Southwindsjuly2009

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Tayana 47 Boat Review Cruise the Shark River Lightning Protection

July 2009 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS July 2009

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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Editorial: A Cruiser-Friendly Florida

By Steve Morrell

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Letters You Wouldn’t Believe

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Bubba On The Edge

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

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Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

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Our Waterways: Florida Passes Law on Anchoring Sarasota Anchorage Boats Get Warning FWC Deals with Derelict Boats

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Brevard Boating Week

By Roy Laughlin

40

Lightning Part II: Protecting Your Boat

By Rebecca Burg

42

Tayana 47 Boat Review

By Sonny Furman

46

Boatwork: Rebuilding Dorado Vents

By Tom Kennedy

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Fisherman’s Village Marina, Punta Gorda

By Janet Verdeguer

50

Cedar Key Small Boat Meet

By Bruce Matlack

52

Learn to Sail on an Optifish

By Walt Mathews

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Cruise the Shark River

By Peggy St. James

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Carolina Sailing: Robbie Wilkins

By Dan Dickison

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

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The Challenge: Launching of the Good Ship Annabel Lee

By Will McLendon

30-33 36-37 66 71 76 77

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

Cedar Key Small Boat Meet. Page 50. Photo by Marty Noble.

Cruise the Shark River. Page 53. Photo by Peggy St. James.

COVER: Dale Nieman taking a break on Lively, a Core 17 built by B+B Boats, at the Cedar Key boat “meet.”

See pages 50-51. Photo by Marty Noble.

Each issue of SOUTHWINDS (and back issues since 5/03) is available online at www.southwindsmagazine.com 4

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

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FROM THE HELM

STEVE MORRELL,

EDITOR

A Cruiser-Friendly Florida

R

ecently, the owner of a Florida charter company told me business was doing well—in spite of the slow economy—and that many boaters were giving up on a charter in the Caribbean, or some other far-off spot, and instead chartering in Florida to save money. I thought: This is a great opportunity to turn Florida into a cruising dream destination.

After all, it is the only subtropical area in the continental United States, and the state has some great cruising grounds.

Strike while the iron is hot, as they say. Florida also just passed a law which forbids local communities from restricting cruisers’ anchoring rights (see page 34).

In these slow economic times, I have thought that charter companies would benefit. After all, there can be big savings in chartering over boat ownership—and today many cannot afford boat ownership. On top of that, many just go chartering annually. With fractional sailing and sailing clubs, there are even more opportunities today to save money and still go sailing. So why not target charterers from all over the country to come to Florida, cruise down the ICW and visit all the various chartering grounds in the state, including the tropical Florida Keys?

So, I thought: What would it take to make Florida a major cruising/charter dream destination?

First of all, it must be boater-friendly. Cruisers must find Florida at least as friendly as cruising in other popular places in the world. Yes—we do not have the tropical waters like the Caribbean, but if we can’t be at least as friendly as places like that, then why come to Florida? Are the savings in these slow times worth it for someone to come to a spot that isn’t as cruiser- friendly as some tropical island?

Where do we start? Here are some ideas to make it more friendly. Although not a complete list for sure, it could be a start.

Create a Boater-Friendly Atmosphere. No more police raids at night just to inspect people. Let’s face it: the Florida Keys, the most tropical destination in the state, is where the police have been known to come up to your boat late at night shining floodlights in your eyes, asking to inspect your boat. If we can’t end this practice, then give up on the whole idea of a dream cruising destination. This is a necessary, although not a sufficient, condition to create a cruiserfriendly atmosphere. Stop the practice of stopping boats without probable cause just to inspect them. Get the water police to hire some sailors and cruisers.

Let’s get the police to become friendly and helpful instead of inspecting everyone. If they see cruisers, how about if the police sometimes go up to them and ask if they have any questions, or can they help them—maybe even reminding them to put their anchor light on at night in all anchorages. But no asking for papers and an inspection unless they see a law being broken. (You know—the same laws police face when stopping automobiles.) How about making a real effort to help and welcome cruisers and not make the main effort inspection. Keep the policing function aimed at where the real problems are statistically—like drunken powerboaters speeding. While we’re at it, let’s

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eliminate victimless law enforcement. And let’s get the police to jump on those officers who get a little out of hand and give the rest of them a bad reputation. Don’t just work on the image, change the reality.

Make Pump-outs Commonplace. Although everyone in government likes to think that getting a pump-out is easy and convenient, cruisers know different. Although there are many exceptions, pump-outs are few and far between, and many of them don’t even work. This needs to be fixed. To ensure that boaters do dispose of their waste properly, how about an alternative to waste inspections, like a law requiring an annual inspection to register the boat each year. Use the inspection to remind boaters of the law and proper waste disposal, maybe even hand out a list of local pumpouts. Be more lenient with alternatives like Wag Bags, perhaps suggesting that they be used when their tanks are full and they can’t get a pump-out. In other words, help the situation to improve. Educate boaters more on waste disposal and educate the landlubbers (and the water police) that they are the real source of pollution of our waters, not boaters. It will hopefully humble them a little.

Dinghy Access. Why do many boaters find no place to bring their dinghy ashore, never mind a convenient, friendly spot? Then they often get charged as much as $10/day, as though some huge concrete parking garage had to be built to park them for a few hours. For $10, you should get at least some assurance that it won’t get stolen. Make it as easy as it is for a car to come into town and park and shop, although the automobile’s strain on the environment and economy is about a thousand times greater. These people aren’t coming ashore to take money, but to give someone some. If they came to get a boat part, remember this: They’ll probably spend more money locally on one boat part than a meal in a fancy restaurant.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere Around the State. Start a campaign on what cruisers bring to the state, with an emphasis on how charterers bring money into the economy, not just in paying for the boat charter (which is the biggest expense), but they drive or fly in, stay in hotels before and after the charter and then spend lots of money buying food and other services and items they need. Publicize how much money a couple or family would spend on a typical charter, showing the public how much money boaters really do bring in. This could be coupled with friendly mooring and anchorage services. Allow services at shoreside facilities for those anchoring, like bathrooms, water, pump-outs, supplies, etc. Don’t treat them like leeches who are trying to get something for nothing but as fellow citizens who are enjoying their lives and trying to be prudent and thrifty, just like those on shore. The more people get to know cruisers, the more they will realize how many are really good, honest, hard-working people who just want to spend their time dealing with the adventure, fun and challenge that comes with cruising around. www.southwindsmagazine.com

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News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 866-7597 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 17 Number 7 July 2009 Copyright 2009, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Doran Cushing, Publisher 11/1993-6/2002

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

Steve Morrell

(941) 795-8704

Assistant Editor Janet Verdeguer Advertising

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

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Printed by Sun Publications of Florida Robin Miller (863) 583-1202 ext 355 Contributing Writers Letters from our reader Julie Connerley Kim Kaminski Wayne Marshall Will McLendon Morgan Stinemetz

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Rebecca Burg Dan Dickison Tom Kennedy Walt Matthews Hone Scunook Jay Tyson

Charlie Clifton David Jefcoat Roy Laughlin Bruce Matlack Peggy St. James Janet Verdeguer

Contributing Photographers/Art Rebecca Burg (and Artwork) Julie Connerley Dan Dickison Tom Kennedy Roy Laughlin Melanie Neale Marty Noble Scunook Photography Peggy St. James Tom Thieson Janet Verdeguer Manuel Verdeguer 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.

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. Take or scan them at high resolution, or mail to us to scan. Call with questions.

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Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com. www.southwindsmagazine.com

See LETTERS continued on page 11 News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

July 2009

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Located Palmetto, FL, in Tampa Bay 941-795-8704 editor@southwindsmagazine.com 10

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

H.L. Mencken

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

E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com BRUCE VAN SANT ADVISES TO GO CRUISING FOREIGN Still alive and still reading SOUTHWINDS. Harry Knickerbocker, the fellow who flies the stars and bars in the distress position, wrote in a letter to the editor in the April issue, “…the ship of state is sinking like a rock...there are too many police...” Having read his exposition of the facts of detention in Key West in his article in the March issue and having followed the excellent debates of anchoring, licensing, registering, disposing, etc., for years in your magazine, I find it inexplicable why cruisers don’t cruise on out of there.

I have cruised foreign for 40 years. Now I have retired ashore foreign as well. Tell Harry to start at ThornlessPath.com and work out an escape.

Bruce Van Sant Luperon, Dominican Republic www.LuperonCruising.com • www.ThornlessPath.com Bruce, I think that is exactly what many people who think all cruisers are degenerates would like to see—get all the cruisers and liveaboards to leave the country. You know; “Love it or leave it.” Problem is that mentality doesn’t quite comprehend the meaning of “love.”

Since much of beautiful and ’ol Florida is pretty much destroyed and gone, many have already left. It’s too bad that many of those who remain are the ones who have advocated Florida’s destruction, so it gets more destroyed. A few years ago, when the state was looking for a new state song, someone suggested the state adopt Joni Mitchell’s song, “Big Yellow Tax,” where she sings, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

I sent your e-mail on to Harry, and he is seriously considering heading foreign, although he was one of those who put his life on the line in defending the country and is holding out as long as he can. His recent experience of someone trying to steal his bicycle in the Florida Panhandle reinforced his thoughts of leaving. He had it locked to a small tree, and someone tried to take the tree down and steal the bike. Fortunately, the tree broke in such a way that the lock could still not be slipped off. Of course, that could happen in just about any country. But in America? “Richest” country in the world? How can that be?

For our readers: Bruce Van Sant is the author of the well-known cruising guides, The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South and Tricks of the Trades. Both are available at his Web site and through other booksellers. He now lives in the Dominican Republic.

Editor CAN FOREIGN VESSELS LEGALLY SAIL DIRECTLY FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CUBA? I just read part one of the Cuba article by Bradd Wilson in your April ’09 issue. To my knowledge, a couple of years ago the Bush administration tightened the rules concerning sailing to Cuba to include foreign-flagged vessels in the ban of sailing directly to Cuba from and back into U.S. See LETTERS continued on page 12 www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS

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waters. Violators were threatened with fines of up to $250,000, possible jail terms and confiscation of the yacht, if I remember correctly. According to his article, Bradd Wilson sailed his Canadian-flagged yacht from Key West directly to Cuba and back to the United States.

Can you tell me what the latest regulations are concerning foreign-flagged yachts sailing directly to Cuba from the United States? Or could you give me a contact address/email address of Bradd Wilson to ask him this question?

Dieter Lehmann RESPONSE FROM BRADD WILSON ON LEGALLY SAILING TO CUBA It’s not surprising that many foreign nationals and even a few Homeland Security personnel are under the impression that no one can travel from the United States to or from Cuba. This statement was made on several occasions by President George W. Bush. However, the actual legislation and Homeland Security document #33 CFR Parts 107 and 165 (USCG-2004-17509) clearly states, “The rule may be enforced against U.S. vessels or vessels without nationality that have operated within the U.S. 12-mile territorial sea or inland waters before entering Cuban territorial waters. This rule does not apply to warships, foreign vessels, other public vessels operated for non-commercial purposes, or U.S. vessels entering Cuban territorial waters under force majeure.”

Although other Canadians have advised that we are not obligated to even state where we are going or coming from, we are always polite and honest with Coast Guard and other Homeland Security personnel. We advise them of our understanding of the legislation and offer them a copy with appropriate sections highlighted. This has proven adequate for clearance. If the “front-line” officer disagrees, politely ask to see the commanding officer who may be more familiar with the policy. I don’t think Americans would tolerate being told by the Canadians, or any other foreign country, where they can and can’t sail. We feel the same way. Canada and Cuba have good relations and we are free to travel there. The United States stands alone among every nation in the world in maintaining this embargo (with the exception of the Marshall Islands).

Hopefully, reason and compassion will prevail under the new administration, and it will be ended soon.

For those interested Homeland Security document #33 CFR Parts 107 and 165 (USCG-2004-17509) can be viewed at www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg531/Cuba_Fed_Register.pdf.

Bradd Wilson It is refreshing to see the objective and well-written coverage of cruising in Cuba as reported by Canadian Bradd Wilson in the April and May issues of SOUTHWINDS. The perspective on the daily lives of Cubans, as reflected in the articles, goes far to dismiss the myths that the mainstream media continue to feed to Americans on a regular basis. No, life in Cuba is not easy. But the people of Cuba remain largely free of crime, serious disease, gun violence, drug abuse, family abuse, and corrupt bureaucrats in the public and private sectors stealing the wealth of the people. The same cannot be said for the people of America. Obama is powerless to end the embargo...it will take an act of See LETTERS continued on page 14

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS Congress, and there are too many cowards in Washington to embrace that kind of “freedom.” So the United States will continue to stand alone in the world as the only world power that chooses to punish the people of Cuba for the interests of a very few rich ex-Cubans who now live safely in the United States.

Doran Cushing St. Petersburg, FL Bradd, Dieter and Doran, Will the U.S. policy towards U.S citizens traveling to Cuba change? What is that policy? The policy is to punish its citizens for traveling to that country. It should change—since our government has no right to punish its citizens for traveling to any country we are not in a declared war with (the last one being World War II). It is both an immoral and illegal position, which should be tested in the U.S. Supreme Court as to its constitutionality. I was hoping the new administration would change this policy— and perhaps they will and are waiting for an opportune moment— but so far, it’s the same old thing. But let’s wait and see and voice our support for the right to travel. This has nothing to do with Cuba and its government. It has to do with the U.S. government and its citizens. There are many sailors who have the right to sail to the Caribbean’s largest island without fear of persecution and prosecution by their own governments.

See news in this issue of a potential race to Cuba. The Sarasota Yacht Club is currently working on the 2010 Sarasota to Havana Regatta and has recently taken several positive and con-

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crete steps towards making the regatta a reality.

Editor A FREE, INTELLIGENT, EDUCATED, ADVENTUROUS AND RESOURCEFUL GROUP Kathy and I have been cruising all over the western world on our sailboat for more than 25 years. Also, August 1, 2009, will be our 19th year hosting the Downeast Seven Seas Cruising Association Gam at our home in Islesboro, ME. As a result, we have been privileged to meet and get to know hundreds of cruisers from all over the world. Like sailors throughout history, we’ve all had our run-ins with land people and bureaucrats. A couple of observations: First, without exception cruising sailors are the most free, intelligent, educated, adventurous and resourceful group of people we’ve ever met—something land people and bureaucrats have always resented and will never understand. When we’ve had the pleasure to know individual cruisers, we’re amazed at what they’ve done in life, where they’ve been and where they’re going.

One further thought: It’s our firm belief that SOUTHWINDS has done more to keep our right to freely navigate Florida’s waterways from being usurped by land people and local bureaucrats than any other single publication we’ve ever read. Keep it up! We’re winning the battle harbor by harbor! Unfortunately, we’re not passing through Fort Lauderdale in the near future, so we won’t receive a ticket for anchoring more than 24 hours; We have many lawyer friends that would love to beat them in court! Fort

www.southwindsmagazine.com

27th Annual Event Lauderdale is just another example of resentful, ignorant, petty bureaucrats trying to bluff cruising sailors by illegally flexing their muscles.

Dick and Kathy de Grasse, S/V Endeavour Islesboro, ME Lying Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL Dick and Kathy, Thank you for your kind words, but we are only the printed word and are helping to get the word out. It will take all the people out there to stand up to those who assume cruisers are a problem to really bring about change—or people like the group who contested the law against anchoring in Marco Island by getting arrested intentionally and forcing a court test. They are on the front lines.

What we need to do is all get together and make a new Florida that welcomes cruisers. Everyone would benefit.

For those interested in attending the Seven Seas Cruising Association Gam in Maine on August 1, go to the SSCA Web site at www.ssca.org.

Editor SEARCHING FOR THE PANHANDLE NEWS IN SOUTHWINDS (published without editing) Editors or the Magzine South Wind, I am tired of serching for my Panhandle report. There is no reson to make me serch for my Panhandle sailing report. I have been a loyal reader and a local sailor for years , with much distain for how you cover our area. When you make us chase our coverage all the way to the back of the Magazine ............

Every sigle month !..............

I’m not thinking monthly posisioning....

I’m thinking No Respect for my Area......

I’m thinkinging “Hanging out to Dry” I would like to see you mix up how you Partition out the area’s of intrest since we do Not seem to matter to the South wind Magazine editors.

Thank you for your time, The Hair The Hair, The only thing we print from the northern Gulf Coast that comes at the end is the race calendar, since it is in geographic order: Carolinas and Georgia, Northeast Florida, Southeast Florida, the Keys, West Florida, and the Northern Gulf Coast. That puts your area at the end. This way readers have some reliability on where to find the races each month. That’s just the way it is—and someone has to be at the end. If you want your coverage of races to be at the beginning, I suggest you move to the Carolinas.

All other race articles are done chronologically, so that the upcoming events furthest in the future are at the end and the reports furthest in the past are at the beginning. If you want those events in your area to always be at the beginning—or at least, not at the end—I suggest you move around constantly.

I also suggest you take a course in spelling and grammar— or quit drinking, if that is the cause. A course in civility would also be advised.

Editor

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

Bradenton Yacht Club 2009 Fall Kickoff Regatta Three-Race Regatta September 25-27, 2009 REGISTER BY SEPT. 1 RECEIVE AN EXTRA SHIRT & CAP!

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July 2009

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

July 2009

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

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.

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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.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

July 2009

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EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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

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

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

I UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING

on Calendar) for class information and the next scheduled class. Classes are usually very full. Call and reserve space on the preferred program date. $36 (+ $10 for each additional family member).

Courses are held from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Flotilla 58 Coast Guard Auxiliary Building 1400 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce FL. (772) 5793395 Stephanie, or (772) 321-3041 Gary, or e-mail stephcgaux@hotmail.com.

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

This one-day boating course emphasizes safety on the water to enhance the boating experience and to increase confidence on the water. The course is state of Florida approved for those 21 and under to obtain their Florida boaters license. Go to http://a0700508.uscgaux.info/ (click

Coast Guard Auxilliary Boating Courses, Jacksonville, FL Safe Boating Saturdays. Next class: September 12, October 3, November 14. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $25 including materials. Captains Club, 13363 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville.

Meets Florida legal requirements for boater education.

Most insurance companies offer discounts to program graduates. Mike Christnacht. (904) 502-9154. Generally held once monthly on Saturdays. Go to www.uscgajaxbeach.com for the schedule.

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.

TEAM HARBORAGE WELCOMES ABOARD NEW MARINA MANAGER! Marinas International is proud to welcome aboard Kirby Cay Scheimann, CMM, as the new Manager of The Harborage Marina. As a Certified Marina Manager, Faculty Member of the International Marina Institute specializing in Customer Service, and a long time Marinas International employee, Kirby would like to invite you to drop by and see why we believe the Harborage Marina is the premier marine facility on Tampa Bay! 880-Foot Breakwater Floating Docks Incredible Protection • Direct Access to Tampa Bay • Swimming Pool • Parking • Easy Highway & Airport Access • Next to downtown, on the St. Pete Trolley Loop

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Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs. St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements. Eleven lessons, every Tuesday. Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg.

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

tors from the USCG Flotilla 3-10 will be covering navigation, rules of the road (water), personal safety equipment, trailering boats, boating laws and boating for hunting, fishing and waterskiing. They will also provide hands on instruction on tying basic knots. Open to everyone over the age of 12, the course meets all qualifications for the Alabama boat operator’s license.

7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. $25, which includes lunch. (251) 955-1443

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Six-week Public Boating Course. The course is usually held January, March, June and October. Other courses continuously offered. To find out more, go to www.boating-stpete.org, or call (727) 498-4001, or e-mail contact@boating-stpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs About Boating Safety (two lessons). July 11-12. Sailing Skills & Seamanship (six lessons) Option for OTW with Clearwater Community Sailing Center at a discounted price. Class Days: Aug. 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20 For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check call (727) 4698895 or visit www.a0701101.uscgaux.info. Click on Public Education Programs. America’s Boating Course and other courses regularly posted on the Web site.

Boating Safety Class, Orange Beach Community Center, AL, Aug. 8 Class size is limited to 25 so sign up early. Qualified instruc-

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC Ongoing adults sailing programs. Family Sailing. 2-6 people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30-foot keelboat. $50-$240.

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sites, hurricane plans, tips on preparing your boat and more.

www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 7287317.

Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638 Ruskin, FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating Course The Ruskin flotilla each month offers a Boating Safety course in Ruskin, but has found that many boaters do not have the time to attend the courses, so they are now also offering a home study course at $30.

Additional family members will be charged $10 each for testing and certificates. Tests will be held bimonthly. Entry into the course will also allow participants to attend the classes. To apply, call (813) 677-2354.

I OTHER EVENTS

2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins, June 1-Nov. 30 Visit the SOUTHWINDS hurricane pages at www.southwindsmagazine.com for articles and links to weather Web

Regatta Time in Abaco, July 3-11 — Not Just a Regatta

By Rebecca Burg The skippers and crews who participate in the annual Regatta Time in Abaco see an exciting series of races.

However, the event is much more than your usual run around the buoys, and sailors return every year for the irresistible Bahamian culture. While the regatta is a highlight, rest days in between each race allow crews to immerse themselves in Abaco’s exotic and laid-back tropical ambiance. Family-friendly parties punctuate each day, and the fun starts with Bobb Henderson’s immense “Cheeseburger in Paradise” picnic on a sparkling whitesand beach.

The local charm will sweep you into a different time zone. Tiny mom and pop shops greet sailors who visit Great Abaco Island and its many out-island cays. Here, a traffic jam consists of two golf carts meeting on a narrow

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side street. Enjoy the grand ocean view with a frosty Kalik beer at Nipper’s on Great Guana Cay or check out Cracker P’s on the little island of Lubber’s Quarters. You can trade your paperback books in the Jib Room at Marsh Harbour, try conch salad at a local festival, see the Bahamian Independence Day fireworks on July 10 and discover the parrots and wild horses on Great Abaco.

There’s so much to see and do.

During the races, sailboats canter along a bit like wild horses in the area’s prevailing 10-knot easterly breeze. Racing divisions include PHRF w/spinnakers, the cruising boat “Mother Tub” with no spinnakers and a division for multihulls. Many sailors return year after year with their families, like Jim Miller and Sea Turtle, to enjoy a cruising vacation as well as the sociable regatta.

You don’t have to enter all five races, and many cruisers come just to follow the action, crew on another vessel and be part of the festivities and social setting.

To be a part of the adventure, visit www.regattatimeinabaco.com, or in the United States contact race committee Jon and Carol Ewing at (305) 665-8316 or lightning@cofs.com. An invaluable resource is Steve Dodge’s The Cruising Guide to Abaco, which offers a wealth of local

info. Once you’re in Abaco, the daily local cruisers’ net is broadcast on VHF 68 at 8:15 a.m. and includes Bob Toler’s excellent weather reports.

Known as Barometer Bob, you can view his Web site at www.barometerbob.com.

National Marina Day, Aug. 8 National Marina Day was originally created by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) to highlight the important role marinas play in the boating communities, providing waterways access and boating services.

According to the National Marina Day Web site (www.marinaassociation.org/nmd), “In 1928, the word ‘marina’ was used for the very first time by the National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers to define a recreational boating facility.”

Marinas around the country will be offering special discounts and activities. All BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas will be offering substantial discounts on fuel, transient slips and repairs.

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Charlotte Harbor to Tarpon Springs News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Fisherman’s Village Yacht Basin in Punta Gorda to Offer Free Docking on National Marina Day, Aug. 8-9 In observance of National Marina day, and as way of saying “thank you” to the local boating community in the area, Fisherman’s Village Yacht Basin in Punta Gorda, FL, will be providing free docking for the two-day event and hosting 65 vessels representing nine local boat clubs. On Saturday, Aug. 8, there will be displays and promotions by marine-related organizations and various environmental groups involved with Charlotte Harbor. For further information, contact Harbormaster Jim Branch, at (941) 575-3000, or go to www.fishville.com.

Annual Manatee Sailing Association Beach Picnic and Membership Drive Invites New Members, Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay, Aug. 22 For anyone interested in learning to sail or joining a firstrate sailing club, the Manatee Sailing Association is inviting all those interested to its annual beach picnic at Bay Front Park on the north shore of Anna Maria Island, on the south side of Tampa Bay. The party will start at 11:00 a.m. and go until 4:00 p.m.

There will be kayaks, small sailboats, and plenty of beach

for swimming for all those who attend. Meats, sodas and condiments will be furnished. MSA is asking members (and others, if they like) to bring a side dish or dessert to share. All MSA members who bring a guest who joins the association will receive a prize. Annual membership dues will be $50 on this day. For more information, call Glen Marcum at (941) 749-8599.

I NEWS

Michele Geslin of Geslin Sailmakers and the Conch Republic Cup Passes Away SOUTHWINDS recently received an e-mail from Peter Goldsmith that on Feb. 11, Michele Geslin of Geslin Sails in Key West passed away. Michele was the owner of Geslin Sails from 1976-2009.

Michele and Peter organized the Conch Republic Cup, a race from Key West to Havana, for several years from 1997-2003 and were the victims of U.S. government persecution after the 2003 race for organizing a sail to Cuba. The government harassment almost cost Michele her sailmaking business. During the persecution, Michele was battling cancer in the hospital. The charges were dropped the Friday before the 2004 presidential election—after more than a year of harassment. Related charges were later filed by the government against Michele and Peter and the boaters who sailed in the last race in 2003. Those charges, although now in political limbo, are still pending (based on the last SOUTHWINDS heard on the subject).

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Conch Republic Cup/ Key West Cuba Race Week Set for April 27, 2010 Peter Goldsmith recently announced that there will be another race to Cuba next year, to be called the Conch Republic Cup/Key West Cuba Race Week.

It will be held April 27, 2010. These dates are tentative, depending on government support or opposition. Organizers are anticipating travel restrictions will be lifted by then, or at least that the government requirements will allow the regatta. The races will be the same format as the previous Conch Republic Cup races 1997-2003. Race one, the Michele Geslin Memorial Trophy, will leave Key West Harbor at 5:00 p.m., arriving at Veradero at sunrise. Race two, the Veradero Cup, is an around-the-buoys race. The last leg is a spinnaker run down the full length of Veradero Beach. Race three, the Commodores Review Your Boat SOUTHWINDS is looking for boaters to review their own boat. We found readers like to read reviews by boat owners. If you like to write, we want your review.

It can be long or short (the boat, that is), a racer, a cruiser, new or old, on a trailer or in the water. Photos essential. If it’s a liveaboard, tell us how that works out. Or—is it fast? Have you made changes? What changes would you like? Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com for more specifics and specifications on photos needed. Articles must be sent by e-mail or on disc. We pay for the reviews, too.

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Cup, is an 80-mile spinnaker run along the coast from Veradero to Havana Harbor, the finish being a few hundred yards from the Malecon. Race four, the Havana to Key West race, will start outside Marina Hemingway, finishing in Key West Harbor. Each race will be awarded separately, and points from each race will accumulate toward the Conch Republic Cup overall race trophy. Layover dates have yet to be set.

(SOUTHWINDS will print more on this race as we learn more. See the racing section for news on the Sarasota to Havana race that is being planned for 2010.)

Florida Passes Law Allowing Non-Resident Boatowners to Remain in Florida up to 180 Days From Trade Only In May, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed a law allowing non-residents who purchase a boat in Florida, or bring a boat into Florida for repair or alteration, to remain in the state 180 days before becoming liable for the sales and use tax. Beforehand, the tax applied after 90 days.

Beneteau Appoints Yachting Vacations Charter Company as Beneteau Fractional Dealer in Southwest Florida Beneteau Fractional Sailing, the fractional ownership program of the Beneteau Group, has appointed Yachting Vacations in Punta Gorda, FL, as its dealer in southwest

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Florida. Fractional ownership will allow boaters to sail a boat at one-quarter of the price and maintenance costs by co-owning their boat with three other partners. This means that a $200,000 yacht will now cost them about $50,000. All costs are equally shared, and an owner will only have to pay one-quarter of the financing costs, slip fees, insurance and maintenance. Beneteau Fractional Sailing will assist with the financing of the boat and the scheduling of the sailing time by the owners while Yachting Vacations will get the marina space, perform the maintenance and provide the concierge service.

Yachting Vacations expects to have about three to five Beneteaus in the fractional ownership program within a year.

Yachting Vacations is based in Burnt Store Marina, just south of Punta Gorda, between Fort Myers and Sarasota.

For more information, call Yachting Vacations at (941) 637-6634 or e-mail at info@yachtingvacations.com. Also visit www.yachtingvacations.com and www.beneteaufractional.com.

The Elcano as it leaves Pensacola. Photo by Julie Connerley.

Spanish Tall Ship Sailors Try Keelboat Sailing

By Julie B. Connerley As part of the 450th anniversary of the founding of our nation’s oldest settlement, Celebrate Pensacola arranged for the Spanish navy’s training ship, the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, to include Pensacola on its 2009 training cruise.

The world’s third tallest ship, an 81-year-old, fourmasted, topsail schooner with square-rigged foremast, was in port from June 3-9. Aboard were 330 officers and midshipmen. The Spanish navy requires a five-year academy, including six months aboard the Elcano during the second

Articles Wanted About Southern Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations and Youth Sailing Groups SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for articles on individual yacht clubs, sailing associations and youth sailing groups throughout the Southern states (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX (east Texas). Articles wanted are about a club’s history, facilities, major events and general information about the club. The clubs and associations must be well established and have been around for at least five years.

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

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semester of the fourth academic year.

It is said that the Elcano, with its 20-sail inventory, blocks, tackle and winches, “is everything that is no longer found in the austere grey vessels of present day naval warfare.”

She is the sea. Along with the eminently practical teaching on board, midshipmen become thoroughly acquainted with the principles, customs and virtues that make up the soul of the profession. For nine volunteer midshipmen, one day in Pensacola was spent hoisting sails of another sort – jib, main and spinnaker on Pensacola Yacht Club’s fleet of Flying Scots.

PYC organized a Celebrate Pensacola Elcano Regatta June 5. A quick survey of the Spanish sailors revealed they all had racing experience, some in keelboats, others in big boats. Ironically, none had ever sailed a Scot! So, PYC junior sailors supplemented Elcano crews where needed.

Showers passed over the area to the north and south during the day but never rained on the small boat parade

that circled the temporary marks set in Pensacola Bay within sight of the Elcano docked downtown.

At the awards party, all agreed they enjoyed racing the small boats, though our bay’s outgoing tide was difficult to handle and at least one Spanish competitor was overheard to say that American beer was too cold. But we’re sure that the fifth time the Juan Sebastian de Elcano visits, there will be another class of willing volunteers ready to hoist the sails and race around Pensacola Bay.

Southeastern Sailing Association Donates to Sarasota Youth Sailing Program The Southeastern Sailing Association (SESA) recently donated $8500 to the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program. SESA was formed over 15 years ago by a group of local marine business leaders to help promote a sailboat show in the greater Tampa Bay area. That show has grown from the early days as Sail Expo to Strictly Sail St. Petersburg and continues today as the St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail.

Over the years, these shows have produced a small revenue stream to SESA, which donated these funds to the various sailing programs in the area. The Sarasota Youth Sailing program was one of those programs that benefited from this program in the past.

Due to the current economic conditions and the change of show ownership, those revenues will no longer be available. Consequently, SESA decided to close the association and disperse the last available funds to the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program.

Ron Frisosky, president of the Southeastern Sailing Association, hands an $8500 check to David Livingston of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program. Courtesy photo.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Regata al Sol Founder, Sr. Jose Lima, Passes Away Father of Yucatan Peninsula Tourism was Friend to All Sailors

By Julie B. Connerley

Sr. Jose Lima. Photo by Julie Connerley.

If you have raced the famous Regata al Sol (or the Regata del Sol al Sol) then you know of the Jose Lima family. This offshore race from Pensacola, FL, to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), the once sleepy fishing village across Bahia Mujeres (Bay of Women) east of Cancun, Mexico, is reportedly the oldest sporting competition between the United States and Mexico.

Sr. Jose de Jesus Lima Gutierrez, the family patriarch, died of natural causes June 10, at the Isla Mujeres Naval Hospital. He was 96.

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Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, September 29, 1912, Jose married Rebeca (d. 2006) and together they had four children: Jose, Esteban, Enrique (who has taken on the role of regatta host the past several years) and daughter Rebeca.

As a young man working for the government in Mexico City, Sr. Lima was in charge of building the first multi-family building in the country and participated in the creation of the PRI political party that was in power in Mexico for more than 70 years.

Although he achieved much success in politics, he felt he needed a new challenge and decided to move to Isla Mujeres in 1953, after having visited the area of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres several times. He built the family’s home on the north shore out of the island’s natural rock. It became known as La Casa de las Rocas, or the Rock House. Only 640 inhabitants lived on Isla Mujeres when the Lima family settled there.

Most sailors know Sr. Lima as the father of the Regata al Sol, having created the regatta as an opportunity to promote tourism in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula where Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are located.

He expanded his vision by building the first fivestar hotel in the state of Quintana Roo, Hotel ZazilHa. Sr. Lima organized and presented the project to the president of Mexico for the development of Cancun. He also built the first house on Cancun, which became the official “visitation house” for the city where dignitaries stayed. He is considered by many to be the father of Cancun.

Always looking forward, Sr. Lima organized Mexico’s first ecological project in the area, Contoy Island, a bird sanctuary close to Isla Mujeres. He also built the first, and until now, only secondary school on Isla Mujeres, as well as the first hospital and the island’s airport. The hospital is now named after him.

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His efforts on behalf of his country earned him many honors, including the Antonio Enriquez Savignac Medal of Merit, the country’s highest award for tourism. The governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez Canto, presented it in a ceremony in the Isla Mujeres Convention Center on June 8.

Those who have raced to Isla Mujeres, and those who have chased the racers to the island for the weeklong festivities, know that it is because of him that we have such wonderful times and happy memories every time we visit the Island of Women. His legacy carried on through his son Enrique Lima and the rest of the family will keep Sr. Jose de Jesus Lima Gutierrez forever part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Fair winds and following seas, dear friend.

Dan Driscoll, regatta chair for the XLI Regata del Sol al Sol from St. Petersburg this year, is coordinating a fundraiser to offset expenses for Armando.

“To limit any further damage,” began Driscoll, “treatment in a hyperbaric chamber is recommended. Such treatment increases the oxygen in the body and speeds the healing process. Without this treatment, further amputation is inevitable. Even with the treatment, amputation may still be required.”

Armando has patiently greeted and assisted all the boats with customs and immigration for 40 of the 41 years of the Regata del Sol al Sol. “He is the reason everything runs so smoothly,” continued Driscoll.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to offset Armando’s expenses may do so by sending a check to St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Attn. Dan Driscoll, 11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Write “Armando Novelo” in the notation line.

Medical Fundraiser for Isla Mujeres Customs Agent Known at the Regata del Sol al Sol

By Julie B. Connerley Armando Novelo with his wife. A fund has been set up to help pay for treatment of Armando’s diabetes. Photo by Julie Connerley.

For those who have participated in the races to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, from either Pensacola or St. Petersburg, our good friend, always smiling customs agent Armando Novelo has had a stroke of bad luck and needs our help.

He has diabetes and combined with an accident, took a turn for the worse. An infection resulted in gangrene. Some of his toes have had to be amputated.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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OUR WATERWAYS Florida House Bill 1423 Affecting Anchoring and Mooring Fields Rules Becomes Law — Limits Local Communities’ Ability to Restrict Anchoring From the NMMA The mooring field at Island Park in Sarasota.

Boaters cruising Florida waters may find it easier to anchor for extended periods of time in a number of cities where local ordinances limited anchorage to as little as 48 hours.

On May 27, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed H.B. 1423, a general legislative package for the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that includes a provision that prevents local Florida communities from forcing boaters to leave an anchorage unless the boat is a live-aboard vessel.

The law specifically defines a live-aboard vessel as one that is used “solely as a residence and not for navigation” (which excludes cruisers); one represented as a place of business; and/or one that is declared to be a domicile. This new definition clearly excludes cruisers, giving them rights to more freely anchor and not be restricted by local communities. It clarifies confusing language in the previous law. The new law also prohibits local governments from regulating

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July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

anchorage outside of established mooring fields unless the boat is a live-aboard vessel.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), BoatUS, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association have advocated for clarification within the law since 2006, when Miami Beach set an anchorage limit of seven days within any 30-day period. Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Gulfport, Marco Island and other coastal communities soon enacted similar restrictions, with the most restrictive law being a 24-hour window for boaters anchoring in Fort Lauderdale. The Palm Beach County Commission is currently considering a prohibition on anchoring within its city limits, but tabled the issue last week. In Gulfport, boaters are only permitted to anchor in local waters for three days.

“This law will not only have a positive impact on boaters in the area, but generate revenue for local businesses by allowing boaters more freedom to anchor,” said David Dickerson, NMMA director of state government relations.

“We are encouraged by this law’s effort to make Florida more boater-friendly than ever.”

New Florida Law Includes Proposed Mooring Field Pilot Projects

By Wayne Marshall, Chairman, Concerned Cruisers Committee, Seven Seas Cruising Association Member of FWC Advisory Council of Stakeholders There are five proposed sites for the pilot projects in the new bill (H.B. 1423), two on the Atlantic coast, two on the west coast and one in Monroe County (Keys). The projects will be open to considerably more public commentary and input through the design and implementation phase, as each management plan will be very site-specific.

Boaters will have no new ordinances to deal with in other areas except as specifically related to these five sites, and all municipalities are prohibited from enforcing even existing laws on the books that are in conflict with these pilot projects. Any ordinances will be implemented on a trial basis and must meet stringent criteria for their suitability to the concept.

We feel this compromise is the best one for boaters statewide, and presents the best of what might have been rammed down our throats by our legislature. Sure there are parts that people don’t agree with, but I can tell you this is so much better than where this whole process started that www.southwindsmagazine.com

the positive differences for boaters are dramatic For more information on the pilot projects, see the “Our Waterways” sections in the April and May issues (available online in the Back Issues pages at www.southwindsmagazine.com).

Money for Dredging in Federal Stimulus Bill Long-awaited funding for dredging and maintaining the controlling depth of the ICW is now available through the federal stimulus bill. The funding is part of a $4.6-billion allocation to the Army Corps of Engineers, which will use approximately $1.9-billion for dredging, much of which will go to the ICW. To be available for the funds, projects must be far enough along in the planning process to be implemented quickly and employ people immediately. Many of the projects the Army Corps of Engineers has for the ICW have been ready to implement for almost a decade and will be started in the near future. It is expected that the funds will be used to dredge much of the ICW in the Carolinas and Georgia where the worst shoal areas have developed in recent years, making it difficult for many boats to even get down the ICW in places. There are many projects in Florida, the Carolinas and Georgia, which are considered “shovel ready” and will be the first to start.

FWC Removes Junked, Abandoned Vessels from State’s Waters From an FWC News Release

The FWC figures there are an estimated 1,500 “derelict vessels” in the Florida’s waters.

Removing junked-out, abandoned boats is a costly but necessary endeavor the FWC has undertaken. With an estimated 1,500 of these boats, known as “derelict vessels,” in the state’s waters, they are a big problem. They create safety and navigational hazards and dump pollutants into the water. For the 2008-09 fiscal year, legislators took action, granting $1.55-million to the FWC to remove derelict vessels.

Lt. David Dipre, state derelict vessel coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, travels across the state, evaluating the derelict vessel situation on News & Views for Southern Sailors

City of Sarasota Gives Warning/Notice to Boaters in Island Park Anchorage

By Steve Morrell I received the below e-mail from a boater who has been anchored in the Island Park Anchorage in Sarasota. It is the wording of a notice that was posted on his boat: City of Sarasota: “NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION” May 21, 2009 Your vessel must be moved no later than June 21, 2009. Failure to comply with this NOTICE will result in the removal of your vessel by the City and an assessment of cost related to the vessel removal against the vessel owner. Starting September 1st only authorized boats can moor in the designated mooring area.

The language in this notice is indicative of the sad state of affairs that exists between citizens and local governments in many communities across this country, a relationship not based on friendliness and cooperation, but one based on warnings and intimidation—more on the lines of an adversarial relationship. How about some simple politeness? Is this how our government communicates with its citizens? How sad.

Responsible boaters have been anchoring their boats in this anchorage since before the city of Sarasota was incorporated, and some of them who are there now have been there long before the anchorage was ever looked down upon as inferior by the upper class that rules Sarasota—from before they called themselves “The Culture Coast.” If this kind of relationship is culture, then those responsible for this rude notice obviously must not believe that civility and politeness are part of culture, when in reality these two practices are at the top. This is not a warning/notice to trespassers and criminals, but to boaters who, most of whom—yes, there are exceptions like everywhere else—have acted as responsible boaters. This is a 30-day notice to boaters who have been anchored there for years. This anchorage was a way for many to afford to keep a boat, not having to spend thousands of dollars docked in a local marina.

More and more, boats are becoming the pastime of the wealthy, not of the average citizen. It was also a way for many to live in a society where the cost of living gets out of reach for many every day. It was also an inexpensive way for many boaters to visit a waterfront city without paying exorbitant mooring fees. These days are all passing quickly.

Perhaps we are in need of a mooring field as the population grows—and I support the establishment of more mooring fields in Florida—but how about a little respect, a little politeness? Is that asking too much?

We need to change the tone in how “our” government—of the people—talks to the people. Let’s start with simple politeness to law-abiding citizens. Maybe it will lead to respect between the two. It will at least be a first step.

SOUTHWINDS July 2009

35

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coastlines and inland water bodies. He trains other FWC officers to recognize and investigate derelict vessels. Once they identify a boat as derelict, they attach a notice to the vessel and launch an investigation. They notify the owner he must remove the vessel within five days.

In some instances, the last person who possessed the vessel, rather than the owner, will have to remove it at his own expense.

Owners of, or persons responsible for, derelict vessels risk prosecution under Florida Statute 823.11(4), a firstdegree misdemeanor, and they may have to pay a civil penalty to cover the cost of the derelict vessel removal. On occasion, the owner or person who last possessed the boat may face a felony charge if the boat was intentionally dumped. If the FWC can’t identify the boat’s owner, officers will determine whether to remove it at state expense.

The longer a derelict vessel sits in the water, the costlier the removal probably will be. Removal can vary from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“It is better to remove a derelict vessel as soon as possible,” said Capt. Carol Keyser of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. “We encourage the public to be diligent in reporting suspected abandoned, junked boats. It is more likely we can determine who the boat owner is if it is report36 July 2009

On the water at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Marina Cove, St. Petersburg

ed early. Timely intervention is the best prevention.”

Derelict vessel removal is prioritized according to public safety, navigational hazards and environmental hazards, respectively. The FWC is removing vessels in various counties and municipalities throughout the state, but no particular county or municipality is given priority. Derelict vessels must be in public waters for the FWC to remove them.

A sunken boat may not meet the criteria if it is salvageable and the owner salvages it. Likewise, a boat may be floating, but if it is inoperable and taken apart, it may be considered derelict. This is why an investigation is necessary to make sure a boat is junked, wrecked or permanently taken apart and the owner is unable or unwilling to remove it.

“A derelict vessel can be floating or sunken,” Dipre said. “And a vessel doesn’t have to be pretty—it just has to be legal. It is not a crime to have an unattractive boat on the waters of the state.”

Once the derelict vessel is removed from the water, the marine contractor may remove whatever is salvageable from the boat to offset the cost of removal. The derelict vessel is destroyed and disposed of at a local, licensed landfill.

Derelict vessels can be reported by calling (888) 4043922. An FWC officer will be assigned to investigate and initiate a derelict vessel case file. www.southwindsmagazine.com

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS July 2009

37

THE FIRST ANNUAL Brevard Boating Week, May 9-16

By Roy Laughlin

E

ven though the local economy is lousy and getting worse, the message from Brevard County’s new Boating Week organizers was “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.” For sailors, the message was “times two” with a Catalina 22 match race on Sunday, May 9, and then the Brevard Challenge on May 16. Both races were held in the Indian River off Cocoa and Rockledge.

The Brevard Boating Week racing program included something old and something new. The C22 Match Races, sponsored by North U, Brevard County Natural Resource Management Department, and Boaters Exchange, a local sailboat dealer, is the third match race and clinic event to be held in the past year. In May 2009, eight boats were on the water for the match races, the most so far. Bill Gladstone and his crew from North U, sailing on Hidden

Agenda, finished first. Flip, Flop & Fly with a local crew finished second. Doug Shannon and crew, sailing Godspeed, another local team, finished third. Match racing is gaining popularity in Brevard County, and the scores indicate local sailors are catching on quickly to the subtle tactics needed to win. Final scores for the first-, second-, and third-place finishers were 6.5, 5 and 5.5 points, respectively, demonstrating that competition on the water is getting much keener after just a year of local experience.

The following weekend, Brevard Boating Week’s concluding weekend, Lee Wenner Park in Cocoa was again the base camp for the Brevard Challenge, sponsored by the Indian River Yacht Club. The two-day event attracted 14 sail teams. The race had three classes: Spinnaker boats, NonSpinnaker boats, and C22 class. Good afternoon breezes completed the organizers’ efforts. The Brevard Challenge in its present form is almost 40 years old. The ancestry of Indian River Yacht Club’s May race goes back to the late 1880s, when the May Day sailing events were among the most well-attended annual events, attracting sailors from the entire Indian River Lagoon for races and picnics on Oleander Point. Complete race results and photos are available on www.sail-race.com .

Brevard Boating Week is one of Brevard County’s first significant expansions in decades of focus on waterway enjoyment by citizens. It included much more than sailing events, but sailing was a significant and the most visible component of the organized activities. With even a little bit of improvement in economic conditions, the weeklong series, sponsored by the county, local water-oriented organizations and businesses, could grow to a “can’t miss” summer event for the local boating public. In 2009, it got off to a good start.

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LIGHTNING PART II

Marine Protection & Safety

By Rebecca Burg

Photo taken over the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. Photo courtesy of and credit to DOD/USN/Heidi J. Giacalone.

“I

’m sure glad I’m surrounded by all these sailboats!” someone crowed over the VHF. A large cluster of mixed vessels were huddled in a tropical harbor and waiting out a brief storm. Just after that odd comment, I watched a streamer of lightning crash into a nearby powerboat, despite the surrounding forest of aluminum masts.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the boat had to be hauled for repairs. Lightning is one of nature’s most unpredictable forces, and nearly all mariners face their unwanted share of thunderstorms. Our safety, which includes protecting a vessel’s integrity, is paramount.

In the June issue (available on the Back Issues page at www.southwindsmagazine.com), Part I of this article covered lightning’s formation and shared some maritime encounters. In continuation, Part II will introduce industrystandard marine lightning protection, worthy new ideas and crew safety. We can’t prevent a strike, but we can take measures to help minimize damage to boat and crew. Installing a marine grounding system is an important action for a boat owner to take. A common notion is that a lightning grounding system actually encourages a strike. There’s no scientific evidence or statistics supporting the idea that a grounding system encourages lightning. With such a massive electrical field involved, an attachment spark is insouciant to the details. It will strike where it pleases and uncountable numbers of ungrounded vessels are hit. Actual cases demonstrate a trend toward the reality that damages, especially physical damage, is greater and usually more fatal in ungrounded vessels.

Installation of these devices requires the addition of a grounding system as immunity from lightning is impossible to guarantee.

Lightning Grounding System Basics. Should lightning strike the boat, a grounding system intends to provide a preferred conductive path for the high-current discharge, instead of allowing the strike to create its own path with the usual destructive results. Each vessel will require its own custom installation depending on type, hull material and physical attributes. Basically, a grounding system involves an air terminal at the boat’s highest point (a masthead antenna often unwittingly ends up as one). The air terminal is connected to a conductor, like an aluminum mast, that leads to a grounding strip or plate on the hull’s underwater exterior. The air terminal must be at least six inches above any other object. For sailboats, if the mast isn’t aluminum, ABYC

Cone of protection? Numerous books and articles often mention the idea of a “cone of protection” whereby a boat’s tallest conductor (i.e., the mast) forms the tip of an imaginary cone with its base on the sea. Objects inside this cone are supposedly protected from direct strikes. However, the intense electrical field is present regardless of the cone and, if the conditions are favorable, conductive objects may still generate an attachment spark within the cone and not at its tip as assumed. Also, people are not protected from dangerous side flashes or electrical shocks within the cone.

Lightning dissipaters. The various types of brush-like “lightning dissipaters” that mount on mastheads hope to discourage an attachment spark from forming on the boat.

Independent scientists do not support the claims made by dissipater manufacturers, and there are no reliable case studies to prove a dissipater’s effectiveness. The device must be the highest point on a vessel. I’ve seen boats with dissipaters that were mounted lower than other items, such as the masthead VHF antenna, that have been hit by lightning.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS July 2009

39

LIGHTNING PART II connection to the engine is standards suggest that the not putting it in harm’s way conductor be sized at least 4 as a main conductor of lightAWG. Wood and carbon fiber ing’s deadly current. This masts need such a conductor type of connection simply from the air terminal to serves to equalize imbalanced ground plate/strip. Any potentials, helping to keep other conductive, potential the engine from being on the paths for lightning, such as receiving end of a side flash, metal rigging, should also be which is an unwanted blast of tied into the system with a lightning’s deadly current. minimum of 6 AWG cable.

The vertical grounding system Vessels with metal hulls don’t contends with the actual force require a grounding plate as of lightning’s current while the hull itself can be incorpohorizontal bonds to nearby rated into the protection sysmetal objects, including metal tem. Other hull materials like through-hulls, equalize the wood or fiberglass need an potential to help prevent lightunderwater metal surface to ning from jumping into these help safely conduct lightobjects and severely damaging ning’s high current discharge. them. A side flash into an This metal is typically a copunbonded metal through-hull per or bronze plate, or by can heat the surrounding ABYC standards, a lengthy Once shiny and like new, these marine components were all fiberglass enough to blow a strip with sharp edges to help blown apart by lightning. hole in the boat. dissipate the high potentials Because of the overwhelming electrical field involved, involved. The ground plate/strip should have a surface area efforts to protect sensitive electronics are less certain. Not of no less than one square foot for saltwater vessels. ISO easy to find for DC equipment, transient voltage surge supstandards recommend a minimum of two and a half square pressors can protect a device by diverting a sudden increase feet. Freshwater boats need no less than about 10 square feet in voltage to ground. Conversely, surge suppressors for AC since fresh water is less conductive. equipment can be easily found at your local hardware dealThe sintered bronze plates made for grounding radios er. Mariners also can successfully protect sensitive electronare not ideal for use as a lightning conductor. The plate’s ic devices by storing them in metal boxes or wrapping them actual effective surface area where such high current is in aluminum foil where practical. involved is questionable, and the idea that they can explode (from trapped water rapidly converting to steam) is freNew and revised protection system methods. A wellquently raised. When a direct strike hit my Bayfield 31, respected researcher, instructor and lightning expert, Ewen Angel, most of the current was safely routed through her Thomson, Ph.D., has contributed much to the safety of crew sintered bronze plate, without it exploding. However, the and vessels. He refines the grounding system approach, and plate lacked the surface area to discourage the lightning instead of a single set-up and ground plate, Thomson’s sysfrom seeking an alternate path, and the strike also used the tem involves multiple air terminals connected to multiple depth sounder transducer as a ground (and ruined the conductors. Each of these leads to a number of grounding instrument). terminals along the hull’s exterior waterline. To learn more The grounding plate or strip must be connected to the of these new concepts, visit www.marinelightning.com. conductor with type 2 strand 4 AWG copper cable or flatLearning about Thomson’s invaluable work will help in the tened copper tube. Ideally, the cable connecting a ground customization of your own lightning protection system. plate to the main conductor should be straight. If space doesn’t allow, a curve with a minimum radius of 8 inches is What to look for after a strike. If a vessel is struck, there are suggested. Note that sharp turns or corners may encourage important things one must look for. Most immediately, any side flashes. All connections must be sturdy, mechanically through-hull fittings and the underwater hull’s integrity fastened and corrosion protected. To help minimize potenshould be checked. Damage from heat, especially around tially lethal side flashes, ABYC standard prefers that sizable electrical connections, is possible, along with physical dammetal objects within 6 feet of any lightning conductor be ages. I’ve seen components literally thrown across a cabin, connected to the lightning ground system with a minimum plastic cases shattered and wire terminal ends yanked from of 6 AWG cable. Bonding metal objects into the system this their connections after lightning’s passage. Compass deviaway helps balance the dangerous disparity in the surroundtion should be checked. If the engine, alternator and battery ing electrical potential. Unconnected metal objects, in the bank appear unharmed, it’s wise to check the alternator’s intense electrical field of lightning’s proximity, develop regulator as its sensitive diodes most likely may be blown extreme voltages that encourage side flashes and can elec(allowing unregulated voltage into the battery bank— a trically “shock” crewmembers. It is also suggested that ruinous situation). Solar panel charge controllers and a solar engine blocks be connected to the grounding plate (but not panel’s diodes are also likely victims. Magnetic media, such to the main lightning conductor) to reduce the likely chance as a laptop’s hard drive, may be affected. of a side flash through the engine. This horizontal bonding 40

July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

by the violent percussion of a lightning strike.

People protection. For crew safety, avoid being Joe wasn’t hit directly. The strike started at the caught out in an open boat (like a dinghy) durboat’s fiberglass antenna, exploding bits of it ing a storm. In an enclosed vessel, stay below if everywhere, and exited out of the boat’s starpossible and out of contact with potential conboard engine. “When I woke up, the whole ductors like masts or chain plates. If out on deck awning was shredded,” Joe explains. Even and helming the vessel, wear gloves on a metal more unnerving was the large, fiberglass shard steering wheel and, again, stay out of contact with that had been speared through the center of the metal items. Southwinds editor, Steve Morrell, Holes can be blown in hull recalled an unusual and tragic case found by the Without a Lightning Ground System captain’s chair where Joe had sat moments ear(current seeks random, potentially lier. “By the grace of God I’m still here,” Joe Miami marine authorities. A powerboat had been destructive paths) said, shaking his head. His face had been ridfound drifting with a body onboard. Initially a dled with small spears of fiberglass and the strange mystery, the deceased mariner sported a bleeding split lip needed immediate medical bloody gouge around his neck. Further investigaattention. A concerned fellow charter captain tion revealed that lightning had struck the vessel provided Joe with a speedy ride to the emerand was attracted to a large, gold neck chain Air Terminal gency room. Still fishing today, Joe takes extra favored by the victim. The jewelry had been comConductors precautions whenever the skies darken. pletely vaporized.

An understanding of the basics will go a Another unusual case involved Key West long way in helping a concerned boater take corfishing Captain Joe Mercurio. Several years ago rect action for protecting vessel and crew. This during a calm summer day, Joe took his 46-foot two-part series on lightning provides a foundasport fishing boat out on a routine charter. A External Ground Strip tion for understanding and implementing your football field-sized dark cloud started raining Basic Lightning Ground System own plan of protection. and to avoid getting wet, Joe stepped out of his captain’s chair. “All of a sudden, everything Rebecca Burg is an ABYC-certified marine electrical technician turned to red,” Joe recalled. “You could feel the heat.” and marine mechanic.

He’d been thrown, knocked out and splitting his upper lip,

BOATOWNER’S BOAT REVIEW

The Tayana 47/48

By Sonny Furman The Tayana 47 at the dock, showing the large deck.

Tayana 47 layout

Production: 1990 – 2003 LOA: 47’ 0” LWL: 42’ 5” Draft: 5’3” (shoal) 6’5” (standard) Beam: 14’ 3” Displacement: 35,000 lbs.

Fuel: 210 gallons Water: 220 gallons Engine: Yanmar, various

H

aving sailed for more than 35 years, and owning and refurbishing four other boats, I felt as though I had a good idea of exactly what my wife and I wanted in a cruising sailboat. The search took nearly a year and covered both coasts. Our major criteria included moderate draft, good sea-keeping ability, comfort, storage, overall strength, quality of construction, reasonable speed, and— of course—price.

After actually examining more than 15 boats, I admit that I was quite impressed with the Robert Perry-designed Tayana 47/48. All that remained was finding the right one.

A center cockpit design, the Tayana 47/48 was built by the Tashing Yard in Taiwan, which is known for exceptionally high quality control and attention to detail. One look at its interior woodwork gives the impression that it really understands joinery, fit and finish. The Tayana and Taswell series are a testament to this, and the solid fiberglass hull layup showed core thickness of nearly 1 1/2” in places.

Both the 47 and 48 share the same hull, the only major variation being the sugar scoop transom with boarding steps on the 48. Deck and superstructure are essentially the same, while no two interiors are exactly the same, as they were often built on a semi- custom basis.

With a beam of 14’ 3”, they have a voluminous interior, which lends itself to superb storage and living space, the normal configuration having a large forward cabin with separate shower and head, the rear master cabin having a centerline queen berth and large head with shower. During its production, several variations on the nav station and shape of salon settees and dining table can be found.

One of the major features that drew me to our current boat, Neshuma, was that it was one of the very few Tayana

42 July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

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The center cockpit and helm.

47s built with a shoal-draft keel, drawing 5’ 3”, while the standard model comes in at 6’ 5”. For anyone anticipating cruising in the Bahamas or south Florida, this is always a consideration. Conversely, our boat also came with the tall rig, measuring 69 feet, thus effectively eliminating traversing the ICW, unless you are willing to be creative with a hacksaw.

As someone who actually enjoys the challenges that come with doing all of my own boat maintenance, I admit that Neshuma presented a plethora of problems, mostly as a direct result of a former owner who clearly had no clue as to caring properly for a boat. Naturally, this was reflected in the final selling price—once I ferreted out a number of major flaws—as well as major misrepresentations by the owner, and even the selling Florida broker.

That being said, I then embarked on a two-year, fulltime effort to restore and upgrade Neshuma into a boat worthy of its reputation as a quality cruising vessel.

As a first priority, the original Yanmar 62-hp diesel was not only in very poor condition, but it was also quite underpowered for a boat that weighs in at nearly 40,000 pounds in cruising trim. Many later models were fitted with the 75and 88-hp models, all based on the same 4JH2 series blocks.

I was able to locate a run-out 4JH2-DTE, 88-hp Yanmar on eBay. I then tore it down to the bare block and did a complete rebuild. The most difficult part of the entire process was buying all the required rebuild parts and having to deal with a number of different sources. Unless you have a strong background in diesel engines, I strongly advise you leave this to the experts, but always have your engine thoroughly checked out by a qualified technician when purchasing any used boat.

I also fitted the rebuilt engine with a brand-new ZF 250 gearbox, shaft, coupling, and a custom pitched prop. This combination now powers our Tayana at 7.5 knots at approx.

2400 rpm.

The standard Tayana 47 normally comes with two fuel tanks, giving a total of approximately 120 gallons. While this is quite satisfactory for most cruising, I had experienced sevNews & Views for Southern Sailors

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The main salon looking forward.

The large galley on the Tayana 47 with the sink on one side oppsite the stove. The door to the aft cabin can be seen in the back.

eral instances where rough seas kicked up sediment, creating havoc with the filters. I then made the decision to add a third “day” tank under the starboard settee, along with a fuel-polishing system of my own design, which always shuttles clean double filtered fuel directly to the 60-gallon day tank, even before entering the fuel pump to the engine and final filter. This has proved invaluable, and also has greatly extended our cruising range while under power.

When I purchased the boat, nearly all of the electronics were either very outdated or simply junk. The boat is now fitted with a Raymarine C-80 chartplotter at the wheel, Icom SSB, two VHFs (one at the nav station and one at the helm), Autohelm depth, speed and wind instruments, a backup Garmin 172C chartplotter also at the helm, Bose sound system throughout, and a few other electronic goodies.

One shortcoming of note, the Tayana 47/48 has very limited room to install a generator set, a space just forward of the engine itself, and accessed by a door located behind the companionway ladder.

Since the idea of running the AC units while at anchor from a generator seemed wasteful, I then designed a more practical gen system, utilizing a 12-hp Kubota diesel, which I also procured on eBay, a refugee from a Japanese rice threshing machine. I then marinized the engine with heat exchanger and water manifold and mounted a 150-amp alternator. The entire unit just barely fits within the enclosure, but operates flawlessly, and if we need to operate something with a huge electrical drain, best to do it with

shore power.

Since I have a 2500-watt invertor, the addition of the large DC generator easily keeps up with charging chores, while saving much wear and tear on the main diesel, despite already having two alternators belt-driven from the Yanmar.

While most 47s came rigged as sloops, I quickly converted mine to a cutter, which gives greater versatility and control under a much wider range of wind conditions. This has proven itself a number of times, even with 50-knot winds and 15-foot seas. The Tayana has proven to be a very stable platform, with an exceptional comfort motion in all but the most extreme conditions.

The Tayana 47 galley is a fairly straightforward design and well thought out, despite the somewhat poorly insulated icebox and front-loading doors. I later modified this with one section dedicated with a built-in standard, apartmentsize AC fridge. The other side now utilizes an Adler Barbour cold plate with remote compressor. Galley storage in these boats is more than adequate for most long distance cruising, and the galley is quite comfortable to work in without crowding, even for two cooks. We also installed a combo washer/drier in a forward cabin locker along with a modular watermaker system. My wife loves it.

The Tayana cockpit is well laid out and quite comfortable, unlike a number of boats I looked at. It is roomy enough for entertaining, but not so large as to worry about pooping in large seas and has very adequate drainage. While some critics argue that center cockpit boats are “wet,” this has never been the case. Part of the secret lies in the hard windshield I devised, using a modified curved glass powerboat windshield also scrounged on eBay. With a modified center section and custom dodger tied in to the Bimini top, the cockpit remains very dry, as well as offering excellent visibility. The only negative here, working along the boom requires the agility of an acrobat, a problem with many center cockpit boats.

The Tayana 47 boasts wide side decks and high bulwarks with handsome teak cap rails, which give a real sense of security, as well as oversized and double-braced stanchions. The best I’ve seen on any boat. Yes, many of these boats came with teak decks, as did my former boat, a Pedrick 41. I highly suggest looking for boats without the teak decks. The double anchor rollers are well-designed and

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The Tayana 47 has a large, comfortable dinette.

The aft cabin has a huge double berth.

workable, and having two working anchors at hand is an absolute necessity when cruising.

In all, the Tayana 47/48 is a very well-designed boat capable of taking you anywhere in the world, in comfort and safety. It should meet the needs of any cruising couple and has ample room and luxurious accommodations to suit even the most demanding sailor, while priced within reach of those seeking a quality used boat.

A recent search on Yacht World showed several avail-

able in the range of 225K to 350K depending on year and equipment. For those seeking the ultimate, affordable cruising boat, put this one at the top of your list.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Sonny Furman is a retired USAF officer and commercial pilot.

Sonny has also built an aircraft of his own design from scratch, which has been FAA-certified. He holds a USCG 50-ton license.

He is currently cruising full time with his wife Kendall aboard Neshuma, and lives presently in Marathon, FL..

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BOATWORKS

Rebuilding Dorados— Let the Fresh Air In & the Hot Air Out

By Tom Kennedy, Patriot Yacht Services, Pensacola, FL

In our Southern climates, enough can’t be said about the benefit of good air circulation to keep mildew at bay and your electrical consumption down as you struggle to keep your cabin dry and cool during these summer months.

O

ne train of thought is to keep your vessel closed up tight to keep rainwater out, but unless you are running a humidifier or AC unit, the humidity inside your cabin will build, which is a recipe for a myriad of problems like headliner release, electronics problems and cushion foam breakdown. Increasing the air flow will help reduce the humidity and mildew formation while cooling the cabin temperature at a level that will prolong the life of your cabin contents and help keep that dreaded holding tank from fermenting. The other side of the coin is to keep your cabin hatches and ports open, but that exposes your cabin to the elements.

So how do we find that happy medium? The answer is to install cowl vents on top of your cabin and let the sea breeze circulate fresh air throughout your cabin and vent hot air as it builds through the day.

I recently had a job where the owner of a Sabre 34 was

The wood trim pieces to accommodate the smaller opening.

less than satisfied with the volume of air being produced by the four existing vents located at the four corners of his cabin top. The vents were the standard white flexible type and were installed on four integrated fiberglass dorados on the cabin top. While elevation afforded less air interference by way of the dorado, the airflow was minimal due to the small opening of the cowl mouth.

Additionally, the stack diameter measured at four inches, which helped with increasing volume of air but reduced the velocity. These cowls were designed for stronger winds like the trades of the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific.

They just weren’t made for the comparably light winds of the Gulf of Mexico. The solution was to upgrade the existing vents with stainless steel vents with a higher elevation and larger mouth opening and reducing the stack diameter from four inches to three inches in order to increase airflow velocity into the cabin.

So, pretty simple evolution. Off with the old…on with the new. Not so fast.

Remember that original vents had four-inch stacks and the new ones have three-inch stacks, leaving a gap in the opening in the dorado box. How do we overcome this? One option is to purchase upgraded vents with four-inch stacks, but that would reduce the air velocity.

Another option is to See BOATWORKS continued on page 65

The finished product.

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin employees are all retired professionals with a love for the boating life.

Celebrating their 2008 Marina of the Year award are, left to right: Harbormaster Jim Branch; Dock Attendants Russ Oldfather, Gary Stouch, Jim Keller, Platt Kennedy and Bo Jackson, and Assistant Harbormaster Randy Chevalier. Photo by Janet Verdeguer.

Fishville: Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin, Punta Gorda, FL

You Won’t Want to Leave

By Janet Verdeguer

Can a marina be both boater and environmentally friendly?

T

he proof, as they say, is in the pudding at Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin in Punta Gorda, FL, a popular destination where transient boaters, boat club members, fishermen and sailors alike enjoy good service and welcoming smiles. At the same time, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, with its stringent rules and regulations, has found reason to smile favorably on this destination, certifying “Fishville” as a designated “Clean Marina” every year since it reopened in November 2006 after its rapid recovery from Hurricane Charley.

Twenty miles inland from Boca Grande inlet, where the legendary Gasparilla pirated at the turn of the 19th century, the marina is located on the south side of the confluence of the Myakka and Peace rivers in picturesque Punta Gorda. It is a centerpiece of Fishermen’s Village resort complex, a privately owned multiuse facility that attracts more than 1.5-million visitors annually and generates $20-million in annual revenue.

When Hurricane Charley razed the area back in August 2004, the resort and marina suffered more than $10.2-million in damage, in addition to the $3.5-million it took to rebuild the marina. A little luck and a lot of applied expertise later, this “phoenix” has risen up to become what it is today. This is largely due to the knowledge and leadership of Harbormaster Jim Branch, an 11-year veteran of this position who was here before, during and after the 2004 devastation.

were already well underway for a major renovation, and about 75 percent of the marina had already been shut down.

The pre-hurricane marina rebuild had called for a two-step plan: dredging and replacing concrete docks that were crumbling in disrepair. Explains Branch: “The bottom slab had deteriorated and the rebar rusted, causing portions of the dock to drop into the water. We were sure that we wanted to rebuild with concrete, however, because we saw first-

Best-Laid Plans Late summer of 2004 was, ironically, for the marina, the best time possible for a hurricane to come through. Plans News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Harbormaster Jim Branch, retired marine biologist and sailor, came to Florida from Guam because he wanted to do some sailing in the Caribbean. Photo by Janet Verdeguer.

This aerial view shows the layout of the mall and the marina, marina offices, swimming pool, tennis courts and parking area. Devastated after Hurricane Charley in August 2004, Fishville was the first area commercial property to reopen after the storm. Photo by Janet Verdeguer.

hand that it was the old concrete docks—even in their state of disrepair—that had kept the boats tied up there from being destroyed in the storm.”

After the hurricane hit, it also became necessary to repair the heavily damaged yacht basin offices. The marina took full advantage of this opportunity to improve adjacent boaters’ facilities, change the configuration of the basin itself and to add or replace almost everything from gates, signage, dock boxes and safety ladders to an upgraded fire suppression system, a120-foot T-dock with 100-amp service for larger vessels; four new 55-foot slips, and a dinghy dock. New underground fuel storage tanks were installed to meet the EPA’s 2009 requirements. Says Branch: “Our state of the art fuel system is all computerized, and we only sell Valve Tech fuels here, which are the marine industry standard. There is no ethanol in our fuel.”

All the shops and restaurants in the mall and nearby Punta Gorda make this a fun place to visit. There’s also a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and bicycles…and an air-conditioned boater’s dayroom where we interrupted a solo cruiser (reading the latest issue of Southwinds, by the

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way) eager to chat about his upcoming journeys to Isla de las Mujeres and Guatemala.

The laid-back Old Florida ambiance draws a diverse group of people who come to enjoy daily, weekly and seasonal activities such as Fourth of July and New Year’s fireworks displays, fishing and poker tournaments and, last but not least, sailboat races every month of the year highlighted by the annual PGSC Conquistador Cup in March.

Sailing magazine has consistently rated Charlotte Harbor as one of the 10 best sailing harbors in the United States.

Branch attributes this to the size—7 miles wide and 20 miles long—and also the decided advantage that there is no commercial traffic.

Clean Marina Designation But what is it exactly that makes this marina stand out above the rest and be crowned “environmentally friendly?”

For one, Harbormaster Branch is himself a retired marine biologist who worked for the EPA and the government of Guam for 35 years. Branch oversees every aspect from the largest projects to the smallest details, such as the recent creation of a charming butterfly garden along the path between the pool and the fuel dock that leads to the resort.

The marina maintains its “clean” status by constantly addressing critical issues including sensitive habitat, waste management, stormwater control and emergency preparedness. The large number of transient boaters who use Charlotte Harbor but do not use the pump-out facilities creates an ongoing problem. Fishville has a “Keep a Clean Head” program, offering a five percent discount on fuel for vessels that pump their holding tanks at the marina. If boaters sign up a day in advance, they can have the pumpout done right from their slip by a dock attendant using a mobile pump-out station.

There is no haul-out equipment here, and boaters must use biodegradable soap when washing their boats. The Fishermen’s Village parking lot was graded so that runoff flows into the ground in strips of grass separating various www.southwindsmagazine.com

View of the marine offices, painted in blue, from the second floor of the mall. Photo by Manuel Verdeguer.

View of the shops and restaurants at the resort next to the mall.

Photo by Janet Verdeguer.

parking areas. “We basically have no runoff into our yacht basin,” says Branch.

Fishermen’s Village is an active participant in the Clean Waterfront Renovation Program, calling on marinas to use sustainable materials in all improvements and additions.

“Until recently, we didn’t have enough money to complete the side tie and commercial docks on the west side of the basin. Now we are doing that, using pine wood from a sustainable forest that undergoes a special process developed in Finland so that it won’t rot, warp or crack. This is the first application of this untreated wood in a marine environment to see how well it stands up to saltwater elements.”

Fishermen’s Village is a popular destination for boat clubs from Marco Island to Clearwater as well as for thousands of local boaters who live in this canal community. The resort and marina work with many local organizations to promote the area as the primary boating destination in southwest Florida.

As any good salesman knows, it’s much easier to make the sale if you believe in your product. Southwinds readers take note: Branch is a passionate sailor whose experiences sailing in the western Pacific during his years in Guam could likely fill a book or two. What brought him to Florida was sailing. “I wanted to see something of the Caribbean and have sailed up and down the coast of Florida many times, to the Bahamas and the Virgins.” Randy Chevalier, assistant harbormaster, and all five dock attendants, are retired professionals who truly love the boating lifestyle. To attract more sailboats, Fishermen’s Village is supporting a city project to install two mooring fields in Charlotte Harbor, one right in front of the yacht basin.

The marina is very supportive of local regattas, offering below off-season rates for out-of-town racers even in high season. Regatta registrations, parties and awards ceremonies are often held at Harpoon Harry’s on the water. In turn, the local Community Sailing Center puts on a Portsmouth and small boat one-design regatta right off Fishville every year on National Marina Day. A unique event is the local Punta Gorda Sailing Club “boat-in” New Year’s Eve party to celebrate Fishville’s fireworks display— again, with below-season slip rates.

“Fisherman’s village is the reason we live in Punta Gorda,” says Bill Dixon, a local sailor active in racing. “In the mid ’90s we lived aboard an Out Island 41. After explor-

ing the east coast, we spent a winter in the Keys, were on our way up the west coast with an eye on New Orleans and then the Texas coast. Got a slip for a month back when Jim Branch was a dockhand and Mary Smith was the harbormistress. Fishville had—and still does—great restaurants and bars. We felt welcomed, even with two dogs and a cat aboard. Walking our animals in the neighborhood, my wife made what I thought was a casual remark: ‘I could live in a place like this.’ We never left.”

For more information, including slip rates, go to www.fishville.com or call (941) 575-3056.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Atsena Otie Key, the daily rallying point at the meet, lies a short distance out from the town of Cedar Key.

Messin’ About in Small Boats— Cedar Key Boat Meet

By Bruce Matlack Photos by Marty Noble Cover: Dale Nieman taking a break on Lively, a Core 17 built by B+B Boats, at the Cedar Key boat ”meet.” Photo by Marty Noble.

C

Ione, a wood sailing canoe, meticulously built by William Clements.

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edar Key is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida’s first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber products to the Northeast. Once, wood pencils were a mainstay of the town. Today it has become a tourist town, haven for artesans and authors who find the unspoiled, uniquely “old Florida” seaport inspirational for their work.

Each year, for the last 23 years or so, on the first weekend in May, small boater enthusiasts that number about 100 from all over the country gather to enjoy each other’s company, ideas and small boat creations or manufactured specialty craft.

Rumor has it that it all began years ago as a strictly Sea Pearl event, and even today, the trusty six-inch, shallow-draft Sea Pearls dominate the event. I had my first sail on a Sea Pearl at this year’s event as a guest of longtime fellow windsurfing competitors, Kent and Barbara Bleakly from Tarpon Springs..

The accompanying pictures in this article tell one story, but the meet is about people and their stories, as much as it is about their craft and lifestyle. There was local sailor Mike Miller’s friend with an Ensenada 20 who told me a story about running a crab boat in the Pacific Northwest, and how he lost the overloaded crabber instantly on one death roll and spent the next five days in a life raft drifting off the Oregon coast hoping to be rescued. He told me his worse threat—after having no warmth, food or water—was a giant sea lion or sea elephant who had marked him for a meal. He described how the huge sea mammal would take a run at him from below and rocket him and the round raft five to six feet in the air trying to knock him in the water.

I told him that famous cruising boat architect Lyle Hess designed his Ensenada 20, and that it was no doubt inspected www.southwindsmagazine.com

A Pacific Proa made by Wes White with Jim Brown aboard for the “keel breaking” ceremony.

Alan Hall’s classic Drascombe Coaster yawl with a modified Sea Pearl in the background that has been converted to a trimaran.

Scoona, a Bolger Light Schooner, with owners Bob and Glenda Blomquist aboard, who found the waters too shallow for their deep-draft daggerboard.

by me as the quality control chief on the assembly line in 1972 when the boat was built by Coastal Recreation, Inc., in Costa Mesa, CA. Famous trimaran designer and multihull historian Jim Brown was in attendance again this year, bound to catch a ride this time on the brilliantly white-painted Pacific Proa that he had admired and filmed so much at last year’s rally. With Jim’s added 200 pounds of crew weight, the proa creaked once or twice and began breaking up about 300 yards from shore. All had to be rescued. Back to the drawing boards with that one!

Messin’ about in small boats at events like this could be where it’s at, folks. The bigger the boat, the less the feel, and the bigger the wallet it takes to participate. Also, there seems to be a correlation between size of boat and the number of times per month a boat seems to leave the dock or slip. How many owners of big boats do you know who really don’t truly know how to actually sail—without a motor, that is? Getting down into a small boat is like getting naked in front of the mirror at the age of 55—for many of us, anyway. It can be a humbling experience, but what a joy to master sailing at the small boat level so you can simply “mess around” with a sailboat without thinking about it. The camaraderie at Cedar Key stems from such self-realization and accomplishment of sailing skills coupled often with incredible craftsmanship .

Come next year and experience messin’ about!

Bruce Matlack was the first national and world windsurfing champion in 1973. Bruce currently sails a Windrider 17 trimaran off Anna Maria Island, FL. Bruce continues to compete in windsurfing and will be at the Kona World Cup in Sweden this year and at the Windsurfing Nationals in Hood River, OR, sailing in the Kona class.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Two Melon Seeds. The one on the left, Miss Kate, is owned and sailed here by Cortez Maritime Museum Director Roger Allen.

This boat was always out sailing with two people and their two dogs onboard. Some thought they should get an award for having spent the most time sailing.

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Learning To Sail an Optifish How to ensure novice sailors learn the basics very quickly and have a positive experience.

By Walt Mathews Club Boatswain, Key West Sailing Club The Optifish—a Sunfish with an Optimist sail. Photo by Tom Thieson.

O

ne sunny Sunday morning—from the vantage point of the Key West Sailing Club’s waterside swing seat—I was enjoying seeing some new sailors coming to terms with the vagaries of wind and water as they tried to tack Sunfish back and forth across Garrison Bight. I observed them having the same problem all new sailors have: steering the boat and keeping it on course. If you get it wrong, a small dinghy tells you in a split second.

It is easier to learn to sail if the experience is kept simple, easy, and rewarding from the start. Getting into irons (or trying to get out of irons) when you are not sure what is happening can be frustrating for the novice. Like many clubs, KWSC teaches children to sail in Optimist prams, and for good reason. They are excellent trainers for them in that they are relatively inexpensive, simple and almost indestructible. However, we do not have a good adult basic training boat. The Opti is too small and uncomfortable for anyone over 90 pounds, and it is impossible to acquire a good sailing position. The boat does not balance on its proper trim, and the extra weight puts the bow high in the air and close to sinking at the stern.

Although the Sunfish at a glance seems to be a simple and easy boat to sail, it can present several problems to the first-time sailor. Teaching adults to sail in a Sunfish, which is a high performance boat, is like teaching someone to fly in a stunt plane. While the hull is a good, stable platform and adults can move around relatively comfortably, I always have felt my success produced mediocre results because: They can get confused with regard to how to rig a Sunfish sail.

The sail area is over 70 square feet. During the rigging process, because of the design of the rigging, you often have to stop raising the sail and use one hand to push the gooseneck up while trying to pull the halyard with the other, and the gooseneck may have been put on upside- down!

Once the sail is up, the beginner will inevitably try to grab hold of the boom and restrict the swinging of the sail until the boat capsizes at the dock

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When they do get under way, a new sailor is usually not aggressive enough to sheet the 70 square feet of sail in and let the boat fall off and sail. The boat is very subject to going in irons, and a lot of coaching is needed in order to prevent it from finally ending up on the lee shore tangled in the mangroves or capsized.

Observing kids learning to sail Optis, it seemed that the smaller sail enabled them to get things under control more quickly. I figured perhaps things would be easier for the adults if there was not as much sail to deal with. The alternative I came up with I have christened the “Optifish.” It uses a combination of a Sunfish hull and a 3-foot- by-3-inch PVC pipe to adapt an Opti rig onto a Sunfish mast hole. The result is that the boom is high enough to get under comfortably; and the sail is easily controlled by straight sheeting or a combination of the sheeting and the Sunfish existing blocks.

With the reduced sail area, the boat is not nearly as intimidating and, with the center of effort moved forward, it just about eliminates the tendency to get into irons. I have had new sailors solo in 15 knots without any problems. The boat sails well, and the student has time to think about how things work without trying to keep the boat upright or struggling to get out of irons.

If you are teaching someone to sail, give the Optifish a try. Provide minimal instruction on the dock. Observe the wind direction, safety issues and general awareness.

Do not give the students any technical stuff about why a boat sails or the jargon of what is the difference between a sheet and a halyard (just call them all ropes). Just have them follow your skiff around as you take them through all points of sail. You will be amazed at how manageable the Optifish is and how quickly their senses get tuned into what is happening. They get the feeling of success, have fun and are encouraged to continue developing their skills. After a couple of sessions you can confidently remove the Opti rig and replace it with the correct rig for the Sunfish www.southwindsmagazine.com

Heading up the Shark River behind a powerboat which is being followed by a flats fishing boat.

An Early January Trip to the Shark River

By Peggy St. James

M

aybe it was its reputation for being buggy, or the fact that it’s so remote. Maybe it was just the name.

Whatever the reason, the icon we chose to mark the entrance to the Shark River on our chartplotter was a skull and crossbones.

Located in the southwest corner of the Florida peninsula and within Everglades National Park, the Shark and Little Shark rivers may be the most remote places you can cruise to in the state. The two rivers converge about five miles upstream and continue as one for about another 10 to Tarpon Bay. Hydrographically the system is one of the most important outflows for the Everglades. The Wilderness Waterway (navigable by very shallow craft only) connects Everglades City to the north with Flamingo to the south; the Shark rivers are part of the waterway and Little Shark is marked with nav aids from its mouth to the ranger station at Flamingo about 17 miles away.

Looking for evil omens on our trip there from

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Marathon, at first we thought we found one when the easterly winds forecast were more north than anything. That omen disappeared as the winds obliged, hauled around, and provided us with a perfect beam reach. Flying over the shallow waters of Florida Bay, we made great time and spied land at East Cape Sable early in the afternoon. Was the land we spotted another omen? For as far as we could see, the tall trees along the shore were bare and dead and looked as though they were imported from the shoreline of a frozen Northern lake.

Evil omens aside, the entrance to the river is well marked and fairly straightforward albeit rather shallow at 6 to 7 feet. Once inside, however, the depth increased to a more comfortable 10 to 14 feet, and we dropped the anchor in the bight of a small bay just inside the mouth. This anchorage could easily hold six boats and is well protected from all but a southwest wind. We had been advised earlier that shoaling is present closer in to the bight.

One other boat was already there and we were soon joined by our companion boat, EZ Breeze, with Cliff and Sharon aboard. Plans were made to barbecue the Spanish mackerel Cliff had caught on the way. The sun was setting and except for the eerie dead trees lining the bank, all seemed perfect. Then they came. At first, and true to their names, we couldn’t see-um; it was a swat here and a swat there, but before very long, it was a mad scramble below and the no-see-ums ruled the night.

Armed with cans of bug spray and appropriately attired, the next morning we sipped coffee in the cockpit, cast lures, and made plans to venture farther up the river.

Within a half mile, the dead trees gave way to beautiful, mature mangroves that towered above at heights of 60 feet or more. The river is plainly marked and deep. We were

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

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Joe fishing for dinner on Calcutta.

joined by loggerheads and dolphins as we made our way slowly up, as the swirls from large game fish were easily spotted. We made our way about three miles upstream and found an inviting cove to drop the hook in 12 feet of water. By this time it was late morning, and the no-see-ums had packed it in and were gone. Now it was time to explore by dinghy.

To avoid becoming lost in the heavily forested maze, we brought along a handheld GPS and a VHF (who would we call?). The raging, 2-knot tidal current alternately headed us or propelled us around majestic mangrove islands. We caught jacks, mackerel, catfish, and a grouper in a short time.

Ospreys, vultures, and pelicans watched from above, sea turtles and dolphin sounded from below, and a muddy raccoon

Smoke from a fire in the distance.

paid us no mind as we wound our way through the channels.

We were somewhat relieved to come around a corner and see the main, marked channel...we weren’t hopelessly lost. A park ranger patrol boat saw us coming and changed course to intersect us. Another omen? He had seen our anchored boat and already spoken with Cliff and Sharon who were anchored a ways downstream. Once he associated us with our boat and was satisfied that we weren’t planning to homestead in the park, he was quite informative and helpful even offering food or water should we need it. He explained that the dead trees close to the Gulf were damaged from both hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, that the extreme tides were due to the fact that the moon was nearest to the Earth in a long time, and that the flying insect population was at its seasonal lowest. When asked how the bugs were here in the summer months, his eyes just sort of glazed over.

The Shark River as a Hurricane Hole For cruisers in the Florida Keys, the topic of hurricane plans often comes up. I’ve heard from several that their plan is to head up to the Shark River when the “big one” comes, and I’ve been curious to see for myself if this would be viable.

After spending several days on the river, I can see how the huge mangroves would provide an excellent wind break. There are plenty of relatively deep channels between the mangrove islands to tuck up into. But I also witnessed a pretty extreme current with a full moon tide and an almost 7-foot tide difference. If the “big one” came and brought with it a “big one” surge, I could imagine parted lines, dragging anchors, or broken cleats that could lead to winding up in the mangroves. Walking out of the tangled mangrove prop roots would be hard enough, not to mention trying to extricate a boat from them.

And then there’s the bugs! With warm temperatures and light wind, they were bad enough in January. I’d hate to think of what it could be like in the post-storm calm in September.

Maybe the river could work as a refuge in a storm if, once you picked your spot and hunkered down, you would hop in the dinghy and beat feet for Flamingo where there would be someone waiting to drive you to Ocala!

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Calcutta, a Cal 36, at anchor on the Shark River.

A cold front passed that night. The lee provided by the mangroves kept us secure in the anchorage, but the wind kept the gnats at bay. As the night sky cleared, we were awestruck by the dazzling display of stars and planets above. The only sounds were those of nature: the current through the prop roots, the breathing of the turtles and dolphins, and the occasional shriek of a heron.

We were fortunate to spend two more days there idly observing, exploring, and fishing for dinner. The cool north wind prevented the distraction of swatting gnats from ruining the experience while making our boat an even cozier oasis. When we finally made our way back down to the bight at the river mouth, we were surprised to see five other boats at anchor, either ending their trip or beginning. We felt as if we were in the big city, but I suppose out of respect or awe of the surroundings, everyone remained very quiet.

The omens were wrong; our trip to the Shark River was memorable. Oh—and we didn’t encounter any sharks.

Pelicans are common on the Shark River, which is a great source of food.

Peggy St. James and Joe Corey have been full-time liveaboard cruisers aboard their vintage 1966 Cal 36, Calcutta, since 2002. They spend winters in southern Florida and have sailed to New England and the Chesapeake for the summer months.

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Located Palmetto, FL, in Tampa Bay 941-795-8704 editor@southwindsmagazine.com SOUTHWINDS

July 2009

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CAROLINA SAILING

Robbie’s BIG Adventure

By Dan Dickison Robbie Wilkins with his Melges 24.

I

n Woody Allen’s 1983 mockumentary, Zelig, the title character, something of a human chameleon, has a propensity for appearing nearly everywhere. He shows up in snapshots with Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. He appears in newsreels with Babe Ruth and Charles Lindberg.

He’s watched at a party by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In Carolina sailboat racing circles, we don’t have a person quite that ubiquitous, but if anyone comes close, it’s Robby Wilkins of Lexington, SC. Wilkins, a 54-year-old real estate developer and lifelong competitive sailor, has been cropping up at regattas all over the region for years, competing at various times on the J/24 circuit, in the Melges 24 arena, the E-Scow class, and numerous other gatherings. Early on, he was a collegiate sailor at the University of South Carolina, and went on to a brief career as a pro, competing regularly in the Salem Pro Sail Series, a short-lived, prize-money circuit in the late ’80s. At one time, he even skippered a 470 campaign for the Olympics. Throughout his racing career, Wilkins has also distinguished himself at larger events, such as Key West Race Week, Miami Race Week, Block Island Race Week and Charleston Race Week, as well as at many regional favorites like the annual Rockville Regatta near Charleston, the Halloween Regatta in Augusta, GA, and the Labor Day Regatta in Wrightsville Beach, NC. But this spring, he took his on-the-water participation to a different level.

Wilkins began his spring sprint through the sport in early April in Charleston, competing in the Carolina Yacht Club’s annual Easter Scow Regatta. Sailing with his regular crew, which includes his former college roommate Ross Griffin and his 17-year-old son Reese, he wound up second out of 21 boats after four races.

Then, the following weekend, he jumped on board his Melges 24 Vamoose to compete in Charleston Race Week with essentially the same crew. That event put competitors to the test with 10 races over three days. Though Wilkins and company didn’t fare as well as they would have liked— 14th out of 31 boats—it’s only fair to mention that there were at least 10 boats in the fleet with professionals on board earning sizeable per diems for their services.

The following weekend, Wilkins was back in Lexington, racing in the Southeastern District Championships in the Lightning class on his home waters of Lake Murray. For this 56

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cameo appearance, he stepped out of the steering role and served as tactician for his friend Terry Tyler. “That was a lot of fun,” Wilkins recalls. “I’d just done four or five regattas as skipper, and to shift into the tactician’s role was really nice for me. And the fact that we won was even better.

Terry had been trying to win that event for 10 years.” Tyler and company bested a fleet of 15 boats.

Wilkins’ next move was an odd one. Just five days after winning the Lightning regatta, he towed his E-Scow south to Palatka, FL, for the annual Mug Race—an almost 40-mile dash down the twisting St. Johns River to Jacksonville. The race is sailed in a pursuit format, with monohulls and smaller multihulls starting earlier than the larger mulithulls that characteristically walk away with top honors. Sailing with most of his regular crew, Wilkins broke a 25-year drought for monohulls in this race. Not since 1984 has a boat other than a multihull won the Mug Race. But this year, Wilkins and company took advantage of moderate winds during their 9:30 a.m. start and flew their spinnaker almost all day until they rounded the final mark at about 5:00 p.m., and beat across the river to the finish a mile away. There were 82 other boats entered in the event, and the second-place boat didn’t finish until nine minutes after Wilkins’ team.

Two weeks later, Wilkins made an even stranger move.

He registered for the Laser Masters North American Championships in Wrightsville Beach. “I hadn’t been in a Laser for 25 years,” he allowed later. When a reporter asked him after the event, ‘Why do this?’ Wilkins demurred: “I can come here and get last place, and still have fun.”

Though he finished far from last place—40th out of 94 entries – Wilkins was nonetheless humbled. “We sailed in the ocean with waves large enough you could almost not see the masthead of the boat next to you,” he said later. “The guys who sail these boats all the time are going to handle those conditions just fine, but the rest of us are in for a fight.”

That statement right there explains why Wilkins has pushed himself so hard this spring. “I’m doing a lot more regattas than I usually do this time of year, because I made a concerted effort to sail more. As we all know, the more time you spend in the boat, the better you’ll do. There’s no other way around it. The only way to finish in the top 10 is to put in the time. Two years ago in the Easter Regatta in Charleston, we didn’t have the speed to compete in the Ewww.southwindsmagazine.com

Scow, but this year, after sailing a fair bit, we were fast enough to finish in the top five in the fleet in every race. You just can’t jump into a competitive class and expect to be in the top row unless you pay your dues.”

Wilkins is paying his dues in useful ways. He traveled to Augusta in late May to sail with a new E-Scow owner, getting him up to speed and effectively helping to bolster the population of the local fleet.

And in early June, he and his two sons jumped back into the Melges 24 for an overnight race on Lake Murray; something Wilkins described as “purely for fun.”

So, what’s next on the docket? Wilkins says he’ll be competing at the Melges 24 Worlds in Annapolis this fall.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

In preparation for that, the Vamoose crew plans to attend several other events in the interim. “I’ll also be sailing the E-Scow a lot. We’ll do most of the local events this summer in Charleston, and then in September, we’re headed out to the Midwest for the nationals in that class.”

So, if you’re out there on the water racing this summer, keep your eye out for Wilkins.

He may not appear as regularly as Zelig, but if a race is on, you know there’s a strong chance he’s there—probably near at the front of the fleet.

Wilkins steers his Melges 24 in that class’ 2008 National Championships. Also onboard are Ross Griffin, Reese Wilkins, Dan Clayton, and Deb Famburri.

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SOUTHERN RACING NEWS AND OTHER EVENTS

Tampa Bay 2008/2009 Suncoast Boat of the Year

By Jay Tyson Despite the tough economic times, 118 boats raced in five divisions in the Suncoast BOTY regattas this year. While the majority of these boats (67 percent) competed in the three Spinnaker classes, there was something for everyone with good competition in both the Non-Spinnaker and Cruising classes.

The premier division, Spinnaker A, consisted of 19 of the largest and most “professionally campaigned” boats, ranging from SPYC-based Dr. Mike Siedlecki’s Tack Tick, an always-entertaining Martin 243, complete with hiking racks, up to the Sarasota-based Team Fisher’s bright yellow Custom 41 XS. This division competes in two series, one which includes only inshore windward/leeward racing and the overall series, which includes both those races and fixed distance government mark races ranging from 6 to 250 miles.

With the Clearwater to Key West counting for double points, Team Fisher’s took the honors, but a strong second-place finish by Robert Hobbs and Mike Gable sailing No Limit, a Farr 395 from Davis Island YC, was enough to take both the overall season and Windward/Leeward series trophies. XS

edged out Dave German’s DIYC- based B-232, Mad Cow, for the second place in both series, taking the W/L series by a mere half point.

In Spinnaker B, DIYC continued its domination of the Spinnaker BOTY trophies with Team Myers/Grimsdale sailing the Carerra 290 Renegade to a repeat performance, winning both the W/L and overall series in each of the last two years. Newcomer Larry Willis, also from DIYC, showed that a lot of work in Sunday and Thursday racing, combined with a strong commitment to participate in all the events resulted in his Beneteau First 32 taking second in both series.

Perennial tough competitor Rickard Neal’s Soverel 26, Back Of, took the third spot in this 27-boat division.

The final Spinnaker fleet Racer Cruiser class completed its fifth season with 15 different boats competing. Conceived as an alternative to the short course windward/ leeward racing, this fleet consists of larger boats that are looking for more traditional courses that include all points of sail and longer legs. Winning the BOTY trophy for the third time in those five years was Hall Palmer’s Beneteau 535, Relativity, out of SPYC. In what is one of the most improved efforts over the last couple of years, Mike Doyle from DIYC followed the “sail every race we can program.” After two years of being pushed around the Thursday night course by several strong competitors, Mike has upgraded both the crew’s skills and equipment. A couple of “new” (eBay) spinnakers, an owner-built genoa and some rig improvements put the Irwin Citation 39, Wing-It, over the top of last year’s BOTY winner, Frank Hanna’s Beneteau 440, Prime Plus, by the slimmest of margins.

After three consecutive years, Rafael Paris and team Tango III has finally been dethroned in the Non-Spinnaker class. Steve Grote sailing the Capri 30, See Ya, edged out the perennial winner by a narrow seven-point margin. Fellow DIYC member Bill Meyer rounded out the top three in this 24-boat division.

The Cruising division with 34 different boats had the most different boats. However, the limited traveling schedule of most of these boats meant that the consistent participation of Clearwater YC-based Zingaro easily took the top spot. Ken Carriero’s Catalina 36 missed only two events all year.

Sarasota to Havana Regatta Planned for 2010

By Charlie Clifton On May 21, the Sarasota Yacht Club took another step along the path to the starting gun for the 2010 Sarasota to Havana Regatta. SYC hosted a press conference and reception featuring Dr. Timothy Ashby.

Dr. Ashby is an attorney/member of the Public Law and Policy Strategies Group of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP. The group describes itself as “recognized for timely guidance, substantive counsel, and most importantly, results on regulatory, transactional and legislative initiatives that accomplish priority outcomes for U.S. and international clients.” In securing the pro bono assistance of Dr. Ashby and his staff, SYC has obtained an advocate experienced in Cuban/United States transactions at the highest levels.

Dr. Ashby began both the press conference and his talk 58

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Tampa Sailor Named Young Woman Sailor of the Year Shannon Heausler, second from right, won Florida Women’s Sailing Association’s inaugural Young Woman Sailor of the Year Award.

She is pictured at Davis Island Yacht Club with, from left, Frances Mericle, FWSA Committee Chairwoman, Gail Heausler, mother of Shannon and FWSA President Fay Nicholson. Courtesy photo.

On May 21, the Florida Women’s Sailing Association (FWSA) announced the winner of its inaugural FWSA Young Woman Sailor of the Year Award at its annual meeting at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa.

Frances Mericle, chairwoman of the selection committee, presented the trophy and a monetary award to Shannon Heausler of Tampa. A sailor since she was seven years old, Shannon has raced, taught and coached through high school at H.B. Plant in Tampa, FL, and now as a student at the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC. Heausler is the daughter of Gail and Buzzy Heausler, well-known sailors at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa.

“FWSA is happy to recognize Shannon for her accomplishments in sailing and her desire to further her racing and coaching goals, and to help her continue her studies and sailing in college and beyond,” said Mericle.

A business and economics major at the College of at the SYC reception with an anecdote about election night 2008. He was at the Hotel Nacional in Havana with a group of high level Cuban government officials. When the election results were announced on CNN, tears began running down the cheeks of one of the Cubans. The next day he was on the streets of Havana where he found the populace exuberant over the election results.

Dr. Ashby emphasized that he is non-partisan. The anecdote was intended to show that the Cubans are ready for a new era of engagement with the United States, rather than personal approval of Obama.

Regarding the timetable for approval of the regatta, Dr. Ashby addressed three avenues that can lead to that end.

All three are being hastened by what he feels is a desire for engagement with Cuba on the part of the U.S. government as well as the U.S. populace.

Dr. Ashby and his staff have recently met in Washington with OFAC, the office charged with issuing travel licenses for anyone wishing to visit Cuba. OFAC was receptive and helpful in discussions about meeting requirements to issue the license. However, it is important to realize that changes in bureaucracies lag behind political change. Dr. Ashby estimated three to six months from time of application to obtain an answer from OFAC. The second avenue discussed was legitimization of travel via presidential decree. Dr. Ashby feels that Obama is movNews & Views for Southern Sailors

Charleston, Heausler is a two-time All-American Sailor and the 2006 US Sailing’s Women’s Single-Handed National Champion. Her varsity women’s sailing team is ranked #1 in the country.

Heausler’s newest goal is to crew in a Trans-Pacific Race, which sails from San Francisco to Honolulu, HI, or any other off-shore race, a goal she developed after working summers as a sailing instructor at Great Harbor Yacht Club in Nantucket, MA. Seeing the performance boats racing, she said, “I believe that (kind of racing) is the true definition of teamwork.”

FWSA was founded in 1973 to promote and encourage the growth of women’s sailing on the west coast of Florida. Currently there are FWSA-member clubs from the Clearwater Yacht Club, Davis Island Yacht Club, Dunedin Sailing Center, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, St Petersburg Yacht Club, Tampa Yacht Club, Treasure Island Yacht Club and the Venice Women’s Sailing Squadron.

ing cautiously in this area. He inferred that the third avenue may be the fastest and most likely route to a Cuba race.

Dr. Ashby believes it is likely that Congress may act faster than either OFAC or the president. He foresees “serious changes in the next 12 months.” On May 20, Sen. Max Baucus introduced S. 1089, which legalizes additional trade routes with Cuba as well as travel thereto. Legislation to allow travel to Cuba was narrowly rejected by the last Congress. A new Congress driven by changed voter attitudes could be the force that opens travel to Cuba faster

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SOUTHERN RACING than OFAC or the president.

Emblematic of the changed voter attitude is a speaker who followed Dr. Ashby. Tony Zamorra is a Cuban-born attorney from Miami. In 1961, he was part of the invasion force that landed on the beach at the Bay of Pigs. He was captured by Cuban forces and jailed until his eventual release.

He was legal counsel for the Cuban American National Foundation from its creation in 1981 until 1992. In the past, such a biography would be associated with someone who would tolerate no talk of engagement with Cuba. Members of this demographic are the primary reason why the U.S. government rejects rapprochement and travel to Cuba.

The difference is that in 2009, Tony Zamorra was not in Sarasota to protest the race, like the wave of Miami protestors who surrounded the Sarasota Sailing Squadron before the 1994 Sarasota-Havana Race. Tony Zamorra was at the Sarasota Yacht Club to support the regatta…and to describe joint ventures he was promoting for golf courses and marinas in Cuba.

The profound change in voters’ attitudes personified by Tony Zamorra may be the strongest, quickest force leading to legal travel to Cuba. As he continued to work for the regatta license from OFAC, Dr. Ashby seemed to be waging a side bet that Congress, responding to its electorate, would render irrelevant any license for Americans to exercise their right to travel freely.

UPCOMING MAJOR REGATTAS

Women’s Trilogy Races, Northern Gulf Coast, July and August

By Kim Kaminski The Women’s Trilogy Series is held every July and August.

The first race, the Fast Women Regatta, is at the Point Yacht Club in Josephine, AL, and will be held on July 18 on Perdido Bay. In this race, a female sailor must be at the helm and 50 percent of the crew must be female. www.pointyachtclub.org.

The second race, the Bikini Regatta, is held at the Navy Yacht Club in Pensacola. It will be held Aug. 1 on Pensacola Bay. In this regatta, a female sailor must be at the helm and 50 percent of the crew must be female. www.navypnsyc.org.

The third race, the Race for the Roses, will be held on August 8 at the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club and only female crew are allowed to race. In conjunction with this regatta, the Gulf Yachting Association’s Women’s PHRF Championship will also be held. www.pensacolabeachyc.org. www.gya.org.

Awards will be at each regatta. At the last regatta, there will be a special Trilogy Trophy for the contestant who enters all three races and earns the most combined points.

The GYA’s Perpetual Women’s PHRF Championship Trophy will also be presented at that time.

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 60

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“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.regattatimeinabaco.com.

USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival 2009, Pensacola Yacht Club, July 3-5

By Kim Kaminski The Pensacola Yacht Club will host the USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival, the 2009 Independence Regatta. Youth sailors from across the Southeast will participate.

A clinic on sailing techniques and skills will be taught by a USA Olympic team member on Friday, July 3. Later that evening at the PYC Junior Yacht Club fundraiser buffet dinner this special Olympian will be the guest speaker.

Competitive racing will begin on Saturday with a final day of racing on Sunday.

The awards ceremony will be Sunday following the last race. Prizes will be awarded for first through third places with all Opti Green fleet sailors each receiving Participation Award Trophies.www.pensacolayachtclub.org. Contact Regatta Vicki Fletcher at mfltec2537@aol.com

Pirates on the Pungo Regatta, Belhaven, NC, July 17-19 This regatta is an annual fundraiser for the Pungo District Hospital Foundation. It is sponsored by the River Rat Yacht Club and the Belhaven Yacht Club. Racing classes include sailing dinghies, PHRF Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker boats, a recreational Non-Spinnaker class, and one design classes. There is a captain’s reception on Friday evening, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, happy hour on Saturday afternoon and a Buccaneer Bash dinner/dance after racing on Saturday. The Buccaneer Bash on Saturday is open to sailors and non-sailors, and a special dinner is prepared for the evening. Dockage, accommodations and launch facilities are available at a reduced rate to regatta participants.

For more information, go to www.piratesonpungo.org, or call (252) 964-3442.

Charleston Yacht Club Open Regatta, Charleston, SC, July 18-19 The annual Charleston Yacht Club Open Regatta, July 18-19, is one of the largest events that the yacht club supports during the year with over 100 boats participating. The regatta has always put a major emphasis on youth sailors and this year will entertain one of the Optimist class points regattas leading to the SAYRA Championship in Optis.

It is also one of nine regattas leading to the MC Scow One-Design Championship in SAYRA. Traditionally, this Regatta has had steady participation from several classes of boats. These include the J/24s, SIOD, E-Scows, Melges 24, YFlyers, MC Scows, Sunfish, Lasers, 420s, and Optimists. On occasion, there have been fleets of Snipes, Holders, JY-15s and www.southwindsmagazine.com

Hobies. Sailors travel from the many locations in the Southeast, including SAYRA clubs located in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, to participate. Registration is held on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Awards are presented at the conclusion of racing on Sunday.

The Regatta is a two-day event with racing in Charleston Harbor starting at 1300 on Saturday and 1230 on Sunday. There are three courses, two held in the center of Charleston Harbor and one located in the Ashley River at the confluence with the harbor. Social events are planned for Friday and Saturday evenings, with a cocktail party on Friday and a steak dinner on Saturday.

Two coveted trophies are presented during the awards ceremony, the George Lockwood Trophy and the Women’s Sailing Trophy. Previous winners of these trophies represent some of the finest sailors in the Southeast.

For more information and the NOR, go to http://charlestonyachtclub.com.

Texas Race Week 2009, Galveston, TX, July 23-25 Texas Race Week is the premiere offshore yacht racing event held by the Galveston Bay Cruising Association (GBCA).

The regatta encompasses three days of offshore sailboat racing on a variety of courses, beginning on Thursday with a 15- to 30-mile offshore route that lasts for five hours.

Courses on Friday and Saturday run along the beach so onshore spectators can view the racing. The Galveston Yacht Club will be headquarters for the regatta.

The 40 to 50 yachts expected to compete will race PHRF. One-design and level fleets will race as well.

Class and fleet trophies will be awarded at the Saturday evening banquet, with the Spinnaker fleet winner receiving the Larry Kevan Memorial Trophy. The Texas Navy Cup is awarded to the skipper with the best cumulative score over three Texas offshore events: the Lakewood Yacht Club Heald Bank Race, the Houston Yacht Club Freeport Triangle Race and GBCA’s Texas Race Week. Since the scoring for the Cup includes all the races of the TRW and only one from either of the other two events, a strong showing at TRW will usually determine whose name is engraved on this perpetual trophy.

For more information, the NOR and to register online, go to www.gbca.org.

anchor to save hard-fought positions. With the ebbing tide, a slight breeze was felt allowing the first boats to pass under the Skyway Bridge around 4:00 p.m. The sea breeze carried the fleet out into the Gulf but died shortly after sunset and left the fleet adrift for the second time in less than 24 hours.

As the midnight hour passed on Friday night, a strong southeast wind came in, and the fleet took off. This wind stayed constant for the duration of the race, ranging from 15 to 20 knots. Seas picked up as the fleet entered the LOOP current, and several boats encountered squalls and thunderstorms created by the temperature inversion over the LOOP current..

Twenty-seven boats reached the Island in what many say was one of the fastest races ever. The lack of wind on the first day of the race did not keep two boats from breaking existing records. In the Non-Spinnaker class, Blaise Pierson with Midnight Sun took first and set a new corrected time record of 45:49:18, besting the previous record of 51:13:53 set in 2004 by Mike Massie aboard Reflection.

In the Multihull class, Dennis Vellenga, with the crew on Ankle Deep, took first and established a new corrected time record of 43:07:41. This is nine hours better then the previous record held by James Fauske of 52:09:20 with Sierra Hotel in 2005.

It is interesting to note that the regatta is getting faster with seven of the 10 records set in the last two years.

The much enjoyed and anticipated Regata de los Amigos had to be modified because of the swine flu scare.

Making the most of the situation, the participants and organizers decided to have boats adopt a school on the Island. The boat that raises the most money for its adopted school will be declared the Regata de los Amigos winner. In addition, the participants and friends raised over $2,900 for the Yellow House, an island school for disabled children.

The overall winner and first in Cruising class was Tom Rose on Seraphim. First to finish was Robin Parker with Enigma. Spinnaker class was taken by Roger Gatewood with Shazaam. Charlie Evans, a SPYC member, was second overall with Munequita and Tom Glew, also a SPYC member, was second in Non-Spinnaker with XTC.

Conch Quest Regatta, May 11-19

From the Regata del Sol al Sol Race Committee

This year marks a return to the older, more traditional name of Conch Quest Regatta, from the more recent name Key West Rendezvous. The Clearwater Yacht Club is the main sponsoring club with the following clubs as co-hosts: Gulf Coast Sailing Club, Naples Yacht Club, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Platinum Point Yacht Club, Punta Gorda Sailing Club and Sarasota Yacht Club.

Offshore races to Key West start from Clearwater, Sarasota, Naples and Boca Grande with a return race from Key West to Naples. This regatta is a WFPHRF Boat of the Year event for Suncoast, Charlotte Harbor, Sarasota Bay and Southwest Florida fleets

The 2009 Regata del Sol al Sol was one of the fastest races ever with the last boat arriving at Isla Mujeres by 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, four days after the start on April 24. At the start in St. Petersburg on the previous Friday, there was a light five-knot breeze, which quickly died just after the last class started. The incoming tide had the boats scrambling to

RESULTS Clearwater to Key West Cruising Class; 1, Octofoil, Sloop, Nancy Poladian, CYC; 2, Zingaro, Catalina 36 Mark I, Kenneth Carriero, CYC; 3, Valhalla, Beneteau 345, Ed Proefke, Jr., CYC; 4, Summer Breeze, Hunter 44, David Amann, Vinoy; 5, Knotty Kat, Gemini 105MC, Dan Wallace, FOMA; Clearwater to Key West; Non-Spinnaker; 1, Tango III, Hunter 28.5 SD, Rafael Paris, US

RACE REPORTS

XLI Regata del Sol al Sol Breaks Records, April 24

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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SOUTHERN RACING Sailing; 2, Hoku-Lele, Sabre 42 CB, Tom Rinehart, US Sailing; 3, Oasis, Catalina 30, Jay Watson, DBC; Clearwater to Key West; Multihull; 1, Hozro, Lagoon 37, Charles Hirt, SPYC; Clearwater to Key West; Spinnaker; 1, No Limit, Farr 395, Mike Gable/Robert Hobbs, DIYC; 2, XS, Custom 41, Doug Fisher, SSS/DIYC; 3, Warrior, Tripp 38, Grant Dumas, SPYC; 4, Mad Cow2, B-32, David German, DIYC. Sarasota to Key West Cruising; 1, City Lights, Hunter 44, Jay Allison, SPYC; 2, Forever Young (S), Catalina 350, Ron Greenberg, SYC; 3, Constellation (S), Swan 48, Greg Petrat, SYC; 4, Eremitage, Island Packet 40, Michael Dipasqua; 5, Kismet, Jeaneau 36, Danny Wiedenhoft, Sr., SSS ; 6, Providence, Soverel 48 Ketch, Warrick Cahill, DIYC; 7, JuJu (S), Alberg 35, Gregory Cahanin, SPSA; 8, Summertime (S), C & C 36, John Lynch, VSS; Sarasota to Key West; Racer Cruiser; 1, Prime Plus (S), Beneteau Oceanus 440, Frank Hannah, ABYC; 2, Shearwater, C & C 38, Carolyn Johnson, SSS; 3, Addiction (S), Tartan 4100, Dick Booth; Sarasota to Key West; Spinnaker; 1, Mischief, J-92, Bob Armstrong, BYC; 2, Pirate, Soverel 30, Dave Lorick, DIYC. Boca Grande to Key West Cruising; 1, Wicked Wicked Ways, Seward 24, Roger Horton, CMCS; 2, Runnin’ Wild, Ketch, Eric Wild.

Naples to Key West Cruising; 1, Jabu, Sabre 402, Rex Good, GCSC; Naples to Key West; Non-Spinnaker; 1, Air Supply, Jeanneau 35, Steve Romaine, CMCS; 2, Fancy Free, Soverel 39 -Mod, Gerald Poquette, PGSC; 3, I, C & C 35, Kim Brown, CMCS; Naples to Key West; Spinnaker; 1, Tippecanoe, Farr 395 SD, Dan Kendrick, SAMI; 2, Midnite Rider, Sloop Tartan 4100, Forrest Banks, CMCS; Naples to Key West; Multihull; 1, Passion III, TRT 1200 CR, Ned Christensen, CMCS.

each day allowing sailors to fly hulls on the downwind legs.

The last day of racing started out with the first race being abandoned but the seabreeze filled in, and two races were completed in 8-10 knots of wind.

There were only two general recalls during the event and no protests filed, which is a testament to the great courses set by the race committee. Each afternoon, a cold keg of beer was waiting for the competitors (thanks to sponsor Beach Liquors). Sponsors Ronstan, Zhik, Hall Spars and Rigging, and Sailing Anarchy donated gear and clothing for a mid-week raffle at the regatta banquet. These sponsors also donated items for a silent raffle that raised over $800 for a local children’s charity. Sponsor Emerald Sails provided technical support for measurement, and last but not least, Bluestreak Boatworks, the newest USA-Class manufacturer, also provided support to the event.

Next year’s championship will be held in September 2010 on the western shores of Lake Erie at North Cape Yacht Club north of Toledo, OH.

Mobile Bay Marathon Regatta, June 6

By David Jefcoat

A-Class Catamaran North American Championships, Fort Walton Beach, FL, May 11-15 Lars Guck (Bristol, RI) convincingly won the 2009 A-Class Catamaran North American Championship held May 11-15 at the Fort Walton Yacht Club in Fort Walton Beach, FL. This win was Lars’ fourth consecutive victory in this championship, having won the 2006 event in Bristol, RI, the 2007 event in Galesville, MD, the 2008 event in Santa Cruz, CA, and this event in Fort Walton Beach. Lars won eight of 11 races sailed in this event. The other race winners were first time A-Class racer Jim Leonard (Birmingham, AL) who won race 1, and Pease Glaser (Long Beach, CA) who won races 7 and 10.

The remaining top five finishers in the event were Pete Melvin (Huntington Beach, CA) in second, Matt Struble (Wixom, MI) in third, Andrew Gaynor (Barrington, RI) in fourth, and Bob Hodges (Covington, LA) in fifth. The top master (50 and over) was Bob Hodges; the top Grand Master (60 and over) was Woody Cope (Tampa, FL) who also finished seventh overall.

Forty-two sailors competed in this event, which was the largest North American Championship fleet in the event’s history. It was also probably the most competitive ever with three Olympic medalists competing (Jay and Pease Glaser, Randy Smyth), five World Champions (Guck, Melvin, Struble, Smyth, and Jay Glaser), a Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year (Pease Glaser), and many sailors who have won national and North American titles in other classes.

Conditions for the event were light to moderate. All 11 races scheduled were completed even though Day 1 had only one very light and very shifty race completed. Days 2 and 3 were fantastic sailing with 10-12 knots of sea breeze 62

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SOUTHWINDS

Dan Herzog from Fairhope Yacht Club on his J/24, New Wake, under spinnaker. The boat took second in its class and fifth overall.

Photo by David Jefcoat.

Fairhope Yacht Club hosted the Mobile Bay Marathon Regatta on June 6 in very different conditions. The starting time was at 12:30 p.m. with hardly any wind at all, and it remained extremely light for approximately two and half hours until the sea breeze began filling in out of the southwest. The course was 26.7 miles long and it took the first boat five hours and forty-six minutes to finsih www.southwindsmagazine.com

The overall results ended up with Fred Chadsey onboard Kaotic winning first place, Scotty Butcher on Intensity in second place and Mike Metzger onboard Abby Normal finishing third.

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

To list an event, contact to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Send in the name of the event, date, location, contact info, possibly a short description. Do not just send a link to this information.

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

JULY Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Wednesday evening club racing 18-19 Charleston Yacht Club Regatta 25-26 Carolina Regatta Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org See Web site for schedule Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) www.llsc.com and www.saillanier.com See Web site for schedule South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com www.longbaysailing.com See Web sites for local club race schedule 4-5 Independence Day Regatta. Open. LNYC 11-12 Firecracker Regatta. One design. SYC 11-12 Water Festival Regatta. Open. BYSC 18-19 Charleston Yacht Club Regatta. Open. ChYC 18-19 Rocket Regatta. PHRF. CFYC 25-26 Carolina Yacht Club Regatta. Open. CYC-SC 25 Jolly Jordan. Opti. CSC 31 SAYRA Youth Challenge. Opti, Sunfish, Lasers, 420. CYC-NC

Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) www.llsc.com See Web site for schedule South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com www.longbaysailing.com See Web site for local club races 1-2 Rockville Regatta 1-2 SAYRA Open Regatta 1-2 Laser District 12 Champ #5 8-9 Town of Mt. Pleasant Youth Regatta 22-23 Isotope Nationals

JULY 3,17,31 Summer Rum Race #4,#5,#6. Melbourne Yacht Club 4 Summer Series #4. Rudder Club 4-5 Firecracker Regatta Port Canaveral Yacht Club 5 Big Boy’s Race. Halifax Sailing Assoc.

10 Howl At the Moon. Halifax Sailing Assoc 12,26 Commodore Cup Race #4,#5. Halifax River Yacht Club 12 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club 18 Spring Race #4. East Coast Sailing Association 18 Late Summer Adult Sailing Class #1. Halifax Sailing Assoc 19 Sunday Race #1. Indian River Yacht Club 25 Late Summer Adult Sailing Class #2. Halifax Sailing Assoc 25 Women’s Fall Race #1. East Coast Sailing Association 26 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club TBA Gilligan’s Run. Catamaran Distance Race in Daytona.

Fleet 80.

AUGUST 1 Moonlight Regatta. Rudder Club 2 Lady Helmsman Regatta. Commodore Cup Race #5.

Halifax River Yacht Club Halifax River Yacht Club 2 Fall Sunday Race #2. Indian River Yacht Club 2 River Challenge. East Coast Sailing Association 5,12,19,26 Wed Race, Fall #1,#2,#3,#5. Indian River Yacht Club 7 Howl at the Moon. Halifax Sailing Association 9 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club 9 Commodore Cup Race #6. Halifax River Yacht Club 9 Big Boy’s Race. Halifax Sailing Association 14,28 Rum Race, Fall #1,#2. Melbourne Yacht Club 15 Women’s Fall Race #2. East Coast Cruising Association 22 Fall Race #1. East Coast Sailing Association 23 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club 28-30 Daytona to St. Augustine race. Halifax River Yacht Club May 30

AUGUST Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Summer Wednesday Evening Series every Wednesday 6:15 p.m.

1-2 Rockville Regatta Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org See Web site for schedule.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net Go to the Web site for local club races BBYC Biscayne Bay YC SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING BBYRA CGSC CRYC KBYC MYC JULY 1-11 4 11 18

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

Key Biscayne YC. www.kbyc.org.

Miami YC. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

Regatta Time in Abaco. www.regattatimeinabaco.com Full Moon Regatta.

J/24 BB Series Summer2. Flat Earth J/24 District Championships, Fleet 10. Flat Earth

AUGUST 1 J/24 BB Series Summer #3. FlatEarth 8 Full Moon Regatta.

15 Single Handed Race. CGSC 16 Double Handed Race. CGSC 22 J/24 BB Series Summer #4. FlatEarth

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

Dinner and drinks afterward.

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

The calendar includes all scheduled races of the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org), plus club races in the area and any others that boaters in the area would like to post.

The Boat of the Year races are listed for all the areas of the West Florida PHRF organization.

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

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

Club Racing Boca Ciega YC. Gulfport. Every Sunday following the third Friday of each month. Skippers meeting at 10 a.m., PHRF racing, spin and non-spin. (727) 423.6002 or www.sailbcyc.org. One-design, dinghy racing every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. March through September (727) 458-7274. Guests welcome for all races.

Bradenton YC. Races November thru March. Sunday races at 1:30 p.m. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info, call Susan Tibbits at (941) 723-6560.

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

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

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

Punta Gorda Sailing Club. Charlotte Harbor. Fall Series Sunday afternoon racing begins Sept. 13 through Nov. 22. www.pgscweb.com.

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

St. Pete Yacht Club. Friday evenings (except April 3) through Aug. 28. 1630 starts off The Pier. www.spyc.org.

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org

JULY See Web site for club races.

4 Firecracker Regatta. Portsmouth, Run-Aground-Crew, & Cook-Out 5 Firecracker Regatta. PHRF 18 Summer Series #3. Portsmouth

JULY 4 Tampa Bay Catamaran Sailors. Race for Liberty, Dunedin Causeway 5,12,19,26 Cortez YC. Commodores Cup Series. PHRF Race Management Training. DIYC 25

AUGUST See Web site for club races.

AUGUST 29-30 Area D. Eliminations Match Racing. SPYC

(and Inland Lakes) SOUTHWINDS Annual Online West Florida Race Calendar Posted Sept. 1

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

SOUTHWINDS magazine posts the annual race schedule/calendar (9/1— 8/31) on its Web site for all racing in the central west Florida area from just north of Tampa Bay south to Marco Island.

LEGEND BucYC Buccaneer YC, Mobile, AL BWYC Bay Waveland YC, Bay St. Louis, MS

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

BOATWORKS continued from page 46 BYC CSA FWYC GORC GYC MYC NOYC NYCP OSYC PtYC PYC PBYC PCYC SYC

Biloxi Yacht Club, Biloxi, MS Corinthian Sailing Association, New Orleans, LA Fort Walton YC, Ft. Walton Beach, FL Gulf Ocean Racing Circuit, Biloxi, MS Gulfport YC, Gulfport, MS Mobile YC, Mobile,AL New Orleans YC, LA Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola, Pensacola, FL Ocean Springs YC, Ocean Springs, MS Point Yacht Club, Josephine, AL Pensacola YC, FL Pensacola Beach YC, FL Pass Christian Yacht Club, Pass Christian, MS Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA

JULY 3-5 4 4 11 11 11-12 11-12 11-12 18 18 18 18-19 22-23 25 25-26 25-26

Jr. Olympic Festival, PYC Patriot’s Day Regatta, PBYC Horn Island Hop, OSYC Fast Women, PtYC Horn Island Hop, OSYC Meigs Regatta, FWYC Laser Masters GC Championship, FWYC USAA Men/Women Semi-Finals, BWYC Birthday Regatta, PCYC Bastille Day, NOYC Birthday Regatta – Finn/J22, PCYC Summer Regatta, MYC Garden Park Jr. Regatta, GYC Good Restaurant Race, LBYC Jr. Lipton Regatta, GYA J22, GYA Lightning, PCYC Summer in the Pass – Finn, PCYC

AUGUST 1 Bikini Regatta, NYCP 1-2 Weatherly Regatta, GYC 8 Race for the Roses, PBYC 8 Round the Lake, CSA 8-9 Knost Regatta, PCYC 15 Round the Rig, MYC 15 Galloway Finn, GYC 15-16 Charles R. Galloway GYA Sunfish/Laser, GYC 15-16 Chappell & Stitt Galloway Opti, GYC 22 Big Mouth Regatta, PBYC 22-23 Norton Brooker Broken Triangle, MYC 29 Pam Sintes, NOYC 29-30 GORC, BYC 29-30 Race Week, BYC 29-30 Laser Gulf Coast Championship, SYC

News & Views for Southern Sailors

fabricate a spacer, which mounts on top of the dorado box and reduces the stack opening to three inches. The Sabre 34 has a handsome teak toe rail and accent strips along the cabin sides, and fashioning the spacers out of wood was a perfect complement.

Pick a wood that will withstand the elements. Teak, mahogany or cypress will work well. Some common hand tools will be needed, hand saw and hole saw, power drill, bits and a router were used in our fabrication.

First, measure the area needed to cover. I opted to go with 3/4-inch by 6-inch stock. Center a three-inch diameter location on the spacer, which afforded equal spacing from outer edge of the spacer to the edge of the cutout. The cutout was made using a hole saw bit attached to a hand drill and then sanded to ensure a smooth stack wall. Next, measure and pre-drill holes for the mounting screws at each corner of the spacer. The spacer was attached with stainless steel pan head screws, and you can opt for a more finished look by enlarging the screw opening to 3/8 inch with a paddle bit and then countersinking the screw. Insert storebought 3/8 wood plugs or make your own using a wood plug bit and left over stock from the spacer build. Attach the vent-mounting ring to the spacer and then attach the spacer to the dorado making sure you use a marine grade sealant on the bottom of the spacer and on each screw. A router with a 1/4-inch roundover bit was used to give the spacer a finished look. Once in place and cured, screw on the new vents. If your boat is tied to a slip, turn the vents toward the prevailing wind direction. If at anchor, turn the vents toward the anchor.

This upgrade will improve your cabin ventilation and pay for itself quickly in reduced heat-related repairs and improved comfort in the cabin, not to mention, compliments from your guests and fellow boat owners.

Got a Question or Topic You Want Covered?

Tom Kennedy owns Patriot Yacht Services in Pensacola, FL. The company specializes in paint, fiberglass/gel coat and brightwork restorations. He has been an active sailing and boating enthusiast for over 40 years, and his repair expertise and customer satisfaction levels have earned him a loyal client base. Questions and ideas for future articles can be sent to tom@patriotyachtservices. com. Your question may be answered in a future article. You can also go to www.patriotyachtservices.com for more information.

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Your Authorized Dealer for SELECTED LISTINGS Wellcraft 4600 MY 1995..................................$159,000 (P) Marine Trader 44 SD 1977...............................$129,000 (P) Hatteras 43 DC 1977 ........................................$128,500 (S) Heritage 38 1983 ..............................................$67,000 (S) Island Pilot 39 2006..........................................$285,000 (S) Carver 36M 2007..............................................$215,000 (S) Lien Hwa 36 1983 ............................................$75,000 (S) Mainship Pilot 34 2001 ....................................$99,999 (S) Irwin 52 1981 ...................................................$135,000 (S) Phinn Custom Schooner 1989 ..........................$109,000 (P) Beneteau 49 ‘07 & ’08 (2 cabin & 3 cabin).....Call for Special Beneteau 46 2008 .............................................Call for Special Beneteau First 47.7 2002..................................$295,000 (S) Sea Master 46 1982 ..........................................$175,000 (P) Privilege 42 1997..............................................$299,000 (N) Tayana 42 VAC 1983........................................$119,000 (N) Morgan Classic 41............................................$77,900 (N) J/Boats J 130 1999............................................$210,000 (N) Beneteau First 40.7 ‘02 & ‘02…Starting at.....$129,000 (S) Block Island 40 1958........................................$49,900 (N) J/Boats J 120 1996............................................$133,000 (P) Beneteau O393 2002 ........................................$125,000 (S) C&C110 2000...................................................$75,000 (P) Hunter 37.5 1994 ..............................................$75,000 (S) Beneteau 361 ‘00 & ‘01……….Starting at .....$95,000 B&H Syndey 36 1998 ......................................$109,000 (P) Farr 36 Custom 2003........................................$110,000 (N) Beneteau O351 1995 ........................................$75,000 (P) Beneteau 34 2009 .............................................In Stock Hunter 340 ‘99 & ‘01.................Starting at.....$55,000 (S) Tartan 34-2 1986...............................................$59,000 (P) Beneteau O331 2001 ........................................$79,000 (N) Endeavour 33 1984...........................................$31,000 (P) Beneteau 323 ‘05 & ‘06.………Starting at .....$82,500 (S) Beneteau 311 ‘00 & ‘03……… Starting at .....$65,000 (P) Catalina 30 ‘88 & ‘90……..… Starting at .....$29,000 (N) Alerion Express 28 2004 ..................................$83,900 (N) J Boats J/80 2000..............................................$29,900 (N) Beneteau FC 7.5 ‘06.........................................$39,900 (N) Catalina 22 MKII 1997 ....................................$14,900 (P) Details & Pictures Go to www.MurrayYachtSales.com

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www.MurrayYachtSales.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

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1998 Catalina 28 MK II The Catalina 28 MK II was Cruising World’s Boat of the Year Pocket Cruiser in 1996 3’8” draft wing keel Bottom Job, Jan. 09

$39,900 Excellent Condition

2009 Catalina Expo 14.2 2009 Compac Legacy 16 2009 Catalina 16.5 2009 Compac Picnic Cat 2009 Compac Suncat-trl 2008 Compac Suncat 2009 Compac Eclipse 2007 Catalina 22 Sport/trl 2009 Catalina 22 Sport New Catalina 22 MKII-WK 2000 Precision 23 New Catalina 250 WB 2000 Catalina 250wk 2005 Catalina 250 WB 2007 Catalina 250 WK

$6,085 $11,500 $7019 $10,350 $19,878 Sold $24,582 Sold $13,785 $18,617 TBA $28,617 Sold Sold $32,995

with lots of amenities • Huge comfortable cockpit • 135 and 155 headsail in almost new condition • Line control whisker pole • Newly Rebuilt Roller furling w/new headstay • Dodger • Bimini • Canvas • Radar • Chartplotter • GPS • Knotmeter • Autopilot • VHF • Sleeps 6 • Head w/shower • Hot Water • Full galley • Like-new cushions down below and in cockpit • Anchor, lines, fenders and miscellaneous gear

Located Palmetto, FL, in Tampa Bay 941-795-8704 editor@southwindsmagazine.com

YACHT BROKERS Advertise in the SOUTHWINDS Brokerage Section at special rates: $110 QUARTER PAGE $200 HALF PAGE $325 FULL PAGE (12-month rates, black and white ads – add 20% for color)

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Yacht Sales & Service

PREVIOUSLY ENJOYED ISLAND PACKET YACHTS

Since 1990

1980 Nautical 56’ Center Cockpit $450,000. Gregg @ 941-730-6096

1988 Cherubini Schooner 48’. $449,990.

Gregg @ 941-730-6096.

2003 Island Packet 485 Center Cockpit.

2 From $595,000. Alan or Ted

1980 Vagabond 47’ Ketch. $249,900.

Alan @ 941-350-1559

1997 Island Packet 45’ Cutter. $199,900.

Alan @ 941-350-1559

1983 Irwin 43’ Sloop. $64,500.

Gregg @ 941-730-6096

1987 Endeavour 42 Center Cockpit $129,900. Alan @ 941-350-1559

2002 Island Packet 420 Cutter. $359,900 Alan @ 941-350-1559

2003 Hunter 386. $114,900.

Alan @ 941-350-1559

38 Island Packet Cutter. Two from $164,900. Alan @ 941-350-1559

1979 Morgan 382 $58,900.

Alan @ 941-350-1559

35’ Island Packet. 1991-$123,900.

1994 @ $139,900. Alan @ 941-350-1559

1992 Sabre 34 Mk II $72,500.

Alan @ 941-350-1559

2000 Island Packet 320 Cutter. $129,900.

Alan @ 941-350-1559

1991 Hunter 30T at $34,900 Call Alan @ 941-350-1559

1993 Island Packet 29. $59,900 Alan @ 941-350-1559

56’ 48’ 48’ 48’ 47’ 45’ 44’ 44’ 43’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 39’ 38’ 38’ 38’ 38’ 38’

Nautical Center Cockpit Cherubini Schooner Island Packet 485 Island Packet 485 Center Cockpit.

Vagabond 47 Island Packet Cutter Custom Bruce Roberts Cutter Island Packet 440 Irwin Sloop Endeavour CC Island Packet 420 Cutter Sabre 426 Beneteau First Class 12 Hunter 386 Irwin sloop Island Packet Cutter Island Packet Cutter Island Packet Cutter

1980 1988 2003 2003 1980 1997 1987 2007 1983 1987 2002 2008 1987 2003 1983 1993 1990 1989

$ 450,000 $ 449,990 $ 600,000 $ 595,000 $ 249,900 $ 199,900 $ 80,000 SOLD $ 64,500 $129,900 $ 359,900 Call for Price $ 64,900 $ 114,900 $ 65,000 SOLD $ 164,900 SOLD

38’ 38’ 36’ 35’ 35’ 35’ 34’ 34’ 33’ 33’ 32’ 30’ 30’ 30’ 29’ 29’ 28’ 26’

Morgan Robertson and Caine Leopard 38 Sabre 362 Island Packet Island Packet Island Packet Hunter Sloop Sabre 34 Irwin Sloop Offshore SLOOP Island Packet 320 Cutter Hunter “30T” Olson Sloop Watkins Sloop Island Packet 29 Sea Tribe 870 Catamaran Precision Sloop Landing School Sloop

1979 1999 1995 1994 1991 1991 1988 1992 1978 1983 2000 1991 1982 1988 1993 2009 2000 1996

$ 58,900 $ 225,000 $ 139,900 $ 139,900 $ 119,000 $ 123,900 $ 37,500 $ 72,500 $ 19,900 SOLD $ 129,900 $ 34,900 $ 15,000 $ 19,450 $ 59,900 $ 125,000 $ 59,000 $ 37,900

Whether you are buying or selling a yacht, contact us for an in-depth consultation.

No one knows bluewater sailing better than Island Yachting Centre.

Helping boaters find the perfect yacht for almost 20 years.

Gregg Knighton Ted Parson Alan Pressman Bob Waugh

941-730-6096 941-729-4511 941-350-1559 941-729-4511

923 4th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221 • 941-729-4511 • Toll Free: 888-215-1216 ted@islandyachtingcentre.com • www.islandyachtingcentre.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

s uck t?

B h g e Bi et Yac v a s k ! t to nd Pac t how n a u w o la you next Is o find o t D ur us July 2009 69 yo CallSOUTHWINDS on

Largest Selection of Sailboats &Trawlers in Florida

www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

72’ Taswell Cutter, 1996, Bill Dixon design, 4 staterooms, Dual Helms, Bow thruster, Awlgrip in ’07, New A/C ’07, Prof.Captain maintained, $1,195,000, Call Bob @ 239-877-4094

47' Privilege 465 Catamaran, 1999, Owners ver50' Prout Quasar Aero Rig 1996, Single control sion, auto pilot, generator, A/C, Wind generator, line adjusts rig. Carbon fiber unstayed rig, 4 dive compressor, water maker, solar panels. $349,000, Brian @252-305-4967 staterooms. $449,000, Harry @ 941-400-7942

47’ Gulfstar Sailmaster, 1979, Solid Bluewater cruiser, Sloop rigged. A must see, $155,900, Call TJ @ 941-741-5875

46’ Durbeck CC Ketch, 1977, Fresh Awlgripe, All sails on roller furling, Hard top over cockpit, $119,900, Call Rick @ 727-422-8229

46' Antigua CC, 1987, Major Refit; All New Engine, Sails, rigging, Electronics, interior, $122,500, Offers welcome. Call Joe @ 941224-9661

46' Durbeck Cutter/Ketch, 1974, Solid Bluewater vessel, Excellent liveaboard! Well equipped.

Davits, Whaler, $119,000, Call Butch @ 850624-8893

43' Northwind CC 2003, Cruising World Boat of the Year, Gorgeous turnkey head-turner has just had her topsides awlgripped - loaded w/quality equipment, $349,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446

42' Westsail Cutter Ketch, 1975, Loaded!

Windvane, watermaker, Genset. Bluewater ready! $99,900 Call Harry @ 941-400-7942

42' Fountaine Pajot Catamaran, 1996, This boat is exceptional! Many upgrades! Call Today! $275,000 ,Harry @ 941-400-7942

39' Catana Catamaran, 1988, 4 cabins, 2 heads, Genset, unsinkable catamaran, with 4 watertight collision bulkheads, $124,999 Butch @ 850-624-8893

39' Ericson, 1972, New Awlgrip paint, Davits, Classic cruiser in great shape, Only $40,000, Call Brian @ 252-305-4967

MONOHULL SAILBOATS

MONOHULL SAILBOATS 72’ Taswell 55’ Tayana 54’ Gulfstar 50’ Gulfstar 48’ Golden Wave Ketch 48’ Dekker Ketch 47’ Gulfstar Sailmaster 47’ Gulfstar Sailmaster 46’ Durbeck Ketch 46’ Durbeck Ketch 46’ Antigua 45’ Hunter Legend 44’ Dynamique Ketch 44’Camper Nicholson 44’ Beneteau 44’ Freedom 43’ Northwind CC 43’ Beneteau Idylle 43’ Beneteau Idylle 42’ Westsail Ketch 42’ Whitby Center Cockpit 42’ Tayana 42’ Cheoy Lee Clipper 41’ Hans Christen 40’ Bayfield Ketch 39’ Freya 39’ Ericson 39’ Horizon Cutter 39’ Pearson Yawl 38’ Catalina 380 37’ Seidelmann 37’ Hunter Legend

1996 1988 1986 1976 1987 1971 1979 1979 1974 1977 1987 1987 1982 1978 1986 1982 2003 1986 1986 1975 1985 1988 1970 1985 1987 1980 1972 1982 1974 1997 1983 1988

$1,195,000 Mexico $269,000 St. Petersburg $289,000 Boston $ 99,700 Bradenton $129,900 Punta Gorda $169,000 St. Augustine $155,900 West Palm Beach $154,900 Madeira Beach $119,000 Panama City $119,900 Ft. Pierce $122,500 Ft Lauderdale $124,900 Crystal River $ 69,000 Green Cove Springs $ 74,900 Ft. Lauderdale $ 95,000 Palm Coast $ 88,900 Ft. Lauderdale $349,900 St Augustine $ 95,000 Palm Coast $ 84,900 Melbourne $ 99,900 Cape Coral $ 99,000 Punta Gorda $189,900 Bradenton $ 85,000 Bokeelia $179,900 St. Augustine $108,900 Ft. Lauderdale $ 34,500 Naples $ 40,000 Ft. Lauderdale $ 44,900 Dunedin $ 49,900 Panama City $124,900 Punt Gorda $ 22,000 Panama City $ 39,000 Punta Gorda

Bob Roy S. Bob TJ Roy S. Tom TJ Roy S. Butch Rick Joe Rick Tom Brian Tom Brian Tom Tom Tom Harry Leo Roy S. Joe Tom Rick Bob Brian Rick Butch Leo Butch Leo

37’ 37’ 37’ 37’ 36’ 36’ 35’ 35’ 34’ 34’ 31’ 30’ 28’ 28’ 24’

Endeavour Ketch Tartan Tayana Endeavour B Plan Mariner Bayfield Cal Young Sun Cutter Tartan B & J Cutter Southern Cross Catalina Shannon Pearson Pacific Seacraft

60’ Custom Catamaran 65’ Brooks Power Cat 55’ Lagoon Catamaran 51’Jeantot/Priviledge Cat 50’ Prout Catamaran 50’ Prout Quasar 48’ Nautitech Catamaran 47’ Priviledge 44’ St. Francis Catamaran 42’ Fountaine Pajot Cat. 43’ Lagoon Power Cat 39’ Catana Catamaran 39’ Fountaine Pajot Cat 30’ MC 30 Catamaran 28’ Telestar Trimaran

1985 1987 1981 1979 1978 1988 1974 1984 1985 1967 1985 1984 1978 1986 1989

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

49,900 77,900 99,900 39,900 98,000 79,900 24,000 64,900 39,900 16,000 35,900 22,500 47,000 27,500 59,900

MULTI-HULLS 1999 $577,900 1998 $395,000 1991 $424,900 1994 $530,000 1980 $234,900 1996 $449,000 1998 $415,000 1999 $349,000 1994 $249,000 1996 $275,000 2005 $395,000 1988 $124,999 1990 $205,000 2003 $125,000 2007 $ 79,000

Edwards Yacht Sales Quality Listings, Professional Brokers

Joe Joe Harry Bill Harry Roy S. Butch Leo Joe TJ Roy S. Butch Tom Rick Tom

Tarpon Springs Bradenton Ft. Lauderdale Florida Ft. Pierce

Bill Joe Bob Tom Bill Harry Rick Brian Bob Harry Rick Butch Rick Bob Rick

Savanna, GA Bradenton Georgetown, MD Panama City Turkey Ft. Myers MD

BOAT FROM

LOANS 4.9%

Roy Edwards • Clearwater • 727-507-8222 Tom Morton • St. Augustine • 904-377-9446 Bill Mellon • St. Petersburg • 727-421-4848 Roy Stringfellow • Tierra Verde • 305-775-8907

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

TJ Johnson • Palmetto • 941-741-5875 Brian Beckham • Ft. Lauderdale • 252-305-4967

Harry Schell • Sarasota • 941-400-7942 Butch Farless • Panama City • 850-624-8893

www.EdwardsYachtSales.com • 727-507-8222 • 70

Cape Coral Punta Gorda St. Petersburg Gulfport Port Charlotte St. Petersburg Panama City Punta Gorda Ft. Myers St. Petersburg Madeira Beach Panama City St. Augustine Clearwater Beach Orange Park

July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

FAX 727-531-9379 •

Yachts@EdwardsYachtSales.com www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25 FREE ADS - All privately owned gear for sale up to $200 per item For questions, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com or (941) 795-8704 PRICES: • Text only ads up to 30 words: $25 for 3 months; 40 words @ $35; 50 words at $40; 60 words at $45. Contact us for more words.

• Text up to 30 words with horizontal photo: $50 for 3 months; 40 words @ $60; 50 words @ $65; 60 words@ $70.

• Add $15 to above prices for vertical photo.

• All ads go on our Web site classifieds page on the first of the month of publication at no additional cost. Add $10 to place the ad early on the web site.

• The last month your ad will run will be at the end of the ad: (12/09) means the last month is December 2009.

• Add $5 typing charge if ads mailed in or dictated over the phone.

• Add $5 to scan a mailed in photo.

DEADLINES: 5th of the month preceding publication. IF LATER: Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or (941) 795-8704.

AD RENEWAL: 5th of the month preceding publication, possibly

later (contact us). Take $5 off prices to renew your ad for another 3 months.

SAVE MORE ON RENEWALS: Ask us about automatic renewal (credit card required) to take $10 off above prices on text only ads and $15 for ads with photos. Ads renewed twice for 3-month period unless you cancel.

BUSINESS ADS: Except for real estate and dockage, prices above do not include business services or business products for sale. Business ads are $20/month up to 30 words. $35/month for 30-word ad with photo/graphic. Display ads start at $38/month for a 2-inch ad in black and white with a 12-month agreement. Add 20% for color. Contact editor@ southwindsmagazine.com, or (941) 795-8704.

BOAT BROKERAGE ADS: • For ad with horizontal photo: $20/month for new ad, $15/month to pick up existing ad. No charge for changes in price, phone number or mistakes.

• All ads go on our Web site classifieds page on the first of the month of publication at no additional cost. Add $10 to place the ad early on the Web

site. Unless you are a regular monthly advertiser, credit card must be on file.

TO PLACE AND PAY FOR AN AD: 1. Internet through PayPal at www.southwindsmagazine.com. Applies only to $25 and $50 ads.

(All others contact the editor) Put your ad text in the subject line at the end when you process the Paypal payment, or email it to: editor@southwindsmagazine.com. E-mail ALL photos as separate jpeg attachments to editor.

2. E-mail, phone, credit card or check. E-mail text, and how you intend to pay for the ad to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. E-mail photo as a jpeg attachment. Call with credit card number (941) 795-8704, or mail a check (below).

3. Mail your ad in. Southwinds, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218, with check or credit card number (with name, expiration, address).

Enclose a SASE if photo wanted back.

4. We will pick up your ad. Send airline ticket, paid hotel reservations and car rental/taxi (or pick us up at the airport) and we will come pick up your ad. Call for more info.

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

Boats Wanted Boats & Dinghies Boat Gear & Supplies Businesses for Sale/Rent

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

_________________________________________

Crew Wanted Help Wanted Lodging for Sailors

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

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________

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

Windrider 17 trimaran. 2007 Discounted, factory test boat. Lies Anna Maria, Tampa Bay, FL. Trailer and/or delivery possible. Antifoul bottom paint. Speed to 15 knots. $3995.

(941) 201-4282 or cell (727) 364-8426.

BOATS WANTED

_________________________________________ Sunfish and Sunfish Rigs Wanted. TSS Youth Sailing, Inc., Tampa Youth Sailing, an organization to which donations are tax deductible, is in great need of sailing rigs for Sunfish sailboats. If you have a Sunfish rig (mast, sail and spars.) which you are not using, please consider a gift to us. Go to www.tssyouthsailing.org and click on Contact Us. _________________________________________ WANTED: Cape Dory 22 or Typhoon Senior with trailer. (228) 324-6504. (8/09) _________________________________________ SEA SCOUTS of St. Pete need donated sunfish and a 26 to 27 ft sailboat to hold youth sailing classes on Boca Ciega bay in Tampa Bay area. All donations are fully taxdeductible. See our Web site www.seascoutstpete.org, or call (727) 345-9837. (9/09)

$50 – 3 mo. Ad & Photo 941-795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

Catalina 28 MKII. 1998. Excellent condition.

Dodger, Bimini. Huge cockpit and comfortable. Low hours on original diesel. Radar, GPS, Chartplotter, VHF, Autopilot, VHF. Anchors, line, Gear. Cushions excellent down below and in cockpit. Rebuilt roller furling.

Whisker pole. 135 and 155 headsails (both like new). New Bottom job, Jan. 2009. $39,900. Located Palmetto, FL, in Tampa Bay. (941) 792-9100. www.cortezyachts.com

Trinka Rowing Dinghy, 10 ft, blue hull, very good condition. Beautiful, classic lines, rows like a dream, classic boat. Includes two new oars and oarlocks. $1100 obo. Located Key Largo.

(305) 849-0646. (7/09) _________________________________________ Carolina Skiff 16’. 30hp 4-stroke Yamaha 2002, center console, trailer, great condition $6,500. (727) 277-9110. (7/09) _________________________________________

1975 Lippincott Star. 22’. # 5919 built for, and raced by, Howard F. Lippincott Sr. Nomex-cored hull and foam-cored deck. Light air flyer! Old plywood bulkheads have been removed. Custom Galvo-trailer with all new running gear. Mast, boom, pole, standing-rigging and three suits of North Sails. $990.

Contact Gary Smith for pictures and more details. Cell (321) 698-4351 Email Fivespeed05@cfl.rr.com. (9/09) _________________________________________ FLYING SCOT..… Very Attractively Priced New Boats used only for the Adams Cup Finals. Race rigged and professionally tuned.

Includes North Sails main, jib,spinnaker, and galvanized trailer. Available in late September at Bay St. Louis, MS. For details Call (800)864-7208 (9/09)

2” Display Ads Starting $38/mo.

SOUTHWINDS

July 2009 71

CLASSIFIED ADS

Tanzer 7.5m Racer-Cruiser, 2.8’ full keel, new electric start 9.8hp 4-stroke, reconditioned sails, roller-furler, 150% genoa, minidinghy w/motor, Bimini, boom cover, sleeps four, instruments, safety, ground tackle, more.

Contact Mitch Schlitt, (941) 575-1294 for photos, details. $5,500. (9/09)

Island Packet 27 Sloop 1988 $43,900 St Petersburg. Roomy, comfortable, seaworthy pocket yacht, cabin space rivals 30 footers, lightly used - less than 400 hrs on Yanmar 2gm-20.Contact Stew at (727) 415-0350, or office at (727) 823-7400. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com.

30’ Hunter Cherubini 1982 with Yanmar diesel, Bimini, dodger, Harken roller furling, new Genoa, Autohelm 3000 autopilot, marine air conditioning, hot and cold pressure water, bow sprit w/anchor roller, Imron green top sides, very well maintained. Asking $22,500. Cortez Yacht Sales. (941) 792-9100.

Hunter 30, 1978.

Very good condition. 3 jibs, spinnaker, asymmetrical—all in great condition.

New cushions, dodger, portlights.

Chartplotter. 4-foot draft, standard rig.

Rebuilt engine.

Extremely wellmaintained. New Bottom Paint. $16,500. Palmetto, FL. (941) 720-5750.

(9/09)

Hunter 30 Sloop 1989. $28,900, St Petersburg. cruise equipped & well maintained, turn-key & ready to go, recent bottom job - no blisters, shoal draft keel, reverse cycle marine A/C. Contact Stew at (727) 415-0350, or office at (727) 823-7400. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com.

1977 Southern Cross 31. Ready to sail around the world. Full-keel blue water cruiser.

Sabb/Norway diesel. Epoxy barrier coat. New Harken roller furling. $20,000 for quick sale.

(954) 559-1217. (7/09)

WHARRAM TIKI 30 CATAMARAN FOR SALE Island Packet 27 Sloop 1987. $30,000. Fun, local cruiser. 4-foot draft. 8 hp Yanmar diesel.

Many extras including gennaker, dinghy, storm anchor. (941) 484-3891. Venice, FL. (7/09) Tanzer 28, 1973. Flush deck, well-maintained by owner since 1980. Totally refurbished with new Vetus Diesel, Fully equipped for Cruising.

Price $16,900 O.B.O. Tel: (239) 823-6372 Email: HermanVA3QX@gmail.com. (7/09)

Catalina 28 MKII. 1998. Excellent condition.

Dodger, Bimini. Huge cockpit, comfortable. Low hours on original diesel. Radar, GPS, Chartplotter, VHF, Autopilot, VHF. Anchors, line, Gear.

Cushions excellent down below and in cockpit.

Rebuilt roller furling. Whisker pole. 135 and 155 headsails (both like new). New Bottom job, Jan. 2009. $39,900. Located Palmetto, FL in Tampa Bay. (941) 792-9100. www.cortezyachts.com.

72

July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

Brand-New — Professionally Built Go to www.tiki30.blogspot.com to view an online journal documenting the step-by-step building of this boat.

Built by Boatsmith, Inc., Jupiter, FL www.boatsmithFL.com. (561)744-0855

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS 1987 Catalina 30 with Universal diesel, Harken RF, lazy jacks, Bruce and Danforth, Lemar STs, Bimini, Data Marine instruments, Grill, GPS, VHF, Stereo, TV, front door refrig, alcohol stove, swim ladder, marine air and more. A great boat at a fantastic offer. $21,500. www.Cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

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

CLASSIFIED ADS 1

975 C&C 33. New Standing and running rigging, racing & cruising/delivery sails. Good race record. Epoxy barrier coat bottom.

AM/FM CD and speed/depth. Asking $17,900 Call Mike at (727) 510-4167 or (727) 796-4260. (7/09a)

Nassau 34 by President Marine, 1983. Project boat, fiberglass, diesel, double ended, full keel, aluminum spars, davits, teak decks, refrig, Marine Air, propane. $15,900 OBO www.Cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

2004 Catalina 34 MK II, loaded and ready.

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

CORTEZ YACHT SALES

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

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

Exceptional condition with lots of new gear.

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

37’ Endeavour 1980 Tall Rig. Popular B plan.

Complete refit, new everything, hard dodger.

Too much to list. 350 hours on Perkins 4-108.

“Must see.” Reduced to $42,500. (352) 5974912. (9/09)

Passport 40, 1987, loaded, Perkins 4108, Avon Rib with 8HP Yamaha, $119,900.

Located NW Florida, (850) 942-5600, Ask for Mike or leave message. (7/09)

Buy a Hunter 38 for the Price of a 36? Yes You Can!! We can now offer you a Hunter 38 for the base boat price of a Hunter 36 @ $107,992. A 29K savings! This is available for a very limited time only. Call us today for details. SouthEast Sailing & Yachts (904) 8245770, www.ses-y.com.

SAIL 41’ Transworld 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SOLD 40’ Bayfield 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$109,500

34’ Catalina 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . .$127,500 35’ Hunter 35.5 1995 . . . . . . . . . .$65,000 34’ Nassau 1983 . . . . . . . .Offers $15,900 30’ Hunter 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,500 30’ Catalina1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21,500 28’ Catalina 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,900 POWER 30’ Silverton 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,000

30’ Luhrs Alura 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . .SOLD 28’ Sheffield Diesel Charter Biz . .$44,900 26’ Pacemaker 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,500

WE HAVE BUYERS — LISTINGS WANTED —

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

News & Views for Southern Sailors

1997 Catalina 40, Cruise ready, AC, 4K Generator, 10” color Garmin GPS, ST6000 AutoPilot, watermaker, TV/DVD/CD/Stereo, 10’ Zodiac w/9.9 4-stroke Yamaha, Davits, and much more. Longboat Key Moorings. $149,900. (407) 810-5621 (9/09a)

Classified info — page 71

Catalina 400 MK II. 2000. Better than new at half the price. One owner. Panda genset, Caribe dinghy, Kato davits, Nissan OB, Two AC units with Heat, Raytheon radar, color chart plotter, auto pilot, electric winch to raise main, Bimini with windshield, side curtains, shade curtains, micro, fridge/freezer, Auto prop, shoal draft wing keel, cruising chute, whisker pole & MORE. You won’t find one better equipped or maintained. Hotspur—in St. Petersburg. $158,900. Call (727) 7436634. (9/09) SOUTHWINDS

July 2009 73

CLASSIFIED ADS BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

_________________________________________

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

(941-795-8704) 40’ Scape Yachts Catamaran 2007 sport cruiser/racer. Fast & fun, 20 knots! Epoxy resins/carbon fiber. Solar, daggerboards, 5 sails, Raymarine, sleeps 6. $348,000 wcgallo@msn.com. www.doubletimecat.com.

(303) 885-4177. (9/09)

Downeast 45’ Sailboat. $99,900. 4-236 Perkins engine. Dinghy davits, KISS generator, phaser 6.5KW genset, inverter, radar, GPS, Simrad autopilot, new stackpack. Cruiser ready. David Taylor. (702) 439-9768, (702) 587-4790. Melbourne, FL. (9/09)

Spinnaker sock. It’s blue, fully rigged, 23’ 4” and in perfect condition. $35. (407) 5996611. (9/09)

Whisker pole, line controlled. 11-20 feet. $275.

(941) 792-9100. _________________________________________ Mast and boom from a 22’ cruiser like the Starwind. $165. They look like they were never used. There are some shrouds that are NOT from the mast that MAY work with the rig. The mast is 28’ 7”, oval shaped measuring 3 3/4” by 2 1/4” . Boom is 10’ 11”, oval shaped measuring 3”x2”. Located in Palmetto, Tampa Bay Area, FL. (941) 981-3891. (9/09) _________________________________________ Avon Liferaft, 1995 6-person raft w/manual, needs to be recertified. $50, Clearwater area.

(727) 224-0606. (9/09) _________________________________________ Hatch Cover Mould for Morgan OI 33 or 41. Cover fits either boat. $200. Bill (773) 559-0377.

(9/09) _________________________________________ ICOM SSB M700UK with AT120 tuner $750.

Perfect condition. (727) 277-9110. (7/09) _________________________________________ Whale Gusher metal bilge pump, new $100; new Danforth hi-tensile anchor 12H $65; new Bomar white aluminum port lite, 17”x7” new $115; Perkins 4107 diesel fuel injectors new, $100. (954) 560-3919, Tom. (8/09) _________________________________________ Sieman 75w solar panel $199. (727) 2779110.

(7/09) _________________________________________ Skipper Chair - used, needs bottom cushion, otherwise great shape with bracket $65.

(727) 277-9110. (7/09) _________________________________________ 100’ Furuno radar cable $45. (727) 2779110. (7/09)

CREW WANTED

_________________________________________

45 Leopard Cat 2000.Will trade equity (130K) for smaller boat. Excellent condition!

New sails, Genset, canvas. Many other updates. This boat is ready to go! (727) 4123744. ross1920@earthlink.net. (8/09)

68-year old man seeks female crewmate, 5565 who is fit and trim. I am an experienced sailor whose last sailing trip was to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I own a Islander 30 Bahama sloop. Fred Tappin. (727) 787-9231. (7/09)

30K off on our unique, sleek, 2009 Hunter 49? Yes You Can!! This one is a Beauty! Call us today for details. SouthEast Sailing & Yachts (904) 824-5770, www.ses-y.com

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $24/year • 3rd Class $30/year • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com 74

July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS 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

LODGING FOR SAILORS

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

_________________________________________ Yacht Broker. Island Yachting Centre, West Coast Florida. Experience desired but will train the right person. 75% Sail. 25% Power.

Aggressive Commission plan. Confidential interview. (941) 729-4511. Ted@islandyachtingcentre.com. _________________________________________ Madden Masts & Rigging, in Annapolis, MD is growing and in need of additional experienced riggers. We offer competitive wages and benefits. Please e-mail Richard Krolak at rich.maddenmasts@comcast.net.

For more information, go to, www.maddenrigging.com. (8/09) _________________________________________ Yacht Broker Wanted. Fort Lauderdale Area. Edwards Yacht Sales is looking for a broker to work out of his area/home office.

(727) 507-8222. _________________________________________ EDWARDS YACHT SALES is expanding again!

We’ve had a record yr. & are ready to expand in selected locations. Experience preferred but will train the right person. We need brokers for the East Coast, Panhandle, Ft. Lauderdale & Keys, aggressive advertising, group health care plan, bonus plan. www.EdwardsYacht Sales.com, contact Roy Edwards, 727-5078222.

Yachts@EdwardsYachtSales.com _________________________________________ Yacht Broker Wanted. Lots of Work. Growing company, with years of experience, in Tampa Bay looking for a team player. Great company support. Call (727) 823-7400, or Jacek at (727) 560-0901. _________________________________________ Sailing Instructors/Branch Managers. Offshore Sailing School is seeking skilled sailors with strong teaching experience, performance and cruising boat sailing experience, US SAILING certification (or skills to pass exam). USCG license required, or experience to obtain appropriate level. Manager applicants must have organization & management skills. Email resume to Doug Sparks at doug@offshoresailing.com, fax (239) 454-9201 visit www.offshoresailing.com/employment.

(7/09a) _________________________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office? If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and powerboats. Call Frank Hamilton (941) 723-1610 for interview appointment and position details.

2” DISPLAY ADS STARTING $38/MO News & Views for Southern Sailors

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

SLIPS FOR SALE OR RENT

________________________________________

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

Sheltered marina accommodates up to 28’ sail or power boats. Boat ramp. Utilities included.

Call Office: (941) 755-1912. (9/09)

_________________________________________

Genuine Aspen classic poster.

In 1970 famous Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson ran for sheriff of Pitkin County, CO. He was nearly elected.

His campaign poster, a lithograph

by Aspen artist Tom Benton, became an instant collector’s item. It could be because the hand inside the Sheriff’s sixpointed star has six digits. It could be because in the hand is a green peyote button. This is the real deal, and it is signed by Dr. Thompson himself. Both artist and wannabe Sheriff have passed on to other levels. Stunningly framed. (941) 722-9022.

SAILS & CANVAS

________________________________________

Large and Deep wet slips up to 60 feet and 18 ft beam, with 30-50-100 amp service. New Floating dock with new pedestals. Fastest location to the gulf in Pinellas County. No bridges. Rentals are month to month. Weekly and transient slips also available. Walk to beach, bars, restaurants and shopping in Historic Pass-A-Grille, St. Pete Beach. Pass-AGrille Marina. Call (727) 360-0100, or e-mail passagrillemarina@yahoo.com. (9/09)

TO LATE TO CLASSIFY

_________________________________________

CSY 44 Center Cockpit Cutter, ready to go.

New sails, chainplates, rigging, stove, watermaker, GPSs, instruments and more. Call (305) 393-5121 (cell) or email jjohnandjuanita@hotmail.com.

Windrider 17 Trimaran. 2007 on galvanized trailer with motor mount. Honda 2hp optionally available. Shows virtually new. Rarely available, newer, wider model. Located Tampa Bay Area on Anna Maria Island. Bargain priced at $5995. Bruce (941) 201-4282 SOUTHWINDS

July 2009 75

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

Advanced Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . .57 Antigua Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Bacon Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Bay Point Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Bay Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Bimini Bay Sailboat Rentals . . . . . . . . .25, 37 Bluewater sailing school . . . . . . . . . . .21, 37 Boaters’ Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 BoatNames.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 BoatPeeling.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Boatsmith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Borel Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Bradenton YC Kickoff Regatta . . . . . . . . . .15 Capt. & First Mate Yacht Delivery . . . . . . .30 Capt. Bill Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Capt. Jimmy Hendon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Capt. Marti Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Capt. Rick Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Catalina 28 for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10, 55, 68 Clearwater Municipal Marina . . . . . . . . . .29 Coolnet Hammocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 CopperCoat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 CPT Autopilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Cruising Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Cruising Spirit Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Dancing With the Wind Video . . . . . . . . . .32 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Doctor LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 74 Doyle/Ploch Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . .IFC,BC

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.

Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Ellie’s Sailing Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 E-Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Fairwinds Boat Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Fairwinds Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 First Patriot Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Flagship Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 37 Florida Sailing and Cruising School . . . . . .36 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Gulfport City Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Hake Yachts/Seaward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Harborage Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Holland Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . .31 Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC Innovative Marine Services . . . . . .23, 30, 32 International Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Island Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Island Yachting Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales . . . . . . . .67, BC Klaus Roehrich Surveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Lanier Sailing Academy/Charter . . . . . . . .37 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Mack Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Marine Canvas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC, 7, 66 Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . .31, 33,55, 68 Mastmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . .67,BC National Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Nature’s Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 North Sails Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 North Sails Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Ocean Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Online Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Patriot Yacht Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Quality Maritime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . .22 Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Rigging Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Sail Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Sail Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Sailing Florida Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . .37 Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Scuba Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Sea Worthy Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Seaward/Hake Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Shadetree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Shiney Hiney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 SmarterSail Charter & School . . . . . . .18, 37 Snug Harbor Boats & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 SouthEast Sailing & Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 SSB Radio Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26, 32 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises . . . . . . . .37 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Sunrise Sails, Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . .27 Tideminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Tow BoatUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30, 33 Wag Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Waterborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Windpath Fractional Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Yacht Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 30 Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37, 54

CHALLENGE continued from page 78 came over me. I looked over to the security guard for approval, but his stares offered no sign of amnesty. We were going to have to see this one through to the end, and it was up to me to do it.

It was high noon when I climbed into our 4-Runner. There had been others launching that morning, but now it was desolate and I had taken center stage. The wind had not stopped all morning, and if there had been a tumbleweed at the ready, this was its cue to dance across the marina parking lot. Melanie positioned herself to give hand signals, and the security guard, now joined by one of his own, stared eagerly at the sailboat about to enter the water. I quickly surveyed my perimeter and with a deep breath, I began to move vehicle, trailer and boat into position.

76

July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

Sweat gathered on my forehead.

In one mirror I could see the image of my wife, hopeful and proud—and in the other—a reflection of the two security guards waiting with bated breath.

Okay. Hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Turn in the direction you want the back end of the trailer to go.

I watched our boat respond to my every turn. Melanie’s directions were sound and she smiled as I neared the ramp. This was my moment in the sun. I was going to park this boat at the bottom of that ramp and they would hold a parade for me down the streets of Fort Lauderdale. I laughed with a cocky undertone at the men sitting on their golf carts.

“Stop!”

Melanie’s voice rang out in alarm as I realized I had nearly backed the trailer off the edge of the seawall. It

was all over. Cancel the parade and start the ridicule. I had failed.

With what dignity I had left, I pulled the trailer back up and tried again. I was still too steep and the security guards had begun their pointing and head shaking. Melanie tried to offer me words of encouragement, but they fell on deaf ears. I had collapsed like a cheap lounge chair.

I sat for a moment and listened to the wind whip through the cabin of my car. I looked at my reflection in the rearview mirror, and my eyebrows began to lower and my jaw lock. I straightened up my rig, steadied my hand on the steering wheel, and seamlessly backed our Starwind 19 down that slanted bit of concrete that merged land and sea. I put on my parking brake and got out of the car.

I had done it. www.southwindsmagazine.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

BY

CATEGORY

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

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau BC Boaters Exchanges/Catalina 55 Boatsmith/Wharram catamarans 16 Catalina 28 for sale 60 Catalina Yachts 10, 55, 68 Cortez Yacht Brokerage 73 Dunbar Sales IFC Eastern Yachts IFC, BC 70 Edwards Yacht Sales Fairwinds Yacht Sales 68 Flying Scot Sailboats 72 Hake Yachts/Seaward 9 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack 45 Island Packet 66 Island Yachting Centre 69 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Hunter/Island Packet/ Eastern/Mariner IFC, 7, 66 Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 31, 33, 55, 68 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau 67,BC Seaward/Hake Yachts 9 Snug Harbor Boats & Co. 55 SouthEast Sailing & Yachts 5 St. Barts/Beneteau BC 24 Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 45 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 27 Turner Marine IFC GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING 57 Annapolis Performance Sailing BoatPeeling.com 30 Borel Mfg. 31 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware 20 Coolnet Hammocks 31 CopperCoat 17 CPT Autopilot 74 Cruising Solutions 25 Dancing With the Wind Video 32 Defender Industries 39 Doctor LED 14, 74 E-Marine 31 Garhauer Hardware 11 Hotwire/Fans & other products 31 Leather Wheel 31 Masthead Enterprises 31, 33, 55, 68 Mastmate Mast Climber 31 Nature’s Head 32 Online Marine 58 Rparts Refrigeration 28 Seaworthy Goods 32 Shadetree Awning Systems 12 SSMR 26, 32 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision 45 Tideminders 49 Wag Bags 34 West Marine 3 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Advanced Sails 32 Atlantic Sail Traders 48 Bacon Sails 32 Bay Rigging 32 Doyle Ploch 33 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging 74 Innovative Marine Services 23, 30, 32 Mack Sails 42 Masthead/Used Sails and Service 31, 33, 55, 68 National Sail Supply, new&used online 33 North Sails Direct/sails online by North 38 North Sails, new and used 13, 74 Ocean Rigging 32 Porpoise Used Sails 33 Rigging Only 32 Sail Repair 33 Sail Technologies 33 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL 59 SSMR 26, 32 Sunrise Sails, Plus 33 Ullman Sails 30, 33 CANVAS Marine Canvas 33 Shadetree Awning Systems 12 SAILING SCHOOLS/DELIVERIES/CAPTAINS

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Antigua Sailing School Bimini Bay Sailboat Rentals Bluewater sailing school Flagship Sailing Florida Sailing & Cruising School International sailing school Lanier Sailing Academy/Charter Quality Maritime Captain Instruction Sailing Florida Charters & School Sea School/Captain’s License SmarterSail Charter & School St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES Beta Marine RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke MARINAS, MOORING FIELDS, BOAT YARDS Bay Point Marina Clearwater Municipal Marina Harborage Marina Regatta Pointe Marina Holland Boat Yard Snug Harbor Boatyard FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER COMPANIES Bimini Bay Sailboat Rentals Cruising Spirit Charters Flagship Sailing Sailing Florida Charters SmarterSail Charter Windpath Fractional Sailing Yachting Vacations MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics Boat Peeling BoatNames.net Fairwinds Boat Repairs/Sales First Patriot Insurance Innovative Marine Services Klaus Roehrich Surveyor Patriot Yacht Services Scuba Clean Yacht Services Shiney Hiney Tow BoatUS CAPTAIN SERVICES Capt. & First Mate Yacht Delivery Capt. Bill Robinson Capt. Jimmy Hendon Capt. Rick Meyer MARINE ELECTRONICS Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication SAILING WEB SITES, VIDEOS, BOOKS SSB Radio Books BoatNames.net Capt. Marti Brown Dancing With the Wind Video REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Bradenton YC Kickoff Regatta

36 25, 37 37 37 36 36 37 47 36 27 18, 37 37 29 22 8 29 20 19 30 55 25, 37 31 22, 37 37 18, 37 36 37, 54 30 30 30 32 10 23, 30, 32 33 53 30 30 23 30 31 30 30 74 30 30 30 32 15

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SOUTHWINDS

July 2009 77

The Challenge: Launching of the Good Ship Annabel Lee

By Will McLendon

On the eve of the inaugural launch of the first boat I had ever owned, I paced about my house bemused and bewildered. Two weeks earlier, my wife Melanie and I picked up our 1986 Starwind 19 sailboat, Annabel Lee, in Palm Beach County, FL, and I successfully transported her down the perilous journey of I-95 to her new home in Fort Lauderdale. But now, the task at hand was far more challenging—and the burden rested solely on my shoulders.

G

rowing up on a farm in Virginia, I was able to tow everything from cow manure to the cow itself, which made me the towing expert in our new family. I saw this as a chance to regain some of the male pride I had lost during the boat purchasing process. My wife, you see, is somewhat of a sailboat expert. She is part of that famous Neale family that lived aboard their Gulfstar 47 (aptly named Chez Nous), cruising up and down the East Coast and the Bahamas.

And since my trips down the James River in a canoe did not necessarily make me a boating connoisseur, I relied heavily upon her expertise during the inspection and barter of our new boat, much to the amusement of the dealer.

If I am going to gain any sort of credibility, I thought, I am going to have to back this boat down that ramp tomorrow with the skill and precision of someone who actually knows what the hell he is doing.

I could do it. I had to do it. I was nauseous.

I awoke the next morning having found little sleep in the night. My mind kept racing through catastrophic 78 July 2009

SOUTHWINDS

scenarios that all ended with me either jackknifing or sinking both the sailboat and our Toyota 4-Runner. During breakfast, I tried to remain confident, but my stomach was incinerating my bacon on contact. No amount of orange juice could quench my dry mouth. I tried to focus, but there was no time. The trailer was already sitting on the hitch.

We had done our homework weeks in advance. Not only did we practice stepping the mast, but we also found the perfect marina for our first launch; Harbour Towne Marina in Dania featured four ramps, adequate space for our preparatory work and a reasonable launching fee. This was our destination.

When we arrived, I was encouraged to see the breezy conditions had kept the crowds away. After choosing the next to last ramp in the row, I parked in an area that would allow us to begin the arduous task of stepping the mast. Immediately, we were greeted by a security guard whose double duty included collecting the $8 launch fee. I was sporting a wrinkled brow as I greeted him.

“A sailboat, huh?” he said. “We

had a couple of guys up here from Miami last week with a sailboat. They were here for hours trying to put that mast up, and it took them twice as long to get it down the ramp!”

Silly amateurs, I thought.

Then he added, “Yeah, it’s amazing the things you see people do here. I’m sure you guys know what you’re doing. I mean, how hard is it to back a boat down a ramp?”

With a smile, he pulled away in his golf cart and found a grassy perch one ramp over. I looked at Melanie and she smiled.

“We’ll be okay. Let’s get started.”

She had noticed the doubt flooding my face. The guard had shattered my positive aura, and I suddenly realized I was going to be the marina jester. With my head bowed, I climbed aboard the Annabel Lee and began untying the line that held down her mast.

We stepped the mast with more precision than our trial run and though there were still hiccups in the process, it all appeared to be going smoothly. A feeling of renewed spirit See CHALLENGE continued on page 76 www.southwindsmagazine.com