Southwindsmay2008

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

Venice Youth Boating Association Whitby 42 Boat Review Boca Ciega Yacht Club

May 2008 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS May 2008

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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Editorial: Cruisers Appreciation Day

By Steve Morrell

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Letters

16

Bubba Markets “Get Some Soon”

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

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Short Tacks: Sailing News & Events Around the South

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Our Waterways: Carolina Sailing — Intracoastal Needs Overlooked

By Dan Dickison

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Product Review: Mast Mate Climbing System

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A Winter Sailboat Delivery from Fort Lauderdale to the BVIs

By Arthur Campbell

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The Venice Youth Boating Association

By Jabbo Gordon

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Boca Ciega Yacht Club

By Dave Ellis

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Boat Review: Whitby 42

By Joe Corey

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Travels With Angel: Entering Little Bahama Bank

By Rebecca Burg

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

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Tampa Bay Sailing

By Dave Ellis

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Animal Encounters of the Sailing Kind

By Monty Morris

26-29 56 61 69 69

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

The Venice Youth Boating Association. Photo by Jin Dietrich. Page 36

Whitby 42 Boat Review. Photo by Joe Corey. Page 40.

COVER: Venice Youth Boating Association.

Photo by Jin Dietrich

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

May 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 5 May 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

(941) 795-8704

Advertising editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(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 Rebecca Burg Joe Corey Dan Dickison Jabbo Gordon Kim Kaminski Monty Morriss Hone Scunook Janet Verdeguer

Art Campbell Dave Ellis Roy Laughlin Morgan Stinemetz

Contributing Photographers/Art Mark Alexander Joe Corey Dan Goldman Monty Morris

Rebecca Burg (& Artwork) Dan Dickison Robb Johnson Scunook Photography

Art Campbell Jin Dietrich Kim Kaminski Morgan Stinemetz

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some 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

STEVE MORRELL,

EDITOR

Cruisers Appreciation Day

C

ruisers Appreciation Day? What country is that in? Are cruisers putting this on for themselves?

No—cruisers are not putting this on for themselves, and the event is being held in the United States. Cruisers Appreciation Day is being hosted and promoted by the town of Fort Myers Beach in southwest Florida.

A few years ago, the town of Fort Myers Beach opened a mooring field. It’s open to liveaboards, you can use it for boat storage and you don’t have to be a town resident. In the beginning, the town teamed up with a local marina to run the shoreside facilities, but many complained about these facilities. Eventually, the town listened to those who complained, and it teamed up with another facility, which has proven to be a great improvement.

The town also began promoting—in a very pro-active way—and advertising to cruisers to come visit their town. I guessed that perhaps those in the town administration were cruisers themselves and knew that the majority of the people in the cruising community are great people to be around, friendly, patronize local businesses and act responsibly. Regardless of the reason, the town is holding its first annual Cruisers Appreciation Day on May 3. The event is— in the town’s press release in its own words—“a continuation of the town’s endeavor to welcome transient boaters to the island.” Overnight visitors at the mooring field will be given a free cookout with refreshments. Local businesses will be present to offer incentives to cruisers to visit their

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establishments. You can read the entire press release on page 23 of this issue. There is also a long list of year-around festivities that the town has, and it is encouraging cruisers to visit during these events.

In the last few months, I have received several press releases from the town of Fort Myers Beach about events welcoming cruisers. One was the dedication of a new dinghy dock for those visiting. The town also placed an ad in SOUTHWINDS promoting the mooring field. They are encouraging cruisers to stay at their mooring field and visit the town. My hat goes off to them, as I believe they will benefit from this greatly—not only through the appreciation from those who visit and pass the word along to others but also through the cruising community of the Southern states as word gets out through press releases and promotions and publicity in magazines like SOUTHWINDS. I am hoping this is the beginning of a trend as communities learn how great a group of people cruisers really are and how beneficial it can be for a town to welcome them. I even heard rumors that the town of Gulfport in the Tampa Bay area recently welcomed a group of cruisers and a change of attitude is possibly in the air there.

I do have one concern about one event the town of Fort Myers Beach is promoting. The event is in November (see press release) that I am wondering about.

It is called the Turkey Testicle Festival. This could draw an overwhelming number of cruisers if they don’t watch out.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS BOAT SLIP AVAILABILITY First of all, I think you have the best magazine in sailing. It is so informative to Florida sailors. I read one of your editorials about slip availability around Tampa Bay. I have a Bristol 27 that is in a wet slip in old Tampa Bay. If something happened to our marina, I would be in serious trouble to find a new marina in my area.

I know that condo and dockominium developers are big advertisers in your magazine. They bring you big advertising income. To the sailors and boaters around Tampa Bay they have raped and just about destroyed access to Tampa Bay. The developer that was going to build condos and dockominiums at the old Imperial Yacht on Gandy wanted to close the Gandy boat ramp. Can you imagine that? Many boaters don’t even know the seriousness of this issue. I have presented information to the Hillsborough County Commission over this issue. In the last six years, we have lost 41 percent of the access of Tampa Bay. On another subject, last year I had to get my boat bottom painted. I couldn’t find a marina in Tampa that could do it. I had to go to one in St. Petersburg to get it done.

Boatyards are another major story.

Dennis Brooks Dennis: I understand that boat slips are scarcer on the north side of Tampa Bay, but here in Bradenton, they are abundant and prices have even gone down at one of Palmetto’s largest marinas, which allows liveaboards and has great facilities.

By the way, I have never had a condo developer advertise in the magazine. I have had a couple of people put classifieds in for dockominiums, but I don’t know if they were developers.

Editor MORE ON BOAT SLIPS From the other side of Tampa Bay, I echo Mr. Shurr’s letter, “No Slips Available Around Here” from the December Southwinds. If you think finding a slip in Pinellas County is hard, try Hillsborough County. To quote the summer 2006 edition of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s “Bay Soundings” newsletter, “…Hillsborough County alone has lost more than 600 dry and 276 wet rental slips in recent years.” It is ironic that whenever the media or local government wants a photo to show “the good life” of the area, a sailboat is often the focus, but there is absolutely no support for meeting the needs of the average sailor. Even in areas lucky enough to have slips available, the monthly fee is often well out of reach for those of us with a modest income.

I suggest that you look more closely at the realities of local boating before you pronounce that all is well.

Having said that, I am a faithful reader and enjoy SOUTHWINDS very much.

There are a lot of sour grapes around here because of all the—mainly lower end—slips that have disappeared over the past few years. It’s even more frustrating because some of the larger sites, such as Imperial Yacht Basin and Georgetown Apartments in south Tampa, have been sold but not redeveloped. Imperial was totally flattened and has been a barren dirt patch for two years. Recently there was an article that the developer canceled his plans because of the soft housing market. Just north of that, the Georgetown Apartments, where I had my boat, was sold a couple of See LETTERS continued on page 14 12

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LETTERS years ago and everyone was kicked out, but it just sits there with no activity. Life is tough, but we sail on…

Hans Zarbock Tampa, FL Hans: Again, I see that boat slips on the north side of the Bay are scarce, and my comment in the above letter holds true.

Down south here, things are different.

Thanks for your support of the magazine.

Editor

HAZARD ON THE CAPE CORAL BRIDGE IN LEE COUNTY, FL Love your magazine.

Just thought your readers would like to know that there is construction on the Cape Coral Bridge in Lee County. There is a scaffold in the center, which is unlit at night. I found out the hard way and need a new Windex. The Coast Guard was unaware, and I could find nothing in Notices to Mariners. I contacted Lee

DOT. They don’t seem too worried about it.

Chip Pfalz Cape Coral, FL Chip: Thanks for the notice. Hopefully, this is not too late to warn others. The county is liable—if you get a good lawyer.

Editor CANDIDATES FOR FREEDOM TO TRAVEL TO CUBA Has anyone compiled a list of candidates, at the federal and/or state level, who would allow us to race or cruise south to Cuba? I would like to support those candidates who would support me as a sailor looking to do so...and I would like to vote “no” on any who obstruct this dream or who have harassed others.

Cheers, Chuck Chuck: I would support any candidate who advocates prosecution and imprisonment of any government official who intimidates— through persecution, prosecution or threat of indictment—American citizens who exercise their free right to travel to any country that the United States is not in a declared war with. I don’t know of any candidates running for office who have taken that position—although I am sure there are some who take it, and a few who have declared it—somewhere in this country. I just don’t know of any. I will vote for those—among other criteria— who are the closest to that position.

Then we could race or cruise to—or just visit—anywhere, since we have no declared war with any country. That would include Cuba, as far as I know. But don’t look for any races in the near future.

Editor “SALON” OR “SALOON”?

The two pre-eminent marine lexicographers, in my opinion, are Adm. W. H. Smyth (The Sailor’s Word-book, 1867) and René de Kerchove (International Maritime Dictionary, 1947), both of whom would heartily endorse your point of view on “saloon” versus “salon.” Neither of these men even so much as recognize the sissified “salon,” even though the English and American word saloon came from the French salon. “Salon” is only used by boat brokers, the same people who confuse aft and after, improperly saying “aft cabin” instead of “after cabin” and “fly bridge” instead of “flying bridge.”

Thanks for your proper response in

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E-MAIL YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: EDITOR@SOUTHWINDSMAGAZINE.COM February SOUTHWINDS. An additional word, Steve: I digress with two more terms because I am always annoyed when the lexicographically-challenged use “fly bridge” when the term for the bridge above the navigation bridge has for several hundred years been the “flying bridge” when it is actually a wooden bridge. The term “fly bridge” sounds more like a camper’s term referring to a dining fly. And the use of “aft” and “after” can only be confusing to anyone accustomed to and familiar with the language of the sea, as you are. Aft is used by the great unwashed as if it were a short form of after, such as after steering—NEVER “aft steering.” Adm. Smyth says it is a short form of abaft, therefore a different part of speech.

Thus spake Tom Lenfestey! Regards, Tom Lenfestey Tom: Thanks for the input. The discussion has evolved—as have many words—far from the notion of a “beauty salon” or the vision brought to mind to most Americans—through the help of Hollywood—of a an old western “saloon” filled with half-drunk cowboys and dance hall girls. I declare this thread still open.

Editor CHILDREN WITH OUTBOARDS, BADGES AND GUNS It’s been a while since I’ve corresponded with you, but I’ve been reading SOUTHWINDS faithfully. I’m trying to get a handle on anchoring/mooring trends around Florida, and I believe that the situation is slowly getting better for cruisers due in large part because you have been continually shedding light on local police illegal harassment and Florida

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Waterway Commission’s Gestapo-like tactics. The more light SOUTHWINDS sheds on each situation, the more the police look like children with outboards, badges and guns.

I can report that the local Marco Island police no longer harass cruisers, and—so far—the best-managed Florida harbor we’ve been in recently is Boot Key Harbor in Marathon.

Most important, Marathon has set prices and services at cost and doesn’t see the mooring field as a cash cow for the city.

To save time and money, other cities you reported on— Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale, for example—should simply copy the Marathon rates and management program.

Keep up the good work. Fair Winds, Dick de Grasse S/V Endeavour, Lying Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL Dick: Thanks for your support and contributions over the years.

SOUTHWINDS has played a small, but—hopefully—effective part in this effort to keep sanity on our waters. It is really all the cruisers out there who have been victims of police intimidation and spoke up, those who cried out against unfair policies in places like Boot Key Harbor, and David Dumas—with his lawyer Donald Day—who stood before the courts in Marco Island, who have been on the front lines of this battle, which, in my opinion, is in its infancy. Remember the letter in the April issue that compared water police problems on our waters with the TV program Cops?

There is a great divide out there between the police and cruisers.

How many more will pay a price before these problems are solved?

We will keep publicizing as long as readers keep sending us their stories.

Editor

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

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 For racing schedules, news and events see the racing section.

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

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING 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 license. Dates in 2008 are 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

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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) 3213041 Gary, or e-mail stephcgaux@hotmail.com.

Coast Guard Auxilliary Boating Courses Jacksonville, FL Safe Boating Saturdays. Captains Club, 13363 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. May 17 Meets Florida legal requirements for boater education. Most insurance companies offer discounts to program graduates. Mike Christnacht. (904) 502-9154. www.uscgajaxbeach.com, Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

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

Lessons include: which boat for you, equipment, trailering, lines and knots, boat handling, signs, weather, rules, introduction to navigation, inland boating and radio. 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.

(727) 823-3753.

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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. May 12 a course starts at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center in St. Pete. (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—May 16-18 and June 28-29. Sailing course, May 5, 6, 8. GPS and chart reading—June 9-10.

For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check call (727) 4698895 or visit www.a0701101.uscgaux.info. Click on Public Education Programs. America’s Boating Course and other courses regularly posted on the Web site.

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC Ongoing adults sailing programs. Family sailing. 2-6 people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30’ keelboat. $50-$240. www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 7287317. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638

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.

All-Women’s Learn to Sail Class, Gulfport, FL, May 28 Whether you are new to sailing or could just never understand the wind, this is the class.

The Sailing Wind Wheel is creating “instant naturals” to sailing. Get your confidence like never before. May 28th 10-2 p.m. (registration starts at 9:30 a.m.). Boca Ciega Yacht Club, Gulfport, FL. $65 early registration (before 5/15) $75 at the door. First 25 to register receive a FREE Sailing Wind Wheel and book ($30 value). captjosie@acss.bz. Mail Checks to ACSS, PO Box 531223, St. Petersburg, FL 33747-1223.

BOAT SHOWS St. Augustine Boat Show, St. Augustine, FL, May 2-4 At Francis Field and St. Augustine Bayfront. 10-7 (till 6 Sunday). $6 online or $8 at the show. Children 12 and under free online or $2 at the show.

For more information, go to www.showmanagement. com/st_augustine_2008/event/faq.

Ruskin, FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating Course The Ruskin flotilla each month offers a boating safety course in Ruskin, but has found that many boaters do not have the time to attend the courses, so they are now also offering a 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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Spring Sailboat Sale and Boat Show, Regatta Pointe Marina, Palmetto, FL, May 16-18 Several major Southern power and sailboat dealers will hold the Spring Sailboat Sale and Boat Show on the Manatee River, May 16-18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is FREE. This sailboatonly show is located at both Regatta Pointe Marina and Twin Dolphin Marina in Palmetto and Bradenton.

The show is hosted by Florida Yacht Charters and Sales, Island Yachting Centre, Massey Yacht Sales & Service and Murray Yacht Sales. These are the four leading sailboat dealers in the southeast United States and represent Beneteau, Jeanneau, Island Packet, Sabre, Hunter, Catalina and Imexus sailing yachts and Apex inflatables. They also represent several powerboat lines including Beneteau, Panga, Mustang and Albin.

Factory-sponsored purchase incentives and model year-end clearance discounts are available on select models.

A wide variety of new, pre-owned and trade-in yachts will be available for viewing. Trades will be considered. There is immediate delivery on over 35 yachts, worth more than $7million. On-site yacht financing is available.

For more information, contact any of the four hosting dealers: Island Yachting Centre, (941) 729-4511; Florida Yacht Charters and Sales, (941) 721-7296; Massey Yacht Sales &

Service, (941) 723-1610 or (727) 824-7262, or Murray Yacht Sales, (727) 214-1590.

OTHER EVENTS

34th Annual Wooden Boat Show, South Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC, April 27-May 3 Workshops, demonstrations, races, and other educational programs will be held. Craftsmen will demonstrate traditional trades and skills at the museum. Go sailing on some of the museum’s traditional watercraft each afternoon.

Over 50 boats displayed on land and in the water.

For information, go to www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime. (252) 728-7317.

11th Annual Wooden Boat Festival, Pirates Cove Marina, Josephine, AL, May 3-4 Presented by the Perdido Wood Boat Association. http://perdidowoodboat.org. $3 Adults. Free to children 12 and under. (251) 987-1224.

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.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Catalina 22 Northern Gulf Coast Cruise, Fort Walton Beach, FL, May 10-16 The Catalina 22 National Sailing Association’s Fleet 77 of Fort Walton Beach, FL, hosts its tenth annual Northern Gulf Coast Cruise the week of May 10-16. This is a onedesign event, open to all Catalina 22 sailors, that attracts participants from across the country and Canada. The cruise starts at the Fort Walton Yacht Club, sails the protected waterways of the ICW, crossing Choctawhatchee Bay, Pensacola Bay, Perdido Bay, and Wolf Bay to arrive at Wolf Bay Lodge, AL, and return. Go to http://c22fleet77.googlepages.com/ for additional information.

Charleston Harbor Fest: Maritime Festival and Tall Ships 2008, Charleston, SC, May 16-18 Over a dozen tall ships will be at the festival this year. Sail Fest visitors will be allowed to tour the ships. The Charleston Maritime Festival on land will include pirate camps, classic wooden boat displays, sailing, rowing, children’s village, family boat-building, maritime art, music, food and more. Free family fun in the heart of Charleston! www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com.

Wharram Catamaran Rendezvous, Islamorada, Florida Keys, May 16-18

Wharram catamaran owners will be holding their first summer rendezvous in the Florida Keys on May 16-18 in Islamorada, FL. They will be anchoring behind the Lorelei Restaurant at MM 82 Bayside (approximately N24.55.5; W80.38).

Lorelei will allow them to bring dinghies ashore and the restaurant will be a great meeting area.

Call Dan at (305) 664-0190 and leave a message with a phone number, or send an e-mail to floridawharramrendezvous@hotmail.com.

Eighth Annual Summer Sailstice, Planet Earth, June 21-22 The eighth Annual Summer Sailstice, a sailing celebration of the Summer Solstice, will be held June 21-22. There is no specific location of the Summer Sailstice except that it occurs on the planet Earth, in this solar system, where sailors can spend the day—or two days—sailing as a tribute to the solstice, which—astronomically—occurs on June 21.

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.

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The Summer Sailstice sailing holiday allows all sailors to sail locally and celebrate globally with other members of their club, class, fleet or family while connecting with thousands of sailors worldwide. This year’s Summer Sailstice celebration takes place on June 21-22 on the weekend closest to the summer solstice with more daylight than any other weekend of the year.

Summer Sailstice was founded in 2001. It is a global holiday celebrating sailing annually on the summer solstice.

The goal of Summer Sailstice is to encourage all sailors and sailing organizations in the Northern Hemisphere to participate by sailing and celebrating wherever they are on the longest sailing day of the year.

For more on the Sailstice, go to www.summersailstice.com.

■ NEWS

South Carolina Tax Law to Possibly be Amended Back to 180 Days In the March issue, Dan Dickison wrote in his “Carolina Sailing” column about a new tax law that subjected boaters to boat property taxes if they kept their boats in South

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Carolina for as little as 60 days. This was because of a new 2007 law that shortened the time period from a previous 180 days. It appears now, as we have learned through Claiborne Young’s Cruisers Net (www.cruisersNet.net), that this law will most likely be amended to return to the 180-day period.

Fort Myers Beach to Host the First Annual “Cruisers Appreciation Day” The Town of Fort Myers Beach will host its first annual “Cruisers Appreciation Day” on Saturday, May 3, to formally welcome all cruisers to the town. Overnight visitors in the mooring field will be greeted by the town officials and enjoy a free cookout and refreshments Saturday afternoon. Local merchants will participate in the event by offering various incentives to the cruisers when they visit their establishments. The festivities will be held in the park area under the Sky Bridge (next to the new floating dinghy dock) and is a continuation of the town’s endeavor to welcome transient boaters to the island.

In February, the town unveiled its new floating dinghy dock, recently upgraded showers, laundry facility and recreation room. 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 facil-

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ities and free pump-out service.

For reservations, please contact Matanzas Inn (serving as the town’s harbormaster) at (800) 462-9258 or (239) 463-9258.

The town is inviting cruisers to visit throughout the year and enjoy its numerous annual events including: · Blessing of the Fleet – (February) · FMB 5K Run & Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival (March) · FMB Cruisers Appreciation Day (May) · Taste of the Beach (June) · Fourth of July – Fireworks · FMB Volleyball Tournament (August) · Cardboard Boat Races (September) · Pirate Festival (October) - www.fmbpiratefest.com/ · Turkey Testicle Festival (November) · Sand Sculpting on the Beach (November) · Holiday Boat Parade (December) · Town Birthday Party & New Year’s Eve Fireworks (12/31)

per day and $40/foot per month. At these rates, added slips will bring in substantial income. The city pays the state six percent of revenue with a 30 percent discount. The city is continuing to review the expansion and negotiating with the state and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to finalize the plans.

Boaters Need Legislators to Act Quickly on Newly-Introduced Clean Boating Act Of 2008 From BoatU.S. A newly introduced Senate bill, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (S. 2766), promises to be a practical solution to a looming permit deadline for recreational boaters, anglers, and charter boats.

Because of a lawsuit targeting oceangoing commercial vessels carrying ballast water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to implement an “oper-

Key West Bight Marina Possibly Adding New Slips The city of Key West is hoping to add 39 new slips to the Key West Bight Marina to make a total of 188 slips. The city leases the bottomland where the marina sits from the state and is hoping for a new lease, which will increase the size of the leased area. First the city must pay past fines the state levied on the city for infractions, which included unauthorized floating docks, not displaying Manatee protection signs and allowing boats to moor in protected areas.

The city hopes to increase income and satisfy more demand by adding the slips. Currently, commercial boats pay $25.80 per foot, and recreational boats pay $23.09 per foot for long-term rentals. Transient boaters pay $2.75/foot

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SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com

ational discharge permit” for all vessels in the United States—including recreational boats—by September 30.

Without a change in law, all boaters will need to obtain this permit, as early as this summer.

However, with a possible Senate vote in the next few months, Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.) is urging recreational boaters to quickly contact their Senate and House legislators to support the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

S. 2766 was introduced on Thursday, March 13, by Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). It follows two bills originally introduced in the spring and fall of 2007 as the Recreational Boating Act of 2007 (H.R. 2550/S. 2067) by Representatives Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Senator Mel Martinez (R-Fla.).

“Sens. Boxer and Nelson’s bill now has the best chance of gaining widespread political support. As a result, we need every boater, every angler, and anyone who uses a boat to contact their senators and representatives to ask for their support of this bill,” said BoatU.S. Vice President of Government Affairs, Margaret Podlich.

“S. 2766 recognizes the fact that normal operational dis-

News & Views for Southern Sailors

charges from recreational boats, such as engine cooling water or deck runoff from rain, should not be viewed under the Clean Water Act as being similar to a commercial ship’s ballast water,” said Podlich. “This bill does not weaken any existing environmental laws restricting the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.”

S. 2766 also requires the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard to investigate the need for potential management practices for some recreational boat discharges over the next three years.

Each step in this development process will include a public comment period and be subject to “reasonable and practical” criteria.

“BoatU.S. has been working with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and other groups to seek a viable recreational boating solution to the upcoming September permit deadline. We appreciate the leadership shown by members of Congress who understand that applying a new permit to recreational boating will not accomplish anything tangible, and will only create a new unnecessary bureaucracy,” added Podlich.

To help boaters contact their federal legislators or learn more about the issue, go to www.BoatBlue.org or www.BoatUS.com/gov.

SOUTHWINDS

May 2008

25

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May 2008

29

OUR WATERWAYS

CAROLINA SAILING Intracoastal Needs Overlooked

By Dan Dickison

Every year, thousands of private boats and commercial vessels transit the Intracoastal Waterway, which essentially runs 3,000 miles from Texas to Massachusetts along the coasts of 15 states.

T

he sections of this waterway that lie in Georgia and North and South Carolina include some of the most scenic expanses as the waterway meanders past marshlands, maritime forests, barrier islands, and hundreds of tributaries. As inspiring as some of these passages may be, many of them are fraught with problems, primarily due to unexpectedly shallow sections along the way. If you’re among the many who pass this way, you probably already know that maintenance (read dredging to maintain navigable depths) hasn’t been what it should be in recent years, and unfortunately, the outlook for the future doesn’t appear overly rosy either.

By federal law, all sections of the ICW must be maintained to preserve a minimum depth of 12 feet, but active ICW passagemakers know that this law hasn’t been strictly adhered to for some time. Consider passages like Jekyll Creek and Little Mud River in Georgia, or those from Winyah Bay down to Charleston, SC, as well as numerous locations in North Carolina, like Carolina Beach Inlet. These locations and other trouble spots along the ICW have been creating passage problems for several years now. The tribulations of mariners in these locales is well documented online by active cruisers who regularly share their experiences on sites like The Salty Southeast Cruisers Net (www.cruisersnet.com; a good source for ICW advice and information, by the way).

What’s Being Done So, what’s being done about this? According to Rosemary Lynch, executive director at the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association in Raleigh, NC, when the U.S.

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

Congress approved lant at the helm and the Omnibus Spending keeping their depthBill in December last sounders properly caliyear, it marked the brated? For one thing, first time in six years you can become a lobthat funds were approbyist. You, too, can conpriated for dredging tact your congressman maintenance within the (or woman) or U.S. senstate of Georgia. For ator and explain the South Carolina, it was importance of this the first time in two waterway, not only as a budget cycles. Though conduit for recreational the amounts allocated craft, but also as a vital weren’t gargantuan route for commerce. ($2.18-million for SC; $1.87-million for Georgia), the AIWA—a Many portions of the ICW in the Carolinas are in desperate need of dredging to What You Can Do non-profit, advocacy meet the required navigational depths and widths of the waterway. Photo by But if you really want organization, which Steve Morrell. your input to be effecbills itself as the “voice tive, consider adding of the waterway”—deemed this a positive turn of events. your voice to the chorus of others who have become mem“We need to thank the congressmen and senators…for their bers of the AIWA. This organization applies its energies in a hard work during a very difficult budget cycle,” the AIWA number of ways, explains Lynch. It works with Congress, wrote to its constituents. the administration and federal agencies to educate those Now it seems that those senators and congressmen repoffices regarding the waterway and the issues that pertain resenting coastal states in the Southeast will have even to it. “And,” she adds, “we work with decisionmakers at the more work cut out for them. In early February this year, state and local levels in Virginia, North Carolina, South when President Bush handed down his 2009 budget, there Carolina, Georgia and Florida to develop programs and were no funds mentioned for dredging the ICW and what resources that will benefit the waterway.”

Lynch calls a “minimal amount allocated for caretaking Individual boaters can join the AIWA for just $35/year, activities, such as mosquito abatement, surveys and real and you’ll get more than just a good feeling that you’re aidestate.” Publicly, her organization deemed it a “crisis,” and ing the cause. You’ll receive the organization’s newsletter called for Congress to increase the amount. four times each year and will be able to join the e-mail list According to David Roach, AIWA chairman and the for alerts. You’ll also be notified about the AIWA’s annual executive director of the Florida Inland Navigation District, fall meeting where members of the Army Corps of $30-million is needed “to properly maintain the waterEngineers, representatives from NOAA and the U.S. Coast way…” adding that “the lack of maintenance funding will Guard, as well as elected officials and business leaders, conbe catastrophic to the economies of every state along the tinue the important discussions about work and policies waterway unless Congress steps in and dramatically involving the waterway. If you’re active on the ICW, even increases the President’s proposal as it did last year.” just a few times a year, you won’t regret shelling out the $35.

The good news is that for the next several months, things shouldn’t be too bad. According to Lynch, the funds For more information on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway allocated in ’07 have paid for dredging projects already Association and to join, go to www.atlintracoastal.org. completed in several North Carolina areas, and two others—Carolina Beach and Snows Cut—will be dredged soon. (Incidentally, ICW habitués will be happy to learn that the Great Dismal Swamp Canal was reopened in February this year.) And Lynch maintains that the Army Corps of Engineers, which is in charge of ICW dredging (or the lack thereof), has funding to dredge in South Carolina as well (specifically at Jeremy Creek, Breach Inlet near Isle of Palms, Watts Cut and Fenwick Cut), but those projects won’t likely start until the early months of ’09. She added that dredging in Georgia at Hell’s Gate, the Florida passage and Buttermilk Sound, should be completed soon.

While the news may be encouraging for the near term, in the long run, it seems that ICW maintenance won’t be much of a priority for federal budgetmakers. So what can sailors and boaters in this region do—aside from being vigiNews & Views for Southern Sailors

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31

PRODUCT REVIEW

The Mast Mate: An Easy-to-Use Mast-Climbing System

By Steve Morrell or many years, I’ve seen the ad with the picture of the guy climbing the mast stepping in these triangular steps.

It’s a picture worth a thousand words.

One day I went to the Web site and decided to get one. At the time, I was postponing going up my mast because I didn’t always have someone nearby to hoist me up in a chair. The Mast Mate was a do-iton-your-own system—just what I needed.

The product comes all rolled up compactly in a flat spiral less than two feet across. The Mast Mate is essentially one long piece of very strong nylon webbing, like super strong seat belt webbing, with even stronger alternating nylon triangular steps sewn into the sides. It comes in different lengths depending on your mast length. Along the main webbing is a series of grommets into which

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May 2008

SOUTHWINDS

are plastic shackles to which you secure slides—just like the slides you secure to your mainsail. The buyer supplies the slides depending on his track size. The main webbing has a D-ring at the top to which you secure your main halyard. You simply raise the Mast Mate up the mast track. You have to remove the mainsail from the track and then feed the Mast Mate slides into it. nnnThe first time I used the Mast Mate, I was able to remove my mainsail and raise the system up to the top in 10 to 15 minutes. It was very simple and very fast. nnnThe Mast Mate also comes with a lineman’s belt, with tool pouch, that allows you to strap yourself around the mast and securely lean back and work hands-free when you are aloft.

The first time I went aloft it was very comfortable and very easy, although I had to search a little bit with my feet to find the steps, but once you get used to it, your feet find them quickly. On the first few trips up, I was also a bit cautious, because I knew that I had to be careful to not let go with my hands unless I had the lineman’s belt strapped around the mast. Consequently, I secured myself after each set of spreaders. Later, I just climbed up and secured myself when I reached my destination.

At the top of the Mast Mate, there are two triangular steps that do not alternate but are directly across from each other. This is so you can more comfortably stand up aloft and work with your feet at the same level. One advantage of the system is that you are standing above the top of the mast, making work up there easier.

I find the system has many advantages over others. Of course, one of the main advantages is that you can use it on your own. Although a boatswain’s chair is hooked up very quickly, it takes a bit to hoist somebody up to the top. And if you don’t have somebody strong enough, they tire quickly. The chair is probably a little bit faster but not by much.

Once the Mast Mate is installed, other methods can’t beat it, and it is impressive how quickly you can go up and down— almost as easily as a ladder.

The Mast Mate Web site has a good discussion of using the system in various situations. If you have a stuck halyard or need to replace a halyard, they suggest using your jib halyard to raise the Mast Mate up. The company acknowledges that there is no going up the mast with in-mast furling. And if your mainsail is stuck in the raised position, of course, you could raise the Mast Mate up without securing it in the www.southwindsmagazine.com

Up top, you can stand comfortably with both feet at the same level and you can easily work above the top of the mast.

You can see the lineman’s belt secured around the mast.

The Mast Mate slides in the mainsail track.

track, but that is not recommended. So there are some limitations to its use—like most systems.

I found the Mast Mate was also well-liked by a professional rigger who worked on my boat recently. I had used the Mast Mate to inspect the rigging and left it in the raised position. I told the rigger he was in no way obligated to use the system, but he was very interested in testing it. By the time the job was done, he was pleased enough that he was

News & Views for Southern Sailors

interested in purchasing one.

Mast Mate will also be enjoying a bit of fame this year because Rich Wilson will be using a custom-made Mast Mate on his 60-foot boat that he will be sailing in the 2008 Vendee Globe.

For more information on the Mast Mate, go to www.mastmate.com.

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A Winter Sailboat Delivery from Fort Lauderdale to the BVIs

By Arthur Barlow Campbell

Although I had planned to spend my Christmas holidays in Chicago—even purchased my airfare—I never made it there. Jim Huber, owner of the Swan 43, Champagne, asked me to help him deliver his boat to the Virgin Islands, a trip I could not pass up. The other crewmember along for the trip was Louise Kevin Burke. Louise used to be in charge of the U.S. Naval Academy sailing program for 14 years. She sailed 10,000 miles a year with the midshipmen. Her summer cruises with them were trans-Atlantic trips with stops in Bermuda, the Azores, Madeira and sometimes the Mediterranean. She was the first female to become a member of the Storm Trysail Club and is also a member of the Explorers Club.

Louise entertained us with her sea stories and proved to be a great cook. Does it Jim Huber, owner and captain of Champagne, get any better than to sail with such experienced sailors? has done two circumnavigations.

W

e left Fort Lauderdale on December 14, bound for the BVI. A mile after we left the Port Everglades sea buoy our autopilot broke. Our skipper, Jim Huber, said, “I handsteered across the Indian Ocean, and we are not doing it to the BVI.” We sailed back to Fort Lauderdale and had the autopilot repaired, losing a couple of days, leaving

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December 16.

We sailed south toward Miami to offset the current of the Gulf Stream. Then we sailed for the Bahamas. The wind was from the south, and the skipper felt that the wind would shift to the southwest later in the evening.

At around 10:30 p.m. that evening we were north of North Bimini. A cold front moved in as the skipper predicted, and we had wind from 15 to 30 knots from the NW. We were now on the Bahama Banks, and happy we were not in the Gulf Stream. We had a double reef in the main, and the genoa was reefed. You felt that you could almost touch the stars on such a cold night with a clear sky.

We passed a small island freighter port-to-port about 400 yards north of us. My berth was in the forecastle; it was a rough night and I had to put up my lee cloth to keep me in my berth. I went on watch and relieved Louise. I made myself some hot chocolate, checked the bilge, and put up with the confused sea on my watch. The wind was shifting from the north to the east and we had the wind on the nose.

Beating to windward in Northwest Providence Channel is interesting for a few hours, but it gets old fast. We had wind out of the east for five days, and beat to windward for five days. Our goal was to make as much easting as possible before heading south for the BVI. Many sailors go to Bermuda, and then have a long tack to the BVI, avoiding a long beat to windward in the open ocean.

Our sailboat, Champagne, has the capability to send and receive e-mail while at sea. The skipper called in our position every day to www.shiptrak.org so our friends and relatives could track our progress. I learned that one provision of the Bill of Rights of all seamen is to know the position of their vessel at noon each day. On all commercial vessels the longitude and latitude is displayed after the noon nautical fix for all the crewmembers.

The days and nights seemed to pass too quickly. The average person would think you would be bored with nothing to do but go on watch, sleep and eat. The sunsets were beautiful, and we were able to see the green flash twice on the trip. This was the third time I have seen the green flash. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Champagne, a Swan 43, at the dock.

As the sun just starts to disappear, if the conditions are just right, you can see a green flash. It is as if a giant green flash bulb goes off on the horizon. Amazing to see!

I had my first shower in the cockpit after four days at sea. Wearing the same clothing for four days is not recommended, but it was cold and I did not perspire. It is amazing how much the simple things in life give you a lift.

Having a clean body, clean clothes, a good lunch, and great shipmates made for a perfect day at sea.

The skipper caught a dolphin, cleaned it, and we had some fresh fish for lunch. This was a first for me to have such fresh fish. Jim showed me how he rigs his fishing gear.

The autopilot was not working and we were hand-steering after a small storm at sea. We had three hundred miles to go to reach the BVI. We hand-steered all night, and part of the next day before the skipper was able to fix the autopilot. Jim has lived on his 43-foot Swan for fifteen years and knows how to fix everything on Champagne. Jim made a point of telling his crew, “Never give up! Keep working on the solution to the problem. If you give up, you could die out here.”

Good advice from someone who knows.

We sighted Virgin Gorda, BVI, early Christmas morning.

We arrived in Road Harbor at 9:16 a.m. I had my first shave and another shower to clean up for Christmas. We had lunch with John Titterton and his three crewmembers, who had just delivered a catamaran from Cape Town, South Africa, for the Moorings. They stopped in St. Helena and St. Maarten on the way north, covering over 5,000 nautical miles.

We sailed to Virgin Gorda (The Baths, Bitter End), Jost Van Dyke (Sidney’s, Foxy’s for New Year’s), back to Tortola (Soppers Hole), and finally on to St. Thomas, USVI, for my flight home.

What a great trip it has been. I saw the green flash twice, saw the moon sink into the sea, enjoyed a full moon at sea, Christmas Day at sea, studied the night sky, had time away from TV, e-mail, telephones, faxes, newspapers, time to think, and had great shipmates. This was my longest sea voyage, and the trip from the Chesapeake to BVI and the USVI was a total of 2,327 nautical miles. I had been onboard News & Views for Southern Sailors

Champagne for 34 days for the two legs of the trip. This was a winter delivery trip to remember!

Art is a retired CMSgt in the USAF, and is a marine insurance agent. He sails his Alan Pape-designed steel cutter out of Fort Lauderdale, FL.

SOUTHWINDS May 2008

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The Venice Youth Boating Association VENICE, FLORIDA

By Jabbo Gordon Photography by Jin Dietrich

F

The facilities at the Venice Youth Boating Association.

ive years after Clark Mills designed an eight-foot pram for the Clearwater Optimist Club in 1947, Venice residents, merchants and members of the Venice Yacht Club founded the Venice pram fleet. Merchants contributed monies for the wooden prams, which various volunteers and VYC members built. Volunteers also taught sailing during the summer, and the program developed into a yearround activity as youngsters sailed on Saturdays and after school during the school year.

There was only a very small shed at the yacht club for the prams, and most sailors and their parents had to transport the vessels from home. Occasionally parents would haul the boats to other Florida towns for regattas against fleets from different areas.

The organization, which was open to all children living in the Venice area, continued to thrive. In 1969, the name became the Venice Youth Boating Association, Inc., when it was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, and five yacht club members became the board of directors. Club members donated funds for a two-story wooden pram shed, which was placed in front of the VYC on Tarpon Center Drive. The prams were stored inside, hanging from sliding racks. This feature conserves much needed space.

Meanwhile, the old wooden Clearwater Optimist Club pram had evolved into the International Optimist dinghy, and the class had spread like wild fire not only throughout the nation but overseas as well. It is now the largest one-

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SOUTHWINDS

design boat in the world.

Then, in 1988, VYBA bought new fiberglass IODs and sold the old wooden prams to the Venice Women’s Sailing Squadron (better known as the Bitter Ends), which shares the pram shed facilities with the VYBA. Before 1991, there were only a few instructors and they were volunteers. While they were highly competent, they became fewer in numbers and a need for professionals arose because of various insurance and legal requirements.

Now, VYBA has three primary coaches and 12 substitutes.

All are certified through US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport, as Level 1 (small boat) instructors. Two are licensed captains and one is certified as an instructor trainer.

The yacht club continues to play an important role in VYBA activities as half of the 10-member board of directors are VYC members. And while most of the board have offspring active in the youth program, it is by no means mandatory.

The current president is John Thomas. Kevin White serves as vice president for the Portsmouth division and Mike Muscato is vice president for the Optimist fleet.

Celeste Patete is treasurer. Beth Anderson is secretary. In addition to being a yacht club member, Anderson is also an instructor and president of the Bitter Ends of the Venice Women’s Sailing Squadron (VWSS). The VWSS is one of the contributors to the youth program.

Ironically, the newest board member is Dr. Jeff Johnson

www.southwindsmagazine.com

Inside the VYBA building where the Optimists are stored.

Boats lined up and ready to go at the VYBA.

who was an active young sailor in the 1970s, and in 1976, he won the Sidney C. Schroeder Sportsmanship Award. Other board members are Paul Thorpe, Ceci Cerutti, Joe Dombrowski and Bill Ward. Basically, the board makes certain that the organization’s mission is accomplished.

VYBA’s mission statement is simple: to teach beginning sailing and provide continuing education in sailing and racing techniques, always stressing sportsmanship, seamanship and water safety, and to reduce boating accidents and increase enjoyment of boating. But all this takes money, and the relatively low fees involved in instruction or continuing education could not possibly pay for the boats—their purchase or their maintenance. Donations come from individuals (sometimes in the form of memorial donations), businesses, area civic organizations, the Gulf Coast Foundation and the WCIND as well as the VWSS. Venice Youth Boating has 26 Optis, four Club 420s and a Laser. However, individuals have the option of buying their own boats and most do after they graduate from the Optimist class. Also included in the fleet are three Boston Whalers, which serve as safety or coach boats. Two of them hang on davits outside the pram shed and next to the yacht club’s floating dock, which VYBA skippers use instead of a beach. Some sailors use Higel Park’s boat ramp south of the yacht club.

In accordance with its mission, VYBA’s main thrust is its summer learn-to-sail program. This year, it will start June 2 and will run through Aug. 9. The summer is divided into

five two-week sessions, and prospective sailors have the option of attending from 9 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. This gives them a total of 30 hours.

Fees are $210 per youngster per session, but scholarships are available. The minimum age is nine. There are eight beginner sessions and two advanced sailing classes. Advanced sessions are held in the afternoons June 30 through July 12 and from July 28 through Aug. 9. At the end of the summer, those who have taken an advanced class have the opportunity to join VYBA’s year-round program, which meets on Saturdays and periodically attends various regattas around the state.

All of the summer instruction and most of year-round sailing is conducted on Roberts and Dona bays. However, year-round sailors often go out between the Venice jetties to the Gulf of Mexico.

The year-round program is divided between the Optimist fleet and the Portsmouth division. Optimists are further divided into two groups: Green fleet for first year competitors, regardless of age, and more experienced Red, White and Blue sailors who are categorized by age.

Optimist class rules limit a sailor’s participation to age 15. Thus, many skippers who age out or become too large for an Opti move up to Lasers, 420s or Sunfish, which make up the Portsmouth division.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

For more information on the VYBA, go to www.veniceyouthboating.com, or call (941) 468-1719.

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Boca Ciega Yacht Club

By Dave Ellis

The back and east side of the Boca Ciega Yacht Club from across the canal. The Gulfport Marina is on the right. Photo by Steve Morrell.

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ocated on lower Boca Ciega Bay between the barrier island of St. Pete Beach and the peninsula that is St. Petersburg, the Boca Ciega Yacht Club (BCYC) in Gulfport has one of the most idyllic sailing venues anywhere. With access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, the bay seems more like a large lake with small waves, yet benefits from the sea breeze on warm days.

The club’s beginnings were in the post-Depression days when many sailors could not afford the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (SPYC). The North Mole (the Vinoy Basin) along St. Pete’s waterfront was undeveloped largely because of the big waves that bounced around the sea walls in any easterly breeze. The southwest corner of the basin, however, escaped the battering. A few sailors asked the city of St. Petersburg for use of the land between the public restroom and the spa and solarium. When the city expressed no interest in a “private club” using that waterfront, a few enterprising sailors, towing a cobbled dock, skulked on a dark night to the site and set up shop. Eventually the squatters were granted a lease for a dollar a year.

The Sunshine City Boat Club became an active sailors’ club, best known for its Veterans Day Multi-Class Regatta along with the SPYC. But in 1964, the city attracted the Bounty replica to downtown and wanted it to be at that high-profile, slack-water spot in what is now known as the Vinoy Basin.

So in 1965, the club moved to the former Coast Guard Auxiliary building on the point of Gulfport Marina and changed its name to reflect the new venue. The concrete block building was given a facelift, and additional slips were dredged to accommodate up to 75 boats.

The new charter and lease with the city of Gulfport encouraged sailing classes. The first year, a total of 170 students enrolled with longtime member Harvey Parke using his experience running the St. Petersburg Junior Yacht Club to good advantage. This educational program continues to

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The screened-in porch and patio area on the south side of the club. Photo by Steve Morrell.

Many boats and dinghies are kept on trailers in front of the club. The club also has its own small marina nearby.

Photo by Steve Morrell.

the present with local children learning the sport.

Joel Hayne and his fellow volunteers, teaching from a small power vessel on the bay adjacent to the clubhouse, use the club’s Sunfish, Vanguard Prams and new Catalina-16.5 sloops for the kids.

Larry Fiorenza and crew have adult classes at a small fee using the same boats.

What kind of club is Boca Ciega Yacht Club?

There are about 215 families in the club. Yes, families get involved. The club is small enough to have become an extended family, yet large enough to be fiscally sound. There is no paid staff; everything is done by volunteers.

“We have an eclectic group of sailors,” said Past Commodore Craig Smith. “They are from all walks of life, but you would never know it to see them around the club.”

“It’s the people,” stated new member Annette Mason.

“The strength is the volunteer spirit and the social activities.”

Community service is a part of the mission statement.

Gulfport benefits from the club’s activities and from the support of members who live as far away as Lakeland and Sarasota, about 40 miles distant. The annual Blessing of the Fleet is attended by many area vessels, toys and cash are donated each year for Gulfport’s Operation Santa program for disadvantaged kids, and club members are volunteers in the quest to clean up the local Clam Bayou estuary that is victim of runoff into the mangroves from storm drains.

For many years, BCYC collected the rent for the wet slips and passed a good portion on to the city of Gulfport.

The latest lease, however, transfers total control to the city.

When storms head their way or maintenance needs to be done, the docks are no longer the club’s job.

Sitting all in a row across the parking area are brandnew Catalina 16.5 keelboats with sail covers and custom trailers. Five are on the trailers and one stays in the water for ready use. The Sunfish and Prams, along with a couple of the old Day Sailers, are all available for members’ use.

Sea Scout Ship 915 has been established at the club under the guidance of Tony Angel. The members were awarded the Centennial BSA award for meeting or exceeding all of their goals. They sail a 30-foot Hunter and 26-foot Pearson on the bay and volunteer their time for the club.

Racing with other Sea Scout Ships, they took home a disproportionate number of trophies from the Tampa Sailing Squadron venue.

The first Saturday of each month is a cruising weekend.

Often there is a destination; sometimes just a jaunt around the bay is in order.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Dave and Joyce Swisher were once avid racers in the area PHRF racing fleet. Dave’s health has slowed their racing schedule, so they donate their time to be the race officials for the club. Each month after the volunteer work, all boats meet for racing on the bay. Everything from Sunfish to Windmills to Day Sailers and keelboats enjoy closed course racing. Hot shots Steve Honour and Dan Fontaine are among the participants.

The annual raft-up put BCYC on the map with over 200 boats anchored in a circle on the bay a few years ago.

Nowadays the club restricts the number of visiting boats for practicality. Seventy boats rafted this year.

Commodore Linda Ray has big plans for the club. “I think I’ll change my title to Mommodore,” she quips.

Already, the little-used gazebo was moved by members from a location far out on the point to the barbecue pit area with a view of the Gulfport Marina and Osgood Point.

With a new lease from the city of Gulfport in hand and enthusiastic members, it looks like smooth sailing for Boca Ciega Yacht Club.

For more on the club, go to www.sailbcyc.org.

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BOAT REVIEW

The Whitby 42 — One of the Best-Liked Liveaboard Cruisers on the Water

By Joe Corey

Whitby 42 layout

SPECS LOA: LWL: Beam: Draft: Sail area: Displacement: Main Engine: Diesel: approx.

Potable water:

I

n April 1999, Lew’s job transferred to Fort Lauderdale from Michigan. He and his wife Deb sold the house and their his-and-her sailboats, a Catalina 30 and a Gladiator 24, and started thinking about another boat to cruise and live aboard. Both experienced sailors and USCG licensed masters, they had a good idea of what they were looking for.

The new boat had to be substantially built, of moderate draft, and capable of being sailed by the weakest crew alone should the other be incapacitated. The Whitby 42 was at the top of a very short list. The one they now own is named Free N Clear.

Designed by Ted Brewer in 1971, the Whitby 42 is a full40

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42 feet 32 feet 8 inches 13 feet 1/2 inches 5 feet 875 square feet 23,850 pounds Ford Lehman 80 hp 200 gallons approx. 200 gallons

keeled, balsa-cored go-anywhere yacht. The first 200 hulls were built in Canada as center cockpit ketches. Production moved to Fort Myers for hulls numbered 200-300, and some modifications were experimented with. Some of the Florida-built boats were rigged as cutters and sloops.

Bowsprits were added on some, and I’ve heard some even incorporated centerboards. After hull #300, production moved back to Canada, and the boats built thereafter returned to the original design.

The interior layout can best be described as being luxurious. The spacious galley includes a double sink, refrigeration and freezer, and plenty of usable counter space.

Opposite is a well-designed chart table/nav station. Sitting in one of the two starboard-mounted captain’s chairs in the main salon, it’s easy to imagine being in a comfy den. The forward head has a shower (as does the aft), and the v-berth is plenty big enough for two full-sized adults. Aft of the galley, there’s the engine room (emphasis on room), and the starboard side passageway aft that also serves as the commodious workshop. The aft cabin has 6’ 2” headroom, a large double bed and the full head. Deb tells me that she has misplaced things she’s not found in years, which attests to the ample amount of storage space aboard the Whitby.

To offset what some people have complained about— the Whitby’s excessive weather helm—Deb says she and Lew mostly sail with jib and jigger and balance the rig accordingly. The mizzenmast is actually the same spar as the main on the Alberg 30. As a heavily built, 23,850-pound displacement yacht, Lew tells me the boat sails surprisingly well in light air but truly comes into her own when the wind pipes up to 15 knots or more. She may not point as high as a sloop but sails like a witch on a reach. In addition www.southwindsmagazine.com

A couple of nice easy chairs and beautiful wood finishes give the Whitby 42 a comfortable feel down below.

to the roller furled jib, main, and mizzen, Free N Clear carries a mizzen stays’l and a pair of drifters that the previous owners most likely poled out on their return from a five-year tour of the Med. The previous owners reported that the 1975 boat had just been hauled and had a bottom job and that the bottom was in good condition. Lew and Deb took them at their word and purchased the boat without an out-of-water survey. They were dismayed to find over a thousand blisters when they did have the boat out but were able to re-negotiate, with the help of the broker and had a significant amount of the $10,000 fix paid for. It was, they reported, a laborious task to have the bottom shaved, filled, and epoxied. During this six-month lay-up, they also replaced all the standing and running rigging, added air-conditioning, and updated the reefer/freezer machinery.

Some Whitbys had trouble with the built-in, keelmounted fuel tank leaking, so Lew says he’s never used it.

In 2001, Lew found that the two belly water tanks leaked at the inspection plates. He opened those tanks, removed the baffles, and inserted two tanks into each, thereby making up for the loss of the belly tank by using two tanks for fuel and two for water. To compensate for the loss of water-carrying capacity, he added a watermaker. A common problem with vintage yachts is leaking at the hull/deck joint. Free N Clear was not immune to this, and Lew and Deb later removed

The galley onboard the Whitby 42.

the toe rail and rebedded the seam. Deb says she can dispel a rumor that the Whitby’s hull/deck joint was merely popriveted and has the photos to prove that it is, indeed, through-bolted!

A striking feature Lew and Deb added last year is the 11’x 11’ enclosure over the center cockpit. The structure is made of a stainless pipe-welded frame and has a Stamoid cover. The side curtains are roll-up Stratoglass, and there is screening for when the bugs are out. Not only does the enclosure provide a solarium-like extra room, it also serves as a platform to support the four 130-watt solar panels. To accommodate the whole thing, the boom needed to be raised six inches. The mainsail had to be re-cut, eliminating the roach and the battens, but Deb hasn’t noticed any decline in the boat’s sailing characteristics as a result. The next big project, Deb says, is to rewire the boat. The previous owner removed all the electronics that was not part of the sale by simply snipping the wiring, leaving bushels of unused wire to be dealt with.

Lew and Deb have sailed their Whitby comfortably all around South Florida and the Keys to the Dry Tortugas and across to the Bahamas, south to the Exumas and north, and up the East Coast to New England. Their home, Free N Clear, is as good-looking as it is comfortable and as sailorly as it is safe. They both strongly agree that their first choice in a boat was, for them, the best choice.

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SOUTHWINDS May 2008

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TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

Entering Little Bahama Bank

By Rebecca Burg

“S

ubmarines can hear your engine and know what kind of boat you are,” Bill, on Defiant, said over the VHF. My Bayfield cutter, Angel, had switched to motor sailing after the breeze lightened.

“Submarines?” I responded, nearly dropping the microphone. The thought of a powerful military vessel lurking unseen below us, along with nature’s own strange, deep sea denizens, was sobering.

I gazed into the cobalt blue water, rippling spears of sunlight unable to penetrate the enigmatic expanse. Companion cruisers Defiant and Angel had left the Great Bahama Bank to cross the Northwest Providence Channel, and access the Little Bahama Bank. The Channel is a large swath of Atlantic Ocean that’s best traversed in less than 20 knots of wind. In stronger weather, the steep seas combined with the Channel’s ambling swells will present a long and uncomfortable ride.

There are three places to access the western side of the Little Bahama Bank. A common entry point is the Indian Rock passage near West End on Grand Bahama Island. The island’s oldest settlement, West End, is a port of entry and is 56 nautical miles from Florida’s Lake Worth inlet. Several years ago, the historic Jack Tar Village was redeveloped into the Old Bahama Bay Resort and Marina. There’s a gas and diesel fuel dock, laundry and dining. Bring insect repellant and hatch screens to defend against the area’s notorious dockside no-see-ums. They arrive in small clouds, nearly capable of carrying away small pets or children. There is no secure anchorage in West End’s immediate vicinity. Just a

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mile north of the settlement, the Indian Rock Passage is an access point to the Little Bahama Bank. Watch the waters and the chart carefully. There are rocky hazards on both sides of this narrow passage. There are also shallow, sandy areas of about five feet at MLW along this route. Deeper drafts opt to enter at Memory Rock, about 15 miles north of the Indian Rock pass. Memory Rock’s north side offers a deeper access channel, which is about 10 feet at its shallowest. Steer around the sand bar and you’re home free on the bank. White Sand Ridge is the third and easiest pass onto the Little Bahama Bank. Starting at 28 miles from West End, this entry is many miles long, and there are no coral heads or shallow sand bars to crunch into.

Averaging about 14 feet deep with a sand and grass bottom, the Little Bahama Bank has vast, open spaces with few coral heads in these broad areas. Significant coral

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heads and reef tracts do populate the bank’s northeastern face, and there are some small, visible rocky islets near popular travel routes. There is a current, about one knot average, on the bank. Stronger currents squeeze though the access points. From spring to fall, thunderstorms can form over Grand Bahama and sweep across the bank in windy, rain-drenched surges.

In fair weather, a boat can anchor on the bank anywhere off the main drag. Slower sailboats are wise to travel slightly offset to the dotted lines that connect the chart’s common waypoints. Speedy powerboats typically program these waypoints into their navigation systems and will follow that dotted line exactly. They’ll usually let the autopilot do the driving, and a few do not keep a regular lookout.

Some years ago, Angel was nearly scooped between the hulls of a 55-foot sailing catamaran that was rapidly overtaking her. The “ghost” cat was racing along with nobody on deck or at the wheel. The idiots onboard did not see Angel until I lurched away in a rig-rattling frenzy as the cat’s port hull swished against my own with inches to spare. Hence the self-preserving act of sailing to the common route’s side. The bank is large and there’s plenty of room away from the beaten path.

Defiant and Angel took the Indian Cay pass with daylight remaining. Familiar with the watery stretch ahead of us, we passed Barracuda Shoal and its unlit stick marker.

Years ago, Barracuda Shoal used to be a thin-water sand

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Defiant crossing the Northwest Providence Channel en route to the Little Bahama Bank.

bar that we’d anchor behind. Now it’s barely noticeable and deep enough for Angel to wander over its dreamy, white sand bottom. Instead of anchoring near Barracuda for the night, we decided to continue onward. With caffeine and a careful watch, the occasional leap of over 100 nautical miles is safely possible for our single-handed travels.

Fair weather simplified matters, and there were no shallow obstacles along the familiar route to the uninhabited Mangrove Cay, a popular resting point.

Sunset was a bouquet of shifting, pastel hues. The breeze remained steady as the silence of twilight fell over us. Ahead, Defiant’s navigation lights shone in the darkness. Night sailing holds its own 5 peculiar magic. One’s senses seem to expand as the sky opens up to an eternity of stars. The crescent moon’s platinum glow shimmered on the water and cast Angel’s white deck in an otherworldly sheen. Beguiled by my sailboat’s subtle forms of seduction, I disengaged the autopilot. The interaction with one’s vessel is part of the thrill of cruising. A slight push on the tiller, a tug on the sheet and we’re gliding along in an exquisite ballet with the raw power of the wind and wave. As she is always able to do, my fourton dance partner sweeps me off my feet. The rest of the world and its wearisome, daily ruse receded. Mundane life is forgotten. In the groove, we sail into the night.

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SOUTHERN RACING ■ UPCOMING INSTRUCTION & CLINICS:

Match Racing Sailboat Clinic and Regatta, Cocoa, FL, May 9-11 Indian River Yacht Club and Brevard County Parks and Recreation will present the North U Match Racing Clinic and Regatta on the weekend of May 9 – 11, in Cocoa Village.

The concept of match racing is quite simple: Two equal sailboats, racing one on one. Though straightforward in concept, special tactics make match racing captivating for sailors and spectators. Clinic participants will learn and experience dial-ups, spiraling, lead push, the hook, the left shift and many other match-racing tactics.

Cocoa Village, on the Indian River, was selected for its protected waters, consistent winds, and proximity of the racecourse to a comfortable viewing area. Furthermore, Cocoa is only 35 miles from Orlando International Airport, a convenient and inexpensive airport for out-of-town guests.

This event is open to racing sailors signing up individually or as a team of three. The cost for the three-day event, including meals, classroom materials, boat rental, professional instruction, and race management, is $300/person.

The Indian River Yacht Club, the host for this event,

selected the Catalina 22 sailboat for this event because the Catalina 22 is easy to sail, stable, maneuverable, sails with a crew of three and is a very popular boat for racing.

The curriculum and training material for this event have emerged from the joint efforts of North U and the Women’s International Match Racing Association (www.wimra.org). Contact Jerry Butz of IRYC for more details at (321) 638-0090, or Jerry@BoatersExchange.com.

One-Design Crew Training, Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa Bay, June 7 The eighth version of One-Design Crew Training (ODCT) will be held on 3 Saturday, June 7, 14, and 28, from noon until 5 p.m.. This is a course designed to transition sailors from rail meat to contributing members of the crew. It is not a learn-to-sail course. Through both classroom and actual hands-on experience, you will learn to hank-on, hoist, and trim the J/24 jib, genoa, main, and spinnaker on all points of sail. You will become a help—not a hindrance—to your skipper, no matter what kind of boat he sails.

The course will be held at the Davis Island Yacht Club, 1315 Severn Ave., Tampa, and is open to the general public with preference going to sailors involved in the DIYC Thursday night series. The prerequisites are: some experience sailing, normal agility, and no aversion to getting black-and-blue marks. To join, contact King Purton at kpurton@verizon.net or (813) 760-0177, or applications are available at the DIYC Thursday night cashier. The cost is $125 and slots are limited to 30 students.

■ UPCOMING MAJOR REGATTAS

Annual Steve Brownell Commodore’s Cup Regatta, Tampa Sailing Squadron, May 2-4 Tampa Sailing Squadron will once again host the annual Steve Brownell Commodore’s Cup Regatta May 2-4.

Friday, May 2, will open the weekend with a cookout in the evening accompanied by some cold “grog” and registration.

Saturday will include PHRF racing for Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker, Racer Cruiser, True Cruising and Motherlode fleets. One-Design fleets are encouraged to attend. Details, notice of race and entry forms will be available shortly on the Web site. Saturday evening will include the TSS traditional pig roast (and more “grog”) followed by race results, presentation of trophies and raffle. Sunday includes the women’s regatta.

All proceeds from this event benefit Tampa Sailing Squadron’s youth sailing program, dedicated to teaching kids 7-17 the fine art of moving about on the water using the wind. (aka: sailing). Last year, over 110 kids went through the program.

For registration and more information, go to www.tampasailing.org/racing.htm.

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Open Invitational River District Regatta, Fort Myers Sailing Club, May 3

tax-deductible donations are also welcome.

For more information and entry forms, contact regatta co-chair Joanne Russ at (863) 244-1928, or Tim Flower at (239) 671-9918

This one-day regatta is a fundraiser for the youth sailing center, Edison Sailing Center. The center offers intermediate and advanced level courses, with an emphasis on racing. The senior students are eligible to participate in the Level 1 USSA instructor training to continue their education. The ESC is a community-based, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.

The North Star Yacht Club in the Marinatown area, the host and principal sponsor, will be race headquarters and the location for the awards ceremony. Free dockage Friday and Saturday is available. Call (239) 995-8200.

All interested sailors are invited to participate. Boat owners who are not affiliated with any particular sailing club are welcome to register and race.

The racecourse will be on the Caloosahatchee River between the Caloosahatchee Bridge and the Midpoint Bridge. Please note that boats which draw more than five feet will have difficulty navigating the racecourse. PHRF fleets in both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions.

Three races are planned, weather permitting. One race will constitute a regatta. Registration before April 26 is $40, thereafter $60.

During the awards ceremony a silent auction and raffles will be held to benefit the Edison Sailing Center. Direct

Sarasota Bay Cup Changes Venue and Sponsors, May 10

News & Views for Southern Sailors

The Sarasota Bay Cup, previously sponsored by the Bird Key Yacht Club, will now be sponsored by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and the Sarasota Yacht Club. The event is a qualifying race for the Sarasota Bay Boat of the Year series. It is a 12-mile course with a reverse handicap start.

Many participants who come from further away to race will leave their boats in Sarasota Bay to join the Key West Rendezvous race which begins only a few days later on May 14.

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

New Format for the 23rd Key West Rendezvous, May 12 – 19 Responding to a survey of skippers from the last two years, the 23rd Key West Regatta will have a new look with several major changes this year, according to Fairlie Brinkley, perennial event organizer. This year, fleets starting from Clearwater, Sarasota, Boca Grande, and Naples will all start

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SOUTHERN RACING on Wednesday, May 14 and the start of the Key West to Naples Race will be on Sunday morning versus the Monday morning start in past years.

Other changes will be that both entry and apparel sales will be done electronically using the regatta processing software developed by PRO David Billing, CEO of Unger and Billing Association in Clearwater, FL. Participants should especially note that clothing purchases, including T-shirts, will be available only at the time of entry and no merchandise will be sold at registration or in Key West. The social fee (wrist bands) will be eliminated on a trial basis in 2008 and the one formal party will be the awards celebration on Saturday evening at the Galleon Marina and Resort. A list of restaurants and suggested visiting times will be available so that sailors can rendezvous with each other while enjoying the multitude of high quality establishments in Key West.

The Clearwater Yacht Club is the organizing authority, with the following clubs acting as co-hosts: Gulf Coast Sailing Club, Naples Yacht Club, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Platinum Point Yacht Club, Punta Gorda Sailing Club and Sarasota Yacht Club.

The Key West Rendezvous is the only event recognized by all four of the WFPHRF Boat of the Year competitions; Sun Coast, Charlotte Harbor, Sarasota Bay and Southwest Florida.

The NOR, clothing order and entry information are available at www.clwyc.org/KeyWest08. For additional information contact Fairlie Brinkley at fairlie@fairliebrinkley.com or (727) 512-3264.

Regatta al Sol XXV, Pensacola to Mexico, May 14-15

By Kim Kaminski This year, the 25th Regatta al Sol to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, from Pensacola Bay, FL, on May 14-15, will be celebrating its silver anniversary. Sponsors are the Pensacola Yacht Club, Southern Yacht Club and Club de Yates Isla de Mujeres for the 555-nautical mile race.

The race will have three divisions and two starts. The class divisions are: Racing division, Cruiser-Spinnaker division and the Cruiser Non-Spinnaker division. The two Cruiser divisions will start on May 14 and the Racing division will start on May 15.

The boats will be scored on PHRF handicap ratings

with an opportunity option for the Racing division to be scored using the IRC rating rule (which allows cruisers to race against cruiser/racers and against racers with all boats having a chance for success in the race as it is a time-on-time rating: corrected time = elapsed time x rating).

Minimum boat length is 30 feet, and every boat will be supplied with a transponder that will track the boat’s progress by satellite. A dedicated Web site for the Regatta al Sol XXV will allow those on shore to follow the racers along their journey. The Web site is www.iboattrack.com Trophies will be given out in all divisions for first, second and third place for corrected time overall and corrected time in each class. Fleet perpetual trophies will be: “The Turtle” — Last in Fleet to Finish; and “The Boot” — a special award for significant sailing. Others are “special recognition trophies.” All will be presented during the Thursday evening Island Soiree and awards banquet held on Isla Mujeres. The banquet will be the finale following the weeklong race celebration, which includes a welcome party, beach party, a reception at the island’s town hall where regatta participants are declared distinguished guests, a welcome fiesta – organized by the city where the children of the island dance for the participants, a Mardi Gras walking parade provided by the regatta krewes for the local residents and the infamous island basketball game between the locals and the regatta participants.

For more information, including registration, NOR and housing accommodations, go to www.pensacolayachtclub.org.

44th Annual Navy Cup, Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, May 17

By Kim Kaminski The Navy Yacht Club will be celebrating its 44th year of hosting this regatta for the prestigious Navy Cup Trophy.

Races will be held both in Bayou Grande and in Pensacola Bay with race activities being held at the Navy Yacht Club facility located at the Bayou Grande Marina on the Pensacola Naval Air Station. A One-Design class using Lasers will be sailing in the bayou on Saturday only, with the PHRF sailboats with their various class divisions, such as Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker and Cruising fleets, competing on Pensacola Bay both Saturday and Sunday. Various yacht club teams will race against other club teams for most points. All yacht clubs in the Gulf Coast are invited.

The top three scoring boats in each class will be presented awards. For more information, contact Dick Piatt, fleet captain, Navy Yacht Club at (850) 479-7892, or piatt39@cs.com.

Biennial Gulfstreamer, Daytona Beach, FL, to Charleston, SC, May 23-26 This long-standing race begins with a traditional rum party Thursday preceding the race and skippers breakfast 46

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Friday at Halifax River YC in Daytona Beach and culminates Tuesday with a Low Country boil and awards at the Charleston YC. Events include a race within a race as the boats sprint from Ponce Inlet to the Main Street pier in Daytona Beach before heading for the Gulf Stream and the overnight passage to Charleston. For complete information and entry forms, go to www.hryc.com or call (386) 255-7459.

Key West (“School’s Out”) Corinthian Regatta from Bradenton, FL, June 5 Started in 2003 by the Bradenton Yacht Club for those who cannot participate in the Key West Rendezvous because of school, this has been nicknamed the “School’s Out” Key West Regatta. The race leaves in the Gulf off Longboat Pass on Thursday, June 5. There is a limited number of boats allowed and they are hosted in Key West by the Key West Bight Marina. There are parties and an awards dinner on Sunday, June 8.

For more information, go to www.bradenton-yachtclub.org, or call (941) 773-9353, or e-mail mtimillertime@yahoo.com.

helmsman and at least half the crew (including the skipper and helmsman) must be current members of the one yacht club they represent.

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

Ft. Walton Yacht Club Round the Island 100-Mile Multihull Race, June 20-22 The Round the Island Multihull Race is a 100-mile circumnavigation around Santa Rosa Island located in northwest Florida. The race begins off the point of the Ft. Walton Yacht Club through East Pass and continues west through the Pensacola pass where boaters will turn north for the return trip.

At the start of the race, the wind is usually four to six knots from the northeast. After the start, racers round a turning mark off the shoals of Crab Island then head for Destin Bridge and East Pass. A charter boat fleet runs in front of them at the pass with a colorful parade of sailors and fishing boats. Spectators usually line the Destin Bridge and can see the multihull fleet sail under spinnakers using the NNE breeze as they head out around the island.

For more information, go to the yacht club Web site at www.fwyc.org.

Regata de Amigos, Galveston to Veracruz, Mexico, June 6 The Regata de Amigos is the longest-running and one of the most well-established offshore races in the Gulf of Mexico.

This year, the regatta is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The 630-mile race is organized by the Lakewood Yacht Club and the Galveston Bay Cruising Association.

A kickoff party was held on March 8 at the Lakewood Yacht Club. A safety seminar was held on March 10 at the club. Late registration fee starts on May 12, and the last day to enter is May 23. There will be a skipper’s meeting on May 30 at the club, and the race starts at 2 p.m. on June 6.

There is a reception for races, crew and visitors on June 12 at the governor’s palace in Veracruz. After the race, many of the boats will sail overnight to Tuxpan and make a day stop at the Lobos Island reefs for snorkeling, scuba and beach parties before returning home.

For more information, go to the regatta Web site at www.veracruzregatta.com.

2007 Offshore Challenge Cup Regatta, Gulfport Yacht Club, June 20-22 The 2007 Gulf Yachting Association (GYA) Offshore Challenge Cup Regatta will be held June 20-22 at the Gulfport Yacht Club. All yacht clubs which are members in the GYA are invited. Each club may enter no less than three and no more than four boats in four classes. The skipper, the News & Views for Southern Sailors

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SOUTHERN RACING ■ RACE REPORTS

Maxine Sansom Series 2008, Pensacola Bay, March 1, 8, 15

By Kim Kaminski Lynn Dell’s Angel, a Melges 32, and her crew earned the top honors in the Spinnaker Overall class for the 2008 Maxine Sansom Series. This three-race series honors an avid sailing enthusiast who had supported the sailing community through her administrative efforts on various race committees operating on Pensacola Bay. Photo by Kim Kaminski.

Maxine Sansom was a woman who loved the sport of sailing and represented the heart and soul of the sailing community by eagerly devoting her time assisting in the administrative support of the race committee functions at each race of the three Pensacola area yacht clubs: the Pensacola Yacht Club, the Navy Yacht Club and the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club.

After her unexpected passing, the sailing community wanted to give back some of that support that she so eagerly gave to every sailor on the bay. A proposal was made to create the Maxine Sansom Sailboat Racing Series. This would be a Series competition where each of the three area yacht clubs would sponsor an individual race and have each race count towards a threerace series. The Overall Perpetual Memorial Trophy was created to be given to the boat that performed the best in its class in all three races. Of course, participants could elect to race in just the individual competition and earn a trophy for that race or sail in the series to earn the perpetual trophy.

The series is held each March, and this year’s first race was held March 1, the Commodore’s Cup Race #1/Maxine #1, sponsored by the Navy Yacht Club. This race also marked the opening race of the sailing season for the Navy club. Seventeen boats in four classes (Spinnaker A and B, Non-Spinnaker and Cruising) competed. Overcast skies and light winds welcomed the racers at the start in the middle of Pensacola Bay. As the race progressed, the sun broke through the clouds, and the breeze picked up slightly helping the sailors around the racecourses of 8.4 miles for the Spinnaker class, 5.6 miles for the Non-Spinnaker class and 2.8 miles for the Cruiser class. Trophies were given out for 48

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the top finishers in each class, which included George Gamble and crew aboard Evil Woman in Spinnaker Class A, Dan Owczarczak and crew on Polish Navy in Spinnaker B, Lou Makarowski and crew aboard Kairos in the NonSpinnaker class and finally Bill Geyer and crew on Aquila in the Cruising class.

On March 8, the second race of the series, the Rites of Spring/Maxine #2, was held by the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club. The weather conditions were significantly different from the previous weekend with strong northwest winds of 18 to 20 knots and cool temperatures in the upper 60s.

Thirteen boats with only three classes raced: Spinnaker A and B with a 16.4 mile course and a NonSpinnaker class that raced an 8.2 mile course. Due to the stronger winds, many of the boats sailed in close competition throughout the day and changed the status of the series leaders, which now included Spinnaker A , Lynn Dell and crew aboard Angel; Spinnaker B, Jeff Hunt and crew on Reach Around; and the only team to maintain its top position, Lou Makar-owski and crew aboard Kairos in the NonSpinnaker class.

The final race of the series, Maxine #3, was held on March 15 by the Pensacola Yacht Club (Maxine’s home club). For the final race, the winds were good, the competition was close (there was a three-way tie in points with the Spinnaker B class) and the racing was fierce—so fierce that two boats were called over early on the final start. The Spinnaker class sailed a 12-mile course, and the Non-Spinnaker class finished the competition with a 9.34-mile course. At the end of the day, 14 boats had competed in three classes (Spinnaker A, Spinnaker B and NonSpinnaker) and of those 14 boats, only one Spinnaker winner as well as only one Non-Spinnaker winner, would end up being victorious in this three-race series.

Doug Sansom (Maxine’s son) presented the special Overall Perpetual Maxine Sansom Memorial Trophy to the winning boats and crews—Lynn Dell and crew on Angel for the Spinnaker class and Lou Makarowski and crew on Kairos for the Non-Spinnaker class. Not only did Maxine Sansom instill the racing spirit into this Pensacola sailing community, but her enthusiasm for the sport is still evident by the ongoing participation of competitors in a racing series named in her honor. www.southwindsmagazine.com

Sailing in the J/24 Easter Regatta on Lake Murray in South Carolina on March 20-23. Photo by Mark Alexander.

J/24 Easter Regatta, Columbia Sailing Club, Columbia, SC, March 20-23 The Columbia Sailing Club hosted the 30th Annual J/24 Easter Regatta on Lake Murray in South Carolina on Easter weekend. The club is also celebrating its 51st year in operation. Thirty-one boats from places as far away as Maine, Detroit and upstate New York—including almost all the coastal Atlantic states—made the trip to sail in the regatta.

First place was taken by Skipper Greg Griffin and

crew on Team Tarheel, which earned 31 points in 10 races.

Tony Parker and crew onboard Bangor Packet came in second with 34 points, and third place was taken by Nate Vilardebo and Patrick Wilson on board Rush, with 44 points.

For complete results, go to www.columbiasailingclub.org/easter.

Michelob Light One-Design Midwinters, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, March 28-30

By Morgan Stinemetz The Michelob Light One-Design Midwinters had chamber-of-commerce weather and enough wind to make it interesting for the five one-design classes present. Albacore sailors from Canada and the mid-Atlantic states are regularly on hand for this regatta, and this year Bob and Jill Robinson from Columbia, MD, took the measure of the remaining nine boats in the class. The Robinsons notched three races on Friday, four on Saturday News & Views for Southern Sailors

Daysailers duke it out in light stuff downwind. Skipper at left is reading book on spinnaker trim. Sailor on right hasn’t read the book. Photo by Morgan Stinemetz, DVD.

and four more on Sunday.

They were clearly the class of the class, putting together eight firsts, two seconds and a fifth. The fifth-place finish counted as their throwout, so they scored only 12 points in 11 races. The two were usually a couple of hundred yards ahead of the second-place boat in the class, so whatever they know, the rest of the Albacore sailors could stand learning some of it.

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TAMPA BAY SAILING 470 Nationals, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, March 13-15

Sailing in the 470 Nationals. Photo by Dan Goldman.

University of South Florida sailing coach, Allison Jolly, won the 470 Nationals with crew, Molly O’Bryan. Her crew last year, Andrew Sumpton of Sarasota, was second, this year crewing for Sarasota youth sailor Christopher Stocke.

Racing was held the first day in the Gulf outside Sarasota Sailing Squadron with a breeze allowing trapeze work and the “nearly anything goes” in kinetics flag-flying from the RC boat.

The following day produced light air with big holes and shifts. Finally the wind piped up for two races on the last day. While there were some capsizes, the boats and sailors had big grins.

The youngest competitor was 14 and the eldest skipper 82. The 11 boats came from as far away as British Columbia.

Fireball and Friends, Davis Island Yacht Club, March 14-16 Davis Island Yacht Club hosted the Fireball, Windmill, Frontrunner, Interlake and 110 classes for this three-day event. After light air on Friday, the wind was strong on Saturday. A few boats had mud on the top of the sail and others had broken gear. But most sailors loved the conditions. Sunday was light again.

DIYC sailor Patrick Crump aced the six-boat Fireball fleet, winning all six races. The largest fleet, with 13 boats, was the Windmill. Ethan and Trudy Bixby of St. Petersburg found themselves on the wrong side of a big shift in the first race but won five out of the seven races thereafter. Second was long-ago Windmill champ John Jennings, who jumped back in the boat along with crew, Julie Valdez. www.diyc.org.

A-Cat & F/16 Regatta, Gulfport Yacht Club, Boca Ciega Bay, March 15-16 The same blustery wind that challenged the above events hit Boca Ciega Bay off Gulfport Yacht Club on Saturday. The A-Cats once stayed ashore in the higher winds. But the increasing skill level has allowed good, albeit white-knuckled racing in winds around 20 knots.

Robbie Daniel and Matt Lynch of Clearwater won the 14-boat F/16 class while Matt and Gina McDonald of Titusville were second.

SE Florida sailor Brett Moss won the 16-boat A-Cat class, followed by Ben Moon of St. Pete. Rhode Island’s Ben Hall was there with his wing-masted A–Cat. On Saturday, he simply left the top section on the beach and sailed “reefed.”

Flying Scot Midwinters, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, March 24-27 St. Petersburg Yacht Club has been hosting this regatta for a couple of years after decades at St. Andrews Bay YC in Panama City, Florida. Sixty boats were divided into Championship and Challenger divisions starting separately.

The first day dawned warm and very windy. Gusts were recorded to 27, and a steady 20 blew all day from the north. A few boats showed their bottoms and others opted to stay ashore. But the majority of the fleet had close racing at the top.

Marc and Marcus Eagan, dad skippering this time, did well in the blow despite sailing two-up and light at that.

How do they do that? The class had a “Top Gun” session each day explaining the style and strategy of the winners.

Chris Wientjes and David Bolyard, another New Orleans crew, also did well in the wind and hung on for second to the Eagans in final results.

When the wind abated a bit for the second day and then died some more for the third, all of the boats with two crew left those with three behind.

In the Challenger division three-up crews were 1,2,4 in the extreme conditions with only Paul Cocotos of Lido Beach, FL, and New Jersey sailing with crew, Dave Ellis, of 50

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

St. Petersburg slipping in there with a third.

After all races the best three-person boat came in sixth while Cocotos remained in third with boats from Massachusetts and Maryland taking the top two places.

The final day a race was started after a long wait. But the RC under the able direction of Tom Farquhar had to abandon when the boats could not stem the current in the zephyrs. Spyc.org

Andrew Pimental with crew Julia Langford from Newport, RI, and Ernesto Rodriguez with Megan Place of Miami were each leading the event at times, with close roundings among all 20 boats in this competitive class. www.clwyc.org.

Michelob Cup, Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, March 29

What a difference a day makes. On the first leg of this three-day race, Friday saw tough windward conditions all the way from the start off John’s Pass in the Gulf down past the Egmont ship channel and finally inside Southwest Pass. While at the start the wind was recorded at 16, it was not long before steady 20s with an occasional gust to near 30 swept the fleet. Those boats that like to go upwind reveled in the waves and wind to the finish off Manatee River. Boaters were able to relax at the Bradenton Yacht Club on Friday.

The wind stayed strong from the south on Saturday for a fast broad reach and run to Davis Island YC for leg two.

The free-leg boats were smiling.

Finally, Sunday was very light as boats headed back out Tampa Bay toward St. Petersburg. Most boats parked for over an hour at the end of MacDill. Mercifully, the race was shortened. For complete results, go to http://scrw.home. att.net.

Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club hosted this annual one-day regatta on a fine spring day on the Gulf of Mexico.

The two cruising classes sailed a course of 10.6 miles while the other five classes sailed 14.8 miles. Sunburned crew on 39 boats finished in around four hours. http://tityc.com/new/Yachting.html.

70th Snipe Midwinters, Clearwater Yacht Club, March 30, April Fool’s Day South Florida’s Augie Diaz and Kathleen Tocke pulled out a close victory in the final two races at Clearwater YC.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Suncoast Race Week, Tampa Bay, April 4-6

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SOUTHERN RACING The two-person one-design boat sails with just a working jib and a main. No kites, but they are very quick on the water when sailed well. Second in the Albacore class went to Heather Macnaughton and David Dunphy of Toronto, Canada. The couple edged out by one point the team of Robert Bear and Kelsey Averill of Rockville, MD, who finished third.

The eight-boat Daysailer class was topped by Chris and David Kelly of Dunedin, FL. They dominated in bold fashion. In second was Mark Rother of Largo. Third went to Scott Graham and Ken Sedmon out of Powell, Ohio.

The winds on Sunday were up and down from the start until an early afternoon cutoff. Mostly, they came from the east and stayed that way with minor fluctuations in direction and velocity during Sunday’s racing. Saturday the winds were westerly and clocking as the day went on.

Rich Elsishans of Sarasota edged out Jim Barr, also of Sarasota, by one point in the six-boat E-Scow class. Barr, organizer of the regatta, just couldn’t overcome Elsishans’ three bullets in six races. Bill Cattworth of Sarasota was a distant third to Barr’s second.

There was a tie in the SR 21 class, and Bill Johnson’s three first places made the difference. He won the tiebreaker. Dave Olson, posting the same score, was second. Sally O’Malley, also of Sarasota, was third.

The 13-boat Flying Scot one-design class was the biggest at the regatta. Dave and Karen Thiner of Dunedin won the class rather large. In second were Harry and Karen Carpenter of Oakland, MD. John Domagala of Bradenton was third.

“It was a great regatta with great wind, weather and sailing,” said Jim Barr after the sailing was done. “I pity those who missed it.”

Sarasota Youth Sailing Program’s Sailfest Attracts 124 Sailors April 5-6 Despite Scheduling Snafus and Heavy Winds

By Jabbo Gordon Scheduling sailing-related events is becoming more difficult each year for various associations and clubs, and Sarasota’s annual Sailfest Regatta is no exception. Several problems arose this year in scheduling this annual event and the final date conflicted with other regattas in the area, resulting in fewer competitors. Although 124 sailors registered for Sailfest, and SYSP officials and sponsors were happy, there could have been more. Hopefully, in the future, various officials can put their heads together and come up with some dates that will work for everyone.

Scheduling conflicts aside, Sailfest experienced another situation that it had even less control over—heavy winds. It was reportedly blowing 15 to 30 knots on Saturday, and only a fraction of those who showed up ventured out onto Sarasota Bay. There were some capsizes and boats that swamped.

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one race on the first day. Some classes such as Flying Scots opted to save their equipment for lighter air. Lasers and Red, White and Blue IOD classes did manage four races.

By the second day, though, winds had dropped enough for more skippers to sail. Race committees were able to have four more races in most classes.

The Flying Scots is one of those classes and Fred Strammer, with Max Baird crewing, won two of the four races to garner the trophy. Don Perry placed second and Chuck Koch took third. All skippers represented SSS. Strammer’s daughter, Teal, who sails for St. Petersburg Yacht Club, captured four out of eight Laser 4.7 races to home in on first place. Mallory Willett, also of St. Petersburg Yacht Club, finished second, and Graham Murza of Fort Myers’ Edison Sailing Center, wound up third.

Viktor Wettergren of SYSP sailed to four firsts in eight races to grab first place in the Laser Radial division. Michael Booker of Tampa’s Davis Island Yacht Club was second and Greg Barrett of Clearwater Yacht Club came in third.

SYSP’s Brian Firth, with Justin LaPoutere crewing, skippered his 420 to first place overall after taking three firsts out of five races. Jack Famiglietti, with Alan Dreher, was second, while Corey and Matt Goers were third.

Trevor Avila of St. Petersburg Yacht Club was the victor in the IOD Green fleet, which had 44 entries. Nicholas Buddemey of Davis Island Yacht Club was second, and Clayton Sasaki of Naples Community Sailing Center came in third.

The Red, White and Blue IOD fleets were the largest category with 50 entries. Graham Landy of Team FOR (Florida Ocean Racing, based in Pinellas County), not only won the Red fleet division for 13- to15-year-olds, but was the overall champion by taking five firsts in eight races.

Susannah Spoto, also of Team FOR and the Red fleet, placed second, and Corey Page, another Red fleet skipper of Naples Community Sailing Center, took third.

Samantha Purton of Team FOR won the Blue fleet for 11- and 12-year-olds, and Nicholas Schultz of SYSP grabbed the White fleet, which is for sailors ten years old and younger.

A special sportsmanship award went to Adam Witton of the Edison Sailing Center.

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

send a link 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.

7,8 14-15 21-22 21-22 23-24 24-27 28-29

US Sailing Junior Champs Quarterfinals Flying Scots, 420, Laser LNYC James Island Open Regatta Open JIYC Low Country Regatta Open BYSC Reggae Regatta Open LLSC Jr Y-flyer Nationals Y-flyer AYC Y-flyer Nationals Y-flyer AYC Governors’ Cup Open CSC

www.longbaysailing.com 14-15 NC/SC Governor’s Offshore Cup

MAY Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org 3-4 Sheriff’s Cup 11 Spring Harbor Race 23-25 Gulfstreamer. Daytona to Charleston.

31 Femme Fatale Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org Lake Lanier. www.llsc.com 3 Celtic Crossing. BFSC 10 Lormand Cup. SSC 17 Women Skippers. BFSC 24-5 Lake Lanier Distance. Krantz.

South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 3-4 Keowee Cup. KSC. 3-4 Cinco de Mayo. Catamarans. LLSC. 3-4 Great 48. Flying Scots. LNYC. 3-4 AYC Opti Clinic & Regatta. AYC 10 McIntosh Cup. PHRF. SYC 9-11 Harbor 20 Spring Regatta. SCYC 10-11 Highlander Midwinters. LNYC 16-18 Leukemia Cup. PHRF. CFYC. 23-26 Buccaneer NA championship. WCSC 23-26 US Sailing Level 1. LNYC 23-25 Gulfstreamer. ChYC 24-25 One-Design Spring Regatta. YCHHI 24-5 Castleberry Robertson. Portsmouth. ASC 24-5 Dixie. Thistle. AYC 24-5 Lake Norman Hospice. Open. LNYC. www.longbaysailing.com 16-18 Leukemia Cup. CFYC. JUNE Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org 7-8 Hobcaw Regatta.

21-22 James Island Regatta.

Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org 2008 schedule not posted Lake Lanier. www.llsc.com See Web site for local races 1-6 LLSC Junior Week.

21 Reggae Regatta South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 6-8 Special Olympics Regatta 420, Hobie 16 JIYC 7,8 Mayor’s Cup Regatta Open, One Design LTYC 7,8 Bare what you dare Catamarans KSC 7,8 Hobcaw Open Regatta Open HYC News & Views for Southern Sailors

MAY 2 Spring Rum Race #6. Melbourne Yacht Club 3 Mug Race. Rudder Club 3-4 Cinco de Mayo Regatta. Port Canaveral Yacht Club 3-4 Boy Scout Island Cruise. East Coast Cruising Association 4 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne Yacht Club 4 Commodore Cup Race #2. Halifax River Yacht Club 4 Big Boy’s Race. Halifax Sailing Association 7,14,21,28 Wed Night Mosquito Series #5,6,7,8. Indian River Yacht Club 10 Waves Regatta. Navy Jax Yacht Club 10-11 Club Races. Lake Eustis Sailing Club 10-11 Marker 21 Cruise. Melbourne Yacht Club 11 North U Match Racing Clinic & Regatta. Indian River Yacht Club 17 Armed Forces Day Regatta. Navy Jax Yacht Club 18,31 Summer Series #1,2. Rudder Club 17-18 Brevard Challenge. Indian River Yacht Club 24 St. Augustine Race (Mayport to St. Augustine, Offshore #4). North Florida Cruising Club 24-25 Memorial Day Series. Lake Eustis Sailing Club 25 Race of the Century. St Augustine Yacht Club 24-26 Little Loop Cruise. Titusville Sailing Center 31 - 1 Space Coast River Regatta. Space Coast Catamaran Club JUNE 1,15,29 Small Boat Races. Melbourne Yacht Club 4,11,18,25 Wed Night Mosquito Series #9, #10, #11, #12. Indian River Yacht Club 7-8 Titusville Regatta. Titusville Sailing Center 7,21 Summer Series #3, #4. Rudder Club 8 Treasure Coast Laser Series. Ballard Park, Melbourne Yacht Club 8 Commodore Cup Race #3. Halifax River Yacht Club 8 Big Boys’ Race. Halifax Sailing Association 8 Spring Race series #8. Indian River Yacht Club 12 Treasure Coast Laser Series. Ballard Park, Melbourne Yacht Club 13,27 Summer Rum Race #3, #4. Melbourne Yacht Club 14 Jessee Ball Regatta. Epping Forest Yacht Club 14-15 Marker 21 Cruise. Melbourne Yacht Club & East Coast Sailing Association, Cruising.

21 Spring Race Series #4. East Coast Sailing AssociationRacing 21-22 Gaulden Reed Summer Sizzler. Hobie Fleet 80 (catamaran race)

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Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.com MAY 3 3 10 10 17 18 24-25 24-25

C-Gull Cup - CGSC J/24 Biscayne Bay Series - Flat Earth Racing BBYRA PHRF #6 - KBYC Ron Payne Memorial Snipe Ocean Race - LYC Hospice Regatta BBYRA OD #6 - BBYC Goombay Regatta - CGSC Biscayne Bay Match Racing Championship (J/24s) Flat Earth Racing 31-Jun 1 Shake A Leg Midwinters - SAL/Flat Earth Racing 31 J/24 Biscayne Bay Series - Flat Earth Racing JUNE 3,10,17,24 BBYC BBYRA CGSC CRYC KBYC MYC SCA

BBYRA race series #2, #3, #4, #5

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

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.

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SOUTHWINDS Annual Online West Florida Race Calendar Posted Sept. 1 SOUTHWINDS magazine posts the 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 we cannot list every single weekly club race.

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. Races April through October. Thursday evenings.

Races at 6:30 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.venice-sailing-squadron.org MAY 2 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Twilight Racing begins, PHRF 2 Florida Women’s Sailing Association. Championship Regatta 3 St. Petersburg YC. Darlene Clark Women’s Regatta, PHRF 3 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Commodore’s Cup, PHRF 3-4 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. SYSP Sailfest Regatta, Dinghies 4 Tampa Sailing Squadron, Women’s Commodore’s Cup, PHRF 9 St. Petersburg YC. Twilight Racing begins, PHRF 10 Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Sarasota YC. Sarasota Bay Cup, PHRF (SBBOTY) (SuncoastBOTY Racer/Cruiser Class) 10 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. 21st Annual Couples Race, PHRF 10 Treasure Island Tennis and YC.. Spring #3, PHRF www.southwindsmagazine.com

17-18

Jabbo Gordon Invitational Regatta, Englewood, FL. Sunfish, etc. gordonjhb35@yahoo.com

JUNE 3 St. Petersburg YC. Master Calendar Meeting for 2008/2009 7 St. Petersburg YC. Tampa Sailing Squadron. Transbay, PHRF 7 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Spring #5, PHRF 14 Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Make-up date if needed, PHRF 21 Cortez YC. Summer Sailstice Regatta (TENTATIVE) (SBBOTY ‘08-’09)

15 20 -22 21 21

Race for the Case. Gulfport and Biloxi Yacht Club GYA Offshore Challenge Cup. Gulfport Yacht Club We Found the Bay. Point Yacht Club, Josephine, AL GYA 420 Championship. Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS 27-29 Gulfport to Pensacola Race. Gulfport and Pensacola Yacht Clubs 28-29 Monk Smith Regatta(one design). Bay Waveland Yacht Club 28-29 Jr. Rondinella. Bay Waveland Yacht Club

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 MAY 3 Spring Series Race #6 - St. Andrews Bay YC, Panama City, FL 3-4 GYA Opening Day Regatta (Capdevielle)/Fish Boat Rededication - Pensacola YC 3-4 GYA Masters Regatta - Pensacola YC 10 Sea Buoy Race (PHRF & Mulithull) - Pensacola Beach YC 10 Jourdan River Regatta - Bay Waveland YC, Bay St. Louis, MS 10 Double-Handed Regatta – Ft. Walton YC, 10-11 GYA Match Racing Championship (Schweppes) Southern YC, New Orleans, LA 10-11 POW Quarter Finals (Schweppes) - Southern YC, New Orleans, LA 11 Summer Series Race # 3 – Ft. Walton YC 14-15 Regatta al Sol XXV - Pensacola YC & Southern YC, FL 17 Jane England Regatta - Jackson YC, Jackson, MS 17 Multihull Shootout - New Orleans YC 17-18 Navy Cup Regatta (PHRF & One Design) - Navy YC, Pensacola, FL 17-18 Spring Regatta (Capdevielle) - Bucanneer YC, Mobile, AL 18 Small Boat Challenge 2 – Ft. Walton YC, FL 24 Memorial Day Regatta - Pensacola Beach YC, FL 24 Juby Winn One Design - Southern YC, New Orleans, LA 24-25 Great Circle Regatta - Mobile YC, Mobile, AL 24-25 Slip to Ship Regatta - Ocean Springs YC, MS 24-25 Regional Small Boat Challenge – Pensacola, Choctaw, St. Andrews YCs, Ft. Walton YC, FL 31-1 Candler Regatta (Capdevielle) - St. Andrews Bay YC, Panama City, FL JUNE 7 Mobile Bay Marathon. Fairhope Yacht club.

7 Cancer Society/PYC Championship # 1. Pensacola Yacht Club 7 School’s Out Regatta (one design). Pontchartrain Yacht Club. Mandeville, LA 8 PYC Championship #2. Pensacola Yacht Club 13-15 Round the Island Race (multihull). Fort Walton Yacht Club 14-15 Area D Quarter Finals. Mobile Yacht Club 14-15 New Orleans to Gulfport Race. New Orleans and Gulfport Yacht Clubs News & Views for Southern Sailors

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• 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., (5/08) is May 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 Wanted Boats & Dinghies Powerboats Boat Gear & Supplies Businesses for Sale/Rent

Crew Wanted Donate Your Boat Engine Parts Help Wanted Lodging for Sailors

Regatta Musicians Real Estate for Sale or Rent Sails & Canvas Slips for Sale/Rent Too Late to Classify

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.

BOATS WANTED

_________________________________________ Sunfish and Sunfish Rigs Wanted. TSS Youth Sailing, Inc., Tampa Youth Sailing, an organization to which donations are tax deductible, is in great need of sailing rigs for Sunfish sailboats. If you have a Sunfish rig (mast, sail and spars.) which you are not using, please consider a gift to us. Go to www.tssyouthsailing.org and click on Contact Us.

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

_________________________________________ 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) 4423281. (6/08) News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

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

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

OBO. (941) 387-8786. (5/08)

Hobie 21 Sport Cruiser. Excellent condition.

Main, jib, screachor, all furling. New jib.

Wings. 3.5 hp outboard. Hot stick. Front tramp. Aluminum trailer. Beach dolley.

Removable storage pod. Rebuilt centerboards. $5,500. (941) 743-6322. (6/08)

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)

$50 – 3 mo. Ad & Photo 941-795-8704 SOUTHWINDS

May 2008

61

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) 439-2501. (5/08)

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)

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. (7/08a)

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)

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.cortez yachts.com. Asking $23,900. Call (941) 7929100.

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. (6/08a)

1998 MacGregor 26X, 50 HP Honda 4-stroke OB. Unique water ballast system. Less than 1 foot draft when board is up. 7’ 10” beam and comes with a trailer. Enclosed head, aft sleeping cabin, galley, and dinette. CDI roller furling jib. VHF radio. Stereo with cockpit speakers.

Wheel steering, cockpit cushions and more. $15,500. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

Morgan 28 1972. Kubota engine great condition. 3’6” draft, Includes GPS, VHF, New rigging, roller furling, sails, solar panels, more.

Needs rudder repair. Call for info. $8,000 OBO (305) 395-8194 or (904) 540-8372. St Johns River, FL. (7/08)

WHARRAM TIKI 30 CATAMARAN FOR SALE

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)

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)

Brand New — Professionally Built Go to www.tiki30.blogspot.com to view an on-line journal documenting the step-bystep building of this boat. Built by Boatsmith, Inc., Jupiter, FL www.boatsmithFL.com. (561)744-0855

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $24/year • 3rd Class $30/year • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com 62

May 2008

SOUTHWINDS

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. (5/08)

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. (5/08) www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

Motorsailer 30, Wirth Monroe Sea Sailer, teak, completely refitted, new diesel, cruise 500 miles on 1 GPH, safe and comfortable in all weather, one step bow to stern, shoal draft. For sale by owner, call Tom Broadfoot at (910) 686-4816. Wilmington, NC. Reduced to $37,000. Specifications and photos at www.broadfootpublishing.com. (7/08)

31’ New Bombay Pilothouse, 1978, This compact, efficient pilot house design provides excellent utilization of space. Outside steering station, Bimini and pilot house canvas. Perkins 30 H.P. inboard diesel. Spacious galley, Marine air conditioning, $28,900, Call TJ @ 941-7415875, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com. (6/08)

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.

31’ Catalina 309 2007- Exactly like new, loaded, only 45 hours on engine. A/C reverse w/dehumidifier mode, in-mast furling, stereo, autopilot and ST-60 wind/speed/ depth.

Transferable slip in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. $89,900. (863) 648-5218.

(6/08a) News & Views for Southern Sailors

32’ Downeaster 1976 cutter. Updated with all-new interior, Awlgrip, new head, new holding tank, new stove, new upholstery, 2002 Perkins 30 hp, autopilot, solar panels, custom hardtop, the works! Now $28,500. 888-8407937. (305) 481-1364. www.gcyachts.com.

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)

32’ Morgan Sloop, 1980, Yanmar Diesel, Full Keel, 6’2” headroom, Solid bluewater cruiser, $27,900, Call Rick @ (727) 422-8229 Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com. (6/08)

34’ Tartan , 1985, Beautiful Awlgrip blue hull, Westerbeke Diesel, Autopilot, Refrigeration, 5 sails and 2 spinnakers, $57,900, 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. (7/08)

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.

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.

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.

$50 – 3 mo. Ad & Photo 941-795-8704 SOUTHWINDS

May 2008 63

CLASSIFIED ADS

1985 BABA - full keel Blue Water cruiser. Lots of gear with manuals and records. VHF, SSB, GPS, windlass, wind gen, life raft and more.

Needs some exterior teak work and some blisters. On the hard for your inspection. A fantastic offer @ $69,000. Call Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100 or visit www.cortezyachts.com

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. (7/08)

2003 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37. (New 2007: Yanmar engine, 3 Optima batteries, Garmin 440 at helm.) Interphase Chart Plotter at Navigation Station. 12 Volt Refrigeration System. Stereo w/4 speakers (2 cockpit), 25 AMP Battery Charger. New cruising spinnaker.

Custom hard dodger/bimini. Forward cabin w/optional sink and vanity. Master stateroom w/king sized berth. Walk through transom w/swim ladder. $138,500. (941) 914-5132.

(6/08a)

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

36’ Catalina MKII, 2001, Universal diesel, 2 private staterooms, Radar, SSB, Autopilot, Liferaft, ready to cruise today! $118,900, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com. (6/08)

36’ CS Yachts, 1982, solid fiberglass hull and top quality construction, you will find a wellthought out, well-equipped, and well-maintained go-anywhere cruiser. Great Electronics, Wind Generator, $77,000, Call Tom @ 904377-9446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com. (6/08)

See Classified Information page 61 64 May 2008

SOUTHWINDS

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

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; water-maker; 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)

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT STARTING AT $25 FOR 3 MO

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) www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

1988 Beneteau Oceanis 390. 39 feet. Over $35K in upgrades since 2003, including new Yanmar engine and related equipment.

Asking $87,900, or call and make offer. See specifications and photos at: www.beneteau 390.com. Phone: (772) 979-4326. (6/08a)

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

39’ Privilege Catamaran, 1990, She is loaded with cruising gear and ready for bluewater with twin wind generators, solar panel, watermaker, autopilot, satphone, and an impressive inventory of spares. $149,000, Call Tom @ 904-3779446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com. (6/08)

40’ Kerr Center Cockpit ketch, 1975, refitted 2003 (all systems new) 32,000 lbs., Perkins 72 hp, 2 staterooms each with head and shower, hard dodger, shoal draft, full electronics, roller furling, windlass, dinghy with motor. For sale by owner, call Tom Broadfoot at ((910) 6864816. Wilmington, NC. Was $77,000 NOW $47,000. Specifications and photos at www.broadfootpublishing.com. (7/08)

1981 41” Morgan Out Island Ketch, Perkins, 62hp deisel, Gen 200 hrs, new reefer, autopilot, A/C, heads {1 electric), mast rewired and many more upgrades including refurbished interior. $71,900. (239) 945-3552, (206) 3961465. (6/08)

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)

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’ Beneteau Oceanis, 1993, This Oceanis has updated electronics and new sails in 2007. Genset and A/C, Owners have cut short their cruising plans after 4 months, so take advantage of all their investments and live your dreams. $109,900, Call Gene @ 321474-2831 Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

42’ Beneteau Center Cockpit, 2002, All lines lead to cockpit, Unique Fold-out Swim platform, Hard dodger, New to the market, $177,900, Call Jeff @ 954-224-8291, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

SOUTHWINDS

May 2008

65

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

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) 504-6754, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional, 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) 859-8660. (5/08)

Gulfstar 45, 1985. Hirsch design, exc. cond.

Raymarine Chartplotter, Radar, Autopilot.

Perkins 50hp (300 Hours). Adler-Barbour fridge. New equipment incl. propane stove/oven & grill, hot water, water tanks, generator, ground tackle, spares.

Bimini/Dodger w/ clear side curtains. 12’ Carolina Skiff w/ 9.9 Merc. Transferable lease on rare affordable slip in Key West. $112,900.

(305) 587-7444. (6/08a) 66

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SOUTHWINDS

45’ Hunter Legend, 1987, TOTAL REFIT, Beginning with the hull, it was completely stripped, sanded/filled, primed and painted first with Awl Grip and finally with Imron for a truly remarkable finish! New mast and rigging, Outstanding condition, NOT A SINKER!, $129,900, Call Rick @ 727-4228229 Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

46’ Morgan 462 Center Cockpit Ketch, 1984, Newer A/C, Bimini/dodger, New refrigeration, Inverter, Nice blue water cruiser, $78,900, Call Bob @ 239-877-4094, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com (6/08)

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, $535,000, Call Rick @ 727-4228229, Edwards Yacht Sales. Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

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, $159,000, Call Roy S. @ 305-775-8907, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

48’ Cheoy Lee Golden Wave Ketch, 1987 Newer Perkins, Sleeps 8, repainted, Solid cruiser, $174,900, Call Roy S. @305-7758907, 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 @ 941-741-5875 Edwards Yacht Sales , Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsInFlorida.com

50’ Prout Catamaran, 1980, In 2006 two new Yanmar Diesel Engines were installed w/ new control panels at each station. New engines have factory warranties until July 2008. Owners are planning to move up to a larger vessel. Possible trades will be considered $289,900, Call Bill @ 727-421-4848 Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

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 www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES _________________________________________

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! $595,000, Call Bill @ 727-421-4848, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransInFlorida.com

POWERBOATS

_________________________________________

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. _________________________________________ Outboard Motors for Sale. Mercury 8 hp short shaft two stroke—not at all worn (look inside). Price $500, excellent value. Also, Johnson 4 hp long shaft and Evinrude 4 hp long shaft—both very good. $275 each. See Jimmy at the Miami yacht club (behind Parrot Jungle) on the causeway between Miami and Miami Beach, after 4 p.m. every day by the dinghy dock, or call 305-858-5975 and leave your number (or call the Miami yacht club at 305-371-0703 after 4 p.m.). Try them out on the water if you like. (7/08) _________________________________________ HARKEN Roller Furling Unit 1.5 complete.

Includes 1/4 inch 1x19 head stay wire for 1/2 inch pin. will fit head sails with 32’ or less and #6 luff tape. Double groved foil with feeder.

Current pin top pin length is 35’5” Note: you will have to purchase a Sta-lock or Norsman terminal which may reduce the pin to pin measument a little. $ 250.00 call 941-792-9100.

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) 8441100.

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

_________________________________________ Charter Boat and Business for Sale, Sarasota/Bradenton Area. Includes 30-foot diesel six-pack deep Vee hull boat with Tower.

Includes dive platform and fishing gear. Boat in very good condition. Established charter business with advertising and slip in Cortez, FL. Asking $29,000—taking offers. Drastically reduced, owner leaving country. Cortez Yacht Sales. www.cortezyachts.com. (941) 722-9022. _________________________________________ 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@hotmail.com. (4/08)

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. (5/08)

DONATE YOUR BOAT

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

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NGINE ARTS _________________________________________ 38’ HERITAGE (Fu Hwa) 1983 TRAWLER. Economical 2x120HP diesels, Radar, GPS, Depth, Gen, Air, New fuel tanks, 2 stations, Windlass, Bimini, icemaker, new mechanicals, in St. Pete. $73,500 – offers! (888) 882-5516.

(727) 560-0001. www.gcyachts.com.

Wanted. Used parts for Westerbeke Engine Model 20B two. Need 1 camshaft #036972.

Need 1 injector camshaft #037076 or complete engine that doesn’t run. (504) 9132381 or (504) 341-2343. (6/08)

HELP WANTED

_________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________ SCHUCKER 440. Bruce Van Sant’s trawlerized TIDAK APA. Get complete information and photos at www.LuperonCruising.com (7/08)

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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)

SOUTHWINDS

May 2008

67

CLASSIFIED ADS 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. _________________________________________ Sailing and Waterfront Director Wanted The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, located in Panama City, FL, 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)

LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________

Belize Waterfront Property. Gated Waterfront community on the Cerros Peninsula in Corozal, Belize. Canal lots with allowance for dock.

Business opportunities. Parcels for condominiums, resort and a marina. Lots starting at $39,000. Call John Elkin (941) 704-2226.

REGATTA MUSICIANS

_________________________________________ The Bilge Boys acoustic duo is available for your regatta, sailing events and yacht club parties. We play beach/island/classic rock and lots of Jimmy. Book now for the upcoming sailing/holiday season. West Florida.s www.freewebs.com/thebilgeboys or 727504-2328. (6/08)

SAILS & CANVAS

________________________________________ 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

SLIPS FOR SAIL OR RENT

________________________________________

BIMINI BAY RESORT 40 ft BOAT SLIP FOR SALE: A full-service marina with Immigration office allowing guests to clear customs immediately. A harbor channel accommodating yachts of all sizes. A fisherman’s yacht village with an infinity pool, exquisite dining facilities, a fitness center, and salon. All reasonable offers considered. Interested buyers may email questions to sdorfman@bellsouth.net.

(6/08)

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

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)

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) 68

May 2008

SOUTHWINDS

40’ Deep-water Slip situated in prestigious Harbortown Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, Jacksonville, FL. Access to ocean nearby. Water, insurance, dock carts, etc., included in $145/month fee. $79,000. Call John Timm (502) 767-9372. (6/08)

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT $25 for up to 30 words for 3 months www.southwindsmagazine.com

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

Aakron Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Adventure Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . .45 Antigua Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Bacon Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Barco - Magellan GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Bay Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Boaters Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,15 Boatpix Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 15 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Corinthian Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Cruising Direct Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . .4,60,BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .58, 59 E-marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Fourwinds Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Ft. Walton yacht club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Glacier Bay Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

ADVERTISERS INDEX

BY

News & Views for Southern Sailors

courtesy and asks our readers to support our advertisers. The lists includes all display advertising.

GulfStreamer Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . .27 Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,IBC Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . .26, 28 Island Yachting Centre/Greg Knighton . .60 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales . . . . . . .87,BC JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Kevane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Knighton Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Knighton Yacht Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Laurie Kimball Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Mack Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Magellan GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Manatee River Boat Show . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC,4,8 Masthead Enterprises . . .4,15,29,32,60,68 Mastmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . .87,BC National Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Nautical Trader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44, 68 Palm Beach Sailing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Patricia Knoll Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . .24 Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Regatta Time in Abaco . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Rohland Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Rohland Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

CATEGORY

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Aakron Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats .4, 15 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 15 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Eastern Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 60, BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Island Yachting Centre/Gregg Knighton .60 Massey Yacht Sales/ Catalina//Hunter/Albin . . . . . . . . .IFC,4,8 Masthead Yacht Sales/ Catalina . . . . . . . . . . . .4,15,29,32,60,68 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . .87,BC St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida . . . . . .18 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program .37 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . .45 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 E-Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Fourwinds Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . .27 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Masthead Enterprises . . . .4,15,29,32,60,68 Mastmate Mast Climber . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign . . . . . . .37 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Seaworthy Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Shadetree Awning Systems . . . . . . . . . . .20

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN SOUTHWINDS! SOUTHWINDS provides these lists as a Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Sailmonster.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Sailors Wharf boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Scuba Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Scuba Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Scurvy Dog Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Seaworthy Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Shadetree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Snug Harbor Boat Works & Co. . . . . . .4,15 Solar Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Spintec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28, 38 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises . . . . . . .28 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Suncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 37 Tideminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 US SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Wag Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Winchmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Windpath Fractional Sailing . . . . . . . . . . .5 Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

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.

Solar Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Spintec Furlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28, 38 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision . . .23 Tideminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Wag Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Winchmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Bacon Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Cruising Direct/sails online by North . . . .12 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging . . .67 Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . .26, 28 Kevane Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Knighton Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Mack Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Masthead/Used Sails and Service . . . . . . . . .4,15,29,32,60,68 National Sail Supply, new&used online . .21 North Sails, new and used . . . . . . . . .44, 68 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Rohland Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Spintec Furlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28, 38 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Ullman Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 CANVAS Knighton Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Shadetree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 SAILING SCHOOLS/ DELIVERIES/CAPTAINS Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Adventure Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Sea School/Captain’s License . . . . . . . . .39 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises . . . . . . .28 US SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . .24 RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sailors Wharf Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 FRACTIONAL SAILING/ CHARTER COMPANIES Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Windpath Fractional Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Wyvern Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Antigua Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/ Tampa Bay or buy online . . . . . . . . . . .26 Sailmonster.com Web site . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Scuba Clean Yacht Services . . . . . . . . . . .26 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication . . .67 YACHT CLUBS Palm Beach Sailing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 REAL ESTATE Laurie Kimball Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Patricia Knoll Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Corinthian Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Gulfstreamer Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Regatta Time in Abaco . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Advertisers’ List by Category . . . . . . . . . .69 Alphabetical Advertisers’ List . . . . . . . . . .69 Marine Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-29 SOUTHWINDS

May 2008

69

Animal Encounters of the Sailing Kind

By Monty Morris

M

y wife and I sailed away “into the sunset” nearly six years ago and, although we love him dearly, never considered taking along our 10-year-old Australian shepherd Foster. Smart and agile on land, Foster hates water and once aboard can’t avoid slipping all over the fiberglass deck. Yet despite this decision, on our travels we never lacked for animal encounters and in fact were seldom without them.

Sailing with a dozen or more porpoises frolicking under the bow is almost commonplace in the Caribbean. Once we were sailing from the Bight of Abaco in the Bahamas to the north side where the water is very thin. As we entered the narrowest and shallowest pass, a lone porpoise preceded us.

“He’s guiding us through!” I said to my wife. With that, the boat lurched to a stop, and we spent the rest of the day kedging through the pass. On another occasion we encountered a huge school of blunt-nosed porpoises (later identified as Risso’s dolphins) while sailing off the coast of Nicaragua. “A good omen,” I said.

That night a turnbuckle failed and we lost the top half of our mast. I no longer attempt to see significance in porpoise visits.

We had a chance to swim with a porpoise at Lighthouse Reef in Belize.

We’d been told that Honey had learned to make human friends and loved to cavort with them. I heard she enjoyed being petted, but when I tried it, received a hard whack from her powerful tail. Local fishermen later told me she was pregnant. Still friendly, in her delicate condition she was touchy about touching.

Off the coast of Belize, we encountered a sole manatee in a lonely anchorage called Bannister Bogue. It kept surfacing 50 feet from our boat.

Deciding to get closer I swam over until, through murky water, the manatee suddenly appeared. My experience with Honey forgotten, I reached over, stroked the manatee’s leathery back and watched as it leisurely swam away.

We had not anticipated there would be animal visitors who would

70 May 2008

SOUTHWINDS

actually come aboard. One morning anchored half a mile offshore in a shallow bay at the western end of Guatemala’s Lake Izabal (part of the Rio Dulce), my wife, Betsy, climbed down the stern-boarding ladder to pump out the dinghy. Turning to climb back aboard, she let out a shriek.

On the ladder was a fat, five-foot snake. We had heard of Guatemalan “cow killers” (fer-de-lances), but were not inclined to consult our herpetology reference books. Betsy tossed me an oar and I gave our visitor a pretty good whack. It departed precipitously in the direction of the dinghy, thankfully dove under, resurfaced and swam away. We later determined it was a nonpoisonous boa constrictor.

Only a few miles from that anchorage, we spent several nights in the jungly Rio Lagarto (Alligator River). We didn’t see any alligators but encountered dozens of howler monkeys. Each group consisted of a male, several females and babies. They climbed a tree in late afternoon and moved around until settling into a comfy spot for the night; the males periodically emitting unearthly howls.

Apparently, this is a territorial announcement rather than anger.

Some days later while exploring a nearby jungle stream, we inadvertently disturbed a group of howlers and learned the hard way how they express anger: by throwing excrement!

A year later, anchored in Belize’s Turneffe Islands, we had just finished breakfast when I reached out for my wetsuit. There in the cockpit cabin, something caught my eye and I realized with a shock that it was a large brown and gray snake. Betsy closed the

cabin doors; I went out the forward hatch. Cautiously nudging it with an eight-foot boat hook, I managed to get under its middle, carefully easing it over the side. It sank, rose to the surface and swam away. In retrospect, I think it was a very poisonous, very aggressive fer-de-lance.

On another occasion, anchored in Guatemala’s Rio Dulce, we noticed small animal droppings. We had recently spent a week in a marina and groaned thinking we had acquired a rodent. A galley search revealed gnawed bananas. The following night while reading in the forepeak, I saw something flickering past. There in the main cabin was the culprit: a small bat. We later learned that fruit bats, common in the area, are not after blood, just bananas.

One inky night we roared down 15-foot following seas on a 450-mile passage from the Colombian mainland to Isla Providencia off Nicaragua.

Betsy was on watch; I was asleep below. She reached back to make a minor Autohelm adjustment and, touching a warm body, let out a yell. A flashlight revealed a large land bird about the size of a chicken. Because we were continually taking heavy spray over the stern, we never identified it.

The bird, soon tiring of our wet hospitality, departed.

We’ve had many land bird visits offshore, always remarkable because of the birds’ utter fearlessness. They commonly hop around the cockpit with almost no regard for humans, and sometimes fly below seeking food or shelter. Whether it’s sheer exhaustion that cancels their normal timidity, or they somehow overcome their fear of humans when facing a bleak alternative, we always find them welcome guests.

On our recent return from Cuba to Florida, we were boarded just before dark by four adorable red-breasted bluebirds that fluttered around the cockpit until finding a comfortable sheltered spot under the dodger.

Feathers fluffed, they spent the entire night. When they departed the next morning, we didn’t begrudge cleaning up their “calling cards” and hoped they made it to shore. www.southwindsmagazine.com