Southwindsjune2004 by SOUTHWINDS Magazine

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

2004 Regata del Sol al Sol Charging Batteries: How Slow Can You Run Your Engine? Morgan Stinemetz Sails to Cuba

June 2004 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

SINCE 1977

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and Service Team

36 Catalina ‘90. . . . . . . $71,500 351 Beneteau ‘96 . . . . . $77,500 350 Catalina ‘03 . . . . . $154,500 35 Island Packet ‘91 . . . $119,900 35 Baba ‘84. . . . . . . . $120,000 30 ft. to 34 ft.

34 Catalina ‘94. . . . . . . $74,500 34 Catalina ‘87. . . . . . . $44,900 34 Cabo Rico ‘90 . . . . . $129,000 33 Hunter ‘95. . . . . . . $64,500 320 Catalina ‘96 . . . . . . $69,000 32 Island Packet ‘90. . . . $94,500 31 Catalina ‘03. . . . . . . $91,000 30 Hunter ‘88 . . . . . . . $36,500 29.5 Hunter ‘95 . . . . . . $46,900 290 Hunter ‘00. . . . . . . $59,900 CATAMARANS

44 Dean Catamaran ‘99 . . $285,000 37 Prout Snow Goose ‘84. . $89,500 TRAWLERS/POWER

43 Mainship Trawler ‘04. . .$484,705 40 Mainship Trawler ‘04 . .$360,374 34 Mainship Trawler ‘82 . . . $79,900

34 Mainship Express ‘00 . .$179,000 30 Mainship RR-Sedan ‘04 . $178,434 30 Mainship Pilot ‘01 . . . . $104,900

We have a large assortment of Sunsail, Sun Yacht and Stardust phased-out charter yachts available at favorable prices. Call for details.

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Oops! We’re only human and occasionally make mistakes. Product descriptions, typographic, price, or photographic mistakes are unintentional and subject to correction.

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY SAILBOATS - NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats Compac Boats East Gulf Coast Yacht Sales Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Eastern Yacht Sales/Beneteau Florida Sailboats, Inc. Flying Scot Sailboats Hanse Sailboats Hunter Sailboats Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Jeanneau/Hunter/Mainship Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Raider Sailboats Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats St. Barts/Beneteau Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg Tampa Sailing Squadron donated boats Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie

(See page 69 for alphabetical list)

Back Cover 6 63,64,64 22 43,63 Back Cover Back Cover 65 65 65 10 9,16,31,61,IBC 29,68 Back Cover 65 55,58 62 Back Cover 59 53 62 10

GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES Air Duck Hatch Windscoop Bluewater Sailing Supply, www.bluewaterss.com/ Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL BoatUS Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com Coral Reef Apparel Company Defender Industries, www.defender.com Fujinon Binoculars Garhauer Hardware/www.garhauermarine.com Glacier Bay Refrigeration/ www.glacierbay.com SSMR/Hood Hotwire/Fans & other products Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc. JR Overseas/Moisture Meter Martek Dinghy Davits Masthead Ent. www.mastheadsailinggear.com Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com Sailor’s Soap Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg West Marine SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Altlantic Sails Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida Nuclear Sails BoatUS Cruising Direct/sails online by North Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging Forespar Hood/SSMR Masthead/Used Sails and Service National Sail Supply, new&used online Nuclear Sails North Sails Porpoise Used Sails Sail Exchange/www.sailexchange.com Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL \SSMR/Hood UK Sails, www.uksailmakers.com Ullman Sails/West Florida West Marine

26 58 43 7 39 46 68 27 31 37 57 67 34 37 67 29,68 55 30 21,28,51 53 15,IFC 30 56 14 7 14 67 64 57 29,68 36 14 13,17 68 21 47 57 49 6 IFC

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17 33 56 This Page 69

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

From the Helm

10 Letters 18 Bubba Marvels at Tripwire’s Sway with Women By Morgan Stinemetz 20 Short Tacks: Upcoming Events and News of Interest to Southern Sailors 24 Sailing to Cuba By Morgan Stinemetz 28 Hurricane Season Begins: Predicted Storms by Kim Kaminski Finding Safe Harbor in a Marina by Jo Webnar 32 Boatek: Charging Your Batteries. How Slow is Too Slow For Your Diesel? By Stephen Sommer 34 XXXVI Regata del Sol al Sol. By George Crook 36 Southeast Coast Sailing: Carolinas and Georgia Events and Race Calendar, Etchells Race, Flying Scott Regatta 40 East Florida Sailing: Events and Race Calendar, Mug Race, MYC Spring Regatta,

Morgan Stinemetz sails to Cuba. Photo by Morgan Stinemetz. Page 24

44 Southeast Florida Sailing: Events and Race Calendar, Southeast Florida Race Report 46 Upper Gulf Coast Racing: Events and Race Calendar, Corsair Championship, Dauphin Island Race 50 Florida Keys Sailing: Events and Race Calendar, Wreckers Race Series 52 West Florida Racing: Events and Race Calendar, West Florida Race Report 63 Classifieds 70 Abandoned Boat Ramps in the Dark and Dancing Sailors: When a Turn isn’t a Tern By Bruce Sanspree 33 56 69 4 4 8

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

Cover: Cat’s Meow sails in the Regata de Amigos, part of the Regata del Sol al Sol, in 2003. Photo by George Crook.

XXXVI Regata del Sol al Sol. Photo by George Crook. Page 34.

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS Southwinds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindssailing.com e-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com

VOLUME 12

NUMBER 6

JUNE 2004

Copyright 2004, Southwinds Media, Inc. Publisher/Editor Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com Founder Doran Cushing Advertisers & Editors Steve Morrell The Southeast Coast: National and West Florida Advertising Carolinas and Georgia West Florida Regional Editor Rona Garm editor@southwindssailing.com Regional Editor (941) 795-8704 rgarm@ec.rr.com (910) 395-0189 Gary Hufford National and West Florida Advertising The Northern Gulf Coast: gary@southwindssailing.com Florida Panhandle, Alabama, (727) 585-2814 Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Kim Kaminski Florida Keys Regional Editor Rebecca Burg Kaminski_K@msn.com Regional Editor (850) 384-8941 angel@artoffshore.com (305) 304-5118 Production Heather Nicoll Sherry Beckett Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Arturo Perez Stephen Sommer

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Contributing Writers Rebecca Burg George Crook Rona Garm Meg & Hutch Hutchinson Jim Kransberger Roy Laughlin Capt. Bill Robinson Bruce Sanspree Morgan Stinemetz Jo Webnar

Contributing Photographers Rebecca Burg George Crook Cindy Goeber Meg & Hutch Hutchinson Kim Kaminski Jim Kransberger Bite Me Arturo Perez Bruce Sanspree Morgan Stinemetz EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some far-off and far-out place. SOUTHWINDS welcomes contributions in writing and photography, stories about sailing, racing, cruising, maintenance and other technical articles and other sailing-related topics. Please submit all articles electronically by e-mail (mailed-in discs also accepted), and with photographs, if possible. We also accept photographs alone, for cover shots, racing, cruising and just funny entertaining shots. Please take them at a high resolution if digital, or scan at 300 dpi if photos, or mail them to us for scanning. Contact the editor with questions. Subscriptions to SOUTHWINDS are available at $12/year, or $20/2 years for third class, and $24/year for first class. Checks and credit card numbers may be mailed with name and address to SOUTHWINDS Subscriptions, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL, 34218-1175, or call (941) 795-8704. Subscriptions are also available with a credit card through a secure server on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations throughout 10 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

Read SOUTHWINDS magazine on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. 6

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

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Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

FROM THE HELM HURRICANE SEASON 2004 BEGINS JUNE 1 (and ends November 30)

ith June we again have the beginning of another hurricane season, a season that strongly affects the readers of Southwinds, who mainly live in those states most threatened by tropical storms-from North Carolina south into Florida and into the Gulf Coast states. In this issue we have information and articles on helping you prepare your boat for tropical storms. You can also go to our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com (our new recently redesigned site), go to past issues, July 2002, and get an article which is a BoatUS (also go to the BoatUS Web site, www.boatUS.com) reprint about more information on protecting your boat in storm conditions, along with some success stories. SOUTHWINDS will, in the coming months, print more stories about others’ experiences with their boats and how they fared in these storms. This year, forecasters predicted eight hurricanes, three of which they foresee being intense storms (this does not discount the severe damage that a tropical storm can do). They are predicting a 52 percent chance of a major storm (category 4 or 5) to hit the East Coast, including the Florida peninsula, and a 40 percent chance that one will hit the Florida Panhandle west through Texas. Here in the Tampa Bay area, many feel they live in an region which has little chance of a major storm, although, a few days after 9/11 (which resulted in little coverage of the storm), in 2001, tropical storm Gabrielle, though not of hurricane strength, did enough damage, largely because of the storm surge, to boats that some were completely destroyed, along with some serious marina damage. See page 28-30 where we have an article about protecting your boat in a marina and dealing with marinas.

Photo Contest

Many whom I have talked to, especially in the Tampa Bay area, have no real plan beyond, “I’ll worry about it when it happens,” or, “I’ll probably take it over to an anchorage I know.” Most have one common theme: “I’ll make sure I’m current on my insurance payments.” In 1979, only two weeks after my girlfriend and I had returned from a summer cruising the Bahamas, while living in southeast Florida and under the threat of Hurricane David, I spent a long day moving my 26-foot sailboat to an anchorage that was a well-known protected hurricane hole. A lot of boats were moving on the ICW that day, and fortunately the anchorage I came to rest at was not too crowded. I was lucky enough, after the storm moved through, to have minimal (a broken topping lift and smashed compass) damage to the boat and two muddy anchors to clean. We spent the week in a small apartment with a filled bathtub watching weather reports on TV. Today, 25 years later with a lot more boats out there, I wonder how many boats would crowd the ICW and other waters as they all scramble to find that perfect hurricane hole. Let’s all hope for a quiet hurricane season, with minimal impact-but let’s not forget to work on having a plan. Have extra lines and fenders ready, extra anchors for those hurricane holes, and everything else needed to minimize damage from wind and storm surge. And a safe and happy hurricane season to all. Steve Morrell Editor

SOUTHWINDS announces the

for photos for the

2005

SOUTHWINDS Calendar Send your photo in! Go to our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com for more information. 8

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

2004-2005 West Florida Racing Calendar & Yacht Club Directory. This calendar will cover West Florida racing from September 2004 through August 2005. Call now to advertise in this publication: Steve Morrell, Editor, (941) 795-8704, editor@southwindssailing.com Gary Hufford, Advertising Representative, (727) 585-2014, gary@southwindssailing.com Contact Steve Morrell, Editor, to list your upcoming races and regattas! www.southwindssailing.com

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

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. CHANGES IN THE CUBA SAILING SCENE You may have already heard about this new marina in Cuba. It is in a very useful location, though it wasn’t open when we were in the area last in February, 2003. We have found many changes (mostly for the better) on the south coast of Cuba since the Calder and Simon cruising guides were published—Cubanacan and Gaviota are taking up the slack left by PuertoSol at several marinas, including Marina Siguanea on Isla de Juventud, Cayo Largo and Casilda/Trinidad. Some charterboat companies have found fertile ground here, too: SunSail has a bunch of cats and monohulls at Casilda, a Canadian guy is starting up at Cayo Largo, and Patten Yachts is at Cienfuegos. There is a hefty $10/day/person tax on charterers, though time will tell how well these businesses fare. The challenges to this type of tourist business are pretty big right now, including the prohibition on Russian citizens being on any private boats in Cuba. (Seems some Russians chartered a boat and took it to Florida to defect!) Since 2002, the port of Cabo Cruz is now closed to foreign boats. We were allowed to anchor near the entrance to the harbor and even to dinghy around a bit but were not given permission to go ashore. The village is for fishermen and military personnel only. Too bad—it looks pretty, and the lighthouse was touted to be a nice climb. Fair winds, Elena Pimiento s/v Habanero III Elena, Ah! What Cuba must be like for those who can go. But it is good to hear about changes in the island’s sailing and cruising community just to whet our appetite. Thanks for doing that. Hopefully, we won’t be punished for thinking about spending our money. For those who have not heard, it was recently reported that at the end of 2003 the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had 21 fulltime agents working Cuba violations and just four fulltime workers hunting Bin Laden’s and Saddam’s riches. That’s an interesting allocation of funds. Editor

PETER GOLDSMITH SPEAKS THE TRUTH ABOUT U.S. GOVERNMENT’S ACTIONS IN CUBA RACE Thank you, thank you, for publishing the news and letters concerning the U.S./Cuba relations and the Conch Republic fiasco. I have traveled to Cuba with my fellow sailors in the Conch Republic Cup race. I’ve seen firsthand the thousands of dollars worth of medical and humanitarian aid the sailors brought with them for the people of Cuba. The “Grand Jury” investigation, currently ongoing in Key West, speaks to what is wrong with our present leadership in Washington today. Thank you, Rebecca Burg, for helping to spread the truth. I was there; I saw it all. Peter Goldsmith is telling the truth See LETTERS continued on page 13 10

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

Call for Special New Yacht Discounts

New 2004 MAINSHIP 40 – Hull #139 in stock

New 4' 11" Wing Keel Available

Call for Special New Yacht Discounts

New 4' 11" Wing Keel On Order

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LETTERS Continued from page 10 editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com PO Box 1175,Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705

about the final hours before the race of 2003. Signed A sad sailor Name withheld for fear of government reprisal Sad, We are planning to continue bringing updates on the Cuba situation and Peter Goldsmith’s dealings with the U.S. government. Please take a look at Morgan Stinemetz’s article in this issue on his recent sail to Cuba (he went under permit from OFAC as a journalist in April). It is interesting reading on the logistics of making the crossing by sailboat and his experiences in Cuba. Unfortunately, the current administration has recently tightened travel restrictions to Cuba for Americans and their freedom to spend their money there. I guess Bush thinks the money doesn’t belong to the people who earned it, although I swear he said something contrary to that about taxes. Editor

CUBAN DICTATORSHIP CONTINUES When you so often and so eloquently call for normal relations with the country 90 miles from here, do you keep in mind that it is the longest-lasting dictatorship in the Western World? Are you aware and willing to make your readers aware that in Cuba there are hundreds of jailed and persecuted political prisoners? While you guys party, the Communist Party there ruins lives with impunity. Think about that when you want to advocate business as usual... Sincerely, Frank Resillez Frank, I just don’t believe embargoes work. In my opinion, open movement between peoples is the best way for democracies to evolve and emerge, and one of the best ways for that to happen is through trade, besides interaction in other areas such as education, tourism, etc. People talk and interact, and I believe this will bring about change in the Cuban system of government faster than anything else. I believe that embargoes are at the bottom of the list in terms of change and the top of the list in maintaining the status quo. Besides, Cuba is the biggest island in the Caribbean, and a lot of people want to sail there. They have a right to, and this is a sailing magazine. Editor

BOAT SCAM RESPONSE The inquiry to purchase a boat unseen by a foreigner is usually a scam. What often happens is he sends a cashier’s check for a greater amount and asks you to wire the difference to his account. You think you have a good deal, but the check takes about two weeks to be discovered counterfeit, and you have already sent the difference. The bank charges back the total amount from you, and you are out the money forwarded to the account (which is usually overseas). Also, no one shows up to pick up the boat/car/property deed. The criminals involved in this are often associated with the “poor souls” who have lost their royal family member and want to trust you, a “friend” they never met, with deposSee LETTERS continued on page 14 NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

36 Salon

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LETTERS Continued from page 13 editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com PO Box 1175,Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705

iting money to be held but need taxes paid or some other fee. The best thing to do is not even reply to deals that seem too good to be true. Any sailor worth his salt will survey a boat or have someone do so on his behalf. Federal agencies do investigate such cases if there is a loss. They have stopped compiling all such leads/faxes/emails making the offer. There have been sad cases of retired folks being bilked of life funds on such scams. In other cases, people who traveled overseas to make bank deposits have been kidnapped and more funds extorted as ransom. To Bob: your BS detector was working well that day. I hope you find a real buyer for your boat. (Sorry, I already have one.) Good luck, R. G. Former fraud investigator

CELL PHONE USE IN THE BAHAMAS I’m writing again, this time to offer what I can for your reader asking about using cell phones in the Bahamas. I’ve been dealing with the subject for a few years now, and I’ve yet to complete a call with my phone from the United States. The most foolproof advice I can give is to get a phone from the Bahamas Telephone Company (BATELCO). I don’t know how to do this from the United States, and it may not be practical anyway. The coverage provided by BATELCO is quite good. I see a signal on my U.S. phones over most of the northern and central Bahamas, even when far out of sight of land. When I try to make a call, I connect to something and get a recording, but I’ve never been able to complete the call. The only people I’ve witnessed making a call from a U.S. phone in the Bahamas were using Cingular. I used Cingular two years ago, but I was never successful using them in the Bahamas. They used to require you to preregister for use in the Bahamas. That meant that you call them before you leave and ask to be put on the Bahamas system for the days you expect to be there. I found that for many holiday weekends, they sell out all their spots weeks in advance and can’t get you on. They also would charge $1 per day to be on, regardless of whether you make any calls. I’ve also heard that they recently dropped the pre-registration requirement. I now use ATT Wireless. I’ve never been successful using them in the Bahamas either, though when I ask customer service about it, they tell me that I should be able to. So, next to getting a BATELCO phone, I suggest finding a fellow cruiser who has been successful with his U.S. phone in the Bahamas, and ask a lot of questions (what phone technology, pre-registering, international calling, etc.) And, don’t count on the customer service of your phone company to be any help. When you’re out there and your phone doesn’t work, you can’t call them back until you return, and then what you learn will only be useful for your next cruise. Norm Hansen Highland Beach With respect to U.S. or Canadian cell phones in the Bahamas, it seems that some services work occasionally, possibly with outrageous roaming charges that show up weeks later. No U.S. system is reliable there, since BATELCO seems to preSee LETTERS continued on page 17 14

June 2004

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NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

1994 Morgan 45 • $194,500 46 Beneteau 2000 . . . . . . . . .$279,500 46 Beneteau 1997 . . . . . . . . .$199,000 45 Morgan 1994 . . . . . . . . . .$195,000 45 Morgan 1991 . . . . . . . . . .$194,500 45 Hunter 1999 . . . . . . . . . .$229,000 44 Morgan 1990 . . . . . . . . . .$169,900 43 Hunter 1997 . . . . . . . . . .$169,500 43 Hunter 1996 . . . . . . . . . .$168,900 42 Beneteau 1983 . . . . . . . . . .$72,000 42 Hunter CC 1997 . . . . . . .$189,500 42 Hunter 1996 . . . . . . . . . .$177,500 42-2 Catalina 2001 . . . . . . . .$189,500 411 Beneteau 2001 . . . . . . . .$174,000 41 Morgan Classic 1989 . . . .$119,900 40-2 Jeanneau 2001 . . . . . . . .$175,500

2001 Beneteau 411 • $174,000 40.5 Hunter 1993 . . . . . . . . .$119,900 40 Jeanneau 2000 . . . . . . . . .$184,000 40 Hunter 1992 . . . . SOLD . . . . . .$115,000 40 Catalina 1996 . . . . . . . . . .$134,900 40 CC Beneteau 1997 . SOLD . . . . . .$134,500 40 Beneteau 1997 . . . . . . . . .$134,500 38 Beneteau 2001 . . . . . . . . .$147,000 38 Hunter 2000 . . . . . . . . . .$115,000 38 Catalina 2000 . . . . . . . . . .$134,000 38 Catalina 1999 . . . . . . . . . .$152,000 38 Catalina 1981 . . . . . . . . . . .$40,000 38 Morgan 1979 . . . . . . . . . . .$59,900 38 CC Morgan 1997 . . . . . . .$125,000 37 Jeanneau 1996 . . . . . . . . . .$69,900 37 Hunter 1997 . . . . . . . . . . .$82,000

1999 Catalina 380 • $152,000 37 Beneteau 1986 . . . . . . . . . .$61,900 36 Catalina 1999 . . . . . . . . . .$115,000 36 Catalina 1994 . . . . . . . . . .$66,200 36 Catalina 1990 . . . . . . . . . .$71,5000 36 Jeanneau 1997 . . . . . . . . . .$92,500 35 Catalina 2003 . . . . . . . . . .$154,500 35 Beneteau 1996 . . . . . . . . . .$77,500 34 Hunter 2001 . . . . . . . . . . .$97,500 34 Catalina 1994 . . . . . . . . . . .$74,500 33 Hunter 1995 . . . . . . . . . . .$64,500 320 Catalina 1996 . . . . . . . . . .$69,900 310 Catalina 2003 . . . . . . . . . .$91,000 30 Hunter 1988 . . . . . . . . . . .$36,000 29.5 Hunter 1995 . . . . . . . . . .$46,900 290 Hunter 2000 . . . . . . . . . .$59,900

2003 Catalina 310 • $91,000

1996 Hunter 42 CC • $177,500

1994 Catalina 34 • $74,500

All listings are Massey centrals

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LETTERS Continued from page 14 editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com PO Box 1175,Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705

vent U.S. phones from working once they discover that they do work. For reliable cell phone service in the Bahamas, you are stuck with signing up for Bahamian (BATELCO) service or using a satellite phone like Globalstar. Calling the United States from a landline in the Bahamas costs $1 per minute using a BATELCO card. Most people learn to rely on e-mail! Colin Ward Green Cove Springs, FL Colin and Norm, Although, I too, take my cell phone almost everywhere (not everywhere - I do have my standards). I remember when I was young and used to backpack into the mountains frequently on extended trips. One of the pleasures was being out of range of anyone getting hold of me, and also, not hearing from the rest of the world. It was a real escape. In the Bahamas, 25 years ago, on my first sailboat escape, which lasted several months, my only radio (and only electronic gadget) was an AM radio, and I was in a similar situation. Are we sure these cell phones everywhere are a good thing? I remember the Bahamas, like the backcountry, as a wild place. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long and no place on earth will be safe from cell phone use, and all that will be over, probably forever. Sentimentalities aside, Southwinds will continue to publish this information to help those out there who cannot get away from everything. Besides, somebody once told me that it was because of the cell phone and the fact that they could take it with them that enabled them to get away-maybe not from everything, but from a lot more than being without it. Editor

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

Bubba Marvels at Tripwireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sway with Women By Morgan Stinemetz

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

SHORT TACKS Upcoming Major Events in the Southern Sailing Community & News of Interest to Southern Sailors See Local Racing Schedules and Non-Racing Calendar of Events in the Regional Sections: ■

Charleston Maritime Festival, June 17-20, Charleston, SC The largest gathering of tall ships in the United States this year to date will be berthed in Charleston Harbor over Father’s Day weekend. Sailing, boat building, music, food, festivities. www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com or call (843) 722-1030. See festival advertisement page 17 for more information. ■

June 20-21, Summer Sailstice Celebrates Its 4th Year with a Grand Prize of a Weeklong Moorings Charter Summer Sailstice(tm) is a new, global holiday celebrating sailing annually on the solstice, the longest sailing day of

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

the year. June 2004 will be the fourth anniversary of this global sailing holiday founded by John Arndt in 2000, which every year increases in both sailor participation levels and geographic distribution. In 2003, over 1,400 people signed up with Summer Sailstice from all over the world, growing from 400 in 2002 and 200 in 2001. Sailors signed up from 12 countries, 40 states in the United States, five Canadian provinces and sailed as far north as Alaska and as far south as Venezuela. The farthest east and west was Tel Aviv in the Med and Tokyo in Japan! One early bird sign-up for 2004 will be sailing in Croatia. Summer Sailstice 2003 was on June 21, and because 2004 is a leap year, June 21 was going to fall on a Monday. However, due to the careful calculations of celestial physicists, they’ve determined solstice 2004 to fall on June 20 – a Sunday and therefore still on the weekend. This according to the old Farmers Almanac. However, if you search enough, you can find some that will call Monday the 21st the solstice, so we’d suggest you make it a three-day weekend and go sailing both days just to make sure. This year, Summer Sailstice is offering a grand prize of a weeklong charter courtesy of The Moorings located in the British Virgin Islands. “WOW, what a

great grand prize for 2004,” notes Sherrie Bonk of White Bear Lake, MN. “I will definitely be signing up for Summer Sailstice 2004 and will be telling friends to sign up, too, in hopes that they would consider taking me with them on the weeklong charter in the BVI if they win...well, at least now I have something to think about while I sit here and freeze in ‘Minnesnowta.’ ” In addition to The Moorings charter, Summer Sailstice 2004 prizes include a $500 shopping spree at the West Marine and over 100 others listed on the Summer Sailstice Web site, www.summersailstice.com. Prizes are awarded by random drawing to those participating in Summer Sailstice sailing on June 19-20 and signed up online at www.summersailstice.com. The Summer Sailstice Web site helps sailors connect with other sailors by giving them a chance to post their sailing plans online and find other sailing crews to sail on the longest day of the year or just check in and see what’s happening in their region of the Northern Hemisphere. Sailors celebrate in all shapes and sizes of boats; the largest party in 2003 included over 300 people celebrating at OCSC Sailing in Berkeley, CA, and the most members of a single yacht club signed up was from the Branched Oak Yacht Club in Nebraska. The smallest boat

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participating in last year’s celebration was an El Toro, with the largest boat a Santa Cruz 52. Summer Sailstice is not simply about where you sail, how you sail or why you sail. This global holiday for sailors is intended to celebrate the freedom we all have to sail. If you haven’t already planned to go sailing, or racing or cruising on the weekend of June 1920, organize your friends, your yacht club, your class association or your kids now and make your Summer Sailstice plans. Summer Sailstice 2004 is not to be missed. For more information, visit and sign up at www.summersailstice.com. Fair winds! ■

Regatta Time in Abaco July 2-10, Abacos, Bahamas One of the largest and most popular regattas in the Bahamas. Starts with the captain’s meeting on July 2 and then eight days of racing and festivities in the Abacos. Web site: www.rtia.net, Jon and Carol Ewing, (305) 665-0316, Fax: (305) 665-0318, E-mail: lightning@cofs.com. See regatta advertisement page 23.

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW): NMMA and MOAA Join Growing Coalition for Grassroots Effort to Save the AIWW What is the AIWW and what is the problem? The AIWW connects Virginia to Florida, providing for a navigable waterway that is vital to this nation’s infrastructure. The AIWW is used by various groups, not least of which are the thousands of recreational boaters who seasonally travel to and from Florida in an effort to escape the harshness of winter along with various commercial entities. Congress originally authorized the AIWW to be created and maintained at a depth of 12 feet. Unfortunately, due to a continuing decline in budget allocations to the Army Corps of Engineers, the entity responsible for the AIWW, there is currently a backlog of maintenance projects, and it is estimated to take $38-million to restore the AIWW. Why should I care? The U.S. Coast Guard closed the AIWW in December 2003 at Lockwood’s Folly Inlet, NC, because the depth there was less than three feet at low tide. This closing has created serious safety concerns and delays in fuel shipments to military bases along the waterway. Safety is a very real concern throughout the AIWW. A recent fatality of a professional captain in South Carolina increases concerns about the dangers boaters face when they are forced to leave the AIWW and travel the ocean. The AIWW is going to close unless it is funded! How do I get involved? Please con-

tact your member of Congress regarding the funding crisis affecting the AIWW by visiting NMMA’s B.O.A.T. Web site. You can customize the letter to suit your company or simply add the address of your elected representative and send. Please copy jgabriel@nmma.org when you respond to your elected representatives. For more information, please contact NMMA’s legislative counsel, Jeff Gabriel, at jgabriel@nmma.org or (202) 737-9764. Also contact Rosemary Lynch, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Assn. (703) 719-7273. Post ICW Conditions Online: www.atlintracoastal.org. This Web site has a discussion page so that users can communicate with each other and post waterway condition updates that will help others. ■

New Round The World Sailing Record for Fossett and Crew on Cheyenne: Nearly six days faster than previous mark, April 5, Isle d’Ouessant, France Fifty-eight days, 9 hours, 32 minutes, 45 seconds after taking the start on February 7, American skipper Steve Fossett and his international crew of 12 aboard the 125-foot maxi-catamaran Cheyenne crossed the official WSSRC start-finish line at Le Stiff lighthouse on the French island of Ouessant (Ushant). They have just demolished the two-year-old Round

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

SHORT TACKS The World Sailing record by almost six days (an improvement of 5d 23h 4m 39s). Their time topples the May 2002 mark of Bruno Peyron and Orange I, and fullfils Fossett’s decade-old ambition to achieve “the most important record in sailing.” Steve Fossett speaking from Cheyenne via satellite phone at the finish line, “The past 24 hours were slow at first, but improving winds became very strong by the time we crossed the line with 2 reefs and staysail. It was very dramatic. We had our hands full—around this island the tides were whirling. Everyone is just so happy; we are all emotionally drained. It’s quite a celebration. Everybody on this crew is absolutely delighted; this is a satisfying moment for all of us.” When asked if he ever thought he would not make it, Steve said,”When we started out, I thought the chance was 50/50 that we would get around. Then I wondered that the boat might not be fast enough...” For more information go to www.fossettchallenge.com.

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

Sailrocket. Courtesy sailrocket Web site.

SailRocket Aims at the World Speed Record Sailrocket, a radical-looking new two-hulled sailboat, was recently launched on April 23 in England. The “catamaran,” one of the most unusuallooking sailboats to hit the water, was the design of Malcolm Barnsley, along with Paul Larsen, the man behind the project. The current record held by the Australian boat, Yellow Pages, stands at 46.52

knots and remains unmatched since 1992. Many believe that the record has remained unbroken for that long because the design of Yellow Pages was at its limit and a new design would be needed. Larsen, an Australian who lives in Southampton, and Barnsley hope to have created that new design with

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Sailrocket. They also hope to break the 50knot barrier with the boat. Several other international projects are currently under way in the effort to break those two barriers. Many should be launching their boats in the near future. Windsurfers are rapidly approaching the Yellow Pages record and there is a current campaign on to continue that effort. For more information on Sailrocket go to www.whbs.demon.co.uk/sr2/. ■

The US Coast Guard Changes Local Notices to Mariners The Coast Guard is changing the way notices will be made available to the public. It will continue to publish electronic versions of these notices and make them available free of charge via the Internet, but it will no longer print and mail copies of each notice. This change took effect April 1. For Local Notices to Mariners, go to: www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/.

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Hunter Marine is the Official Sailboat of the 2004 Water Works Wonders Tour. Hunter Marine Corporation of Alachua, FL, has again joined the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to support the Discover Boating and Fishing Tour presented by Water Works Wonders. Hunter Marine will display a new Hunter 146 sailboat at each of the 25 stops of the tour throughout the United States to promote boating and fishing. The tour is housed in a 53-foot custom trailer that is emblazoned with images of boats and the logos of the participating companies. Once on-site, the trailer unfolds to house a selection of exhibits ranging from the ocean floor and the fisheries to several types of boats to enjoy the water with. “The Hunter 146 was chosen as a perfect example of a family sailboat,” said John Peterson, Hunter Marine’s sales and marketing director. “The boat is stable and easy to trailer and sail. It is also unsinkable, which will give parents and their children a higher level of confidence to learn how much fun sailing can be,” he added.

“This is the second year for the WWW Tour, and Hunter Marine has been with us since the beginning,” said John Marcinek, NMMA’s integrated marketing director. “They experienced additional interest and sales during last year ’s tour, and we are extremely pleased to have them back with us as our sailing partner this year,” he added. ■

Cruising Cookbook Makes list of Best Florida Cookbooks The Galley K.I.S.S. Cookbook and Cruising Galley K.I.S.S. Cookbook II, by Corinne Kanter, by Sailco Press, was selected among 83 Florida cookbooks selected to contribute in the Best of the Best from Florida Cookbooks from Quail Ridge Press. The Cruising K.I.S.S. Cookbook II is Corinne’s third and most detailed cookbook. Her first book, the Galley K.I.S.S. Cookbook, sold over 25,000 copies and was acclaimed the best-selling marine cookbook ever. The cookbooks are available nationally at West Marine, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and most national chains and chandleries. The book may also be purchased online at: www.sailcopress.com.

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

CUBA

Annual Hemingway fishing tournement sign welcomes travelers to the quay where boats and passengers are cleared into the country by Cuban officials.

Against All Odds

Sailing to Cuba 2004 By Morgan Stinemetz

t was as if the Gulf Stream and the Straits of Florida had been paying attention to presidential proclamations regard ing travel to Cuba. This time, as opposed to four other times I have crossed that stretch of blue, the trip down to Cuba was tough. My sole crew member, John Lollar of Texas, and I left from the Dry Tortugas at 3 p.m. on a Thursday, after arriving there only that same morning at first light. The forecast was for winds out in the Stream to get to 20. They were, however, a steady 25 knots. The gusts hit 30. The waves were most likely 10-12, which is a large lump for a 27-foot boat. Some were breaking. Most were not. Still, it was more than we bargained for. I got both seasick and hypothermic. The former was a first, which cleared up right after my obligatory bout of parking my lunch in my Ericson 27â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wake. The hypothermia came 24

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

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our east was the skyline of when a miscreant wave manHavana. aged to slosh cold water right Marina Hemingway, our down the neck of my foul destination, was somewhere weather gear and soak me to in the middle. Finally, with the skin. It may have been Nigel Calder’s guide to help late April out in the Straits of us locate the landmarks, we Florida, but it felt like winter picked out the entrance to me. through the reef into Marina Because of my condiHemingway. The sea buoy tion, Lollar got stuck with (red, black and white vertimost of the steering that night, and he responded like If you lead an exemplary life, your ideas will endure. Cuba was celebrating cal stripes) is just a quarter mile from the reef. The way a soldier. We were doing it all the 45th anniversay of the revolution the day after we departed. through the reef is marked by hand. The autopilot I have with two big red cones to starboard and two stakes to port. It on board is useless in stuff like that anyway. is a tight squeeze, not to be tried at night. The rhumb line course from the Dry Tortugas, where we As one enters the cut, a Guarda Frontera (Cuban Coast departed, to the entrance of Marina Hemingway, eight miles Guard) building, painted blue, will show up 45 degrees off west of Havana, was 175 degrees. The best we could do was the port bow. Though we had called on channel 16 several 195. Southeasterly winds wouldn’t allow us to sail the boat times—entering Cuban territorial waters, six miles out, three where we wanted to go, so we hoped that we could get a lift miles out and again near the sea buoy—we got no response. from the east-going current. Inside the reef, however, an official came out and waved us Some time during the night, the exact time was never rearound the 90-degree left turn around the seawall. Fenders corded, the working jib blew out. It ripped along the foot, out, we stopped along the concrete seawall and welcomed and the clew also ripped out. After a trip to the foredeck, harthe various officials aboard. First was a doctor who also did ness and tether hooked up to hard points nearly every secan agricultural inspection. We brought no eggs or fresh meat. ond, I got the jib under control and under some heavy-duty They would have been confiscated. The doctor hit us up for shock cord that forms a V on the foredeck. From then on it some money, inspected the boat’s first aid kit and sprayed was sailing under the reefed main alone. The storm jib, which some kind of disinfectant into the head. He was aboard for at I carry all the time, was not in a place where it could be recovleast 20 minutes. We also had Cuban customs, immigration, ered easily. It was buried under mountains of things in disarthe Guarda Frontera and, I suppose, the equivalent of the ray, in a locker in the forepeak. Standing up and attempting Cuban DEA. The latter came with a dog that sniffed around to get it was not in my cards. The cold was leaching my ability to think clearly right out of my gray matter. As John steered around and over big waves, I managed to get out of the wet clothing and into something dry and warm. It wasn’t fleece; it was only cotton, but it was dry cotton. My sea boots that I managed to struggle into far too late provided the capper. Warm and dry is life-giving after cold and damp. Sometime in the early morning hours we could see the loom of Havana off to the east. We were steering 180. Sailing due south toward an unlighted shore with an off-lying reef made me start shivering again, so we tacked over to port and sailed 060. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t fast. It was, on the other hand, safe. After sunrise, we were able to pick out some of the features of the Cuban coastline. To our south was a tabletop kind of mountain, so we were west of where we wanted to go. To NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

CUBA Coffee-drinking writer, Katherine McDowlan and John Lollar of Texas at dinner at El Ajibe.

for contraband. We were clean. Assigned a slip on Canal One, the one closest to the ocean, we tied up and relaxed. One uses up an amazing amount of energy sailing in rough seas and clearing into a foreign country. It felt real good to have to do nothing whatsoever. From my perspective, Cuba has changed since I was there last in 1999. There seem to be more regulations, more restrictions. Americans, though now a rare commodity because of the draconian rules involving travel to Cuba promulgated by the Bush administration, are not the curiosity they once were. On the other hand, it seems that the authorities have more experience with Americans and can handle some of the curve balls that come their way. The best game plan is to tell all and hide nothing. Though our check-in inspection was cursory at best, having a Cuban official uncover something you were trying to bring in covertly would bring real headaches. I suppose, if the transgression were bad enough, they could tell you to leave. Cab fares into Havana are about the same as last time, $10. It’s a good value for two. The Cuban people have lost none of their sense of humor or appreciation of life. Their spirit and friendliness bridge all kinds of linguistic gaps. Most know some English. Some can speak Russian, too. If there is a treasure to be found in Cuba, it lies in the heart of its people. Downtown Havana looks less battered. The Museum of the Revolution is the former presidential palace, and we were able to tour it for a couple of hours. It is worth the effort. The setting is lavish, several stories tall and reminds one that Batista lived large. Old Havana (Habana Vieja) has in it several gorgeous hotels. Hotel Florida and Hotel Raquel are but two. They are totally restored, doubtless by foreign capital, and exude charm and style. A double is $140 a night, cash. But staying in Habana Vieja is the real deal. We stayed on the boat, I blush to admit. We hit some of the hot spots. I spent $6 for a daiquiri at Hemingway’s old haunt, La Floridita Lounge, until I found that they were half that amount and even better just a few doors down the street, where we could sit outside and watch the ebb and flow of the Cuban people. Practically within spitting distance is the Monserratt, another bar with music to die

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for inside. Cuban musicians don’t seem to stop during their sets; it’s one long musical jubilee as they segue from one number to the next. Gets in your blood. Beer—most of which is excellent, particularly Fuerte and Crystal—goes for about $1.50 just about everywhere. It comes in bottles. Late on one day we managed to find ourselves in a bar where beer was only 50 cents. It wasn’t as good as the premium brands, and it was served in glasses made from cutoff Havana Club bottles. The rim of the glasses had not been beveled at all, so a seriously cut lip could come from inattention. We were down and dirty in local culture, to be sure, but I prefer better and higher priced beer and a more sophisticated atmosphere. Courtesy of a lovely English girl, Katherine McDowlan, who hosted a safari to the famous Tropicana nightclub, we got to see one of the legendary Cuban floorshows. A lavish production it certainly was, but it reminded me of the Ed Sullivan Show more than anything else. Balancing acts on bongo boards, frenetic dance numbers with themes of human sacrifice and such. Time warp city. The rate was $75 a head, and that included a bottle of the cheapest Havana Club rum, several colas and a tub of ice. There was far more of Cuba that we wanted to see, but I got bogged down in red tape attempting to get a journalist’s visa. I should have been issued one on entry into the country, but the technical details were beyond our immigration officer’s ken. Besides, it was nearly lunch hour—wherein all of Cuba shudders to a halt—and his boss was not to be found. After spending nearly a half a day with helpful people from the

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The entrance to Ernest Hemingway’s house outside Havana. Situated on a hillside with a distant view of Havana, the house is airy and open.

marina and hitting several different offices in downtown Havana, I was at the National Press Center when I was told I didn’t need a journalist’s visa. Upon my return to the boat, I was feeling kind of punk, when a female immigration officer, who spoke no English, showed up to tell me that I could not interview Cubans without a journalist’s visa. The Cuban bureaucracy is just as complicated and as inefficient as any other. Before we knew it, it was time to go. Checking out of Cuba was far easier than checking in. Maybe because a 27-foot boat is not all that big, but no one looked for stowaways this time. Clearing out took 45 minutes. The trip back to Key West was nearly as tough as the trip down. We couldn’t point in the seas and the wind. The blownout jib had been fixed by a Cuban sailmaker, by the way, and it held up. We sailed with a double-reefed main and the working jib. Hard going, and we came out miles west of where we wanted to be. We got to Key West by motor sailing up Southwest Channel. Once in the harbor, with the sails down, I called the Galleon Marina on channel 16. The Galleon came back. Tired beyond reason and with a hearing problem to boot—I wear hearing aids that were stored below where it was dry—I never could understand what the guy from the Galleon was saying. I was also talking to him on channel 16, a no-no. I thought he gave me a slip assignment of 19A when he was telling me to switch to 19A. If there was ever failure to communicate, this was it. We putted in the Galleon a half hour later and looked for 19A. When we found no 19A, I pulled into a slip temporarily, tied the boat up and—no kidding—staggered up to the dockmaster’s office. I had no equilibrium ashore. It was a bad case of sea legs, and I had sprained my ankle just before leaving Cuba. It is possible that the people in the Galleon dockmaster’s office thought I was drunk. In any case, the approaching transaction was filled with palpable angst. Maybe it was my talking on channel 16 that set it off. My coming into a slip that I hadn’t been assigned was probably another irritation for the Galleon’s personnel. Tired as I was, I was doing the best that I could. And NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

tired as I was, I also knew when we were just plain way in over our heads with the Galleon. It was bad, and it wasn’t going to get any better. It was a hell of a welcome home. We cut our losses on the spot, ignored the wayout-in-left-field slip assignment we eventually received and motored over to Key West Bight Marina where the attitude was as sunny and breezy as the weather. It felt good to be stationary. And as I am writing this, 12 days after arriving in Key West on April 30, it still feels real good. Clearing in with U.S. Customs was painless and efficient. They said nothing about the two opened bottles of Cuban rum sitting on the counter. Journalists are allowed to bring back such things. In the end, though, the government got the last word. Leaving Key West harbor for the last leg home to Bradenton, FL, we were passed by the Coast Guard cutter Monhegan, a 110-footer. The cutter threw off enough wake to roll my Ericson, and the more expensive bottle of rum rocketed off the counter and smashed on the floor. Hola!

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

Hurrricane Season 2004

Open June 1 By Kim Kaminski Photo by Cindy Goebel

ith the Memorial Day weekend behind us, it is time for us to focus on the Summer season ahead. Yes, summer has begun! And so has the Hurricane Season! Are you prepared? According to the weather experts, it looks as if we may have an “active” hurricane season this year. The 2004 season is expected to have an above average number of Atlantic basin tropical cyclones and an above average probability of U.S. hurricane landfall. The recent upturn in Atlantic basic hurricane activity, which was observed during four of the last nine seasons (1995, 1996, 1998 and 1999) is expected to continue in 2004. It is expected to be more active than most of the relatively quiet 1971-1994 seasonal periods. Active or not, it is always better to be prepared! Preparation can help you feel confident that you are ready to handle anything Mother Nature has in store for you! There are plenty of checklists available to help you in making the necessary preparations for protecting from threatening storms for your home and business, but don’t forget about protecting your boat! Here is a quick list to help you prepare

your boat for the possible storms that may come our way this season: • Arrange dock/anchor lines • Add chafe protection • Use extra fenders/fenderboards as needed • Put duct tape on windows and hatches • Insert plugs in engine ports • Strip boat of the bimini, sails, life rings, etc. • Disconnect shore power • Close fuel valves • Close all but the cockpit seacocks • Lock the boat • Notify marina manager Special Note: If you go out of town, arrange for a friend to carry out your plans during hurricane season. If you are in an area where drawbridges are in use, note that bridges will be closed permanently when winds reach 39 mph or land evacuation is ordered. Plan ahead so that this hurricane season will be a “safe” one. Be prepared!

Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2004 Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)

Issue Date Issue Date

Named Storms (NS) (9.6) Named Storm Days (NSD) (49.1) Hurricanes (H) (5.9) Hurricane Days (HD) (24.5) Intense Hurricanes (IH) (2.3) Intense Hurricane Days (IHD) (5.0) Hurricane Destruction Potential (HDP) (72.7) Net Tropical Cyclone Activity (NTC) (100%) 28

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12/5

4/2

13 55 7 30 3 6 85 125

14 60 8 35 3 8 100 145

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Probabilities for at least one major (Category 3-4-5) hurricane landfall on each of the following coastal areas: 1) Entire U.S. coastline - 71% (average for last century is 52%). 2) U.S. East Coast Including the Florida Peninsula – 52% (average for last century is 31%). 3) Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville – 40% (average for last century is 30%). 4) Expected above-average major hurricane landfall risk in the Caribbean. (Information provided by the 2004 Forecast by Dr. William M. Gray, Colorado State University, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences).

Hurricanes: Finding Safe Harbor in a Marina By Jo Webnar

veryone knows that hurricane damage can amount to over a billion dollars, but how about tropical storms? According to NOAA, “Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a category 5 hurricane has the strongest. These are relative terms, because lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

particular hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.” On September 14, 2001, tropical storm Gabrielle hit the west Florida coast. At 5 a.m. sustained winds were clocked at 70 mph, with gusts over 85 mph. Gabrielle arrived nine hours earlier than the 5 p.m. forecast, was stronger than anticipated, and surprised boaters who didn’t have enough warning to add extra lines. Reuters News Service reported the Manatee River was between 5 and 10 feet above flood stage caused by the 11 inches of rain from the storm. From Key West to Clearwater, tropical storm Gabrielle sank boats and destroyed marinas. Why? This was only a tropical storm. Are marinas in Florida built to withstand these storms? In the state of Florida, I could not find any state, municipal, or county regulations that require marinas to be built to a specific level to protect against wind velocity, storm surge, or flooding. If you sign a lease, a marina may tell you that it can withstand a class 1 or 2 hurricane, but you won’t see a guarantee in print, and it may not be the truth. There are numerous building ordinances for storm protection, but none of them apply to marinas. There are no set standards that any government agency I contacted was able to provide. What this means is that you are the only one responsible for the safety of your boat. Before you sign a contract, you might want to make sure that the marina is built well enough to withstand a class 2 hurricane. You’ll have to do your own research, because there is

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

HURRICANE

Photo by Capt. Bill Robinson

no law requiring the marina to provide you with any information. In the state of Florida, we have over 960,000 registered vessels and an estimated 400,000 visiting vessels. There are laws to protect the environment, the manatee, harbors, etc. It’s pretty amazing that although this is a large voting force, there is only one statute I could find that protects boaters. 327.59 Marina evacuations (1) After June 1, 1994, marinas may not adopt, maintain, or enforce policies pertaining to evacuation of vessels which require vessels to be removed from marinas following the issuance of a hurricane watch or warning, in order to ensure that protecting the lives and safety of vessel owners is placed before interests of protecting property. Many states do not even offer this protection. Virginia and North Carolina are two examples that allow marinas to force you to leave in the event of a hurricane. Many boaters are not aware that this can happen. If you are a live-aboard or cruiser, this can be life-threatening. These states need to revise their laws to protect human life. What would you do if you found yourself in the direct path of a hurricane? The more knowledge you have about the local tides, wind, and storm surges, the better chance you’ll have of getting through a hurricane. What should you look for in a marina? 1. Find a marina as far inland as possible. Barrier islands and bay marinas offer less protection. 2. Look for tall pilings that are secure. Storm surges can lift the boat high enough to be dropped on top of inadequate pilings (6 feet above gunwale). 3. Wide slips. You will need enough room to hold the boat in the middle of the slip—away from the pilings (140% of your

beam). 4. Check the cleats. Make sure they are mounted to the docks correctly and are large enough to hold your lines. 5. Look for a protected marina entrance that reduces wave action. Can the water come straight through the channel? If your boat is tossed around by wakes, imagine how it will ride during a hurricane. 6. Make sure the docks are maintained. 7. If possible, pick a slip that faces the direction of the approaching storm. 8. Ask the residents of the marina if there has been any previous storm damage and how they protected their boats. Remember that the area could be without electric for weeks. Cruisers and live-aboards should make sure their water and fuel tanks are full, and batteries are charged. Check to make sure that your bilge pump is working properly. After a storm, commercial fuel and water can be fouled, and electric is needed to pump fuel. Don’t wait for a hurricane; know what to do and where to go. If you are cruising, this is twice as important. Any pets aboard? There are motels and even upscale hotels that welcome pets, but make sure you know how you’ll transport them. It can be a real problem. Most taxicabs and public transportation do not allow dogs or cats without carriers. Many cruising magazines have important information on hurricane holes, and don’t buy a cruising guide without it. There are also excellent articles on the Internet and in boating magazines that will tell you how to prepare your boat. Don’t forget to prepare a list of important papers and possessions to take if you have to evacuate. You need to post your hurricane list in a handy place and update it as needed. Don’t stay with the boat if you can get to safety. Boats can be replaced; loss of life is never worth the risk.

More Hurricane Preparedness Information: See the July 2002 SOUTHWINDS reprint of the BoatUS article, Hurrican Preparedness, available online at the SOUTHWINDS Web site: www.southwindssailing.com/articles/0207/hurricaneprepare.html.

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

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BOATEK

By Stephen Sommer

SOLUTIONS TO ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AIR-CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION AND OTHER YACHT SYSTEMS

How slow is too slow for your diesel? Steve, I have heard that it is detrimental to run diesel engines at a low percentage of their rated output power. Is it detrimental to the life of my 30-horsepower engine to run it for two hours per day at 1200 rpm for battery charging?

our question touches upon one of the worst areas of misconception and bad information in the cruising technical world. While it’s true that it is possible to run a diesel at very low speeds and power output levels, harming the engine, this concern is grossly overdone in most cases. I have even seen companies doing a brisk business of selling huge load-banks for increasing the load on gensets, when the loads are low. This is rarely, if ever, required. If it’s not required, it’s a gross waste of diesel fuel and wear and tear. Rules of Thumb are useful for understanding the issue. Propellers and transmissions are matched so that 100 percent of an engine’s output is required to turn the propeller when the full speed output of the engine is reached. The pitch of the propeller is adjusted so that the full output of the engine is required to reach full rpm. The propeller curve defines the amount of power required to drive a propeller at slower rpm. Generally, the power required to drive a propeller increases with the “cube” of the rpm. For instance, if you are running at one half of full rpm, the horsepower required is 1/8 of full power (1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/8). If you find it hard to believe that you are using such a small fraction of the available power of your engine, consider this fuel consumption rule of thumb: Modern quality diesels consume about one gallon per hour for every 20 horsepower of output. If you usually use 1/2 gallon per hour of motoring, you are producing ten horsepower at most! One final rule of thumb: One horsepower is required for each 25 amps of alternator output, after allowing for various losses. In your case, if you have a 100-amp alternator, you are drawing about four horsepower from the engine. Let’s compare this to the propulsion load that the engine would be driving at that rpm. If your engine is properly matched to the propeller at 3600 rpm, you are charging at 1/3 of the full load speed, which

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SOUTHWINDS

means that you would be driving 1/27 (1/3 x 1/3 x 1/3) of 30 horsepower into the propeller if it were in gear, or about one horsepower. You are actually loading the engine much more heavily when charging than when motoring slowly, at 1200 rpm. If you charged at 1800 rpm, one half of full speed, you would be closely emulating motoring at 1800 rpm, which would require 1/8 (1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2) of 30 horsepower. The question, surprisingly, is whether you are overloading the engine when charging at 1200 rpm. There’s no simple rule of thumb for the issue of available horsepower from your engine. Try to get a power curve from your engine manufacturer that shows this. They almost always include a “propeller curve” also on these graphs, which will show you what power is available at medium speeds. It’s sometimes hard to find out whether the curve they provide defines to maximum possible output at various speeds, or whether it shows the power recommended for continuous operation. To be safe, avoid trying to use anywhere near all the available power. Generally, the power available is greatest at medium speeds, so when in doubt, avoid the lowest and the highest speeds when drawing a lot of accessory power from the engine. Now for the touchy issue of minimum speed: You will get every answer that you can imagine from sources that you expect to be well informed (remember the guys that sell genset load banks). One very well-respected diesel manufacturer provides some specifics. They define the oil change interval to be 250 hours or a specific number of gallons of fuel burned. If you do the math, you only get the 250 hours oil change interval if you run the engine at less than 1/ 4 of the maximum power level. That tells me that you certainly don’t have to run diesels at more than 1/4 power to keep them running okay. This same manufac-

turer claims that any power level is okay as long as the propeller is matched and as long as you do a full power run for a couple of minutes for every 5 to 10 hours of very low power operation. This same manufacturer provides a remote control extra low idle setting to make slow maneuvering easier. This tells me that they do not want you to use the extra low idle for long periods of time. Never let your engine run at bare idle speed for long periods. My personal rule of thumb is never leave an engine running at less than 1000 rpm. I wish I had this type of detailed information from a lot of manufacturers, but it doesn’t seem available. As always, check with your engine manufacturer’s recommendations, but it looks like you are okay. As with all lightly-loaded diesels, it would be a good idea to run the engine under load at near full power for a couple of minutes every few days. If you have a 200-amp alternator, I certainly wouldn’t worry about underloading the engine. I would even suggest that you run at a higher rpm to get to a higher point on the available power curve. Anytime you have accessories that can draw more than 20 percent of the engine’s power, I recommend that you install a switch in the cockpit that disables your alternator. It’s not often, but sometimes you need all the power for the propeller. Stephen Sommer is a degreed electrical engineer with extensive experience in electrical, mechanical, refrigeration and air conditioning systems and holds a USCG Masters license. He consults in all areas of yacht systems, which include all the equipment on board yachts beyond a basic hull and motor or sails. Have a systems problem or question? Ask Stephen Sommer. Email: boatek@southwindssailing.com. www.southwindssailing.com

Regional Sailing Services Directory See page 56 for West Florida Directory CAPTAIN SERVICES

SAILING INSTRUCTION/SCHOOLS

CAPT. JIMMY HENDON (727) 459-0801 ASA Cert./BBC Instruction * USCG Lic. Master Deliveries • Gulf • Atlantic • Caribbean (866) 221-2841 captainjimmy@gosolo.com

Floridaze Sailing School Pensacola ASA * Basic Instructon through chartering www.floridazesailing.com ......(850) 934-7924

MARINE DIESEL SERVICE

Oriental’s School of Sailing N. Carolina US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Oriental, NC. (252) 249-0960 www.sailingschooloriental.com

INLAND MARINE DIESEL...................Atlanta Service/Parts for all makes of diesel auxiliary New Engine Sales–Universal, Vetus, Yanmar, and Westerbeke......................(404) 513-4414

SUNRISE SAILS PLUS WEST FLORIDA Complete Yacht Outfitting Service Sails – New, Repair, Cleaning Complete rigging service, masts, cushions, canvas & more (941) 721-4471 sunrisesailsplus@msn.com

OUTBOARD MOTOR REPAIR

Beach St.Canvas/Rigging East Florida Canvas & Rigging Services, Upholstery Daytona Beach, Florida. (386) 253-6355 Rick Zern Florida’s Panhandle Rigging Services Gulf Breeze, FL rick@zernrigging.com .......... (850) 261-4219

DOYLE PLOCH SAILS (800)717-1406 New Sails, Service & Repairs - since 1978 3000 Gandy Blvd. - St. Petersburg

North Sails South Carolina Complete Sailmaking Services North Charleston, SC ........... (843) 744-7245

John Kellyy ................... Serving the Carolinas NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor. 100-ton ocean master & offshore catamaran owner www.yachtsurveyor.com ........ (910) 392-5054

RIGGING SERVICES

CALVERT SAILS UPPER FLORIDA KEYS Multihull and Monohull sails, racing/cruising 250 Industrial Drive, Islamorada (305) 664-8056 ........... www.calvertsails.com

GESLIN SAILMAKERS KEY WEST 201 William St. (305) 294-5854 ......... southwindssailing.com

MARINE SURVEYORS

Boaters Exchange ....................... East Florida All brands, specializing in Honda, Suzuki, Tohatsu, and Nissan. “The friendlist outboard repair on the East Coast!” Rockledge ............................ (321) 638-0090

SAILMAKING, REPAIRING AND CLEANING

Windward Sailling School NE Florida ASA Instructor of the year 2002-2003 Certifications from basic sailing through Bareboat Chartering, Keelboat, etc. www.windwardsailing.com Fernandina Beach, FL ........... (904) 261-9125

ADVERTISE FOR $8-10 A MONTH Rent a three-line ad for $8 a month – a four-line ad for $10 a month Call (941) 795-8704

SUPER SAILMAKERS FT. LAUDERDALE Quality custom sails, repairs since 1973 (800) 541-7601 ............ supersailmakers.com Wind Dancer Sailmakers NE Florida Sailmaking and repairs Jacksonville, FL ..................... (904) 384-3102

1" Tall AD - $20 a Month 2" Tall Ad - $34 a Month Call (941) 795-8704.

ADVERTISE YOUR SAILING SERVICES IN OUR NEW DIRECTORY. See the sample ads in the directory above for prices. Contact a sales representative for advertising. Steve Morrell editor@southwindssailing.com (941) 795-8704 Florida Keys Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com (305) 304-5118

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Gary Hufford gary@southwindssailing.com (727) 585-2814

The Southeast Coast: Carolinas and Georgia Rona Garm rgarm@ec.rr.com (910) 395-0189

The Northern Gulf Coast: Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas Kim Kaminski Kaminski_K@msn.com (850) 384-8941 SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

XXXVI REGATTA DEL SOL

St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s 456 mile race to Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Start of the Regata del Sol al Sol in St. Petersburg.

By George Crook

rue Cruising and Non-Spinnaker boats started off the 36th Regata del Sol al Sol on April 20 with 8 to 10 knot winds at the starting line in Tampa Start of the Regata del Sol al Sol in St. Petersburg. Bay. The afternoon breeze set in at 3:30 p.m., and the boats were off to a great race with winds of 10 Commodore Lima’s Casa de las Rocas for skippers, navigato 25 knots. Multihull and Spinnaker boats started the foltors and authorities. Commodore Lima is 92 years of age and lowing day. After leaving Tampa Bay all boats were on a reach was the founder of the Isla Mujeres race 36 years ago. for the balance of the race. Steve Mills, on his J125 Velox, had A reception was held by Mayor Paulino Adame at the the fastest time to Isla Mujeres with an elapsed time of 63 Isla Mujeres City Hall where skippers, commodores, officials hours, 30 minutes, 15 seconds. Steve was within 1 hour, 44 and race committee chairman were declared Distinguished minutes of the record set by Rosebud in 2003. James Fauske’s Guests of the Island. Lagoon 47, Sierra Hotel, established a new record for multihull After the reception Miss Regata del Sol al Sol was boats with an elapsed time of 66 hours, 48 minutes, 40 seccrowned, followed by Mexican dancers on the square by the onds. First overall was Ryan Cox’s Island Packet 42, Southern City Hall. The race committee presented numerous supplies Cross, with a corrected time of 44 hours, 12 minutes. to the local firemen to supplement the fire truck donated by True cruising was the largest class with 16 boats. Fred St. Petersburg Yacht Club and Pinellas County last year. Bickley’s Irwin 44, Mango Latitudes, was first in True Cruising A beach party with volleyball competition was on 1; Ryan Cox, on his Island Packet 42, Southern Cross, was first Wednesday. The Regata del Sol al Sol trophy presentation was in True Cruising 2, and Kenneth McKinney’s Hunter 37, held at Hotel Maria del Mar on the beach on Thursday Quidam, came in first in True Cruising 3. Sierra Hotel was first evening. This was an elegant party with tables on the sand in Spinnaker class, and Mitchell Massie’s Island Packet 42, with white embroidered tablecloths and silverware. Sailors Reflection, was first in Non-Spinnaker. enjoyed the outdoor environment and an elegant dinner with Each boat reported their coordinates daily, and their lotheir feet in the sand. cations were available to family and friends on the regatta On Friday a basketball game between the sailors and the Web site, www.regatadelsolalsol.org. The Mexican navy had local Isla Mujeres team took place with the local team wina vessel at the finish line, and a courtesy boat escorted each ning in a close match. Regatta sailors have won only twice in sailboat to a dock to check in at customs and to its designated 30 years of competition. The Amigo Regata was on Saturday. slip. This worked extremely well during the evening hours. Boats with Isla Mujeres children aboard raced around the isIsland activities started on Sunday, April 25 with a Welland. T-shirts, toys and gifts were given to the children after come Beach Party. On Monday was a special reception at the race. The Amigo Regata awards dinner took place on the beach. Mexican Navy Admiral Arturo Bernal, St. Petersburg Yacht Club Commodore Cox, Club Yates de Isla Mujeres Commodore Lima and Mexican officials attended. On Sunday boats were on their way home. Family and friends took the ferry to Cancun, then by air to their homes. A great time was had by all. Get your boat ready to join your fellow sailors next year to sail in the Regata del Sol al Sol to Mexico and enjoy the regatta and cultural experience. Sail to Mexico in the 37th Regata del Sol al Sol in 2005! DEPARTURE DATES

April 29th for True Cruising and Non-Spinnaker April 30th for Spinnaker and Multihull. CONTACT:

Sailing Secretary, St. Petersburg Yacht Club (727) 822-3873 or spsailsec@aol.com or www.regatadelsolalsol.org 34

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www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING THE CAROLINAS & GEORGIA SOUTHEAST COAST RACE REPORT By Rona Garm The week of March 25, Mike Jones and the North Carolina-based crew of Outrageous showed that good boat prep, great crew, and consistency are the name of the game in sailboat racing. Scoring 4,3,3,7,1,3,1 against the top East Coast competitors, Team Outrageous took not only first in its Division but also was named PHRF Boat of the Week at Charleston Race Week. North Carolina participants and their placement in class were - Teamwork (3-PHRFA), Outrageous (1-PHRFB), Cotton Picker (11-PHRFB), Water Phantom (12-PHRFB), Phantom (1-PHRFD), Tabasco (9PHRFD), Mischief (5-PHRFE), and Rum At Six (6-J105). Sailors from across the country gathered for the National Hospice Cup Regatta in Annapolis in mid-April. Winners from each of the individual regional Hospice Regattas are invited to sail in this event. The Jones Brothers and Team Lake Norman finished fifth; Ron Medlin and Team Pamlico finished eighth of the 13-boat fleet. The top finishers were all lake sailors. First place went to Team Niagara, second to Joe Waters and Team Hartwell (SC), and third to Team Sandusky. Area sailors were among the more than 1,400 competitors who traveled to the NOOD Regatta in Annapolis the first weekend in May. Ryan Hamm and When Pigs Fly took 4/15 in the Melges 24 class; Treez Decker and Huntin’ Tripp 5/10 (Tripp 26); and Walter Kennedy 5/6 (Henderson 30). The Cape Fear Yacht Club (www.cfycnc.com) held the first race of its Summer PHRF Point Series, on April 3, but the second on May 1 was canceled due to poor weather. In Race One, competitors enjoyed beautiful weather and brisk winds over a 19-mile course just off Southport, NC. The top three boats in order of finish were C Breeze III (Robert Creech), Lucky Stumbler (Scott Kaseman), and Victoria (Ed McKinnon). At the 12th Annual Running of the Regatta that gave birth to the Cape Fear Yacht Club, competitors enjoyed light winds and a beautiful day. The Rocket Regatta attracted ten boats, all racing without spinnakers over the almost 10-mile course involving the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. Jamie Deale and the crew of Mr. Dog won by just over a minute, besting John Kluttz’s 10acious. A gorgeous Easter Saturday saw the Wrightsville Beach

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Ocean Racing Association (www.wbora.org) hosting an “AC” Cruise in light to moderate winds. Call it what you want; two sailboats in sight of each other are racing. Jeff Fisher, skippering Jane Baldridge’s Islander 37, Islena, along with their “Wish We Were Pirates of the Caribbean” crew took first with Murray Seidel’s Sundance a very close second. WBORA then hosted its annual Bud Cup Crew Scramble, one of its more popular races, on April 24. The Bud Cup is perfect for those just thinking of getting into racing or those just wanting to get together with other sailors in a low-stress environment. Skippers were able to keep one regular crew member while drawing names from a hat to determine who would compose the remainder of the crew. Boats raced around the offshore fish haven buoys to the Masonboro Sea Buoy off Wrightsville.

JUNE UPCOMING EVENTS June 1 – Atlantic hurricane season begins. June 1 – Carolina Yacht Club, This Wrightsville Beach landmark starts off its Summer Sound Series with Races 1 and 2 this evening. www.carolinayachtclub.org June 1-13 – Spoleto Festival USA, a festival celebrating traditional and experimental art; a mix of dance, theater, opera, music and visual arts. – www.spoletousa.org June 4-6 – Southeast Lightning District Championships – www.sailsoutheast.org – complete with a sailing seminar by Greg Fisher on Friday, this event will be hosted by the Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach. June 5 – Jeckyll Island (GA) Family Fishing Festival (912) 635-3636 June 11 – Georgia Peach Fest (888) 686-3496 – Byron, GA June 11-13 – NC/SC Governor’s Cup, a traditional event which originally had the Governors competing, this event is open to only North and South Carolina entries. www.longbaysailing.org June 13 – Cave Spring (GA) Arts Festival – (706)777-3382 June 14-25 – Cape Fear Yacht Club – www.cfycnc.com – is holding a cruise from Southport (NC) to Ocracoke Island (NC) on the outer banks. Plan to participate in the entire trip or just a portion as time allows. June 17-20 – Charleston (SC) Maritime Festival – www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com – Come join the celebration of Charleston’s magnificent, historic, working waterfront. Free with something for all ages for Father’s Day weekend. See advertisement page 17. June 18-20 – 15th Annual Whartonsville Yacht and Tractor Club Regatta – www.towndock.net. June 18-24 – 2004 U.S. Youth Sailing Championship. Carolina Yacht Club and College of Charleston, SC. www.ussailing.org/youthchamp/2004 June 19 – Melon Mania - (229) 273-1668 - Lawn mower racing at its finest in Cordele, GA. June 20-21 – Summer Sailstice. Go sailing and celebrate. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more details. June 21 – Summer Solstice. Longest day of the year. June 25-26 – Mountain Top Rodeo (800) 231-5543 – Dahlonega, GA June 25-27 – Wilmington Nautical Festival, a family fun event including visits from two magnificent tall ships. – www.nauticalfestival.com www.southwindssailing.com

Beach (NC) in a calm breeze, which built to 15+ knots from the east. After starting out sailing as a full-contact sport with the buoy, Murray Seidel’s Sundance blew through the last leg under spinnaker to take first. The next Jackson Beverage-sponsored WBORA event, the Michelob Mini Series, also attracted a fair number of boats on May 8. Tolerating light winds and a beautiful day, sailors ran three short races just offshore of Wrightsville Beach (NC) before adjourning to King Neptune’s for the after race party. First place awards were presented to Cothran Harris (Double Dare) with three bullets in Racing and to John Karlof (Epsilon) in Cruising.

Yacht Club crest on the back of a building down along the river, Mick Roberts replied, “Oh, that’s old. It was painted there a long time ago, kind of as a joke. They did it when there was no yacht club and they would say ‘we have 120 slips, but they are all already rented.‘ ” The marinas line the creeks. One might think-by the very way boats are so snuggly placed-of Fort Lauderdale and its rivers. Hurricane tides rip into the area every now and then, yet there was no apparent damage to what had to be “experienced” real estate, and repairs from the last storm had already been repaired. Triton Yacht Service, where the event was hosted,

ETCHELLS “SPRING FLING” REGATTA APRIL 17-18, ORIENTAL, NC By Jim Kransberger There must be something special, very special about a regatta for Etchells sailors held in Oriental, NC. While their numbers were not exceptional (fourteen boats), they came from all over the Eastern United States and Canada, too. Oriental is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, in the middle of nowhere. Therein lies a great deal of the regatta’s charm and attractiveness. Oriental is on the southeast side of Pamlico County, maybe 30 miles from anything more important. It is like a movie set from a ’40s film. There may be more, but a quick count of restaurants found three - Mrs. Syl’s Kitchen (where the village meets for breakfast), M&M’s (near the marina area and convenient for lunch) and Oriental Steamer (where you wait your turn for a table). How Lammens, Druggs and Hulric take Etchells Spring Opener at Oriental Dinghy Club. Photo by Jim great-how simple. Like a flashback of a child- Kransberger looked ready for the movers, high on a cross hatch of railroad hood memory at an old cottage and the trappings of the endties. It’s being lifted above high hurricane tide levels at the inlessness of another time and place. sistence of their insurance company. Oriental’s a bit like a fishing village that’s been discovered. The annual event host is the Oriental Dinghy Club. The There are three fisheries within the Oriental harbor. All three Oriental Dinghy Club facility is locally known as Triton Yacht still look like bits and pieces of “Cannery Row” with their tinServices and supplies the club its space. Saturday’s first race clad buildings and aging wharfs. Behind one, on a small finger began in light seasonal winds and built through the day to a point, a new building is being constructed that will replace one nice sailing breeze for the fourth race. It was a great day for of the older structures, but there appears to not be any particuHank Lammens and crew (Zarco Duggs and Arlo Hulric) when lar rush towards completion. When asked about an Oriental

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING they took three firsts and what became a throw-out fourth. On Sunday, two races were held. The first was the scheduled final race of the regatta, and Kerry Klinger (Chris Bowove and Kevin Fallon) won. Having met the required number of regatta races, an additional “fun” race was run as not to waste the day. Again, Lammens and crew won this race too. The social aspects of this regatta are great. After racing cookouts and no shortage of libations made the post racing parties exceptional. Friday night, oysters were the fare, Saturday, a pig roast. On Sunday, the usual presentation ceremony even included an extra local trophy for the fun race. Lammens and company received the much coveted bottle of (allegedly) authentic North Carolina moonshine.

FLYING SCOT REGATTA, LAKE NORMAN, NC APRIL 30 - MAY 1 By Jim Kransberger The spring opener for Flying Scots in the Southeast is the Great 48 Regatta at Lake Norman Yacht Club in North Carolina. This year’s regatta set an attendance record at 40 boats. Bill Ross, class president and local sailor, greeted the competitors at the skipper’s meeting Saturday morning and alluded to the possibility that the attendance was a reflection on the excellence of the boat, the quality of the competitors and the hospitality of the yacht club. However, the wind gods were not in agreement on Satur-

David Neff and Allyson Summerfeldt on downwind leg. Photo by Jim Kransberger

day. The best decision that PRO Claude Sommers made anywhere in North Carolina was made early into mid-afternoon: He postponed the racing and sent all ashore. After the last start limitation of the sailing instruction was reached, the race was called, and the Jimmy Buffet party was eagerly anticipated. It’s hard to have imagined that the sailing contestants had access to as many appropriate and proper Island shirts. Some shirts were right handsome; some were not. All were festive and another LNYC successful party was recorded. Starting time for the scheduled Sunday race was advanced one hour. The breeze filled and Harry Carpenter, the Flying Scot builder, promptly took the Championship fleet lead and was never challenged. Carpenter started on the right and promptly went to port as he must have anticipated the shift that headed the rest of the fleet. David Neff took a second. In the second race, with no time for recovery if one were within the pack, the starting became quite aggressive. To that extent a general recall by PRO Summers was made and the Challenger fleet was started. When it came time for the Championship fleet to start, the wind had nicely freshened, and all were looking for the proper end. Carpenter made for the middle where he could pick and choose. However Larry Vitez, in a controlling position, sat on Carpenter’s stern quarter, and Carpenter could not tack until he had sufficient room. David Neff, who had gotten right immediately after the start, followed a route somewhat parallel to Carpenter’s earlier success and won. Carpenter took second. David Neff and crew Allyson Summerfeldt took first place in the regatta as they won the last race in their tie with Carpenter, each having a first and a second. The peculiar thing is that the second race on Sunday had never been listed on the notice board and could have been thrown out, had anyone objected. The same results in the Challenger division determined Bob Summerfeldt winner. Flying Scot sailors tend to be very experienced. Most have sailed in more competitive fleets and among very competitive sailors. Maybe this experience is what makes Scots such a successful boat and fleet…wherever they get together. Results: Championship Division:1- David Neff & Allyson Summerfeldt 2,1,3; 2- Harry Carpenter & Carrie Carpenter 1,2,3; 3- Tom & Patti Lawton 5 3 8;Challenger Fleet: 1- Bob Summerfeldt & J.C. McDavid 2,1,3; 2- Robert & Leanne Roberts 1,2,3; 3- Rich Dimenna & Bill Randall 3,5,8

Jim Kransberger is an active sailing photographer and has complete photographic coverage of this event available. Check out his Web site at: www.waterlinephotos.com. 38

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www.southwindssailing.com

EAST FLORIDA SAILING JUNE SAILING By Roy Laughlin

Racing June is a changeover month for sailboat racers in east Florida. The big regattas such as the Miami-Key Largo race or the Mug Race are done. Most local yacht clubs start a summer or weekend series in June for locals who plan to stay in town for the summer. Racers will find on every weekend an opportunity to race somewhere within a hundred miles. Only the catamaran fleets stage major regattas along Florida’s east coast in June. The Jetty Park Ocean Regatta, June 5-6, held at Port Canaveral, in its 31st year, is the grande dame of Florida east coast regattas. It brings catamaran sailors from all over Florida for two days of ocean triangle races. The Daytona Summer Sizzler is the other big early summer beach cat regatta on the east coast. This year, Hobie Fleet 80 will hold the event in mid-July to avoid a conflict with Space Coast Catamaran’s 45 x 45, which is held June 26-27. This is a 45-mile (one way) weekend race in the ocean from Cocoa Beach to Vero Beach on Saturday and the return on Sunday. Many catamaran sailors will associate the 45 x 45 with Hobie Fleet 45. That fleet is now part of the Space Coast Catamaran Club. Names change, but the event remains one of the high points of summer sailing for local beach cat sailors.

Coastal Cruising June weather gives coastal cruisers and day sailors reasonable ability to sail without having to worry about afternoon rains every day. Afternoon rains will begin inland some time before the end of June, but usually more slowly, often with less initial intensity along the coast. In the meantime, some of the warmest sailing breezes and most bug-free evenings make June day sailing and camping the best of the year. Day sailors and coastal cruisers along Florida’s central east coast enjoy some of the most extensive protected deep waters for sailing anywhere. The best sailing areas are in the Intracoastal Waterway between Daytona and Stuart, but add in the St Johns River system in North Florida and there is no shortage of achievable weekend adventures throughout the whole area. Spoil islands (the debris of channel dredging decades ago), along with a few natural islands are the sailors’ play pens along the Intracoastal Waterway. They all have a different character. Some are little more than sand bars seasonally exposed. Others are heavily wooded, with coquina cobble instead of sand beaches. A few are bird rookeries and therefore off limits to humans. Sailors will smell the difference between a rookery island and any, the others even if no birds or DEP signs are visible. Sailors who are less nature-oriented will enjoy an increasing opportunity for “destination sailing.” Resorts with marinas, or public marinas near chic waterfront communities average 20 miles apart across the whole east coast. St Augustine is the best sailing destination along Florida’s east coast and perhaps anywhere in Florida. The nation’s oldest city is hardly the only waterfront city with such appeal. Stuart, Vero Beach, Cocoa and other cities along the Intracoastal Waterway have compact, completely walkable old town areas perfect for a long weekend on the sailboat without the need to rough it for even a day. June is the bitter end of the tourist season, so special rates and prices are a significant inducement for destination cruising at this time. NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

JUNE UPCOMING EVENTS June 1 – Atlantic hurricane season begins. June 1 – Mermaid Regatta,. Cocoa Beach Yacht Club http://www.cbyc-fl.org June 4 – Summer Rum Race #2. Melbourne Yacht Club. www.melbourneyachtclub.com June 5 – Race Series #2. Rudder Club, Jacksonville. www.rudderclub.org June 5-6 – Jetty Park Ocean Regatta, Cape Canaveral’s Jetty Park, Space Coast Catamaran Assn (321) 863-4426, mherendeen@bellsouth.net June 6 – Club Race #6. Fort Pierce Yacht Club. www.ftpierceyachtclub.homestead.com.html June 12 – River Rendezvous and dinner at Captain Katanna’s Restaurant. East Coast Sailing Association www.ecsasail.com. June 12 – Marriott Cruise Fort Pierce Yacht Club. www.ftpierceyachtclub.homestead.com June 18 – Summer Rum Race #3. Melbourne Yacht Club www.melbourneyachtclub.com June 20 – Father’s Day Race. Melbourne Yacht Club www.melbourneyachtclub.com June 20-21 – Summer Sailstice. Go sailing and celebrate. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more details. June 21 – Summer Solstice. Longest day of the year. June 26 – River Race #1. East Coast Racing Association. www.ecsasail.com June 26 – Race Series #3. Rudder Club, Jacksonville. www.rudderclub.org June 26-27 – 45 X 45, (ocean distance race: Cocoa Beach to Vero Beach and back) Space Coast Catamaran Assn. (321) 863-4426, M.Herendeen@att.net June 27 – Summer/Fall Race Series #1. Indian River Yacht Club. www.sail-race.com/iryc

BLUE-WATER CRUISING: “LOOK MOM, NO HURRICANES.” Summer blue-water cruisers are either finalizing boat preparation for the summer cruise, or leaving for the Bahamas and perhaps points farther south. Hurricane season starts in June, but storms are rare, making this the month to get the boat

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EAST FLORIDA SAILING and family to the Bahamas. At some point in June, prevailing strong easterly winds and the 4-6 foot seas they generate will give way to southwest winds of much lower magnitude. These are the easy cruising winds for a trip from Florida to the Bahamas. The traditional path was to sail the Intracoastal to the Lake Worth Inlet and go overnight to West End. These days, with electronic navigation and more reliable weather forecasts, sailors leave from the nearest inlet and head across the water to the Bahamas and other points south. Many cruisers headed for race week in the Abacos think leaving from Port Canaveral or Fort Pierce and going directly to the eastern Bahamas is the easiest course this time of year. On an active year, sailboats are spread like bread crumbs across the whole ocean from Florida to the Bahamas in June. No matter what type of sailing appeals to you, you’ll find the best time for it in June and perhaps the best opportunity to enjoy it with others on Florida’s east coast.

ners from those who had not led the race earlier. Eric and Bill Roberts crossed the line first on Silver Bullet, a RC30 Catamaran, and won the Mug Cup. David Moring and crew on Screamin’, an E Scow, won the Sullivan E Howard Award for the first dinghy to finish. Jason Hastings and crew in a Morgan 27, Cracker Jack, was the first PHRF sailboat to finish. They took home the Ed Burroughs Trophy for that. Harry Antley skippered a Mirage 5.5, Lee Roy, to a first place finish in his class and received the Archie Markland Trophy for the accomplishment. The Mug Race is one of most “doable” of Florida’s longest distance races. It, nevertheless, always challenges sailors in a familiar environment. This year was no different. There were 21 racing classes in the Mug Race. Complete results by class, and additional special trophies are available on the Internet: www.rudderclub.com/51MugRaceResults.xls

OUR FIRST MUG RACE 51ST MUG RACE, MAY 1, JACKSONVILLE, FL By Roy Laughlin The Jacksonville Rudder Club bills its annual Mug Race as the longest river regatta in the world. At 38 miles, the Mug Race will likely keep that distinction for a while. The always tantalizing behavior of the wind and its display of multiple personalities is more notable than distance. This year was no different, just a variation on a theme. At dawn, a crisp southwest wind was blowing in advance of an approaching cold front. This was a notable improvement from the typical calm dawn conditions. Monohulls, which start as much as two hours ahead of the last multihull class, got off to a good start and had several good hours after that. The wind continued for all the starts through 10:30 and until well after noon. It was a good morning for all the classes. The first four boats to reach Shands Bridge at Green Cove Springs, the halfway point, were monohulls this year. The first was a sailing canoe, skippered by Enge Noble. The other three were Raiders, and they were well ahead of the first catamaran to reach the bridge, a Hobie 21 crewed by Lloyd Berry and Pete Haley. Then the winds went away in the middle of the afternoon, leaving nearly all the Mug racers somewhere north of Shands Bridge, but well south of the finish line. The lull gave some racers a chance to watch storm clouds gather in the west and wonder, “What will we experience first, the storm or the finish line?” Other crews watched as ephemeral zephyrs plucked a single sailboat from within their midst (and it did with Tom and Eric Worthman) and propelled the craft half a mile ahead, leaving crews on stationary boats hardly a hundred yards away to ponder the unfairness of fate and the wind. The sailors on multihulls, some of the Raider crews and some sailors on the largest monohulls finished the course as the first squalls moved from west to the east across the St. Johns River. Then a strengthening storm east of the river blew gale force winds back to the west about an hour later. This was the evil twin of the westerly winds that taunted but eventually favored the first teams to cross the finish. It overwhelmed a few boats, and slowed down nearly all those who had the last leg from the mug to the finish line. When it was over, fickle winds and storms made win40

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by Meg and Hutch

Hutch at the helm, clearly puzzled at how many boats could still be behind us. That won’t last for long.

That the Jacksonville Rudder Club chose May Day for its 51st Mug Race might have given pause to the 198 other participating boats, but we were gung-ho. Our first Mug Race, and still in our first year of sailing, we were almost too excited to sleep as we dropped anchor into the St. Johns River late Friday night. Before dawn, Hutch awoke and rigged a spinnaker that we’d just received a few days earlier from an eBay auction. “A spinnaker can overpower then overturn your boat — don’t tie a stopper knot onto the sheets, so you can let go quickly,” an experienced sailor had warned Meg the night before at dinner. She, too, had a difficult time remaining in Morpheus’ arms before dawn, but clearly for different reasons. “Sailing with a spinnaker requires a lot of practice” came back like a song that wouldn’t leave her head. With a start time of 7:47:19 in recognition of Aurora Blue’s PHRF rating of 258, we were in a large group of small cruisers — over there was the Davidsons’ boat, and not too far behind us was Dave Edwards in Alcyone. Sam Trickey’s speedy San Juan was nearby…briefly. The start of the race, in reverse order of calculated boat speed, appeared as a stately procession of hat-wearing ladies strolling through a garden on a quiet sunlit morning. With ten knots of wind from directly astern, and many boats www.southwindssailing.com

flying colorful spinnakers, our parade of brilliant flowers glided silently, save the occasionally ratchety winch, due north on the first leg of the 38-mile course from Palatka to Jacksonville. Passing the power plant bend, we turned east, and the beam reach of the next leg separated the pack, as those who flew big genoas could crank up their apparent wind speed. But soon enough, we turned northerly and were back to what promised to be a day of leisurely downwind running. Meg, her fears allayed as the spinnaker floated in the glorious breeze, went below for a nap. This un-race-like behavior caused her to miss the fleet of small catamarans and onedesign dinghies as they raced by in iridescent colors, looking for all the world like water beetles weaving among the lumbering cruisers..When Hutch’s watch was over, the spinnaker was doused, and Meg took the helm so Hutch could also indulge in un-race-like behavior. Around 1:30 p.m., she called below, softly at first as not to intrude on his meditation, then with greater insistence. “We’re dead in the water, Captain, and almost all the boats have left us behind.” Concerned that we had run aground, Hutch came above to see that we’d entered the dreaded Picolata doldrums. The river was oily calm, and all the cruisers within sight appeared virtually stationary, as roasting flesh sizzled in the cockpits. We scrounged for every available square inch of cloth to hang, and ended up with the main, jib, and spinnaker wafting, the bimini angled forward to catch any stray wind molecules, and towels tied between the shrouds. Along the shore’s edge, we ghosted along. Soon, we felt a puff, then another, and soon were making way. What a sight as we rounded the bend - 90 boats in one long, clear stretch of river. The wind was definitely coming around, and soon the spinnaker, which had evolved into a gennaker, had to come down, as Meg experienced what being overpowered by a sail means. Ground-strike lightning was now preceding the distant rumbling we’d been hearing for some time, and the thunder gained volume. Clouds down-course blackened quickly. Two storm cells on either side of the river suggested we might glide through without a drop, but it wasn’t to be. Reports radioed in from the SeaRay safety crews, ever ready with weather updates, reported that the lone wind surfer had swamped and was being brought in. The SeaRays started searching for and assisting numerous capsized Hobie Cats. We battened down, got the reefing lines ready, and donned the raingear. Suddenly Aurora Blue was ripping along in a raging Force 7 gale. All those Hornblower stories became real as our jaunty craft plowed through the roiling St. Johns sea. For years, we’ve always chosen to go out in weather—hiking, biking, or in our canoe—as that is when Her Majesty Nature is most splendid, and you can usually count on being alone. But we weren’t alone, as just ahead we spied a twomasted wooden sailing canoe remaining gamely upright, even as it was being swamped by large waves. Its luffing foresail was approximately eight square feet, its main less than twenty. We looked for the skipper, but nary a soul was in sight. Then we saw him in the water holding onto the boat. We jibed around and asked if perhaps he could use some assistance, and he opined that yes, indeed, that would be most welcome. We treated this as a crew overboard drill, headed up, and retrieved the floating line from the lazarette. Up close, circumstances appeared a bit more out of control, so Hutch swam NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

the rope over to lash the canoe to our boat. The skipper was brought aboard, using the winch and a good grip on his wetsuit. When Captain Halsey, who looked to be a spry eighty, mentioned he was probably getting too old for this, we recognized a kindred spirit. We hope to still be sailing in weather when we reach his age. After a SeaRay took Captain Halsey and his craft aboard, we reviewed our drill and found it wanting in some key areas, such as our inability to radio our position because a few weeks earlier our GPS had not returned from its own overboard drill. In gale conditions, it’s difficult to stop a boat. We were simply lucky that we’d been able to hold position long enough to get a rope to the canoe without drifting apart, and our recently installed swim-ladder certainly saved the day. After this diversion, we were determined to finish the race. The bone went between the teeth; we bellowed Arrrgh! and headed back into the wind with a reefed main and the jib stowed. We’re no estimators of windspeed, but the radio warnings were for 50-knot gusts and the sting of the horizontal rain wouldn’t deny it. There was no shoreline, so with only the compass and depth-finder as guides, we clawed north. Eventually the storm abated, and in the binoculars appeared The Mug, tipped over but magically not spilling its contents. With the finish line in sight, we performed our obligatory turns in snappy nautical fashion and looked back in exhilaration there were still a few boats behind us! We saluted the race officials as they asked us where our registration numbers were (they’d blown off the sail), and we congratulated ourselves over spaghetti and beer for finishing the first of our many Mug Races to come. Robert Hutchinson and Meg Niederhofer won the Corinthian Cup…for the last boat to finish. They sail in Aurora Blue, a 21-foot Sirius, with the GulfAtlantic Yacht Club of Gainesville. HutchRK@aol.com

MELBOURNE YACHT CLUB SPRING REGATTA APRIL 17-18 AND APRIL 24-26 by Sherry Beckett The 2004 edition of Melbourne Yacht Club’s “laid back” Spring Regatta followed through on the MYC promise of “great sailing, great food, free beer and awesome trophies.” The first weekend of the two-weekend event was for small boats; primarily one-design racing sailboats under 20 feet. The largest fleet attending was the Sunfish class, with 14 boats competing, including such notables as Linda Tillman, James Liebl, Tony Elliot, and Paul Strauley. The wind was fairly strong both days, favoring the younger sailors. James Liebl walked away with first place, with wins in five of six races. In the seven-boat Laser fleet, Dick Tillman also walked away with his class, with wins in five of six races. Battling it out for second and third were Mike Moody from Michigan and David Hartman from Vero Beach. Tied with 11 points at the end of six races, Mike won second place on the tiebreaker, by taking a first place in the last race. A contingent of Force 5 racers came up from South Florida to make a five-boat class. Jim Bigham and Steve Perry, both from Miami, swapped firsts a number of times throughout six races. The pair ended up tied for first with eight points, but Jim Bigham won the class with a first place in the last race. The third and fourth place boats were also tied on points, SOUTHWINDS

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EAST FLORIDA SAILING Carolina to participate in the seven-boat class. Carl Saylor and his daughter Ashley, both from Georgia, battled it out for first and second in nearly every race. Carl ended up taking first with more consistent higher places. John MacNeill of Melbourne was a close third in a borrowed Raider. The Portsmouth fleet was a disappointing two boats. Last year’s winner, Mike Barile, in his 30year-old Daysailer, was trumped in every race by James Cook in a Vanguard 15. The Regatta party Saturday night featured mass quantities of exceptional Mexican fajitas, and lots of free beer. In general, a great time was had by all. The second weekend of the Melbourne Yacht Club Spring Regatta featured PHRF and big boat one-design racing. The weekend was kicked off with the traditional Friday night Rebel Rally, a reverse handicap nonspinnaker race. The early finishers in this race finished in the middle of a spectactular sunset, while the tail-end boats finished in the dark. Nineteen boats competed in the Friday night race, with the Lindenberg 28, Five Speed, finishing first overall, followed closely by Sea Turtle, a Beneteau 38, and Slot Machine, an SR-Max 21. Saturday morning dawned, another spectacular spring day; clear blue skies, and winds 15 knots out of the ESE... it doesn’t get any better than this! When registration was completed, the Spinnaker boats were divided across four classes; Melges 24, Lindenberg 28, Spinnaker A, and Spinnaker B. The Lindenberg 28 sailors were ecstatic to be given their own class, and declared the regatta the “Lindenberg 28 World Championships.” In the Melges 24 fleet, Ray Laguna in Mr. Hyde took first place, with a consistent string of second places. Second went to Mike Nulf in Immediate Impact, and third to Duncan MacKenzie in Moving Target. Gary Smith in Five Speed walked away with the

but Tom Hicks won the tiebreaker to take third place, with a win in Race #5. Six boats competed in the Flying Scot class. Chuck Tanner walked away with first place with wins in five of six races. The fleet had great fun sailing. Winds were boisterous, yet the water relatively calm in the protected waters of the Indian River. The Multihull fleet comprised three International 20s, 2 Hobie 16s, a Nacra 5.2 and a P182. The Finish Line committee boat really enjoyed seeing the multis screaming into Ashley Saylor and crew in a Raider, hiking mightily. Photo by Sherry Beckett. the windward mark and launching those big chutes. There were a couple of spectacular non-launchs too! At the end of six races, Terry and Rick Loewen in their Inter 20 were tied on points with Chuck Pickering in a Hobie 16. Team Loewen took first place by virtue of three firsts in the last three races. It took them a while to get “dialed in,” but once they did, third place went to Richard “Gilligan” Uschald in a P182. The most unusual one-design class was the Raider fleet. These are delta-shaped boats with a Laser-like rig. Some folks came all the way down James Liebl Hamming takes another first place finish in his Sunfish. Photo by Sherry from Georgia and North Beckett

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Lindenberg 28 “World Championship,” taking first in four of five races. His only second came in a race in which he was holed below the waterline at the windward mark on the first lap around the course. By the time Five Speed had reached the next mark, his most efficient crew had already patched the hole with duct tape, bailed the water, and Five Speed continued on to finish second in the race. Sherry Beckett in Fast Lane finished second overall, with consistent 2-3 finishes. Beckett was followed closely by the Henry/ Yates team in Roo-key, a new addition to the loTeam Brevard Challenge I20 in their yellow catamaran on a screaming close reach. Photo by Sherry Beckett. cal fleet, sailing with mostly borrowed sails. The L28 crews were really exhilarated by the highly competitive one-design racing (“with no PHRF whining!”). In Spinnaker A, Hasty Miller took first in his Nightwind 35, with four firsts in five races. Hot on his heels in nearly every race was Ray Nowak on Gaucho, a Tartan 10. Another Tartan 10 from Cocoa claimed third place, skippered by Bob Salmon. In Spinnaker B, Larry Etheridge, in an S2 7.9, and Gregg Kowalski, in a SR-Max 21, slugged it out for first and second. The lighter winds on the second day of the race favored the S2, and Etheridge finished with two firsts to clinch first place in class. Ed Luscinskag took third in a well-used Lindenberg 22. The non-spinnaker fleet saw some very competitive racing, with old rivals Jerry Ross in the J/30, Sleighride, and Jim Miller in the Beneteau 38, Sea Turtle, battling it out for first and second. After five races, the two boats were tied with 11 points. Miller took first overall with the “more firsts” tiebreaker. Third place was claimed by John Drawe and Paul Alexy in Da Pope, an S2 7.9. Only one (fool)hardy soul came out to compete in the Cruising fleet. Rick Cope in Southern Breeze, a Beneteau 352, took five firsts in five races to win first overall in the class. This was Rick’s first regatta, so he was ecstatic with his performance. At the awards ceremony on Saturday, the winning boats were presented with beautiful half-hull trophies, hand crafted by Noble Awards. During the awards presentation, Regatta Chairman Jim Edwards took the opportunity to thank the racers for “clean racing”... “No protests in 2 weekends of racingnot even with a hole in one boat!!??” After awards were presented, the crews partied til the beer ran dry (and then departed swiftly). One departing skipper was heard to remark, “We’ll be back in the fall!!” Complete results and more photos can be found online at www.sail-race.com/myc/springresults.htm NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

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SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA SAILING SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACE REPORT: SUNBURN REGATTA, MIAMI. APRIL 25 Thirty-eight boats, 12-knot breeze and sunny skies, mix them all together, and you end up with the annual Sunburn Regatta hosted by the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. The race, which is part of the BBYRA Series 1 championship, provided some serious racing in each of the participating classes. Fortunately, everyone had energy left over to continue with the festivities at club-side. After the stories were told and the barbeque had all but disappeared, the awards were handed out to the top three finishers in each class. Results: PHRF 1: 1 - Rubin/Shellow, Triptease, Tripp 33; 2 - Stuart Hebb, Thin Ice, Aerodyne 38; 3 - Tom Seghi, Group Therapy, Henderson 30; PHRF 2: 1 - Pat Cacace, Blackbird, C & C 99; 2 - Art Perez, Tiburon, Lindenberg 28; 3 - David Berg, Hot Air III, J30; PHRF 3: 1- Russell Horn, Mild to Wild, Morgan 27; 2 - Steven Stollman, Stoked, Ultimate 20; 3- Jaime Topp, Touchstone, Yamaha 33; PHRF 4: 1 - Edward Asmus, Leprechan, J22; 2 - Richard Hall, St. Clair, Cal 29; ARF: 1 - Kerry Gruson, Blew Ba You, Sonar 23; 2 - Bill Beavers, Finesse,Tartan 34.4; 3 - Albert Ivaldi, Lickety Split, Ericson 32. J24: 1- Pete Benziger, Gotta Go; 2 - Mike Castleberry, J Tripper, 3 - Gonzalo Diaz Sr, I’ll Go.

MIAMI TO KEY LARGO RACE, APRIL 17, MIAMI, FL By Art Perez The 49th annual Miami to Key Largo Regatta, hosted by the Miami Yacht Club, had all the ingredients for success. Over 168 entries registered for this prestigious event benefiting the Some cats flipped in the Miami to Key Largo Race. MYC Youth Sail- Photo by Andrea Newberry. ing Foundation. With winds out of the NE at 20 to 25 knots, the 42-mile course to the finish was sailed in time. The multihulls were quick off the starting line with their spinnakers flying. Achieving speeds in excess of 20 knots, the first multihull to reach the finish was Leandro Spina in a time of 2:02:29 on a Tornado. One hour later the first monohulls arrived. Jim Williams aboard Elysium, sailing in the Open class, was first to cross in a time of 3:22:56. Close behind, leading the PHRF 1 fleet was Pat Cacace in Blackbird, finishing first in his class. Pat said, “We started aggressively from the start in spite of not having our full crew. We didn’t hesitate to set our spinnaker, and once up, we pressed hard all the way down to the Featherbeds. We managed to hold the boat steady and didn’t make many mistakes.” The race was not without its suspense. The Multihulls displayed their acrobatic skills when a few of the cats majestically flipped over in the strong breeze. The Monohulls didn’t escape the carnage either. Spinnakers were left tattered along the course. Certainly a field day for sailmakers! Results: PHRF 1; Blackbird, Pat Cacace: PHRF 2; Stoked, Steve Stollman: PHRF 3; Mild 2 Wild, Russ Horn: PHRF 4; Hot Streak, Jack King: Open; Elysium, James Williams: ARC 1; Wind Pirates, Tracy Whelan: ARC 2; Beverley Ann, Bruce Hutson: ARC 3; Victory,Victor Cribb Sr: ARC 4; Whiskers, Dave Olsen: ARC 5; Karen,John Kearns: ARC 6; Penguin, Joe Worley: ARC 7; Bubbles, John Pastorik: High Ports; Hobie, John Mcknight: High Spinn; MS No Excuse, 44

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Leandro Spina: Inter 20; Tybee Island, Kenny Pierce: Low Ports; Cayote, Nelson Eads: Low Spinn; Gotta Go,Robert Onsgard: Narca 5.8; Merk Mueller: Hobie 16; Dick Russell: MASF; Man O’War, Andy Roedig

USODA 2004 TEAM TRIALS APRIL 29-MAY 2, MIAMI, FL By Art Perez One hundred fifty-seven entries from all over the United States showed up on Biscayne Bay for the Opti team trials

JUNE UPCOMING EVENTS: June 5-6 – BBYRA PHRF/OD #6. Miami. Host: KBYC. annual regatta held as part of the BBYRA Series’ championship. Open to all PHRF (Sat.) and One design (Sun.) boats. Contact: www.bbyra.net June 12 – Saturday — Ocean Watch 16th Annual Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup! Broward County Since its inception in 1989, this ocean cleanup has hauled in more than 20 tons of harmful garbage. Already a South Florida tradition, local charter boats, private boaters and beach walkers will sweep our beaches and coral reefs clean from harmful garbage and debris. We are expecting over 700 volunteers. Public beach cleanup efforts by beach walkers will start at 9:00 a.m. and continue through noon at six locations in Broward County. Hundreds of volunteer hours are needed to make this annual event successful, and all participants are invited to the Reef Sweep Party immediately after the cleanup at 12:30 p.m. at the Baja Beach Club at the Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Riverfront Complex where OSCARs (Ocean Watch Saves Corals and Reefs) will be awarded to the people who collect the most garbage, rope and monofilament. This lively party includes food, drinks, live entertainment, raffle and door prizes. Bring your children, too. Phone: (954) 462-5604), e-mail reefsweep@oceanwatch.org, or go to the Web site, www.oceanwatch.org for more information. June 19 – BBYRA PHRF#7. Miami. Host: CRYC. Final race of the BBYRA Series’1 for the PHRF class. Contact: www.bbyra.net June 20-21 – Summer Sailstice. Go sailing and celebrate. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more details. June 21 – Summer Solstice. Longest day of the year. June 26. BBYRA OD#7. Miami. Host: CGSC. Final race of the BBYRA Series’1 for One-Design class. Contact: www.bbyra.net

JULY UPCOMING EVENTS July 2 – Abacos, Bahamas - The Great Turtle Cay Race. Host GTYC. Tune-up race for Regatta Time in Abacos. July 3 -11 – Abacos, Bahamas - Regatta Time in the Abacos. (305) 665-8316. Fax: (305) 665-0318, e-mail lightning@cofs.com. Web site: www.rtia.net. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more information. www.southwindssailing.com

Opti sailors in Miami. Photo by Art Perez.

hosted by Coral Reef Yacht Club. The top five finishers qualified for the World Championships being held in Ecuador later on this year. For most of the regatta, winds were 15 to 20 knots requiring a good deal of sailing skills from these young competitors. After four days of racing, Austin Anderson from Centerport YC sailed to victory with four first-place finishes. The local talent was not to be outdone. Nick Voss, sailing out of CGSC, finished a respectable second place, also winning a berth for the Worlds. Tommy Fink and Sean Moynaham from CRYC placed eighth and ninth respectively and will be representing the United States at the European championships.

gradient over South Florida producing steady winds in the 18 to 25-knot range. Saturday morning was no exception. At start time, the breeze was holding steady at 18 knots, gusting to 20 knots. It was another perfect day for “heavy air” sailing on the bay. Racing nine-mile windward/leeward courses, all had the opportunity to practice their spinnaker handling techniques all afternoon. Afterwards, crew and their skippers met at CRYC for the award presentations and the usual exchange of “stories”.

BBYRA #5 SERIES REGATTA, CRYC MIAMI, MAY 15

PHRF 3: 1 - Russell Horn, Mild to Wild, Morgan 27; 2 - Jaime Topp, Touchstone, Yamaha 33; 3 - Steve Stollman, Stoked, Ultimate 20;PHRF 4: 1 - Karen Mitchel, Three Gimps,Sonar 23; 2 - Edward Asmus, Leprechan, J22; 3 - Lea Hume, Maiden, Tartan 28;

By Art Perez Who says it’s not windy in Miami? May, so far, has been the windiest month on record. A Bermuda high that has held steady for the past three weeks has maintained its pressure NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Results: (skipper/name/manufacture) PHRF 1: 1 - Gordon Ettie, Sazerac, Swan 40; 2 - Rubin/Shellow, Triptease, Tripp 33; 3 Mike Catalano, Moving Party IV, Melges 24;PHRF 2: 1 - David Berg, Hot Air III, J30; 2 - Craig Setzer, Mistral, Beneteau First; 3 - David Beheney, Xtreme, Santana 35;

ARF: 1 - Kerry Gruson, Blew Ba You, Sonar 23; 2 - Kenneth Ellis, Freebird, C & C 29; 3 - Bill Beavers, Finesse, Tartan 34.4;J24: 1 - Mike Castleberry, J Tripper; 2 - Pete Benziger, Gotta Go; 3 - David Rucker, Geronimo’s Cadillac. SOUTHWINDS

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UPPER GULF COAST SAILING FLORIDA PANHANDLE, ALABAMA, MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, TEXAS JUNE SAILING By Kim Kaminski Even though the hurricane season officially begins on June 1, sailors can anticipate enjoying numerous days of fun along the coastal waters with a little preparation in case of changing weather conditions. The weather during the month of June can be predictable at times with warm moderate breezes during the mid-morning hours and late afternoon summer rain showers, which quickly dissipate, leaving mild conditions for a pleasant summer evening. Temperatures range in the mid 80s to mid 90s, with moderate winds of 8 to 12 knots that fill in from the Gulf of Mexico generally from the south-southeast. For many of the southern areas of FL, sailing activities may slow down a bit during this time of year, but here along the Gulf Coast June is busting out all over with sailing fun. The Fiesta of Five Flags Festival in Pensacola, FL, kicks off the first of the boating activities for the month. Starting June 3-12, the city holds an annual celebration, which recognizes its history as the first European settlement in the United States. This weeklong celebration honors this heritage with treasure hunts, boat parades and other outdoor events, such as the re-creation

of the Don Tristan De Luna’s landing party on the shores of Santa Rosa Island. Pensacola is a city that has been under the rule of five different flags; Spanish, French, British, Confederate and American flags. The Fiesta of Five Flags celebration welcomes the diverse background of the city as well as promoting community pride. The Cancer Society Regatta held by the Pensacola Yacht Club helps to embrace that effort by offering an opportunity for the sailors in the area to compete in an event as well as proving a way to give back to their community through the donations raised during this special regatta held on June 5. On June 5 and 6 the Gulf Yachting Association continues the inter-club competition between the 33 GYA members by hosting the Chandler Regatta at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club in Panama City, FL. Competitors will be racing on the interclub one design boat, the Flying Scot, in several races to be held throughout the year. On June 18-19, sailors will be gathering at the Gulfport Yacht Club in Gulfport, MS, to prepare for another GYA racing event, the Challenge Cup, where the best boats from each club in four different PHRF classes compete in a two-day racing competition held over the Father’s Day weekend. On the following weekend, June 24-25, these same competitors will have the opportunity to participate in a 100-mile race along the Gulf Coast from Gulfport, MS, to Pensacola, FL. Attention, ladies; Get ready to enjoy your day in the sun because July is filled with sailboat races just for women. Watch for the details in next month’s issue. Enjoy a summer filled with sailing opportunities here along the Gulf Coast. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. And if you want to explore some other fun events that can be found here along the northern Gulf Coast, check out the activities listed below:

UPCOMING EVENTS June 1 – Atlantic hurricane season begins. June 3-12 – Fiesta of Five Flags celebrates 55 years! Pensacola. (850) 433-6512 June 5 – Cancer Society Regatta – Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL June 5-6 – Chandler Regatta – St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL June 12 – Commodore’s Cup Race #3 – Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL June 12-13 – Area D Quarter Finals – Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile, AL June 18-20 – Challenge Cup – Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS June 20 – Summer Solstice. Longest Day of the year. June 20-21 – Summer Sailstice. Go sailing and celebrate. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more details. June 25-26 – Gulfport to Pensacola Race – Gulfport Yacht Club / Pensacola Yacht Club July 3-4 – Junior Olympic Festival – Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL July 3 – Patriot’s Day Regatta – Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL July 10-11 – Meigs Regatta – Fort Walton Yacht Club – Fort Walton Beach, FL July 10-11 – Rhodes 19 Regionals – Fairhope Yacht Club 46

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Fairhope, AL July 17 – Fast Women’s Regatta – Point Yacht Club, Josephine, AL July 17 – Summer Regatta – Mobile Yacht Club, Mobile, AL July 24 – Bikini Regatta – Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL July 24 - 25 – Junior Lipton Cup, Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS July 31-Aug 1 – Race for the Roses Women’s PHRF Championship, Pensacola Beach Yacht Club July 31 – Weatherly Regatta, Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS Open Entry Fun Sailboat Races – on the second and fourth Wednesdays evenings of every month, from April to October at the Pensacola Yacht Club Open Entry Fun One Design Races – Wednesday evenings, Pensacola Yacht Club For additional race schedules check the Gulf Yachting Association Web site at: www.gya.org

UPPER GULF COAST RACE REPORT: 10TH ANNUAL CORSAIR-FARRIER TRIMARAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND RENDEZVOUS, PENSACOLA, FL APRIL 20-23 By Kim Kaminski Dennis Connor’s catamaran Stars and Stripes showed the sailing world how well a multihull sailboat could go to weather in the America’s Cup campaign held in San Diego, CA, years ago. His catamaran proved that even the world’s most high tech and newly designed monohull sailboat could not keep up (even though the boat was almost twice its size). Did you know that a trimaran sailboat is even faster than a catamaran going to windward, By combining the stability of a monohull with the pontoons of the catamaran, Corsair Marine created a sailboat known for its maneuverability, stability and balance, which enable this boat to exceed greater speeds than that of a conventional sailboat or catamaran. Perhaps that is one reason why the Corsair trimaran has become one of the most popular sailing vessels in the country and why the number of competitors has grown in numbers for the 2004 Corsair-Farrier National Trimaran Championship and Rendezvous. This year’s 10th Annual National Championship was held in Pensacola, FL, on April 20- 23. Competitors from various regions across the United States could be seen transporting their sailboats by trailers to the Pensacola Yacht Club facility in preparation for the weeklong racing event. These contestants converged out on the waters of Pensacola Bay for some of the most ideal racing opportunities to be found-ideal because the weather conditions could not have been more perfect for this highly competitive regatta. Temperatures during the event were in the mid 70s, with winds averaging in strength from 14 to 16 knots, and sunny to partly cloudy skies filled the horizon with only 10 minutes of rain during the entire occasion. The race schedule included five classes with three starts per race. These racing classes include: the F-28 R, the F-24 and F-24M, the F-31 and the Open class. Forty-two racing class boats entered the championship, while six cruising boats signed on for the rendezvous adventures. The Rendezvous was an event organized to provide those trimaran owners who wanted to be NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Chris Blaschke from Richmond, Texas and his team on Rumline kicked up their heels prior to the start of racing on the last day of the Corsair Farrier Trimaran National Championship held by the Pensacola Yacht Club in Pensacola, Florida. Photo by Kim Kaminski.

a part of the championship activities but were not interested in participating in the racing competitions with an option. The rendezvous sailors were able to sail and visit various landmarks as well as raft-up locations near the Pensacola area, allowing enough time for these adventurers to return to the Pensacola Yacht Club facility for the evening festivities. The racers enjoyed four days of intense competition for a total of eight races in all. During the first two days of racing,

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UPPER GULF COAST SAILING halfway through the competition the F-28 R class had a very tight battle going on for the top honors in its division. The teams aboard Bad Boys, Rockateer II and Condor engaged in a three-way tie for first place. On day three, their tie was broken with only one point separating the teams. When the final race was completed, Bad Boys had moved Peter Freudenberg and his team on Condor enan early morning practice spinnaker run ahead and captured joyed prior to the last day of the National Champithe first place honors. onship. This team had been in a 3-way tie for Peter Wann, a first place in their class division during the first sailor from Littleton, half of the championship and battled on to finCO, and a competitor ish in third place in their class. Photo by Kim Kaminski. in the Open class division, enjoyed his first experience racing on the Corsair during the championship. He has sailed on monohull boats previously and now in the Open class division on a Corsair 28 CC - R trimaran named Tri to Fly. Peter said ‘Sailing on a Corsair can be compared to the difference between driving a Chevy on the freeway and driving a race car on the Nascar Speedway…it is an unbelievable thrill.‘ Thrills could also be found with the team on Lei Loe in the Open class division. Not only did this El Paso, TX, team find themselves racing on the newest boat (an F-31R1D) in the fleet but also found they had earned the first place position in each of the races of the Championship, finishing with a total of seven points. Besides winning the first-place position in the Open class division, H. L. Enloe and his team on Lei Loe earned the title of the 2004 Corsair Trimaran National Champion. Results: 2004 Corsair - Farrier Trimaran National Championships: The top five competitors overall include: First place, H.L. Enloe on Lei Loe; Second place, Randy Smythe on Rockateer II; Third place, Robert Onsgard on Priorities; Fourth place, Bob Harkrider on Bad Boys; Fifth place, Glenn Howell on Adios!

DAUPHIN ISLAND RACE, MOBILE BAY, AL, APRIL 24 By Jim Kransberger The 46th Annual Dauphin Island Race may well be the crown jewel for Mobile Bay sailing. It’s sort of a multiple-layered, progressive sailing party for anyone who wants to do a rather short sail between parties. Well, actually, there are other feeder races: one the week before the Dauphin Race and the other the day after the race. The feeder before the Dauphin Island Race has a reception party at the host club. Serious doubt can be cast on the thought that there would be anyone of sound mind and body who would entertain the idea that the return home feeder should have the need to party more, so good was the sociality. Dauphin Island Race is an annual Mobile Bay regatta. Four clubs, within the bay, alternate hosting the event. While the feeder races from each of the non-hosting clubs terminate at the host club, the actual event is sailed each year on the exact same course. As luck may have it, the compass rose on the Mobile Bay chart is as close to a mid-point between the participating clubs, and that’s where the race begins. The course is nearly south, and a boat may not enter or cross the Mobile Ship Channel until reaching Middle Bay Light. At the light, and the next marker south, racers can cross the Ship Channel and tack for the finish line at Dauphin Island.

Tyrant rounds the Middle Bay Lighthouse. Photo by Jim Kransberger.

The hosting club this year was Fairhope Yacht Club. The three other clubs involved are: Mobile Yacht Club, Buccaneer Yacht Club and Lake Forest Yacht Club. The hosting club has complete responsibility for everything for their turn, including race committee, social committee and whatever else is needed. The unique factor of the event is that it allows nearly anyone, yacht club member or not, to participate. The only restriction is that a boat be at least 16 feet long. Kon-tiki qualifies and could enter only to find that the finish line was long gone as of 1730 CDT on the day of the race. This aside, there were 228 boats registered this year, and the largest single showing or fleet participating might be the Pearson Flyers, with five. The rest of the fleet was a polyglot. A little of this, a little of 48

June 2004

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www.southwindssailing.com

that. There were three divisions: PHRF classes, Portsmouth classes and One-Design and Multihull. In order for the divisions to have some sense of balance within, they were broken into subdivisions of no more than eight, somewhat alike boats. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a table full of racing trophies! There were boats that qualified as offshore racers, boats that were small day sailers. There were boats that were world class cruisers and boats that were not. The unifying thread that pulled this dissimilar flotilla together was that it was an open event. It was a fun event. It was great because it brought together all these different people into a three-day activity. DeCompressor II sails in the Dauphin Island Race. Photo by Jim Kransberger Ashore, Friday night before the race, the ately given a plaque from President Bush. The plaque was Annual Pre-Race Party had an island theme. The dĂŠcor was pure presented to Denton by Joe Bonner, Republican congressman island, complete with Tiki huts and a customs money exchange from Mobile. where foreign dollars were changed for the local currency. The In very light air, the race began Saturday morning. One different huts served the normal sailing beverages, straw hats, fleet after another piled up just over the line in a very light T-shirts and a tattoo or two for children. The music was pure breeze. Some went east against the shore; others sought out the Key West and should have been because the band was rumored center of the bay, close to the ship channel. The air died and the to be the warm-up band for Jimmy Buffett. drive began. White Trash, a Olsen 40 owned by Greg Smith, went A unique award was presented during the evening. Rear towards the center and was slowly eking out a small lead over Admiral Jeremiah Denton, retired USN, was in attendance and surprised to be named honorary race chairman. Denton, a former POW, gave a brief acceptance, only to be immediSee UPPER GULF continued on page 61

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

F LORIDA K EYS S AILING The Keys Sailing Scene Weather Calendar of Events Hot Happenings

Key Largo Cape Sable

Marathon

JUNE SAILING By Rebecca Burg Like nestlings just learning to fly, the flock of Optis awkwardly crowded together as they left the pier. Bumbling into each other, tiny sails fluttering, the sailboats eventually scattered into the light breeze. From a distance one could hear the joyful shouts and giggles of very young skippers learning how to sail. A larger and swiftly moving sailboat, obviously helmed by one of the instructors, carefully herded his charges like a dutiful mother duck. Heralding the start of summer, these kids had just been released from school. From a boater’s point of view, it’s surely a sensible way to start the season. Though June’s average wind speed is around 9.8 knots from the southeast, it’s sufficient enough to motivate sailors of all ages in the Keys. Leisurely daysailers glide over calm, clear seas with water temperatures at an average range of 82 to 86 degrees. Sailboat races challenge one’s light air skills and patience. Those who sail out on an enchanting excursion under the stars enjoy nightly temperatures averaging 79 degrees. When the sun rises, daytime temps rise up to 88 degrees. Rainfall amounts vary along the Keys chain, but 3 to 4.6 inches was the overall average for the past few years. “It’s hot and rainy,” quips a local charter captain. “I like it!” Cruisers who stick around for the summer take a little longer to reach the next stop and must dodge June’s rain and T-storm activity. An average of nine T-storms pay a visit,

Dry Tortugas Key West

fueled by rising tropical humidity and the warm ocean surface. While on the water, be cautious of a brewing storm’s sudden gust front, frequent lightning and the formation of waterspouts. These locally unique on-water tornadoes do not play fair and are capable of sneaking up on an anchored boat at night. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season begins this month, but the more serious storms usually don’t make it up this way until August. On land and on the water, most seasonal residents have migrated north by now. The anchorage’s thin, slip space is easier to find, and boat ramps have more open parking spaces. Charismatic onlyin-the-Keys establishments such as the Pelican Poop Shoppe or the waterfront Harbor Lights Bar, where a scene from a James Bond flick was filmed, reluctantly watch the tourist season wind down. The pace slows. Visitors still trickle through the Keys, and June is full of entertaining and highly creative events worth investigating. From tasty tropical fruit fiestas and a parade devoted to Key West’s crowing wild roosters, the Keys are a celebration of color and diversity. Many of the cultural events also celebrate the beauty of our own human diversity since the Keys are not timid about the assertion that our world would be a muddy, boring place if we were all exactly alike. Where else could a sailor find this much color and creativity while on land?

June Prevailing Winds See page 62 for Windrose legend

Florida Keys June Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Key West 79o lo - 88o hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURE

Key West 85o For real-time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to http://comps.marine.usf.edu

Keys Events & Happenings Calendar Every Saturday - Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Every Friday - Women’s Sailing Program at the Key West Sailing Club. Noon. Women of all ages and sailing experience meet at the clubhouse, learn new things and enjoy hands-on sailing.

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING June 1 - Atlantic hurricane season begins. June 7 - Key West Sailing Club, Key West. Youth Sailing Program begins. Beginner sessions in morning and advanced sessions in afternoon. Instruction in clubhouse and on the water with club boats. Contact: (305) 292-5993 June 5-13 - Pridefest in the Florida Keys. This event, with the openness that the Keys is usually known to have for gay and lesbian locals and visitors, celebrates human diversity and uniqueness. Community Center (305) 292-3223 June 14-19 - Key West. Cuban-American Heritage Festival. Entertaining and delightfully educational. The Florida Keys chain is full of Cuban tradition, culture and history. Contact: (305) 295-9665 June 17-20 - Key West. Chicken Fest. An all-in-good-fun new event to recognize a long-time tourist’s delight and the occasional local’s bane; Key West’s free-roaming roosters, hens and baby chicks. Poultry-related dances, costume contest, “tastes like chicken” cook off, street fair and parade. Contact: kwfanfest@aol.com June 21 - Summer Solstice - Longest day of the year, and the days start getting shorter. June 20-21 - Summer Sailstice. Go sailing and celebrate. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more details. June 25-26 - Key West. African-American Heritage Festival. Social fun, food and entertainment to appreciate and celebrate a rich heritage that has shaped Keys culture. Contact: (305) 747-4544 June 26 - Marathon. Tropical Fruit Fiesta. Free family fun for lovers of exotic fruit. Presentations, samples, tree sales and a special area for the kids. Contact (305) 292-4501 June 30 - Key West. Waterfront Playhouse season ends. You still have the month of June to enjoy fine theater performances at the Playhouse, which overlooks the scenic harbor. Within walking distance of the bight and dinghy docks. Contact: Florence (305) 294-0431 July 4 - Islamorada. Holiday Isle Fireworks. A beautiful beachfront, tiki bars and tropical atmosphere is a great way to celebrate Independence Day. Village of Islands includes daytime family fun for the kids before the fireworks show at nightfall. Contact: Eileen (305) 664-2321.

Club Racing Key West. Wednesday Night Racing has started at the Key West Sailing Club. Racing begins about 6:00 p.m. Bring your own boat or crew on a club boat and join us in a series of social races around the buoys with beer, soda and food after racing.

Keys Race Report Wrecker’s Cup Race Series Key West By Rebecca Burg

or four months, from January to April, Schooner Wharf Bar hosts the Wrecker’s Race Series in Key West. Sponsored by Schooner Wharf, Wreckers’ Race, first race in sePusser’s Rum and West Marine, this ries. Photo courtesy Bite Me (a intense event is an all-out drag race non-profit anti-dog group). from the harbor to Sand Key light. Boats sail a total of 14 miles. Visiting and local sailing vessels of all sizes from schooners to daysailers race side by side in frisky winter winds and seas. During all four races, sailors faced winds from 15 knots to gusty 21 knots and steep 3-4-foot rolling seas. Capt. Alex’s Pterodactyl, a 31-foot trimaran with otherworldly speeds, flattened the multihull class and won every race as well as winning the series for being the fastest overall. Long, slinky newcomer Aces aced February’s race for monohulls over 30 feet, while blue beauty Constellation and wind-loving Adastra were back in action and leading the pack this year. In an elegant sailboatish display of dominance, Constellation would consistently strut over the finish far ahead of her rivals. Cruising ketch Defiant used her sturdy full-keeled figure to tidily crash through the rough seas and place first in January and second in March. Light on her feet, Moonspinner leapt into third in January and second in April. At times she heeled over so far from the strong gusts that one could see a painted decoration on her curved underside. Though Blow Me did not escape playful ribbing by her fellows, the suave sailboat proved to be tough competition for the over 30-foot class. For the monohull under 30-foot class a solid group of J-24s had an impressive face-off with a mix of small cruisers and daysailers. Close contenders J-24 Thin Ice and Class Act dominated the fleet with the highest rankings. In mid-series, a new bad boy on the block, Golden Omen, scrambled the status quo after spending time on the stands and resembling the hapless subject in the game “Operation.” Happy to be wet again, this well-sailed sloop took second place in March and kicked spray at her rivals to win first in April. Cruisers Wild Oats and Thumper hung out behind the flock while Nina and Chelae fluffed their sails and contested each other. In Febraury, Sirius II enjoyed the dubious attention of winning the DFL trophy for being the last See FLORIDA KEYS SAILING continued on page 13

Racing Calendar June 13 - Key West Sailing Club. Single-handed race in the seaplane basin. All boats 20 feet and over invited. Skipper’s meeting evening of June 11 at the Sailing Club in Key West. Contact: Fleet Capt. David (305) 296-7939 KEYS SAILING CLUB LOCATIONS & CONTACTS Key West Sailing Club. In Key West off Palm Avenue to Sailboat Lane. Sailing out of Garrison Bight. (305) 292-5993 Marathon Sailing Club, Marathon Key. Web site pending. Upper Keys Sailing Club. Buttonwood Sound, Key Largo. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com Advertise in this Keys section. Call Rebecca Burg 305-304-5118 NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

W EST F LORIDA S AILING Cedar Key to Cape Sable Racing News & Calendar Cruising Upcoming Events Calendar West Florida News for Sailors Sailing Services Directory

Cedar Key

St. Petersburg

Tampa

Fort Myers Naples

SAILING IN JUNE By Dave Ellis Summer has arrived. Suddenly there are very few regattas to attend. Racing is enjoyed in the evening, hopefully after any thunderstorms pass by on their way to the Gulf. The Gulf water temperature is approaching 80 degrees. The afternoon air approaches 90. The Bermuda High with its easterly flow across Florida pushes any cumulus clouds that form from the rising heat toward our west coast. Sometime during the day the sea breeze, from the west, will stop and then overcome that easterly. As the easterly wind dies, it will become very shifty, probably in the late morning. Watch for the sky in the low horizon to the west to turn brown. That is the land pollution getting to the west and then collecting low and coming back at you. Oh joy. When the little black flies, love bugs in June, start collecting on your sails, look to the west for the new, fresh breeze. On Tampa Bay near St. Pete it will come in at about 210 degrees. In Clearwater it will be more like 290. It tends to go directly toward what it conceives as being the shore, the major heat on the land. There are puffy clouds to the east that are driving this sea breeze effect. How can you tell if that big, badlooking puffy cloud is headed your way? Look at the bottom of it. If there is a “roll

West Florida June Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 74o lo - 89o hi Naples 72o lo - 90o hi

36 Cape Sable Key West

June Prevailing Winds See page 62 for Windrose legend

GULF WATER TEMPERATURE St. Petersburg 84o Naples 85o For real-time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to http://comps.marine.usf.edu

cloud” that looks like an elongated, very grey hot dog and it is perpendicular to you so you see the whole roll cloud, it is aiming straight at you. If you see that cloud and there is an, ahem, appendage sticking out of one side, then what you are seeing is one end of that cloud’s roll. It is going thataway. If the cloud looks sort of hazy and misty at the bottom with no roll, it is going the other way. If it is just all pretty and well formed, especially if it seems to be collapsing in on itself, it is probably staying in one place and raining itself out. Watch out for other clouds forming quickly nearby, maybe over you!

Events Calendar June 1 – Hurricane Season Begins. June 1 through November 30. June 2 – Full Moon June 7-8 – Juan Levique Day and Merchant Expo in John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach. Honors the day that John Levique discovered a hurricane had created St. John’s Pass in 1848. (727) 393-1947 June 20 – Father’s Day June 21 – Summer Solstice. Longest day of the year, and the days start getting shorter. June 20-21 - Summer Sailstice. Go sailing and celebrate. See “Short Tacks” page 20 for more details. June 26-July 4 – Pirates Days Celebration. Treasure Island Community Center July 2 – Full Moon – July 4 Independence Day - Fireworks.

WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Kids Windsurfing Instruction

orth Beach Windsurfing, Tampa Bay, teaches beginner youth windsurfing clinics in the summer; Ages range from 8-18 years old. Using top quality, custom-sized equipment for kids makes windsurfing fun, easy and SAFE. The dates are May 22- 23, June 5-6, June19-20, July 10-11, July 2425. 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $60. This camp or lesson is really for those kids who have never done it before or who need the basics. For more information, please call (727) 656-6569 or visit www.nbwindsurfing.com

Scholarships for Clearwater Youth Summer Sailing Program for Kids With LifeThreatening Circumstances

learwater Community Sailing Center announces schol arships for their Summer Sailing Camp Program. The scholarships are intended for children (or siblings of children) living under life-threatening circumstances. Qualifying children will be between 6 and 15 years old living with a terminal illness or other life-threatening circumstance. These grants are for at least one free week of sailing day camp at the Sailing Center located on Sand Key. Qualifying children will be grouped with kids of their own age and sailing skill level.

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

The Sailing Camps are taught by US Sailing certified instructors. Each group of 6 students is assigned at least one certified instructor. While the children do not have to be expert swimmers, they should be comfortable (not panicky) treading water in a life jacket. The camps are available in either half-day or full-day weekly sessions beginning May 24th and running through the week beginning July 26th. Please contact the Sailing Center at (727) 517-7776 for further information.

Racing Calendar To have your race, regatta, or club races listed, please contact editor@southwindssailing.com by the 10th of the month. Races listed should be open to anyone. FLORIDA WEST COAST & INLAND LAKES The races and regattas listed here are open to those who want to sail. June 2-6 – Corinthian Regatta. Manatee River in Bradenton to Key West Bight Marina. Motorsailing possible without being disqualified. Call Capt. Miller Time (941) 7654646. Bradenton-Yacht-Club.org June 8 – Florida West Coast regatta calendar planning meeting. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 7:00 p.m.. Call Phyllis Eades, Sailing Secretary (727) 323-3724 June 12 – St. Petersburg Sailing Association Commodore’s Cup. PHRF racing on Tampa Bay. spsa.us June 19 – Dunedin Boat Club, Larkin Regatta; Gulf, point to point PHRF, dunedinboatclub.org June 19 – Race #2 Cortez Yacht Club Cup Series. www.cortezyachtclub.com

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June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING July 3 – Cortez Yacht Club. Party 4-8 then Fireworks at Beachhouse on Holmes Beach. www.cortezyachtclub.com July 4 – Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Firecracker Regatta 1:30 warning. sarasotasailingsquad.com July 9-11 – US SAILING Area D Semi-Finals. Bemis (Laser), Smythe (C420) Sears (J-24) Davis Island Yacht Club, host diyc.org July 11 – Race #3, Cortez Yacht Club, CYC Cup Series. www.cortezyachtclub.com

Club Racing Open to Everyone Wanting to Race Davis Island YC. Thursday evenings. Tampa. Windsurfers, dinghies, cats, PHRF, keelboat One Designs. 6:30 start of first class, sailing around upper Hillsboro Bay. Lots of boats; Daylight savings time of year. Must be US Sailing member. Register before racing, once for summer. An RC duty day may be in your future. www.diyc.org Davis Island YC - Wednesday Evenings Dinghy Series. First warning 6:30 p.m. Laser, Laser Radial, C420, Sunfish, Lightning, Flying Scot, 470, Fireball. Andrew Sumpton at asumpton@earthlink.net or Allison Jolly at abjolly@aol.com Bradenton YC. Thursday evenings. Starts with daylight savings. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Bob Miller, (941) 795-4646 St. Petersburg YC. Friday evenings. 6:30 start off the Municipal Pier. PHRF, Snipes Starts May. Look for the RC boat at the Pier if an easterly, a half mile downwind from the pier in other breezes. Course around nearby navigation buoys. Sail by the RC boat to register. Anywhere from 10 - 25 boats www.spyc.org Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Friday evenings.7:00 start outside of John’s Pass in Gulf of Mexico PHRF racing. Starts May. Get together to go under the bridges. www.tityc.org Clearwater YC. Friday evenings. 7:00 Start off Clearwater Pass in Gulf; PHRF racing. Starts May www.cyc.org Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Friday evening. Begins April 9. Start at 6:30. Everyone welcome. www.sarasotasailingsquad.com Edison Sailing Center, Ft. Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-round john@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com

West Marine/BoatUS Free Seminars for June (Call the store-reservations sometimes needed) BoatUS Bradenton, 5627 14th ST West, 941-755-9670, Start time 6 p.m. 6/6/04 – Sidewalk Sale (soda/hot dogs) All Day Clearwater, 11477 US HWY 19 N., 727-573-2678, Start time 6 p.m. 6/5/04 – Troubleshooting Your Boat’s Electrical System, Mike Markowski 6/9/04 - Varnishing Tips, Bob Havens Tarpon Springs, 41286 US HWY 19 North, Start time 7 p.m. To be announced, call store for details NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

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West Florida Sailing Services Directory

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To advertise e-mail editor@southwindssailing.com or call (941) 795-8704. See page 29 for ad prices. BOAT LETTERING – GRAPHICS

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Dockside Radio – Pactor II/III modem sales & support; FCC marine radio license filing; SailMail & WinLink installation and training www.docksideradio.com .........(941) 661-4498

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

SAILBOAT SERVICES AND REPAIRS

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

CANVAS & CUSHION SERVICES Banks Sails Tampa See ad in Sailmaking

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

SAILMAKING, REPAIRING & CLEANING ADVANCED SAILS (727) 896-7245 Quality Cruising Sails & Service Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg Marinas Keith Donaldson .................... (727) 896-7245

Scuba Clean Yacht Service See ad in Underwater Services

ADVERTISE IN THIS DIRECTORY 3- line ads for $8 a month 4-line ads for $10 a month 1" boxed in ads for $20 a month

CAPTAIN SERVICES CAPT. JIMMY HENDON (727) 459-0801 ASA Cert./BBC Instruction * USCG Lic. Master Deliveries • Gulf • Atlantic • Caribbean (866) 221-2841 .. captainjimmy@gosolo.com 56

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SAILING INSTRUCTION/SCHOOLS Adventure Cruising & Sailing School A sailing school for Women and Couples • ASA • West Florida and Chesapeake www.acss.bz .......................... (727) 204-8850 CAPT. JIMMY HENDON (727) 459-0801 ASA Cert./BBC Instruction * USCG Lic. Master Deliveries • Gulf • Atlantic • Caribbean (866) 221-2841 .. captainjimmy@gosolo.com FLAGSHIP SAILING/TAMPA BAY AREA ASA Sailing Instruction – Basic thru Advanced Instructor Certification • Sailing Club Bareboat & Captained Charters www.flagshipsailing.com ...... (727) 942-8958 YACHTING VACATIONS SW FLORIDA Live-aboard/non-live-aboard ASA instruction www.yachtingvacations.com .. (800) 447-0080

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Ads paid in advance for 1 year Taller boxed in ads start at 2" tall for $34 a month See page 29 or call (941) 795-8704

SUNRISE SAILS PLUS WEST FLORIDA Complete Yacht Outfitting Service Sails – New, Repair, Cleaning Complete rigging service, masts, cushions, canvas & more (941) 721-4471 sunrisesailsplus@msn.com

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SARASOTA PORPOISE SAILING SERVICES • New and Used Sails • Buy • Sell • Trade • Furling Packages • Discount Sunbrella (941) 758-2822 ww.porpoisesailing.com

Scuba Clean Yacht Service • Underwater Services • Canvas Shop • Sail Cleaning & Repair • Detailing • Mechanical • Electrical • Electronics Serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pasco & Manatee Counties. (727) 327-2628

Advertise in this 1" tall ad for $20 a month. See page 29 for details or call (941) 795-8704. www.southwindssailing.com

WEST FLORIDA SAILING West Marine Apollo Beach, 268 Apollo Beach Blvd., 813-645-6144, Start time 6 p.m. 6/16/04 - To be announced, call store for details Bradenton, 4569 14th Street W., 941-753-3585, Start time 7 p.m. 6/9/04 - Splicing Basics, Fred 6/23/04 - Intro. To GPS, Gary Clearwater, 1231 Cleveland, 727-443-2280, Start time 7 p.m. To be announced, call store for details Clearwater, 18891 US Hwy 19 N., 727-536-4002, Start time 7 p.m. To be announced, call store for details Crystal River, 160 SE Hwy 19 N., 352-563-0003, Start time 5 p.m. 6/3/04 - Kayak Seminar, Capt. Gary Harris Holiday, 3346 US Hwy 19 North, 727-846-1903, Start time 6 p.m. To be announced, call store for details Largo, 10289 Ulmerton, 727-586-7040, Start time 7 p.m. To be announced, call store for details St. Petersburg, 3905 W Cypress St., Start time 7 p.m. To be announced, call store for details St. Petersburg, 5001 34th St. South, Start time 6 p.m. 6/29/04 - Installing an Inverter/Charger Capt. Charles Johnson, P.E. St. Petersburg, 119 1st Ave North. 727-822-6565 Start time 3 p.m. To be announced, call store for details Tampa, 3905 West Cypress, 813-348-0521, Start time 6 p.m. To be announced, call store for details

West Florida Race Report Jabbo Gordon Invitational Regatta, Englewood, FL, March 20 By Mary Gordon

ohn Kremski of Fort Myers won four out of five races to capture the adult Sunfish division at the Jabbo Gordon Invitational Regatta on Englewoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lemon Bay on Mar. 20. Kremski placed second in the second race to Jack Scragg who finished second overall. Mike Mierswa took third. The adult Sunfish skippers were competing in the Portsmouth Handicap division with junior Sunfish, Club 420 and Laser Radial sailors. In the final race, Kremski beat the entire 15-boat fleet on corrected time. Because of a scoring foul-up, Kremski did not receive an award, but upon discovering the error, officials said he would be rewarded handsomely. Sammy Waldron, representing the host Venice Youth Boating Association, overcame a sixth place in the first race, sailed his Laser Radial to two firsts and two seconds and garnered the top Portsmouth division honor. Charlotte Sims, also of the VYBA, skippered her Sunfish to second. The VYBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jackie Sims won the Opti class, while Abby Featherstone of Sarasota came in second in the 21-boat fleet, largest of the 73-boat regatta. Caroline Wallace of St. Petersburg, racked up first place in the Opti Green fleet, which is for first year competitors. J.P. Jaquith of Venice was second. Elizabeth Orren of Englewood won the Walker Bay 10 class in a tie breaker over Matt Gamel. The regatta, formerly known as the Harriett Corrigan Regatta, attracted almost double the number of sailors as any prior year, including one from as far away as the Lake Eustis Sailing Club. The one-day event featured two races in the morning and three more in the afternoon over a trapezoid course. Moderate easterly breezes prevailed most of the day, and there were a few capsizes.

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

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June 2004

WEST FLORIDA SAILING

David Mendelblatt wins 2004 Florida Sunfish Regional Championship By Charlie Clifton

hirty-five sailors competed in the Florida State Regional Sunfish Championship at the Mobetta Yacht Club in upper Charlotte Harbor May 15 and 16. A 5 to 20 knot, gusty, shifty easterly persisted the whole weekend. Mark Mendelblatt started strongly with two firsts and a second. 15-year-old Connor Blouin showed he was going to be a force as he won the third race after finishing 3 and 2. Jeff Linton finally found the groove and won the fourth and last Saturday race. Sunday began with Mendelblatt leading Linton by 2 points and Blouin by 5. Jeff reeled off two straight bullets. Connor beat Mark in one of those races to put Linton ahead by one point going into the last race. Mendelblatt would have to either win or put a boat between him and Linton to take the regatta. Great Grand Master Erik Erickson led at the first windward mark with Linton second and Mendelblatt deep. Mark found a lane way right of the fleet on the run, passed 10 boats, and rounded the leeward mark second with Linton right behind in third. They overtook Erickson on the second beat, held the same positions on the last run, and began the last beat fighting for the lead and the regatta. As Linton and Mendelblatt duked it out on the right of the last beat, Blouin and another junior, Fred Strammer, streaked off to the left where they found a little pressure and looked as if they would both beat Mark, which would give Jeff the regatta. Although Blouin won, Mendelblatt managed to edge out Strammer right at the finish, giving him the boat he needed to win the world qualifier.

Back Row L-R: Julie Burnett, Cindy Taylor, Cindy Clifton, Olga Oliver, Bridge Snitih, Rita Steele, Donna Steele, Bonnie Sevier, Linda Tillman, Lori Siff. Front row: Chanelle Strammer, Loretta Garber, Rebecca Rom, Teal Strammer, Molly McKinney, Michelle Thomas. Photo by Carol McDowell.

Steele was deep in the pack. She managed to pass just enough boats on the last leg to tie Tillman and win via tie breaker. Teal Strammer, the tiniest sailor in the regatta, won the Pram Junior Division by one point. 2002 Opti National Green Fleet Champion Jackie Sims was second. Both Teal and Jackie won three races. In the Women’s Pram Division, Tampa’s PJ Summerville won every race to take the overall Pram Perpetual Trophy. Results: Sunfish:1. Rita Steele, Sarasota,13;2. Linda Tillman,Melbourne,13;3. Rebecca Rom,Venice,18;4. Cindy Clifton,Sarasota,25;5. Donna Steele,Tampa,27;Pram Junior1.Teal Strammer,Venice,9;2. Jackie Sims,Venice,10;3. Michele Thomas, Venice,22;Pram Women:1. PJ Summerville,Tampa,5;2. Meredith Wyble,DIYC,12;3. Terry Holcombe,DIYC,18

Results 1. David Mendelblatt, St. Pete, 15; 2. Jeff Linton, DIYC, 16; 3. Connor Blouin, DIYC, 24; 4. Pete Merrifield, St. Pete, 47; 5. Chris Lowrie, Melbourne, 53; 6. Fred Strammer, Venice,59

2004 Hula Cup, Sarasota Bay, May 8 By Charlie Clifton

hirty sailors were on Sarasota Bay May 8 for the Women’s Florida State Sunfish and Pram Championship. Beautiful weather with a 6-10 knot westerly set the stage for seven races in three hours. Linda Tillman won the first Sunfish race, Cindy Clifton the second. Then Rita Steele, who was OCS the second race, reeled off four straight bullets. In the last race, at the last leeward mark,

June 2004

SOUTHWINDS

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Rolex Women’s Match, St. Petersburg, FL, April 9-11: Sandy Hayes Wins Grade 4 Women’s Event

Kristin Britt (St. Petersburg, FL) Evan Brown, Kelley Simpson, Reguli Granger; 4. Jo Ann Fisher (Arnold, MD) Lynda Hiller, Martha Fisher, Maegan Rhulman; 5. Kirsten Zillman (Cleveland, OH Kristi Patterson, Angela Scheibner, Janet Walker; 6. Pat Seidenspinner (St. Petersburg, FL) Carole Bardes, Karen Park, Laura Jeffers; 7. Arabella Denvir (Irvington, VA.) Jessamine Lewis, Bridget Creney, Dianne Sullivan; 8. Louise Bienvenu (New Orleans, LA.) Marcy Lake/Helen Larsen, Michelle Hitter, Midge Tandy;

From Media Pro International

ight teams of women match racers competed in the Rolex Women’s Match, an International Sailing Federation Grade 4 event, on April 9-11. Two-and-one-half days of round robin racing took place in Sonar keelboats on Tampa Bay, in St. Petersburg. Sandy Hayes (Scituate, MA), sailing with Kim Hapgood, Chafee Emory and Heidi Ziskind, won nine of her 10 matches and was named champion of the 2004 Rolex Women’s Match. Organized by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, with support from title sponsor Rolex Watch U.S.A., to introduce women sailors to one-on-one match racing, the regatta included a skills and rules clinic with match racing world champion Ed Baird. “The Rolex Women’s Match was a great event for us,” said Hayes. “I was very pleased with our teamwork of getting the boat around the course. We had great speed, boat handling and positioning. “SPYC always runs a first class event. The clinic with Ed Baird before the event was fantastic. I can’t wait to spend time re-reading my notes and processing the information he presented. Henry Menin also did a fantastic job of spending time explaining situations and the rules during the event.” Other participating skippers included: Louise Bienvenu (New Orleans, LA), Kristin Britt (St. Petersburg, FL), Arabella Denvir (Irvington, VA), Pat Seidenspinner (St. Petersburg, FL), Rachael Silverstein (St. Petersburg, FL.), and Kris Zillman (Cleveland, OH). With this win, Hayes receives an invitation to the Rolex Osprey Cup at St. Petersburg Yacht Club, October 27-31. Results are posted on the St. Petersburg Yacht Club Web site, www.spyc.org, and the Rolex Women’s Match Web site www.rolexwomensmatch.org. Results: (Overall Finish, Skipper, Hometown, Crew) 1. Sandy Hayes (Scituate, MA) Kim Hapgood, Chafee Emory, Heidi Ziskind; 2. Rachael Silverstein (St. Petersburg, FL) Kira Devers-Jones, Trisha; Birkenstock, Meredith Pelton; 3.

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Sarasota Sailfest Sarasota Sailing Squadron – May 1-2 By Charlie Clifton

trong southerly breezes provided challenging conditions for 174 young sailors at the 2004 Sailfest on Sarasota Bay. In Laser Radials, Sarasotan Chris Enger had just returned from representing the United States at the Laser Radial Youth Worlds in Australia. He started slowly with an 8 in the first race. After a 2 in the second race, he reeled off four straight bullets to win that class by 7 points. Four of the 44 Opti Open sailors were each a point apart going into the last race. At the end, Naples’ Kristopher Woods moved from second to first with his third straight ace as Ian Holtzworth moved up from third to second. Martin County Opti Green Fleet sailor Colleen Hartman showed that she is ready for Opti Open Prime Time. She won every one of the six races to finish 9 points ahead of second place Chris Stocke of Sarasota. The 15-boat Sunfish Class had by far the widest age range, with sailors from 14 to 75. Rick Pantall dominated that fleet despite stopping in the last race to aid a boat in distress. Following Dave Connolly, 120-pound Connor Blouin sailed remarkably in 20 knots of breeze to finish 3rd. Three boats were tied at the end of the 420 series. Jamie Curran won the tie breaker, followed by Ben Alcocer and Noah Kaplan. The 2004 Regional Sears Cup representative, Fred Strammer, showed his heels to a Flying Scot fleet of adults by winning every race. Complete results at: www.sarasotasailingsquad.com/ raceresults.htm

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

WEST FLORIDA SAILING

North U, South Seas Resort, FL: Let’s Go to Sailboat Racing School By Dave Ellis

o you have been racing sailboats for a while and enjoy it. But you think you may enjoy it more if you were up nearer the front of the fleet more often, maybe even eventually being required to polish some silver occasionally. Just so much can be done to hone skills with your local fleet. Unless you sail with a very skilled fleet, you probably need outside help. There are schools that can infuse racing skills in a short time. No, you won’t become an overnight rock star. Impressive gains in a fleet have been experienced, though. The sailor learns principles behind the winner’s reasoning. A good racing school will look at your individual style and temperament and work with you to gain the skill needed to greatly increase your skill level. J-World in Key West for the harder-core racer, Rick White’s race weeks near Key Largo for Laser, Sunfish and all manner of catamarans, and Offshore Sailing School Raceweeks are proven choices to jump-start your racing game. North U has traveling classroom seminars, which may have come to your club. Offshore has had raceweeks for over three decades. When I decided to get into the sailing business in 1985, I answered an ad in Sailing World, or whatever it was called then, for a “racing instructor.” “Sure, come on up to City Island, NY, and interview,” said owner Steve Colgate. I had never raced a boat with a spinnaker before, so I read Colgate’s book on the subject and memorized his triedand-true method. In the interview when questions about spinnaker work were asked, I parroted the book. Naturally, they figured I was an expert and hired me. The upshot was that I was able to teach spinnaker work very well. Empathy for the student and breaking things down into simple steps made teaching, and learning, easy. Let’s go inside a week of North U/Offshore Sailing School racing class at Captiva’s South Seas Resort. The classroom portion is in the morning from 8 to 10. If you have ever been

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SOUTHWINDS

Racing with North U.

to a North U presentation on tactics or speed, this is the same, but expanded. North U founder Bill Gladstone is a skilled moderator who welcomes questions, yet keeps the flow of learning progressing. It is the on-the-water time that makes this week especially effective. Six identical Colgate 26 sloops were lined up ready for four adult clients and one on-board instructor apiece. After introductions Monday, we went sailing on Pine Island Sound in a fresh breeze and flat water. The first morning I like to just let each person sail the boat and work every position so that I can get a look at their skill level and they can get used to the responsive boat. The four sailors assigned to each boat stayed together with the same on-board instructor all week. Gladstone tooled around in a powerboat taking videos and notes for the evening recap

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING from 6 to 7. One clip showed our boat coming to a dead-stop grounding under full spinnaker in 15 knots of wind. Oops. No damage to the Colgate 26, just our pride, as the video was rewound repeatedly that evening. On the boat I was assigned, Frank owns a B-25, so he was used to the performance. His strong personality needed to be convinced that teamwork was important. Jim was the fixer. He seemed to have an eye for how things worked, but he had little tiller time. Dave was studious, observant and willing to learn, but he, too, had not steered much. Jim owned a Colgate 26, but was just getting into racing and needed confidence and lots of practice. I needed to make these disparate guys into a team so that they had a chance to win the “bragging rights” regatta at the end of the week. The first step is boat-handling. Holding the tiller extension correctly, stepping across the boat, detailed methods of how to handle the sheets, who does what and when, all make the boat-handling second nature. By Tuesday afternoon’s sailing session we are supposed to get into boat speed. That week, however, the winds gusted to over 30 knots. So we just reefed and learned how to handle the conditions. Spinnaker work had to wait a day. It surprised most crew to learn that the person assigned to the foredeck to handle the spinnaker pole is simply a mechanic. It is the persons in the cockpit handling the lines who make the foredeck person look great or terrible. It is also the skipper’s course that makes their job easier, or not. By Thursday, after three mornings of intense classroom and nearly twenty hours of sailing, teamwork starts to take place. Only then can tactics and strategy start to be effective. Shifts are so much more important than pure boat speed. In a ten-degree shift on a beat, one boat will gain 25 percent of the

distance two boats are apart if the headed boat tacks. Nobody is that fast. Thursday morning there is no classroom. But by 10 we are back to practice starts, real starts on short windward-leeward-finish courses. On Thursday afternoon it is tough for us on-board instructors, sitting on the back of the Colgate 26, to begin holding back our constructive chatter. The most successful boats, however, are those that are allowed to sail a race and then afterward be questioned about their decisions and actions during that race. By Friday’s short races a sort of pecking order seems to emerge, with one boat dominating and others near the back of the fleet. It doesn’t matter. Each crew has learned so very much that if they had that skill level on Monday, they would have horizoned the others. Saturday dawns and it is time for the instructors to get off the boat. I do race committee duty so, I get a good view of the starts. In the morning we have practice races where the instructors can make comments afterward and, in the case of anyone with issues, during the racing. But in the afternoon, it is regatta time. We set the course a little longer, and the six boats jockey for position. The boat that had been dominating, sort of, had the wheels fall off at the start, then fouled a boat halfway up the first leg, doing the requisite 360 and barely made it back to fifth place. They recovered for a couple of firsts among the five races. Each boat must let each person aboard sail each position. Teamwork and cooperation are essential. Frank sailed two of the five races, winning both. They were delighted when everybody else placed first or second in their heats to get the silver plates for first in the regatta. Just wait until they get back to their unsuspecting local fleet.

UPPER GULF (continued from page 49) Tyrant, which had gone inshore. Tyrant, an Oyster 40, is owned by Mark Lockhart. The wind almost died, leaving the fleet becalmed, when it went right and lifted Tyrant into an advantage over White Trash. Locked against the ship channel, White Trash was forced into a headed position that she could not recover from. The shift and a quite strong sea breeze prevailed the rest of the race. Winds that were barely a mile an hour quickly reached 18. The smooth seas became an instant substantial chop of nearly 6 feet with a very short frequency. At the Middle Bay Light there were only a few spectator boats to see the fleet cross the channel. It was wet and rough. Although the finish line was maybe four miles farther than the Light, 40 boats nearly reached that point, withdrawing. Saturday night’s surprise. There was another party held on Dauphin Island. Attendance was very good, and exhausted sailors accepted trophies and thought about the possibility of the same conditions recurring in the return feeder race. One return that is certain to happen is great attendance at next year’s race. Dauphin Island Race is an open idea, one that includes all the sailing community. As such it is building an active audience, keeping new blood flowing, making all remember what attracted them to sailboats in the first place. Jim Kransberger is a professional sailing photographer and lives in North Carolina. Photos from this race can be seen at: www.waterlinephotos.com. NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

DONATE YOUR BOAT Tampa Sailing Squadron is looking for boat donations for their youth sailing program. Take a tax write-off and donate a boat to YOUTH SAILING, INC. a non-profit organization to help kids learn to sail.

Call Bud at 813-645-5704 www.tampasailingsquadron.org Explanation of Wind Roses

ach wind rose shows the distribution 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 prevalent were the winds coming from that direction. The length of the shaft is generally to a scale to indicate the percentage of the winds from that direction, but not as printed in the magazine, but the proportions are correct and as a general indicator, the diameter of the circle is a little over 15 percent. The wind blows in the direction the arrows fly. When the arrow is too long to be printed in a practical manner, a number is indicated. In the sample here, that would be the number 32, which means that 32 percent of the time the wind blew from the west. The number of feathers on the arrow indicates the strength of the wind on the Beaufort scale (one feather is Force 1, two is Force 2, etc. See below). The number in the center of the circle shows the percentage of the time that the winds were calm. They all add up to 100 percent. In this example, 32 percent came from the West and 9 percent were calms (a total of 41 per cent), so the remaining arrows add up to 59 percent. These symbols are used here to generally show where the winds came from during that month, how strong and how often. In this example we can see that about a third of the time the winds came from the West, about 20 percent of the time from the NE, Force 3, about 20 percent from the SE, Force 4, maybe 15 percent from the south, Force 2, about never from the NW, and 32 percent from the West, Force 3. It was calm 9 percent of the time. We had some winds from the East at Force 4 and the SW at Force 2.

Beaufort Scale (in knots): Force 1(1-3); Force 2(4-6); Force 3(7-10); Force 4(11-16); Force 5(17-21); Force 6(22-27); Force 7(28-33); Force 8(34-40); Force 9(41-47); Force 10(48-55); Force 11(56-63); Force 12(64-71 Hurricane) Wind Roses are taken from Pilot Charts 62

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“In August, you began running an advertisement to sell my diesel engine in your classifieds section. I am pleased to advise you that I have a buyer as a result of the advertisement. Please discontinue it. FYI, I have also had inquiries from West Africa and France as Capt C.T., St. Petersburg, FL a result of the Internet ad you made available. I’m MAJOR impressed!! Thank you very much.”

CLASSIFIED ADS for $5 PER MONTH 1. Classified ads for boats are $5 a month for up to 30 words, 3-month minimum ($15). Check or credit cards accepted. 2. Add $5 a month for horizontal photo (vertical photos $5 a month more), 3-month minimum, ($30 for three month ad for boat with photo). 3. Free ads for boats under $500 (sail and dinghys only), all gear under $500, and windsurfing equipment. Add $5 a month for photo. 4. Boats must be for sale by the owner to

qualify for the above. 5. E-mail ads (including art/photos to editor@southwindssailing.com. Add $5 typing charge for ads mailed in or faxed in (including free ads). 6. Photos not accompanied by S.A.S.E. will not be returned. Photocopies of photos will not work. E-mail or send actual photo. 7. Ads (and renewing ads) must be received by the 10th of the month. 8. The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (10/04) is October, 2004.

9. All other ads are $20 a month for up to 20 words. Add $5 a month for each additional 10 words. $10 a month for a horizontal photo. Frequency discounts available. Contact editor.

Now pay on-line at out Web site www.southwindssailing.com editor@southwindssailing.com Southwinds PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175 (941)795-8704 (941) 795-8705

All ads go on the Internet, and your Web site or e-mail address in the ad will be linked by clicking on it. SOUTHWINDS will only be responsible financially for mistakes for a one issue period. Please check your ad. Let us know any mistakes by the 10th of the month.

BOATS & DINGHIES

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS Advertise your business in a display ad in the classifieds section. Sold by the column inch. 2 inch minimum. (3 column inches is 1/8 page) Monthly Cost Ads Per Inch

9' CAPTIVA ESCAPE with trailer, great fun, easy to sail, good for learning. $950 OBO. Call Nora at (727) 397-4309. (5/04) 8' Vanguard Pram, multi purpose sailing dinghy. Ideal for camps or clubs. Used 2 times, all equipment, cover, Seatech dolly and extras. $1100. Tampa (813) 792-1319 rpandab@att.net (7/04)

12 6 3 1

$17 $20 $23 $27

Minimum Inches

Total Cost

2" 2" 2" 2"

$34 $40 $46 $54

12’ 1981 Areys Pond, Catboat, monohull, 10” draft, gaff-rig, teak trim, bronze fittings, fiberglass hull, Shoreline trailer, all in very good condition. $5500 or best offer. (239) 218-6969. (7/04)

10-foot sailing dinghy, fiberglass, sail rig in good condition. $600. Eve. (850) 648-2241. Panama City (6/04)

Hotfoot 20 Sportboat 1985, Similar to Ultimate 20, recent hull paint, PHRF 168 - Lift bulb keel, 1000 lb displacement, Mainsail,155% ,UK Tape Drive blade, spinnaker, Boomkicker, Galvanized trailer, $7400. Atlanta, Call Scott at (678) 947-8875 or e-mail stle32@aol.com (6/04)

22' Ensign Class Sloop. Sailing school fleet. Older boats in sailing condition. With main and Jib. Four available from $1500-$2500. Call (305) 665-4994 (6/04) 23' Southerly, excellent day and light weekend cruiser that can easily be raced. Several suites of sails. Also 4hp outboard Mariner to put in cockpit well. Proven PHRF jib and main winner. An excellent boat for the family. Truly a boat to see and sail. $2800 OBO (813) 503-6728. (8/04) Precision23 (1995) for sale - 150% jib (2002), bimini, auto helm (2002), 8HP Yamaha (2002) 4 stroke with electric start & tilt, VHF, instruments with yard trailer. Reduced to $14,900. Extra equipment available separately. Call (941) 351-6207 or e-mail gigbobdob@juno.com for additional info. (6/04)

1980 Skipper 20’ Shallow-draft sloop and trailer. 3 sails, self-bailing with motor well, displacement 2,000 lbs. Adult v-berths, opening ports, and quarter berths. $2100 OBO. Stuart, FL (772) 878-4721 (6/04)

1982 Merit 25. Great condition. Stored out of water 8 of the last 9 years. Photographs and details at http://www.intelligentstrategies.com/merit. $7,995. (770) 932-9382 or dpope@intelligentstrategies.com (6/04)

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SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

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Accepting offers: 1978 Buccaneer 27’x8’, documented, shoal-draft hull/rig. Interior removed. Zero blistering. No sails. Most voluminous trailerable sailboat built. Delivery possible. (850) 442-6510. Bob Burnham. 392 East Lake Rd., Quincy, FL 32351. (6/04) 27' Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, 1987. Blue water boat. 3’10" draft. Yanmar diesel. Staysail. H/C pressure water. Cockpit shower. Propane stove w/ oven. Much more. Lying Miami. $47,500. (954) 683-7372; lv2_sail@yahoo.com (7/04) 27' Watkins, 10' beam, 3’8" draft. Ideal cruiser. Well equipped. 20-20 Yanmar diesel, roller furling, new bimini, fully battened main, lazy jacks. (305) 852-8158. Key Largo $14,000. jmilekey@msn.com. (7/04) Argonauta 27 folding tri, fast Newick design, high tech fg, aft cabin, center cockpit, wheel, bimini, roller furling, trailer, only 3 built!!! 45k firm or consider coastal land trade, (361) 442-9351 or lvltlbts@yahoo.com in Texas. (6/04)

Catalina 270 Wing-keel, full electronics, autopilot, spinnker and gear, walk-thru transom, North Sails new 2001-2002 (3 jibs, main, spinnaker) Vessel gifted to charitable organization.This organization eager to sell boat for cash. Best offer: asking $26,900. Contact Lou at hooyengl@bellsouth.net or phone (305) 394-0901(6/04)

28’ Bristol Channel Cutter 1993-94. 27 hp Yanmar diesel, ABI windlass. 300’ new chain, traditional layout with work bench. $135,000. For more information go to: http://bcc.fortworks.com or jim25525@yahoo.com. (7/04)

Cape Dory 27’ 1977, Yanmar 8hp diesel. Roller furling, bilge pump, depth meter, full keel, 4’ draft. Carl Alberg design. Sleeps 4. Xlnt. $17,000. Madeira Beach, FL. Call for appt. (727) 398-0796

27’ Stiletto, super nice, totally re-done. Outstanding fast sailor, goes from 14’ sailing width to 8’ to trailer. All gear, Yamaha OB, sail ready. $23,900. (727) 235-1173 jemotis1@yahoo.com (8/04)

1978 Tartan 27 full keel/centerboard, 3' draft, 6' headroom, 6 opening ports, 12 hp diesel, large vberth, new marine head, stove, sink. steal this $3000 in Melbourne. (321) 960-0235 (8/04) 1978 Catalina 30, Yanmar 3GM 30 100hours, 12000 BTU AC/Heat, tiller steering w/autopilot, speed, depth, compass, stereo, pressure water, 2-speed winches, $16,500. Eve. (850) 648-2241. Panama City. (6/04)

30’ Hunter designed by Cherubini. S/V Uluru is being offered for sale. Complete refit from stem to stern. Turnkey cruiser. Our loss your gain. Bought 42’ cruiser. For a detailed inventory, e-mail zekeatthebeach@aol.com or call (239) 280-7434 (6/04)

Voyageur 30.5 LOA,cutter, AJA, 1981, traditional coastal/bluewater, 3.4 draft, Florida/Bahamas, 5 sails, Yanmar 8 hp. 1/3 gal/hr, full keel, tiller, heavy rigging, custom teak topsides and below, gimble kerosene 2 burner w/oven, excellent ground tackle

30’ IRWIN 1980 CITATION 27' Tartan 1978 A quality boat. Westerbeke diesel, 12hp. Wheel, rlr frl jib & main, spin., 3’2" draft w/centerboard. Dodger, awning, life lines, swim ldr. $17,950. (239) 454-0889 (8/04)

Won’t Last Long – Only $19,900 2004 Yanmar 15HP diesel, autopilot, New reverse cycle air, new electric head, new cockpit cushions, new stereo & VHF, New Profurl roller furling, bimini. See photos www.gcyachts.com

(888)882-551 (727)822-5516 64

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w/new lines,9 opening bronze ports, ideal for 3 or small family, asking only $29,500 for prompt sale, wilmad@cuisp.com (941) 794-1604 (7/04)

Bombay Clipper 31’ 1978 sloop 11.5' beam, 3.5' draft, 6’2" headroom. Furling jib. Well maintained with new bottom job, batteries, alternator, stove Great for cruising. $24,995 OBO Details: www.bombayclipper.blogspot.com (321)946-1275 (7/04) Hunter 31, 1986, 18hp Yanmar, Profurl, 150%, 135%, working jib, spin, LOF #2, windlass, 80 ft chain, Bimini, Dodger, interconnect canvas, teak doors, Mermaid Air & heat, cockpit table, refrigeration, 3 batteries, microwave, wind, speed, depth, inst. TV, $29,500. Located 5346 Bay Point Ct., Cape Coral, (239) 549-0001 work, (941) 5758834 home. (7/04)

31' VanDerStadt 1969 Harmony, full keel, 5ft. draft, new Harken roller furling, 4 Lewmar self-tailing, Auto Helm 4000+, solar, wind generator, 27hp. Yanmar, $20,000. St. Petersburg, FL, (727) 4344586. casadelgato1@hotmail.com. (6/04)

Island Packet 32, 1990. Fully Equipped, Beautiful Condition. Ready-to-cruise; just add food and clothes. Newly finished teak. Bimini and dodger. Yanmar 3GM-24hp. Maintenance records available. $91,900. (727) 409-1768. sue.nutt@verizon.net (7/04)

32' Catalina 320 1999 WK, Yanmar 30 (240 hrs) ac, ap, km, df, Bimini, Adler Ref, Bottom Aug. ’02, VHF W/DCS-GPS, Reduced $92,000, lying Shalimar FL (850) 499-0264 (6/04)

Pearson 323, 1983. Volvo diesel, roller furling jib, whisker pole, self-tailing winches, autopilot, depth/ speed log, factory bow pulpit with anchor roller, transom-mounted boarding ladder. Epoxy bottom 2002. Asking $29,000. Call: (850) 380-6236. (7/04)

See Classified info on page 63 NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

33’ Morgan out-islander, 1977, Bimini & dodger, hot water shower, 108 Perkins engine, autopilot, ac/reverse cycle, generator, inverter, 5.2 freezer/ refrigerator, watermaker, GPS, power windlass, 2 anchors (50 ft chain each) 210’, 350’ line, davits, hard bottom dinghy, outboard, recent rigging and Mack-Pack for main and 135 roller furling jib. Sleeps 5. Reduced to $33,500 obo. Call (305) 893-0436. E-mail big0807ben@aol.com. (6/04)

Pearson 33 1986 Hull #16 Draft 3’10' w/cb, perfect for racing or cruising the shallow waters of Bahamas & Florida. A/C, davits, refrig., many extras; documented, $37,000. sailboat86@att.net; (239) 549-2849 (7/04) Irwin 33 Center Cockpit Sloop, 1986. Sale or Trade. Diesel 3’ 10” draft. $40,000 value. Trade for property or motor home. Boat is clean and ready for the Bahamas. (239) 691-6580. Located Ft. Myers, FL. E-mail: www.suzy213@juno.com (6/04)

Catalina 34 1986, Tall Rig, Good condition, Custom Bimini, Dodger. All standard features sleeps 7, new cushions, Chartplotter, many upgrades, Slip in St. Pete Municipal; can transfer $43,900 (813) 8311011, mvazmina@tampabay.rr.com (6/04)

1986 Schock 34 GP. Consistent winner GYA Challenge Cup-Sugar Bowl- Gulfport/Pensacola. Yanmar diesel, chart plotter, recent sails. Berthed NOLA. $39,000 Jack (228) 452-1240. hagarjac@bellsouth.net (6/04)

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Jason 35 bluewater cruiser,fiberglass Brewer designed double-ended cutter. Radar, chartplotter, SSB/ham, autopilot, 100 gal water, 60 gal fuel asking $52,900, see at escheel.com/boat (941) 7733715 (6/04)

1983 C & C 35 Mk III Great cruiser/racer, Yanmar, 11 sails, bunks for 7, stove with oven, A/C (’00), refrig (’00), feathering prop (’03), self tailing winches, Harken roller furler, bimini, covers for everything, autopilot, new batteries, etc., etc. This boat needs nothing. $62K. (504) 392-0840 or cwilke@haywilkgalvanizing.com (7/04)

1984 Morgan 36 K/CB. Diesel, auto pilot, AC, Furling genoa, wheel, GPS plotter, sleeps 6. Berthed PC, MS. Ted cell (504) 723-8766. (8/04) tdiaz31928@aol.com (6/04)

D UCE D E R

1975 Seafarer Ketch, 38' “Rhodes Design” - ready to sail or live aboard. R/furling & cutter, new interior , 50hp Perkins, Radar, GPS, Auto-Pilot, refrig, Bimini, davits, p/water, A/C, fantastic upgrades, 4’ draft, $41,900 JAX FL (904)838-5767 drterrytaylor@comcast.net (6/04) 39' Bristol Yawl, 1968, Westerbeke 4-107 diesel, hard dodger, ss 3 burner stove w/ oven, Aries wind vane steering, auto pilot, depth sounder. contact Bill at (907) 388-3035 jubi@linkrvs.net (7/04)

Endeavour 40, 1985. Center cockpit sloop. Perkins 4.108, roller furling jib, full batten main with MacPac, dodger, bimini. New epoxy bottom, fresh brightwork. All systems working. Good basic boat, ready to go anywhere. Asking $72,000. Call: (850) 380-6236. (7/04) 1996 Beneteau 40. 3 cabin, 2 head. Fully equipped. New Caribe v-hull inflatable. Listed at $118,600 but see reduced price and photos www.TheCruisingDVDs.com/Beneteau40 or email info@TheCruisingDVDs.com (8/04)

984 37’ Dickerson Cutter, Beautiful boat featured in World’s Best Sailboats. Furling main and jib, staysail on boom. New ST6000 AP, new water heater, lectrasan head. 4’6” draft. Perkins 4108 diesel, new sailor prop. $77,000/Best offer e-mail dosukoenig@aol.com Cortez, Fl. 941-755-9316 (8/ 04) 41' Gulfstar Ketch 1973 cruising equipped, ready to go. 2002 - 10 barrier coats and Strataglass enclosed bimini, lived aboard 14 years, selling medical reasons, photos, details: $55,000 www.shevard.com (904) 284-9986 X2040 (6/04)

Lagoon 37 1994. totally equipped for comfortable, safe liveaboard/cruising excellent condition. Original owner. $185,000 (239) 543-7208 or (239) 8989522 (8/04)

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS starting at $34/month editor@southwindssailing.com 66

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1976 CT41 Cutter-rigged ketch. Come to Louisiana to see La Mouette, beautiful, seaworthy doublehanded cruiser. Many improvements. Offered by liveaboard owners of 20 years. $80,000. (985) 7815625 Details www.ct41ketchforsale.com. (9/04)

Catana 411 catamaran, 1995. Loaded for cruising. SSB, Radar, Chartplotter, APs, generator, solar, wind generator, liferaft, EPIRB, much more. She is fast, safe, comfortable. Excellent condition. $265,000, Go to www.catana411.com, (949) 4638287 (7/04)

Brewer 42’ 1986 Ted Brewer-designed sailboat. 80hp Lehman/Ford, just rebuilt. Two staterooms, 2 heads, full galley, 4.5 generator. Center cockpit, bimini & dodger. Ready to cruise. (727) 409-8952. johnw.burney@verizon.net (8/04)

1989 Irwin 43 CC Sloop Raytheon ST50 Knot Log Depth apparent wind and speed, Raynav 520+plotter WAAS GPS, AP7000 auto pilot, radar RX20, ICOM dual station VHF, roller furling, Stack Pack by Mac Sails, main 2 years old, Jib 4 years old. 2 AC reverse cycle units, full galley with SS stove and oven, microwave, Adler Barbour freezer/refrigerator, 2 heads with separate showers, large saloon and large nav station. 8KW Genset, 66HP Yanmar 1500 Hours, fuel polisher, 3 anchors, 2 Plow 35 & 45 and Fortress, 165’ chain and 300’ rode. New cockpit cushions. Safety package and much, much, more. $137,500 or BRO. (941) 350-8113 (7/04) 1983 Southern Star 43’. Excellent condition. $75,000. S.J. Brown or Collene Johns. (850) 4533471. (6/04)

See Classified info on page 63 www.southwindssailing.com

C L A S S I F I E D CREW AVAILABLE Visit SOUTHWINDS new boat and crewlisting service at southwindssailing.com

CREW WANTED Visit SOUTHWINDS new boat and crewlisting service at southwindssailing.com 1988 Brewer 44’ shoal-draft w/board. Centercockpit cutter, Perkins 85, sale by original owners, (941) 962-7100 or (813) 671-0862 or paritytwo@yahoo.com. (6/04) 45’ Columbia Sloop, 1973, 85 hp Perkins, R/F Main and Genoa, completely new fuel system, hard top bimini, davits, windlass, solar panel, AC, comfortable cruising boat, Jacksonville, FL, $35,000. (904) 541-1585. (7/04) 51’ Airex foam Trimaran 1976. Cruising Equipped. 4 cylinder 40 hp Isuzu diesel. Selling for medical reasons. $60,000. For more info and photos. www.salinet.com (id#12820) or call (530) 6472757. randk@d-web.com. (7/04)

APARTMENT FOR RENT Apartment for rent in Durango, Colorado. Nice 2 bedroom, 2 bath unfurnished townhouse in the woods in town. Fireplace, deck, garage, dishwasher, refrigerator, great room. $1050 a month. Lease. Nice neighborhood. Quiet. Clean. Available June 1. (877) 372-7245 toll free. smorrell1@tampabay.rr.com

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT Florida Keys boat slip for rent, $450 per month/ annual. Live in Dade and dock your boat in the beautiful Florida Keys. MM 51. Marathon. Zoned, live-aboard community. Full utilities including pumpout at dock. Easy ocean access. (305) 2894338. davidk@terranova.net. (6/04)

BOOKS & CHARTS Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 574-0289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm

BUSINESS/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

A D S

MISCELLANEOUS BOAT GEAR NEW & USED

DINGHY DAVITS Only $360.00

ELECTRONICS SeaTech Systems – Computerized navigation & communication. Call for free Cruiser’s Guide to the Digital Nav Station and CAPN demo disk. (800) 444-2581 or (281) 334-1174, navcom@sea-tech.com, www.sea-tech.com Best Prices – Solar panels, wind generators, charge controllers, deep cycle batteries, solar panel and wind generator mounting hardware. Authorized dealer for Siemens, Kyocera, Solarex, and Uni-Solar solar panels, Air Marine wind generator, Deka, Trojan, and Surrette deep cycle batteries.™ Toll free (877) 432-2221 www.e-marine-inc.com

HELP WANTED Ad Sales Reps wanted in the south for Southwinds. Editor@southwindssailing.com or (941) 795-8704 Sail Boat Rigger - Massey Yacht Sales & ServicePalmetto-Regatta Pointe Marina has sailboat rigger position available. Work with Florida’s best sailboat rigging and outfitting team. Good pay, insurance, paid vacation plus benefits. Must have substantial sailboat experience and superior rigging skills. Call Ed Massey at (941) 723-1610

www.martekdavits.com

727-686-5020 Wanted: Marine single-side band radio transceiver/ receiver. (941) 235-1890 (7/04) Remanufactured engines, cheap: 12V71 Detroit Marine. 16149 Detroit Marine. 3208 Cat Marine Engine. S.J. Brown or Billy Brooks. (850) 453-3471. (6/04) Bimini Top with front and side zip-in clear curtains. Approx size: 94" front X 72" sides X 45" height. Excellent condition. Dove Grey color. Call for exact dimensions and details. Asking $500. (850) 6240470 (8/04) Mast Mate 42-foot – $125, Fortress FX23 anchor$125, teak sailing seat-$100, Mark 15 Sextant with case-$95. Life Sling $50, Deck Sun Cover, Sunbrella, for Hunter 31-$50, Signal Flags-complete set-$40. (941) 769-5794. (8/04)

Yacht Sales Person Wanted. Massey Yacht Sales has sales position available for professional, successful yacht sales person. Harborage Marina at Bayboro dealership location. Dealer for Catalina, Hunter, Caliber and Mainship. Need to be computer literate, self-motivated with good knowledge of sail and power industry. Best marketing and sales support system with large lead base for the right candidate. Call Bill Wiard for interview appointment. (727) 824-7262.

MARINE ENGINES

Construction/Real Estate investment Highly-experienced, honest, licensed, responsible and reliable contractor seeks investor/partner in new construction/remodeling in west Florida. Perhaps a spec house or purchase to remodel. Contractor is experienced in custom homes of all sizes, including very high-end homes. Only interested in doing interesting and enjoyable projects. (941) 795-8711 Sailtime.com is looking for base operators on the Florida coast. This may suit existing marine business owners who wish to add an additional income stream. Sailtime is a unique business model that requires minimal capital and no staff. Tel. (813) 8170104 or jtwomey@sailtime.com

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

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June 2004

C L A S S I F I E D

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OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE Office and warehouse space available for lease to marine-related businesses. Great for boat brokers or sales representatives. High speed Internet access. JSI (727) 577-3220

LODGING FOR SAILORS

One 34’6" B&R Rig Mast complete with standing and running rigging - $2700 Also Lewmar winches, 25s and 7s. Much more equipment for boats up to 30 feet. (985) 892-4133 or E-mail 2voodoo@bellsouth.net Famet roller reefing. Seeking best offer. lvltlbts@yahoo.com (361) 442-9351 (6/04) Wheels Custom Leathered – Satisfaction guaranteed, 1 year warranty. Free turks head. Over 100 satisfied customers last year. Contact Ray Glover at Sunrise Sails Plus (941) 721-4471 or sunrisesailsplus@msn.com

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

PERSONAL Live-aboard sailor looking for rich woman with connections to people who can acquire Micron 44 bottom paint. This bottom paint is not generally available through the normal commercial channels. Bad government research has determined that Micron 44 kills shellfish and other marine critters because of the tin content (TBT) in the paint. Because of the fact that Micron 44 is not readily available for a boat of Right’s Guard’s size, the woman I am seeking has to have some experience in the marine trades and know how to solder electrical connections. It would also help if she had an American Express platinum card, knew how to cook gourmet meals and was drop dead gorgeous. Tobacco chewing optional. Contact Bubba Whartz at rightguard@southwindssailing.com

SAILING INSTRUCTION TIRALO floating deck chair - a beach chair that floats in water and rolls easily on the sand. Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.tiralo-usa.com or swti@oasisllc.com Dripless Packing Proven high-tech propeller and rudder packing that outlasts all other packings and is virtually dripless. Easy to install. Bilges stay dry. Won’t damage shafts. Economical. Dealer inquiries welcome. Toll Free (877) 432-2221 or www.e-marine-inc.com AC/DC Refer, 22# Bruce Anchor, Anchor Ball, Sospenders, Magma Grills, Mariner 9.9, Mercury Long Shaft 7.5 HP, Folding Bikes, Windsurfers, Metzeler Sailing Rig, Windscoop, Drogues, Lifesling, Type I Life Jackets w/strobe. Nautical Trader. (941) 488-0766. www.nauticaltrader.net

See Classified information on page 63 68

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SERVICES FOR SAILORS

SAILS & CANVAS USED SAILS SAVE $$$ 1000s of headsails, mains & spinnakers. We ship everywhere, satisfaction guaranteed. We also buy sails. Sail Exchange. (800) 6288152. 407 Fullerton Ave. Newport Beach CA 92663 www.sailexchange.com See Display ad in Index of advertisers

www.southwindssailing.com

BUBBA (continued from page 19)

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING (continued from page 51) to cross the finish. Classics division was graced by wooden vessel Clay Basket, a consistent first-place winner who sparred with Oriana, a sprightly little cutter who won the DFL prize in April. Pterodactyl dominated the multihull division and may have generated what locals thought were UFO sightings. Unable to play with Pterodactyl, the rest of the multihull rustlers had a showdown with each other. Tri-Ala-Mode breezily slid into second in February, while classy cat Conch Pearl, the sleek Java Cat and tiny Troika sprinted for a placing. Troika, my peevish 16-foot trihulled steed, proved her mettle by stealing third in February and second place in April. It wasn’t easy. In the schooner class, several magnificent tall ships maneuvered for prizes. In February, Liberty Clipper and Appledore engaged in a dramatic bow-sprit-to-bowNEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

sprit finish. The video of the race had to be repeatedly viewed to determine that Liberty Clipper’s long spar crossed the line first. Beautiful blue Dreamcatcher placed first in both January and April’s races. In the Challenge class, schooner America and super fast cat Carribbean Spirit fought it out, and the cat clawed out ahead. Hats off to Evalena and Paul Worthington of Schooner Wharf Bar, the masterminds behind Key West’s Wrecker ’s Race tradition. Sheree Ruf worked hard behind the scenes and maintained order. Professional Capt. Jeff Stotts manned the committee boat, A.K.A. “cocktail cruiser”, and took charge of the prerace and award ceremony parties. Prizes of Pusser’s Rum, West Marine gear and Schooner Wharf goodies were well-enjoyed by the winning boats. For detailed results visit www.schoonerwharf.com and view the special events pages.

Air Duck 26 Aqua Graphics 56 Atlantic Sails 30 Banks Sails 56 Beachmaster Photography 66 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 26 Bluewater Sailing Supply 58 Boaters Exchange 43,63 BoatUS 7 Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 20 Bo’sun Supplies 39 Bubba Book 17 Carson/Beneteau BC Coast Weather 68 Compac Boats East 6 Coral Reef Apparel Company 46 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina 13 Cruising Direct Sails 14 Defender Industries 68 Dockside Radio 24 Don’s Salvage 60 Doyle Sails 9 Dwyer mast 67 Eastern/Beneteau BC First Patriot Insurance 18 Flagship Sailing 57 Fleetside Marine Service 67 Florida Sailboats, Inc. 65 Flying Scot Sailboats 65 Forespar 64 Fujinon Binoculars 27 Fun Maritime Academy 42 Garhauer Hardware 31 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 37 Great Outdoors Publishing 55 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 63,64,64 Gunkholer’s Cruising Guide 55 Hanse Sailboats 65 Hood/SSMR 57 Hotwire/Fans and other products 67 Hunter Sailboats 10 Island Marine Products 34 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 37 JS9000 PHRF Racer 64 Martek Dinghy Davits 67 Massey Yacht Sales 9,16,31,61,IBC Masthead Enterprises 29,68 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau BC National Sail Supply 36 Nautical Trader 55 NBOA 54 North Sails 13,17 Nuclear Sails 14 Pasadena Marina 61 Porpoise Used Sails 68 Raider Sailboats 65 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 22 Regatta Time in Abaco 23 Rparts Refrigeration 30 Sail Exchange/Used Sails 21 Sailcovers and More 68 Sailor’s Soap 21,28,51 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 55,58 Sailtime 3 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 62 Schurr Sails 47 Scurvy Dog Marine 48 Sea School 60 Sea Tech 25 Shadetree 38 South Carolina Maritime Festival 17 SSMR/Hood 57 St. Augustine Sailing School 68 St. Barts/Beneteau BC Suncoast Inflatables 59 Tackle Shack 53 Tampa Sailing Squadron 62 UK Sails 49 Ullman sails 6 Weathermark sailing 10 West Marine 15,IFC Windcraft Catamarans 22 Yanmar Diesel 67 Sailing Services Directory West Florida 56 Regional Sailing Services Directory 33 Calendar Photo Contest 8

SOUTHWINDS

June 2004

Abandoned Boat Ramps in the Dark & Dancing Sailors:

Know Your Nautical Terms By Bruce Sanspree

his story is for all the sailors out there who have non-sailors on the boat. My friend from high school bought a sailboat, a Catalina 22. He was moving up Sailboats in Belews Creek, NC. from a Newport 16. When we sailed in the Newport 16, things were very inforand the evening was turning dark mal; however, with the Catalina we when we decided to anchor for the were instructed to be more nautinight. We were the only boat on the cal. He wanted all the correct terms lake at this point. We were operatused such as port and starboard, ing under outboard power as we stern and bow. When on the boat looked for a place to anchor and we had to rehearse these for the new spend the night. skipper. We decided to go out to a He let me take the tiller and local lake in October to sail a little point the Catalina toward an inlet. and camp out on the boat. This lake As trees surrounded the lake up to is Belews Lake in North Carolina, a the water line I was instructed to Duke Power lake mostly undevelkeep an eye on the tree line and oped. The tree line borders the lake make sure the trees stayed in the dison all sides. tance. He would go up to the bow We sailed all afternoon, using and begin the anchoring process. He correct nautical sailing terms. If I said he would give me instructions. used an incorrect term such as front No problem I thought, as the trees or back, he would correct me with were in the distance. fore and aft. If I noticed something After a few seconds he began to on the left side, I would be corrected jump up and down and shout, “Turn that it was off the port bow. Halturn turn.” I was fairly sure that this yards, jib sheets, tacking, point of was not a nautical term so I assumed sail, jibbing, close hauling, beam he was talking about the coastal reaching, and so the day went. bird or perhaps the song from the As we went through the 60s. I was trying to decide and evening he insisted on using all the wondered what is a coastal tern correct sailing terms. I was begindoing this far inland. “Where is it?” ning to get the hang of it, at least I called back. I was wondering why the basic ones anyway. I should he was so excited about a bird. “No.” mention here that he is the sailor he shouted back. “Turn.” At one and I am not. The winds were calm point jumping up and down and

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flapping his arms. I was thinking he was trying to imitate the bird and was a little confused as to why. Quite frankly, I was thinking he looked a little silly. I was racking my brain as to what nautical phrase this might be. As I was trying to recall if he had ever been interested in birds, I realized that we were heading directly at the shore. Apparently there was a spot where there used to be a boat ramp, and the tree line had been cut back 100 yards from the shore. A black asphalt parking lot ran from the tree line to the water. We were about to go up the boat ramp. So I turned. As you can imagine, he assumed this was my fault for not turning the boat when he directed me to do so. I held fast to the position that he did not use the correct nautical term of port or starboard as we had been using all day. We joked about this that night and into the next day. Much discussion was had on the point of whether we would tell our wives how close we came to wrecking his new boat. So here is a lesson for all experienced sailors who care about their boats. Be very, very clear about the instructions you give to those novices on board who are assisting. They get confused. You may also want to be very clear about where the old boat ramps are when anchoring.