Southwindsoctober2004

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Hurricanes Hit Florida Along the ICW: Washington, NC Cruise Key West

October 2004 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

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Local News For Southern Sailors

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ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY

(SEE

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats Back Cover Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats 38 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Eastern Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Flying Scot Sailboats 65 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 63,64 Hanse Sailboats 65 JS9000 PHRF Racer 64 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Jeanneau/Hunter/Mainship 3,9,17,22,29,30,IBC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 21,52,68 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover National Boat Owners Association/Hunter 53 Raider Sailboats 65 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 65 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 56,60 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats 62 Seafarers International Yacht Brokerage 10 St. Barts/Beneteau Back Cover Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida 61 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 54 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 52 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power 46

GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES BoatUS E-Marine SSMR/Hood Air Duck Hatch Windscoop Bluewater Sailing Supply Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com Coral Reef Apparel Company Defender Industries, www.defender.com Garhauer Hardware Glacier Bay Refrigeration Hotwire/Fans & other products Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc.

JR Overseas/Moisture Meter Martek Dinghy Davits Masthead Enterprises Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg West Marine Winch Buddy

4 67 57 24 16,60 38,42,64 47 35 66 11 28 18,66 32 29 66 21,52,68 57 27 54 IFC 33

SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICE Hood/SSMR Porpoise Used Sails SSMR/Hood Altlantic Sails Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida BoatUS Cruising Direct/sails online by North Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging Masthead/Used Sails and Service National Sail Supply, new&used online North Sails Nuclear Sails Sail Exchange/www.sailexchange.com Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL UK Sails Ullman Sails/West Florida West Marine

57 68 57 38 43 4 8 67 21,52,68 44 18 16 25 36 26 14 IFC

CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida

43 59 57 47

Sea School/Captain’s License www.seaschool.com St. Augustine Sailing School October 2004

FOR ALPHABETICAL LIST)

MARINE ENGINES Beta Marine Fleetside Marine Service RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke Yanmar

24 66 27 66

RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Bob and Annie’s Boatyard Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina El Cid Caribe Marina, Mexico Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage

20 25 11

CHARTER COMPANIES Sailtime, Shared ownership Yachting Vacations

15 8

MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online Beachmaster Photography Coast Weather Services Dockside Marine Services

43 65 68 43

MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio JR Overseas/Moisture Meter Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication

28 29 32,67

BOOKS Bubba Stories Book Great Outdoors Publishing Gunkholer’s Cruising Guide/West Florida Memory Map Pocket Navigator West Marine Books and Charts

16 59 59 67 14

REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Bradenton YC Kickoff Regatta Charleston to Bermuda Race CYC/Regatta Pointe Marina Charity Regatta Melbourne YC Fall Regatta Regata Del Sol Al Sol SPYC Fall Regattas St. Pete Strictly Sail Boat Show

55 12 56 37 13 58 5

Sailing Services Directory West Florida Regional Sailing Services Directory Subscription Information Alphabetical Advertisers’ List West Florida Race Calendar Information

43 42 This Page 68 10

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

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From the Helm

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Letters

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Bubba Says National Hurricane Center Mistaken

By Morgan Stinemetz

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Boatek: Dealing With Humidity

By Stephen Sommer

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Short Tacks: Upcoming Events and News of Interest to Southern Sailors

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New Concept in Boat Ownership Helps Make Sailing More Affordable

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Southeast Coast Sailing: Carolinas and Georgia: October Sailing, Events & Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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Washington, NC. Along the ICW in North Carolina

By Gretchen Coyle

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East Florida Sailing: October Sailing, Events & Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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Hurricane Frances Hits East Florida

By Roy Laughlin

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Southeast Florida Sailing: October Sailing, Events & Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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Northern Gulf Coast Sailing: October Sailing, Events & Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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Florida Keys Sailing: October Sailing, Events & Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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America’s Little Caribbean: Key West by Sail

By Rebecca Burg

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West Florida Sailing: October Sailing, Events & Race Calendar, Race Report, News

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Classifieds

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The Rocket Scientist, the Sailboat & Well-Heeled Dogs

By Bruce Sanspree

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Regional Sailing Services Directory West Florida Sailing Services Directory Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category Subscription Form Cover: Priority, a Cabo Rico 38, sails in Tampa Bay. Photo by Beach Edwards

Hurricane Frances Hits East Florida. Page 37. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

Key West by Sail. Page 50. Photo by Rebecca Burg.

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing Local News For Southern Sailors

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October 2004

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News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax www.southwindssailing.com e-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Volume 12 Number 10 October 2004 Copyright 2004, Southwinds Media, Inc.

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Advertising & Editors Gary Hufford Steve Morrell National/West Florida Advertising National/West Florida Advertising gary@southwindssailing.com West Florida Regional Editor editor@southwindssailing.com (727) 585-2814 (941) 795-8704 The Southeast Coast: Carolinas and Georgia Florida Keys Rebecca Burg Steve Morrell Regional Editor/Advertising Regional Editor/Advertising angel@artoffshore.com editor@southwindssailing.com (305) 304-5118 (941) 795-8704 Southeast Florida Art Perez Regional Editor/Advertising miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) 380-0106 East Florida Roy Laughlin Regional Editor/Advertising mhw1@earthlink.net (321) 690-0137

Production Heather Nicoll Rebecca Burg Rona Garm Arturo Perez Morgan Stinemetz Rebecca Burg Dan Dickison Roy Laughlin

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

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Contributing Writers Gretchen Coyle Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Roy Laughlin Bruce Sanspree Stephen Sommer Contributing Photographers Vince Cooke Gretchen Coyle Beach Edwards 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 $19.95/year, or $37/2 years for third class, and $24/year for first class. Checks and credit card numbers may be mailed with name and address to SOUTHWINDS Subscriptions, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL, 34218-1175, or call (941) 795-8704.

Subscriptions are also available with a credit card through a secure server on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations throughout 10 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

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

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FROM THE HELM We Want To Hear Your Hurricane Story

F

lorida was unfortunate enough to have three major hurricanes hit the state within a 33-day period. The damage to property, and some lives, was extensive, to say the least.

We empathize with all those who lost their homes and businesses and whose lives were severely disrupted.

Many sailboats suffered serious damage from these storms, and we would like to learn from our readers how best to protect boats in the future. We have already heard many stories of success and seen photos of many stories of failure.

With such powerful storms, sometimes there is not much one can do, and boats will be lost regardless. As for the success stories, we have heard a few.

One success story was about New Moon, a Pearson 39 and a charter sailboat in Captiva, whose owner put out five anchors and survived the storm intact with no real damage.

Captiva took a direct hit from Hurricane Charley. (The previous New Moon, a Pearson 35, by the way, sunk during Hurricane Gordon in 2002 when it got struck by lightning.)

Another success was Yachting Vacations at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, which also took a direct hit from Charley shortly after passing over Captiva and New Moon.

Owner Capt. Chris Rogers and employees spent days and lots of effort in removing every item they could from their 15 cruising sailboats, mainly Island Packets and a few cruising

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catamarans, and securing the boats with extra line and protection. Residents who stayed in nearby condos during the storm reported seeing the water drop several feet below the docks and then rise several feet above them within a 10-15 minute period—this during gusts upwards of 160 mph. All the boats survived with minimal damage and some with none to speak of. Yachting Vacations was right back in business.

Other boats in the same basin that did not prepare were lost.

Although we know there are a lot of other stories out there of boats lost, we would like to hear about the success, and failures, and what owners did or didn’t do to protect their boats. In the coming months we will publish these to help future boat owners learn how to prepare for the next storm.

Whether you secured your boat well and it survived, or if it perished, or if you did nothing and it survived, or perished, or if you anchored out and it survived, or perished, or if you anchored out and stayed on board and—well, hopefully you survived, we want to hear your story—what you did or didn’t do or wish you had or wish you hadn’t done.

Let us know. We’ll pass the word on in future editions and all do better next time.

Perhaps a few of you will get the boat of your dreams by purchasing a salvaged one and fixing her up. You can then name her Phoenix.

Steve Morrell Editor

www.southwindssailing.com

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

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

MOORING FIELDS, TOWN MEETINGS, AND SAILING CLUBS: HOW THEY ALL CONNECT I think mooring fields are coming whether you want them or not. The question is: Who will have the authority to govern their management? US or THEM? I don’t want to tell you sea stories or relate my experiences at sea, either with or without hurricanes. You can hear all that from the waterborne campers, barstool buccaneers, sea lawyers, and other assorted boat owners who never sail.

I have sailed almost every day from December through April of this year. It is what I like to do; SAIL. In reading about the mooring situation and hearing the local scuttlebutt around the shorelines, I continuously hear the same old things about how the boaters are not paying taxes, polluting the water and not contributing to the community.

I believe they are paying taxes if they are buying food and living any kind of life at all. I don’t think they are contributing to the pollution problem as much as the shore people accuse them. But I don’t feel there is a lot of community involvement on their part, other than a few attending various town meetings concerning the management and future usage of the waterways. When decisions are made at these meetings, their ideas and concepts are often tabled or put off until they are forgotten—or totally ignored. “I attended all the meetings and nothing changed!” is usually the result of attending meetings. Frustrating, isn’t it? They have not done anything concrete to gain credibility within the community, other than attend the meetings and voice their opinions.

How do you gain credibility and have a voice? You have to do something other than attend meetings.

My interest and contribution is sailing—and instigating people to sail particularly small boats in visible places. Would you be ashamed to be seen in a small sailboat? (Kid stuff?) This is a step in gaining credibility, and maybe maturing a little.

HOW DOES SAILING GET YOU CREDIBILITY?! Five years ago I joined a sleepy little sailing club that has 100 feet of waterfront that no one wanted and some broken boats. A big boat to us is 20 feet. A lot of us owned bigger ones but got over it. No one was really excited about doing much, and it was becoming a cheap place to store boats. We began fixing boats and making them easy to use. People started to come around. A lot of activity has taken place since then, and the club is doing better than ever. The more we sail, the more people come join the club and go sailing. Yes, we have rules. They are enforced only as a last resort. We have developed a youth sailing program with 180 kids sailing Optis during the summer. We have a blossoming women’s sailing program. The boats are getting used. Boats that haven’t been used in five years are being sailed now. We are a SAILING club. I sail every chance I get and encourage others to See LETTERS continued on page 14 12

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LETTERS

Continued from page 12

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

sail as much as possible. We built four Opti prams over the winter, saving the club $10,000. All the materials were gladly donated by local business people. And we are gaining credibility with the city. When people of the community look out on the water and see 30 boats being sailed by men and women from age 7 to 81 years old. it makes a much greater statement about the positive side of sailing than some guy standing in front of the city council demanding his rights.

If you are having difficult times about mooring fields and regulations, perhaps you might try getting your friends to start a community sailing program and contribute something that benefits that community—in the name of sailors.

Rudder club of Jacksonville, Rat Island YC, Palatka, St. Augustine YC, Lower Keys Sailing, Marathon, Key West Sailing Club, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Mount Dora. These are a few good examples of what we as sailors do to promote and make our voices heard in our comunity. It is a WIN/WIN cause.

Walt Matthews Puddle Pirate Walt, Great comments and a great story! You and your friends are definitely doing something for the sailing community—and for sure, for society’s general mental and physical well-being.

I would like to comment on those who go to these meetings and get frustrated. They’re partaking in our form of government.

What we have here is a democracy. Well, actually, we have a republic, with representatives, but the big thing is we have rule by the majority, and we have rights of the minority protected by law.

Where the majority’s rights end and the minority’s rights begin is not always easy to determine and gets a little fuzzy. If the minority doesn’t speak up and protect those rights, then most likely nobody will, and I support all those who go and voice their opinion and let it be known what they would like to see done. Of course, they could just shut up and follow the leader blindly—the most frightening and dangerous thing there is.

As it is, most sailors who are out living anchored on their boats offshore, or cruising around, many on shoestring budgets, are not in the ruling majority, but their lives have just as many rights as any others. These people might not be contributing to the community in ways some think best, but that’s what makes this a free country. They don’t have to. Long live all sailing vagabonds.

What’s great is that all these different types of people are what makes the world go around, and what you and your fellow sailors are doing is being some of those people. Others are different. More power to all of you.

Editor DID THE COAST GUARD KNOW THE BOTTLE OF RUM WAS ON THE COUNTER? I recently sent this letter to the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Group in Key West: On the morning of May 3, when my crew and I were exiting Key West Bight on my 27-foot sailboat, Reefer, we See LETTERS continued on page 16 14

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LETTERS

Continued from page 14

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

were passed by the Coast Guard cutter Monhegan. The cutter was under way on what was, apparently, a training mission, as it stopped to practice launching a RIB near the southern end of what used to be called Tank Island.

When the Monhegan passed us about 0915 (estimated), it threw off enough wake to roll my sailboat to such an extent that a bottle of Havana Club Anejo rum I had brought back from Cuba was pitched from the countertop in the galley. It smashed on the cabin sole.

I am a journalist and had imported the rum legally.

My boat had been cleared by U.S. Customs upon its return to Key West from Cuba (clearance #03007901).

I would be most appreciative if Coast Guard Group Key West would either replace the bottle of rum or pay me what it was worth, $10 USD. As any vessel is responsible for the damage its wake causes, it seems to me that the U.S. Coast Guard and its vessels and personnel would be foremost in observing this rule as opposed to disregarding it.

Compensation or any correspondence appurtenant thereto may be addressed to me at the above return address.

Very truly yours, Morgan Stinemetz Morgan, I hope you get your money, and I really hope that someone in the Coast Guard goes down to Cuba and buys that bottle of Cuban Rum and replaces it. We’ll get ‘em when they return—at least question them that the trip was legal (heh, heh, heh).

Good luck, but I wouldn’t count on getting reimbursed— not officially anyway. Better go out and buy some rum from some country Americans are allowed to buy from legally. Unless, of course, you want to make that trip again.

Editor SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION, CHARCOAL AND COAL Editor You and BoatUS are correct, certainly, about the nigh impossibility of spontaneous combustion of charcoal. But you only glanced ar coal, which is interesting though very few sailboats and almost as few trawlers today carry coal.

Sterling Hayden’s A Novel: Voyage of 1896 hinges on a fire first noticed by the smoke coming out of the hollow mast. They had stowed coal in the bilge of a steel hull vessel. Like all vessels, the bilge leaked. There you had the perfect combination of coal, iron and water. The iron oxidizes, generates heat and starts the process heating the coal. In a closed hole, the heat generated builds to the point it will indeed start a fire, but it is with coal and not charcoal.

Tom Tom, Thanks for that interesting story. Although I read that book 20 years ago, I do not remember that particular story, and I now See LETTERS continued on page 18 16

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LETTERS

Continued from page 16

editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com PO Box 1175,Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-870

wish I had kept it to re-read. There are a few out there on boats with coal as you mentioned, but not many. I lived in Colorado for a while and quite a few people still use coal and I wonder if this spontaneous combustion happens on land ever.

I have had a few people mention they were glad we published that article as some have wondered if charcoal was a danger to have on board.

Editor CUBA: SOUTHWINDS — THE PROPER FORMAT FOR CUBA? Like many others who have cruised to Cuba I have my opinions on the US embargo on our neighbor, and yes, I don’t think that a sailing magazine is the place to air them.

However, on a recent cruise to the Bahamas we had an incident that puts a human face on the situation that I would like to share with your readers.

In a store on an island in the Abacos my crew and I were introduced to a pretty eight-year old girl in school uniform waiting for the school boat to Marsh Harbour. She explained that her mother and she had come from Cuba to the Bahamas on a raft and that her mother had remarried a Bahamian allowing them to remain in the Islands. We explained to her that we had been to Cuba several times and that we had spent some time in Havana. “Oh,” she cried, “Did you meet my daddy there?”

We were a subdued couple as we rowed back to our boat, thinking of the stupidity of politics, and its effect on human life.

Ken Clark S/V Viva Yo Ken, Point well made.

Editor THE ICW: STILL UNDERFUNDED In the last couple of months we found out here on the Texas coast that there would be no more dredging done by the Army Corps, indefinitely. The reason cited was that the funds had to be used to finance the Iraq thing. The marked and lit harbor entrance near my house in Matagorda, TX, is rapidly silting closed and poses a hazard to navigation.

Anyone have any idea how long this funding cut to the Army Corps is going on? Also, isn’t there a serious liability issue here with an ocean entrance charted and marked as navigable when in fact it is not?

Hugh Freebairn Alberg 30 Aliage Hugh, Unfortunately this funding cut on maintenance of the ICW has been going on for at least ten years, and the current war in Iraq will not help release of more funds for such maintenance.

Think of all the taxes you’re saving, as that is the reason funds were cut.

Editor 18

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“How could you tell that?” Bruno asked. I looked over at him and saw him sipping his beer through a straw. Bruno always takes an unusual tack on the most mundane of actions.

“Hurricanes and tornadoes are always attracted to the magnetic fields surrounding trailer parks, and there were a lot of trailer parks in Charlotte County. Look at the track of the storm. It was heading up the coast for Tampa, which was a ‘sure thing’ target, according to the National Hurricane Center. People were getting out of Tampa and heading east like there was going to be no tomorrow,” Bubba explained.

“Yu-yu-yu-you ca-ca-ca-can say that uh-uh-again,” Shorty added.

“And then the storm took a big right-hand turn, crossed the barrier islands along Florida’s west coast and headed right for Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. According to my calculations, this was not an anomaly. It was entirely predictable, and the National Hurricane Center should have factored it in. My research has shown that a 45-degree turn toward mobile home parks happens in 62.5 percent of the hurricanes and tornadoes that strike this country. When you see post-storm TV coverage, what you see is trailer parks that have been ripped apart by the high winds, don’t you?

“That’s not coincidence, guys. That is a matter of science, and the National Hurricane Center needs to factor it in, along with the stuff about the Jim Stafford and Homer Simpson scales they talk about,” Whartz announced.

“I was just devastated that so many nice homes and interior decorations were destroyed,” Bruno volunteered.

“Means more work for you, sweetie,” Tripwire shot back.

“You’re just a cad, Tripwire,” Bruno countered, a slight

Local News For Southern Sailors

smile playing on his lips. “I’d like to get you alone sometime.”

Tripwire, drew his right hand across his throat and glared at Bruno.

“Bubba, huh-huh-huh-how do you ah-ah-account for the fuh-fuh-fact that Charley went so far inland?” Shorty asked.

“There were even more mobile homes that attracted it to DeSoto County, and then there were all those cars which had fled Tampa Bay and were heading inland, toward Orlando.

They had a huge magnetic field, too. Once Charley was off track, so to speak, it took the path of least resistance and headed for Arcadia and then up toward Orlando. Lots of trailers in those places, too. I don’t know when the people in Miami or on the Weather Channel will ever figure out what I know to be a weather fact: Trailer parks attract destructive storms, no matter where they are located. I think that Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz lived in a trailer park, too, Bubba said.

At that very moment, just as Bubba was finishing up, I got up from the table I was sitting at. The chair I was sitting in made a screeching sound as I pushed it back. Bubba looked my way, and his face broke into a grin.

Look who s here, he said, smiling. It s the writer guy with the big expense account who is buying everyone a beer. Step up to the bar, boys!

Caught, I was. I nodded to Doobie and told her that I would buy a round as Bruno Velvetier (ASID) sidled up to the bar behind Tripwire. I had to go to the bathroom first, though. As I got to the gents room door the last thing I heard was Tripwire growling at Bruno, If you touch me again like that, I ll kill you.

You never are at a loss for an education or drama at the Blue Moon Bar. And that s a fact.

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BOATEK SOLUTIONS

By Stephen Sommer TO

ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AIR-CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION

AND

OTHER YACHT SYSTEMS

Dealing With Humidity Steve: I’m trying to do something about the humidity that makes my boat smell bad and even leaves mold on soft goods and rust on metal surfaces. Do you think that the chemical dehumidifiers are any good?

C

hemical desiccants have their place. They work well, but their capacity is extremely limited, so they only work in a very well-sealed environment. Boats are inherently sealed, but they still aren’t sealed well enough unless you take extra steps, like shrink-wrapping the whole boat. If you do use them, make sure that there is some provision for containing the collected condensate, beyond the container provided with the original product.

Controlling the humidity in a boat sitting at dockside takes more aggressive measures. If the boat has air-conditioning, the most obvious alternative is to leave the air conditioner on. This works well, but I don’t recommend it for the long term, for several reasons: The power consumed is expensive and wasteful Raw water-cooling is very susceptible to fouling, especially at dockside.

You are putting a great deal of wear and tear on an extremely expensive system.

Less conventional alternatives to marine air-conditioning are: • Use a household dehumidifier. These are the best deals going at yard sales. The only thing wrong with the old ones is the condensate collection container is usually lost or broken. Just position it over an open bilge with an operational automatic bilge pump. You might want to put it on an appliance timer and only run it at night, for two reasons: There is no humidity problem during the day because the sun heats things up enough to drive moisture out, and the dehumidifier is not designed to work in the ambient temperature of a sealed-up boat in the hot sun.

• Use a small window air conditioner. This is my personal favorite. A 5000 BTU air conditioner costs less than $100 brand-new! It draws less power than a dehumidifier, and cools the boat rather than adding heat to it. You’d be surprised at how much apparent cooling you get from such a small air conditioner. Except when the sun is really heating up the boat, there is almost no need to cool the boat. You can get “apparent” cooling just by removing the humidity. You might even be able to enjoy your boat at dockside, in the evenings or overnight, without a marine air conditioner.

Household window air conditioners have a reputation of running and running for years until the cabinet looks so bad that it gets thrown out. It will surely outlive your marine air conditioner that is prone to overheating every time some flotsam is ingested by the pump. Heck, replacing the pump costs more than a little window A/C. Installing a domestic window air conditioner in a boat is easier said than done. Very few boats have a nearly vertical window that is big enough and opens. If you have such a window, use it. Some people modify a door or any other vertical Local News For Southern Sailors

surface to provide a mounting hole, but most often you have to figure out how to use a deck hatch. It’s challenging because you have to keep the rain out and arrange for separate incoming and outgoing air paths and make it fairly easily removable.

I’ve seen people mount A/C’s using just plastic and duct tape, but they usually leak rainwater and must be pretty much destroyed and rebuilt to remove and replace the A/C. I’ve seen more successful installations using a very large plastic storage container turned upside down and put over a hatch, with a cutout for the air conditioner. I presume that they use some sort of a divider to keep the supply and return air from mixing and short cycling. Constructing a small halyard-supported awning over the air conditioner can provide redundancy for weather tightness.

My favorite approach to mating a window A/C to a hatch utilizes construction foam board that has a layer of aluminum foil on both sides. It’s extremely easy to cut with a carpet knife and glue with Liquid Nails or a similar product.

Set the air conditioner on the edge of the open hatch and put as many pieces of foam panel underneath as needed to almost level the air conditioner. Close the hatch onto the A/C and adjust the position for a good fit.

Cut some triangular foam panels as exactly as possible to fill the big holes left by the partially open hatch.

Open the hatch. Cut a section of foam panel to act as a separator between the warm and cool air paths. Make it just wide enough to contact the triangular panels. Use duct tape to get things in position and to seal things up. Caulk in some adhesive to make it permanent.

Use foam panels to make a box that covers the whole assembly (except for the hot air vents of the air conditioner) to make things weatherproof and to control the heat gained from the sun. You have to keep the sun off the duct tape or it will fail shortly.

Use adhesive caulk to replace as much tape as possible, once you have all the pieces fitted together. Don’t caulk to the deck or the air conditioner, so that you can remove and replace the whole thing easily. As long as your boat has a raised combing around the hatch, gravity should keep the water out while at the dock.

The aluminized panels look more industrial than yacht-like, but it works, for cheap!

Stephen Sommer is a degreed electrical engineer with extensive experience in electrical, mechanical, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and holds a USCG Masters license. He consults in all areas of yacht systems, which include all the equipment on board yachts beyond a basic hull and motor or sails.

Have a systems problem or question? Ask Stephen Sommer. Email: boatek@southwindssailing.com.

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Offshore Sailing School and South Seas Resort in Captiva Gear Back Up After Hurricane Charley With headquarters in Fort Myers and its biggest base at South Seas Resort on nearby Captiva Island, Offshore Sailing School narrowly escaped grave danger when Hurricane Charley cut a devastating path of destruction through its neighborhood. The eye of the storm went directly over South Seas Resort Yacht Harbor on the tip of Captiva, where eleven boats were spidered between pilings.

Despite widespread damage that occurred on the island, the seven Colgate 26s, Hunter 35- and 46-footers, the Mainship 30 trawler and 17-foot Cobia escaped the storm’s fury. “Our staff really did a great job securing the boats,” says founder Steve Colgate. “We lost a couple of masts and have some cosmetic damage to fix, but are thankful it was off-season and many of our boats were in northern branches.”

Though dock lines were stretched to the max, and some boats made contact with the harbor seawall and pilings, Steve applauded Hunter, Luhrs and Precision (builder of the Colgate 26s) for superb construction.

With no electricity to power Offshore’s phones and computers, The Moorings in Clearwater, FL, immediately stepped in and set up a dedicated line to call-forward Offshore’s toll-free line. By Monday afternoon, messages were intercepted, and later that evening Offshore’s marketing manager, Annie Dolan, was at Moorings’ offices setting up shop.

South Seas Resort’s Vacation Planning Center also rallied to Offshore’s aid, despite its own widespread problems, setting up phone lines at their inland offices.

Offshore had its damage. “We dodged the hurricane bullet for 40 years,” mused one employee, “but we will be back in business at South Seas Resort in December, according to the South Seas recovery team.” The Offshore headquarters in Fort Myers is again operational; however, the 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion scheduled for October 2831 has been postponed. Those who signed up to take a course on Captiva between now and December have the option of going to any of the school’s other locations including Hawk’s Cay Resort in the Keys, Tortola in the

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British Virgin Islands, the Abacos, St. Martin, or St. Petersburg, FL. For more information, contact Offshore Sailing School at (800) 221-4326 or visit the school’s Web site at www.offshoresailing.com.

Boat Owners Association Urges Boaters To Be Wary Of Inexperienced Salvors Contact Your Insurance Company Before Any Salvage Effort is Made Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatU.S.) is urging boat owners affected by Hurricane Charley to be wary of inexperienced salvors who may be attempting to assist unsuspecting boaters. The Association, which also insures over $8-billion in recreational boats nationwide, says that it’s already identified cases of improper salvage efforts.

“We strongly urge all boat owners to contact their insurer as soon as they can, and advise that boaters should never sign or agree to any salvage effort without notifying their insurance company first,” said BoatU.S. Catastrophe Team Leader Carroll Robertson. “There are dozens of trucking, barge, and crane firms rushing to affected areas, and most of them are providing valuable services, but problems can arise due to lack of specific experience in boat salvage operations. Further damage can result and boaters need to eliminate that possibility by contacting their insurer, who has already identified knowledgeable and professional salvors. Just because someone has a barge and crane does not mean they have the skills to successfully salvage a vessel,” she continued.

Oftentimes boats are tangled in a “pick-up sticks” fashion after a hurricane and salvage efforts need to be coordinated among several insurers. “If someone decides - without notifying their insurer first - that their boat at the bottom of a pile needs to come out now, they could be personally liable for the damage caused to the other vessels,” added Robertson.

BoatU.S. insureds can call 24 hours a day, toll free at (800) 937-1937 to file a claim or log onto http://www.BoatUS.com/insurance/claims.htm

www.southwindssailing.com

Web Site Set Up for Information about Grenada after Hurricane Ivan Many boaters keep their boats during the summer months in Grenada—besides the many sailors who are there regularly—and a site was recently set up to help those who wonder about the condition of their boats or other problems and questions concerning Grenada after Ivan devastated much of the island. Much of the information about boats is being done by someone in a dinghy going around and looking and taking notes on some of the damaged boats and people injured.

The site is http://reservationsbvi.com/Grenada/

Florida Beneteau Owners Club to Form To all Florida Beneteau owners interested in being involved with the Florida Beneteau Club, the first meeting will be held October 7 at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC), second floor meeting room. The CGSC is located at 2990 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33133.

The success of Club Beneteau of Florida, like the great successes of other Beneteau Clubs throughout the country, is totally dependent upon membership participation. Please do invite any other Beneteau owners you might know of in Florida (the more the better). If there are other Beneteau owners at your marina, please invite them, too. Leave a note on

their boat, do whatever you can to let them know this is beginning October 7.

We have already lined up some exciting guests for the coming year with lots more to plan for; such as, but not limited to: raft-ups, a Beneteau rendezvous (maybe with a few new boats to see) and factory reps, cruises to the Bahamas, Florida Keys, etc., fun races, post sailing parties…these are just a few fun things we can share and do as a group. This is your club…have any ideas or suggestions?…Bring them to the meeting! We should have some real nice Beneteau freebee / give-a-ways for all attending, too!

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club has a restaurant and bar so if you want to have dinner and/or drinks before or after the meeting, the food is good and the prices are more than fair. Although it is not open to the public, I will place those that are interested in food and drink on our guest list so you can pay cash when served. If anyone would like to see the menu, just let me know, and we can forward it to you before the meeting. Attire is very informal!

Anyone who would like to contact me directly or has suggestions or recommendations please, do not hesitate to contact me at: js2@adelphia.net. We do welcome all input.

Jeffrey & Deborah Mystiko

Song Helps Disabled Sailing Some of the proceeds from the sale of a CD featuring a song about sailing are to help raise awareness of disabled sailing.

Sailing is one of the sports featured in the Paralympic Games, which took place in Athens this September, and to mark the occasion, UK singer/songwriter Peter Brodie has released a CD with 10 tracks including Summer Breeze, a ballad about going sailing. For every copy of the CD sold during 2004, Brodie is donating one US dollar to the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS).

IFDS is the body responsible for disabled sailing around the world, including sailing for people with physical disabilities, blindness, deafness and learning difficulties, and covers all aspects of sailing including recreation, training and racing.

The money will go toward ongoing international projects, such as developing and updating resources to provide accessible venues for disabled sailors worldwide.

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The album entiitled The Music of Peter Brodie consists of ballads, some love songs, other songs about getting away from it all—by road, on a freight train, to the beach, or in the case of Summer Breeze, on a boat. It is this track which drew the praise of IFDS. A spokesperson said: “Peter Brodie’s performance on Summer Breeze epitomizes the spirit and triumph of sailing. It seems to speak to sailors of all nationalities and abilities. Sailors from around the world should enjoy his compositions, both on the water and off. IFDS would like to thank Mr. Brodie for his contribution to the sport of sailing through his musical talents.”

Brodie said: “I am delighted that my music is able to help such a worthwhile cause, and I would be thrilled if Summer Breeze were to become a favorite song with sailing enthusiasts around the world, both disabled and able-bodied.” The song can be heard at www.peterbrodie.com.

BoatU.S. Offers Free Mast and Rigging Self-Survey Guide A free guide for sailors, Inspecting Your Boat’s Mast and Rigging, is now available from BoatU.S. Marine insurance, the nation’s leader in helping recreational boaters avoid damage or injury.

Based on the review of hundreds of BoatU.S. insureds’ claims files, the eight-panel guide takes sailors through a safety inspection of their boats’ mast and rigging, and advis-

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es when to take corrective action.

“This guide will help sailboaters stay safe and protect their investment,” said Bob Adriance, BoatU.S. marine insurance technical services director. “It advises what to look for during periodic inspections so that potential trouble spots can be identified and problems corrected before an accident occurs.”

With text, illustrations and photos, the guide discusses fittings, chain plates, turnbuckles, terminal fittings, as well as mast-related issues such as welds, rivets, galvanic corrosion and mast steps. Also covered are stays and shrouds, how to perform an examination aloft and professional inspections.

To get the free guide, call (888) 830-2628 or go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Seaworthy

Tide Begins To Turn Following Mandatory Life Jacket Debate From BoatU.S. A major national debate on whether recreational boaters should be required to wear life jackets while under way in a boat ended recently with little support for the proposal.

During a public forum conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), nearly every sector of the recreational boating community—from the boating consumer to the boatbuilder to the boat dealer to life jacket manufacturers—expressed strong opposition to a governmental

www.southwindssailing.com

mandate or failed to embrace the idea.

Speaking before a crowded auditorium filled with boating safety experts, federal and state officials and interest group representatives, BoatU.S. President Jim Ellis urged boaters to wear their life jackets when necessary, but argued that a new generation of inexpensive personal flotation devices that boaters would actually wear rather than stow in a locker on board a boat, as is now the case, is what is needed to reduce the number of drownings.

Of the approximately 700 boating fatalities each year, about 400 of these are drownings in which the victim was not wearing a life jacket. It is estimated that as many as 75-million Americans go boating at least once each year and that the cost to the boating public of having to purchase a life jacket that they would actually wear could exceed $1-billion.

“Forcing all boaters to wear an uncomfortable life jacket on a hot day when there is no perceived risk has little support among the boating public,” said Ellis, in releasing the results of a survey conducted recently by the Recreational Marine Research Center of Michigan State University at the request of BoatU.S. According to the survey of nearly 10,000 boaters, 86 percent of those responding opposed a mandatory life jacket requirement.

“A broad-brush, one-size -fits-all approach will not solve this problem,” said Ellis who urged the NTSB and the Coast

Guard to conduct more thorough research on the causes of boating fatalities before issuing more regulations. See http://www.BoatUS.com for full survey results.

The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water will give grants of up to $4,000 to local community organizations for projects that focus on increasing the voluntary use of life jackets by recreational boaters. “While all applications to our 2005 Boating Safety Grant program will be reviewed for a variety of boating safety programs, preferential treatment will be given to those that focus on increasing life jacket usage,” said Chris Edmonston, director of the Foundation’s Boating Safety Programs. The program has nearly $40,000 in grant funding available, and the deadline to apply is November 1, 2004.

Boat and yacht clubs, flotillas and squadrons that would like to apply for a grant may download an application and learn more about Boating Safety Grants. Please visit http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation or call (410) 897-0943.

The grants will be awarded in late January 2005.

Polynesian Catamaran Association Holds Winter Meet in Florida Dec. 3-5.

For lovers of Polynesian-style catamarans, such as Wharram catamarans, this meeting will allow old and new fans to view and visit these boats. The meeting, to be held Dec. 3-5, will be at St. Lucie State Park in Florida, ICW mile 992 south of the St. Lucie Inlet, just south and east of green day mark 19.

Contact Gene Perry, co-host, at tikipapa@webtv.net or contact Ann and Neve Clemen at (401) 261-7816, peacefour@pocketmail.com. For more information on the Polynesian Catamaran Association go to www.pca-seapeople.org or email PCA@pca-seapeople.org.

More 2004 Summer Sailstice Winners Announced The Grand Prize for 2004, a one week Moorings charter in the BVI for Summer Sailstice 2005, was won by Laser sailor Noah French of Branched Oak Yacht Club in Nebraska! Branched Oak had the largest participation from any single yacht club in 2003 and has repeated again this year. You don’t need an ocean to sail, celebrate or to have a shot at winning with

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Summer Sailstice.

Other grand prize winners include Chris, of the Peterson 49 Guild at Coronado YC in Southern California who won the Hunter Xcite sailing dinghy. Jean Hurle of the Hunter 30 Callisto in Sandwich, MA, won the Fast Track to Cruising course from Offshore Sailing, and the $500 gift certificate from West Marine was won by another Laser sailor, L. Arrington, in Pinecrest, FL. Lasers have always been fun, but maybe they’re lucky, too! The complete list of 2004 winners and more information about Summer Sailstice is posted at http://www.summersailstice.com.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

U.S. Coast Guard Purchases Fleet of Florida-built Colgate 26 Sailboats A brand-new Colgate 26 just completed a tour throughout the eastern United States and Great Lakes Region where interested clubs, schools and individuals saw and test-sailed this versatile and exciting sailboat. One of the stops en route was the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which recently purchased sixteen Colgate 26 sailboats to replace a fleet of J-22s at its New London, CT, headquarters. Created by Steve Colgate, founder of Offshore Sailing School, the Colgate 26 fills the demand for keelboat instruction and recreational boating by combining excellent sailing performance with safety, comfort, durability and minimum maintenance.

“The Colgate 26 is an ideal boat for introducing students to sailing and basic seamanship,” explained Allen Kruger, waterfront director of the U.S. Coast Guard. “We wanted boats that were a good balance between performance, safety and durability,” he said. “We have intercollegiate sailors who are very skilled so the boats need to be fun and fast to satisfy experienced sailors. And, we have 300 new students with little to no sailing experience, so it is necessary to have a vessel that will stand up to the rigors of beginners. The Colgate 26 does both. It is unique in that its cockpit is big enough for six students plus an instructor’s platform; he can stand safely aft and teach while having a birds-eye view of everything around him,” said Kruger.

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The safest boat on the market, the Colgate 26 is virtually unsinkable, even if holed, and the cockpit is completely self-bailing. It is consistently winning PHRF competitions nationwide and has its own one-design class association.

“Although widely used for training purposes, most of the 230 boats out there were bought by individuals who sail on lakes and bays for recreational fun, racing or both,” said Colgate. The Coast Guard purchased Colgate 26 hulls #231-246.

Steve Colgate worked with naval architect Jim Taylor to create the Colgate 26, built by Precision Boat Works in Palmetto, FL. In addition to the U.S. Coast Guard, the C-26 is used for training by the U.S. Naval Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Offshore Sailing School, the United Kingdom Sailing Academy and Club Nautique. Fleet discounts are available.

Forespar Comes Out With New Spinnaker Pole Fitting A new fitting recently introduced by Forespar (www.forespar.com) in their Ultra spinnaker pole end fittings for three-inch and threeand-one-half-inch pole ends, allows the bow man to activate the pole end at the end of the fitting should a trip line fail or if used on poles without full length trips (whisker poles). The stainless steel “ball” shown in the photo shows the anti-rotational pin that now protrudes to allow activation of the trigger at the ends.

This is done with a slot which allows the piston pin to travel. In addition, the piston spring is longer so it now has more closing force.

www.southwindssailing.com

Sonic System for Boat Bottom Eliminates Barnacles and Maintenance Keeping the boat free of barnacles and growth is typically a high-maintenance job requiring yearly haul-outs and headaches. However, the Barnaclean Sonic Antifouling System from the Clean Seas Company automatically prevents foulants from attaching to the boat.

Barnaclean utilizes electronic resonators that emit lowfrequency sonic waves to create a micro-thin layer of rapidly moving water over the hull, drive system or running gear. This movement makes it difficult for fouling organisms to attach themselves. To further protect the hull, the low frequency mimics a predatory sound, creating a hostile environment for foulants.

The system increases the boat’s performance and fuel efficiency by eliminating the additional weight and drag caused by barnacle buildup. Barnaclean is maintenance-free and saves the expense, time and frustration of scraping and repainting, allowing boaters to spend more time on the water. Because it keeps barnacles, zebra mussels, oysters, clams and tubeworms off the hull, bottom paint lasts much longer.

Installation is easy and requires no drilling, through-hull fittings or hauling. The system operates off the boat’s battery

Barnaclean Sonic Antifouling System and can run continually for six months off a 12-volt battery without recharging. It will not cause electrolysis or affect onboard electronic equipment.

For hull and drive system protection, the company offers System 45 for boats with a beam less than 14 feet and an overall length up to 50 feet. System 85 is available for boats with a beam greater than 15 feet and an overall length up to 75 feet. Drive System 61 protects stern drives and inboardpowered vessels.

The retail prices of the Barnaclean Sonic Antifouling Systems for hull and outdrive protection start at $1,489. The system is covered by a one-year money-back guarantee.

Drive system and running gear protection retails for $189.

The price for an extra resonator is $50.

Contact Clean Seas Company, 1301 Riverplace Blvd., Ste. 1904, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (904) 396-0985. www.barnaclean.com; cleanseas@cleanseasco.com.

(SOUTHWINDS is interested in hearing from anyone with experience with this product. editor@southwindssailing.com)

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SailTime Launches Fractional Sailing in Florida:

New Concept in Boat Ownership Helps Make Sailing More Affordable

S

ailTime brings fractional sailing to Florida with the opening of bases in Tampa Bay, Miami Beach and Jacksonville.

SailTime fractional sailing provides a unique opportunity for sailors to sail brand-new Hunter sailboats providing intelligent, no commitment, low-cost simple sailing and none of the financial obligations that are normally associated with yacht ownership.

Up until now, the choices for sailors wanting to sail in Florida today have been limited to owning a yacht themselves, owning a yacht in partnership, or alternatively chartering.

“These days, buying and owning a sailboat in Florida can be too high a cost and can be out of the reach of many people. Buying a new sailboat can be the inexpensive part; it is the associated costs like insurance, slip fees and the day-to-day maintenance that really does eat a sailor alive!” explains Martin Town, SailTime Tampa Bay base manager. “Chartering a yacht locally can also be very expensive, with a 30-foot yacht costing anything upwards of $500 per day, not to mention the concerns that come with getting on a boat you don’t know.”

SailTime provides a viable alternative to the traditional ways of sailing.

Fractional sailing enables sailors to sail a brand-new yacht, a minimum of seven times per month for an all inclusive fee, which is considerably less than the cost of the marina slip. SailTime achieves this by having up to seven members and one owner-member on any yacht in the fleet at any time.

A member is someone who pays a monthly fee to SailTime and uses the boat as it was his own. An owner member is someone who buys a new boat and SailTime pays a monthly fee to lease the boat from him or her.

SailTime professionally manages the boat. The owner member does not have to worry about anything on the boat as SailTime management takes

Local News For Southern Sailors

Delos, a Hunter 326, is one of the boats in the Tampa Bay Sailtime fleet. Jerry Twomey photo.

care of everything. The owner member is able to use the boat the same as a regular member.

Upon joining, members are warmly led by the hand, introduced to their new yacht and remain with her for the duration of their membership. The only reason members might change to a different yacht would be if they were to upgrade to a bigger size sailboat.

Even if someone has never sailed before, SailTime will happily introduce them to sailing, making them feel 100 percent comfortable with their new yacht.

Members schedule their SailTime through SailTime’s unique online Scheduler. They can reserve their SailTime instantly and can book their allocation up to 12 months in advance.

This gives the members total flexibility and management over their sailing time. They can even swap time with other members on-line, wait-list or even invite their friends to join them when making a booking via an integrated e-mail system. Members never have to call in on a phone and ask “what’s available?” Each member has their own access so they get to see the on-line calendar in live real time.

Each day is divided into two SailTimes, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 6:3O p.m. to 10:3O a.m., providing a day sail or an evening/night sail.

Allocated times can be combined to a

maximum of seven full days, or 14 SailTimes. Typically the average sailor uses his boat 2.3 times per month, leaving plenty of slots available. Even if a member were to use all his allocated SailTimes, he can have unlimited use of the boat if it is available under the 24 hour-rule.

In addition to the calendar, SailTime also equips each yacht with a hand-held wireless PDA (E-ttendant), which helps to manage and maintain the yacht the same way you would do a pre-fight check list. Upon boarding a SailTime yacht, the member is taken through a series of questions and safety checks on the e-ttendant, which provides an automatic update on the boat status. Questions such as: “Is there enough fuel on board? Are there sufficient lifejackets? Is the transom clean?”

These are all questions that an experienced skipper should ask. After completing the “check-on,” the e-ttendant e-mails the various responses directly back to the SailTime base informing the manager the boat is in good condition. Upon returning to the marina, the member then “checks-off” on the ettendant, effectively reversing the process, which again advises the base owner of the boat status.

When the yacht returns to the marina, the members’ only responsibility is to clean it as if it is their own and leave it as they found it, ready and saddled for the next member. SailTime has the same members allocated to each yacht. Experience in other SailTime bases has shown that each member gets a real pride of ownership that they would never experience if they were to own an older boat.

All SailTime yachts are extremely well equipped and always come fully loaded such as in-mast furling, roller furling headsail, overhead bimini, extensive navigation pack with GPS chart plotter and also on-board airSee SAILTIME continued on page 69 SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING Carolinas & Georgia Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors

SE Coast October Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Cape Hatteras, NC - 70° Savannah, GA - 73° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Cape Hatteras, NC 60° lo - 73° hi Savannah, GA 56° lo - 78° hi For Real Time Southeast Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Southeast.shtml

NORTH CAROLINA

Lake Lanier GEORGIA

OCTOBER

1, 15, 29 Adult Learn to Sail programs. Instruction on a 30foot sailboat. North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Beaufort, NC. (252) 728-7317 www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime/ main/events.htm 1-3 18th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival and Boat Show. Morehead City, NC. http://www.ncseafoodfestival.org/ 2 Kiwanis Club of St. Mary’s, GA, Rock Shrimp Festival. http://www.eagnet.com/edipage/areaserv/ smkc/shrimp.htm 9-10 Beaufort Shrimp Festival. Shrimp cooked every way. Local restaurants offer their specialties.

Beaufort, SC. www.sneadsferry.org/festival/ scf_beaufort_shrimpfest.htm 15-17 Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival.

Richmond Hill, SC. www.richmondhillga.com/rhnew.htm

1-3

NOVEMBER 12, 26

2-3 2-3 9-10 9-10

Adult Learn to Sail programs. Instruction on a 30-foot sailboat. North Carolina Maritime Musuem. Beaufort, NC. (252) 728-7317. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime/ main/events.htm

9-10

16-17

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1

October Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

OCTOBER

2-3

Charleston

Beaufort

SOUTHEAST COAST

Racing Calendar

1-3

Wilmington

Savannah

Upcoming Events

1-3

SOUTH CAROLINA

Pamlico Cup Hospice Regatta. Bath, NC. Pamlico Sailing Club, Washington, NC. www.sailingsource.com/psc/ SC Laser State Championships. Western Carolina Sailing Club (WCSC). Hartwell Lake, SC. www.wcsc-sailing.org.

Pursuit of the Cure for Huntington’s Disease Regatta. PHRF, Pursuit Race. Outrigger Yacht Club. Lake Norman, NC. www.outriggeryachtclub.org Lightning Atlanta Cup. J/24, All Juniors, C22, MC. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC), SC. www.llsc.com Thistle Old Salty. MC Scow. Lake Norman Yacht Club (LNYC). Lake Norman, NC. www.lakenormanyachtclub.com Outback Cup. PHRF. Columbia Sailing Club, SC, www.columbiasailingclub.org.

Alice Cup. PHRF. Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA). www.charlestonoceanracing.org Opti Southeasterns. LLSC. www.llsc.com. C22, MC, Lightning, PS Indian Summer Regatta. San Juan 21, Tanger 16, Lightning, Hobie 16, 17, Tiger, Sunfish.

Waccamaw Sailing Club. Lake Waccamaw, NC. http://ussailing.net/waccamaw/ Georgia State Laser Championships. LLSC. www.llsc.com

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SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING 16-17 22-24 23-24 23-24 23-24 30 30-31

Calibogue Cup. PHRF. The Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island, SC. www.yachtclubhh.org Hospice Regatta. WCSC. PHRF, One Design, J/22, J/24. Hartwell Lake, SC. www.wcsc-sailing.org.

Sailboard Regatta/Fleet Races. J/24, C22, MC. LLSC. www.llsc.com Carolina Ocean Challenge. PHRF, J/105. South Carolina Yacht Club, Hilton Head Island, SC. www.scyachtclub.com Cracker Barrel Team Race. Snipes. Atlanta Yacht Club, Lake Allatoona, SC. www.atlantayachtclub.org Stede Bonnet Regatta.

Cape Fear Yacht Club, NC. www.cfycnc.com Halloween Regatta. Open all fleets. LLSC, SC. www.llsc.com

NOVEMBER 6-7 6-7 6-7 6-7 11-14 15 18 20

J/22 and J/24 Miss Piggy. LLSC, SC. www.llsc.com 45th Annual Midlands Regatta. Columbia Sailing Club, SC, www.columbiasailingclub.org.

Blood Mary Thistle Regatta. WCSC. Hartwell Lake, SC. www.wcsc-sailing.org.

Flying Scott Fall 48. LNYC. Lake Norman, NC. www.lakenormanyachtclub.com 2004 Ultimate 20 Nationals. LNYC. www.lakenormanyachtclub.com Big Boat Regatta. Charleston Yacht Club, SC.. www.chyc.org Double-handed Race. Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA). www.charlestonoceanracing.org Lanier Cup. LLSC, Lake Lanier, SC www.llsc.com.

Bob Turner’s Kauffman 46 Kiva prepares for a blustery start.

Photo by Dan Dickison

the race. First to cross the line in 23 hours, 57 minutes and 39 seconds was Norm Dawley and crew on Pursuit. Teddy Turner’s 40-foot trimaran Aiki was at the front of the fleet most of the way, but light winds hurt the boat as it had struck a whale en route and lost most of its centerboard, making maneuvering in light airs difficult.

In 2001, there were six entries, and Turner was back with his trimaran. That year the crew was more diverse than ever with a great variety of boats.

In 2003, the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation, which is also building the Spirit of South Carolina—a traditional 140-foot wooden pilot schooner—took over the sponsorship of the race. Since its sponsorship, all benefits go to the foundation.

This year the race committee is offering individual fleets for classes entering five boats or more, with fleet trophies See SOUTHEAST COAST continued on page 69

Sailing News 2005 Charleston to Bermuda Race Gears Up

T

he fourth 772 nautical-mile race from Charleston to Bermuda, known as C2B, is scheduled to depart Charleston harbor on Saturday, May 14, 2005. The race, which runs every other year, (alternating with the Daytona Beach to Charleston race) was first run in 1997.

The race was the result of the efforts and dreams of two local sailing enthusiasts, David Browder and Rick Hennigar.

The first race, with five boats, lasted six days and met winds ranging from zero to 49 knots. With rain and squalls most of the way, it was won by David Scully on board Hot Glue Gun, a Quest 30, the smallest boat in the race.

Two years later the event teamed up with the Leukemia Society of America as a benefit and became the Leukemia Ocean Challenge for a Cure. That year they raised $77,000.

In 1999, the second race was run, and nine boats entered

REGIONAL EDITOR WANTED to report on sailing in the Carolinas & Georgia covering racing and other sailing news.

Contact editor@southwindssailing.com Local News For Southern Sailors

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The Other Washington: Historic Washington, NC, on the Pamlico River off the ICW

By Gretchen Coyle No dockmaster was magine our delight around. In fact we were when, after two rainy the only boat except for an and windy days on the old catamaran that looked Intracoastal, a friendly resas if its owner had left it ident of Washington, NC, for good. "We’re the origieating his lunch on the nal Washington, y’know," wharf, greeted us. "You our good will ambassador can dock two nights for said. "Not like your big free here," he said. "Any one up North." Looking questions? Y’all will love up I saw a little red train our town walking tour." and a number of restored Just what we wanted to buildings. Brick sidewalks hear after motoring 25 and landscaped paths nautical miles up the welcomed us. Captivated, Pamlico River.

A revitalization waterfront project has taken place in Washington we took off on foot.

From that friendly with landscaping, brickwork, and restoration of old buildings.

"Forks of the Tar" was voice things only got beta small village nestled between the Tar and Pamlico rivers ter, but to regress a bit.. We had been cooped up on the boat founded by Colonel James Bonner in 1771. In 1776 the name for a few days—quick runs to go out for dinner or eating was changed to Washington, becoming the first town aboard, but no walks or exploration. Stretching our legs named after Gen. George Washington (before he became was becoming a priority. On advice from friends we decidour president). Washington’s Historic Downtown is listed ed to "detour" up the Pamlico River a bit. in the National Register of Historic Places with almost three On the southwest side of Pamlico Sound lies the dozen historical homes.

Pamlico River. We had approached it from the Pungo River Washington was a big shipping area because of its proxalong the Intracoastal Waterway. Stories abound of rough imity to inland areas and coastal rivers. "During the colonial water in shallow Pamlico Sound, but luck has been with us era the Pamlico River was the ‘great highway in the wilderon each trip as we have found the going calm. We just like ness’ upon which the resources of the region’s settlements exploring and getting away from the constant flow of were carried to the markets of the world," according to October boat traffic heading south.

Clairborne S. Young in Cruising Guide to North Carolina. "The Once a bustling waterfront area with ships headed Pamlico was truly the lifeline of North Carolina’s earliest worldwide during colonial times, the Pamlico is a wide and settlers." rather placid river with stretches of greenery and no houses, Stopping at a little store, we picked up a self-guided something becoming less frequent along the Waterway. walking tour guide and set off to see the homes and historDuck blinds were positioned along the river, hunting season ical buildings, all within walking distance of the boat. More obviously around the corner. Sailboats were everywhere friendly residents of this town of 10,000 offered greetings docked and moored. However, not many were sailing on a and information on the buildings, which showed various cloudy and cool weekday morning. From what we could see types of architecture. This was also true of a waterfront and read, cruising boats are welcome with not only public restaurant where we ate lackluster/so-so crabcakes, but got dockage and gas, but there are also a number of local anchormore than our money’s worth of local knowledge from our ages and gunkholes just waiting for sailors to explore. waiter, a local college student.

Tying up at the concrete city docks was easy, For instance, we found that what we had heard was though we could not find any electricity or water available. true: You really cannot get west under the bridge at Washington where the Pamlico River turns into the Tar. The bridge openings are unreliable, and marks along the Tar are not accurate. In addition it can be very shallow.

The little red train we could see from the boat is another renovated symbol of Washington’s days of prosperous lumber business. This occurred after the Civil War when the railroad came to the town in 1878.

By far the most impressive environmental museum I have ever seen is right on Washington’s waterfront. Aptly named the North Carolina Estuarium, it illustrates with a video and vivid exhibits the "dynamic and vital ecosystem" of the Pamlico/Tar River System. As every child in the museum knew, and adults were being educated, an estuary is the area where salt and freshwater meet and mix together.

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www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST COAST SAILING For navigation of the Pamlico River, NOAA charts 11548, 11553 and 11554 are a necessity.

City of Washington Department of Parks, Recreation, and Civic Center 310 West Main Street Washington, NC 27889 (252) 975-9367 www.ci.washington.nc.us recadm@washington.com

A variety of homes have been restored in Washington, all within easy walking distance from the town docks.

Best of all was a ceiling exhibit showing how a drop of water (think it was a tennis ball) traveled from the mountains to stream to river and out to Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Over 200 exhibits are in this museum, many of them hands-on exhibits where visitors see, hear, feel and watch. In the summer an Estuarium pontoon boat takes tours along the Pamlico River.

After a quiet night aboard, we once again headed east back to the ICW. Much time could be spent exploring the Pamlico River creeks and gunkholes. Next time we hope to visit South Creek, Bond Creek, East Fork, Bath and Bath Creek to name a few, allowing a week to satisfy our curiosity about this beautiful river and scenic/historic Washington.

Local News For Southern Sailors

Washington — Beaufort County Visitor Information P.O. Box 1765 Washington, NC 27889 (252) 946-9168 (800) 999-3857 www.washingtonnctourism.com North Carolina Estuarium 223 East Water Street Washington, NC 27889 252-948-0000 www.pamlico.com www.partnershipforthesounds.org E-mail: Estuary@beauforco.com

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

Jacksonville

Daytona

Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors

Upcoming Events Melbourne Yacht Club Survived Hurricane Frances in Great Shape and the Fall Regatta is on time and everyone is looking forward to a great race week.

OCTOBER 2-3

J-24 District Championships. Florida Yacht Club, Jacksonville. www.floridayachtclub.org.

2 Fall Series # 3. Rudder Club. www.rudderclub.com 2 First Saturday at Sebastian Inlet. Indian River Catamaran Association.

3 Race #10. Ft. Pierce Yacht Club. http://ftpierceyachtclub.homestead.com 15-17 Snipe North American Championship. Florida Yacht Club, Jacksonville. www.floridayachtclub.org.

16 - 24 Melbourne Race Week & Fall Regatta. Melbourne Yacht Club. (Includes Race 6 of the Southeast Circuit Races).

16 Fall Series #4. Rudder Club. www.rudderclub.com 17 Summer/Fall #5. Indian River Yacht Club. www.Sail-race.com/iryc/sundayseries.htm.

24 WOW Regatta. Rudder Club. www.rudderclub.com 30.

Halloween PHRF Regatta & Halloween J-24 Regatta 30 - 31 Hiram’s Haul. Performance Sail and Sport.

(Catamaran distance race) www.perfsail.com

1

Melbourne

Eastern Florida October Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Daytona Beach - 78° Jacksonville Beach - 75° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 2.5 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Daytona Beach 65° lo - 83° hi Jacksonville Beach 65° lo - 79° hi For Real Time Southeast For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

October Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

an approximately ten-mile triangular course plus a windward/leeward finish. The PHRF handicapping system will be used.

Racers will be welcomed with a cocktail party at the club’s Tiki Hut on Friday evening. A Caribbean Night Dinner Dance will be held at the Tiki on Saturday evening with a $25.00 per person charge. The awards presentation will be on Sunday at Happy Hour after the race.

For more information and registration instructions, visit www.smyrnayachtclub.com.

NOVEMBER

Smyrna Yacht Club Renews Lipton Cup, November 12-15

O

n November 12-15, the Smyrna Yacht Club (SYC) is renewing its historic Lipton Cup Regatta. A series of offshore races will be held in the Atlantic Ocean just outside the Ponce De Leon Inlet. In addition to racing enthusiasts, SYC is hoping to attract many of the southward bound cruising boats that pass through New Smyrna Beach, hence the name, Southward Bound Lipton Cup Regatta.

The regatta will accommodate three offshore racing classes: Sailboats with unlimited sails, sailboats without spinnakers, and cruising sailboats. The races will be around

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www.southwindssailing.com

EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

Hurricane Frances’ Effect on East Florida: Not Since Hurricane Donna . . .

By Roy Laughlin Photos by Roy Laughlin

T

he outcome of a hurricane’s passage is, in my opinion, fated. It is determined in advance and cannot be modified by any usual means available to humans. The Greeks, who invented Fate, also believed that between the determination of fate and its outcome there was wiggle room that made a circular route to the outcome possible by cheating fate, depending on human ingenuity and courage.

Cheating fate was my goal during my hurricane preparations for Frances’ visit to east Florida.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

The first task is to prepare my boats for the storm. Working on the water with a boat becomes difficult or impossible well before preparation tasks on land become that way.

I try to get my sailboats, all catamarans, on trailers and away from the waterfront along the Indian River where I typically sail. My largest, a Stiletto 27, is the greatest challenge.

This year, with the help of two friends and a morning of exhausting effort, I put it on the trailer and pulled it into my protected back yard before Charley blasted through central Florida. Frances seemed to be the fateful wind. It could destroy boats even off the water.

The forecasts of Frances’ probable path made cheating fate just a hunch. A boat’s survival on land often depends on effectively minimizing its profile to the strongest winds. That was an agonizing determination for both of the recent hurricanes because the true path was accurately predicted less than 12 hours before hurricane force winds arrived. In my case, I attribute the lack of damage to my catamarans to two factors: dumb luck and palm trees that blocked the wind effectively without blowing over onto the boats.

Zora Neal Hurston wrote in her novel, Their Eyes Were Seeing God, that hurricane winds anger a monster chained beneath the water’s surface. The monster breaks its chains and comes over the land destroying everything in its path.

The monster in the Indian River got loose Saturday night.

Boats at docks in the Indian River were beaten to pieces by Sunday morning, along with the dock they were attached to. Once free of the disintegrating docks, a drifting boat usually breached a few more docks apart before sinking.

All but three or four boats moored on the west side of the river broke loose. Perhaps only one out of six docks along the east side of the Indian River, the one facing the wind for two days, survived. In my neighborhood, only boats and docks were trashed. Further south in Indian River, St. Lucie

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and Martin counties, buildings and homes were damaged by wind and flooding. These folks will need a few months before sailing becomes important again.

Mooring out has been effective during past storms along the Indian River in central Brevard County. But not since Hurricane Donna in 1960 have hurricane force winds per-

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EASTERN FLORIDA COAST

sisted for 18 hours. Four to six hours is the usual duration.

There is hardly any mooring material or practice that will reliably last so long. One boat owner moored his 40-foot sailboat with two pieces of chain, each 140 feet long. The chains lasted nearly 12 hours. They sawed through both chocks, then through about a foot of fiberglass down each side of the hull just behind the bow. At this point, the capstan holding the chains broke from the deck and the chains gave way, too. (Note to boatbuilders: Use of four 3/4-inch washers to secure the capstan to the deck is much less effective than using a backing plate.

There is a "hurricane hole" on the east side of the river from my neighborhood. During Hurricane Erin 10 years ago, at least a dozen sailors moored their boats in this deep water protected by a shoal with two spoil islands on three sides and a high bank on Merritt Island to the east. During Erin, all boats moored there made it through the storm.

During Frances, only one sailboat, a survivor, was moored there. One reason this spot was not used extensively during Frances appears to be that it is not known to so many of the neighborhood’s newbies who have moved in during the past decade. The oldtimers who have used that spot for decades have either died, moved away, or become too old to sail large boats and so are not active and recognized members of the sailing community. There’s a communication gap between the two generations of sailors–the ones who did then and the ones who do now. Several people salvaging their sailboats said they would have moored over there had they known about the spot. Ignorance is one of ate’s most effective allies.

By Sunday noon, we had endured tropical storm force winds for over 24 hours and hurricane force winds for perhaps 18 hours. It was then that the winds began to shift as Frances’ eye crossed land and headed toward the Gulf of Mexico. As the wind shifted, the final few boats, one of them my neighbor’s 24-foot sailboat, finally broke loose from the remains of a dock and crashed into the rocks along the shore. What a shame! Carl spent a couple of years refurbishing this sailboat and has used it frequently since. It is Local News For Southern Sailors

beyond repair now, as are most of the boats breached and beached along the shore here.

This hurricane has affected the boating community here as much as Donna did in 1960. It was several years before sailors had docks rebuilt and returned to the level of sailing and boating they enjoyed before Donna’s victory march between Flamingo and Jacksonville. It may be a longer wait this time. One neighbor got an estimate of $28,000 for dock rebuilding, and his dock was relatively modest. He has yet to sign a contract and will probably not be sailing for the rest of this year and perhaps not until next summer.

Sailboat owners who were lucky enough to get their craft into protected marinas or canals for the most part fared much better than those who did not. It will have to be these sailors who keep the sport alive for the next year or two.

A friend with contacts among members of the paranoid fringe promotes the hypothesis that these storms are the work of Islamic extremists. The first names of the storms menacing Florida, all of which originated in the Sahel, begin with the third (Charley), sixth (Frances) and ninth (Ivan) letters of the alphabet. Ivan was originally scheduled to visit us on or around September 11, a reprise of the 9-11 disaster.

The atmosphere’s response to global warming is a more rational explanation. It is so politically incorrect that it is appropriate conversation only in the most isolated and underfunded backwaters of academic research. So the best way to explain why Florida has borne the brunt of four tropical cyclones in just over a month can only be, "It was fated." And the peak of the hurricane season is just now arriving as I write this. There’s still the second half. Most of my sailing friends would just like to get back to normal as Ivan wanders unchaperoned and unpredictably in the southern Gulf of Mexico. We’re left to figure out if "normal" is picking up after the last hurricane or preparing for the next one, leaving precious little time for sailing.

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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SAILING Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors Southeastern Florida October Weather WATER TEMPERATURE Miami - 81° GULFSTREAM CURRENT 2.2 knots AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Miami Beach 75° lo - 83° hi For Real Time East Florida Coast Weather go to: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/ Florida.shtml

Upcoming Events & News To have your event, sailing news or business brief published in this section contact editor@southwindssailing.com

OCTOBER 7

Florida Beneteau Club Holds First Meeting. To all Beneteau owners interested in being involved with the Florida Beneteau Club the first meeting will be held October 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami. See Short Tacks in this issue for more information on this new club and the meeting.

28 – Nov. 1 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Bahia Mar Yachting Center. Ft. Lauderdale.

Largest boat show in the world, covering six sites.

Over 1,600 vessels with 160 Super yachts, marine supplies, accessories, electronics. Cost: Adults $14, children 6-12 $4, under 6 free. Thurs-Sun 10 a.m. 7 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (954)954-7642. www.showmanagement.com

Racing Calendar To have your sailing event, race, regatta, or club races listed, please contact editor@southwindssailing.com by the 10th of the month. Races listed should be open to anyone.

OCTOBER 2

2

9 – 10

40

Miami. BBYRA #8 (One Design). Host CRYC. The “Second Series” of the BBYRA Annual Regatta starts off for the one-design class. Start time 1230 hours.

Miami. Conch Cup Charity Regatta. Host MYC (Rescheduled from August) Annual Multihull race starting off Hobie beach in Biscayne Bay, proceeding around Key Biscayne and finishing at MYC. Miami. Columbus Day Regatta. Host CDRC. The Columbus Day Regatta celebrates its 50th anniversary of cruising boat bay racing. The race, over a two-day span, and its famous raft of parties promises once again to live up to Miami’s “Fun in the Sun” theme.

October 2004

SOUTHWINDS

West Palm Beach

October Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

3

Fort Lauderdale Miami

3

16 – 17 Miami. CGSC Annual Regatta. BBYRA#9 (PHRF). This year’s regatta will be held over a period of two days. The regatta is open to all boat owners and is part of the BBYRA Series races.

Award presentations will take place after the conclusion of the races, Sunday afternoon. Start time 1230 hours.

23 – 24 Miami. Fall Harvest Regatta. Host MYC. Annual regatta open to all one design and multihull classes.

30 Miami. CGSC Annual Regatta. BBYRA #9 (OneDesign). One-design fleet racing. Start time 1230 hours.

NOVEMBER 6

Miami. BBYRA #10 (One Design). Host CRYC. Coral Reef Yacht Club’s annual regatta open to all one-design boats. Start time 1130 hrs. Winter schedule. Part of the BBYRA Annual Regatta Series.

7 Miami. BBYRA #10 (PHRF). Host CRYC. Coral reef Yacht Club’s annual regatta open to all cruising and PHRF boats. Start time 1130 hrs. Winter schedule. Part of the BBYRA Annual Regatta Series.

13 Miami. Nielsen Virgin & Hughes Cup Women’s Regatta. Host CRYC PHRF and one-design fleet racing open to all boats. Start time yet to be determined. For further details contact CRYC. 16 – 17 Miami. PHRF SE Florida Championship. Host CGSC. Third annual two-day event taking place in Biscayne Bay. Start time to be announced. For more information contact Southeast PHRF. Legend. – Yacht Clubs & Organizations BBYC Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. www.expage.com/BiscayneBay BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net CDRC Columbus Day Race Committee. www.columbusdayregatta.net CGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.org CRYC Coral Reef Yacht Club. www.coralreefyachtclub.org MYC Miami Yacht Club. www.miamiyachtclub.net www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COAST

What do PHRF Racers Want?

By Art Perez

Y

ou’ve spent the week preparing for the upcoming race, crew ready and trained, only to show up at the starting line to find that the race committee has laid out a cruising style course, and has no plans to run more than one race. All your preparations and expectations down the drain because of poor race management. Sound familiar?

In a sport like ours where volunteers are the norm instead of the exception, mistakes like this are sometimes common. Lack of preparation or knowledge on the part of the race committee can ruin a fun day of racing. Sometimes, though, it is due to a lack of communication between the race organizers and the racers. What may seem like a desirable course and management style to some may be quite the opposite to others. How then can this gap be bridged?

The Miami PHRF fleet found a simple solution to the problem. A survey was mailed out to the PHRF fleets’ members, which consisted of an array of questions that covered topics from race management performance to fleet participation. The result of this survey indicated that the majority of the fleet had almost identical opinions to the questions presented. With the results in hand, a final report was presented to the organizers of the regattas so that they could see firsthand what the racing fleet really wanted to see out in the race course and what were perceived as deficiencies in the system.

Most interesting was the willingness of the racers to support an increase in entry fees if it brought more value and quality to the event. Also on the top of the list was the desire to participate in race seminars covering rules and sail trim. On the other hand, almost all agreed upon the need to improve the quality of the race committees.

Hopefully the organizers can correct some of the problems at hand and bring enjoyment back into the PHRF fleet.

Business Briefs R. B. Grove Moves to New Location

F

or fifty years, downtown Miami has been home to R.B. Grove, Inc., wholesale distributor of generators and engines to both the marine and industrial markets. Now, in order to continue a tradition of excellent customer service, the company will move to Doral, FL, just west of the Miami International Airport.

Grove has served the Florida and Caribbean market since 1954, building and maintaining long-term relationships with its customers. The staff of 24 is well-known for their knowledge of the generator and engine market, as well as critical input to the design of systems and applications.

“Our company has grown a lot in 50 years, but we’re still in our original facility,” said Tom Piper, Grove’s CEO. “The original building is not well-suited for employee interaction, which is a critical component for sustaining the highest level of customer service. Our new facility will allow for more direct internal communication, which translates into greater efficiency for our customers,” Piper said.

“We’ve done a lot of preparation prior to the move, so we don’t anticipate any interruptions in customer service,” Piper said. The move date is scheduled for the end of September. Their new address is 1881 NW 93rd Ave. Doral, FL 33172. (305) 447-0277.

Local News For Southern Sailors

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NORTHERN GULF COAST SAILING

LOUSIANA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

TEXAS

Mobile

Gulfport New Orleans Pensacola

Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas

FLORIDA

NORTHERN GULF

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Northern Gulf October Weather WATER TEMPERATURE - 74° AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Pensacola, FL 60° lo - 79° hi Gulfport, MS 60° lo - 79° hi For Northern Gulf Weather go to: www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

Racing News & Calendar News for Sailors

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October Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

October Sailing

By Kim Kaminski

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ctober is typically the best month of the year for the active sailor along the Gulf Coast. Not only are the temperatures moderate starting in the mid 70s during the day and becoming cooler, dropping to mid 60s at night, but the average water temperature is still warm enough (around 74 degrees) for all kinds of water sports plus the winds are consistent and reasonable in strength (between 10 to 14 knots).

October is also knowm for numerous outdoor festivals; Greek festivals, seafood festivals, the Gulf Coast Interstate Fair along with a multitude of music festivals. And of course, there is still plenty of sailing activity going on such as the West Florida Ocean Racing Circuit, the Preemie Cup Regatta, and the LPRC (Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit) just to name a few.

The West Florida Ocean Racing Circuit or WFORC is one of four sanctioned Gulf Yachting Association racing competitions that are held throughout the year. The WFORC is hosted by the Pensacola Yacht Club and will be held over three days in October (15-17). Various yacht club members who belong to the GYA (the governing body for sailing along the Gulf Coast) will sail to the waters of Pensacola Bay to participate in the 30th annual racing event

filled with great racing opportunities, good food and musical entertainment.

Another well-attended race event will be hosted by the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club. This charity event will help raise funds for the neo-natal unit for premature babies at Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola.

Participants will be able to enjoy an evening filled with a silent auction, good food and entertainment. On the following day sailors can participate in a double-handed charity sailboat race.

The LPRC (Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit) races invite the active sailor to enjoy back-to-back weekends filled with sailing fun racing from yacht club to yacht club all along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, LA. As you can see, there are wonderful opportunities for sailors and their crews along the Northern Gulf Coast region in the month of October. Here is a list of other upcoming events of interest.

Upcoming Events OCTOBER 2

3–5

7 – 10 8–9

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Cardboard Boat Challenge. Every age gets involved in this wild day of racing in boats that are made of cardboard. I. G. Levy Park, Pascagoula. (228) 938- 6612.

25th Annual Destin Seafood Festival. Morgan Sports Center. Destin, FL. www.gulfcoasttraveler.com/Features/DestinSeaf oodFest03.htm 33rd Annual National Shrimp Festival.

Gulfshores, Alabama, public beach. www.nationalshrimpfestival.com/ Fourth Annual Preemie Cup Regatta invites the community to participate in regatta events on Pensacola Beach. Sponsored by Flounder’s Chowder House, Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, and other community sponsors, the regatta will benefit the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULFCOAST SAILING Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. On Friday, Oct. 8, Flounder’ s Chowder House will host a fish dinner beginning at 7 p.m. and will include a silent auction and live music, followed by double-handed sailing on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Pensacola Beach Yacht Club. For more information about the event, call Shaner Garner at (850) 416-4661 or go to http://www.pensacolabeachyc.org/preemie04.aspx.

15 – 17 Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival. Fairgrounds.

Niceville, FL. www.cityofniceville.org/mullet.html 19 – 17 Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival.

Boatbuilding demonstrations, contest, music, food, crafts and more. Along the Tchefuncte in Madisonville, LA. (985) 892- 0520.

22 – 24 34th Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival.

Chackbay Fairgrounds. Chackbay, LA. www.lagumbofest.com

NOVEMBER 5–7

Florida Seafood Festival. Apalachicola, FL. The state’s oldest maritime exhibit. The three-day event annually draws thousands of visitors to this scenic historic town at the mouth of the Apalachicola River. The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood-related events and displays under the shady oaks of Apalachicola’s Battery Park. Some of the notable events include oyster eating, oyster shucking, a parade, a 5k Redfish Run and a Blessing of the Fleet. (888) 653-8011. www.floridaseafoodfestival.com

30 – 31 LPRC (Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit). New Orleans, Lousiana 30 – 31 Fish Class Regatta. Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL

NOVEMBER LPRC (Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit). New Orleans, LA 6–7 PYC Championship 1 & 2. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 6–7 Flying Scot Gulf Districts. Bay Waveland, Bay St. Louis, MS 13 – 14 Individual Flying Scot. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 13 Double-handed Race. Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL 20 – 21 PYC Championship 3 & 4. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL 20 Fall 1. Corinthian Sailing Association New Orleans, LA 20 Jfest. New Orleans Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 26 – 27 Opti Midwinters. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA 6–7

Open Entry Fun Sailboat Races on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of every month, from April to October. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL. For additional race schedules check the Gulf Yachting Association Web site at: www.gya.org

Racing Calendar OCTOBER 2 2 2–3 9 9 9 – 11 15 – 17 16 17 18 – 23 23 – 24 23 – 24 24

Commodore’s Cup Race #6. Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL Fall 3 and 4. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA Wadewitz Regatta. Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL Shearwater GYA Multihull. Ocean Springs Yacht Club, Ocean Springs, MS Preemie Cup. Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL Vanguard National Championships. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA WFORC (West Florida 0cean Racing Circuit), Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL Fall #5 and #6, Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA Pink Ribbon Regatta. Lake Pontchartrain Women’s Sailing Association, New Orleans, LA International Catamaran Challenge.

Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA Paul Schreck Regatta. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL Fish Class Worlds. Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL Fall # 7. Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA

Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

October 2004

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NORTHERN GULFCOAST SAILING

67th annual Knost Regatta, Pass Christian Yacht Club, MS, August 7-8

By Kim Kaminski

T

he 67th Annual Knost Regatta, an all female Flying Scot championship, was held on August 7 - 8, in Pass Christian, MS. This female sailing competition was named after Bernard L. Knost, a past commodore of the PCYC who came up with the idea of having a ladies championship in the club’s one-design racing class boat over 67 years ago, and this fun competition is still going strong today.

Sailing teams from 15 of the 33 GYA (Gulf Yachting Association) member yacht clubs accepted the invitation to race and represent their home yacht club in the two-day sailing championship. These teams traveled from locations in Lousisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to the grounds of the PCYC (noted as the Birthplace of Sailing in the South) to take part in this historic competition.

The weather conditions during the weekend provided the sailors with some healthy challenges. Moderate winds from the southeast filled the coastal area prior to the first race start on Saturday, but as the racers left the docks and sailed out to the course, the winds began to increase (up to 18 knots), creating choppy 2 to 3-foot waves on the Mississippi sound. The temperatures were in the mid 80s (about 10 degrees lower than normal) thanks to a cold front that made its way into the region along with bright and sunny skies overhead. These stronger winds made the com-

Shelly Killeen (pictured on the left) and her ladies team representing Pass Christian Yacht Club proudly display the coveted Knost Trophy. This year’s event celebrated its 67th year, and Shelly’s team sailed hard to bring home the first-place trophy.

Photo by Kim Kaminski

petitors’ day on the water more taxing than usual especially in a small 19-foot sailboat. Two races were scheduled for the first day of the event with the competition ending tentatively around 6:30 p.m. However, when the afternoon sea breeze filled in along the coast, the wind strengthened to 20plus knots, and the race committee decided to postpone the second race, especially since two boats had overturned in the first race. By the time the competitors had made it back to the dock area, the winds had built up to 22 knots. The race committee planned to schedule the second race for Sunday.

The PCYC provided a party for the competitors following the day’s windy competition. An all-you-can-eat seafood buffet (complete with “mermaid” decorations) and live music provided by the Broadmoors gave the lady sailors an opportunity to relax after the long, taxing day on the water. On Sunday morning, the racers gathered, once more ready to wrap up the sailing event with two races (the re-scheduled second race from Saturday plus the third and final race of the event) out on the sound.

The moderate breeze began to build as the racers prepared their boats that morning. The stiff winds made the first race of the day difficult to handle. The third race of the day was canceled since the winds were increasing throughout the morning and by early afternoon were up to 25 knots.

The ladies’ team from PCYC under the guidance of team captain Shelly Killeen captured the overall honors for 2004.

Results 1; Pass Christian Yacht Club, Pass Christian, MS; 2; Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA; 3; Bay-Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St. Louis, MS; 4; Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL; 5; Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL; 6; Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport, MS; 7; Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, AL; 8; New Orleans Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA; 9; Birmingham Yacht Club, Birmingham, AL; 10; Biloxi Yacht Club, Biloxi, MS; 11; Pontchartrain Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA; 12; St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club , Panama City, FL; 13; Navy Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL; 14; Long Beach Yacht Club, Long Beach, MS.

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www.southwindssailing.com

NORTHERN GULFCOAST SAILING

Scooter and the Girls: The Johnson 18 Sailboat

By Kim Kaminski

T

he Johnson 18 is one of the new generation sportboats whose slogan is, “The baby of the family has all the fun!” Believe me, this is a fun sailboat. I had the opportunity to sail (or should I say - scoot) on a Johnson 18 out on the waters of Perdido Bay (which is located along the border of Alabama and Florida) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in August. Colleen Cooke (a one-design champion from San Diego, CA) and myself enjoyed this simple and high performing boat. It filled the gap between a conventional dinghy and a double-trapeze catamaran. The Johnson 18 is the first computer-optimized racing style dinghy that can be sailed from a dock or beach and has the stability to be sturdy enough for family sailing. It has an asymmetrical spinnaker, which provides exciting downwind sailing, and an open transom, which makes it easy to climb back into the boat after a swim, plus it provides a self-bailing feature. As we “scooted” along the bay with the waves rooster-tailing behind us, I worked the retractable carbon fiber bowsprit, set the spinnaker, used the roller-furler to secure the jib and grabbed the hiking strap to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Colleen handled the tiller, the main sheet, the boom vang and with a light hand guided us on our adventure across the bay.

Texas Youth Race Week, Galveston Bay, July 17-24

By Kim Kaminski

T

he 2004 US Sailing Texas Youth Race Week was held July 17-24, at three different yacht clubs on Galveston Bay; July 17-18 at the Texas Corinthian Sailing Club, Kemah; July 19-20 at the Lakewood Yacht Club, Seabrook; July 21-22 at the Houston Yacht Club, La Porte. Each club hosted a two-day regatta complete with trophy presentations for each event. The overall results from the three area clubs are combined to give the overall race results for the Texas Race Week Junior Olympic Sailing Event.

For a listing of the full race results from each class, Opti Red, Opti Blue, Opti White, Opti Green, Laser Full Rig, Laser Radial Rig, Sunfish and 420s, go to tcyc.org.

Local News For Southern Sailors

Scooter, a Johnson 18 computer-optimized sailboat and the girls, Colleen Cooke and Kim Kaminski, enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon sail on the waters of Perdido Bay located on the border of Alabama and Florida. Photo by Vince Cooke.

Pensacola Yacht Club Honors Coast Guard Service

By Kim Kaminski

I

f you find yourself offshore on a sailing adventure and you run into trouble...who do you turn to? Why, the U.S. Coast Guard, of course! The U.S. Coast Guard, “Always Prepared,” rescues numerous vessels along with their occupants throughout the year, and this year proves no different.

The Pensacola Yacht Club held a special recognition reception for members of the U.S. Coast Guard Pensacola Station and the Coast Guard Auxillary Flotilla 17 on August 25 as a way to show its appreciation for the valiant efforts and hard work shown by this group of dedicated individuals who save many struggling adventurers out on the water.

Not only did the officers and the members of the Pensacola Yacht Club want to say thank you to these military men and women who risk their lives daily in helping to keep our See NORTHERN GULF SAILING continued on page 69

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October 2004

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F LORIDA KEYS SAILING Key Largo Cape Sable

The Keys Saiing Scene Weather Calendar of Events Hot Happenings

3

3 Marathon Dry Tortugas Key West

Florida Keys October Weather

October Sailing

By Rebecca Burg

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES Key West 76° lo - 85° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES Key West 82° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

S

ix-year-old Jenny: “Are there any boy sailboats?” Eightyear-old Sarah: “Hmmm, I think they’re all girls.” Jenny: “Dad’s fishing boat isn’t a girl!” Sarah: “How do you know?”

This rather serious conversation between two wee girls was overheard at the docks. The kids had just returned from their first sailboat ride and were puzzling over the grown-up’s habit of calling a boat a “she.” A youngster’s imagination is delightfully unspoiled. Here in the Keys, the imaginations of us grown-ups are freely invited to come out and play. In October, the Keys are renowned for glittering festivals and imaginative social events. Particularly dramatic is Key West’s Fantasy Fest, over a week of adult-orientated merriment. Many wear

October Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

costumes, or nothing but a thin veneer of body paint, and party on Duval Street well into the night. There are shows, costume contests, a dramatic parade and plenty of those traditional Fantasy Fest beads to pass around.

Along with the parties, there are also street fairs and activities devoted to appreciating the colorful array of this fall’s migrating birds. There is always something for every interest in the Keys along with things many of us have never even thought of.

When the on-land action gets to be too much, a sailor can always escape into the serenity of our endless waters.

The lesser known white-sand wonderland of Boca Grande and the Gulf side of the Keys are a gunkholer’s paradise.

Like the unique activity on shore, cruising through the

Give SOUTHWINDS This Holiday season give the gift of sailing!

To your loved one, your friends and your family — or even those up north who are still freezing as we sail in the warm southern winds all winter.

Their first issue comes with a card that says, "Seasons Greetings. Enjoy your one (or two) year gift subscription to Southwinds Magazine given to you by (your name)."

One year subscription – third class: $19.95, 2 years $37 / first class: $24; 2 years $45.

Mail in the coupon or go to our Web site & pay with Paypal, and e-mail us the details.

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Name ________________________________________

Gift to _________________________________________

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ENCLOSED $ _______ Check ___ Money Order___

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October 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING tropical backcountry is anything but mundane. When exploring distant, uninhabited mangrove islands a cruiser first notices the absolute silence. Liberated from the incessant cacophony of life on land, one’s senses are free to focus on more meaningful things. After nightfall, the dusty glow of the Milky Way can easily be seen in a moonless sky along with thousands of sparkling stars. In the dark seas around the boat, tiny bioluminescent creatures put on their own fanciful show. This subtle part of the Keys is profoundly enchanting. A sailor will always be scheming on how and when to return to such waters.

Undoubtedly we’re not the type to sit idle and watch someone else’s so-called reality TV show when we can experience our own true adventures. From the meaningful reality of weather and pristine beaches to the fantasy fun of island festivals, a sailboat is waiting to take us there.

The weather will put on its best variety show with periods of doldrums to gusty t-storms. Mild cold fronts have blown through the keys as early as late October, and hurricane season officially ends at the end of November.

Average wind speed is 12 knots with an 8- to 20-knot range from the east to southeast. Average air temperatures range from 76F to 85F with noticeable humidity, and sea temps are still a balmy average of 80.6F to 84.2F.

Upcoming Events OCTOBER Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm 1-3 Marathon and Florida Keys. The peak of the fall bird watching season with field trips and educational presentations about our wild side. (305) 872-0774 4-5

Indian Key Festival, Robbies, Islamorada.

“Three Generations of Indian Key History” with boat tours, fascinating local historic presentations and reenactments between Seminole warriors and island settlers. (305) 797-3610

22-23

Key West Goombay Festival with street fair and a colorful taste of the Bahamas culture.

(305) 747-4544

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Holiday Isle’s Fright Night in Islamorada..

Dramatic costume parties and contests for visitors and locals by the seaside. (305) 664-2321

22-31

Key West Fantasy Fest. Parties, costume contests, costume contest for pets, entertaining shows, parade and all-out fun. This year’s theme is Delirious Dreams and Hilarious Screams. www.fantasyfest.net or (305) 294-9501

Racing Calendar OCTOBER Oct. 17 Key West Sailing Club Fantasy Regatta. Sailboats get a chance to kick off a week of on-land wild Fantasy Fun. Contact: Fleet Capt. David (305) 296-7939

Racing Results Becky Glover Race, Key West, August 29

By Rebecca Burg

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he Becky Glover Race was postponed due to Hurricane Charley and rescheduled on Sunday Aug. 29 just south of Key West. This unique race requires that the boat is helmed by a female. Crew can be any gender. Though the faint breeze varied from 1 to 4 knots from the southeast to the southwest with an ocean current that seemed even stronger, two die-hard sailboats were eager for action. The slinky Golden Omen and skipper Julie Gully meandered up the three-mile course in just over an hour. Defiant, which started the race backwards and was drifting more often than sailing, didn’t finish. After the event however, intrepid race committee David and Kellye McMullen noted that, “…when Defiant heard on the radio that Golden Omen had an abundance of beer onboard and was willing to share, Defiant proved to be very fast under power.”

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

Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

October 2004

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FLORIDA KEYS SAILING

America’s “Little Caribbean” — Key West by Sail

By Rebecca Burg

Toto – uh, Angel, we ain’t in Kansas anymore…

U

nder the cover of darkness, the Gulf of Mexico is an eerie place for a small sailboat. Crab trap floats would occasionally thunk along Angel’s hull in an otherwise silent realm. Spooky green bioluminescence glittered in her wake.

We were alone except for the diffuse otherworldly lights of distant shrimpers hovering over an unseen horizon.

Looking up, I couldn’t believe how many stars hung above the swaying mast. Angel had been sailing for 18 hours now.

Ideally, the channel is best navigated by daylight.

If approaching Key West from the south side, follow Hawk Channel all the way, then slip into the Main Ship Channel as it leads you into the harbor. While heading along Hawk Channel, watch the chart and avoid venturing too close to shore. Coral heads and rocky areas frequent the south edges of the lower Keys. Note that large cruise ships use the main ship channel daily. Around sunset in the busy harbor, scores of schooners and large charter vessels head out for tours.

Anchoring Out Nursing a torn staysail, Angel and I wearily limped through the anchorage. There were a good number of sailboats here. I finally settled near a comely bluewater cruiser named Defiant. Depending upon the weather, boats drop the hook all around Wisteria Island and near the west side of Fleming Key. Flats and shallows are abundant within these areas. The bottom is grassy with soft, deep silt, and significant ground tackle is a must. Boaters use more than one anchor, usually delta or plow style, and in deeper areas where the grass doesn’t grow, they’ll also use danforth-type anchors. Tidal current, especially near the full and new moon phases, will be strong nearest the harbor and will squeeze under Fleming Key Bridge like river rapids.

Key West Bight as seen from the Galleon Resort. Photo by Rebecca Burg.

I’ve seen smaller dinghies hover in place here, unable to Though weary, I was piqued by the idea of exploring Key overcome the rushing current.

West, which hid only a few hours ahead.

Take care not to depth sound with your keel. If a boat The subtropical island of Key West was originally runs aground in the Keys, it will be fined for the amount of referred to as Cayo Hueso, or “Bone Key,” by a Spanish sea grass damaged. Though sea grass grows quickly, the explorer who’d found only the bones of the island’s previhapless boater will never see a refund after the grass grows ous native occupants. Shallow reefs dotted with sunkenback. With the famously clear water, it’s easy to spot the treasure-laden ships, a past pirate’s haven, a historic stop shallows ahead. for smugglers and questionable cargoes, Key West has quite Once settled, take the dinghy into Key West Bight. The the colorful history. Today its vibrant individuality attracts dinghy dock is near the Waterfront Market building (its sign many visitors from land, air and sea. can be seen from the water). There is a daily and monthly From the Gulf, boats reach Key West via the Northwest fee to use the dinghy dock. Unfortunately, you must lock Channel. For the charts the first mark, “G”1, is 24-38.90, 81your dinghy physically to the dock, lock the engine and 54.00. Take great care when entering the channel. conceal your gear. A water taxi service is available, and it Hazardous submerged jetties are located on the east and monitors channel 16. Taxi drop-off and pick-up is in Key west sides near the entry point. Special mark “A” and its West Bight. yellow light denote the east jetty. At night, a spotlight is useful for locating a few unlit green daymarkers. Shallow Finding a Slip flats are all along the edges of the Northwest Channel.

Within the bight, there are a number of marinas monitoring 50

October 2004

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindssailing.com

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING Accessible by the south side, there are a number of marine channel 16. A&B Marina (305-294-2535), Conch Harbor hardware shops, boatyards and marinas. Oceanside Marina Marina (305-294-2933), Galleon Marina (305-292-1292), and (305-294-4676), Robbie’s Marina (877-664-8498), and Hilton Marina (305-294-4000). Here a boater may locate Peninsular Marine (boatyard) (305-296-8110). transient and long-term dockage, facilities, pump-out, The subtropical weather in the Keys can get rough water and fuel. A dock in the bight offers shelter from the weather, but this area is not the quietest place to stay.

Known as a “party town,” downtown Key West bustles with activity, live bands, revving scooters and energized tourists until the wee hours. Marine supplies and hardware, groceries, restaurants and entertainment are all within walking distance. Waterfront Market offers fresh foods, a bakery, a deli and a cozy Internet café upstairs.

Salty Schooner Wharf Bar and Galley is a favorite sailor’s hangout.

Here, you can find a cruiser’s book exchange. A smaller book exchange is located nearby in the West Marine store. Also, conveniently located on the waterfront is Geslin sailmakers for your canvas needs. Hilltop selfserve laundry, 629 Eaton St., is just a few blocks into town. You’ll need quarters or small bills for making change. Farther downtown, there is a profusion of historic scenic charm, shops and bars. No visitor leaves without investigating the legendary Duval Street, which transforms into an “adult Disneyland” during cer- Schooner America in Key West Bight. Photo by Rebecca Burg. tain times of the year. For travel farenough to ruffle anyone’s sails. In winter, starting in ther into the jungles of Key West, public buses run daily (75 December, powerful cold fronts roar through the Keys. cents), and taxis are abundant ($5+). Bus schedules, street Winds may blow around 20 knots from the south to southmaps and travel guides are available in easy-to-spot tourist west, then slam in from the northwest to north with gusts in information areas near the waterfront. Uptown Key West, the 30-knot range. T-storms may accompany the leading the eastern half, offers large grocery stores such as Publix edge of the cold front, and temps usually drop into the 60s. and Winn-Dixie, department stores, the airport, car rentals After the front, the wind clocks around and blows in from and a pleasant movie theater. the east then south as temps warm back up around 70 to 80 Back on the water, on the eastern side of Fleming Key, degrees again. there are mooring buoys that boats may occupy for a Late February to May offers great cruising and sailing monthly fee. (At the time of this writing, the mooring area winds, though one must be vigilant of the occasional storm. was full.) Boats moored here use a separate dinghy dock Hurricane season is from June to about November. Also at located just around Trumbo Point into Garrison Bight.

Supplies and gas for the dinghy can be found just under the See FLORIDA KEYS SAILING continued on page 69 low, fixed bridge at Garrison Bight Marina. The Key West Yacht Club, Sailing Club and Spencer’s Boatyard are also in Garrison Bight and accessible by small-to-medium-size sailTall ships in front of the Schooner Wharf in boats. At the eastern end of Key West is Stock Island. the historic seaport in Key West Bight.

Photo by Rebecca Burg.

Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

October 2004

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WEST FLORIDA COAST Cedar Key to Cape Sable Racing News & Calendar Cruising Upcoming Events Calendar West Florida News for Sailors Sailing Services Directory

Cedar Key

West Florida October Weather AVERAGE TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 70° lo - 83° hi Naples 68° lo - 87° hi GULF WATER TEMPERATURES St. Petersburg 78° Naples 81° For Real Time eastern Gulf weather, winds and marine forecasts, go to: http://comps.marine.usf.edu

St. Petersburg

October Prevailing Winds See page 69 for Windrose legend

Tampa

2

Fort Myers Naples

3

Cape Sable Key West

Sailing in October

By Dave Ellis

O

ctober has a split personality. The first part of the month is much like September with afternoon thunderstorms and midday calms. Our active hurricane season actually reaches its peak at this time, statistically. Scary thought.

Sometime during the middle of the month, however, that first cool, dry front comes through, leaving us with the most delightful days of the year.

The water is still warm. The temperature may still be in the 80s, but the humidity is down, and we all know it’s the humidity that makes for discomfort.

Most important, breezes are more prevalent and predictable, a nice combination for sailors.

The Summerset Regatta was rescheduled for the beginning of October (2-3), after it was blown away in September.

The month has racing for sailors ranging from kids to seasoned salts. Youngsters race at the Bruce Watters and Allison Jolly regattas at St. Pete, the Junior Sailing Festival at Lake Eustis, River Romp in Fort Myers and high school events at the St. Pete waterfront.

Several PHRF races are scheduled this month, some around buoys and some quite a distance, such as the St. Pete to Venice race.

The Osprey Cup in Sonars is match racing for women sailors. It is by invitation, but it can be entertaining and edu-

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cational to watch the fast sailing action.

The catamarans start their season after the summer doldrums, and the windsurfers have a big event at the north end of the Skyway Bridge in south St. Petersburg.

Cruising sailors love the second half of October. Even the mosquitoes take a break, somewhat.

The sailing season has begun!

www.southwindssailing.com

Local News For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

October 2004

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Events Calendar OCTOBER

16 –17

32nd Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival.

Parade, arts and crafts, lots of seafood. www.cedarkey.org/specialevents.htm 16 – 17 7th Annual Nautical Flea Market and Rocktoberfest Festival, Placida in SW Charlotte County. On the water on Gasparilla Sound at the Fishery Restaurant on CR 771. Flea market brings 85 vendors and boats on display. Hot food, cool drinks, German beer. Live Reggae music. 9 a.m.

Sat. and Sun. $2, children under 12 free. www.rocktoberfest.info. (941) 475-7937 for vendor space and info.

23 18th Annual Coastal Cleanup. Sponsored by Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Ocean Conservancy. Meet at the CMA east parking lot between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. to clean up nearby beaches. Bring water, shoes, sun protection, gloves. www.cmaquarium.org.

25 – 26 2nd annual Grouper Fest & arts & craft show in John’s Pass Village Celebrating the Grouper Capital of the World. Children’s area, live entertainment and fishing expo. The arts and craft show is designed with a nautical theme. A bounty of fresh seafood featuring our favorite Madeira Beach Grouper. 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sun. Johns Pass Village, Madeira Beach. (727) 393-1947 28 – Nov. 1.

Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. www.showmanagement.com

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NOVEMBER 4–7

Strictly Sail Boat Show St. Pete. The largest sailboat show on the Gulf Coast. Many inwater sailboats, with smaller boats on land, numerous exhibitor booths, food, music, beer, seminars. Free introductory sailing with the Discover Sailing program. The best venue of any boat show in the south and the best crowd. Held in downtown St. Petersburg on the waterfront at the Vinoy Resort. www.sailamerica.com

Racing Calendar For the legend, addresses, and contacts for the sponsoring sailing association of the races listed below, go to the 20042005 West Florida Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory at SOUTHWINDS’ Web site, www.southwindssailing.com.

Contact editor@southwindssailing.com to receive a hard copy.

Changes in the 2004-5 Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory (For changes contact editor@southwindssailing.com.

Changes will also be posted on the calendar on the Web site also. www.southwindssailing.com) The Suncoast PHRF Boat of the Year (BOTY) Series as printed has been confirmed to be correct.

Summerset Regatta postponed till Oct. 2-3

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING FLORIDA WEST COAST & LAKE EUSTIS The races and regattas listed here are open to those who want to sail.

To have your race, regatta, or club races listed, please contact editor@southwindssailing.com by the 5th of the month (call if later).

Races listed should be open to anyone. Since races are sometimes canceled, postponed or locations changed, it is advisable to contact the organization beforehand.

OCTOBER 9 – 10 2 2 –3 2 –3 2 –3 2 –3 2 –3 2–4 8 8 9 – 10 9 – 10 9 – 10 9 – 10 15 –16 16 16 16 – 17 16 – 17 23 23 – 24 27 27 – 31 30 30 – 31 30 – 31 30 – 31 30 – 31 30 – 31

31 31

Crow’s Nest Regatta. SBPHRF BOTY series Kayusa Cup Race Sunfish State Championship Morgan Invasion. Charles Morgan designs of all ages CYC Clearwater Championships. PHRF racing in the Gulf off Clearwater Pass SPYC Bruce Watters Optimist Dinghy Regatta.

Optimist Dinghy. Green Fleet only TSS Appleton Rum Regatta. PHRF, TBYRA BOTY series, Women’s SAMI Race Cruise to Fort Myers Beach BYC Race to Venice. PHRF starts 5:30 PM SPYC Distance Classic. PHRF, to Venice SAISA South Atlantic Interscholastic High School. New School Districts.

USF, St. Pete campus LESC Junior Sailing Festival and IOD Regatta.

Club 420, Laser Radial, Optimist Dinghy SPYC Allison Jolly Regatta. Junior Girls, 420, Radial, Optimist Dinghy USF/SAISA High School. Great Oaks Qualifier NYC Boca Grande Offshore Regatta. SWFPHRF BOTY. 4:00 p.m. start in Gulf CMCS Race to the Bridge CortezYC CYC/Regatta Pointe Marina Charity Regatta, PHRF (941) 720-2184 ESC River Romp Regatta & USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival DIYC One-Design Keelboat Regatta.

TBCS Barton Catamaran Regatta DIYC Classic Regatta to CYC. Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY BYC Turkey Trot. PHRF Bradenton to Pass-aGrille YC SPYC Rolex Osprey Cup. Women’s match racing invitational, Sonars SSS Great Pumpkin Regatta CYC Clearwater Challenge Regatta. Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY CMCS Festival of the Islands. SWFPHRF BOTY series TBCS Hiram’s Haul Catamaran Race ESC Lee County Sailfest. All-class Dinghies Watersports West Windsurfing-West Suncoast Classic.

Holiday Inn Sunspree, St. Pete.

(727) 517-7000 CortezYC 2nd Annual Halloween Race, PHRF. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS. MOVE YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR VYC CMCS DIYC TITYC

Local News For Southern Sailors

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING NOVEMBER 04 1 CYC Single-hand/double-hand Clearwater to Egmont Key. PHRF, 1-2 people per boat 4–7 Strictly Sail Boat Show St. Petersburg, Vinoy Basin. www.sailamerica.com 4–7 SPYC America’s Disabled Open Regatta. Sonar, 2.4 Meter, Martin 16 5–6 SYC SYC Invitational Regatta. SBPHRF BOTY series. Reverse Handicap 6 SPSA Commodore’s Cup. PHRF, TBYRA BOTY. 6–7 DIYC Star Class Regatta 6–7 NSYC Commodore’s Cup. SWFPHRF, BOTY series 6–7 CMCS/SAMI Festival of the Islands Regatta 12 – 14 LESC Southeast MC Scow Championship.

Clinic precedes the racing 13 – 14 CCSC Carlisle Classic. Dinghy Open Regatta 13 – 14 DIYC Egmont Key Race. PHRF Tampa to Egmont and return 13 – 14 SSS Flying Scot Regatta 13 – 14 MIYC Fall Charity Regatta. SWFPHRF BOTY series 13 – 14 NSC Naples Cup. Junior Regatta, Opti, C-420, Laser, Radial 18 – 21 St. Petersburg Boat Show, Bayfront Marina.

Mostly powerboats 19 – 20 MIYC/NYC Hospice Regatta. SWFPHRF, BOTY series 20 SPYC Fall Bay Race. Suncoast WFPHRF BOTY 20 SSS Drumstick Regatta 20 CMCS No Boca Regatta 20 – 21 SPYC Snipe Florida State Championship 25 CortezYC Single/Double-Handed Green Water Race, PHRF 26 DIYC Old Shoe Race 27 – 28 DIYC Thanksgiving All Class Regatta.Dinghies, Cats, Windsurfers, PHRF

Davis Island YC. Wednesday Evenings Dinghy Series.

First warning 6:30 p.m. Laser, Laser Radial, C420, Sunfish, Lightning, Flying Scot, 470, Fireball. Andrew Sumpton at asumpton@earthlink.net or Allison Jolly at abjolly@aol.com Bradenton YC. Thursday evenings. Starts with daylight savings. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401 St. Petersburg YC. Friday evenings. 6:30 start off the Municipal Pier. PHRF, Snipes Starts May. Look for the RC boat at the Pier if an easterly, a half mile downwind from the pier in other breezes. Course around nearby navigation buoys. Sail by the RC boat to register. Anywhere from 10 – 25 boats www.spyc.org Treasure Island Tennis and YC. Friday evenings. 7 p.m. start outside of John’s Pass in Gulf of Mexico. PHRF. Starts May. Get together to go under the bridges. www.tityc.org Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Friday evening. Begins April 9. Start at 6:30. Everyone welcome. www.sarasotasailingsquad.com Edison Sailing Center, 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

Club Racing—Open to Everyone Wanting to Race The races listed here are open to those who want to sail.

Please send us your race schedule for publishing to editor@southwindssailing.com.

Davis Island YC. Thursday evenings. PHRF, onedesign, everything. Daylight savings time of year. Must be US Sailing member. Register before racing, once for summer. www.diyc.org

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

Sailing News T

Local Sailors Win National Junior Championship

he Saint Petersburg Yacht Club is excited to host this

By Morgan Stinemetz year’s J/24 Southeast Regional Championships on December 4-5. We expect an awesome event highlighted by ip and tuck all the way, the U.S. Junior Triplehanded exceptional race management, excellent facilities, and of Championship for the Sears Cup was nailed down up course, competitive racing. in Vermont by three local youths, sailing for the Venice This regatta is also an excellent opportunity to winter Youth Boating Association. They your J/24 in Florida. There are are Fred Strammer (Nokomis), two other significant J/24 regatskipper, Charlotte Sims (Venice), tas coming up, including the St. foredeck and Dalton Tebo Petersburg NOODS on February (Sarasota), spinnaker. The three 18, -20 and the J/24 Midwinters are the acknowledged best in the hosted by Davis Island Yacht nation, beating nine other teams Club in Tampa from February at the national championships 24-27. held at Mallets Bay Boat Club in The SPYC has arranged Colchester, VT. The champiboat/trailer storage for a nominal onship was sailed in Lightnings, fee for the time between the a 19-foot one-design, centerboard Regionals and the NOODS, but boat. spaces are limited. Make your The three are the first sailors arrangements as soon as possible to ever bring a Junior US Sailing by contacting Jim Lindsay, Fleet national championship trophy to 169 captain at jimlindsay@tamthe greater Sarasota area. pabay.rr.com.

The sailing was done on Lake Check the SPYC Web site, Charlotte Sims, Dalton Tebo and Fred Strammer. Photo by Morgan Stinemetz.

Champlain. The Sears Cup, creatwww.spyc.org for the NOR and ed in 1921 by Commodore Herbert M. Sears of the Eastern further details including accommodations discounts.

Yacht Club of Marblehead, MA, was originally only for Bay So spread the word; feel free to forward this e-mail to State youth, but the cup’s venue has broadened from just any non-class J24 sailors. See you in St. Petersburg!

Massachusetts to include all of the United States and the Canadian province of British Columbia.

The team was stoked when it talked to this writer a week ago. Hurricane Frances was just starting to make the waters of Sarasota Bay untenable for most, but the three thought that it would be a great day to be out there doing what they do so well, sailing fast.

Strammer, Sims and Tebo are all high school students locally. Strammer, 15, and Sims, 16, go to Pine View and are, respectively, a sophomore and a junior. Tebo, 15, is a sophomore at Booker.

They did their training at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, because DIYC has a fleet of Lightnings. Due to the distance they had to travel, Sims was the key in the transportation matrix. She had the only driver’s license. She also had spunk and determination.

“Charlotte is a fast learner and pays attention, stays focused,” said Strammer. “This is the first time she sailed on

N

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING a crewed boat in competition like this.”

To get to Vermont, the team had to win in the Southeastern United States, US Sailing’s Area D. The quarter finals, sailed off the Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa Bay, were open to all. Four boats were in the initial competition. Two were eliminated, and then the local team sailed in the semis in July at Davis Island, which they won. The Sears Cup was sailed August 16-19 at the southern end of Lake Champlain, VT. The boats were provided by the host club, Malletts Bay. The lead in the regatta see-sawed back and forth between Strammer and company and a boat from the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club in Canada. Strammer said that when they got a first place finish in the first of the scheduled nine races, he knew that they were as good as anyone up there.

“We felt strong about what we had accomplished, and we knew we would give it our all,” he said.

Championship sailing is not only about sailing fast; it is also about sailing smart, looking for an opening your competition does not see and taking advantage of it while you can. With two races left, the Canadians and our guys were tied. The last day of racing had heavy winds, and the sailing was done in Malletts Bay, whereas the previous races had all been sailed in the lake.

“It was windy that last day,” Tebo well recalled, “35 knots. In the first of the two races on the last day we rounded the weather mark in ninth place. We did a gybe set and carried a big puff all the way down the leeward leg. We finished second in that race and the Canadians got a fourth.

That meant all we had to do was stay with them in the last race and we would win.”

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The champions match-raced the Canadians the entire last race, sticking to them like glue, covering every move.

The Vancouver team finished fifth, and Strammer and company came right behind them. It was over, but there were still other considerations. It is often traditional in sailing championships for the winning team to get tossed in the water. Strammer said his team was having none of that.

And even though Strammer and Tebo sailed the last race with no shirts on to show their machismo, none of the Floridians wanted to get thrown into a lake that actually freezes in the winter. It doesn’t get real warm in the summer either. They stayed dry by staying a long way from the dock.

Winning a national championship takes ability and the guts to suck it up when the going gets tough, but Strammer said that the team owed a big vote of thanks for the coaching it got from Jeff Linton of Tampa, Bill Shore of Shore Sails, Mark Bryant and Greg Fisher. The youths paid attention to the old salts, and each practice showed that they were getting their game together better each time they went out.

In the semi-finals in Tampa, Sims pulled off some immaculate work at the pointy end of the boat that made the difference between going to Vermont to play with the best or staying home. She did absolutely the right thing at absolutely the right time. Flawless execution and exquisite timing don’t often meld into one move, but Sims made it happen.

“We were fast downwind,” was the way Sims summed up their best sailing.

“We knew where the puffs were,” added Tebo, “and we

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING all have our own, established personal strengths in the various points of sail.”

How did it all feel, the big win? “I did not feel that we had actually won the regatta until we got home. It didn’t register up there,” admitted Strammer.

“It feels like being a celebrity,” said Tebo.

“We had to fight for what we got, because the Canadians were good and were matching racing us, so it’s nice to have won after working so hard,” Sims said.

For a year anyway, the venerable Sears Cup will be at the Strammers’ home in Nokomis. And that’s because this part of the world produced three kids who had the drive, work ethic, maturity and the compatibility to become the very best in this nation at sailing a one-design Lightning fast.

Edison Sailing Center Seeks Approval of New Facility in Fort Myers.

T

he city council final hearings for the approval of the Edison Sailing Center’s new downtown facility were scheduled for Sept. 29 and Oct. 12. The center is seeking the public’s attendance in support of approval.

Edison has worked out a really great deal with the Throgmartin Development Company, who will build and donate to the Edison Sailing Center a new clubhouse, worth well over $ 1-million. They will have three stories of private offices above the clubhouse. There will be a meeting room, rest rooms, office, workshop, and lots of indoor and outdoor storage space for boats. Edison already has a long-term lease approved with the city for the riverfront land area between the proposed clubhouse and the river and has obtained grants to start new docks, launching areas, gazebo, etc.

Local News For Southern Sailors

West Florida PHRF Levels the Playing Field

By Morgan Stinemetz

I

t appears as if the board of directors of West Florida PHRF has successfully come to grips with the sometimes-thorny issue of how to fairly rate boats set up for cruising. Joe Barrett of Naples, who is the point man for a seven-member committee that deals with cruising boats and their ratings for West Florida PHRF, explained the method and the logic behind it to me in a phone interview.

A year ago, I had the same position on the PHRF board that Barrett holds today. Frankly, his understanding of the variables involved in making the ratings fairer is much deeper than what I was able to bring to the table, and the cruising/racing community is better for it.

First of all, you can forget about the “True Cruising” category that was part of the WFPHRF lexicon for a couple of years. That appellation is gone, kaput. Boats that qualify for a Cruising designation are now broken into two categories based on displacement. There are other considerations, too, but let’s look at the displacement categories first.

Boats with less than 10,000 pounds displacement are now called “pocket cruisers.” Boats that displace more than 10,000 pounds are simply called “cruisers.” For the purposes of this story, we will dispense with the quotes around the two different cruising classes from here onward.

The clever aspect of separating boats out based on their displacement is that, in light winds, light displacement boats are faster than heavier boats. Conversely, heavier displacement boats do better in a blow. By comparing, so to speak, apples and apples and oranges and oranges, the disparity in performance characteristics of cruising craft is eliminated, which makes racing less a matter of chance and more a matter of skill.

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING The displacement separation stroke of genius was a huge step in the right direction, but Barrett and his committee, plus WFPHRF handicapping guru Jay Tyson, went even further. They took three different ways to rate a boat’s potential performance, put those into the recipe and came up with a final number that they could objectively use to qualitatively predict how a boat would do against other boats.

Barrett called this number a “horsepower” ratio. The higher the number, the more “horsepower” a boat had. If the number got high enough, the boat was automatically excluded from the cruising class and would have to race in non-spinnaker or spinnaker classes. Put another way, it kept the wolves in sheep’s clothing out of the flock. Some people may have said “Bah!” to the edict, but fully 55 percent of the current 650 member boats in West Florida PHRF are cruising class boats.

Joe Barrett on what he and his people did to make all this happen: “We took a number of formulas and put them into one equation. That allowed us to see what kind of horsepower different boats had. It was an interesting exercise, because we found that some boats just had too much horsepower to qualify for the cruising class.

“Typically that might include, say a J-30. Our first formula dealt with displacement and sail area, and we divided the displacement by the sail area. We came up with a maximum number of 29 for pocket cruisers and 24 for the bigger cruisers. The second formula that we used dealt with displacement and length overall (LOA). In this equation we divided displacement by LOA. The cut-off for pocket cruisers was 1.75 and 1.19 for cruisers. Then we used an equation that divided displacement by the amount of downwind sail area. We came up with the final horsepower number of 650 for pocket cruisers and 450 for cruisers.

“The formulae makes rating boats objective, instead of subjective. Even when we were evaluating boats that appear, on the surface of it, dissimilar, they were actually competitive by the formulae that we used.”

Barrett went on to say that a J-105 and a Catalina 32 are within a few feet of each other in length. However, predicated on the “horsepower” available to the boat’s crew, a J-105 rated 745 and a Catalina 32 rated 243. These boats shouldn’t be racing in the same class, obviously.

Maybe they shouldn’t be racing in the same hemisphere.

“I think that it will take a bit of time for people to get used to it,” Barrett continued. “Overall, we have a fleet large enough to accomplish what we are trying to do. We may not see the results this year, but expect to next year, particularly in Boat of the Year events.”

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Another change affecting the cruising class is the permitted use of laminate materials: Kevlar, Spectra and Mylar. Dacron is the base. The use of composite sails will carry a rating hit. New woven laminates out of the box will carry a 3-second hit. Non-woven laminates will acquire a 6-second hit. Barrett said that bigger cruising boats are coming from the manufacturers with composite sails now because the sails are lighter and easier to handle for a husband/wife team than a similar-sized Dacron sail.

The cruising class now has some very definitive rules to operate by, and the loopholes, which some skippers had inched through, are closed. A tip of the cap to Barrett and Tyson and WFPHRF president J.A. Booker. Keep up the good work, guys.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta, One Week Late

By Morgan Stinemetz

C

all it what you will. Later. Smaller. Whatever. But the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s 58th Annual Labor Day Regatta was, for those who participated in much diminished numbers, a small ball. The easterly winds at the early afternoon start were 8 knots out on Sarasota Bay,

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING good enough for racing in the baddest of worlds. For most of the day they held true and steady, though there was a little slump in velocity about 3:30 p.m. that lasted for an hour, maybe less.

Sixty-eight boats in 11 classes were out for the sailing, despite the threat of Hurricane Ivan and despite other competing sailing events, both of which sucked away competitors from the 2004 regatta like a congregation of souped-up Hoover vacuum cleaners whose operators were on amphetamines. This regatta, sponsored this year by the brokerage firm of Charles Schwab, normally draws more than 300 boats, roughly five times the number of boats competing this year.

For the die-hards, the parochial and those that just didn’t have anywhere else to go, the 58th, though only one day this year—Ivan was out there somewhere, remember— was no less fun or no less fiercely contested than the Olympics or the America’s Cup. Charlie Clifton of Sarasota won the SR Max onedesign class, four boats, with a line score of 1-3-1. Clifton is a regular winner in this class. Second was Bill Johnsen of Sarasota. John House, also of Sarasota, was third.

The Sunfish one-design class had eight boats competing and notched five races. John Kremski of Fort Myers got better as the day went on, ending up with a line score of 3-3-1-1-1. Mike Mierswa, Jr., of the Venice Youth Boating Association, took second with a line score of 1-12-4-2. Three points back and in third place came Erik Ericson of Sarasota.

The five-boat Laser class also got in five races.

Christopher Enger of Sarasota was easily the class of this class, ending up with a line score of 1-1-2-1-2. In second was Robert Norris of Crystal River. Rick Ericson of St. Petersburg was third.

There were also five boats in the Laser Radial class, which was won by Dalton Tebo of Sarasota, 1-1-2-2-1.

Tebo also excels in the Lightning one-design class and is a current national junior champion and co-winner of the Sears Cup. Second was Zeke Horowitz, who sails out of

Local News For Southern Sailors

Clearwater. Third came Josh Proctor of Sarasota.

The Club 420 class (four boats) was won by Ashley Ashley with five bullets in five races. Second went to Noah Kaplan of St. Petersburg, and third was taken by Reguli Granger of Tampa.

Ron Pletsch of Sarasota was supreme in the Flying Scot class, which got in three races. His line score was 2-11. Second went to Michael Roberts of Tampa. And third was taken by Marshall Pardy of Sarasota. There were seven boats racing in this class.

The Opti Prams green fleet fielded but 13 boats this year. The class was won by Christopher Stocke of Sarasota, 3-3-1-2-1-1, after a total of six races. Second was Susannah Spoto of Sarasota. Sophia Schultz, also of Sarasota, was third.

Pram blue fleet winner was Michael Popp of Tampa with a line score of 3-6-6-7-2. Parker Polgar, sailing out of Clearwater, was second. Jasper Curry of Sarasota came in third in the eight-boat class.

The six-boat Opti red fleet went to Justin Hall of Clearwater. Second was Carey Hall of Clearwater. Also from Clearwater was third-place finisher, Cam Hall. The Opti white fleet had two entrants, Stephen Jarman of Sarasota, who was the winner, and Brian Firth of Sarasota, who was not.

Finally, after three races on a windward/leeward course, Rick Gress’ Fat Bottom Girl, a J-29, won the 3-boat PHRF division one. Division two had only one boat, Waterrat, an Olson 25 skippered by Kevin Ratigan, so it was both first and dead last. Division three also had one entrant, a Morgan OI 36, Illogical, which, of course, won.

PHRF division 4, another single entry class, had Ed Sherman’s one-design Windmill as the winner.

On a closing note, it is tough for a regatta sponsor to get whacked by bad weather and bad fortune, but the Charles Schwab brokerage people gave it 100 percent all day, in the face of, certainly, less bang for the buck.

Amateur sailing needs business support, and the honchos at the squadron couldn’t have been more appreciative.

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WEST FLORIDA SAILING

BUSINESS BRIEFS Massey Enterprises, Inc. Launches In-House Yacht Financing Department Sheryl Boddy, Massey Yacht Sales’ new finance department specialist.

M

assey Yacht Sales & Service announces the launch of its inhouse yacht finance department. Sheryl Boddy is the yacht finance specialist in charge of this new service. Her expansive financial background will enhance the consistent growth at Massey Yacht Sales & Service. She comes to Massey with 20 years experience in the finance industry. Her experience encompasses all aspects of consumer financing. including luxury automobiles, recreational vehicles and yachts. For the past seven years her expertise has been focused exclusively on yacht financing. Sheryl began her career in finance as a loan officer with Sears Consumer Financial Corp. Her successes in working closely with customers to help them achieve their dream recreational product led to her being promoted to district sales manager. She left the high-powered job in Chicago to start a family, but continued working in the recreational field, financing RVs and yachts.

“We feel that the addition of an in-house yacht financing department will add greatly to the range of services offered by Massey Yacht Sales,” states Ed Massey, president and CEO of Massey Enterprises, Inc. “Sheryl’s highly personalized service, a broad knowledge of the yacht finance industry, superior customer satisfaction, and valuable marine lending institution contacts should assure yacht purchasers of the best rates and loan packages,” Massey goes on to say. “We are delighted to be able to work closely with the industry’s finest banks.”

For more information, contact Edward Massey at yachtsales@masseyyacht.com or visit their Web site at www.masseyyacht.com or call (941) 723-1610.

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

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BOATS & DINGHIES Like new 2003 Club 420 w/Seitech dolly, 2 sets sails, 2 spins, trailer w/mast crutch & spare, all the trimmings. $5700 Contact (813) 286-0640 or evan123@tampabay.rr.com.

(12/04) Sunfish for sale $499, located in Port Charlotte, good condition, no trailer. Call (941) 626-7160 (10/04) SAILBOAT TRAILER Twin axle.

Reconditioned, very good condition. Fits boat to 25', 5,000 lbs, up to 5' draft. $ 1,600.

(954) 614-0874 (11/04) SUNFISH SAILBOAT White hull with red and blue diagonal stripes. 2 sails. Mahogany daggerboard and rudder. Nice condition. $325 (941) 921-9624. (11/04)

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hatchboards, tiller, battery, bilge pump, nav lights, interior and mast paint. $12,900. OBO, (727)460-3544. (11/04) 2000 West Marine/Avon 10.2-foot “RIB” Dinghy Sturdy fiberglass floor, storage compartment, oars, seat, extra goodies included. $1,250 (813) 925-0500, e-mail sailcompania@msn.com (11/04) 24' 1991 Nimble Yawl, tan bark sails, 1996 Honda four-stroke, shoal draft, engine tuned up Sept. 2003, bottom painted, topsides varnished May 2004, $12,900, Beaufort, NC, (252) 341-6657 (10/04)

1982 S2 7.9 OB Lifting keel, 4 sails, RF, self tailers, depth, compass, trailer. NEW: rigging,

1990 Hunter 27' walk-through transom, wheel, 10hp diesel, autohelm, roller furling, drifter sail, new bimini & sail cover, solar generator, 3' 6" wing bulb keel, dinghy. $23,500 (352) 596-7192. labet@tampabay.rr.com (11/04)

26.5' 1992 Beneteau First 265 Fully outfitted for cruising with dinghy, lots of equipment and spares. $32,000 John (941)518-9629.

Info at www.braveheart.findu.com (11/04) 27 Stiletto Catamaran, Special Edition, fully battened main with lazy jacks, spinnaker, winches, running backstays, full bimini, toilet, VHF, Auto pilot, engine, swim ladder, deck cushions, delivery possible. $12,500 negotiable. (850) 457-8060. (11/04) Local News For Southern Sailors

Clean 28 MacWester, strong English bluewater cruiser, Lloyds, 3' draft, Atlantic veteran, 27 Yanmar, 510 hrs, wheel, furler, windless, NEW paint, interior & canvas, sleeps 5, a salty head-turner, will trade for real estate. 43K (850) 384-9020 (10/04)

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gear, rig. Spinnaker. Trailer. Needs TLC. $45,000. Write: PO Box 572, Islamorada, FL 33036 or e-mail bfookes@yahoo.co.uk (10/04)

32' STEEL GAFF CUTTER, 1991 This vessel is ready for that world cruise! $49,000, Panama City, Fl, For details call or e-mail at (850) 8704505, peac4505@bellsouth.net (10/04) 1984 Aloha 32. Performance cruiser. 35 LOA, 32 LOD, 4’9” draft, 11 ft. Beam, 6’4” headroom, Westerbeke 21, AC, Autopilot, Canadian Built, In South Florida. Photos on request. Consider trades. RV, etc. $ 39,400.

(863) 612-4831. gaelicbreeze@yahoo.com (239) 218-8680. (12/04) Ranger 28 Winning boat! sleeps 5, 12 sails, EVERYTHING for GO FAST, lots more, immaculate NEW diesel, Electronics, Surveyed @ $20K Protected Investment @ $10,500, See & Deal! (251) 342-3153, hickmanhouse@earthlink.net. (11/04)

1989 O’Day 322, 4’2" draft, AC, roller furling, Yanmar, cruise spinnaker, wind gen, H20 maker, dinghy & OB, cruise ready, turn key, $48,900. (727) 514-5700. For complete info. www.captainbobdaly.com (10/04)

30’ Cherubini Hunter, 1976. Complete refit.

New standing and running rigging, including chainplates. 3 cyl Universal diesel. 250 hours on rebuild. Propane Hillerange and Force 10 grill. Engel refrigeration and ice box. Hot and cold pressure water. Harken cabin top traveler system. Custom built nav station. Completely rewired with new AC and DC circuit panels.

Horizon DSC VF with Ram mic at helm.

Raytheon ST4000+ autopilot. Too much more to list. Turn key cruising/liveaboard. (239) 280-7434. zekeatthebeach@aol.com (12/04)

1983 C & C 35 Mk III Great cruiser/racer, Yanmar, 11 sails, bunks for 7, stove with oven, A/C (’00), refrig (’00), feathering prop (’03), self-tailing winches, Harken roller furler, bimini, covers for everything, autopilot, new batteries, etc., etc. This boat needs nothing. $59,500 chriswilke@cox.net or (504) 3920840 (1/05)

32.3’ Pearson 323 (1980), Coastal Cruising Sloop, Bill Shaw Design, Volvo MD11 diesel, fully battened main, high cut jib, extra sails and equipment, Navico autopilot, $27,000, famkopp@gulftel.com (12/04)

30' Northstar 1000. Bristol condition, 2 mains, 3 headsails, spinnaker, Autopilot, VHF, depthfinder, GPS and more. (843) 412-5740 (11/04) 31' Farrier F9A Trimaran, Exactly as specified.

Launched 1993. Cedar/epoxy laminate, Best

DISPLAY CLASIFIED ADS STARTING AT $34/MONTH 64

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SOUTHWINDS

Peterson 34' Mark II Tall Version, 1982 by Island Yachts, One of the finest racer-cruiser designs ever produced. Wheel, cushions, roller-furling system, high/ low boom position and complete sail inventory (>10 bags) for cruising and club racing with this very fast, well-kept yacht. Electronics update 2003. Email biosyntpi@msn.com or phone (504) 734-7331, 35K (2/05)

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 63 www.southwindssailing.com

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all new toys. Beautiful inside and out. Brokers welcome. Laying Key West. Over $200K invested. Sacrifice at $129k. E-mail: mtnhackr@aol.com (702) 275-8752. (11/04)

1982 C&C 37 Loaded Cruiser Racer, Passion, asking 59K. Make offer. Located in Pass Christian, MS. (504) 858-4017 jwilsail@att.net (12/04) Schock 35, Morning Glory. Fast racer/cruiser with lifting keel. 5 1/2' up, 8' down.

Refrigeration.

Proven race and cruising record.

PHRF 72. $46K Contact John Steele (941) 9225071 (10/04)

1980 Union Cutter 36 World Cruiser just completed 3 yr. documented keel-up renovation and 1000 mile sea trial. The best material and craftsmanship throughout. All new stainless standing rigging, electronics, plumbing and custom everything. 45' LOA, 12 ton, full keel, double-ended cruiser equipped with

’84 RACER CRUISER KIRIE’-ELITE 37.

RON HOLLAND DESIGN. Also know as a Feeling 1100. Since 1995 vessel has been totally refurbished and upgraded, both as a cruiser and racer.

Nothing to add or buy, just add food, clothes, and crew if you want to race. Too many upgrades, equipment, and sails to list. $70,000. CONTACT W.R. HARDEN (850) 897-3653 or wrharden@earthlink.net (12/04)

41' Gulfstar Ketch 1974 in bristol condition.

Great cruiser, enclosed cockpit, custom teak interior, cedar lined lockers, 4-108 Perkins diesel, autopilot, inverter, Avon dingy, 5hp Yamaha $54,700 (337) 981-4873 or sabear1010@wmconnect.com (11/04)

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

BUSINESS/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Construction/Real Estate investment Highlyexperienced, honest, licensed, responsible and reliable contractor seeks investor/partner in new construction/remodeling in west Florida. Perhaps a spec house or purchase to remodel. Contractor is experienced in custom homes of all sizes, including very high-end homes. Only interested in doing interesting and enjoyable projects. (941) 795-8711

Nautical 60' Ketch, 1982, Bristol condition maintained by professional skipper (refit yearly), 4 cabin layout plus crew, large family or charter, 125hp desiel, A/C, Sat phone, $250,000 www.yachtsoutherncomfort.com email scomfort@islands.vi Capt Mike (10/04)

Local News For Southern Sailors

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C L A S S I F I E D Sailtime.com is looking for base operators on the Florida coast. This may suit existing marine business owners who wish to add an additional income stream. Sailtime is a unique business model that requires minimal capital and no staff. Tel. (813) 817-0104 or jtwomey@sailtime.com

A D S

MARINE ENGINES

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED Visit SOUTHWINDS “NEW” boat and crew listing service at southwindssailing.com

ELECTRONICS SeaTech Systems – Computerized navigation & communication. Call for free Cruiser’s Guide to the Digital Nav Station and CAPN demo disk. (800) 444-2581 or (281) 3341174, navcom@sea-tech.com, www.sea-tech.com

MISCELLANEOUS BOAT GEAR NEW & USED

HELP WANTED Yacht Salesperson Wanted. Massey Yacht Sales has sales positions available for professional, successful yacht salespersons for the new Fort Myers dealership location. Massey is one of Florida’s largest dealers for the sale and outfitting of Catalina, Hunter, Caliber and Mainship yachts plus sells a wide range of preowned sail and power yachts. Sales candidates need to be computer literate, self-motivated with a good knowledge of the sail and power industry. Massey offers the best marketing and sales support system with a large lead base for the right candidate. Call Edward Massey for interview appointment. (941) 7231610. (10/04)

Pactor IIPro Modem Includes cables for Icom 710 SSB radio and remote computer control.

Do email using your SSB! $600.

(813) 925-0500, e--mail sailcompania@msn.com. (11/04) Garmin 175 Hand-Held GPS/Chartplotter Purchased new 1998; little used. Includes 2 Garmin G-Charts for the U.S. West Coast and Mexico, AC adapter, cigarette lighter adapter, manual, padded case. $275. (813) 925-0500, e-mail sailcompania@msn.com. (11/04)

Regional editor wanted for the southeast coast here which includes the Carolinas and Georgia. Part time and spare time as an independent writer to write about sailing, racing and cruising, put together a calendar for the region, and other misc. sailing and related news and articles. Must be a good communicator and have a computer, some writing experience, e-mail, good with the internet, and a great personality, and, of course, be into sailing. This is a chance to mix business and pleasure. Not a lot of hours or money but great potential. (941) 795-8704 or editor@southwindssailing.com. (11/04) Advertising Sales Reps wanted in the South for SOUTHWINDS magazine. Must be a good communicator, have a computer, and some experience in selling to call on national advertisers and advertisers in your area. All areas of the South. Part time by commission. To call on national advertisers, you can live almost anywhere for this job. (941) 7958704 or editor@southwindssailing.com .

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS STARTING AT $34/MONTH 66

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Single side-band transceiver (Yaesu), amateur/marine, antenna, antenna tuner, excellent, $475. (941) 235-1890. (11/04) 2001 Mercury 6 HP, 4-stroke outboard $750 OBO. e-mail:sailcompania@msn.com. (11/04) Henri Lloyd TP 2000 Rapid foul weather gear. Great condition. Two sets, jackets plus bibs. Size large, red. Size medium, yellow. $150/set. (813) 925-0500, e-mail sailcompania@msn.com. (11/04)

HYDROBUBBLE ANCHORS FACTORY DIRECT with 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed. Also highly polished Stainless SeaLock CQR-type and Bruce-type anchors and SeaLock windlasses at GREAT PRICES! Stock and custom rode. (888) 282-2535 www.HydroBubble.com .

Rigging Cable, New, 7 X 19, 7/16”, Stainless steel, non-magnetic, 600 feet. $2/foot. (904) 461-1253 (12/04)

ACR “Rapid Ditch” ditch bag Bright yellow, roomy with pockets for GPS, handheld radio, EPIRB. Floatable. $50. (813) 925-0500, e-mail sailcompania@msn.com. (11/04) Whisker pole Kemp, 13 foot. 3 1/2-inch diameter. Internal pull. Socket. Like new. $150. (863) 675-4244. Can Deliver. (10/04) 35' Mast with steps to top, and boom. $500.

(863) 675-4244. Can Deliver. (10/04) Yanmar, YSE-12, marine engine, transmission, alternator, mounts, manual, extra injecwww.southwindssailing.com

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tors and many spare parts. $ 450 obo. e-mail captctc@yahoo.com, (727) 345-3212. (11/04) Wheels Custom Leathered – Satisfaction guaranteed, 1 year warranty. Free turks head. Over 100 satisfied customers last year. Contact Ray Glover at Sunrise Sails Plus (941) 721-4471 or sunrisesailsplus@msn.com

AC/DC Reefer, 22# Bruce Anchor, Anchor Ball, Sospenders, Magma Grills, Mariner 9.9) Mercury Long Shaft 7.5 HP, Folding Bikes, Windsurfers, Metzeler Sailing Rig, Windscoop, Drogues, Lifesling, Type I Life Jackets w/strobe. Nautical Trader. (941) 488-0766. www.nauticaltrader.net

REAL ESTATE Ft. Lauderdale Waterfront Home Ocean Access. No fixed bridges. Sale/Lease option.

Ft. Lauderdale. New River. Downtown. New pool, dock. 3/2 with den, 2 car garage, $449,900 or $2500 a month. (954) 7679877. horus8@bellsouth.net. (11/04) Miami Waterfront River House for Rent Deep dockage 60 Ft. No fixed bridges to bay.

3/2, New AC, New Kitchen, Garage, Florida Room, Utility room, wood and tile floors. $2000 Month w/dock, Without dock $1500.

Fenced yard. Near airport. (305) 799-9589.

(11/04)

Tiralo floating deck chair - a beach chair that floats in water and rolls easily on the sand.

Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.tiralousa.com or swti@oasisllc.com

SAILING INSTRUCTION

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

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 63 SOUTHWINDS

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67

CLASSIFIED ADS SAILS & CANVAS

SERVICES FOR SAILORS

USED SAILS SAVE $$$ 1000s of headsails, mains & spinnakers. We ship everywhere, satisfaction guaranteed. We also buy sails. Sail Exchange. (800) 628-8152. 407 Fullerton Ave. Newport Beach CA 92663 www.sailexchange.com See Display ad in Index of advertisers.

WINDSURFING GEAR Wanted: Used Prodigy (standard or race), other boards, miscellaneous windsurfing equipment. Steve (941) 795-8704, editor@southwindssailing.com

ROCKET SCIENTIST continued from page 70 and get that off there.” Angry, loud skippers usually get our attention. The boat heeling very sharply, everyone was hanging on for dear life. Dogs went sliding.

There was fear and concern in the skipper’s voice. The second time they were yelled at, my wife and the jet pilot-rocket scientist took action. So my wife and the rocket scientist began to tear off the cover of the sail around the back boom.

It was the only “that” and “there” close by, hands and fingers flying, undoing snaps and ripping material.

They did this so fast they tore the snaps off and left holes in the sail cover.

Then came the third yell from the skipper, “No. No. Undo the rope on the mast.” There was a rope tangled on the mast. Then I, with one flip I might add, undid the line, which had become fouled. For some reason that line was very important because as soon as it was free, the boat became level again.

The jet pilot-rocket scientist looked perturbed and ready to get off the boat.

My wife looked angry and ready to get off the boat. I looked down to count dogs.

One. Two. Everything was okay. The puppy looked as happy as ever, tail wagging. The older dog, however, looked as if he was ready to get off the boat.

We have not been invited back. Perhaps the skipper figured out how his sail cover got ripped. If asked, we will claim it was the jet pilot-rocket scientist.

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INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

Air Duck 24 America’s Generators 66 Aqua Graphics 43 Atlantic Sails 38 Banks Sails 43 Beachmaster Photography 65 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 24 Bluewater Sailing Supply 16,60 Boaters Exchange 38,42,64 BoatUS 4 Bob and Annie’s Boatyard 20 Bo’sun Supplies 47 Bradenton Yacht Club Kickoff Regatta 55 Bubba Book 16 Carson/Beneteau BC Charleston to Bermuda Race 12 Coast Weather 68 Coral Reef Apparel Company 35 Crow’s Nest Restaurant/Marina Regatta 25 Cruising Direct Sails 8 CYC/Regatta Pointe Marina Charity Regatta 56 Defender Industries 66 Dockside Marine Services 43 Dockside Radio 28 Don’s Salvage 59 Dwyer mast 67 Eastern/Beneteau BC El Cid Caribe Marina, Mexico 11 E-marine 67 Fleetside Marine Service 66 Flying Scot Sailboats 65 Garhauer Hardware 11 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 28 Great Outdoors Publishing 59 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales 63,64 Gunkholer’s Cruising Guide 59 Hanse Sailboats 65 Hood/SSMR 57 Hotwire/Fans and other products 18,66 Hunter 19 Island Marine Products 32 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 29 JS9000 PHRF Racer 64 Leather Wheel 42 Martek Dinghy Davits 66 Massey Yacht Sales 3,9,17,22,29,30,IBC Masthead Enterprises 21,52,68 Melbourne YC Fall Regatta 37 Memory Map 67 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau BC National Boat Owners Association 53 National Sail Supply 44 Nautical Trader 57 North Sails 18 Nuclear Sails 16 Porpoise Used Sails 68 Raider Sailboats 65 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 27 Regata Del Sol Al Sol 13 Rparts Refrigeration 27 Sail Exchange/Used Sails 25 Sailboats Florida, Inc. 65 Sailor’s Wharf Boatyard and Brokerage 56,60 Sailtime 15 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 62 Schurr Sails 36 Scully 34 Scurvy Dog Marine 47 Sea School 39 Sea Tech 32,67 Seafarers International Brokerage 10 SPYC Fall Regattas 58 SSMR/Hood 57 St. Augustine Sailing School 67 St. Barts/Beneteau BC St. Pete Strictly Sail Boat Show 5 Suncoast Inflatables 61 Tackle Shack 54 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program 52 UK Sails 26 Ullman sails 14 Weather Wave 51 West Marine IFC West Marine Books and Charts 14 Winch Buddy 33 Windcraft Catamarans 46 Yachting Vacations 8 Yanmar Diesel 66

www.southwindssailing.com

SOUTHEAST COAST continued from page 33 handed out for each class. Also this year, viewers onshore will be able to follow each boat with tracking devices onboard.

The foundation is also always looking for more sponsors for the race and to also help fund the building of the Spirit of South Carolina and other educational projects.

For more information on the race and sponsorship, contact Katy Durant, race coordinator at (843) 722-1030 or KDurant@scmaritime.org. Also visit the race Web site, www.charlestontobermuda.com/ and the Web site for the foundation at www.scmaritime.org.

NORTHERN GULF SAILING continued from page 47 seas, ports and waterways safe for our use and for the protection of our country, but two of the yacht club’s members had personally experienced the Coast Guard’s aid during this year’s Pensacola, FL, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, sailboat race.

As mariners we are constantly aware of the services provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Services such as community “blessing of the fleet” celebrations, regattas and blue water sails or during extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and tropical storms. Members of the Coast Guard Station Pensacola, represented by BM1 Travis Sanders, and Coast Guard Auxillary Flotilla 17, represented

by SOHS Vince Mercon, both received plaques to mark the occasion. Thanks to these dedicated men and women, sailors can rest assured that the Coast Guard will always be prepared to answer a call for help.

FLORIDA KEYS SAILING continued from page 51 this time, boaters see isolated summer T-storms, waterspouts and the “Route 1 squall line” (a cloud accumulation from the thermal effects of HWY 1). In 2002 on September 11, oddly enough, a violent squall stormed in from the southwest. An anchored cruiser claimed that his instruments recorded gusts in the 70-knot range. After everyone lost their bimini tops or sail covers and many boats dragged anchor while one was dismasted and another sunk, I believed him. Thankfully, these storms are extremely rare.

Summer can also bring lengthy periods of windless days and temps in the 90s. Modern weather radar and the VHF reports are an invaluable resource. I would soon learn that Defiant’s licensed captain used a laptop computer and wireless Internet to access weather data on the Web. He’d view live radar images, track storms and access hurricane information. After he and Defiant had survived the eye of Hurricane Georges and were struck by lightning a number of times, he took the weather quite seriously. “This computer shows exactly when I’ll get my butt kicked!” he would tell me. Visitors to Key West can do the same at the aforementioned Waterfront Market Internet café. For starters, visit www.srh.noaa.gov and www.goes.noaa.gov.

Overall, the average wind direction is easterly; beautiful and sunny weather is prevalent. The Keys are conveniently close to home, yet the clear water, vibrant sunsets, surrounding reefs and numerous deserted mangrove islands give the area a truly exotic, tropical appeal.

Impressed by it all, I just had to break out the stash of spiced rum. Under the guise of helping me mend that torn staysail, Defiant slyly coaxed Angel to raft up alongside.

Welcome to America’s little Caribbean! Angel and I were already having fun.

Local News For Southern Sailors

SAILTIME continued from page 31 conditioning/heating. You may even find an espresso machine that was the first purchase that Martin Town put on his first boat in Tampa Bay. Martin Town adds: “SailTime Tampa Bay has been in operation for one year. SailTime Tampa Bay was the first base in Florida with Jacksonville opening back in February and Miami about to launch their first boat. I have enjoyed the start-up of this new type of business. It has been a great joy getting people back into sailing and also introducing new sailors who would not often been able to afford to sail.

The bridge between learning to sail and then what to do next is huge. SailTime is a great way to get people over that hurdle. Global SailTime is doing a lot for the sailing community; to be told that we are shockingly affordable was great confirmation for me.”

Hugh James, a SailTime member, also explained, “Karen and I undertook to learn to sail in 2004. The SailTime program has provided us with the opportunity to learn without incurring either a large charter expense or purchasing our own vessel. Each time we have taken Delos out, we have noted numerous boat owners working on their vessels in the marina and taken great pleasure in the get-in-anddrive opportunity that SailTime provides.”

For more information and pricing details, please visit w.sailtime.com and contact Martin Town at tampa@sailtime.com or 1866-SAILTIME (724-5846).

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The Rocket Scientist, The Sailboat & Well-Heeled Dogs

By Bruce Sanspree

S

everal years ago my wife and I went sailing on an acquaintance’s sailboat. It was a beautiful boat, 42 feet long with two masts and two dogs.

Yes, two dogs. We were sailing out of Beaufort, NC, and were going to sail over to Cape Lookout and back. It was supposed to be a three-hour trip, just like on Gilligan’s Island.

Besides the skipper there were three others on the boat that day: another married couple, and a gentleman who was alone. He appeared to be around 40 years old. As we introduced ourselves, he commented that he worked in Washington and was down for the weekend. A little far for a weekend trip I thought.

We made idle conversation as we positioned ourselves around the boat, assisting the skipper. We discovered that the single gentleman was a jet pilot. He was working at a government facility in Washington. Cool. As we proceeded out to sea, he told the other couple he was a rocket scientist and physicist.

Now I don’t want to be jealous, but I must confess I was envious.

Anyway, the weather started getting worse, and the tiny ship was tossed. (Remember the song) The wind picked up and the waves rose and the sea became choppy. The boat heeled over a little as sailboats do. My wife does not like the heeling part. She grabs available parts of the boat with an iron grip. We hit the waves and the boat would heel over with the wind, and then when the wind calmed, the boat would heel level again—and sometimes even heel in the other direction. We positioned ourselves firmly on the boat as the skipper made the traditional sailing comment, “If you fall overboard, stay there - we will pick you up on the way back.”

We were at the rear of the boat sitting on two aluminum chairs. The other couple, who had stationed themselves on the foredeck, went to the cabin. We noticed that the aluminum chairs were bungee-corded to the boat. Not a good sign. As the boat would lean from one side and then the other, the chairs would move just enough—just enough to make you wonder if they would hold the next time.

Also on the boat were two dogs. An older dog, a noble overweight golden lab, and a happy young puppy. Early on in the voyage we had an experience that had happened before. Because of their higher level and range of hearing, the dogs can hear dolphins. The dogs can hear the clicking and whistling sounds dolphins make before you actually

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see the dolphins. The older dog would head over to the side of the boat and bark, and you would follow to watch for the dolphins to appear as they surely did. The young puppy would follow along and bark as well. I am not sure the puppy was aware of what he was barking at, but he seemed to be enjoying himself all the same. Off to one side of the boat—bark, bark, bark, yap, yap, yap. Then a few seconds later to the other side of the boat and bark, bark, bark, yap, yap, yap. Everyone was having fun except my wife.

As the boat began to heel more sharply, the dogs took cover.

As we sailed farther out, wind and waves made the deck a little slippery. As the wind shifted and the boat leaned, the dogs would slide to the left. Then the wind would shift the other way, and the dogs would slide to the right. Now this sliding took the dogs right up to the edge. We asked if the dogs ever fell overboard. “Not yet,” said the skipper. As the wind became a little more serious the dogs continued this slip-slide along the deck.

The older dog began to look a little concerned. That is—if a dog can look concerned. The puppy, however, thought all of this was great fun slip-sliding along the deck, tail wagging all the way. As the wind became worse, the older dog tried to take refuge under our chairs. It did not work. More dog sliding, one small happy dog and one older not-so-happy dog.

The wind picked up even more, and the skipper asked us to stand by at the mast at the rear of the boat. This is called the aft section if you didn’t know. As the wind picked up, the skipper asked us to “get that off there.” He did not ask, actually. He screamed, “Get that off there,” looking at us.

Well, we did not have the slightest idea what he was talking about. Fortunately the rocket scientist-physicist came to our aid. We stood up as if ready to act, but not knowing what to do. When you are confused, it is always good to have a smart person nearby. Thank goodness for the jet pilot-rocket-scientist-physicist guy. However, this time I was not so sure. I could tell by his expression that he was a little unsure himself about what “get that off there” meant.

He had been holding his expensive camera, standing with us as we discussed what “that” and “there” might be. My wife was standing there as well, very unhappy. Somehow this would become my fault.

Then we heard a loud shout. “Put that camera down See ROCKET SCIENTIST continued on page 68 www.southwindssailing.com