 425 plotter, new Bimini, electric windlass, new bottom paint. Only $128k. Call Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100

1979 Bristol 40 Yawl. 40 HP Perkins Diesel, Harken Roller Furling, Main, Mizzen, 100% Jib, 140% Genoa, Epoxy bottom, cockpit table, propane stove, windlass, CQR anchor w/ 150’ chain, Fortress anchor, classic sailing yacht. Asking only $59,000. Call Major Carter at ( 941) 792-9100 or go to www.cortezyachts.com . (7/07)

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

Exceptional condition with lots of new gear.

Harken roller furling on all sails. Marine air, WS, WD, depth, VHF w/remote, SSB, cd/radio, autopilot, chartplotter, radar, dinghy, life raft $99,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com (941) 792-9100

42’ Whitby Center cockpit ketch 1978, Ford Lehman diesel, original owners. Must sell now $59,000. St. Augustine, FL, (toll free) (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com. (9/07)

2005 Beneteau 423. 54 hp Yanmar with only 185 hours, Air Conditioning, Fisher Panda Generator only 30 hours, Raymarine 6001 type 2 Autopilot, Raymarine C80 plotter, Bimini with 3 piece windshield. Only $219,400. Call Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100.

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $19.95/year • $37/2 Years • 3rd Class $24/year • $45/2 Years • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

$50 – 3 mo.

Ad & Photo 941-795-8704 SOUTHWINDS

July 2007

65

CLASSIFIED ADS Sailboat Cruising Bargains. Six-man life raft.

B.F. Goodrich. $700. Sailboat self-steering system. $650. Ten-gallon hot water heater. $150.

Dyers Dinghy Sail rig with rudder and dagger board. $750. (800) 324-7214. (8/07) _________________________________________

C & C 42 Landfall Cutter 1977. St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. Slip Available. Two cabins, rod rigging, Perkins 4-108, 12V refrigerator, Bimini & dodger, VHF. Auto pilot, depth, ppeed, needs a little TLC. Asking $51,900. For more info call (727) 560-0901 (7/07)

2005 Albin 31. AC, 370 HP Engine. Must Go!.

Call for more information at (561) 844-1100 (7/07)

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

_________________________________________ Westerbeke Marine Gas Generator. 4.5 KW, 60 hz, like NEW—only 49 hours on generator. $2100 or Best Offer. Ron, cellphone: (843) 902-5442, or (843) 492-4148. Located South Carolina, Myrtle Beach area. (8/07) _________________________________________

43’ Beneteau 1986. Two cabin lay-out, original owner, K/CB (5’6” - 8’6”), Perkins 4-108, Two AC units, reverse cycle, LONG list of sail inventory. Proven Winner! Great racer/cruiser.

Asking $85,900. For more info, call (727) 5600901. (7/07) 47 Crowther Catamaran Project. Main structure near completion. Very fair hulls. Details @ http://home.tampabay.rr.com/2muchfun/.

Located in Palmetto, FL. Looking to get $40k.

Call David at 813-645-0670. (9/07)

Used Boat Gear for Sale. CQR 25 & 45#, Bruce 16 & 66#, Hookah by Airline, 55# Folding Fisherman anchor, Para-tech 15 w/Rode, Edson Rack & Pinion steering w/wheel, new awning w/side curtains.

Nautical Trader, 110 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL. Shop online at www.nauticaltrader.net. (941) 488-0766.

EPIRB For Sale: ACR Satellite 406 Category II/Class 2 EPIRB. Excellent condition, never deployed. Passes self-test. Requires battery replacement. Call Pat at (304) 466-0235 or email patnpath@verizon.net. $250. (8/07) _________________________________________ 36 ft. mast. Dwyer 625, 2 Harken winches, Single spreader, 12-ft boom. New in 2002. $1000; Florida. (321) 536-7007. (8/07)

BOAT REGISTRATION

_________________________________________ EASIEST, FASTEST MONTANA BOAT REGISTRATION Pay no sales tax-no attorney necessary. $$ Save Thousands on boat registration $$. 12 years experience – REGISTRATION IN 5 DAYS! (877) 913-5100 www.mtvehicles.com. (10/07)

BUSINESS FOR SALE/ INVESTMENT _________________________________________ Marine Business for Sale. Used marine supplies business for sale. The Nautical Trader in Florida is for sale. Buy, consign, sell quality used boat stuff. Steady growth for over 12 years. Profitable, turn key, unique, fun business. www.nautical trader.net. Opportunity like this is very rare. Call today or e-mail Joe at 941-488-0766, or Joe@nauticaltrader.net.

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED

_________________________________________ Visit SOUTHWINDS boat and crew listing service at southwindsmagazine.com 1987 Gulfstar CSY 50’. 2006 NEW 75 hp Yanmar. Phasar 7kw generator, a/c, 3 stateroom layout, spacious decks and comfortable center cockpit, aft swim platform. Well-maintained throughout. $139,000. (727) 2593489. (7/07)

POWERBOATS

_________________________________________

2005 Albin 26 The boat of your dreams awaits. Never been in the water. LOADED. Volvo power. Volvo DP. Call for more information to Eastern Yachts at (561) 844-1100 (7/07) 66

July 2007

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS DOGS FOR SALE

_________________________________________ British Water Dogs. Puppies for sale.

Schipperke breed. Loves boats and swimming. Two females, one male left in litter.

Small dog. High energy, loyal, great personality, playful, long life span. Lovable dog.

Tampa Bay. (727) 239-1049. (7/07)

DONATE YOUR BOAT

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

HELP WANTED _________________________________________ SAILING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Americas #1 Sailing School is taking applications for immediate employment at our Florida locations. If you have a passion for teaching sailing, please contact us at 239985-7539 or doug@offshoresailing.com for more details.

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR WANTED SOUTHWINDS is looking for a sales director to run sales program. Great sales percentage.

For more info (requirements & job description), first go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/ adrepinfo.html.

Attorney Wanted to help establish cruiser/ boater/liveaboard organization that will promote boaters’ rights, solicit donations, etc., with Web site and forum. Legal advice needed pro bono. Editor@southwindsmagazine.com. _________________________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office? If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and power boats. Call Frank Hamilton (941) 7231610 for interview appointment and position details. _________________________________________ Writers, Reporters, Articles, Photos Wanted.

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

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

LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________

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

R EAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

DELRAY BEACH’S BEST KEPT SECRET. PELICAN HARBOR. Quiet, beauty directly on the wide Intracoastal Waterway! Yacht club, marina, tennis and breathtaking views of the water in this lovely home. Best offer! Call Zon (561) 620-1007 or Vickie (561) 7501981. (7/07) New construction luxurious 3/2.5 marina condo overlooking the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) in Melbourne, FL. Indoor parking, pool, short walk to historic downtown Melbourne. Contact Craig Howell (407) 864-2590. (7/07) Advertise Your Home Starting at

$25/3 months

See Classified Information on page 62 News & Views for Southern Sailors

SAILS & CANVAS

_________________________________________

941-795-8704 editor@southwindsmagazine.com

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $19.95/year • $37/2 Years • 3rd Class $24/year • $45/2 Years • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com SOUTHWINDS

July 2007 67

CRESCENT continued from page 70

NORTHERN GULF COAST continued from page 56

Roy said in such a soothing tone. A moon? He then pointed to a real cruise ship off the port side at about 11 o’clock. He had been closely monitoring that ship, and it didn’t pose any threat to us.

Just then, Scott quickly popped his head up from the companionway. An ever-vigilant captain, he had heard me scream and came to investigate.

He looked at me. Looked at Roy. Perplexed about the commotion.

“Stop,” I said, “I will tell you exactly what happened.’’ And I did, explaining how I thought the moon was a cruise ship.

They didn’t start razzing me about it until after I touched terra firma at the Galleon Resort about noon the next day. Took a swim. Had delicious chilled fresh shrimp and a huge iced tea and then as we walked through the crazy, over-the-top world known as Key West, they noticed that the crowds were quite dense.

Seems three cruise ships had docked about an hour before. The Crescent Moon wasn’t one of them, I assured the men.

I redeemed myself on our last leg of the trip, taking two overnight watches back-to-back in nasty, rainy weather, bundled to the max in my foul weather gear as we sailed up the west coast of Florida 50 or so miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. I actually ate dinner that night.

And nary a cruise ship in sight.

4 4-5 4-5 4-5 11 11-12 11-12 18 18-19 18-19 25 25-26 25-26 25-26

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

July 2007

SOUTHWINDS

BROKERS & BOAT OWNERS BOATS FOR SALE ADVERTISING CLASSIFIEDS ADS TEXT & PHOTO $50 FOR 3 MONTHS Prices for 3 months of advertising: • $50 for 30-word ad & horizontal photo ($65 for vertical photo)* • Power or Sail • New or used • No monthly changes (unless phone numbers, e-mails or prices) • Change your ad/boat for sale monthly at a total cost of $20 a month for ad and photo • 3-month minimum • Text-only ads – $25 • Small charge for more than 30 words • All ads go on the Internet on 1st of month or place it today for $10 • Brokers: monthly credit card billing on file unless a regular display advertiser

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704 *Ads and photos must be e-mailed. $5 extra charges for photo scanning or typing in ads over the phone or ads mailed in.

ADVERTISERS

Adventure Cruising & Sailing School . . . . . . .29 American Marine & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . .22,27 Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Banks Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Beachmaster Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Boaters Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,45 Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Capt. Jimmy Hendon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Capt. Josie Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,22 Compet-At Regatta Management . . . . . . . . . .47 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Cruising Direct Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,14 Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,52 Doyle Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dunedin City Youth Sailing Camp . . . . . . . . .14 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . .27,58,BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 E-marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,66 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Full Sail Yacht Delvieries/Capt. . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

68

PYC Commodore’s Regatta (one design). Pensacola YC, Pensacola Summer in the Pass. Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian GYA J22 Regatta. Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian Charles R. Galloway GYA Sunfish/Laser Regatta. Gulfport YC, Gulfport Commodore’s Cup #4 Regatta - Navy YC, Pensacola Round the Rig Race. Mobile YC, Mobile Knost Regatta (Capdevielle). Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian Big Mouth Regatta. Pensacola Beach YC, Pensacola Beach Angus Memorial J22, J24, M24 Regatta. Gulfport YC, Gulfport USSA POW Semi-Finals. Pontchartrain YC, New Orleans PYC Championship #2. Pensacola YC, Pensacola GYA Lightning Regatta Pam Sintes Regatta. South Shore YC/Corinthian Sailing Association. New Orleans Norton Brooker Broken Triangle. Mobile YC, Mobile

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

Glacier Bay Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Global-Weather Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,62,63 Gulf Island Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,27 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . . . . .28 Hurricane Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . . . . . .29,41 Island Yachting Centre/Greg Knighton . . . . . .61 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . .59,BC JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Kevane Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Laurie Kimball Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Lex-Sea Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Life-Safer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Lighthouse Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . .IFC,27,31,37,IBC Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . .13,22,60,67 Mastmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . .59,BC National Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Nautical Trader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,67 Palm Beach Sailing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Patricia Knoll Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Quantum Sarasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . . . . .38

Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sailors Wharf boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sailtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Salty John Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program . . . . . . . . . . .16 Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Scurvy Dog Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,66 Shadetree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Snug Harbor Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Solar Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 St. Augustine Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,41 Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . . . .24 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29,67 Watersports West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

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

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE American Marine & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,27 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,45 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,22 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Eastern Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27,58,BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,62,63 Gulf Island Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,27 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Island Yachting Centre/Gregg Knighton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina//Hunter/Albin . . . . . . .IFC,27,31,37,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,22,60,67 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59,BC Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Snug Harbor Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Watersports West/Windsurfing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL . . . . . . . . . . .22,45 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,14 E-Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,66 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Hurricane Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Kevane Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,22,60,67 Mastmate Mast Climber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Salty John Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Shadetree Awning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Watersports West/wet suits, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida . . . . . . . . . . .41 Cruising Direct/sails online by North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,41 JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Masthead/Used Sails and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,22,60,67 National Sail Supply, new&used online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 North Sails, new and used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,67 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Quantum Sails and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Snug Harbor Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,41 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Ullman Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29,67 CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida . . . . . . . . . . .41 News & Views for Southern Sailors

JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Quantum Sails and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 SAILING SCHOOLS/DELIVERIES/CAPTAINS Adventure Cruising and Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Capt. Jimmy Hendon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Capt. Josie Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dunedin City Youth Sailing Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Full Sail Sailing Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Sea School/Captain’s License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 St. Augustine Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 REAL ESTATE Laurie Kimball Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Pat Knoll, Sunstate Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sailors Wharf Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER COMPANIES Lex-Sea Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sailtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online . . . . . . . . . .40 Beachmaster Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,52 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,66 BOOKS/CHARTS/VIDEOS Global Weather Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Southwinds Cruising Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-41 YACHT CLUBS Palm Beach Sailing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Alphabetical Advertisers’ List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Marine Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29 Regional Sailing Services Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40,41 Subscription Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Southwinds Store Cruising Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40,41 Southwinds Store Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,10,12

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SOUTHWINDS

July 2007

69

The Crescent Moon Cruise Ship Line

By Kate Pursell

P

oor Roy thought I had lost my mind.

What had I lost? My bearings—and in doing so, “discovered’’ the Crescent Moon Cruise Ship Line.

It won’t be giving Carnival Cruise Lines any competition. What it will be giving my husband and friends is a story that never fails to give me a huge dose of ribbing.

It was to be my very first overnight boat delivery, and I was thrilled to think I would be on watch–by myself– while the captain (my husband Scott) and crew (his best friend Roy) slept peacefully in the wee hours while we made our way from Miami to Key West (stay over one night) and then home to Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto.

We had left the Miami Boat Show on a Catalina 42, one of my favorite boats to sail, and unfortunately ran into a logjam of other boats wanting to refuel at the Miamarina. A few hours later, drenched in sweat from the muggy weather, we finally unfurled the sails and made it through the bumpy Government Cut to the Atlantic. The breeze was beautiful, and we had a delightful sail as we headed offshore, still in sight of land.

And still with sunny skies. It was a picture-postcard afternoon, and I snapped away with my new digital camera.

So far, so good. I’ve sailed a lot, but never, ever on an overnight delivery. My husband is the pro, having spent many years as a delivery boat captain, ferrying boats to and from Florida and Central America and the Caribbean. He warned me it would not be a wine-and-cheese cruise. Despite that, I was sure I would do just fine.

I did. Until the sun set about seven-ish. Then little demons took over and decided I would get a case of almost-seasickness that found me

70 July 2007

SOUTHWINDS

The author asleep, or trying to sleep, on board.

staking out my spot on the cabin sole, zipped snugly in my yellow foul weather jacket and navy foul weather pants. The weather had taken a turn a few notches southward, the seas a bit rough for my taste, and I was chilled.

I moved only a few times to gingerly make my way below to the head. Dinner? Please. I could barely keep water down, and smelling the lasagna the boys had heated in the oven–the gimbled stove at work–made me even more nauseous.

I still can’t stand the smell of lasagna.

Scott and Roy, troopers, of course, didn’t make me feel any worse than I did—considering I wouldn’t be able to pull a watch, and they ended up three hours on, two hours off.

The seas were a tad on the tumbly side, about six-to-eight feet, enough to make the boat “tippy’’ as we sailed along at a nice clip (probably about seven or so knots) with both the main sail and jib. No motoring for us.

And “tippy” is not good for someone who has nestled oneself into a spot on the cabin sole, barely able to raise one’s head as the boat rocked side to side, constantly changing my view of the horizon.

That is until the “Crescent Moon Cruise Ship Line” appeared in what I

thought was very close proximity to the boat. I bolted upright and screamed out in alarm.

A cruise ship lit up like a proverbial Christmas tree was bearing quickly down upon us, and I jolted my head to the stern where Roy calmly sat behind the wheel smoking one of the those God-awful cigars that he had promised he had given up.

He looked at me in alarm. I looked at him as if he were crazy. This man, a longtime friend, was behind the wheel, steering us into what soon would be a much too close encounter with a skyscraper-size cruise ship.

Again, I cried out. “Don’t you see the cruise ship?!”

Roy, ever patient, ever kind, looked at me and said, “Where?’’

I knew then it was hopeless. We would soon be tossed into the choppy Atlantic seas as we hugged the coastline to Key West. No stay overnight at the Galleon Resort in Key West. No reveling in the yearround party-like atmosphere of Duval Street. No sipping pomegranate cosmos at the eclectic Alice’s.

Roy must have been lulled into a dream-like state not to see the ship. It was about three o’clock in the morning, and he probably was just dead tired. Scott was below asleep. I certainly saw it and pointed to the cruise ship in the northeast about 8 o’clock on the horizon.

Bless him. He didn’t just burst out laughing, although he would have been perfectly within his rights.

He pointed to the “ship’’ and asked, with a strong measure of hesitancy, “Um, is that it?’’

By then I had forgotten I was almost seasick. I was going to die, and I had to get the prayers going quickly if we had any chance of surviving.

“Kate, that’s a crescent moon,’’ See CRESCENT continued on page 68 www.southwindsmagazine.com