Southwindsmarch2008

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

Mahe 36 Boat Review Key West Race Week Store Your Boat for Hurriane Season

March 2008 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS March 2008

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

10

Editorial: Mooring Fields

By Steve Morrell

12

Letters

18

Bubba and Geography

By Morgan Stinemetz

20

Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

21

Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

29

8th Annual Catboat Rendezvous on Useppa Island

By Gretchen Coyle

31

Morgan Invasion 2008: History of the Morgan Invasion

By Sully Lowe

32

Sailor’s Wharf Celebrates 30 Years

38

Our Waterways: News on our Changing Southern Waterways

40

Storing Your Boat for Hurricane Season: Part III of III

By Capt. Ron Butler

43

Catamaran Charter in Southwest Florida

By Arlen Bensen

46

Boat Review: Mahe 36 Catamaran

By Jean Levine

48

Carolina Sailing

By Dan Dickison

50

Winter Boat Delivery: Maryland to Florida

By Arthur Campbell

52

Travels With Angel: Battle in the Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas

By Rebecca Burg

54

Cruise to Vinoy in Downtown St. Petersburg

By Ina Moody

56

US SAILING National Sailing Symposium

By Jabbo Gordon

58

Key West Race Week

By Rebecca Burg

61

Gasparilla Regatta and Women’s Gasparilla Regatta

By Ray Dupuis and Kathryn Shea

62

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

66

Tampa Bay Sailing

By Dave Ellis

86

Everyone’s a Winner at US SAILING’s Race Management Seminar

By Julie B. Connerley

34-37 72 78 85 71

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

Gemini Catamaran charter in Southwest Florida.

Page 43. Photo by Steve Morrell.

Key West Race Week. Page 58.

Photo by Capt. Bill Robinson.

COVER: Groovederci, winner of the Mumm 30 class in Key West Race Week. Photo by Tim Wilkes. www.timwilkes.com.

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

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS March 2008

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SOUTHWINDS

News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 16 Number 3 March 2008 Copyright 2008, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Steve Morrell

Doran Cushing, Publisher 11/1993-6/2002

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

Steve Morrell

Advertising editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(941) 795-8704

(941) 795-8704

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

Regional Editors Roy Laughlin Production Heather Nicoll

EAST FLORIDA mhw1@earthlink.net Proofreading Kathy Elliott

(321) 690-0137 Artwork Rebecca Burg angel@artoffshore.com

Contributing Writers Letters from our readers Capt. Ron Butler Gretchen Coyle Dave Ellis Roy Laughlin Ina Moody Morgan Stinemetz

Arlen Bensen Arthur Campbell Dan Dickison Jabbo Gordon Jean Levine Hone Scunook

Rebecca Burg Julie Connerley Ray Dupuis Kim Kaminski Sully Lowe Kathryn Shea

Contributing Photographers/Art Grizelle Aldea Rebecca Burg (&Artwork) Capt. Ron Butler Arthur Campbell Julie Connerley Gretchen Coyle Dan Dickison Dave Ellis Bill Fishbourne Kim Kaminski Glenda Libby Ina Moody Scunook Photography Capt. Bill Robinson US SAILING Tim Wilkes Photography EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some faroff and far-out place.

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

Contact the editor with questions.

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

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

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FROM THE HELM Mooring Fields and Marinas as Businesses In this issue, we have a news piece on a new mooring field being planned in St. Augustine, FL. (See “Our Waterways.”)

Mooring fields are a relatively new idea in Florida.

Anchorages, as we all know, have been around wherever there’s water for a few thousand years. But they, and mooring fields, sure create a lot of controversy.

In St. Augustine, they just cut back the number of moorings from 369 to 227. In one of the two fields planned, residents complained that it would still be too big and would look like a “parking lot” (unpaved, of course). The city responded that if they cut it back any farther, there would be a lot of boats anchored in the same area, reminding many that communities cannot regulate anchoring outside of mooring fields. So you might as well have a mooring field you can control. Some of these waterfront property owners, thinking the water is theirs, don’t want to see any boats in front of their homes.

This is typical of what is going on, but it is really the same old story. Waterfront property owners want to control the water in front of their homes. They complain that there are lots of boaters, and they all pollute and make noise (ignoring the fact that waterfront property owners are a much larger source of water pollution than boaters). These landowners just don’t want them there. They forget: They did not buy those waters.

From the boaters’ side, they don’t want mooring fields.

They want to still anchor, because many have been doing so for years—for free. Why should they have to start paying now? Next, the communities want to charge them to come

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STEVE MORRELL,

EDITOR

ashore—something else they have been doing for free for years. CHARGE MONEY TO COME ASHORE? There’s a new concept.

We boaters might as well accept the fact that mooring fields are here to stay and be thankful that the courts are on our side. What we need to fight for is to hold onto these rights (because the landowners want them) and also to make sure we get good fields with good services. What we must do is fight for good reasonable services—at reasonable prices.

Cruisers visit towns just like other people. They just come in boats, but towns want to charge boaters for every step.

Charge for mooring, charge for bringing the dinghy in, charge for going to the bathroom. Run it like a “business” (the new fad word in “modern” government).

In another news piece in “Our Waterways,” we report that Plantation Key Yacht Harbor wants to run their marina like a business. Why do they think that way? Do we run the cars that come through our towns as a business? If we did, there would be a toll gate at every town entry, and a toll would be charged for the cars’ pollution, noise, pavement, paving, curbs, maintenance, stop lights, signs, police road patrols, etc. I say let them park on the edge of town and walk in—or rent them an electric cart (call it a “land dinghy”). How much money would towns make, er—save, that way? How much quieter would towns be? How many drunk drivers would we have? How much healthier would people be walking everywhere? How much green space would towns have?

And charge them to walk in. Run it like a business.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

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

H.L. Mencken

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

E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com

SOUTHWINDS WRONGLY FAULTS MIAMI MARINE PATROL As a long-term reader of your fine magazine, and as a BBYRA PHRF 3 racer on Biscayne Bay, I have enjoyed seeing my name in past issues where you have shown results of races on the bay.

I wanted to take this opportunity to strongly object to an answer that you gave to a gentleman who was complaining about an encounter that he had in Fort Lauderdale with the marine patrol. In your answer, you made the following statement: “How Americans in west Florida are afraid of their government,” and you were pointing your finger at the “cops,” as you call them, and “the communities that support them being out of control.” And then you went on to say there were stories of “tactics by power-crazy cops backed by powercrazy communities in places like Gulfport and Miami.”

Having founded the city of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board more than 20 years ago and currently its chairman, and having a close active relationship with the city of Miami’s highly professional and exceptionally competent police marine patrol, I know all of these men personally, and I know the respect the community has for them as well as senior officers in the United States Coast Guard who work with them on a regular basis.

I would like to suggest that you come to Miami, meet our distinguished city manager, Pete Hernandez, sit down and talk with Deputy Chief of Police Frank Fernandez, and Sgt. Mike Gonzalez. All of them have got to be better than the best in any community in this great country of ours. As a retired US Navy SEAL Captain with 26 years, I am proud to be actively involved in the waterfront issues with our marine patrol in the city of Miami. I would suggest that you write a strong letter of apology to City Manager Pete Hernandez, because you absolutely do not know what you are talking about. And I am very surprised that an editor of such a fine monthly magazine would put himself in such an irresponsible editorial position.

Stuart Sorg Captain, SEAL (ret.) United States Navy Stuart, I did make an error in that and I had to check it, as I was sure I did not mention Miami. My apologies to the city and their marine patrol.

I meant to say Miami Beach, and I hold to that claim about Miami Beach and its treatment of many visiting boaters. It is good to hear that the Miami Marine Patrol takes pride in treating citizens fairly.

There is one error in your comment. I did not state:“How Americans in West Florida are afraid of their government.” I wrote: “I read a letter to the editor in a recent newspaper here in west Florida how Americans are afraid of their government.”

I will, though, openly and gladly make this statement: Every See LETTERS continued on page 14 12

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LETTERS boater I know, and all I hear from, in letters and calls to SOUTHWINDS, when they see the on-the-water police in Florida, hope they won’t come over and hassle them, because of the fear that they will be impolite, will not care if they bang up their boat when they tie up to them, and will treat them as though they are guilty first. The fact that—from what you say—the Miami Police Marine Patrol— do not treat boaters like this is a relief, but visiting cruisers not from Miami and passing through the Miami waters who do not know this have such a negative view of all marine patrols in Florida, that they still fear them all. I was hoping that the good cops in this state would get mad at the bad cops for generating this negative view, as it is well-founded in so many cases.

Thanks for the letter and pointing out my error. I do make them. And thanks for the kind comments on the magazine.

Editor BRUCE BINGHAM VISITED BY GULFPORT POLICE AT 2:30 A.M. Last fall, I was visited at my boat by the Gulfport police (Gulfport, FL). I have since been approached by several people commenting that they’d heard that I’d been boarded by the same police, but I have to correct those rumors. I have never been boarded, but several times various police have asked if they may board for the purposes of conducting a safety inspection or to inspect my sanitation facilities. My response to their requests has always been, “I rather that you not,” or “Unless you have just cause, I’d prefer that you not (board).” I have always left the door open for officials to do what they wanted, but they have always said, “That’s fine,” and have conducted their inspections from alongside without being confrontational.

The incident in question occurred about three weeks ago (mid-October) at about 2:30 a.m. at the St. Pete end of Boca Ciega Bay about 200 yards south of Clam Bayou. I was awakened by the abrupt and very loud “Woop, woop, woop” of the horn and bright lights being shown through a cabin window. There were a male and female officer aboard the patrol boat.

They initially made a comment that my halyard-hung anchor light was dim and probably not visible from two miles, so I switched on my masthead anchor light and that satisfied them. Then they conducted a safety inspection and queried about my vessel’s sanitation facilities. They did uncover a single infraction: My boat—being 28-feet— required two fire extinguishers, but I only had one aboard.

That cost me $61!

During their 35- to 40-minute visit, the female officer asked a lot of questions concerning my use of my boat, such as, “Do you live at the address on your registration (and other identification)? Do you use your boat often? Where do you take your boat? Where have you been with your boat?

How often do you take your boat out?” I thought this was a strange line of questioning and assumed that she was fishing to determine whether I was a liveaboard. Never did she ask directly if I was a liveaboard. Since all of my answers correctly steered her away from the issue, the questioning ended, and the ticket for the missing fire extinguisher was issued.

Their visit and inspection was very respectful and courteous, but the awkward and inconvenient time of their inspection was a bit bizarre. After casting off, I watched them stop at four to five other unlit vessels nearby, 14

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undoubtedly for the purpose of writing tickets for lack of anchor lights and/or absent registration stickers.

So, that’s all there was to it. But it does serve as a warning that the fuzz is out there and can be expected at all hours of the day and night, and even the most minor infraction will be expensively ticketed. So boaters better get their acts together, solve their anchor light problems, and make sure their flares have not expired. The

police will look at everything when they come by.

Have a great day, Steve. You and SOUTHWINDS (I save them all) are doing a tremendous service for the boating community.

Bruce Bingham Yacht designer, boating writer, and full-time cruiser Bruce, Thanks for the clarification. It’s obvious to us civilians that inspecting your boat at 2:30

a.m. is keeping us all safe—or at least maintaining job security for the Gulfport police.

Have you ever heard of that saying: “The days of courtesy are not still among us.”?

Maybe they don’t realize it gets dark much earlier. Or maybe Gulfport is just different.

Editor GULFPORT, FL, ROAD SIGN TELLS IT ALL

Does Gulfport welcome sailboats?

Photo by Hone Scunook.

I have heard the stories in the last few years—many of them in SOUTHWINDS—about the negative attitude of Gulfport toward boaters — sometimes directed against residents who even keep their boats at the marina there— but more so against sailors who want to visit the city. But what really amazed me was what I found when I was driving west on 22nd Avenue South from St. Petersburg and entered the city limits of Gulfport. I saw the city’s sign (see photo above) and couldn’t believe it; there is a sailboat on the sign, which says “Gulfport Welcome”!

What’s up? Are these new? Are they trying to change their image?

Was a new city council elected? Is this a mistake and, if so, is the sign manufacturer still in business after such a fiasco? Or are these signs old and represent the old days? Does the sign See LETTERS continued on page 16 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS say, “Sailboats welcome”? Or did someone sneak these up there one night and no one noticed?

What gives?

Frank Benjamin S/V Poor Richard Frank, I never noticed that, but then again, when driving through MUS (Massive Urban Sprawl), it all looks the same, and it is hard to tell when one goes from one city to another (ever drive down 41 in west Florida?). I can’t answer those questions and perhaps a reader can. I think a more appropriate sign would be, “Sailboats Beware, Unfriendly City Council.”

By the way, watch out when you drive through Gulfport.

Police have been known to follow visitors around and stare at them (as their marine patrol does when a visiting boater anchors in their waters) to make sure they are acting right. I heard of one driver who said the police followed him into a parking lot and watched him get out of his car and walk down the sidewalk.

Maybe he had long hair or something.

Editor LOOKING FOR AN OYSTER 43 NAMED ARETE I used to sail on an Oyster 43 named Arete that was based loosely out of Naples, FL. I learned some time ago that she’d been sold to someone in Tampa Bay and actually saw pictures of her racing on Tampa Bay. This Oyster 43 is a race boat built in England, not the more common center-cockpit Oyster designs that cruise the world’s oceans. She is a tiller boat with a low coach roof and was white at last sight. If you or your readers know the whereabouts of the boat and who owns her now, that would be great to know.

Michael Tamulaites If anyone hears of this boat, please e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Editor BOAT SLIPS ANYONE? The dilemma of slip space here in the Florida Keys is much the same as South Florida with one exception: Our area has 1000 canal systems where owners can store their boats. New docks are being constructed all over the Keys, all the time.

The liveaboards are usually some of the few occupants of active marinas, as their numbers (the liveaboards) are reduced (or they have simply moved on to cleaner and clearer waters). The occupancy rate has not jumped. While marinas are filled during peak seasons like summer when many owners of the larger South Florida boats like to keep them in the Keys for the weekend, most of the time I find about 50 to 60 percent slips available.

I am fortunate to have recently purchased my own “liveaboard” and have a slip in one of the nicer, smaller, marinas in the Keys, The Suites of Key Largo, on Port Largo Canal.

The rates are fair, the amenities are standard, and there is good water for a five-foot draft boat on most tides. If you consider fewer occupants of marinas, and the same number of showers, you’re likely going to be first in line every time.

Steve Morrell’s editorial hit it right on the nose. Boating is becoming a function of the wealthy, or those that choose 16

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to absorb themselves in debt to own a boat. I know. I’m one of the debt holders. I like to say “the bank is the captain” and I am “the crew.”

Finally, the wealthy can absorb the higher rates of marinas and all the other boating expenses because they are wealthy. As consumer prices rise for boaters, as slip rent has also risen— and insurance to boot—it’s evident that you will see fewer and fewer liveaboard boaters in these waters.

Once I repay my debt to the bank, and become “the captain,” I, too, will join the ranks of “the cruiser” and no longer be confined to the marina docks I have become “attached to.”

Adam Waywell S/V Quail Key Largo, FL sailthequail.com Adam, I am afraid in Florida, if you are near the water or on the water, whether in a boat or a building, it is for the wealthy. You can

tell the change when developers come in from out of the area to work when opportunity arises. That is why we must protect cruisers’ rights as much as possible. It is like visiting the wilderness; anyone can still afford to go there, although there are some out there who would raise national park fees as high as the market will bear.

Watch out for them.

Things are changing here in Tampa Bay. I hear that slips are expensive on the north side of the bay, but on the south side, as in Manatee County, one large marina— a marina that welcomes liveaboards (that’s right—WELCOMES them)—just lowered their rates as empty slips are becoming more common. Hard to believe, but it is true and good news in a way, but insurance and taxes are driving people out of boating for the average-income Floridian.

Prices are high for insurance and taxes on homes, and insurance on boats.

Editor SALON OR SALOON? WHICH IS IT? Love the magazine, and I look forward

to the online issue every month.

Referring to the “salon” vs “saloon” question in the November issue: I will continue to use “Saloon,” as I grew up with that spelling. And ... if I have to choose between a name that makes me think of a row of R2D2-like hair dryers with matrons sitting below and reading fashion magazines while others’ hair is coiffed in swivelling chairs, or a cozy pub and bar someplace with Guinness on tap, I will choose the latter anytime! No matter what those names may have meant many years ago, we must recognize that they do have current connotations. I refuse to use a name that reminds me of a beauty parlor for my cozy Saloon.

Skip Luke S/V Brigadoon Rockport, TX Skip, I agree. From now on in, Southwinds will now use the word “saloon” where it was previously using the word “salon”— except when we talk about a beauty salon.

Editor

E-MAIL YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: EDITOR@SOUTHWINDSMAGAZINE.COM

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

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

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

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EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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

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

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

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

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

Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements. Eleven lessons, every Tuesday.

Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs, 7:309:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg.

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

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING Monthly Boating Safety Courses 2008 Schedule in Fort Pierce, FL Boating Safety Course designed for the recreational boater, to encourage safety on the water. This one-day boating course emphasizes safety on the water to enhance the boating experience and to increase confidence on the water. The course is state-of-Florida approved for those 21 and under to obtain their Florida state boaters license. Dates in 2008 are Mar. 15, Apr 19, May 10, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sep. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 15. Classes are usually very full. Call and reserve space on the preferred program date. $36 (+ $10 for each additional family member).

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

Memorial Fund Set up for Tampa Bay Sailor/Sailmaker Ray Glover Ray Glover, who has been a fixture in the sailing industry in the Tampa Bay area for decades, was recently diagnosed with cancer and passed away on Feb. 11. Ray was the owner of Sunrise Sailing Services in Palmetto, FL, and has been serving sailors in the region for many years. Although his basic trade was that of a sailmaker, Ray was versatile in many areas of boat maintenance, repair, refurbishing, rigging, canvas and other services.

A fund has been set up to help his wife Jo-Jo. To help out, call Brian at (727) 526-7242.

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Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Six-week public boating course begins every Monday. Includes safety information plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 867-3088. Other courses continuously offered.

(727) 565-4453. www.boating-stpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs America’s Boating Course, weekend course, two lessons—March 1,2. Boating Skills and Seamanship (seven lessons). Class Days: March 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31; Navigation Program (includes charting tools) eight lessons.

Class days: April 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28.

America’s Boating Course and other courses regularly posted on the Web site.

For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check, call (727) 4698895 or visit www.a0701101.uscgaux.info. Click on Public Education Programs.

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

Compost Boat Builder Certification, Melbourne, FL March 18-20.

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

Sail Trim and Rig-Tuning Seminar, St. Petersburg, FL, March 19 The St. Petersburg Sail & Power Squadron will be holding a sail trim and rig-tuning seminar at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 2nd Ave. SE, St. Petersburg, on Wednesday, March 19 from 7-9 p.m. The course is free and materials cost $10. A maximum of 20 students can be taken and pre-registration is required. To register go to www.boating-stpete.org, or call (727) 398-0911 US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course, Sarasota, FL, March 31-April 3 The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is hosting a US Sailing Level 1 (small boat) instructor course from March 31 through April 3. Jabbo Gordon, US Sailing-certified instructor trainer and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, will teach the 40hour course. Interested persons may register online through www.ussailing.org under the education section. The course number is 150581. There is an early bird discount of $20 from the $315 fee for those who register before March 1.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old and have completed a safe boating course. If there are any questions, call Jabbo Gordon at (941) 468-1719.

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

Savannah International Boat Show and Seafood Festival.

Feb 29-March 2. International Trade and Convention Center. Savannah, GA. (843) 364-8491. www.savannahinternationalboatshow.com.

23rd Annual Palm Beach Boat Show, March 27-30. Flagler Drive on the water in downtown West Palm Beach and also at the County Convention Center, Palm Beach, FL. (800) 940-7642. www.showmanagement.com.

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

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â– OTHER EVENTS

2008 Marina Hurricane Preparation Symposium, Orlando, FL, March 4-5 The symposium is sponsored by the Boat Owners Association of the United States in conjunction with the Association of Marina Industries, Marine Industries Association of Florida and Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

The symposium will be held March 4-5 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL. Go to www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes/symposium to register, or call Kristin Lloyd at (703) 461-2878, x3561.

30th Annual Dania Marine Flea Market, Dolphin Stadium, Miami, FL, March 6-9 The complexion of the Marine Flea Market has changed since its modest beginning in 1979 with only 56 vendors. At Dolphin Stadium, the Marine Flea Market has over 1200

News & Views for Southern Sailors

vendor spaces occupied by manufacturers, distributors, dealers and private individuals from across North America.

The new layout of the Marine Flea Market at Dolphin Stadium enables all visitors to get a free parking space close to the bargains. The Marine Flea Market is recognized as the largest event of its type in the world. Private individuals and corporate vendors sell marine equipment, coral encrusted antiques, used boats, fishing tackle, diving gear, marine artwork and other boating-related items. ThursdaySaturday. 9-6 p.m. Sunday 9-4 p.m. Thursday $12. Friday, Saturday, Sunday $10. Children under 12 free. Free parking.

Dolphin Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd. Miami, FL. www.daniamarinefleamarket.com.

Swap Meet and Marine Flea Market, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, March 8 This is a swap meet for all sorts of goods with a lot of marine/boating items. Bring your own table. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barbeque from noon till ? during the swap meet. Jam Session from 3 p.m. till ?? (SSS members to share their musical talents with all of us! Bring your guitars, tambourines, harmonicas, bongo drums, washboards, amps, whatever!)

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To participate, call SSS Social Director Danny Wiedenhoft at (941) 345-6971.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, next to Mote Marine. (941) 388-2355.

JSI 12th Annual Nautical Flea Market, St. Petersburg, March 29 Spaces available for sellers. Shop for bargains, sell your old stuff or just browse. JSI parking lot at 3000 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg. Call to reserve space at (727) 577-3220 or (800) 652-4914. Or e-mail gerry@newjsi.com Southeast Florida Sailing and Boating News Wanted SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for writers to cover sailing and boating news from southeast Florida.

Articles and news wanted on racing, waterways issues, boaters’ rights, mooring fields, businesses, etc. Please contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

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Allied Boats Rendezvous/ Gam in West Florida Date Set for April 11-13 The organizers have chosen a date for the gam of Allied Boats. It will be the weekend of April 11-13 in Tampa Bay, FL. At this time, they are planning to hold the event at the Vinoy Basin anchorage in St. Petersburg. Any Allied sailboats are welcome, such as the ketch boats: Seawind I 30, Seawind II 32, Princess/Contessa 36, Mistress 39, Seabreeze 35, or the 42 foot S&S-designed yawl. If there are any of the more obscure Chance 30s or Luders 33s made by Allied in the area, feel free to join in the fun. This gam would also include Allied successor Wright Yacht boatbuilders, etc.

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

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■ NEWS

Marathon City Marina Moves to Become ADA-Compliant

By Joe Corey In its endeavour to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act, the city of Marathon is bringing the marina facilities at Boot Key Harbor up to current requirements including making a section of the dinghy dock closest to the exit ramps a handicap dockage area.

Photo by Joe Corey.

The Marathon City Council met in October 2007 and voted to make the fees for mooring include dinghy dockage, showers, car parking, pump-outs, and access to the marina facilities. During the meeting, a local liveaboard who suffers from a disability that limits his mobility voiced concern that it was unfair for the city to charge for services (i.e., dinghy dockage) that were inaccessible to those who could not use them. The council agreed and voted to discount the mooring fee for anyone who could provide proof of a disability and, further, to retain the services of a consultant to advise them of what improvements would be needed to have the City Marina compliant with the Americans with Disability Act. Currently, there are six or seven boaters who qualify for the discount.

In November 2007, ADAAG Consulting Services, LLC of Miami surveyed the facility and reported back to the city in early December. The consultant found 65 issues that would require attention. These issues were prioritized and ranged from relatively inexpensive things, such as lowering coat racks and mirrors in the accessible bathroom, to the more involved, such as lessening the angle of a pre-existing concrete ramp.

CONTRIBUTE TO SOUTHWINDS WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED SOUTHWINDS is always looking for articles and photos on various subjects about sailing (cruise or race) in our Southern waters, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. For more information, go to our Web site, www.southwindsmagazine.com, and see the “Writers Guidelines” page, or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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According to Deputy City Manager, C.J. Geotis, the city was glad to have input from the end users of the marina and is anxious to have the facility accessible to as many people as possible. He stated there are four entities that are involved in the process: the residents of Boot Key Harbor, the ADA consultant; the Dept. of Justice, and the city council. The city has adopted a transition plan accordingly. Geotis stated that the identified barriers to access would be of the highest priority. At the time of this writing, work is being done to remove gaps in the concrete walkway that could impede wheelchairs (and present a tripping hazard). Geotis also stated that the easiest and less expensive measures would be completed first.

Revisions costing thousands of dollars would need to be approved by the council and sent out for bid. These, he said, would take more time.

Harbormaster Richard Tanner said that making the marina ADA-compliant was not only necessary, it was the right thing to do. He is proud of the fact that other munic-

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ipalities have been seeking input from Marathon as to how to run a successful mooring field.

He said he thought the marina was handicapped-accessible before but is glad to be at the forefront in being truly compliant.

There remains in the harbor a spirited, if not heated, debate on how much the city should be required to do and for whom.

Dinghy dockage appears to be the hot-button issue as space is at a premium, especially in season. The city has marked a section of the dock closest to the exit ramps as handicapped dockage. This section, unlike handicapped car parking, is not reserved exclusively for the handicapped and is more like the handicapped-accessible toilet stalls in public restrooms in that it is available to anyone. The debate can be followed on the Boot Key Harbor message board at: http://members5.boardhost.com/ Keysy/. For additional information on ADA issues go to www.adaag.com. The Marathon City Marina’s contact is www.cityofmarathonmarina.org.

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Gasparilla, Real Or Fake?

By Dave Ellis With the recent Gasparilla celebration in Tampa, FL, and the Gasparilla Regatta in February (see pages 61-62), there has been a lot of talk about the supposed pirate.

Gasparilla Pass and the islands around present-day Charlotte Harbor were named well before Jose Gaspar supposedly raided Florida coast shipping. Karl Bickel and others have seemingly debunked his existence.

Many tall tales were told to eager listeners by Juan Gomez, who died in 1900 at the age of at least 120 by drowning while cast-netting. Were there grains of truth, or were they pure fabrication? The real estate industry quickly took up the pirate story and embellished it.

A retired St. Petersburg adventurer and Smithsonian Institute consultant reports that the latest coin his group found was dated 1742, long before Gasparilla.

What is not generally known is that there were two sailors named Juan Gomez. The old man and a younger one,

News & Views for Southern Sailors

possibly his nephew, who claims to have been a cabin boy of Gaspar. This Gomez lived in Tampa in the middle of the 1800s, and in fact took tourists to an old pirate well on Pass-a-Grille on his schooner in 1850. Before his death in the 1870s, he pointed out several hordes of gold treasure around eastern Tampa Bay to friends.

There is a document compiled in 1879 of numerous first- and second-person accounts of Gasparilla and other pirates of just 60 years previously. Some treasure has been found using this document. Much more is undiscovered.

The headless skeleton of a small female was found right where one of the Gaspar stories said it would be. A skeleton that had teeth matching the description of Leon Gaspar was dug up three times, including 1879 and the 1960s. Several trees with markings have been found where they were said to be. I’ve seen one. It’s now on a golf course.

Perhaps Jose Gaspar was a name taken by a pirate for convenience. Maybe that largest of all non-coin gold treasures really is there for the finding.

I’m not telling where.

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BoatU.S. Insurance Urges Boaters to Check Their Marina Insurance Policies BoatU.S. Insurance is urging boaters to read closely their slip policies at marinas because the contract may obligate them to pay more than just the slip fee as marinas are inserting language in their slip contracts that shift the marina’s legal liability to the slip-holder in an effort to control increasing marina insurance costs.

“What this means in real terms, for example, is if a boater’s guest is injured due to the marina’s negligence and sues the marina, or a boat is damaged by the marina and it declines to pay for repairs, the boat owner could be responsible for defending the marina and paying any amounts that the marina is responsible for,” said BoatU.S.’s vice president of underwriting, Jim Nolan.

“In the insurance industry it’s called contractual liability,” said Nolan, noting that such slip contract language includes terms like “hold harmless and indemnify” and “defend and indemnify.” “If they see this language, boaters

should check to make sure that their boat’s insurance policy provides them with coverage for these types of contractual liabilities before they sign their slip or storage contract,” he added.

If the boat insurance policy does not include contractual liability coverage, boaters could find themselves paying big money out of pocket for injuries, defense lawyers and possibly property damage to their own boat because the “hold harmless” provision may insulate the marina from paying for damages it may have caused.

“Many boat insurance policies exclude contractual liabilities and do not allow a boater to simply sign away their insurer’s right to be reimbursed for boat damage caused by the marina,” added Nolan.

BoatU.S. marine insurance policies provide contractual liability coverage assumed under a boat storage or slip rental contract. For more information, go to www.BoatUS.com/Insurance, or call (800) 283-2883.

Sunfish Ladies at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center The Sunfish Ladies meet every Friday from January 25 through April 18. Sailing is from 9:30 am till 12:30. Coaching will be provided by the CCSC approximately two Fridays a month.

This is a good opportunity to get more on-the-water practice. The group will work on starts, mark roundings, boat handling and rules questions. Participants can make the practice as laid back or intense as they want it to be, so that a good time is had by all.

Coaching dates are Jan. 25, Feb. 8 and 29, March 21 and 28, and April 4 and 18. Cost is $60 for members and $120 for non-members (includes boat if needed).

For questions and information, call the sailing center at (727) 517-7776. The center Web site is www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.

New Sailing Web Site Offers Free Web Pages for the Sailing Community SAILMONSTER.COM is a free online sailing community that connects sailors with sailors. Sailors, clubs or groups can create their own personal space to publish, communicate or connect all over the world either publicly or privately.

Information is live and fluid. There is a strong and free crew match, sailing resume and classified area as well. There are premium services available at a very reasonable price, which includes boat listings, business listings, auctions, commerce and all include pictures, video and the ability to update and change instantly. The site is clean and caters to sailors of all ages, and the mission statement is simple and pure: Promote the art of sailing. Go to www.sailmonster.com.

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Eighth Annual Florida Catboat Rendezvous, Useppa Island, Southwest Florida, Jan. 25-27

By Gretchen Coyle The Useppa Island Catboat Rendezvous. Gretchen F. Coyle photo.

pproximately 150 Catboat aficionados—some with boats, some without—from all over the world met on 100-acre Useppa Island, FL, January 25-27 for the eighth every-other-year rendezvous. The laughs never stopped for the official three days, most visits extending into five.

Friday night was a southwest Florida pork roast beach party with an old-fashioned bonfire. Were the pigs shot in the Ocala State Forest, on local mangrove islands where hunting is supposedly illegal, or in the Panhandle? No one was saying. Saturday started with a race followed by a sailors’ lunch on the beach. Dinner was at the Tarpon Restaurant with big Florida shrimp and prime rib. Sunday ended the rendezvous with an excellent brunch and awards ceremonies.

Thanks go to the Useppa group of workers who chaired meals, helped tow boats out, repaired boats, were bartenders, sold merchandise, and acted as the official welcome committee with all the answers for visitors: Useppa Yacht Club Commodore Jim Doherty and wife Carol, Kay and Charlie Chapin, Kurt and Kathleen Stocker, Karen and Mike Albert, Bill and Carol Newbold, Craig Ligabel, Pat Lehman,

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

and, of course, my husband John Coyle Suzie and Martin Deighton traveled the farthest, from England; Mark and Tammy Millam trailed their Compact Cat from Louisiana; seven Marshall 15-foot Sandpipers came from Barnegat Bay; a 17-foot Menger came from Georgia, a Chappaquiddick Cat from Cedar Key. Roger Allen, director of the Cortez Maritime Museum in Cortez, FL, sailed the Melonseed he designed and built, onto the beach at sunset, proving that timing is the key to everything in sailing.

Shane and Paul Swigert, and their crew Craig Ligabel, showed up in “Eat My Wake” shirts, sharks with larger than life teeth. Want to hear men boo and women cheer? It all showed up on video shown at the Saturday dinner when Mark Millam and Scott Weidmeier were filmed actually carrying their ladies onto their boats so they wouldn’t get wet.

“Chivalry isn’t Dead” prizes were awarded to both. More booing and cheering ensued.

A “chick boat” comprised of Barnegat Bay, NJ, skipper Margo Limmer, crew Mary Beth King, and another lady, could be heard all over Pine Island Sound. Obviously, they

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George Francis and Mimi Dimon from the Metedeconk River Yacht Club in Brick, NJ, drop sail as they head onto the Useppa beach.

Gretchen F. Coyle photo.

Cortez Maritime Museum Director Roger Allen of Bradenton, FL, in his own designed and built catboat, Melonseed. Gretchen F. Coyle photo.

had the most fun and chatted the loudest. Dr. Bill Welch of Useppa, who has just written the latest on Catboat sailing, The Competitive Cat, Racing Small Gaff-Rigged Catboats, signed autographs.

Old time Catboaters will be shocked to know that all Catboats are no longer white. An aqua deck and hulls of green, black, red, navy and maroon were seen, in addition to Richard Dimmitt’s blue and white sail. Congenial Marshall Marine owner Geoff Marshall and his wife Kristen were “honored” for taking the most hardware and fittings aboard a plane without getting arrested.

Each person was given a print of Charlie Chapin’s latest pen and ink drawing as a souvenir. Painted and framed,

some were given as prizes to the race committee and others.

P.R.O. Bob Stevens chaired our race committee along with wife Sydney, Craig Spicer, and Spencer Webster.

When all was said and done, Paul Gelenitis of Metedeconk River Yacht Club, Brick, NJ, was first with his wife Terri; Bill Welch, wife Sherry and Kristen Marshall were second; Jay Taylor and Gary Alderman of Palmetto, FL, third; George Francis and Mimi Dimon of Metedeconk River YC, fourth; and Dan Crabbe, from Locust, NJ, with wife Nancy, and Gail Corbin of Orcas, WA, as crew were fifth.

Looking forward to seeing y’all in 2010, hear? People are telling us they plan to stay for a week!

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MORGAN INVASION 2008 ■ TREASURE ISLAND TENNIS & YACHT CLUB ■ APRIL 18-19

The History of the Morgan Invasion

By Sully Lowe, Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club in the various classes, prizes are Twenty-one years ago, an avid given out to the crews dressed in sailor and member of the Treasure the best pirate costumes. Another Island Tennis & Yacht Club had an award is given to the Morgan vesidea for a unique race in the Gulf of sel that is considered the most shipMexico. Dr. Richard LaGrua shape by a specialist that inspects brought his proposal to the club’s each boat that is entered in the race. yachting committee and after getThere are also memorial trophies ting the green light for his idea, he awarded each year. started making plans for it.

Traditionally, the race was held He began by calling the regatta annually on the first weekend in the Morgan Invasion that would feaOctober. However, it was decided ture only vessels designed or built by in 2004 to change the date and Charley Morgan. He sought out a schedule it for April 16 in 2005. The sponsor, Seagram’s Morgan Spiced change was made in order to avoid Rum, an appropriate partner in the the hurricane season every fall. endeavor. In later years many yacht 2004 was particularly devastating club members, local businesses and with four storms hitting the state, the city of Treasure Island pitched in destroying or damaging marinas, to help fund the highly successful race. yacht clubs and vessels. Although Charley and Sally Morgan had the Tampa Bay area was spared the been the most enthusiastic and gracious sponsors of the annual event. A Morgan Out Island 41. Photo by Steve Morrell devastation, hundreds of sailors were unable to attend because of Unfortunately, our good friend Sally the damage in their areas. passed away some years ago but is remembered fondly by The festivities begin with Dockmaster Les Lathrop all the Morganeers. The Morgan owners have always rafting the vessels in the club marina all day and evening looked forward to visiting with Charley, who continues to on Friday. Registration takes place in the afternoon and be actively involved. They enjoy reminiscing about the well into the evening. A poolside casual meal is available memorable sailing events that they were involved in. as well as entertainment throughout the evening.

Dr. LaGrua insisted that the race be a fun event, and The dockmaster breaks up the raft-up shortly after that it include Morgan owners who have never raced daybreak, and the racers head out to the Gulf for the late before, as well as encouraging the experienced Morgan morning start. Following the race, the boaters return for skippers to participate. He banned the use of spinnakers more poolside recreation and another casual buffet. Later and allowed no protests at the end of the race. He urged in the evening, the awards ceremony takes place. the boaters to bring their children and their dogs and cats The weather has always been a factor for previous races along for the weekend. Over the years, the race has attractbecause we were still in the midst of the hurricane season. ed Morgan owners from all over the country, including We’ve had some great weekends, but we’ve had some that many who couldn’t bring their vessels but wanted to be scared off all but the hardiest of sailors. We hope that the part of the festive event.

April date will provide us with fair winds and sunshine.

In addition to trophies being awarded to the winners For more information on this year’s Morgan Invasion, see the ad on page 21 for details, or go to the Invasion Web site at www.morganinvasion.net.

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According to Dun & Bradstreet reports, “Businesses with fewer than 20 employees have only a 37 percent chance of surviving four years (of business) and only a 9 percent chance of surviving 10 years.”

I

Sailor’s Wharf in St. Petersburg Celebrates 30th Anniversary (1978-2008), April 5

n 1971, Sandy and Jopie Helsen were walking their dogs along Salt Creek in St. Petersburg, FL, when they came upon a for-sale sign for two waterfront lots on a dirt road called Bay Street. They had just saved enough money for a down payment on their first house. Instead, they bought the lots and spent fourteen years acquiring the rest of the property that makes up today’s Sailor’s Wharf Yacht Yard.

During that time, they spent three years getting the permits to dredge and build a boatyard and were in court for six years over ownership of the riparian rights and bottomland with the city of St. Petersburg and the state of Florida. They won both suits (they were too young to think that they could not win), and in 1978, Sailor’s Wharf Yacht Yard was founded.

From a small beginning, Sandy and Jopie built Sailor’s Wharf into a premier boatyard. First was a 30-ton Kleeco straddle lift, then a 50-ton travel lift and now an 80-ton state of the art remote-controlled travel lift that can haul boats up to a 19-foot 6-inch beam and 85 feet in length. In 1986, they

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won the Pinellas County Beautification Award for the best new service facility built that year.

Jopie is a second-generation boatbuilder. His father, Louis B. Helsen, built the Flying Dutchman, Olympic Dragon, the Duet and many other one-design sailboats in Holland. Jopie started working for Charlie Morgan during high school at age 15, building at that time the largest fiberglass boat in America, Maredea. He learned production boatbuilding when the new Morgan Yacht Corporation was formed, and they started building the Morgan 34 and Morgan 41. Fiberglass boatbuilding was at the very early stages in the ’60s, and Jopie is grateful for learning fiberglass from one of the pioneers, Charlie Hunt. Jopie became a yacht designer (Westlawn alumnist), having produced some two thousand sailboats under the Helsen Yachts and Universal Marine names, the most popular of which were the Helsen 22, Helsen Streaker and the Montego 19, 20 and 25. Jopie is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and was a past vice chairman for the Southeast region. Jopie and Sandy organized and chaired Sail St. Petersburg, which in 1995 became Sail Expo St. Petersburg and is now part of Sail America. Today the St. Petersburg allsail boat show is known as Strictly Sail St. Pete.

Sailor’s Wharf in the ’70s and ’80s is best known for servicing the larger ocean-racing sailboats of SORC, the international event that came to Florida in January and February each year. Well-known sailors and designers like Ted Hood, Dennis Connors, Lowell North, Tom Blackhaller, Charlie Morgan, Ted Irwin and others would be in the yard inspecting their designs and their boats. In the ’90s, the yard became known for the quality of major renovations, repairs and customization of new yachts. Owners would have their boats shipped direct from the factory to Sailor’s Wharf to have them customized and commissioned to their standards.

During the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, the yard repaired 63 boats from not only the Florida west coast and east coast but also as far away as Mobile, AL, and Slidell, LA. Sandy and Jopie are also celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary and are proud of their accomplishments, not only with Sailor’s Wharf but also in the community.

Both have been involved in major fundraisers, mayoral elections (the last three mayors), the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership St. Petersburg (past president), Pinellas Marine Institute (past president), Bayboro Harbor Redevelopment Project (chairman), and many other community-based activities.

The boating community is welcome to join them on Saturday, April 5, when they celebrate the Sailor’s Wharf’s 30th anniversary with a great event. There will be a flea market, seminars, food and drinks. Check out the Sailor’s Wharf Web site for the latest information on this event at www.sailorswharf.com and follow the links. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Sailor’s Wharf in 1987 Sailor’s Wharf today

FLEA MARKET AND SEMINARS The anniversary celebration starts on Saturday, April 5.

There will be a nautical flea market at 9:00 a.m. and seminars at 10:00 a.m. The flea market will have numerous marine items from custom stainless steel anchor platforms, sailboat masts, aluminum hatches, mainsail covers, Biminis, cushions and hundreds of other items. Many of the items are listed on the Sailor’s Wharf web site, www.sailorswharf.com.

to minimize damage to your boat and also explain what you can expect after the storm in dealing with the insurance companies.

Yanmar Engine Maintenance and Repowering. A short course on Yanmar engines. Sponsors are Mastry Engine Center and Yanmar. This seminar is a short course on Yanmar engines by the Yanmar experts of Mastry Engine Center. They will cover maintenance issues, common engine problems and things you need to consider if you are thinking about repowering you boat.

SEMINAR SCHEDULE A complete description of the seminars and the time each will be held can be found on the Sailor’s Wharf Web site, www.sailorswharf.com. Follow the link “30th Anniversary Celebration.”

Anti Fouling Bottom Paints. Everything you always wanted to know. Actual demonstrations of painting a boat bottom the correct way. Sponsored by SeaHawk Paint Systems.

Bow and Stern Thrusters. To Thrust Or Not To Thrust… ?

Sponsored by Max Power. Use, cost and installation of thrusters. This seminar will cover ease of docking, maneuverability and what is new for the sailor.

Life Rafts. Why Life rafts are different . . . . ?

What you should know! Sponsored by Plastimo.

This seminar will cover the history of Plastimo, construction of life rafts, types of life rafts, safety gear and life raft options.

Mechanical Systems, Maintenance Issues. What to look for and what is new! Sponsored by Spectra Watermaker, Tecma Toilets, Dometic Adler Barbour Refrigeration, Mastervolt and U Line. Factory authorized techs will discuss with you the common problems of the most common equipment on today’s cruising yachts. They will also show you some new items that are now available to make your boating more enjoyable.

Hurricane Preparedness. Will your boat be ready? Will you? Sponsored by Sailor’s Wharf, Inc. This seminar complete with dramatic pictures will cover what you need to do News & Views for Southern Sailors

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MARINE MARKETPLAC E AND SAILING SERVICES DIRECTORY Line ads start at $50/line per year, 3-line minimum. Boxed-in ads starting at $170/six months.

Editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or (941) 795-8704 For more products and services, see the Advertiser Indexes at the end of the magazine.

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CUSTOM-EMBROIDERED SHIRTS Polo shirts, T-shirts, Jackets, bags, etc.

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OUR WATERWAYS

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

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

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

Yacht Harbor Marina on Plantation Key Opens New Slips—at $25/foot

By Steve Morrell, Editor The marina at Plantation Key Yacht Harbor in the middle Florida Keys, currently under a $3.9-million renovation, opened its new slips for rental recently. The price was set, temporarily, at $25 a foot for a month, including utilities.

After a business plan is approved (should be approved by the time you read this), the rates will become permanent.

That means a 35-foot sailboat could get a slip there for $875 a month. That’s no small potatoes—er, should I say, small oysters—and it is obvious that people with lots of money will be stopping by to keep their boats there, as it is probably small potatoes for them.

The marina renovation, which will still have the same number of slips as previously—92—will get a new water main, fuel tanks, lights, electric, telephone, cable and fire protection. It will be run like a business, says the city council, and not subsidized by the city.

For those of you who remember, Plantation Key Yacht Harbor was—at one time long before the Villages of Islamorada existed—in olden days, an ‘Ol Florida piece of paradise, and on that same property that was home for the marina—out in the middle of a huge grassy field (wild and unfertilized) was one of the funkiest and finest outdoor bar/restaurants in all of the Keys, where one could, for a small manageable fee, get one of the best hamburgers in America—and a beer to go along with it (it wasn’t anything world-shattering, just tasted good with the atmosphere and beer, but it was real good). That place is long gone and shut down as the Villages, shortly after its birth, decided it wasn’t nice to have a place like that selling alcohol on public property. They didn’t have anything against the hamburger.

Such was ‘Ol Florida—in the olden days.

St. Augustine Mooring Field At a recent meeting on the harbor management plan, the city of St. Augustine submitted a revised proposal on its mooring field, cutting the size from an original 369 moorings to 227. The mooring field was to be in two locations: one north and south of the Bridge of Lions and the other at Salt Run, an inlet near the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Fortyfour moorings were trimmed from the original 124 moorings at Salt Run because of complaints from residents in that area. Residents still complain that that is too many, and some residents don’t want any mooring field—or any boats there at all, preferring to make it illegal to anchor boats there. The city maintains that if it does not have a large mooring field in that area, there will be a large number of 38

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anchored boats there. This is because Florida communities cannot regulate anchoring of non-liveaboard vessels outside of mooring fields.

The new plan also requires that boats moored for three months or longer carry a minimum of $500,000 of liability insurance. Although some disagreed with that amount, saying it was excessive, an insurance company representative agreed with that rate. The latter’s comments did not surprise anyone.

Melbourne No Longer Enforcing 72-Hour Anchoring Ordinance

By Wally Moran Readers may recall my article in the June 2007 issue of SOUTHWINDS (“Our Waterways” section, “Melbourne Resists Florida Anchoring Law for Cruisers”) concerning the enforcement of an illegal anchoring bylaw in Melbourne, FL. Apparently, someone in Mayor Goode’s office was listening.

According to cruising friends who stopped in midJanuary in the Eau Gallie river, where local police had last year been enforcing an illegal 72-hour anchoring ordinance, the marine officer dropped by for a friendly chat. In the course of the discussion, the officer specifically and without being asked advised them that Melbourne no longer enforced the 72-hour anchoring ordinance.

While this is good news for ICW cruisers looking to enjoy this lovely city, the anchoring ordinance is still on the books and could be selectively enforced. Should local policy change as well, such as after an election, could enforcement be renewed?

Until the law has been rescinded by the Harbor City, as Melbourne calls itself, this is only a temporary victory. Still, it shows what can be done by cruisers speaking out through the media against this sort of illegal activity by Florida municipalities.

The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field. Photo by Steve Morrell.

Refreshments were to be served after the speeches on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Also available for public viewing were the recently upgraded showers, laundry facility/common area provided to mooring field patrons by the Town’s Upland Service Provider, Matanzas Inn. The mooring field boasts 70 mooring balls available for rental year-round at $13/day or $260/month. The rental fee includes use of the shower and laundry facilities and pump-out service. The dinghy dock is available for public use to tie up dinghies 10 feet or less (no overnight tie-ups).

Note from the Editor: With a dedication like this, boaters should be ecstatic that they are being given so much attention and ceremony for what to the average cruiser is an important amenity; a dinghy dock. To the rest of the land-based populace, it might not be such a big deal, but this is a sign that the Town of Fort Myers Beach is giving visiting cruisers a welcoming. Cruisers should respond in kind.

Wag Bags Legal in Ontario Waters?

A reader has inquired to SOUTHWINDS as to whether Wag Bags meet the boating requirements for boating in Ontario waters, or in Canadian waters, for that matter.

Perhaps a reader can answer that question. E-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Note from the editor: While we applaud Wally Moran’s article and efforts in support of cruisers, I believe the court decision in favor of anchoring rights in the Marco Island case in November has made many Florida communities wonder if they have a right to be regulating anchoring. Perhaps Melbourne has only suspended enforcement, instead of rescinding the law, because the appeals process is not yet complete in that case.

Fort Myers Beach Unveils New Dinghy Dock as the Latest Amenity of the Town’s Municipal Mooring Field With great flair, the Town of Fort Myers Beach planned to unveil its new dinghy dock for the mooring field on Feb. 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The dock is the latest amenity added to the Town’s mooring field. During the ceremony, Mayor Dennis C. Boback was to give a speech after arriving at the dock in a dinghy piloted by Councilman Bill Shenko, Jr. Jim Rodwell, Chairman of the Anchorage Advisory Committee was also to say a few words.

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Dry Storing a Boat for Hurricane Season in the South, – Part III of III

By Capt. Ron Butler The author’s boat at Indiantown, strapped and secured and ready for hurricane season. If a hurricane approaches, the tarps will be removed. Notice the tie-down straps that go up to the winch (see next photo).

Mold and Mildew Storing a boat in Florida—and much of the South—over the hot, humid, and rainy summer means that you need to protect the boat against mold and mildew. The best way would be to seal up the boat completely and then pressurize it with an inert gas, say nitrogen. Okay, okay—not practical. Not only is it not practical, but you can’t even seal out the rain.

Rainwater will find its way into your boat no matter what, and at Indiantown, all manner of bugs and small green frogs will, too.

If you have a leaking port or two, it won’t hurt to ducttape them over. You’ll have a gummy mess to clean up later though. Some folks duct-tape plastic sheeting over their ports; others wrap the whole boat in one kind of sheeting or another. I can’t say how well this works.

We have had success by putting one small Nicro solarpowered vent into one of our dorades and then setting several Styrofoam dishes out with some paraformaldehyde crystals. By several, I mean five or six dishes distributed throughout the interior. This stuff slowly dissipates into the cabin air and makes it impossible for mold and mildew to grow. It also makes it impossible to breathe inside without thorough ventilation. The small solar vent admits enough outside air to keep the crystals evaporating.

We wipe down the inside woodwork with a rag soaked

in vinegar. Oil-based varnishes and teak oil provide an ideal medium for the growth of green stuff. The vinegar has worked so far. In the past we have had success wiping everything down with a weak Clorox solution, and that works, too, but the fumes are wicked to work with. We leave all of our interior doors open including cabinet doors, bilge boards and settee hatches.

Some boats stored at Indiantown pay extra for a storage spot with electrical service. Some of these boats run a dehumidifier inside the boat while it’s stored. That limits the growth of mold and mildew, too.

We also keep powdered borax sprinkled liberally in all the dark corners of the boat. This keeps the ants and roaches from taking up permanent residence.

Interior Cushions Interior cushions can become traps for moisture, mold and mildew. It is best to remove them to dry storage, but you can try bagging them. On Kismet, we simply tilt the cushions up to provide air circulation around them, and our formaldehyde gas seems to keep away the mildew. Other cruisers duct-tape their cushions into large trash bags and enclose dryer sheets with them. That seems to work also.

Plastic Bagging We also bag up books, charts, foul weather gear and anything else that might attract mold and mildew using a variety of Zip-Loc and plastic bags, all with those fabric softener dryer sheets inside. Zip-Loc and vacuum seal bags now come in very large sizes that make it easy to seal up moldprone items.

Garboard drains Water in the bilges can be a problem, too. Too much water in the boat and its weight could collapse the jack stands.

That plus a little sloshing in a bad storm could accelerate the knock- over process—not to mention making a mess of your beautifully varnished teak and holly sole.

Since we leave our batteries in place and operational, we rely on our bilge pumps, but you can have a passive system by drilling a hole in the bottom of your boat. Most

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The strap that is anchored to the ground is secured to the winch and then the end to a nearby cleat.

yards recommend this method, but I’ve got enough holes in my boat. The hole is drilled through the hull in the garboard strake. (For those of us with fiberglass boats, this means the lowest part of the bilge.) The hole is left open to drain water while the boat is on the hard. A bronze pipe plug is fit to close the hole when the boat is launched.

Alternatively, you could just drill the hole and then fiberglass over it before launching. That’ll work, too. If you

News & Views for Southern Sailors

do this, be sure to stuff the hole full of fiberglass cloth soaked in epoxy such that it forms a small mushroom head on the inside. Some people even paste fiberglass over the garboard drain plug just to keep it from falling out at a bad time, as when the boat’s in the water.

Another alternative might be better yet. If you can remove your knot meter impeller, then this would provide a low enough hole for most of the water to escape the bilge.

The problem with these holes in the boat is that it provides access for all manner of creepy crawlies to get inside. For that matter, so do all the other holes in your hull. Bees have been known to nest in a thru-hull fitting. To prevent this, we stuff all of our thru-hulls with screening. Other folks use cut up bits of ScotchBrite pads.(You can buy this material in thicker sizes at hardware stores.) Another alternative is those mesh scrubby pads used for dishwashing. They’re about the size of a Brillo pad and fit the larger thru-hulls snuggly. The important idea here is to prevent insects from building a home in there while letting the water out, espe-

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A jackstand properly installed. A chain connects it with the other jackstand on the other side of the boat. A strap also connects the two stands at their support points.

cially where deck or cockpit drains are concerned. For thru-hulls that will be closed anyway, any sort of plug will work just to keep bugs from making a home in there. Remember if you pull out the drive shaft or rudder post to plug those holes, too. We also stuff our boom ends with rags. We’ve had experience with birds and mud dauber wasps building nests inside the boom.

The Boat in Storage: Periodic Checkups While you can just put away your boat for the season, pay up your insurance and forget it, we prefer to make periodic trips to make sure everything is secure. If nothing else, we can check on the progress of work that we’ve ordered for the off-season.

In some yards, like Indiantown, there are also services available that will do these periodic checks for you. They will also place the paraformaldehyde crystals, check the adjustment of jack stands and do whatever you’re willing to pay them to do. We used a service one year and then decided we could do it ourselves.

Some of our friends don’t check at all.

Hurricane Final Prep We do rig a rain/sun tarp over the main cabin supported by the boom. It provides a little shade and keeps direct rain from hitting the main hatch boards. However, if a storm threatens, it needs to be removed. Ours is secured with parachute cord so it can be cut away in minutes if need be. We’ll make that one last trip to the boat just before a storm.

Provided you’ve done all these things, then all that’s left if a storm approaches is to recheck those jack stands one last time and then get yourself out of harm’s way.

Insurance Considerations We were able to negotiate with our underwriter to get a reduced rate for parking Kismet on the hard during hurricane season. It is in the insurance company’s best interest to

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do so. Many companies now pay you to haul out or move your boat in anticipation of a storm so why not pay once for the season. In addition, the insurance company gets reduced exposure since you’re not out there on the water crashing into things. Try to talk directly with your underwriter about these issues.

You should also have a complete inventory of everything on board. Not just for hurricane season but for any event that may require an insurance claim. We have many digital pictures of the interior and exterior of the boat stored on our PC to serve as an inventory. It provides digital image evidence of how things were when we left the boat and even reminds us of what equipment was on board. Video imagery would work as well. Narrations could add information about the pictures if your camera is so equipped.

Recommissioning Recommissioning is basically undoing everything you did to put the boat away. You also finish up the maintenance and repair jobs such as final painting of the bottom, or in our case, installing the shaft and prop.

Don’t forget the oil-soaked rag in the engine intake and the fuel valve if you have one. I can remember one time when I forgot the fuel shut-off, and the fuel pump sucked until the fuel filter caved in. Likewise, pull all the screening or stuffing from the thru-hull fittings, boom ends and vents.

A checklist can help in this process.

The one thing you need to do once the boat is in the water again is to check every thru-hull hole for leaks.

I prefer not to load too much stuff on the boat until this final leak check is completed. That way I don’t have to move stuff around just to see the base of a thru-hull.

Don’t forget to open the engine cooling water thruhull. Sometimes, however, it is best to hold off opening the raw water intake until the engine starts. If you have a lot of cranking to do to bleed air out of the fuel system, you could crank the engine long enough to back-flood a cylinder with water. That would definitely fall into the “UHOH” category.

We’ll load the dinghy once the boat is in the water and begin the provisioning process.

See you in George Town! www.southwindsmagazine.com

Gemini Charter

By Arlen Bensen

Aftica sitting in her home berth at Burnt Store Marina.

Photo by Glenda Libby.

P

unta Gorda forms a knuckle on the western shore of Charlotte Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast. For sailors, it’s ideally situated to pick up many of the area’s prevailing breezes and reach through open waters to Boca Grande Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. In early December, I sampled this by chartering a Gemini 105 Mc (34-feet) catamaran from Yachting Vacations at Burnt Store Marina and Country Club.

Her name was Aftica, and I chose her for shallow draft (18 inches boards up), roominess and level sailing. This fiveday cruise was a long-overdue wedding gift for a cousin who’d hardly sailed—and who’d never slept on a boat at anchor.

Boarding for Yachting Vacations charters began at 1400 hours on arrival day. My companion Glenda and I arrived at 1350, and the smiling staff immediately inspired optimism for a joyous cruise.

The largest boat I’ve owned was a Corsair F27 trimaran, and the largest I’d seriously skippered was a 30-foot monohull. We need to go out on a short instruction sail, and we had a lot to do this Thursday afternoon. My cousins were flying into Fort Myers from chilly Virginia and coming to Burnt Store by a car service. Glenda and I needed to go through Aftica’s systems and the cruising area with the Yachting Vacations’ staff. We felt there was a team of people actively helping us put all our ducks in a row. Moreover, News & Views for Southern Sailors

both Peter and our skipper Guy were so enjoyable that we felt fortunate to be making new friends rather than simply conducting business. My cousins had arrived while we were out on our short instruction sail, and they greeted us as we returned to the dock. After stowing all the gear, we sat down to an appetizing meal in the cozy marina restaurant that was steps away from Aftica.

In the morning, we couldn’t tear ourselves away without treating ourselves to goodies from the gourmet deli at the dock. By 0930 we’d motored out into Charlotte Harbor and set our sails to broad reach the 10 miles to Cayo Costa and Pelican Bay where we planned to spend our first night at anchor. While the midday mid 80-degree temperatures were pleasant, the prevailing pattern for our cruise saw lulls in the breeze through the late mornings and early afternoons. Thankfully, we had no appointments nor were we in a hurry.

Cayo Costa State Park is a key immediately south of Boca Grande Pass on the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s one of Florida’s secret treasures. It’s undeveloped and boasts seven miles of pristine Gulf front often touted as among America’s seven best beaches. Perhaps the fact that it’s only accessible by boat has helped to keep it au naturel.

Primitive camping, and cabin rentals are available on the Gulf side of the park, and the rangers run open-air transportation to help get your gear across the half mile from the SOUTHWINDS March 2008

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Glenda and Kathy enjoying sundowners.

Photo by Glenda Libby.

dock at Pelican Bay. There’s also a stock of bicycles kept by the park staff on the bay side to pedal across. The dock on Pelican Bay has reserved tie-ups for water taxi stops and temporary tie-ups for other boaters to drop off guests. A thoughtful touch, a floating dinghy dock is adjacent for those at anchor in the bay. Restrooms grace both sides of the key, and cold-water, open-air showers are available near the Gulf, cabins and tent sites.

Many of our anchoring neighbors sported Christmas lights on their boats. Like us, we saw many of them enjoying a sundowner from their cockpit or cabin top and watching the sun disappear behind Cayo Costa. Porpoises circled through the boats pursuing their dinner. A more charming spot to “swing on the hook” would be tough to find.

Entrance to this anchorage can offer as little as six feet of water (keep to the right as you enter from the Intracoastal Waterway) but, depending on your boat’s draft and on where you anchor, you can find shelter from a blow from any direction.

Day two started with us taking turns kayaking into nearby mangroves in search of a manatee family we’d heard was living in there. We saw a five-foot gator and an abundance of fish, but the manatees had relocated so we moved on to Plan B. We weighed anchor, motored back out to the ICW and set sail for a journey of five miles to the Boca Grande Marina and restaurant for ice, bait and lunch.

Personable wait staff pleasantly doted on us through a delicious, al fresco luncheon.

We reached consensus on an itinerary for the next two days, enjoyed historical photos on the walls of the restaurant, filled our bait and ice chests, returned to the now-

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familiar ICW, set sails and headed south.

Our new plan was to dine that evening at the Cabbage Key Inn (about seven miles from where we’d lunched) and—possibly—tie up overnight there in a slip. A VHF radio call to the awesome dockmaster at Cabbage Key secured us our spot. The afternoon lull in the wind and our charter agreement prohibiting night sailing led us to motorsail about one third of the way, and we bobbed into our slip in time to see another inspiring sunset. It’s either a workplace mercy for the staff and guests or a convenience to boaters, but the marina offers showers and laundry facilities for guests, and we gratefully soaped away two days aboard Aftica before heading up the hill to dinner.

The Cabbage Key Inn is one of those legendary places that is consistently described as “Old Florida.” It’s nestled in an arm of Cayo Costa immediately west of the ICW. For those who prefer anchoring, there’s a nice spot directly across from the inn’s approach to the east. Four or five goodsized keelboats were swinging there as we arrived. The inn began regular habitation as a private estate of the Rinehart family in the 1920s. Today, it is exclusive without being pretentious. It’s purported to have inspired Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise, and my cousins dutifully sampled these at dinner. Plenty of fare that can be described as fine dining is also available. With no air-conditioning in the dining room and guest rooms that look as if Ernest Hemingway might still be writing in one, the feeling of an earlier time in Florida is enchanting. More discreet guest cottages are available as well as skiff rentals for fishing or for getting to the beach. They’ll even pack you a boxed lunch to take to Cayo Costa for the day.

One signature element at the inn is the epidemic of dollar bills taped everywhere there’s space for them. It’s tradition here to write on a dollar bill and find somewhere to post it. The dollars are apparently donated to charity, but it’s like a treasure hunt on return trips to see if your dollar is still there and speculate on the visitors who wrote on the others.

My personal tradition has become bugging the bartender for a cigar and his specialty coffee drink—a “Nutty Islander”—to enjoy after dinner in an Adirondack chair on the patio looking across Pine Island Sound and northeast toward Port Charlotte.

That night it was blowing 15 knots with crystal clear skies and temperatures in the 60s. I grabbed a sleeping bag and treated myself to a night on the roof of the bridge-deck cabin under a splendid canopy of stars.

I love sailing in the Gulf and wanted to treat my cousins to a taste of coastal cruising. After a hearty breakfast on the screen porch of the inn, we set sail south on the ICW. This morning, we trolled a lure in our wake off a Cuban hand reel. If you’ve never seen one, it’s basically a plastic spool about five inches in diameter and about three inches in width. You hold the spool and wind the line around it by hand. This particular spool was carrying 80-pound test with a 16-inch wire leader. In the second mile of our sail, we landed a three-pound bluefish, which made a very tasty dinner that night on the grill.

We ran out Redfish Pass with a 10-knot tail wind and into the Gulf of Mexico where we turned north. This day of our www.southwindsmagazine.com

Cabbage Key Inn. Photo by Steve Morrell.

cruise was spent close reaching (and sometimes drifting) north.

We took turns at the helm, fished with our lure and luxuriated in the warm sun. About 1530 we started to motorsail as we made our turn into a headwind at Boca Grande Pass. Glenda landed a false albacore which appeared to weigh at least 10 pounds. It was the biggest fish she’d ever landed, excluding a shark. False albacore— or “little tunny”—are members of the mackerel family and are often mistaken for Atlantic bonito. While their relatives, the skipjack tuna, are reported to have good food value, both bonito and little tunny are considered better bait than eating.

After releasing it, she returned the lure to the water and was nearly yanked overboard by something moving so fast (tarpon, we think) that you could hear the line humming in the water. Whatever it was snapped that line and leader in short order (I was poised to grab Glenda’s ankles), and we bid adieu to that fine lure.

The remaining day and a half was simple and relaxing.

Two nights at anchor back in Pelican Bay sandwiched a day on the beach at Cayo Costa. We finished off most of our provisions and, as I’ve often read about charters, the best sailing

breeze of the trip was the final morning we spent beating our way up Charlotte Harbor back to Burnt Store Marina.

If we weren’t quite so relaxed and had risen an hour earlier, we could’ve sailed all the way home in 10 to 14 knots of breeze. But now we had a deadline and motored the final half hour back to the dock. After a pump-out and fuel-up (in five and a half days, we used a quarter tank of diesel—about $14 worth), we eased Aftica back to her slip, cleaned and unpacked her for about 90 minutes and bade farewell to my cousins and our new friends. Yachting Vacations was prompt in returning my security deposit and gracious in their praise for our care of the boat. I look forward to my next trip aboard one of their boats in this delightful cruising ground.

THE FOUNTAINE-PAJOT

MAHE 36 Catamaran The two-cabin model. In the three-cabin design, the forward port head is a double berth.

My husband Jeff and I recently had the opportunity—along with several prospective owners—to test-sail the new Mahe 36 Catamaran by Fountaine-Pajot.

The Fountaine-Pajot yacht design team of Joubert/Nivelt has combined a sleek silhouette with excellent performance —while also incorporating the latest interior design features from O. Flahault— in the new Mahe 36.

The Interior The sheltered cockpit gives way to the main saloon* through sliding glass doors all on one level. The cabin house

By Jean K. Levine Photos courtesy Fountaine-Pajot

provides standing head room with a fantastic panoramic view. The windows are vertical to prevent sun loading, and the open plan gives the feeling of a much larger yacht.

Natural cross ventilation is provided by an unusual and well-placed opening port at the foot of the mast and a deck hatch, along with the glass doors.

To starboard, facing aft, is the galley. One highlight is the modern countertop made of solid surfacing with molded sink and drain board. Another nice feature is the built-in trash compartment. Our hostess demonstrated the oven by baking ham and cheese croissants, along with a lovely snack tray, which the crew gobbled up with delight. The saloon table is made of a light sycamore wood with bench seating covered in light- colored simulated leather. A key feature for Southern sailors is the additional storage space under the seats allowing room for the air-conditioning installation The Mahe 36 is available in a two-cabin, two-head version, or like the boat we tested, which was the three-cabin, one-head layout. The three-cabin layout has, in the port

* For a discussion on whether the proper terminology is salon or saloon, please see “Letters” in the February issue.

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BOAT REVIEW Mahe 36 Catamaran Specifications LOA 36’ 2” LWL 36’ Beam 19’5” Draft 3’ 7” Sail Area 631 sq. ft.

Displacement 11,023 lbs.

Water 71 gals.

Fuel 53 gals.

Engine (2) 20-hp Volvo diesels The main cabin/saloon of the Mahe 36

hull, forward and aft large double berths with hanging closets and storage shelves. The starboard hull aft cabin contains the mirror image of the port side, but the passageway has a custom built-in shelving unit. The head is located forward with large molded shower stall and a unique washbasin that sits atop the counter, straight out of the latest home magazine. In the two-head model, the two hulls mirror each other in their layout.

We were doing a test ride in the Gulf going out Longboat Pass, just south of Tampa Bay. It was a crisp Saturday morning when we motored out the pass into a light northerly sea breeze of 8 to 12 knots; the Gulf of Mexico had an underlying swell with a two-foot chop. After clearing the end of the channel, we hoisted the main sail.

The full-battened main is mounted on a sturdy slide car track that ran smoothly with little effort. Next we unfurled the Genoa, which is conveniently cut high to not interfere with possible sunbathers who might be lounging on the foredeck—a true courtesy incorporated in the design that is sure to bring crewmembers back on board.

With full main and Genoa, the boat sailed at six knots close-hauled in about 10 knots of breeze with a lumpy sea state. The Mahe 36 features plumb bows, and the hulls are narrow at the waterline with a hard chine about a foot above the waterline on the inner sides of the hulls, which then flare out to accommodate more living space. The design makes for faster performance, and the boat slides over the waves without slamming. Any boat sails well in a lot of breeze, and I expect as the wind increases so would this light-weight cruiser. After testing the windward performance, we fell off to a beam reach. It was a pleasant surprise, because as the wind lightened, the boat maintained 5 to 6 knots of speed.

A cushioned bench seat for two people provides excellent visibility from the helm and allows the operator sight of all four corners of the vessel. The two engines are controlled with single lever throttles, and instrumentation for navigation is at your finger tips. The halyard is run back along the deck to the helm, and the roller furling gear for the jib is within reach to starboard. The main sheet, as well as both jib sheets, are also run along the cabin roof, allowing for singlehanded control of the boat.

The boat maneuvered well under power, making a sharp 90-degree turn to clear sand bars as we headed back in to port. The twin 20-horsepower Volvos were almost silent even at six knots with 2600 rpm. Access to the engine compartments through top opening hatches in the aft swim steps allows a large space to service the engines, sea strainers, generator and batteries. The fuel tank is located under the helm seat as are the custom-fit propane lockers, which News & Views for Southern Sailors

keep all of the living space clear of fuel and machinery.

The entire deck of the Mahe 36 has a factory non-skid built into the mold. Another nice feature was a lip around the perimeter encasing the stanchion bases so that there are no deck fittings on the flush surface to catch your toes. Also good for the barefoot sailor are the opening hatches forward and aft, which are round and smooth. Sturdy netting for sunbathing has room for four people and finishes off the forward deck.

Since the cockpit and saloon are on one level, you can look through the sliding glass doors and still have a great view out the forward main saloon windows from the cockpit table, which has seating for six people. The mainsheet traveler with tackle and clutches is mounted on the aft deck out of the way. There are walk-up transom steps on both hulls with swim ladders. The space between the hulls is perfect for storing a dinghy on davits, which is part of the sailaway package on the boat we tested.

The outer skin is composed of a laminate of fiberglass and mat with Isophtalic polyester resin. The inner hull is built from a sandwich structure with a core of PVC foam laminated under vacuum. During this manufacturing process, the resin is able to penetrate every empty space, leaving a cross link between the two skins. The high-tech infusion process provides protection of the environment.

Fountaine-Pajot engineers “unsinkability” through four watertight compartments, designed forward and aft inside each hull, which contain volumes of foam for buoyancy. The fixed fins have a reinforced keel shoe and provide protection for the sail drive, shaft, propellers and rudder blades.

The Mahe 36 captures years of experience that Fountaine-Pajot brings to building high-tech catamarans while featuring modern designs for the entry-level cruising cat. It feels like a big cat in a small package.

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CAROLINA SAILING

Taxes Plague Transient Boaters in South Carolina

By Dan Dickison Charleston Marina in Charleston, SC. Transients are now subject to taxation with a shorter stay.

L

ike so many things in life, boat ownership can often be described as a double-edged sword. The joy that most of us experience when we sail our boats, or even just think about sailing them, is certainly a highlight. But all boat owners have at least some involvement in the less pleasant aspects of ownership, be those equipment failures, nagging maintenance issues, insurance payments, or perhaps the least welcome of all, taxes.

In South Carolina, the issue of property tax as it pertains to boats has been something of a moving target in recent years. That is often perplexing for residents and downright vexing for transients. For years, this state had one of the highest tax rates on the entire East Coast (10.5 percent). According to Suzi DuRant, executive director of the South Carolina Marine Association, the principal reason behind this egregiously high rate was due to the fact that the state defined boats “as personal instead of real property.” But in 2006, the state legislature grappled with the issue and ended up making life a little easier for boat owners. The politicos in Columbia devised a formula that essentially reduced the rate to 6 percent for all boats that qualify as second homes. What does that mean? Well, if your boat has a galley, a head and reasonable sleeping quarters, you’re good to go. According to DuRant, that provision went into effect statewide as of 2007, thanks in large measure to lob-

bying efforts by her organization. In addition, she explained, the state created a local option for counties that enables each county council to reduce the tax rate on all boats to 6 percent* if it chooses.

Transient Boaters Now Limited to Shorter Stays Before Taxation Now, for transient boat owners, the plot thickens. It used to be that you could keep your boat in South Carolina waters with no tax required for up to 181 days each year. But the same legislation that altered the taxation rate, also changed the parameters that pertain to the length of stay. The law now requires that the owners of out-of-state vessels which stay in South Carolina for 60 consecutive days—or 90 days all together—in the same tax year, are liable for taxes. That’s uncharacteristically inhospitable for a state that relies so heavily on tourism, but the good news, says DuRant, is that a few counties seem to be sticking to the erstwhile guidelines and allowing transient boats to stay for the full 181 days before mandating a tax. And the tax auditors in some counties appear to be more accommodating, choosing not to pursue transient boaters so assiduously. Even better news, says DuRant, is the fact that she and her SCMA colleagues

*South Carolina law stipulates that property tax on boats be calculated by taking 6 percent of the vessel’s assessed value and multiplying that figure by whatever the millage rate is in the county where the boat is kept.

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are now pressing state legislators in Columbia to get the 181-day policy reinstated as law.

“We’re working with a state representative, and we will be working with a state senator to get bills introduced that will move us back to the 181-day limit,” explained DuRant.

There is support for this plan, she allowed, but when one of those bills might actually make it onto the books as law, no one can tell.

Businesses Losing Tourist Dollars In the meantime, this lack of Southern hospitality has meant that marinas and marine businesses along the South Carolina coast are losing revenue because so many of the out-of-state boaters who customarily come here for much of the fall, winter and spring are spending less time in these waters. This diminished income isn’t just occurring at a slow time of year in the marine industry, it also coincides with a sluggish U.S. economy. And it’s not just marine industry businesses that are feeling the pinch, said DuRant. There’s a trickle-down impact to all of this. “In the counties where the auditors are aggressively pursuing this situation (Horry and Georgetown),” she explained, “marinas and boatyards have certainly lost business. But so have restaurants, hotels and groceries in those areas. Bryan Smith, the harbormaster at Wacca Wache Marina on the Waccamaw River near the ICW, told us that this season’s business is down significantly. I’ve had a bunch of calls from individuals—out-of-state boaters—telling me that even though they previously had a lot of service work done in South Carolina, they’re now going to Savannah.”

News & Views for Southern Sailors

So, why would the lawmakers in South Carolina put their constituents at a disadvantage in this way? According to DuRant, “The people who are being really adamant about the length-of-stay parameters don’t realize how much business is being lost to the local economies. Boat owners who don’t have their boats here obviously aren’t spending money in South Carolina, and really, it’s a tourism issue. Tourism is our No. 1 economic engine in this state, particularly along the coast, so making it harder for out-of-state boat owners to remain here more than 60 days seems counterproductive.

When you think about it, the government doesn’t do this to RVs or airplanes, and if they tried to, the tourism board would be up in arms. I do think the current tax law in our state is unfair to boat owners. It probably has a lot to do with the perception that all boaters are wealthy, but we don’t assess a tax on the cars that are owned by people who have second homes in this state, so the same consideration should be in place for boats.”

DuRant and her SC Marine Association colleagues are optimistic that they can get the law amended for out-of-state boat owners. And optimism is often a useful tool. But they’ll need that and more because many of the same lawmakers they’ll be working with on this matter recently toyed with the idea of adding “nuclear energy” to a list of state-recognized sources of renewable energy. They ultimately voted down that plan, which would have made this the only state in the United States to have such an absurd outlook. Yes, South Carolina can often be as strange as it is beautiful, and living here can even be worth the taxes you pay, sometimes.

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A Winter Sailboat Delivery: Maryland to Florida

By Arthur Barlow Campbell

Champagne, a Swan 43, at dock.

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n May 2006, I was crew for the delivery of a Swan 43, named Champagne, from Fort Lauderdale, FL, to Chestertown, MD. The boat was owned by a two-time circumnavigator named Jim Huber. (See SOUTHWINDS, February 2007, “Tips from a Circumnavigator.” Available in the Back Issues pages at www.southwindsmagazine.com).

Last fall, Jim decided he wanted to move to warmer weather and eventually end up in the British Virgin Islands. He needed crew to move the boat south on the first leg to Fort Lauderdale. I knew that leaving in the middle of November was a little late, but I jumped at the opportunity to sail with him again—and to get away from the office.

The delivery crew consisted of Peter Wilde, a retired schoolteacher, Keith Knepp, a USAF loadmaster with over 10,000 flying hours in a C-130, another crewmember (who will remain nameless), and myself.

We left Chestertown, MD, on November 14 in cold weather, heavy fog, and no wind and headed down the Chester River for the Chesapeake. As we entered the Chesapeake, the wind picked up to 12-15 knots, and we sailed all night heading for Little Creek, VA. As we approached Little Creek, the wind went from the bow to the stern as a cold front moved in with gusts up to 55 knots. Our topping lift broke, and the boom crashed onto the starboard lifelines as the boat heeled over, and the rail went into the water. The skipper had on his safety vest and was attached to the jack line as he reefed the main.

We followed a U.S. Navy destroyer escort into Little

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Creek and had a difficult docking at Bay Point Marina due to the direction of the wind and an outgoing tide. The skipper did an amazing job of getting us into the berth without damaging other vessels and his home of 15 years. We later went ashore and had a needed hot shower, dried out our clothing, and went out for dinner.

We left Little Creek the following afternoon bound for Norfolk. We entered the Norfolk harbor at night. The U.S. Navy shipyard lights, city lights, and the heavy tug and barge traffic made it difficult to navigate the harbor. It was a very busy harbor and no place for an amateur.

We continued on to Big Bridge, locked through and then tied up to the canal wall for the night, which meant no marina fees, which made my Scottish heart very happy. I went into Chesapeake, VA, with two of the crew for a wee dram to warm us up. We first stopped at El Toro Loco (the crazy bull) and I had three draft beers and a bowl of chips and salsa for the grand sum of $4.50. I thought the bartender was mistaken, and asked him twice if the amount was correct. His reply, “This is Chesapeake, not the big city.”

The crew was fortified and anxious to continue to see what a new port had to offer. The crew continued on to another watering hole, and I left to get some sleep. About 2:30 a.m., I heard whispers and a female voice. Our nameless crewmember was giving a tour of the sailboat. After a while, it was quiet, and I awoke to someone having a religious experience. All I heard was Oh, Oh, Oh God, Oh God! The following morning, we had a crewmember missing, www.southwindsmagazine.com

home for pizza, salad, beer and ice and no female was in sight. The skipper cream. We all reflected on how much we wanted to make the first bridge opening enjoyed the delivery trip and having at 7:00 a.m., and we went through the good shipmates. bridge and waited for an hour and 35 If I were to change anything, I would minutes for the missing crewmember at have left earlier when it was warmer. the marina on the other side of the Having the cold seas break over the bow bridge. As we refueled, the manager was not a lot of fun. When you get wet mentioned that it was 24 degrees just in saltwater, you never are able to dry prior to sunrise. Now I know why I was out. The sailboat had a dodger, but the so cold sleeping in my sleeping bag. seas and wind put a lot of the water into The skipper remarked, “I violated the cockpit. The crew was good compamy first rule of sailing. Always sail offny, but we were disappointed in the shore 100 miles so you do not lose crew to crewmember who jumped ship. Being sirens, females, etc.” He should know Author Art Campbell on Champagne short a crewmember, we had longer since he has two circumnavigations to his in Albermarle Sound, NC watches. credit. He has had many crew on his boat I went back to work as a marine as he sailed around the world. (Now you insurance broker in Fort Lauderdale and had some good know why the other crewmember will be nameless!) memories of crewmembers, sunsets at sea, sailing offshore, We continued on to Alligator River where we anchored and time to think away from telephones, e-mail, fax for the night with no wind, small waves and a quiet anchormachines, TV, radio, and newspapers. It was good for the age. The next day we were bound for Oriental, NC, and soul, and I gained more offshore sailing experience. Would arrived just as we were losing daylight. We went onshore, I do it again? Do whales live in the ocean? and had a few libations and a good dinner. The next morning we had coffee and muffins at The Bean in Oriental. The Art Campbell is a retired USAF, CMSgt and a marine insurance Bean is a good place to observe the waterfront, and talk to broker in Fort Lauderdale. He sails his Alan Pape-designed steel other sailors. cutter out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. The next day we arrived in Beaufort, NC, and were looking forward to a quiet night and a few drinks at the Backstreet Pub. We had a favorable weather window, and the skipper decided to head offshore to take advantage of the favorable weather. We continued through the Beaufort Inlet bound for Fort Lauderdale. It was good to be at sea, but some of the crew had never been to Beaufort, and were looking forward to a new port.

We were going to take on fuel at Jacksonville, FL, but decided to continue on to St. Augustine, FL. We arrived off the inlet at St Augustine before daylight and waited for about an hour for daylight. The north end of the inlet is shallow with breaking waves and can be dangerous. We entered the inlet, put on fuel and water at Comachee Cove Marina, and headed out into the ocean on a falling tide.

We continued southbound for Fort Lauderdale, and went too far offshore and hit the Gulf Stream. We were slowed down by the Gulf Stream and headed west to get closer to shore. We continued heading south and stayed about four to five miles offshore all the way to Fort Lauderdale. It was interesting to watch our progress instead of looking at the horizon.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at sea, and this was a first for me. We had chicken breasts, baked potatoes, mixed vegetables, and good conversation. The skipper reduced sail so we could all eat together and give thanks for all of our blessings. It was good for me to share this day with such fine shipmates and to count my many blessings.

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale on November 25 and anchored in Lake Sylvia, just south of Bahia Mar Marina, behind Pier 66 off the Intracoastal Waterway. The next morning we motored up the New River to our dock. I took the vessel’s laundry home and had it ready when the crew came for dinner that night. I had the skipper and crew to my News & Views for Southern Sailors

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TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

Battle in the Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas

By Rebecca Burg

Bill and Rebecca, on the far left, on the aft pry of Abaco Rage.

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he striking scenery could curl anyone’s sails. Great stretches of Eleuthera’s eastern shore consisted of high cliffs that dropped straight into the sea. Even in fair weather, the Atlantic’s restless swell crashed against the stone facets in sonorous, hollow-sounding blasts of spray. Swish-POW! After each mighty crash, foaming seawater trickled down the weathered surface in a laced network of waterfalls. At sea level, the cliffs were pocked with caves. Swish-POW! Now I understood how those caves were carved into being. “Can you imagine what this place looks like in a storm?” Bill mused.

Bill’s Morgan ketch, Defiant, and my Bayfield cutter, Angel, weren’t planning on finding out. Instead, we stumbled upon a Bahamian sloop regatta. Throughout the Bahamas, traditional wooden workboats sparred for top honors in a series of national championships. Late summer, Eleuthera hosts one such regatta in its sheltered northern bay.

Harbour Island becomes ground zero for awards parties, street vendors and festivities. Representing various Bahamian locales, class-A (28 feet) and class-B (21 feet) sloops and their crews gathered at Valentines Marina. The ferry disgorged crowds of race fans, along with teams from the Nassau TV and radio stations. Bill and I hung out with our Abaconian friends and the class-A sloop, Abaco Rage. Before the main event, we explored Harbour Island’s street fair. “The Pineapple, fruit n’ veg,” announced the wooden sign at a diminutive fruit shop on Bay Street. A vendor’s stand called Dis-we-Ting sold sweet coconut water and seafood specials. Perspiring over portable stoves, cooks stirred large, steaming pots of traditional island fare.

An exquisite tropical serenity embraced the next morning. Faint Reggae music wafted through the soft air. I peeked out of a porthole and spied local fishermen on the docks as they tossed cast nets and gathered bait. Silvery fish glittered in the rising sun. I joined Bill and the Rage crew for a stroll into Dunmore Town for breakfast.

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Midmorning, the winds became gusty, bringing summer showers.

“We’ll need extra people for this,” said Stafford Patterson as he eyed the changing skies. The race rules allowed a limited number of foreigners as crew. That afternoon, Bill and I were sitting on Abaco Rage’s beamy deck. The sloop regattas evolved from fishing boats that vied to be the first ones home by day’s end. Official race records began in 1954. True to the original workboat’s spirit, race rules prohibit modern equipment.

There are no engines, winches or wind vanes. Sails are canvas, while the hull and spars are wood. Over time, the race boats evolved disproportionately huge mainsails with narrow, vestigial jibs. Abaco Rage’s hull is 28 feet long, but her mast is 65 feet tall. The oversexed sloops require large crews and will capsize, should crewmembers slip off the pries and the main isn’t immediately depowered. The pries are narrow wooden boards that are slid across the deck to project over the windward side during each tack. Shimmying under the low boom while tacking, then shoving the pry to the other side and clinging to it while dangling over the sea takes teamwork and balance.

Competitors start from an anchored position. “Every ting to starb’d,” instructed the race committee. A hat was held in the air. “Heads up!” As soon as the hat was lowered, six race boats hustled to life. The Rage crew heaved the grapnel anchor onboard while simultaneously raising the sails. A sudden wind shift caught us, and Rage twitched perilously, dunking the tips of her pries, and the people on them, into the water. Someone squawked and a shoe floated away. Everyone hung on and Rage was rebalanced. We surged forward, trying to catch a newly built sloop from Andros called Red Hot Thunderbird. “It’s odd seeing your keel while sailing,” observed P.G. LeBoutillier, on the end of the middle pry. I glanced at Rage’s blue painted full keel, easily seen as we hung over the clear water. “I could dive up crawfish here,” Colyn piped up. “You think that cloud’s coming?” someone asked. Heads turned toward the sky, where a dark squall line was brooding over the bay’s northern end. It barely seemed to be moving until it was upon us.

“Drop the main!” cried the helmsman, Jeff Gale. Rival boats scattered like leaves in the sudden wind. A crewman lowered Rage’s anchor while I helped control the flogging sail. The red-hulled Silent Partner veered past, struggling with a stuck jib and attracting rival boats, which rushed over to help. Waiting for the rain to pass, we huddled inside Rage’s damp interior while beers and bad jokes made their rounds. The squall quickly subsided and the regatta began anew.

Spirited sloops were bristling for a good battle, but the winds had www.southwindsmagazine.com

The caves and cliffs of North Eleuthera’s east shore.

faded after the rain. “I’ve never seen Rage sail backwards,” Stratton observed. Colyn wistfully gazed into the water and said, “I could dive for crawfish and swim back to Rage.” The triangular racecourse was shortened, and New Southern Cross drifted into first.

The next day brought new racing adventures, especially for Bill.

After breakfast, the Rage crew clustered together, discussing strategy. A skipper from a class-B sloop approached, appealing for a crewmember.

Not looking very busy, Bill was snagged. “But…,” said Bill as he was whisked down the docks. The class-B sloops had names like Ant’s Nest,

News & Views for Southern Sailors

from Ragged Island, and Lady Nathalie, from Acklins. An aggressive fleet, they’d often sail so tightly that crews had to untangle the boats from each other. Bill served well until his stomach had an untimely mutiny over this morning’s mystery breakfast. The sloop had no head. While the boats waited for the next race, Bill pondered his dilemma. “What do you do if you really need to, uh, you know?” Bill asked awkwardly, clutching at his cramping bowels. Sympathetic, yet amused, the captain said, “We jump in.” Mortified, Bill had no choice but to slip into the sea and slink away. Of course, the large cluster of idle sloops knew that he wasn’t out for a leisurely swim. They pointed and laughed.

“Whatever I ate, I won’t eat it again!” Bill vowed after he returned to the docks and relayed his unpleasant story. Unable to help it, we were howling with laughter. “Is there no pity?” Bill said, grumbling. A beer was pressed into his hand and he was reassuringly clapped on the back.

“But, you didn’t dive up crawfish while you were there?” Colyn asked innocently. Bill feigned a withering look, and the good-natured gang broke out into more laughter. It was just another day at the races.

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The anchorage in the Vinoy Basin in downtown St. Petersburg.

Photo by Steve Morrell

ENJOY VINOY: Cruise to Downtown St. Petersburg

By Ina Moody

Whether to spend a weekend or a week, cruising is the way to go.

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e had a week, so we pointed Seawind, our 44-foot Gulfstar, eastward under the beautiful Sunshine Skyway. Destination: downtown St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Yacht Basin on the north side of the causeway to the St. Petersburg pier (known as The Pier) in Tampa Bay. Although Seawind features two 210 HP diesels, we still believe that half the fun is getting there. We switched from a sailboat to power recently but still cruise at the sailing pace. So we took our time and cruised at an easy 1000 RPMs, making a stately five knots. We crossed under the Sunshine Skyway around noon and dropped anchor at Vinoy at about 2:30 p.m.

This is a cruise we’d recommend to anyone. Only one caution: The bottom at Vinoy is soft. We had to reset our anchor several times before we got a good bite. Also, on a brisk easterly, it can get pretty rough at Vinoy. Apparently, the water comes rolling into the basin, bounces off the surrounding seawalls and keeps reverberating till the whole basin is rocking. This is a good time to check your anchor.

Out of the week we were there, we had one night when the wind shifted to the east. Sure enough, in the middle of the night, the sound of the anchor rode tugging at the boat stopped, and we had to get up and reset the anchor. But, what can you do? That is part of boating.

One of the nicer things about Vinoy Yacht Basin is that there is always something going on. The day we arrived, we spent the afternoon on the boat watching four people corre54

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The parking dock in central basin with “parking meter.” Cost is $1/hour and you can stay for up to six hours.

The dinghy dock in the Vinoy Basin.

lating the maneuvering of four giant kites. That same evening, a symphony orchestra played in the park just north of us. They could have played a little louder as far as we were concerned. However, the following evening they had a rock concert and, believe me, that was loud enough!

On the south side of Vinoy Basin is a dinghy dock. Here you can come and go all day for $5 (or $25 for the week.)

The dock is behind the Dolphin parking lot where you have access to a shuttle bus that will take you out to The Pier at no cost. The Pier is filled with nice little shops and all kinds of entertainment. The main concourse offers a food court; the second floor is upscale dining. On the top of the pier is Cha-Cha Coconuts, where you can enjoy food, drinks and calypso music with a spectacular view over the bay.

When you have done The Pier, you can go in the other direction. From the Dolphin parking lot, you can catch a trolley car that will take you (for 25 cents!) for a loop of various points of interest: sports arenas, museums, art galleries, etc. You can even re-provision, because the trolley will drop you and pick you up within walking distance of a Publix.

Of course, traveling by boat, you may feel the need to stretch your legs. If so, we recommend an easy walk to the Baywalk Center. This is a haven for shopping, indoor or outdoor eating, sports bars and a movie theater.

Vinoy is a MUST anchorage for a big holiday weekend, for that’s when St. Petersburg puts on spectacular fireworks.

If you are at anchor during such an event, you are literally sitting under an umbrella of fireworks, the brilliance of which is at par with anything Disney has to offer. The only drawback is that the next morning you may find burned-out ashes all over your deck. But that is a small price to pay for such a thrilling experience.

The morning we lifted anchor to pull out of Vinoy, we rounded The Pier and stopped at the ship’s store in the South Basin, to top off our tanks. The dockmaster told us about the “parking docks” available in the northwest corner of the South Basin. Naturally, we had to check it out. We found a half dozen slips designated for hourly parking at $1/hr for up to six hours. There is a little machine that’ll News & Views for Southern Sailors

take your dollar bills or your credit card. We put an hour’s worth in the meter, and went into the adjacent Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro. The lunch was superb! And then it was time to say good-by to St. Pete. Needless to say, we could have spent a month, and this is why we titled this story “Enjoy Vinoy.”

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US SAILING National Sailing Symposium St. Petersburg, FL, January 9-13

By Jabbo Gordon Photos courtesy US SAILING Three keynote speakers gave three versions of last summer’s America’s Cup at US SAILING’S 25th annual National Sailing Programs Symposium in St. Petersburg, FL, on Jan. 9-13.

Gary Jobson, world-class sailor and television commentator, opened the symposium with some hard-hitting comments regarding the America’s Cup, including tongue-incheek references to land-locked Switzerland as a “great sailing power.” He opined that each nation should have an entry crewed by sailors from that country and that post-cup developments “have been a disaster.”

Dawn Riley of San Francisco, first woman ever to manage an entire America’s Cup syndicate (the French), obviously did not agree with Jobson’s staffing opinions and predicted that the event may not feature match races, where the vessels go one-on-one with each other, in the future.

After relating some of her experiences with around-theworld races, Riley remarked that those events often meant “going for a week before even changing your long underwear.” When she said that to a group of boys, the response was, “You mean that if I become a sailor, I don’t have to take a bath?”

“Well, that’s one way to get guys interested in sailing,” Riley quipped.

Ed Baird, helmsman for Switzerland’s victorious Alinghi team in the 2007 cup competition and 2007 Rolex male sailor of the year, did not agree with Jobson’s assessment of America’s Cup ills either. But he said cup racing, like many other facets of sailing, has experienced many changes, especially in the past 25 years. After Australia broke the United States’ domination of the America’s Cup, many philosophies began to shift. Professional sailors and sponsorships took over, not only for major events but for area races, too.

From left to right: Dick Allsopp (regional training coordinator for Florida), Ed Baird and Amy Gross-Kehoe (formerly of St. Petersburg but currently a sailing coach for Stanford University).

“Many classes such as the Laser, Lightning and Thistle are still strong, but many others have dwindled or died,” he said. “For the big boats, there is no more SORC (Southern Ocean Racing Circuit). “England’s Admirals Cup is gone.

On the other hand, there was no Key West Race Week or Block Island Sound Race Week back then.

“Equipment has improved tremendously. Now you can sail 600 miles a day—single-handed,” he added. Baird, who grew up and still lives in St. Petersburg, mentioned the

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changes that downtown St. find successful ways to work Petersburg has seen in the last with the younger generation. quarter century. “All I see are a Dr. Jayne Greenberg of bunch of tall buildings that Miami talked about experienEd Baird signing a book at the US SAILING Symposium. block some of the wind.” tial learning opportunities in a He encouraged the adminmarine environment. And istrators and sailing instructors “to keep it fun,” indicating finally, Axel Grael shared various ways of bringing sailing that fun is what hooked him on the sport in the first place. to the masses with emphasis on the community-based pro“I could sail a boat all over Tampa Bay long before the state grams in his native Brazil. of Florida said I could drive a car.”

Aside from the keynote speakers, the symposium feaBecoming part of an international team was almost a tured workshops, lecturers, demonstrations and networkfluke. Baird thought he had a position with an American ing. Almost 250 sailing educators from around the United syndicate, but it fell through. About that time, Russell States gathered to learn and share their own experiences on Coutts offered him a job and he went “down under.” such topics as hiring and evaluating instructors and how to “Russell met me at the airport at 6:30 in the morning after a have a profitable program.

20-hour flight and told me that I was going to sail a cup boat The schedule appealed to people from junior and for a start practice that day,” Baird recalled. “I had never community sailing programs as well as yacht club and been on a boat that big, and I was sailing with people I commercial schools. The symposium was directed toward couldn’t understand half the time.” all levels of involvement from first year organizers to vetBaird also talked about a cup candidate that broke in eran program directors and featured visits to area sailing half during a race a few years ago. programs.

“First, the navigator and the tactician said they had to Preceding the symposium were five days of specialized tack. I couldn’t think of a worse time to tack. We hit a coutraining, including a class for small boat instructor trainers, ple of waves wrong, and the boat just folded in half. It dida windsurfer instructor course and a team racing module. n’t sink, but breaking in half really doesn’t help your point Following the event, US SAILING conducted a powerboat score,” he deadpanned. instructor course at the University of South Florida’s Afterwards, one reporter asked Baird what happened Bayboro campus. and he replied simply that the boat broke. Poking a jab at the Over the years, US SAILING has held this symposium media, Baird described investigative journalism as a in such venues as Baltimore, MD, Oakland and Long Beach, reporter sitting next to other journalists in a bar.

CA, and even Kissimmee, FL. Last year, it was in New Other key speakers included Meagan Johnson, who Orleans, LA. Next year, it will be in San Diego, CA. US hosted a seminar on a multi-generational workforce. A resiSAILING tries to alternate coasts but at the same time keep dent of Phoenix, AZ, she entitled her talk “Zap the Gap” the symposium in moderate climate so attendees can take and told a capacity crowd in the Hilton’s ballroom how to advantage of local sailing opportunities.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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RACING

The Champions of Acura Key West 2008, January 21-25

By Rebecca Burg Cover photo: Groovederci, winner of the Mumm 30 class. Photo by Tim Wilkes www.timwilkescom

A

stormy sea recovery, wild weather swings, thrilling competition and a chivalrous racer who stops to conduct a rescue— and still wins. These are just some highlights of one of the most momentous winter regattas in North America.

Well-reputed across the globe, Acura Key West 2008 drew entries from 18 different nations. Club racers, amateur teams, America’s Cup stars, Olympians and a crown prince all shared the same battlefield. Sixteen classes of one-design and PHRF boats raced for the silFarr 40s fight it out in close action in the high winds of Key West Race Week. Photo by Bill Robinson. ver in a number of championships, from midwinters to gate a moment ahead. Leading the day is Tom Reese’s Flight internationals. As usual, these warriors were divided into Simulator, from New York, just one point over Peter four separate arenas spread across Key West’s offshore Katcha’s Florida-based Relentless. Cliff Farrah’s team on waters. ESPN crews and a ’copter cam followed the exciteStrategery 3, out of Destin FL, prefers heavy air. Tough playment with Gary Jobson producing and narrating the coverers, Strategery 3’s trimmer wears a helmet whenever the age. Celebrity-seeking paparazzi flocked around the waterwinds pipe up. By week’s end, Flight Simulator became the front, catching famous faces in the regatta scene.

Corsair 28R champion by a half point above Relentless.

Monday rode in on the back of a roaring cold front.

A Swan 45 from the UK, Mikhail Mouratov’s Murka 2, That morning, race officials recorded waves of 6 to 8 feet won first overall in the IRC-2 class. Robin Team’s Teamwork, and gusty 25- to 30-knot winds. These tall numbers exceeda J/122 from Beaufort, NC, posted a first in race four and an ed the intended competitive parameters and class rules of overall finish in IRC-2’s fourth slot. Returning to the Melges numerous entrants. All classes but the Corsair trimarans 32 class is a Fort Lauderdale FL, entry, Jeff Ecklund’s Star ventured out to their respective racing areas, standing by and Carroll and Kullman’s New Wave, from Clearwater, FL. while race officials measured and re-measured, hoping Harry Melges called tactics on Star. On Tuesday, RED set the things would stabilize. The weather didn’t. The survivalpace in this hyper speed, 27-boat fleet with two bullets and like conditions were too severe for safe and fair racing. took first place with New Wave in third and Star in fourth.

Monday was cancelled. With steadier easterly winds On Thursday, Star shattered the status quo and took the between 17 to 20 knots on Tuesday, three races were comlead. Overall, Star remained in first and landed the Melges pleted by all classes. The rapid-fire action kept the race com32 Midwinter Championship. New Wave closed the score mittee busy. In division four, a flurry of 15 boats rushed over gap, capturing second overall, a mere two points under. the finish line in a one-minute span. “Whoever said sailboat In the PHRF-4 class, Tom Sutton’s J/35, Leading Edge, racing is not exciting has not been in this one,” said John luffed to a halt after race one’s dramatic start. A jib sheet had Novak on his Corsair 28R, Overdo, from Texas. This onelet go, so Leading Edge smartly tacked, hoping to use the design trimaran class had a wild, close-call day. At the finremaining sheet and keep moving. This sheet let go as well. ish of race two, Richard Bokkerink’s Condor (Netherlands), Adding insult to injury, two winches broke. The Houstonskidded in front of Overdo at the last second. At race three’s based team worked overtime to recover the lost seconds, end, Overdo gave Condor the slip and blazed through the 58 March 2008

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Racing in tight quarters on another windy day in the Farr 40 class. Photo

by Bill Robinson.

posting a 5-4-3 and tie for third on Tuesday. The Miami entry, Pipe Dream XIV, Scott Piper’s Tripp 33, tied for second with Mr. Bill’s Wild Ride. Bad Girl, who’d experience an adventurous plot twist later in the week, won first on Tuesday in PHRF-4. Thirty-four boats in the J/105 class saw suspenseful starts and elbow-to-elbow finishes. Low scores were hard to come by. Texas entry, Bill Zartler’s Solaris, posted a third in race one, and Florida-based J’Makin’ Waves, helmed by Steve Olinger, nabbed two third-place posts during the week. By week’s end, Solaris (eighth) and J’Makin’ Waves (14th) finished in the top half of the class. Flame, a strongly sailed veteran from Naples, FL, found her groove

News & Views for Southern Sailors

midweek, posting a second in race five and a respectable 12th overall.

Masquerade, Thomas Coates’ Rhode Island entry, sailed consistently all week to become champion of the J/105s.

Tuesday’s breezy high-pressure area shifted, and Wednesday arrived in a still and silent fog. As the morning sun burned through the damp haze, eager sailors paced the docks, eying the glassy waters with growing concern. It was the polar opposite of Monday’s madness. By late morning a faint breeze wafted in, and division four’s racecourse managed a start, but not a finish. Fluky winds of a few knots weren’t enough for a competitive race, and Wednesday was cancelled. Thursday began in the slow lane and once again, the AP flag was raised while race officials gauged the conditions. Early afternoon, northerly winds of around 12 knots breezed in, allowing two races for all classes. Making its one-design debut is the Swan 42 class, a fast-paced 12-boat group that always seemed to be sailing in a tight, twitchy clump. These remarkable sailing machines and fearless sailors with razor-sharp skills kept things close and finish times were just seconds apart. The

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RACING Dallas-based Vitesse, smartly commanded his with Jon Halbert, won Columbia 32, improving third on Thursday. scores as the week proHalbert is a race week gressed and scoring a vet, but he’s had the bullet in race four. shiny new Vitesse for Resurgence took fourth only about two weeks. overall.

Part of the team’s goal Also in the was to learn the boat’s PHRF-3 class, Matthew handling and the best Petrat sailed the Hobie way to raise her hackles 33, Hot Stuff, from and send her into fightSarasota, FL. Petrat coning mode. By week’s sistently defeated the end, Bandit, Andy other Hobie 33 in the Fisher’s Rhode Island class, Buster, except in entry, with several Swan race seven on Friday. class races under her This last race day Battling it out at the start of the Mumm 30s. Photo by Bill Robinson. belt, won first overall offered sunny condiwith Vitesse in fifth. tions with 16 to 20 knot winds, which kept the lighter boats Will Hanckel’s J/120, Emocean, dominated the PHRF-2 on their toes, sometimes tripping them. In race seven’s class, racking an outstanding seven bullets in a row in the downwind run, Hot Stuff’s crew prepared to drop the spineight-race series. From Charleston, SC, Emocean is a Key naker, but unruly gear sent a crewwoman into the water.

West veteran with a crew of lifelong friends from the same The dangerous waters were swarming with sharp bows and hometown. “We had pretty good starts. We were getting off keels. Robert Armstrong’s U.S. Virgin Island entry, Bad Girl, the line clean and were lucky enough to sail the right shifts,” was nearby, and the J/100 (PHRF-4) diverted course and Hanckel said. Steven Stollman’s C&C 115, Primal Scream, is helped the sailor onboard. After finishing, Bad Girl swung based nearby in Key Biscayne, FL. With four second-place by the committee boat and the crewwoman, eager to return postings through the week, Stollman saw close sailing with to her team, jumped into the water. Hot Stuff safely gathered Overlap, out of the UK, and Rush, from Maryland. With racher up and completed the last race of the day. Despite the ing prowess only gained by years of experience, Primal chivalrous detour, Bad Girl went on to rule the PHRF-4 class Scream won second overall with Overlap six points behind. with six bullets collected over the week. Armstrong’s team The boat gremlins had a field day with veteran racer, Tastes also earned the PHRF National Championship. Tom Like Chicken, Stephen Tedeschi’s J/109 from New York. On Sutton’s Leading Edge placed third overall, and three points Tuesday, Tastes lost her headstay and was out of race two. “It behind is Scott Piper’s Pipe Dream XIV. Hot Ticket, Jim was tough fighting back,” Tedeschi noted. On Friday, the Hightower’s Dickerson 37, from Houston, placed fifth. It spinnaker scooped itself into the sea, the bow pulpit broke was the veteran crew’s first race together on this particular and those pesky “over rides,” where the line wraps over boat, which nearly missed the event. Hot Ticket was mortalitself on the winch, plagued the crew. Tastes Like Chicken, a ly wounded on the crossing to Key West from Texas in an popular and highly competitive entry, handled the frustratunusually strong cold front. The spade rudder snapped and ing situations with finesse. “We still had a blast,” Tedeschi the hull was holed. A crewmember read a gust of 50 knots said at week’s end, in PHRF-2’s seventh slot. and waves were 15 to 18 feet. The experienced crew kept In PHRF-3, the team of race veterans on Robert their cool, plugging the hole and communicating with the Hibdon’s SR-33, Temptress, were facing their own chalCoast Guard. A Coast Guard cutter towed Hot Ticket into lenges. The Charleston crew jumped the line in race four, Key West, where she was repaired in time for the races. and then Temptress had a wardrobe malfunction, wrapping Perennial favorite from Key West, Mark Milnes and his her spinnaker. Early Thursday morning at the dock, trimteam sailed Blah Blah Blah in PHRF-6. Milnes’ J/24 placed sixth after battling with a colorful mix of contenders from mer Andres Hernandes, a tall and powerfully built crewLincoln Schoenberger’s Wyliecat 30, One Up, (first) to Larry man, sprained his ankle. Despite the painful situation, Tomlinson’s Elite 30-S, Wildwood Flower (ninth). Through the Hernandes refused to abandon his team, so he stayed below week, parties were held every evening in the main tent, and during the racing and helped from there. Worse than workthe final awards ceremony on Friday was held to a packed ing around the injury was the cell phone call bearing bad audience. Despite the wide weather swings, sailors enjoyed news of the unexpected passing of his dog. The friendly, some high-quality racing around an idyllic, subtropical four-legged companion, Morris, was popular in the sailing island. The daily shoreside activities, awards presentations community of Hernandes’ home town. Saddened, but refusand racing panel discussions were just as impressive. Top ing to be defeated by bad luck or by rival boats, the team end names sponsored the event: Acura, Nautica Watches, prevailed in the face of adversity. Temptress scored six bullets Mount Gay Rum, Lewmar, Sperry, B&G, Ceasar, New during the week, emerging as the unrivaled champion of England Ropes, Slam and Key West’s Historic Seaport. For the PHRF-3 class. Bill Berges’ Florida-based Evelyn 32-2, more coverage, scores and sponsor information, visit Bluto, landed in second overall after dueling with Fred www.Premiere-Racing.com.

McConnell’s Resurgence. McConnell, from Panama City, FL, 60 March 2008

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Gasparilla Regatta & Women’s Gasparilla Regatta, Tampa Sailing Squadron, Feb. 2-3

Gasparilla Regatta, Feb. 2

By Ray Dupuis Tigress, an Abbot 33, and Shrew, a Creekmore 23, battle it out in close quarters with spinnakers up. Photo by Bill Fishbourne.

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he winds were light, then they were gone. They returned and got better. It was Tampa Sailing Squadron’s annual Gasparilla Regatta, and 43 boats were on Tampa Bay ready to race.

The Racer-Cruiser class started the racing off on time with winds out of the northeast. The boats headed out on a 12.3-nautical mile course, and the wind started fading shortly after the start. The race committee delayed PHRF action to wait for wind, which filled in nicely from the west.

“The race and weather were perfect,” said Spinnaker A winner Jose Suarez Hoyas, who sailed Mariah, a J/109, out of Davis Island Yacht Club. “Some racers made some mistakes, and it helped us. We were lucky. In the first race, we went left, and most of the fleet went right. We caught some good lifts.

In the second race, we went right while most of the boats went left, and we were lifted again. In the third race, we made some errors that cost us, but the fourth race was ours.”

Michael Bogatin, sailing a 33 Soverel out of DIYC, took second in Spin A. “We had a blast. It was the first time we beat Renegade. Usually we do well against Mariah, but they had the day.The course was a bit short, but it kept the crew challenged with sail changes.”

Jay Tyson, who was sailing aboard the third-place Renegade, a Carrera out of DIYC, said, “The races were reasonable, and the winds were good. It’s a shame we couldn’t get more boats from the region to participate.”

Ed Peters, who was sailing the Spinnaker B winner, Tigress, a 33 Abbott out of TSS, had high praise for the race committee. “They waited until the wind changed and steadied, set an accurate starting line with a straight course, and the rolling starts worked out well. Competition was good; we could use more.”

Frank Selph Jr. sailed Junior, a J/27 out of DIYC, to second place. “It’s fun to race a boat you’re crossing tacks with,” Selph Jr. said of Tigress. “Couldn’t ask for a better day of sailing.”

His dad, Frank Selph, in Forerunner, a J-30, took third.

Spinnaker C honors went to David Young sailing Overdrive, a Sonar 23 out of Tampa Sailing Squadron. “If you sail the same kind of boat for 25 years, you learn how to go fast. It was a perfect day to be sailing,” Young said.

Gene DiNisio, sailing Shrew, a Creekmore 23 out of TSS, chased Overdive in all three races that class ran. “It was one of the best days of racing in many years. There was no waiting between races; the rolling starts kept us going. Most enjoyable. We were focused. Overdrive was a tad better.”

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Jim Hoffman, sailing Delirium, a J-22 out of TSS, took third in Spin C. Non-Spin A honors were captured by Thunder, a Morgan 27 skippered by Woody Fraser out of TSS. “Perfect winds, great sailing, great party…I came away feeling really good about the day,” Fraser said.

John Martini took second in Pure Magic, a Pearson Flyer out of TSS, followed by Kent Bailey in Pilgrim, a Pearson 30 out of TSS. Art Laferriere, sailing Mr. Hyde, a Capri 22 out of TSS, took top honors in Non-Spin B. “We got off the line okay for the first two races, but Mac Towne sailing True Blue (a Morgan 24.5 that finished second) was always there. In the third race we got a bad start and couldn’t catch him,” Laferriere said.

Bill Meyer took third sailing Won Zero.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of action on the long course.

Tom Turton, sailing Team Effort, a 30 Tartan out of DIYC, took a first in Racer-Cruiser division that covered a 12.3nautical mile course.

“We got a good start and didn’t look back…the wind died, but we extended our lead by catching the edge of the wind shift out of the west under spinnaker. We maintained the lead until just before the finish line when Resolute passed us.”

Resolute, an Express 35 skippered by Bruce Kerns of TSS, which was crewed by Kerns’ wife, father-in-law, mother-inlaw, sister-in-law, niece and daughter, corrected to third place.

“When the sea breeze filled in, we were dead last. We started reeling them in and caught Team Effort at the finish,” Kerns said.

Larry Willis sailing Relentless, a Beneteau First 32 out of DIYC, took second.

In True Cruising, Calypso, an Ericson 35 MKII skippered

by Jim Mason out of Boca Ciega Yacht Club, captured first place in the 11.9-mile race. “That pursuit start was a lot of fun.

It was like a light-air drag race, wing-on-wing to the first mark. The wind died and then filled in from the west. We were left of everyone and took advantage of getting the wind first. “A smaller boat, Home @ C, was out ahead of us, and he was tough to catch, but we reeled him in. He was fast.”

Matthew Blain of St. Petersburg took second in Lucille, an Irwin 34, and Bill Cullen was third in Triumph, a Catalina 350 out of TSS. Bill Crotty of St. Petersburg skippered his Camper 35 to first place in MotherLode A. “We made a tactical move that placed the boat ahead of us in our wind shadow and manSOUTHWINDS

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RACING

Women’s Gasparilla Regatta, Feb. 3

By Kathryn Shea Thunder crew, winners of the Non-Spinnaker class.

Skipper Bernice Siebuhr is fourth from left.

Photo by Grizelle Aldea

HoSoBad crew (with hearts on their heads), winners of the Spinnaker class. Skipper Sandra Mickelson is on far right. Photo by Grizelle Aldea.

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and wind picked up as the afternoon progressed.

Back at the clubhouse, a lavish dinner and rum drinks were waiting for the hungry racers as committee members Pat Austin and Dave Webb tallied up the final results.

Coming in first overall in the Spinnaker class was Sandy Mickelson’s HoSoBad, followed by Apostrophe, skippered by Janet D’Arcy, a member of both the Tampa Sailing Squadron and the Davis Island Yacht Club.

Thunder, helmed by Bernice Siebuhr of Sanford, FL, took first-place honors in the Non-Spinnaker class; Overdrive, under Dawn Narramore, came in second, and Joyride, skippered by Shari Callahan, took home the thirdplace trophy.

In the Coached-Boat class, LoweTide, piloted by USF grad student Sarah Rynearson, sailed off with the first-place trophy. They were followed by Triumph, with Toni Armstrong, in second place and Cher Ciufia’s Finesse with third-place honors..

Despite the light winds at the start, the participants seemed to have enjoyed themselves. “We had a fantastic time,” gushed Siebuhr, who led Thunder to its first-place finish. Elizabeth Mills, rear commodore of the St. Pete Sailing Association, who crewed aboard LoweTide, thanked TSS for the event. “It’s a great way to get the corners of the bay together!” crewmate Sarah Rynearson agreed, noting that the regatta offers “a wonderful opportunity for non-members to participate.”

The Women’s Gasparilla Regatta Committee gives special thanks to Bill Cullen of Triumph, Larry Lowe of LoweTide and Frank and Cher Ciufia of Finesse for providing their vessels and counsel in the Coached-Boat class. Thanks also to Bill Cullen for the super trophies—featuring a statuette of a curvaceous lady pirate for first place—and to Lexus of Tampa, which was lead sponsor for all the weekend events.

he Women’s Gasparilla Regatta was run in Tampa Bay on Sunday, Feb. 3, following the main Gasparilla Regatta. This women’s event—open to all WFPHRF-rated boats with all-female crew—for the last five years is part of the Women’s Champion of the Bay series.

The morning began with the crews mingling and renewing old acquaintances over a healthy continental breakfast prepared by Joyce Nodland of TSS. After Regatta Chair Pat Austin and TSS Fleet Captain Susan Bishop briefed the skippers, seven intrepid boats headed out for the racing.

But…there was no wind. None. Not the crisp snap of sails changing tack, but only women’s laughter echoed over the still, glassy bay. As the fleet languished waiting for wind, the crew of Apostrophe decided to relieve the tedium and motored around the becalmed fleet, visiting the wouldbe competitors and flinging Gasparilla beads to the becalmed boats.

Finally, nearly two hours past the scheduled start, a breath of air was felt aboard the committee boat. LuAnn McGinness’ Synchronicity took off downwind to set the line, and at last, the regatta was under way. Three windward-leeward races were run around the Apollo Beach range tower,

Results: Spinnaker: Race 1: HoSoBad, Apostrophe; Race 2: HoSoBad, Apostrophe; Race 3: HoSoBad, Apostrophe. Non-Spinnaker: Race 1: Overdrive, JoyRide; Race 2: Overdrive, JoyRide; Race 3: Overdrive, JoyRide; Coached: Race 1: Triumph, Finesse; Race 2: Triumph, Finesse.

aged to overtake him to finish nicely,” Crotty said.

Debbie Hickenlooper of Apollo Beach, sailing aboard Gris Gris, a Sabre 362 that finished second, and Rainbowbow Chaser II, a Catalina 42 skippered by Jim Bothwell out of TSS, took third.

“It was exciting at the end: About six boats were closing in on the finish line together, and we managed to beat Phantom by one second,” Bothwell said.

Bob Shaw of TSS took first in Motherlode B class in his Catalina 27, Home @ C. “We focused on sailing well and went out to have a good time and we did,” Shaw said.

Eric Nodland of TSS finished second in Good News, a 32 Morgan, and Hugh Moore of TSS took third in Sirona, an Islander 26.

The seven members of the crew of Lucille were awarded the “Best Pirate Crew”—an award given when the race results were announced.

The regatta party included a band and plenty of food and refreshments. “It was a great time and the food from that new brick grill was great,” Ed Peters said. And those pirate trophies are beautiful.”

For complete results, go to www.tampasailing.org.

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SOUTHERN RACING â– NEWS

Regata del Sol al Sol Continues with a Record Number of Entrants With just under 70 entrants, this year’s race to Mexico will be the largest on record. The race departs on April 25, and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is already having monthly parties at the Tiki Hut at the club. All crew and interested parties are invited March 22 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. If your boat is entered in the regatta, six wristbands are included in the entry fee, allowing partygoers to attend with NO EXTRA CHARGE! Additional wrist bands are available to all.

The regatta organizers are also looking for items that will be donated to the island children and hospitals.

Contact either Mike Boom at mike.boom@verizon.net or Larry Wissing at lw@ipsc.cc.

The regatta is also donating a new scoreboard to the island, since their old one was destroyed in a hurricane.

For more information, go to www.regatadelsolalsol.org or www.mexicorace.com.

Racer/Cruiser Class Added to the Regata del Sol al Sol The spirit and intent of the (WFPHRF) Racer/Cruiser class is based on the evidence that a middle ground between the

News & Views for Southern Sailors

full racing programs of the spinnaker fleets and the cruising approach is needed. The Racer/Cruiser class attempts to create an environment between those two programs that allows for competitive racing, but also provides the means of having an enjoyable day of sailing.

Entrants in the Racer/Cruiser class need to declare which rating they will use during the regatta as specified in the WFPHRF Rules Appendix F Racer/Cruiser. (Full Racing Spinnaker, Cruising Chute, or Non-Spinnaker). If you enter into this class but do not declare your rating by the deadline below, you will be placed in the Spinnaker rating group of the Racer/Cruiser class.

Final deadline for Racer/Cruisers to declare which rating they will use during the regatta is April 21. For questions, contact Jeff Russo at Intrepid-J40@tampabay.rr.com.

For complete details of the Regata del Sol al Sol, go to www.regatadelsolalsol.org.

Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race Reborn and Scheduled for April Scheduled to begin April 23 at 1400 hours, this event marks the rebirth of a race that originated in 1968 and ran for 10 years. The race will start just outside Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and finish just outside of Charleston Harbor.

The race is also an official leg of the 2008 US-IRC Gulf Stream Series where IRC boats earn points for placement in an overall chase to be the series champion.

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

The race is sponsored by the LYC of Fort Lauderdale, the STC, headquartered in Larchmont, NY, and the Carolina Yacht Club (CYC) of Charleston. The race will be organized and managed by SORC Management.

Additional information, including the preliminary notice of race, on-line entry and accommodations can be found at www.fortlauderdalecharlestonrace.org.

The Melges 32 class was the second largest class in Key West with an impressive 27-boat fleet. Key West rivalries will resume with Key West champion Jeff Ecklund and his all-star crew firmly established as the boat to beat.

The Acura Grand Prix Awards will be presented to the boats with the lowest combined cumulative points for Acura Key West and the Acura Miami Grand Prix in their respective classes. Perpetual awards are in the offing to the Farr 40, Melges 32 classes and a combined IRC class. Samba Pa Ti is the defending IRC Acura Grand Prix Champion.

Information, details and results on the 2008 Acura Miami Grand Prix will be posted on the Premiere Racing Web site, www.Premiere-Racing.com.

UPCOMING MAJOR SOUTHERN RACING EVENTS

Nacra 2008 Performance Midwinter Championship, Pensacola, FL, March 7-9

St. Petersburg Yacht Club to Hold US SAILING Umpire Seminar April 9 SPYC will host a US SAILING umpire seminar on April 9.

Presented by Steve Wrigley, an international umpire, international judge and a member of the US SAILING umpire committee, the seminar is designed to train prospective umpires in the skills they will need to become an umpire, and to provide continuing education for certified US SAILING umpires. The one-day program will utilize video and computer models to develop proper umpire communications and the anticipation skills necessary to be successful as an umpire. For more information, contact Wrigley at wrigs@earthlink.net. For more information about umpiring, visit the US SAILING Umpire Web site at www.ussailing.org/umpires.

2008 Acura Miami Grand Prix Begins March 6 The 2008 Acura Miami Grand Prix on March 6–9 will carry on the winter regatta excitement that recently concluded in Key West. Two high-profile one-design classes, the Farr 40s and Melges 32s, and two IRC classes will compete in the four-day, ten-race series.

The ultra competitive Farr 40 class takes the next step toward its World Championship in Miami later in April.

The IRC racing will be very competitive with a “big boat class” and a second smaller boat class that will include at least four Swan 42s. Dan Meyers’ new J/V 60 Numbers (Newport, RI) took the big boat IRC class in its Key West debut. Tactician Brad Butterworth and a core Alinghi crew will be looking for a repeat win. Colm Barrington’s J/V 52 Magic Glove (Dublin, Ireland) and John Kilroy’s IRC optimized TP52 Samba Pa Ti ( Los Angeles, CA), will be looking to improve on their second- and third-place finishes in Key West.

The smaller IRC boat class will see Miami local Stuart Hebb (Aerodyne 38, Thin Ice) challenging the new Slim 37 and Irish Commodore’s Cup boat No Naked Flames. The Swan 42s will be well-represented in IRC 2 with four entries logged to date.

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By Kim Kaminski On March 7-9, the Key Team of Key Sailing on Pensacola Beach, FL, will be sponsoring the 2008 Nacra Performance Midwinter Championship. This regatta will be open to all competitors who will be racing either single-handed or double-handed on Nacra 20, Formula 18, Formula 16, Nacra 17’s, Nacra/Prindle Open and US SAILING Open class boats.

The first day of the event, March 7, will be set aside as a practice day. Seven races are planned using the prescribed course layout by the US SAILING Multihull Council. Five boats are required to have individual One-Design class awards. Entry fees: $55 for single-handed and $80 for double-handed (a $5 discount for US SAILING members).

Contact Mark Smith at (850) 291-2545, or check out the Key Sailing Web site at www.keysailing.com

2008 Sunfish International Masters, Pensacola, FL, March 8-10

By Kim Kaminski On March 8-10, sailors from all over the world will be competing in the 2008 Sunfish International Masters in Pensacola, FL. This regatta is open to all over 40 years of age in the International Sunfish Class. Anyone can join the Sunfish Class at the registration check-in, which will be held at the Watson Sailing Center at the Pensacola Yacht Club.

Trophies will be presented to the top three overall winners in each age division: 40 to 49 Apprentice, 50 to 59 Master, 60 to 69 Grand Master, 70 to 79 Great Grand Master, 80 plus Senior Master. The top finishers will be eligible to compete in the 2009 ISCA Worlds competition.

This Category A event, which is sponsored by the Pensacola Yacht Club and the United States Sunfish Class Association (USSCA), will be sailed on Pensacola Bay with racecourses set as windward/leeward, triangle or any combination. Ten races have been scheduled with three races on day 1, five races on day 2 and two races on the final day.

For additional information, go to www.pensacolayachtclub.org. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Special Note: Local sailor Tom Whitehurst (member of the Pensacola Yacht Club and the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club) is a three-time Sunfish Master (U.S. Master, International Master and World Master). He won the 2007 Sunfish International event last year in Port Charlotte. Tom will be acting as host and competitor during the 2008 Sunfish International Masters in Pensacola.

Lightning Class Southern Circuit Gears Up—First Regatta March 8-9 For nearly 40 years, the annual Lightning Southern Circuit has been sending a fleet of 50 or so boats on a combination road rally and regatta that includes stops at Savannah, GA, and Miami, before finishing with an additional couple of dozen of the 19-foot-long sloops in St. Petersburg, FL. The series kicks off at the 5th annual Deep South Regatta, held March 8-9 at the Savannah YC. On March 1012, the Lightning Midwinter Regatta will be hosted at the Coral Reef YC in Miami. The 61st Anniversary Lightning Winter Championship in St. Petersburg will take place on March 13-16. Competitors from South America, Europe, and North America will be on hand, as well as former and current world champions and Olympic sailors.

For more information, go to www.lightningclass.org.

15th Annual Conquistadors Cup, Punta Gorda, FL, March 8-9 Historically the largest regatta in Southwest Florida, this event is now run by the Punta Gorda Sailing Club. Many local historians agree that Ponce De Leon landed at Sanibel and Cayo Costa, and not, as widely believed, near Tampa Bay. Locally, the Royal Order of Ponce De Leon Conquistadors share this belief and support this regatta every year The regatta will begin with registration and free beer on Friday, March 7, at Harpoon Harry’s at Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda. Buoy races are planned for Saturday, March 9. Divisions include Spinnaker, NonSpinnaker, True Cruising and Multihull. A buffet and door prizes, which this event is famous for, will be at Harry’s afterward. Sunday will be the all-boat, reverse start, Conquistadors Cup. This is your only chance to be on the same course with spinnaker-flying and hull-flying multihulls. First boat across the finish line wins the coveted Conquistadors plumed steel helmet and the winner gets his boat pictured on next year’s T-shirt.

The official NOR and entry forms are on the Punta Gorda Sailing Club Web site, www.pgscweb.com.

and a Portsmouth division. Adults as well as youth are invited to race a trapezoid course. For more information, go to www.veniceyouthboating.com or e-mail Jabbo Gordon at veniceyouthboating@verizon.net.

32nd Southwest Florida Regatta Porsche of Naples Cup, Naples, FL, March 28-30 Held by the Gulf Coast Sailing Club, the regatta will begin on Friday, March 28, and conclude on March 30 with a party afterwards.

The regatta parties begin on March 28, at 5:30 p.m. at The Docks on Fifth in Naples. Registration for the event will take place at the party, and attendees will enjoy burgers, brats, and beer. Saturday evening after the race is the Mount Gay Rum cocktail party, which begins at 6 p.m. This year, the club is proud to announce its featured speaker, internationally known sailing champion Gary Jobson.

A reception and awards party will be held on Sunday evening at 5 p.m. All events take place at The Docks on Fifth.

This year, the major sponsor of the regatta is Porsche of Naples, owned and operated by John Harris. Winner of the regatta will be presented with the Porsche of Naples Cup, a traveling perpetual trophy to be presented to the sailboat with the best racing performance of the regatta.

For more information and to register, go to www.gulfcoastsailingclub.org, or call (239) 263-7254.

2008 First Coast Offshore Challenge, Jacksonville, FL, to Georgia and Return, April 9-12 The North Florida Cruising Club and the Saint Augustine Yacht Club are coordinating this regatta that is also a fundraising event. Proceeds and donations go to the Safe Harbor Boys Home in Jacksonville, FL. (For information on the Safe Harbor Boys Home, see the article in Southwinds, September 2007. www.southwindsmagazine.com/backissues.html.)

This regatta races from the start near Jacksonville, FL— at Mayport—south to St. Augustine, on April 9. After an overnight stop there, the race continues on April 10-11 on

Jabbo Gordon Invitational Regatta, Venice, FL, March 22 Venice Youth Boating Association and the Englewood Sailing Association will host the annual Jabbo Gordon Invitational Regatta on Lemon Bay off Englewood’s Indian Mound Park on Saturday, March 22, the day before Easter. A skippers’ meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. The one-day regatta will feature Optimists, Lasers, Sunfish, 420s, Walker Bays News & Views for Southern Sailors

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TAMPA BAY SAILING Linton Named US Sailor of the Year Jeff Linton, 2007 Rolex USA Yachtsman of the Year, sailing his Moth in the Moth Midwinters. Photo by Dave Ellis.

St. Petersburg sailor Jeff Linton has been named the 2007 Rolex USA Yachtsman of the Year. A short list of 10 sailors determined by nominations from the nationwide membership of the United States Sailing Association was evaluated by a panel of sailing journalists.

Linton’s victories in 2007 included the Lightning Worlds in Europe, the Flying Scot North Americans and Classic Moth Nationals and Midwinters. One of the founders of Masthead Enterprises, a St. Petersburg chandlery and Catalina sailboat dealership, Linton recently sold his share in the business.

This appointment makes Tampa Bay home for the world sailor of the year, Ed Baird, and the national sailor of the year, Jeff Linton.

SPYC Multiclass Regatta Last year this regatta was cancelled for lack of interest. This year saw a highly successful event with 59 boats registered in seven classes. The high performance boats sailed on one racecourse, and the J/24 and Snipe on another course close to The Pier.

This is the first year for the Contender class to gather for a Florida Midwinters. There was an 11-boat fleet from as far away as Canada, Texas and California. St. Petersburg’s Ethan Bixby, sailing his first regatta in the class, raised the bar by winning five of the eight races and never finishing below third. Roger Martin of Toronto was second.

The Flying Dutchman’s hull was the model for the smaller Contender. The eight-boat FD fleet was led by St. Petersburg sailor Lin Robson with crew Ken Gorbold.

They won seven of the eight races with Gorbold’s parents from upstate New York winning the remaining race. Paul Scoffin of Orange Park with crew Paul Ruzicka placed second in the fleet.

The 505 class drew six boats, all from afar, coming early to their Midwinters in February. Doug McKeige of Rye, NY, recruited Tampa Fireball sailor Patrick Crump to skipper while he crewed. They won all four races.

REGATTA ADVERTISING SOUTHWINDS offers inexpensive regatta ad rates to all non-profit organizations and ad building is included. If we are building the ad new we would like to be notified by the first of the month preceding publication (later is possible but contact us to find out), but later generally works. Reduced rates for ads run several times. Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com or call (941) 795-8704.

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The A-Class Catamaran blazed around the racecourse with Ben Moon of Australia by way of St. Petersburg winning over Woody Cope of Tampa.

Rush Bird of Tampa was third in close racing among eight boats.

The Ultimate-20 class drew seven boats from several states. Jim Pearson and crew from Ontario won all their races with Lorne Becker of Dade City placing second.

The largest group was the Snipes.

Former world champ Augie Diaz and crew Ken Tocke won, with Gonzalo Crivello and Tim King of St. Petersburg second.

Warren Sweet and crew won the small J/24 fleet with Dale Evans second.

Optimist Dinghy Southeast Team Racing St. Petersburg Sailing Center was the venue for Optimist Dinghy team racing. Eric Bardes of Clearwater has been coaching this type of racing successfully for many years.

As kids grow into other kinds of sailing, new competitors are trained.

His Team FOR sailors took the top two places in the regional team-racing event. Team one included Alec Ruiz Ramon, Cam Purton, Samantha Purton, Susanah Spotto and Graham Landy, defeating 13 other teams from as far away as New Orleans.

Masters Team Racing Regatta The Master Driver Team Racing regatta was planned and organized in record time by St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

While events are usually planned a year in advance, this event was proposed, approved and slots filled since late fall.

The concept is to have sailing clubs field two teams, each with three sailors aboard, to race Sonars against the two Sonars of another club. All six team members must be members of their sailing club. Each boat had one skipper whose age is 45 or older. One crewmember must be under the age of 45. There is no age restriction on the third crewmember. However, if he or she is also 45 or older, they may co-skipper. Happily for the older sailors, there is no weight limit at this event.

St. Petersburg Yacht Club supplied the matched 23-foot Sonar sloops. These are keelboats that are lively, yet stable.

The boat is also a Paralympic class for disabled sailors. To make the racing closer and more tactical, no spinnakers were used in the racing.

Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club of Oyster Bay, NY, won, with New York Yacht Club second.

Davis Island Yacht Club placed third with sailors Jay Booker, Tarry Grimsdale, Tom Barry, Carole Arnold, George and Pat Haynie. Also competing was American Yacht Club of Rye, NY, and St. Petersburg Yacht Club sailors Rich and Char Doyle, Kai Cox, Andrew Jones, Harvey and Kathleen Ford. www.southwindsmagazine.com

BY DAVID ELLIS

Moth Midwinters Race start at the Moth Midwinters.

Photo by Dave Ellis.

The Moth is one of the smallest sailboats raced by adults. Seeing these boats on the beach at Gulfport Yacht Club, one would think sailors need one hull for each foot. Since it is a development class, each boat is different, within parameters.

The length is set at 11 feet. There is a maximum beam of five feet and the sail plan is set. Some Moths are rounded; some have square chines; others are shaped like a piece of paper folded together at one end and loose on the other. All are tipsy and all are fast.

Jeff Linton won all 10 races, often with a big lead over the second-place boat.

Derek Dudinsky of St. Petersburg counted all top four finishes to place second in the fleet with Mike Parson of Media, PA, in third. Local sailor Rod Koch won the tiebreaker for fourth place with John Zseleczky of Arnold, MD. Converted Europe Dinghy and Challenger hulls were scored with the fleet. But since they are not as fast as the custom boats, they were also scored separately. Walt Collins

News & Views for Southern Sailors

from Chesapeake, VA, outscored George Albaugh of Bowie, MD, in that fleet.

Well-known sailor Dick Tillman stepped in a Moth for the first time in his long sailing career. He was given the gag trophy “Most Improved� for his sixth-place finish, sailing a boat built by boat designer Paul Lindenberg, who was looking on from the support boat.

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SOUTHERN RACING the second leg of the race to St. Mary’s, GA. The following day, on April 12, the race heads back south to Mayport. An after-race awards party will be held at the Safe Harbor Boys Home & Marina.

Are you already going to Charleston Race Week (April 17-20)? Then consider joining this regatta on the way. Free dockage is available at Safe Harbor Boys Home Marina before, during and after the regatta. All ports and parties are deep-water accessible for larger vessels. A travel lift is available (free!) for yachts coming or leaving by trailer. Stash the boat at Safe Harbor until you leave for home or Charleston!

For more information on the regatta and registration, go to www.fcoc2008.com.

Rolex Women’s Match Set for April 10-13 in St Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Yacht Club has announced a change in format to its popular Rolex Women’s Match, an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) grade three match-racing regatta, scheduled for April 10-13. Created in 2002 to introduce women sailors to one-on-one match racing with skills clinics and practical on-the-water experience, the event will now consist solely of round-robin match racing.

Raced on Tampa Bay in Sonar class keelboats, up to 90 matches will be held with the winning skipper and runnerup gaining an automatic invitation to SPYC’s Rolex Osprey Cup, an ISAF grade 1 match-racing regatta, scheduled for October 22-25.

For more information about Rolex Women’s Match, please visit the St. Petersburg Yacht Club Web site, www.spyc.org, and the Rolex Women’s Match Web site, www.rolexwomensmatch.org.

Dauphin Island Race Celebrates 50 years, Fairhope, AL, April 25-27 The Dauphin Island Race is a well-recognized and publicized event that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2008.

Few events endure for 50 years, but the Dauphin Island Race has through the continuous support of the four Mobile Bay yacht clubs that alternate as host. From its humble beginning it has grown to be arguably the largest single-day point-to-point sail race in the United Sates. The race was recognized as one of the premier “fun races” in America in the June 2007 edition of SAIL magazine.

The 50th running of the race will be a very special event. It will not only celebrate the golden anniversary of the race but the return of the Gulf Coast sailing fleet that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Over 300 boats are expected with over a thousand crew members participating.

Boats from 16 to 65 feet and sailors from 12 to 70+ are expected. Sailors and boats from at least eight states are anticipated.

The activities begin with a warm-up race held Sunday April 20. The actual race weekend begins with a grand skippers’ meeting and party on Friday evening, April 25, at the Fairhope Yacht Club. The actual race starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, and finishes at Dauphin Island. Saturday evening features a party on the island highlighted by the 68

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race awards ceremony. On Sunday, April 27, there is a return race to Fairhope Yacht Club with a pool party and award ceremony at its conclusion.

For more information on the race, go the race Web site at www.dirace.com.

■ RACE REPORTS

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Mardi Gras Regatta, Pensacola Yacht Club, Jan. 26

By Kim Kaminski On Jan. 26, sailors from the Pensacola area let the good times roll at the annual Mardi Gras Regatta sponsored by the Pensacola Yacht Club. Even though Mardi Gras activities were being held onshore throughout Pensacola, sailors enjoyed the competition out on Pensacola Bay. Seven boats sailed an 8.65- to 4.94-mile course under overcast skies and windblown waters with strong breezes (14 to 18 knots) out of the northeast. Fog and haze along with brisk temperatures did not dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic sailors, who were dressed in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. And as the day progressed, the wind intensity increased, the rain attempted to commence and as the waves grew in size and numbers…the sailors in the regatta really did take the Mardi Gras message to heart and “let the good times roll.”

Results: Spinnaker – 8.65 miles: 1, Rush – Bert Rice, Jr.,1:20:47; 2 Polish Navy – Dan Owczarczak; 1:22:18; 3, Antares – Hoffman, Wilde, Guild, 1:23:17; 4, Reach Around – Jeff Hunt, 1:25:20; 5, Atlantic Union – Paul Gillette, 1:54:57; Non-Spinnaker – 4.94 miles; 1, Dream Maker – Tom Elliott, 0:41:26; 2, Sunset Raider – Ron Jordan, 0:41:54.

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

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

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

1 2,16 2,21 2,9,23 4 6 MARCH Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org 1 Frostbite Series #4 8 Community Sailing Fest 22 Spring Harbor Race 29 Spring Ocean Race Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 24-25 NYRA Invitational Lake Lanier. www.llsc.com See Web site for local races 28-30 Dogwood Regatta. AISC 26-27 Rebel Rouser (MC Scows) South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 8-9 Deep South Regatta 21-23 Easter Regatta. J/24 CSC-SC 21,22 Easter Scow Regatta. Escow, MCscow, Cscow CYC-SC 26,27 Sailfest open Regatta. One Design, PHRF& Cruising LMSC 29,30 Springboard Regatta. Lightnings, Flying Scots & Bucc WCSC www.longbaysailing.com 17,31 Spring Regatta 1,2 APRIL Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org 18-20 Charleston Race Week Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 2008 schedule not posted Lake Lanier. www.llsc.com See Web site for local races 26-27 Rebel Rouser (MC Scows) South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 12-13 Melges 17/Sunfish SAYRA Qualifier. Megles 17, Sunfish.

LNYC 17-20 Charleston Race Week. PHRF, IRC, One Design(24+).

CORA 19-20 D-12 Championship Series. Lasers. BYSC 19-20 Tommy Whitesides Regatta. Catamarans. CSC-SC 17-20 Classic Boat Rally. Classic Boats. BYSC 19-20 Thistles SoutH Atlantic Districts. Thistles. LLSC 26-27 Harbour Town Cup. PHRF. YCHHI 26-27 NC State Laser Championships. Lasers. LNYC 26-27 Rebel Rouser. MC Scow. LLSC 26-27 Lightning Southeastern Championship. Lightning. CSC-SC 26-27 Sailfest Open Regatta. One Design, PHRF& Cruising.

LMSC 26-27 AYC Invitational. Thistle,Y-flyer,Snipe,Invites. AYC www.longbaysailing.com Nothing scheduled

7-9 8 8 9 9 9 11-12 13-15 15-16 15 16 22-13 23 29 29 30

Space Coast 45, Melbourne, Space Coast Catamaran Association Spring Race #2,#3. Indian River Yacht Club Spring Rum Race #1,3. Melbourne Yacht Club Spring Race Series #3,4,5 Titusville Sailing Center Commodores Cup Skippers Meeting. Halifax River YC Zenda U Melges 17 Racing Clinic by Team Melges. Lake Eustis Sailing Club.

3rd Annual Melges 17 Midwinter National Championship & 9th Annual C Scow Midwinter National Championship Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Club.

Navy ROTC Regatta. Navy Jacksonville Yacht Club NFCC Adopt-a-Racer/Cruiser event. Cruisers learn how to race for free. Details at www.nfccsail.com Big Boy’s Race. Halifax Sailing Association Small Boat Sunday Races. Melbourne Yacht Club Cruise to Cocoa Mardi Gras. East Coast Sailing Association–Cruising Zenda U MC Scow Clinic by Andy Burdick and Jamie Kimball. Lake Eustis Sailing Club.

36th Annual MC Scow Midwinter National Championship Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Club.

Catalina 22 Florida Series Race #6. Rudder Club Dupont Cup Regatta. Spring Series #3. Epping Forest YC Don Shaw Memorial Regatta. Halifax Sailing Association Club Races. Lake Eustis Sailing Club.

Small Boat Sunday Races. Melbourne Yacht Club 50 Mile Race. Port Canaveral Yacht Club Blue Max Race. Spring Series #4. North Florida Cruising Club.

Women’s Spring #3. East Coast Sailing Association–Women’s Gary Gorden Memorial Regatta. Halifax River YC

31 APRIL 4,18 Spring Rum Race #5. Melbourne Yacht Club 5-6 Sunfish Annual Regatta. Mt. Dora Yacht Club 6 Big Boy’s Race. Halifax Sailing Association 6 Commodore Race #1. Halifax River Yacht Club 6 Small Boat Sunday Races. Melbourne Yacht Club 9,16,23,30 Wednesday Night Series. Indian River Yacht Club 9-12 First Coast Offshore Challenge. North FL Cruising Club 12-13,26-27 Club Races. Lake Eustis Yacht Club 12 Spring-Summer Race Series #2. East Coast Sailing Association 13 Gary Gorden Thunder Mug Regatta. Halifax River YC 13 Spring Race Series #4. Indian River Yacht Club 13 Spring Race Series Make up Day. Titusville Sailing Ctr 19-20 Spring Regatta. Small Boats. Melbourne Yacht Club 26 St. Johns Regatta/Spring Series #5. Florida Yacht Club 26-27 Spring Regatta. Big Boats. Melbourne Yacht Club 26-27 Lipton Cup Regatta. Smyrna Yacht Club

Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net

MARCH 1-2 Club Races. Lake Eustis Sailing Club.

1-2 River City Regatta. Rudder Club News & Views for Southern Sailors

MARCH 2-7 Star Bacardi Cup - CRYC 8 KBYC Round the Island Race 6-9 Miami Grand Prix Race Week - Premier Racing 7-9 Shake A Leg Midwinters - SAL/Flat Earth Racing 11-23 Lightning Southern Circuit - CRYC 14-16 Etchells Coral Reef Cup - CRYC 15 Coral Cup - CGSC 15 J/24 Biscayne Bay Series - Flat Earth Racing SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING 21-22 29 30 30-1 APRIL 4-6 4-5 7-18 9-12 11-12 12 16-19 19 19 26 27

39th Annual SE Dinghy Championship - KBYC BBYRA PHRF #4 - CGSC BBYRA OD #4 - CRYC CYC Snipe Midwinters

BBYC BBYRA CGSC CRYC KBYC MYC SCA

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

Key Biscayne Yacht Club. www.kbyc.org.

Miami Yacht Club. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

Sailfish Club

Don Q Snipe Regatta - CGSC KBYC Race to Bimini Star Class World Championship (2 Weeks) Snipe Nassau Event Farr 40 Pre Worlds - STC Miami Key Largo Race Farr 40 Worlds Championship - STC Miami Key Largo Awards J/24 Biscayne Bay Series - Flat Earth Racing BBYC Sunburn Regatta - BBYRA PHRF # 5 BBYC Sunburn Regatta - BBYRA OD #5

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

Dinner and drinks afterward.

Upper Keys Sailing Club (UKSC). www.upperkeyssailingclub.com. Regular club racing open to all.

MARCH 1 Race to Rodriguez Key - Bayside to Oceanside 2 Oceanside Championship - PHRF - oceanside 6-8 Force 5 Midwinter Championships - bayside 9 Marlin Cup - PHRF - oceanside 15-16 Glander Cup - PHRF - oceanside 22 Spring Series #1 - Portsmouth - bayside 29 Men’s Day Racing. Bayside APRIL 1 Mystery Mark Race 5 TIB Regatta / Spring Series #2 - Portsmouth - bayside 6 TIB Regatta - PHRF - bayside 12 Miami to Key Largo 13 Annual Racers Meeting 19 President’s Cup - PHRF - bayside 26-27 Hank Gartner Youth Sailing Championship

SOUTHWINDS Annual Online West Florida Race Calendar Posted Sept. 1 For the past four years, SOUTHWINDS magazine has posted the 70

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annual race schedule/calendar (9/1/07 — 8/31/08) on its Web site for all racing in the central west Florida area from just north of Tampa Bay south to Marco Island. The calendar includes all scheduled races of the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org), plus club races in the area and any others that boaters in the area would like to post. The Boat of the Year races are listed for all the areas of the West Florida PHRF organization.

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com to list your race, although all yacht clubs that are part of the West Florida PHRF will already be included, although regular local club races must be sent to us separately. We do not have space to list all the club race dates, but we will list any club race that is regularly scheduled (for example: every Thursday evening at 6 p.m.) plus the contact to enter the race. We do not list races that are not open to the general public and that are limited to club members only. (We list club races that require a club membership or US Sailing membership.) We will list any other races, even if not sanctioned by a PHRF organization.

Contact the editor with those races.

We ask that you not just send us a link (we will not accept them), but send the following information: The regatta/race name, type of racing (PHRF, one-design and type boat, or ?), race location, dates, sponsoring organization (club, sailing association, etc.), email and/or phone contact and Web site (if applicable).

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

Limited banner advertising is available on the race calendar page at very low monthly rates. Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com or call (941) 795-8704.

Club Racing Bradenton YC. Winter Races starting in October until April.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venicesailing-squadron.org MARCH 1 St. Pete Sailing Assoc.. Rich Gahn Memorial, PHRF 1 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Spring #1, PHRF 3-7 St. Petersburg YC. Thistle Midwinters 7-9 Clearwater Community SC. JY-15 Midwinters 7-9 Davis Island YC. Fireball & Friends, Fireball, Windmill, Frontrunner 7-9 Lake Eustis SC. Melges 17 & C Scow Midwinters 8-9 St. Petersburg YC. Allison Jolly Girls Regatta, Opti & Laser 8-9 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Sea Scout Regatta 8-9 Punta Gorda SC. Conquistador Cup, PHRF (SWFBOTY) (CHBOTY) 13 Davis Island YC. Thursday evening races begin, All classes registration 13-15 Lake Eustis SC. MC Scow Midwinters 14-16 St. Petersburg YC. Lightning Midwinters 14-16 Dunedin Boat Club. Ensign Midwinters www.southwindsmagazine.com

15 Pass-a-Grille YC. Anchor Trophy, PHRF. (SuncoastBOTY) 15 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Pot O Gold, PHRF 15-16 Gulfport Yacht Club. A-Class catamaran and Formula 16 Saint Patrick’s Day Regatta 15-16 Lake Monroe Sailing Association. Trans-Monroe Regatta, 22 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. , spring #2, PHRF 24-27 St. Petersburg YC. Flying Scot Midwinters 28-30 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. One Design Midwinters 29 St. Petersburg YC. Michelob Cup, PHRF. (SuncoastBOTY) 29-30 Gulf Coast SC. Southwest Florida GCSC Regatta, PHRF (SWFBOTY) 30-1 Clearwater YC. Snipe Midwinters APRIL 4-6 Bradenton YC, DIYC, SPYC, TIYC. Suncoast Raceweek, PHRF. (SuncoastBOTY) 5-6 Mount Dora Yacht Club. Annual Mt. Dora Regatta, All dinghies 10-13 St. Petersburg YC. Rolex Match Racing, Women’s matches, Sonars 11 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Suncoast Raceweek awards 12 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. PHRF 12-13 Davis Island YC. Spring Regatta, PHRF & J/24 12-13 Sailing Association of Marco Island. Bud Light Regatta, PHRF (SWFBOTY) 16-19 Swift Solo dinghy & Musto Skiff regatta, Ft. Desoto, southeast beach davesailellis@aol.com 19 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. . Morgan Invasion, All Morgan BOAYS 19-20 St. Petersburg YC. Sunfish State Champs 19 Venice YC, Venice Sailing Squadron. Shark Tooth Regatta, PHRF (SBBOTY) 22-26 Gulfport YC. US SAILING Alter Cup Catamaran USA Finals, ussailing.org

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

25-

St. Petersburg YC. Regata del Sol al Sol, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. (SuncoastBOTY Racer/Cruiser Class) 26-27 Davis Island YC. J/24 Rodeo Regatta 26-27 Naples Sailing & YC. Messmer Cup, PHRF (SWFBOTY)

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

Wednesday Evening Fun Races PYC. Every Wednesday of the Month, April thru October Fort Walton Yacht Club. April thru October MARCH 1,8,15 Maxine Sansom Race #1,2,3. Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 1 Commodore’s Cup Race #1, Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 2 Frosty Nipple 7, Fort Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 8-9 International Sunfish Masters, Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 8-9 Regional SBC, Portsmouth Series (Pensacola, Choctaw, St. Andrews FL Clubs) 12 US Sunfish Team Racing, St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL 12 Gary Jobson, Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL See NORTHEAST GULF COAST SAILING continued on page 76

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

SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 TACKLE SHACK/HOBIE/SUNFISH, PRECISION . . . .10 TIDEMINDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 WAG BAGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 WINCHMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES ATLANTIC SAIL TRADERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 CRUISING DIRECT/SAILS ONLINE BY NORTH . . . .12 DOYLE SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 DWYER MAST/SPARS, HARDWARE, RIGGING . . . .84 INNOVATIVE MARINE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . .34, 36 KEVANE SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 KNIGHTON SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 MASTHEAD/USED SAILS & SERVICE . .8,37,45,76,85 NATIONAL SAIL SUPPLY, NEW & USED ONLINE . .31 NORTH SAILS, NEW AND USED . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 85 PORPOISE USED SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 ROHLAND RIGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 SCHURR SAILS, PENSACOLA FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 SUNRISE SAILING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 37 UK HALSEY SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ULLMAN SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 CANVAS KNIGHTON SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 SHADETREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES NAUTICAL TRADER/BUY/SELL/CONSIGN, WEST FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 SCURVY DOG MARINE/USED, CONSIGN, PENSACOLA FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 SAILING SCHOOLS/DELIVERIES/CAPTAINS SAILING FLORIDA CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 SEA SCHOOL/CAPTAIN’S LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . .47 ST. AUGUSTINE SAILING ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . .36 US SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 WYVERN CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES BETA MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 RB GROVE/UNIVERSAL AND WESTERBEKE . . . . . .51 MOORING FIELDS FT. MYERS BEACH MOORING FIELD . . . . . . . . . . .44

RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS REGATTA POINTE MARINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 SAILORS WHARF BOATYARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER COMPANIES CHARTER VIRGIN ISLANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 SAILING FLORIDA CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 SAILTIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 WINDPATH FRACTIONAL SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 WYVERN CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 YACHTING VACATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. ANTIGUA SURVEYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 AQUA GRAPHICS/BOAT NAMES/TAMPA BAY OR BUY ONLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 BEACHMASTER PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 BOATUS INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 SAILMONSTER.COM WEB SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 SCUBA CLEAN YACHT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 MARINE ELECTRONICS DOCKSIDE RADIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 SEA TECH/NAVIGATION/COMMUNICATION . . . .84 YACHT CLUBS PALM BEACH SAILING CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 REAL ESTATE BURT EDWARDS CONDO FOR RENT . . . . . . .24, 35 LAURIE KIMBALL, REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 PATRICIA KNOLL REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 PAUL WOLBERS, REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS FIRST COAST OFFSHORE CHALLENGE . . . . . . . . .27 MICHELOB CUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 MORGAN INVASION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 MT. DORA YC REGATTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 REGATA DEL SOL AL SOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 REGATTA TIME IN ABACO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 SAILFEST, SARASOTA SAIL SQUADRON . . . . . . . .26 ADVERTISERS’ LIST BY CATEGORY . . . . . . . . . . . .71 ALPHABETICAL ADVERTISERS’ LIST . . . . . . . . . . . .85 MARINE MARKETPLACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-37

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NORTHERN GULF COAST from page 71 12-15 Sunfish Midwinters, St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City, FL 14-15 Leukemia Cup, Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 22 Pearson Regatta, Fort Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 29-30 Spring into Liquid Windsurfer Regatta, Ft.Walton Yacht Club, Ft.Walton Bch, FL APRIL 4-6 GORC, Biloxi Yacht Club/Mobile Yacht Club, Biloxi, MS/Mobile, AL 5-6 Finn Gulf Coast Championships, TCYC 5-6 Vanguard 15 Invitational, Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 5-6 Wet & Cool Regatta, Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 6 Pensacola Yacht Club Opening Day Ceremonies, Pensacola, FL 12 Bay Waveland Yacht Club Opening, Bay St. Louis, MS 12 Southern Yacht Club Opening, New Orleans, LA 12 Commodore’s Cup #2, Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 12 Mobile Bay Youth Championship, Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL 12-13 Pat Gilliland (Capdevielle), Jackson Yacht Club, Jackson, MS 19 Cruising Couples #1, Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 19-20 Dauphin Island Warm-up, Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 23-27 Trimaran Showdown, Ft. Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 26 50th Annual Dauphin Island Race, Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 26 Preemie Cup, Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL 26 S. C. Smith Regatta, Apalachee Bay Yacht Club, Shell Point, FL 26 Laser District 14, Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS 26 Alfonso/Sutter (youth), Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS 26 Opti Spring Fling, Ft. Walton Yacht Club, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 26 MS Finn Championship, Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS 27 Dauphin Island Return, Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 76

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CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25 Place your Photo in Color for $5 a month.

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

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

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

• $15 for 3 months to have your photo in color.

• Add $5 to place on the Internet on 1st of month of publication. Add $10 to place ad early. No refunds.

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

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

• The last month your ad runs will be in parentheses, e.g., (3/08) is March 2008.

• Ad must be received by the 2nd Friday of each month. Contact us if later to possibly get in the “Too Late to Classify” section.

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

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

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

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

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

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

BROKERS: Photo and text ads only apply to this offer. $5 to change your ad first 3 months. After 3 months: $20 a month for a new ad or $15 to

pick up old ad. Price changes and mistake changes free. Credit card must be on file if not a monthly display advertiser.

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

Photo must be e-mailed.

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

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

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

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

Crew Wanted Help Wanted Lodging for Sailors Real Estate for Sale or Rent

HELP WANTED

Achilles dinghy. 9-foot inflatable. 2001. Fine condition. Mostly stored inside and covered with ‘303’. With inflatable floor. Easy to stow. $895 OBO. John. North Fort Myers.

Jck_nugent@yahoo.com. (239) 543-0952.

(954) 243-4513 cell. (4/08) _________________________________________

_________________________________________ Assistant Editor Wanted. SOUTHWINDS is looking for an assistant editor to help run all facets of the magazine, from bookkeeping and office work to editing to reporting and writing. Part time job to start to develop into more time after several months. Must live in West Florida from greater Tampa Bay Area south. Must be into sailing, very computer savvy, have a great home office among other requirements. For a complete job description, job qualifications and application procedure, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/editor.

Do not contact us without totally reviewing the information on this page.

Mold to build traditional-shaped 18’ canoe.

Very sturdy split mold. Boats were built under the name Clearwater Canoe. Ellie’s Sailing Shop. Clearwater. (727) 442-3281. (3/08)

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

19’ Seaward Fox Catboat 1998. 5HP Merc and elect. trolling motor. Carbon fiber rotating mast. Fully battened main – 2 sets reef pts. Lazy jacks, Bimini, current safety sticker, porta-potty, bilge pump. Full-fitted canvas cover. Wing keel.

10” draft. In water. Asking $7,000. OBO. (941) 387-8786. (5/08)

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

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

Interlake 18, 1982. Divorce Sale! Refit by Customflex 2005 w/new open centerboard well, stainless centerboard, flotation tanks and more. All Harken gear, (2) sets sails, 1 spinnaker.

2005 Road King galvanized trailer, Bearing Buddies, spare tire. Great sailer, excellent condition. Asking $2,800. Located Sarasota. (941) 720.4503, scottpursell@msn.com. (5/08)

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________ Sunfish Sailboat. About 10 years old. Good condition, w/spare boom. Sheet block mounted on deck. Galvanized trailer w/spare tire. $800 OBO. (407) 628-8081 (3/08) _________________________________________ 78 March 2008 SOUTHWINDS

2” DISPLAY ADS STARTING $38/MO

Tomcat Catamaran 22’. 2001. 9.9 Yamaha 4Stroke. Speed and Depth, Port-a-potti. Magna gas grill, table. Located St. Petersburg, FL. $17,500 or best offer. (727) 527-5292. (5/08)

ADS AS LOW AS $25/3 MO www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

Pearson Ensign 22. Beautiful day sailor or competitive racer (3rd in ‘07 mid-winters) Complete restoration in ‘06-07 included new standing and running rigging, complete topside and bottom refairing and repaint, refinish mahoghony seats and trim, new sheet winches, new rudder and post, new tiller. Sails, including spinnaker, are in excellent shape. Asking $8,500 obo. (727) 4392501. (5/08)

27’ Island Packet, 1988, Autopilot w/remote, New VHF radio, new AM/FM radio, new Magellan 324 color Chart-plotter, W/ south Florida blue chip, New bimini and dodger, Yanmar 20hp 2GM20 Two cylinder, fresh water cooled, inboard diesel, less than 1000 hrs., 3 Gel-cell marine batteries w/ new automatic charger, $44,500, Call Leo @ (941) 504-6754, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

28’ S-2 Sloop 1979. Yanmar diesel, 4’6” draft, wheel steering, auto pilot and Tri-Data Autohelm instrument new 2002, 12V refrigerator, good sail inventory, quality construction and proven design. Asking $19,900.

Open to Offers. For more info, call (727) 5600901.

22’ 1968 Westerly Cirrus. Stout little cruiser.

Yanmar 2005, Navik self-steering vane, standing headroom (6’), enclosed head. Lying in NE Florida. Ready to go. Excellent condition. $10,500. (228) 324-6504. (5/08)

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

Trailer, new Tohatsu 6hp., warranty. (850) 443-7451. $3,500 cash. (4/08)

1968 Pearson Lark 24. Sails and all. $1000/OBO. Sea Scouts boat with too deep a keel for us to use enough. 4’ draft. Call David Zimmer (Skipper) (727) 638-2346. The driest boat we ever had! (3/08)

Stilletto 27 stock catamaran. Multiple champion. Refurbished 1995 (1976), excellent.

Cockpit winches plus high-tech fresh sails, 25 ELH Mercury OB, galvanized trailer, berths, head, galley. $25,000 OBO. (941) 722-3532.

Bill. (5/08) News & Views for Southern Sailors

Watkins 27’ 1981 Sloop. Full Keel, Roller Furling, New Bottom Paint, Yanmar Diesel, GPS, VHF Radio, RDF, Depth Gauges Cabin and Cockpit. New - Head, Upholstery, Stove, Faucets. Autohelm. Asking $12,500. (813) 641 - 7181. (5/08)

Irwin 28 1974, 3’ 6” draft, rebuilt atomic 4, recent refit standing and running rigging, new wiring, good sails, new bottom paint, barrier coat, VHF, stereo CD. Clean solid boat ready to sail. $6000. (941) 914-5132. (5/08)

Lindenberg 28. 1983. Fivespeed. Proven winner. Extensive racing inventory. Ready to race now. Major upgrades and new bottom March 2006. Yours for $16,550. Contact Gary Smith (321) 674-0886. e-mail Fivespeed05@cfl.rr.com. (4/08a)

1985 S2 9.1. 2 Mains, 3 chutes, Harken RF, multiple headsails, cruising chute. GPS/Chart, Nexus instruments, Auto tiller, Life Sling, folding prop (recently rebuilt), Bimini. Barrier coated. 5’6” draft. $22,500 OBO. (352) 7461329. (4/08)

Morgan 28 1972. Good Condition. Kubota diesel, great condition. 3’6” draft, swing keel.

Includes color GPS, VHF, New rigging, roller furling, sails, solar panels, Life Sling, more. $10,000 St. Johns. (904) 540-8372. LEAVE MESSAGE. (5/08)

Alberg 30, 1965, hull #72. Classic cruiser in great condition New gear includes Yanmar 3GM, drivetrain, shaft, prop, VHF, radar, windlass, wiring, batteries, more. Heavily built, will take you anywhere! In Key Largo, FL, $17,500. (305) 849-0646.

Erlandrum@gmail.com (3/08) San Juan 28. 1980. FWC Yanmar. 700 Hrs., 4’ 6” draft, 4 sails, all as new, Shore full batten main w/150 Genoa. 3 ground tackle, windlass, electronics, tiller autopilot, inflatable w/OB, no hurricane damage, sail away condition. $7500.

Boat in Florida. (586) 405-2261. (5/08)

$50 – 3 MO. AD & PHOTO

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CLASSIFIED ADS

1984 Islander 30, with freshwater-cooled Yanmar diesel. Very clean and well maintained by owner. Harken roller furling with genoa, jib and storm jib. Main sail with dutchman system. Edson wheel and cockpit table.

Anderson ST winches. Navico autopilot.

DataMarine depth. ICOM VHF, compass.

Hiller stove and oven. Adler Barbour refrigeration. Pressure water. Hella fans, great interior.

Battery charger, 2 anchors with chain and rode, 110/30 amp shore power. USCG safety equipped. A must-see boat located on Longboat Key, or go to www.cortezyachts.com.

Asking $23,900. Call (941) 792-9100.

Hunter 30. Two to Choose from. Both extremely clean and well-maintained. Tampa Bay. Cruise-equipped. Good Sails and canvas on both. Must see to appreciate. (727) 5600901. (4/08)

Catalina 30 1984 Sloop. Lot’s updated including new rigging. Boom vang, 2005 28HP diesel w/5-year warranty, transferable slip, new head & holding tank, new batteries & more $24,500. (888) 882-5516 or (727) 421-6664.

(5/08)

Irwin 32 Centerboard sloop 1971. 30 hp diesel, wheel, furling, spinnaker, A/C, full bouquet electronics, GPS plotter, inverter, microwave, inflatable, Bimini, total refurbishing, turnkey. $12,500. Charleston, SC. (843) 327-9509. (3/08) 32’ Pearson Vanguard 1964.On hard San Mateo, FL. Best offer takes this classic. (443) 822-8785 or opinicus@earthlink.net. (3/08)

31’ Irwin 1984, Very well maintained, very clean. Keel centerboard ; main, genoa, full spinnaker w/pole, autopilot, GPS, VHF, wind, speed, depth ,refrigeration, propane stove, bimini, a great Florida coastal cruiser ready for a new owner, $25,000, Call Joe @ 941-224-9661, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

32 Gulf Pilothouse, complete refit: all new 2005- standing running rigging, performance sails, wiring, circuit breakers panel, water heater, holding/macerator, fuel tanks, 12v/110 standing fridge-freezer, propane cooktop, infared broiling, 3 batteries, autocharger, 17000 btu heat/air, Bimini. $29,500. sailsetc@aug.com (904) 810-1966. (4/08)

Irwin 30, 1977, with new 10hp Yanmar diesel, new standing and running rigging, roller furling, new interior including cushions, counter tops, and cabin sole. $17,750. (813) 920-0037. (4/08) 31 Cal (1983) Original owner, complete refit all new 2004 - standing rigging, running rigging, wiring: Universal 16 diesel, cold plate Refrigeration - shore power and engine driven, pressure water, Garmin chartplotter, Furuno radar, 2 blade Maxi Prop. Exceptional condition. Too many goodies to list, $35,000 or best offer. rffmtg@hotmail.com. (727) 4606868. (3/08)

$50 – 3 mo. Ad & Photo 941-795-8704 80 March 2008

SOUTHWINDS

31’ Catalina 310, 2004. Just taken in trade on new Catalina. In-mast furling, air conditioning, Autopilot, ST-60 wind/speeddepth, VHF w/Ram Mic, custom Bimini/windshield, microwave, nice condition $89,900 Massey Yacht Sales. (727) 824-7262 St Petersburg, or (941) 723-1610 Palmetto, FL.

Ranger 33, Misty. Voted the top PHRF boat of all times by Sailing World magazine. New topside, bottom ,deck paint ,Yanmar diesel, Kevlar Laminate 155% Genoa, spectra halyards, faired bottom keel and rudder and much more.

Winner of 2005, ’06, ’07 Sarasota Boat of the Year. Call Gregg @ (941) 730-6096, $25,000 www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

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

Yanmar 38hp diesel w/only 950 hrs. The Out Island series by Charlie Morgan is well known for their exceptional interior volume. The shallow draft make it an excellent choice for cruising the Keys and Bahamas. Loaded with new equipment and upgrades including: Autopilot, color chartplotter GPS, electric windlass, wind generator, propane stove, refrigerator, marine air conditioning, dinghy with new OB, flat screen TV, stereo and more. Owner has new boat ordered. Here is a chance to get a great boat for a great price. Located Marathon. Asking $27,500, but let’s hear your offer. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

Hunter 34. 1985. Fully equipped for weekend or Island cruising. A/C, dinghy w/OB, electronics. Constant updates and maintenance.

Asking $33,900. Clean and a pleasure to show. Call Jacek at (727) 560-0901 for more information. New cushions.

Union 36’ Robert Perry design, 1979, New electronics in ’05, Solid bluewater cruiser ready to take you anywhere! Call for details, $64,900, Tom @ (904) 377-9446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

Fantasia 35. 1980. Double ender. Center cockpit bluewater cruiser. 3 cabins, workshop, solid teak interior. A/C, autopilot, GPS, Harken furler, refrigerator, wind generator & more. Bristol condition. $79,900. (239) 5656908 (5/08)

Irwin 37 center Cockpit Mark III. This 4’ draft centerboard Cutter Rig has had a total refit in 2005. My wife and I have lived aboard and traveled the Bahamas, Keys and the ICW for 3 years. It is very spacious, sails and motors well, and is a quite comfortable liveaboard. http://www.island-dreamer.com/ bonitamama.htm. $33,800. Contact Harold (561) 281-2689. (3/08)

C&C 33. New deck paint , new 2007 Kevlar 155%, racing #2, Spin and main in great condition, also have delivery/cruising sails. Spectra halyards, no blisters, barrier coated bottom.

Call Mike (727) 510-4167 or (727) 796-4260, $24,500. (5/08)

Gozzard 36, 1987. Excellent Condition.

Brand New Sails. Partial Awlgrip. New Bottom Paint. Radar, SS Radio, B&G instruments.

Bimini/Dodger, hard windshield. Hard Dinghy and Motor. Davits. Bob (314) 487-4543, rgruener@earthlink.net. (4/08)

1980/81 Peterson 34’ Yanmar Diesel. 6 sails, 8 winches, rod rigging, A/C, Bimini. Very clean & well-maintained. Asking $28,000.

(281) 413-4052. Texas. (3/08)

36’ Pearson Centerboard, 1985, Autopilot, GPS, Windgenerator, Dingy davits, Perfect for the Florida. West Coast, $68,000, Call Joe @ 941-224-9661, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

2004 Catalina 34 MK II, loaded and ready.

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

News & Views for Southern Sailors

2” DISPLAY ADS STARTING $38/MO

37’ Hunter Cutter rig, 1985, 44 HP Yanmar, new 135 Genoa, Fully Batten mainsail, Windbugger Generator, Great Bahamas boat, $41,900, Call Rick @ 727-422-8229, Edwards Yacht Sales , Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

37’ Lagoon Catamaran, 1996, Owners version with Galley up, This quick and roomy Lagoon 37 has new engines, a new mainsail and all the gear you want: air conditioning, ssb, watermaker, custom cockpit enclosure, even a washer/dryer, $198,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

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CLASSIFIED ADS P

37’ Sunbeam, 1991 TWO PRIVATE STATE ROOMS, FINELY FINISHED MAHOGANY INTERIOR, SHOAL DRAFT WINGED KEEL, Recent awlgrip, New Electronics, $ 118,990, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291 Edwards Yacht Sales , Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

Tayana 37 Pilothouse Cutter. 1985. Magic Dragon Robert Perry’s best! Ready to cruise & makes a great liveaboard. New Yanmar 4JHE diesel engine. New sails. Full galley, A/C; watermaker; generator; navigation equipment & much more….Meticulously maintained and upgraded with quality. Hauled 12/07.

Composting toilet or will replace with regular toilet. Berthed in St. Pete. $89,900 or Make an Offer. (305) 923-6556. (5/08a)

1990 Privilege 39 Bluewater cruising catamaran. Strong boat, many extras. List of specs, equipment available via email. $168,000. (772) 919-1620, seagrub40@hotmail.com. (5/08)

Privilege 39 1988 Cat. 4 cabin, 2 head.

Yanmar 27hp. Major refit 2005. New UK sails, AC/heat, Onan genset 6.5kw, Autohelm 7000, new interior, Corian counters, teak sole, Bimini/dodger $168,500. (321) 917-5863. palexy@cfl.rr.com. (5/08a)

1988 Beneteau Oceanis 390. 39-feet. Over $40K in upgrades since 2003, including new Yanmar engine and related equipment.

Asking $89,900. See specifications and photos at: www.beneteau390.com. Phone: (772) 979-4326. (3/08a) 2000 Hunter 380 with upgraded 40hp Yanmar and only 400 hours. A beautiful crisp new-looking boat with broad beam and walk-thru transom. Great cockpit with stern rail seats and integrated helm console. Genoa Pro-furl system with Navy Sunguard. In-mast roller furling main. Seldon spars and Lewmar winches.

Heavy 316 Stainless Steel radar arch with main sheet traveler. Navy Sunbrella full Bimini. ST-60 instuments, ST 5000 Auto pilot and VHF radio.

Garmin GPS, RayMarine radar and stereo at Nav station. Grunert refrigeration and freezer.

3 burner propane stove and oven. Built-in microwave. King-size aft cabin. This boat comes ready to sail away. Asking $128,500.

Call (941) 792-9100, or go to www.Cortezyachts.com.

Corbin 39’ 1989 Ketch. Center Cockpit.

Forward and aft staterooms, Yanmar 4 cyl, 44HP. Lugger 4.5 KW generator, Air condition. Comfortable, Seaworthy, heavy cruiser. $100,000 - negotiable. (321) 480-7095.

Leave message. (4/08)

See Classified Information page 78 82

March 2008

SOUTHWINDS

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

Exceptional condition with lots of new gear.

Harken roller furling on all sails. Marine air, WS, WD, depth, VHF w/remote, SSB, cd/radio, autopilot, chartplotter, radar, dinghy, life raft $119,000 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com (941) 792-9100

40’ Catalina, 1999, New Diesel, Dual Helms, 2 A/C units, 6’ 6” Autopilot, Radar, GPS, Nice cruising boat, $149,000, Call Leo @ 941-5046754, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

Hans Christian 41, 1985, Blister-free bottom, Showroom Interior, World cruising equipment list, This a beautiful yacht, A real must SEE!, $189,000, Tom @ 904-377-9446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

1993 Hunter Passage 42. Immaculately maintained at owner’s home. Never chartered. Many new systems including bottom paint Oct ‘07, Low hours on motor and Kohler generator. Leather interior. $129,900.

Located Naples, FL, Steve (239) 732-0070.

(4/08)

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT STARTING AT $25 FOR 3 MO www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

Tayana 42 Cutter, 1988, Original owner has babied her! Total refit in ’03, A/C, Most of her life was lightly used in the Great Lakes. This one is Bristol! $194,900 Call Roy S. @ 305775-8907 Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

Broadblue Prestige 46’ “Prout” Catamaran, 2004, 300 hrs on twin engines, 100 hrs on genset, 48K BTU of A/C, 4 solar panels, many upgrades, $545,000, Call Rick @ 727-4228229, Edwards Yacht Sales. Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

60’ Custom Catamaran, 1999, 4 staterooms plus crew, Unsinkable, World cruiser or day charter, twin Yanmar diesels, 2600 sq ft of canvas! 18 opening portholes, loaded! $695,000, Call Bill @ 727-421-4848, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

POWERBOATS

_________________________________________

42’ Whitby Ketch, 1987, Original owner, Beautiful condition!

New Awlgrip, New Electronics, New sails, Walk thru model. This is a must see! $129,000, Call Leo @ (941) 5046754, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

43’ Slocum Cutter, 1984 Bluewater cruiser, Solar panels, Wind generator, Rebuilt diesel, Loaded for cruising, $179,000, Call Jeff @ 954224-8291 Edwards Yacht Sales , Quality Listings, Professional Brokers , www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

Schucker 440.

Cutter-rigged motorsailer.

Mystic Jitney was built in 1980 and has many recent upgrades and been maintained in Bristol condition.

Get complete information and photos at www.mysticjitney.com/mystic jitneyforsale.htm. (518) 8598660. (5/08)

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

47’ Vagabond Ketch, 1986, Heavy displacement cruiser, Refit in ’03 with new spars and sails, Genset, A/C, 3KW inverter, Radar, GPS, Big ground tackle, windless, $169,000, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907, Edwards Yacht Sales , Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

50’ Gulfstar Center Cockpit Ketch, 1976, Perkins 85 HP, Rare 2 stateroom model, Walk in engine room, Nice bluewater cruiser, Holding plate refrigeration, $114,900, Call TJ @ 941741-5875 Edwards Yacht Sales , Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

2005 Albin 31 TE. Twin Yanmar 370 turbos wolf in sheep’s clothing!!! 53k less than replacement!!! New warranties apply. Options package worth 18k. Never titled. Most powerful 31 on market. Call today and let’s talk dream boats. $223,900 (561) 844-1100.

Trawler Present 40. Liveaboard Dream. Wellmaintained. Records. Galley Down. Extensive Equipment. Lehman 6-3575 hours. Westerbeke Genset - 165 hours. Clearwater slip available. Economical operation. Creative financing. Offers. (727) 424-4441. (4/08)

SCHUCKER 440. Bruce Van Sant’s trawlerized TIDAK APA. Get complete information and photos at www.LuperonCruising.com (4/08)

Jeantot Marine 51’ Privilege 1994, Big, beautiful cat loaded with electronics, genset, watermaker, dive compressor, dual a/c, cherry interior. Sleeps 10 in 5 double cabins, $530,000, Call Tom @ (904) 3779446, Edwards Yacht Sales. Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

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

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

SOUTHWINDS

March 2008

83

CLASSIFIED ADS Hobie 18 Mast for Sale. (We think it is a Hobie 18). Measures 26 feet. Top 7 feet is carbon. Serial # 38272 Coleman Co. $60. Near Sarasota, FL. (941) 966-4737.

BUSINESS FOR SALE/RENT

Assistant Editor wanted. Southwinds magazine. For more information, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/editor. _________________________________________

Sail Loft and Sailboat Services business for sale. Well-established business with an established loyal customer list. Includes lots of excellent equipment. Tampa Bay Area. (941) 504-0635 (3/08) _________________________________________

Sailing and Waterfront Director Wanted The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, located in Panama City Florida, is seeking a Sailing and Waterfront Director for fulltime employment. Qualifications include: U.S. Sailing certification; general seamanship knowledge; and the ability to plan, organize, and promote waterfront activities.

Duties will include: sailing instruction and coaching for adults and children; managing year-round sailing programs; planning/managing additional activities for member events; assisting with Regatta planning and Fleet maintenance; and overseeing the appearance and usability of the waterfront facilities. Competitive salary with benefits. Drug- free work environment.

Please submit resume to 218 Bunkers Cove Rd, P.C. Fl 32401 Attn Jay M Wallace GM. Or e-mail resume to manager@stabyc.com. (5/08) _________________________________________

_________________________________________

FOR SALE: Florida East Coast Sail Loft.

Established 10 years. Well-equipped, extensive inventory and client list. Walking distance to several marinas. New sail design, construction and repairs. Custom canvas work, exterior/interior, and cushions. Strong used sail inventory. Also dealing with architectural soft product.

Respond to LOFT220@hot mail.com.

(4/08) _________________________________________ Sail Loft/Canvas/Upholstery Space For Rent. Lake Lanier, NE Georgia. 2400 Sq Ft. Great potential in shared building with established sailboat dealership. Includes 22’ ceilings, luan mahogany floor, 2 sewing pits, Internet hook-up, and yard space. Located on busy highway near Lake Lanier in NE Georgia.

Call (770) 540-9796 or ann@snugharborboats.com. (3/08)

CREW WANTED

_________________________________________ Wanted: Experienced racing crew to campaign Corsair 28R trimaran in local races/regattas in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Mellow boat owner. E-mail fmp28r@yahoo.com .

Writers, Reporters, Articles, Photos Wanted.

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

LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________

HELP WANTED

_________________________________________ Editor Wanted. Seven Seas Cruising Association. (www.ssca.org) has an opening for the position of Editor in Ft. Lauderdale.

Monthly newsletter + other digital & print publications, Web content and ads, publicity, event planning, team support. Qualifications include: proven editing, writing & Web experience, self-starter, team player, excellent people skills. Sailing background desired. Email resume to office@ssca.org. (3/08) _________________________________________ Yacht Broker Wanted. Lots of Work. Growing company, with years of experience, in Tampa Bay looking for a team player. Great company support. Call (727) 823-7400, or Jacek at (727) 560-0901. _________________________________________ Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office?

If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and power boats. Call Frank Hamilton (941) 723-1610 for interview appointment and position details. _________________________________________ Madden Masts & Rigging, in Annapolis, MD is growing and in need of additional experienced riggers. We offer competitive wages and benefits. Please e-mail Richard Krolak at rich.maddenmasts@comcast.net. For more information, go to www.maddenrigging.com. (5/08a) _________________________________________ 84

March 2008

SOUTHWINDS

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

Deepwater Boat Slip Included! 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage townhome. Mariners Pass, St. Petersburg, FL. $234,500. Loads of updates. Call Bob Sackett, Realtor (727) 5609119. (3/08) www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS Sailor’s Paradise “Old Florida” Lakefront mobile home cottage with dock on 20K acre Lake Crescent in Crescent City. Small, quiet, adult park with reasonable lot rent. $7500 (386) 698-3648 or www.LakeCrescentFlorida.com. (5/08)

SAILS & CANVAS

________________________________________

Tarpon Springs Deepwater slip. Beautiful fourth floor corner condo. Gulf views on two sides. Near ICW. Heated pools, clubhouse, tennis courts, putting green, fitness center.

Reduced for quick sale. Owner $299,500.

(727) 786-1640. (813) 907-2164 (5/08)

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

_________________________________________

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

OF

ADVERTISERS

ANNAPOLIS PERFORMANCE SAILING . . . . . . . . .59 ANTIGUA SURVEYING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 AQUA GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 ATLANTIC SAIL TRADERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 BAY RIGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 BEACHMASTER PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 BENETEAU SAILBOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC BETA MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 BOATERS EXCHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 BOATPIX PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 BOATUS INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 BO’SUN SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 BURT EDWARDS CONDO FOR RENT . . . . . . . .24,35 CATALINA YACHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 45 CHARTER VIRGIN ISLANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 CLEARWATER YACHT CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 CLEARWATER YACHT CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 CORAL REEF SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 CORTEZ YACHT BROKERAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 CRUISING DIRECT SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 DEFENDER INDUSTRIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 DOCKSIDE RADIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 DOYLE SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 DUNBAR SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 DWYER MAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 EASTERN YACHTS/BENETEAU . . . . . . . . . . . .9,74,BC EDWARDS YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72, 73 E-MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35, 84 FIRST COAST OFFSHORE CHALLENGE . . . . . . . . .27 FLYING SCOT SAILBOATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 FOUNTAINE/PAJOT CATAMARANS . . . . . . . . . . . .76 FOURWINDS ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 FT. MYERS BEACH MOORING FIELD . . . . . . . . . . .44 GARHAUER HARDWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 GLACIER BAY REFRIGERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 GULF COAST YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

News & Views for Southern Sailors

41’ Morgan Out Island 1972. Repower 52 hp Westerbeke, NEW mast (Selden in-mast furling), new running and standing rigging, new chain plates, new lifelines, new mainsail, new Adler Barbour refrigerator, Heart invertor, electric windlass, etc.! Completely refurbished interior. Must sell. Asking $57,500 $48,500.

(239) 699-2833. (5/08)

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

HOBIE CATS/TACKLE SHACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 HOTWIRE/FANS & OTHER PRODUCTS . . . . . . . .35 HUNTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC HURRICANE HOOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 INNOVATIVE MARINE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . .34, 36 ISLAND YACHTING CENTRE/GREG KNIGHTON . .77 J/BOATS - MURRAY YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 KEVANE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 KNIGHTON SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 KNIGHTON YACHT BROKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 LAURIE KIMBALL REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 LEATHER WHEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 LIGHTHOUSE BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MASSEY YACHT SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,14,IFC MASTHEAD ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . . .8,37,45,76,85 MASTMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 MIAMI BOAT SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MICHELOB CUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 MORGAN INVASION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 MT. DORA YC REGATTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 MUG RACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 MURRAY YACHT SALES/BENETEAU . . . . . . . . .BC,75 NATIONAL SAIL SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 NAUTICAL TRADER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 NORTH SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,85 PALM BEACH SAILING CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 PATRICIA KNOLL REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 PAUL WOLBERS, REALTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 PORPOISE USED SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 RB GROVE/UNIVERSAL AND WESTERBEKE . . . . . .51 REGATA DEL SOL AL SOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 REGATTA POINTE MARINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 REGATTA TIME IN ABACO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 ROHLAND RIGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

RPARTS REFRIGERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 SAILFEST, SARASOTA SAIL SQUADRON . . . . . . . .26 SAILING FLORIDA CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 SAILMONSTER.COM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 SAILORS WHARF BOATYARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 SAILTIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 SALTY JOHN MARINE PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . .36 SCHURR SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 SCUBA CLEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 SCURVY DOG MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 SEA SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 SEA TECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 SEAWORTHY PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 SHADETREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 SNUG HARBOR BOAT WORKS & CO. . . . . . . . . . .45 SOLAR LITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 ST. AUGUSTINE SAILING ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . .36 ST. BARTS/BENETEAU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC SUNCOAST INFLATABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 SUNRISE SAILING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 37 TACKLE SHACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 TAMPA SAILING SQUADRON YOUTH PROGRAM .57 TIDEMINDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 TOWBOATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 TURNER MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 UK HALSEY SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ULLMAN SAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 US SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 WAG BAGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 WEST MARINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 WILMAR USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 WINCHMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 WINDPATH FRACTIONAL SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 WYVERN CHARTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 YACHTING VACATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

SOUTHWINDS

March 2008

85

Everyone’s a Winner at US Sailing’s Race Management Seminar

By Julie B. Connerley

Y

acht clubs, sailing associations, high schools, and other organized sailing programs all benefit from having trained race officials.

US SAILING coordinates several basic and advanced race management seminars throughout the United States annually.

The goals are simple: “to improve the quality of race management at all levels throughout the country to make racing more enjoyable for the competitors and to increase the standardization of race management practices, making it less confusing for the competitors.”

The focus on race management began in 1982 when US SAILING introduced a senior race officer recognition program, followed by a club race officer program in 1988.

Both were designed to recognize qualified race officers throughout the country and to promote quality race management.

By 1994, an additional program to certify highly qualified race officers, people capable of running any level of regatta, was introduced. US SAILING replaced all three programs with a comprehensive race officer and training program in 1999.

Basic certification involves much more than a written test.

Racing experience, race committee experience (each position, including scoring), as well as actually running four races, written recommendations and more, are all required. Interested parties have four years to complete the steps to receive certification.

Taught by certified race management instructors, most of the seminar participants are those responsible for coordinating races for their respective clubs. However, anyone can attend a seminar and take the test required for certification. So I did.

The Gulf Yachting Association’s winter meeting in January was the “first run for our revamped power point program,” explained our lead

86 March 2008

SOUTHWINDS

From left, instructors Cal Jones and Jim Tichenor review lesson plans during a recent US SAILING Race Management Seminar.

instructor, James Tichenor, of Houston, TX. “US SAILING will be following up with participants for additional feedback,” he continued.

Tichenor, with over 20 years’ teaching experience in the United States and Hawaii, is a certified national race officer, member of the U.S. Olympic Sailing Committee, Olympic Sailing Executive Committee, US SAILING board of directors, member of the U. S. PHRF Committee, and race management and judges workshop instructor.

“I am also,” he grinned, “a BIMBO, having achieved that great distinction during the 1996 Olympics.” For the acronym-challenged, BIMBO is the Brotherhood of the International Mark Boat Operators. Tichenor was part of the Olympics 470’s race committee.

Having raced for several years, and with some R/C experience, I felt comfortable about taking the seminar – that is until I downloaded the 186-questionnaire we were expected to complete before class.

The match racing starting system, ISAF eligibility, measurements,

and rules regarding advertising don’t typically apply to our monthly bay races.

Tichenor and fellow certified instructor, Cal Jones, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, spent a lot of time on the basics of race management, including do’s and don’ts for sailing instructions and skippers’ meetings and on-the-water decision-making.

The more the competitor understands about setting a proper course and what the race committee needs to do if weather conditions change—and what advantages he may or may not have if the R/C can’t or doesn’t modify the course, can be used to his advantage.

The seminar provided tips meant to aid the race committee, such as a chart for the correction to course angle for current perpendicular to wind. Those same tools can help sailors make better decisions on race day.

But perhaps the most important lesson I learned was that to really understand racing, one must know where to look in The Racing Rules of Sailing 2005-2008 to find the answer to any racing rules question.

As Bernie Knight, former fleet captain for Pensacola Yacht Club, once said, “You’ll go places you’ve never been before in the rule book and then back again.”

Seventeen participated in the January seminar. Sixteen represented yacht club flag officer positions or were already club/regional officers wanting to further their certification.

Seven took the advanced test. Ten of us signed up to take the basic test.

Yes, I passed.

I highly recommend taking a US SAILING race management seminar, even if you have raced for a couple of decades. You will learn something—perhaps even a new acronym!

For more information on race management, go to www.ussailing.org/racemgt. www.southwindsmagazine.com