Southwindsaugust2012

Page 1

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors Revisiting Hurricane Katrina Florida Paralympic Sailors Demopolis' New Marina

August 2012 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless



TURNER MARINE YACHT SALES Mobile, AL • 251-476-1444 • tmys97@aol.com MASSEY YACHT SALES Stuart, FL • 772-204-0660

DUNBAR SALES St Simons Island, GA • 800-282-1411 sales@dunbaryachts.com

MASSEY YACHT SALES St Petersburg, FL • 727-824-7262 yachtsales@masseyyacht.com

MASSEY YACHT SALES Palmetto, FL • 941-723-1610


ON TAMPA B AY IN ST. PE TE

BOU ASK A

T NEW

CIA ER SPE MEMB

LS

WET SLIP SPECIALS

RESIDENTS AVERAGE MONTHLY RATES starting at

$213.75/MONTH

S PARTIE DOCK

Non-Residents Average Monthly Rates STARTING AT $236.25/MONTH (Rates vary based on size of vessel & location in marina. Above example rates based on 30-foot vessel.) LIMITED SUPPLY AVAILABLE — ACT NOW! • Concrete Floating Docks • Protected Harbor • 800’ breakwater • Liveaboards Welcome

• Catamarans Welcome • Boat Clubs Welcome • Restaurant & Pool • Captains Lounge

• Member Events/Privileges • Fuel Discounts • Transient to Annual • Near Downtown w/Trolley

GREAT HURRICANE HOLE

Call 727-821-6347 to arrange a personal tour 1110 3rd St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-821-6347 www.HarborageMarina.com

Next to Dali Museum just south of downtown St. Pete


News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

3


SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

6

Editorial: In This Issue By Steve Morrell

9

Letters You Wouldn’t Believe

11

Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

12

Bruno Touts Gentle Regatta By Morgan Stinemetz

14

Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

28

Our Waterways: Sarasota Mooring Field Update: Georgia Allows Liveaboards

32

Carolina Sailing: Upstate Splendor for Sailors: Lake Jocassee By Dan Dickison

34

Kingfisher Bay Marina Opens in Demopolis By Cyndi Perkins

38

Revisiting Hurricane Katrina By Troy Gilbert

43

Florida Sailors Compete in Paralympic Games By Richard Shrubb

46

Regata al Sol Sets Another New Record By Julie B. Connerley

48

Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference By Julie B. Connerley

49

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

70

From Calcutta to Cracker Jack By Joe Corey

20

Marine Marketplace

31

Southern Sailing Schools Section

42

Southern Marinas Pages

55

Boat Brokerage Section

61

Classifieds

68

Alphabetical Index of Advertisers

69

Advertisers’ List by Category

Inland sailing in South Carolina. Page 32. Photo by Johnny Corn.

Demopolis gets a new Marina. Page 34. Photo by Cyndi Perkins. COVER PHOTO: Jendabi, a Pacific Seacraft 40, at the docks just off the ICW in South Carolina, on its way from Wrightsville Beach, SC, to Charleston, SC. Photo by Dustin K. Ryan of Charleston Sailing Charters. www.charlestonsailingcharters.com.

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

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


Escape — And Enjoy a little freedom with a New Catalina It’s a great way to decompress!

ESCAPE MACHINES: Catalina 250 MKII Catalina 22 Sport Catalina /Capri 22 Catalina 18 Catalina 16.5 Catalina 14.2 Expo 14.2 Expo 12.5

The Closer You Look, Catalina 250 MkII

The Better It Gets!

DECOMPRESSOR! See the new Catalina 250 at your local dealer or check it out online at www.catalinayachts.com BOATERS EXCHANGE Rockledge, FL 321-638-0090 jerry@boatersexchange.com

DUNBAR SALES St. Simons Island, GA 800-282-1411 sales@dunbaryachts.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

MASTHEAD ENTERPRISES St. Petersburg, FL 727-327-5361 masthead@ mastheadsailinggear.com

SNUG HARBOR BOATS & CO. Buford, GA 866-266-7422 ann@snugharborboats.com

TIKI WATER SPORTS Key Largo, FL 800-726-2102 bob@tikiwatersports.net

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

5


FROM THE HELM

STEVE MORRELL,

In This Issue We have a lot of interesting stuff in this issue and I thought I’d let our readers know about some of them. America’s Cup on TV In this issue on page 20 in “Short Tacks,” I wrote about the new America’s Cup racing on TV. It’s come a long ways, believe me. It reminded me of the America’s Cup in 1995. I was living in Durango, CO, and we owned a boat that was in charter in San Diego, which we visited periodically. The America’s Cup team was in town for much of the year, practicing, and all their boats were kept cloaked behind high fences so no one could figure out what the hulls looked like. It was exciting, and the whole area along the water was abuzz with Cup talk. We got in the mood and when the Cup was held that May, we watched it on TV in Colorado (for work reasons—and because we knew the boat would be chartered out that week for people to watch the races, which it was). There were a lot of sailors in Durango, and we invited many over to watch the races. No one showed up, probably because watching boat racing is often totally boring. Plus, the wind was barely enough to hold the races, and it was just boats going back and forth— slowly. After that, I never watched another Cup race, although I followed them to some extent. Until this June, that is. I received an email from the Cup publicists (I’m on everyone’s email list) about how much it’s changed on TV. And has it ever. It’s match racing now, and there’s virtual lines on the water like football scrimmage lines, along with exciting aerial and on-thewater coverage. I couldn’t turn it off. So read about it and give it a shot. You’ll be impressed. It’s a whole new world of Cup racing. They’ve finally come of age. Drones at Sea This sounds like a book title, but it’s for real. I don’t know why I find these so interesting, but in “Short Tacks,” on

EDITOR

page 21, I report on some drones—with photos—I heard about (another email blast I got) that are being sent out to gather info on hurricanes. They don’t sail along—one is powered by wave thrust and the other by a gas engine. But they are just downright intriguing. One of these is even crossing the Pacific, gathering technical information (not hurricane info in that case). The trip should take months. And they communicate with those back home via satellite. I wonder what people’s reactions will be if they run into one in the middle of the ocean, hundreds, or even thousands, of miles from land. Ships are most likely to see them out there. Sea drones. Too cool. Hurricane Katrina Revisited Hard to believe it’s been seven years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, but it has been. It was Aug. 29, 2005. Troy Gilbert, who lives in New Orleans and has written several articles for us over the years, put together a great piece on what it was like at one of the major marinas during and right after the storm. A couple of interesting facts he mentions: The normal water level in the marina before the storm was near rooftop level of the homes that were on the other side of the levee that was next to the marina—the levees that were breached; And many people whose homes were flooded moved onto their boats (the boats that survived, of course) when they had to leave their homes, creating a mini-community at the docks. Read more in this interesting tale of what happened seven years ago this month on page 38. Paralympics in England Another interesting piece is about the Florida Paralympic sailors who are competing in England this summer. Richard Shrubb interviewed and wrote about these sailors and what they go through, and what they’ve been through to get where they are today. These people really are amazing, as are the people who work with them. Go to page 43 for the full story.

Tired of trying to market your book? Want to concentrate on writing or need help promoting book sales? sh With i l b u P Why W I N D Sn?al SOUTH tio

en ith conv Along w eting, we will: ters oa ark book m k to sailors/b o o b r you ES Target INCLUD E CHARG S A R T X D E N I AT NO d in S O U T H W bsite a e w ly r th on ou a mon d a s u o ontinu and a c

WE CAN HELP —

LET SOUTHWINDS PUBLISH YOUR BOOK Paperback # Hard Cover # eBook # Audio Print on Demand or Traditional Printing

MARKETING • ADVERTISING • SALES • DISTRIBUTION • WAREHOUSING • SHIPPING EDITING • INTERIOR & COVER DESIGN • ILLUSTRATIONS

Complete publishing services—whether your book is ready for print or needs editing and final finishing In conjunction with Granny Apple Publishing LLC, Sarasota, FL: janet@southwindsmagazine.com 941-870-3422 Steve Morrell SOUTHWINDS Editor: editor@southwindsmagazine.com 941-795-8704 6

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


October 18 - 21 Sarasota Sailing Squadron

All Multihulls Invited! Races on Sarasota Bay & Gulf of Mexico weather permitting

2 or 3 DAYS of RACING FRIDAY LONG DISTANCE RACE is optional for all, except for STILETTO NATIONALS

with

Stiletto Nationals

Free camping, docking, launching, and parking at the club Details: www.BuzzelliMR.com Nana Bosma 941-306-7776 Nana@U-Boat.US

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

7


SOUTHWINDS

GLADES

News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc.

BOAT STORAGE

P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 866-7597 Fax

On the Okeechobee Waterway Inland Hurricane Boat Storage Your Do-it-Yourself Work Yard

www.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 20

Number 8

August 2012

Copyright 2012, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Publisher/Editor 7/2002–Present Steve Morrell editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704

SAIL OR POWER

AS HURRICANE PROOF AS YOU CAN GET

Assistant Editor Janet Patterson Verdeguer Advertising

“Marketing Drives Sales — Not the Other Way Around”

Locks on Both Sides — Minimal Storm Surge – No Tides

Janet Verdeguer Steve Morrell

11 Miles West of Lake Okeechobee on the Okeechobee Waterway Stuart

Ok e

e

Moore Haven ay obee Waterw ch

Lake Okeechobee

★Glades Boat Storage

La Belle Ft. Myers

Janet@southwindsmagazine.com editor@southwindsmagazine.com

Haul Outs: $2 per ft haul Storage Rate: $3.60/ft Work Area Rate: $17/day-$15/day — for project boats after 2 months in work yard Pressure Wash Rate: $1.50/ft for single hull & $1.75/ft for cat

24-HOUR, 7 DAYS A WEEK WORK YARD ACCESSIBILITY • Owner-operated by boaters for boaters • 8’ deep channel off the Waterway in freshwater section (for engine flush) • 40-ton lift — boats up to 16’ 6” beam • Dry storage at $4.50/foot per month • Crane Service • Auto/RV/Trailer Storage • Hot Showers!

GLADES BOAT STORAGE 2152 Boat Yard Rd. • Moore Haven, FL 33471

www.gladesboatstorage.com OFFICE PHONE: 863.983.3040 8

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

(941) 870-3422 (941) 795-8704

Contact Editor for classifieds & regatta advertising

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

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Artwork Rebecca Burg www.artoffshore.com

Printed by Sun Publications of Florida Robin Miller (863) 583-1202 ext 355

12 MILES EAST OF La BELLE

AFTER HOURS/WEEKENDS: 941.722.7722

Doran Cushing, Publisher 11/1993-6/2002

Letters from our readers Joe Corey Troy Gilbert Roy Laughlin Hone Scunook

Contributing Writers Nana Bosma Dan Dickison Harmon Heed James Newsome Richard Shrubb

Julie B. Connerley Dave Ellis Kim Kaminski Cyndi Perkins Morgan Stinemetz

Contributing Photographers/Art Mick Anderson/US SAILING Rebecca Burg (& Artwork) Julie B. Connerley Jimmy Corn Dan Dickison Troy Gilbert Kim Kaminski Roy Laughlin Susan McKinnon James Newsome Cyndi Perkins Steve Piche Dustin K. Ryan Scunook Photography Richard Shrubb Peggy St. James EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing. SOUTHWINDS welcomes contributions in writing and photography, stories about sailing, racing, cruising, maintenance and other technical articles and other sailing-related topics. Please submit all articles electronically by email (mailed-in discs also accepted), and with photographs, if possible. We also accept photographs alone, for cover shots, racing, cruising and just funny entertaining shots. Take or scan them at high resolution, or mail to us to scan. Call with questions. Third-class subscriptions at $24/year. First class at $30/year. Call 941-795-8704 or mail a check to address above or go to our website. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations in 8 southern coastal states from the Carolinas to Texas. Call if you want to distribute the magazine at your location.

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


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

In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions. E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com

The Bradenton Yacht Club presents

CANAL DUMPING Having participated in the annual waterway cleanup once more, we returned home on Rockfish Canal in Fort Lauderdale in time to see a resident tossing his yard trash and dog doo into the canal from his dock—yet again. Having asked him to stop doing it on previous occasions, this time, when we repeatedly asked him to kindly cease and desist, the situation only deteriorated into a shouting match of expletives [deleted] which accomplished nothing, and, yes, it is against the law, common sense, courtesy and decency. I phoned anyone and everyone in authority we could think of about him—to no avail—including our homeowners association president, a retired Chicago cop, whose best and only suggestion was, “If you have a dog [we don’t], throw your dog doo in his swimming pool [we wouldn’t] if he has one [he does].” However, despite doggie doo, I did dive in and retrieve some of the wrongly disposed-of palm fronds that night and returned the favor by depositing them in his pool— which neither solved nor resolved anything. No one gives a toss! Name Witheld Fort Lauderdale

The 30th Annual Kickoff Regatta

Name Withheld, This is a classic example of someone not caring about the consequences of his actions. If he was the only one in the world dumping yard trash and dog doo in a canal, it would have zero effect on the waters of the world—or even the waters of Florida, for that matter. But if everyone started doing it, it would be an incredible disaster of pollution. That makes him a leech on society, thinking he has special privileges. It also makes him an idiot. Of course, the homeowners association president’s answer to this problem is no better, and unbelievably childish. And the local government and the police? Where are they? Maybe they don’t believe in pollution either. Or maybe this polluting homeowner has them in his pocket. A sad state of affairs. But some people just don’t believe that pollution is a problem, unless it’s polluting what they have. And that’s what this guy is doing. Polluting what everyone else has, even though he owns a tiny piece of those waters. Editor MIAMI BEACH’S MR. X AND HIS TOY BOATS Re: Guest Editorial, Our Waterways, “Homeowner and Boaters Clash in Miami Beach Anchorage” May issue Just read Wally Moran’s article in the May issue. I currently live in St Augustine, but I spent some time in the Miami Beach area aboard several years ago and used to have a friend who lived on Star Island; I used to dinghy to his house. I also phoned Steve [SOUTHWINDS editor] when I was threatened with arrest in Fort Myers Beach a few years back. I chose to cave in and move on, as I was aboard with See LETTERS continued on page 10 News & Views for Southern Sailors

September 21-23, 2012

SPINNAKER - NON-SPINNAKER MULTIHULL - CRUISING RACER/CRUISER ONE-DESIGN (One-design on separate course with additional races)

This is the first event for the Suncoast Boat of the Year Series and the second event in the Sarasota Bay Boat of the Year Series ENTRY FEE INCLUDES: 2 T-Shirts, Cap, 2 Saturday Dinner Tickets, Free Beer all days (while it lasts), Party with Live Music Saturday Night, Continental Breakfast Sat. & Sun., Complimentary Dockage Friday-Sunday. Single point hoist (4000-lbs. maximum), mast crane, and ramp available for boat launching

For more information, go to

www.bradentonyachtclub.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK:

“Bradenton Yacht Club Kickoff Regatta” or call Jeff Walden (941) 776-9653 Dock Reservations : (941) 722-5936, ext. 212 or Dockmaster Cell: (941) 374-2310 SOUTHWINDS August 2012

9


LETTERS my wife and two-year-old son. It would be easy to get the name of Mr. X [homeowner’s name was not published — editor] from county tax records, but I suppose you choose to keep his identity private? I suggest a “market-based” solution to this problem. While most homeowners policies cover the liability of unpowered small craft, I doubt that Mr. X’s underwriters are aware of their extent of exposure on liability of 19 craft at one time. I suggest some local boaters visit a YMCA summer camp in Miami and bring down a bunch of kids. Say four per boat should do. Get them all out playing on the boats and get it in the paper. I should think this should provide incentive for Mr. X to call it quits. I suppose he could purchase a full yacht policy on each boat to meet his umbrella policies’ requirements, but doubt he would go that far. On a side note, we have a small beach area in Salt Run a quarter mile north of the lighthouse for beach cat storage. It is public/unclaimed land, but totally unregulated. I attempted to locate my beach cat there but was told by another boat owner there wasn’t space: “I have these two boats, Bob has those three or four, another guy has those two, etc.” Clearly, there needs to be some consideration in general of the amount of boats one individual can have “in navigation” or stored on public lands at one time. Half the boats down there are not able to be sailed at the moment. There is one couple at anchor in St. Augustine with two boats that meet the new “30-day rule” by switching between boats. To make a long story short, I have now anchored my Trac 14 cat off the beach 100 feet in from the mooring field boundary (no anchor light needed as mentioned in your article). I know that will piss-off the nearest homeowner and perhaps prompt some action either by the city or the other boat owners to organize the situation. I’m without a cruising boat at the moment but building a 34-foot cat that I hope to launch sometime next year. I’m actually a bit bummed about all this highest and best use mentality and hope I can still enjoy some decent cruising when I get back on the water. Jeff Goff St. Augustine, FL Jeff, They sound like derelict boats to me, but I’m not sure why someone doesn’t just anchor in the middle of them. What harm can a rotomolded, plastic 12-foot boat do if it bangs into a fiberglass hull? Essentially nothing. And what rule is someone breaking if they anchor near one? None, that I can see. If someone doesn’t attend to those boats, then they are truly derelicts and abandoned. I am sure they are not registered, since they are under the length requiring registration and have no motor. Who is to say that this homeowner is the owner of these boats? Does someone have proof they are his? Perhaps no one is and they are there for the taking, if they are abandoned. What does the law say about abandoned, unregistered vessels? Of course, the real problem is that most local governments give more rights to those who have money than those who have less. If you pay more taxes, you get more government protection, favoritism and better treatment. We all know, as simple fact, that the waterfront homeowners in that area have no ownership of those waters. So, it’s the government of Miami Beach that is truly corrupt in this matter. Editor 10

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


Southeastern U.S. Air & Water Temperatures and Gulf Stream Currents – August For live buoy water and weather data, go to the National Data Buoy Center at www.ndbc.noaa.gov

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

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

11


Bubba Touts Gentle Regatta

T

ripwire, the Vietnam vet who is jumpy about loud noises and always wears a camouflage uniform (jungle motif), even though the war he was involved in has been over for a very long time, was in a heated discussion with interior decorator Bruno Velvetier (ASID) at The Blue Moon Bar. Tripwire had a few empty beer glasses in front of him on the bar. Bruno had several stemmed martini glasses that had previously held colorful, creamy drinks. I could see the residue on the glasses. Each glass showed a different color remainder and each glass also held a paper parasol that is often used to decorate drinks that come with pineapple slices or slices of mangos. Personally, I don’t much care for drinks like that, but Bruno is fascinated with the mix of colors and tastes and various kinds of fruit, so he is forever asking Doobie, the bartenderette, for drinks that have lots of unusual liqueurs in them and take a long time to make. The only constant in the drinks is cream. Every single one of them has half & half in it. Doobie, being the astute businesswoman that she is, never turns Bruno down when he asks for drinks that are complicated to compile. She just charges Bruno a great deal of money for them. It doesn’t bother Bruno. He has money. Over time he has put together a kennel of older women—mostly widows—who also have money and are easily bored with the way their condos look after a year or two. These are the same women who often go to the beauty parlor a couple of times a week just to keep up appearances, though they rarely go anywhere. They are used to sprucing themselves up, and when they have Bruno give them a re-make on the appearance of their residences every few years, it is almost routine, though it is considerably more expensive than a trip to the beauty parlor. Anyway, neither man noticed me as I slid up on a bar

What a concept! It is engineered to be easily serviced. • Beta Marine supurb propulsion engines using Kubota diesels • From 13.5 to 105 HP including our famous Atomic 4 replacements • 150 HP using Iveco diesel • Also available: marine generators up to 30Kw

Beta Marine US, Ltd. PO Box 5, Arapahoe, NC 28510

877-227-2473 • 252-249-2473 • fax 252-249-0049

info@betamarinenc.com • www.betamarinenc.com 12

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

stool down the bar a ways. Doobie, of course, noticed me, but I held up my hand to signal her that I didn’t want anything to drink quite yet. I wanted to hear how the discussion between Tripwire and Bruno played out. “You can’t have a sailboat regatta that excludes certain people on the basis of their religious ideology,” Tripwire said, banging on the bar with his fist. “I don’t know a hell of a lot about sailing—Bubba is the expert around here on sailing—but I know that the central organization of sailing in this country, US SAILING, wouldn’t put up with it for a minute.” “Tripwire,” said Bruno, twirling a paper parasol between his fingers, “I haven’t the slightest idea what you are talking about, you big lug. Make some sense.” “You said that you hope to promote a different kind of sailboat regatta. You said it would be a gentile sailboat regatta. I heard you say you would. You said gentile. There are organizations all over this country that wouldn’t miss a chance to demonstrate at your regatta. You’d be excluding Jews, Muslims, Druids, Buddhists, Hindus, Animists, Taoists and a bunch of other religious sects I have never even heard of,” Tripwire grumbled. “Tripwire, when you were defending us from the Red Menace in Vietnam, were you ever around large guns,” Bruno asked innocently. “I know you don’t like loud noises. I am not the only person around here who has seen you hide under the pool table when a loud noise startles you.” Doobie had been listening, too. “Bruno, you are treading on real thin ice with me,” she said with an edge like a straight razor to her voice. “Don’t go there.” Bruno didn’t. “Bruno, when I was in Vietnam,” Tripwire volunteered, “I was in a 155 howitzer unit. We called it Arty. As a result, I am partially deaf. “Is it possible, then, that you may have misheard what I said? When I said ‘gentle’ you thought I said something else?” “I don’t think so,” said Tripwire, both hands on the bar, his knuckles white from the tension in his grip. “Tripwire,” Bruno responded peacefully, “we have known each other a long time, mostly because of this bar. Right? What I said was that I was in favor of a gentle regatta, not a gentile regatta. In the last year or so 11 sailors have been killed in sailboat regattas, two on Lake Michigan and another nine in the Pacific. What I am in favor of is a regatta wherein spectators can see it, the whole thing. No one will get hurt, much less depart this earth. So, contestants will race in an enclosed area, like the Fat Boy Basin up in St. www.southwindsmagazine.com


By Morgan Stinemetz

Pete. If the winds in the basin get up to more than 6 knots, the regatta will be called off. Contestants will be graded how they finish, on the color of their outfits, how their clothing array is put together, whether it matches the hull color of their boat and stuff like that. Extra points will be awarded for velour and velvet outfits and patent leather shoes. Boats will have to sail a twisting course in the Fat Boy Basin, and there will be safety craft, about 20 of them, to make sure that if anyone falls overboard, they can be immediately picked up. In my regatta, the Bruno Velvetier Gentle Regatta, no one will get hurt, no one will die. All the sailors will get to drink as many White Russians as they want after they finish. There will be a post-race fashion show of sailing fashions that have been put together by my good friends, the guys at Fashions by Boyce. The sailors will adore them. The models will look just precious.” Tripwire had been running his hands through his hair while Bruno was explaining his plan. He obviously had something to say. When Bruno stopped gushing for a moment, Tripwire said what was on his mind. “God, Bruno, it’s not the Fat Boy Basin. It’s the Vinoy Basin in St. Petersburg. You got that wrong,” Tripwire uttered with urgency. “Well, I thought it was just too good to be true,” Bruno snickered. “Vinoy, you say?” “Damn right,” groused Tripwire. “Vinoy!” “Vinoy. Fat Boy. They sound close to me. Kind of like

gentle and gentile, if you get my drift,” Bruno said. “And who would come to watch this regatta, wherein no one is at risk, where the regulated speed of the wind couldn’t possibly cause any boat to get in trouble, much less go fast and where at least part of the score will be decided on what the sailors wear and how they wear it?” Tripwire nearly scoffed. “Bubba Whartz for one,” Bruno said. “Bubba?” asked Tripwire. “Why Bubba?” “Well, someone has to be responsible for getting all the old ladies who are my decorating clients up to St. Petersburg. They are all going up to watch it,” Bruno crowed. “He’s not taking them up on Right Guard is he?” “Of course not,” said Bruno. “Most of those ladies couldn’t—or wouldn’t—get on a sailboat anyway. I have granted Bubba exclusive rights to transport the ladies up in air-conditioned buses. Bubba said that if the ladies are rich enough and he plies them with plenty of free champagne— which he can get in bulk from some vineyard in Argentina—he can clear $12,000 on the deal after he paid for the buses. “We’ll have a regatta where no one gets injured and no one gets killed. Won’t that be just peachy?” Bruno enthused. “I’m all a-twitter,” Tripwire said. “Nothing plucks my heartstrings quite like a sailing regatta with no inherent risks, not much wind and bonus points for fashion perks.” I don’t think Bruno heard it, because he was slurping up the dregs of his last cream drink, but I am pretty sure I heard Doobie heave down at the end of the bar.

THE 10-YEAR BOTTOM PAINT Finally available in the U.S. for the first time. Better for the environment Copper powder in epoxy resin Non-leaching and EPA approved Up to 10 years anti-fouling protection Proven in 18 years of use around the world Proven in all climates and water conditions

Learn more at www.CoppercoatUSA.com or call (321) 514-9197 News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

13


EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

To have your news or event in this section, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Send us information by the 5th of the month preceding publication. Contact us if later. We will print your event the month of the event and the month before. Rendezvous we print for three months.

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

UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS Youth Sailing Programs Go to our annual list at http://www.southwindsmagazine. com/yacht_sail_dir.php.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING “Building Your Cruising Confidence” Seminar, Apollo Beach, FL, Aug. 4 The morning session will cover safe coastal cruising, navigation, bridges, weather, anchoring, docking in weather, diesel engines, dinghies, food, and comfort aboard. Learn about available resources, websites, and gain advice from a pro. The afternoon will cover cruising Tampa Bay, West Florida and the Bahamas. Also includes transiting the Panama Canal as a line handler. Avoid the two biggest initial mistakes that cruising captains make and discover the “Top Ten Best Things to Have Aboard” when cruising. Tampa Sailing Squadron, 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL. 9 a.m. Contact Bill Cullen at (813) 404-9712.

Chart Use Seminar, St. Petersburg, FL, Aug. 15 How to Use a Chart will be presented by the St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 7-9 p.m. St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 2nd Ave SE, Demens Landing. FREE. Materials are $30 per family, maximum 20 students, pre-registration required. Contact: www.boatingstpete.org. Tides and Currents Seminar, St. Petersburg, FL, Aug. 15 Presented by the St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. How the sun and moon create tidal patterns, sources of information about tides and tidal currents, simple ways to predict height of tide and current flow and how to use both printed and electronic tide tables. St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 2nd Ave SE, Demens. FREE. Materials: $30 per family, maximum 20 students, preregistration required. Contact: www.boating-stpete.org.

Harbormaster: Dave Marsicano CMM

Coastal Navigation Seminar, Beaufort, NC, Sept. 26 Basic Coastal Navigation will be presented by the Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:308:30 p.m. NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street. FREE. Preregistration required. Contact: www.fmsps.org/home, or SEO@ec.rr.com.

503 150th Ave. Madeira Beach, FL (727) 399-2631 www.madeirabeachfl.go Please contact for new low monthly rates

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC Ongoing adult sailing programs. Family Sailing. On-going traditional boatbuilding classes. (252) 728-7317. www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net,

Walking distance to the beach • Open 7 Days a Week • Public Pump Outs (at slip) • Gas, Diesel & Propane • Non-Ethanol Fuel • Wet & Dry Slip Dockage • Monthly & Transient Rentals • Ice, Beer & Snacks • Monitoring VHF Channels 16/ 68

August 2012

Marine Diesel Engine and Support Systems Certification, St. Petersburg, FL, Aug. 7-10 Mastry Engine Center. www.abycinc.org. (410) 990-4460

Chart Use Seminar, Beaufort, NC, Sept. 19 How to Use a Chart will be presented by the Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street. FREE. Preregistration required. Contact: www.fmsps.org/home, or SEO@ec.rr.com.

Easily Accessible to Gulf, ICW & World Famous John’s Pass

14

Chart Use Course, St. Augustine, FL, Aug. 4. The Coast Guard Auxiliary of St. Augustine, FL, will hold a course, How to Read a Nautical Chart on Aug. 4 at the St. Augustine campus of St. Johns River State College, 2900 College Drive (off State Road 16), St. Augustine. The four-hour course will cover interpreting the nautical chart’s contents in order to navigate safely to one’s destination and return to port. Text and training chart are included. Preregistration required by contacting Vic Aquino at (904) 460-0243.

• Fishing Charters • Boat Club • Close to Shopping/Restaurants • Propeller Reconstruction • Marine Supplies • Free WiFi • Liveaboards Welcome

SOUTHWINDS

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

www.southwindsmagazine.com


About Boating Safely Courses— Required in Florida and Other Southern States Effective Jan. 1, 2010, anyone in Florida born after Jan. 1, 1988, must take a boating safety course in order to operate a boat of 10 hp or more. Other states require boaters to have boater safety education if they were born after a certain date, meaning boaters of all ages will eventually be required to have taken a course. To learn about the laws in each state, go to www.aboutboatingsafely.com. The course name About Boating Safely, begun by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, satisfies the education requirement in Florida and most Southern states and also gives boaters of all ages a solid grounding (no pun intended) in boating safety. Other organizations offer other courses which will satisfy the Florida requirements. The About Boating Safely (ABS) covers subjects including boat handling, weather, charts, navigation rules, trailering, federal regulations, personal watercraft, hypothermia and more. Many insurance companies also give discounts for having taken the boater safety education course. Completion of courses qualifies attendees for Florida’s Boater Safety Card. The following are ABS courses (with asterisks **): **St. Augustine, FL. Sept. 8. About Boating Safely. Sponsored by the Coast Guard Auxiliary of St. Augustine, FL, the eight-hour course is held at the St. Augustine cam-

pus of St. Johns River State College, 2900 College Drive (off State Road 16), St. Augustine. Preregistration required by contacting Vic Aquino at (904) 460-0243. **America’s Boating Course, St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron, Sept. 17-Oct. 29. Available to anyone 12 or older. Free. Materials cost $35 per family. Classes held once a week (two hours each Monday) for seven weeks. Completion of this course will enable the student to skipper a boat with confidence. 7-9 p.m.. St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 2nd Ave SE, Demens Landing, St. Petersburg. Maximum 20 students. Preregistration required at www.boating-stpete.org, or call (727) 498-4001. Other member courses on navigation, seamanship, maintenance, electrical, etc., regularly scheduled. Go to the website for more information. **Monthly Boating Safely Courses 2012 Schedule in Fort Pierce, FL. Go to http://a0700508.uscgaux.info/ (click on Classes) for class information. 2012 schedule: Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 Classes are usually very full, call and reserve space on the preferred program date. $36 (+ $10 for each additional family member). Classes held monthly. Eight-hour class at 8am. Flotilla 58 Coast Guard Auxiliary Building 1400 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce FL. (772) 418-1142. **Vero Beach, FL. Sponsored by the Vero Beach Power Squadron (VBPS). 301 Acacia Road, Vero Beach, FL. Schedule at www.verobeachps.com. Sept. 15, Nov. 24. **Ongoing — Jacksonville, FL. Mike Christnacht. (904) 5029154. Generally held monthly on Saturdays. Go to www. uscgajaxbeach.com for the schedule, location and to register. **Ongoing — Ruskin, FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating Course. Each month. The flotilla has found that many boaters do not have the time to attend the courses, so they are now also offering a home study course at $30. Additional family members will be charged $10 each for testing and certificates. Tests held bimonthly. Entry into the course allows participants to attend the classes. To apply, call (813) 677-2354. US SAILING COURSES IN THE SOUTHEAST (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX) For more on course locations, contact information, course descriptions and prerequisites, go to http://training.ussailing.org/Course_Calendars.htm, or call (401) 683-0800, ext. 644. Check the website, since courses are often added late and after press date. US SAILING/POWERBOATING Safe Powerboat Handling A great course for those who operate whalers and similar single-screw powerboats including recreational boaters, sailing instructors, race committee and other on-the-water volunteers with some boating experience who want to learn the safe handling of small powerboats, or improve their onthe-water boat handling skills. A US SAILING Small Powerboat Certification is available upon successful com-

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

15


pletion of the course and satisfies the requirement for instructors seeking a US SAILING Level 1 certification. This is a two-day course with two full days; or a three-day course, part time each day; or the accelerated one fullday course. Aug. 4-5, Sept. 1-2, (separate two-day courses). July 21, Aug. 18 (separate one-day accelerated courses). Best Boat Club and Rentals, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dean Sealey. dean@goboatingnow.com. (954) 523-0033 July 30-August 3 (all separate, five-day courses.) Edison Sailing Center. Fort Myers Beach, FL. Stephanie Webb.

Review Your Boat SOUTHWINDS is looking for boaters to review their own boat. We found readers like to read reviews by boat owners. If you like to write, we want your review. It can be long or short (the boat, that is), a racer, a cruiser, new or old, on a trailer or in the water. Photos essential. If it’s a liveaboard, tell us how that works out. Or—is it fast? Have you made changes? What changes would you like? Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com for more specifics and specifications on photos needed. Articles must be sent by e-mail or on disc. We pay for the reviews, too.

16

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

(239) 454-5114. Student courses for ages 10-17. 14 p.m. daily. US SAILING Team Racing and Umpire Clinic, Nashville, TN, Sept. 29-30. Robert Mattix. robertm@nashvillev15.org.

BOAT SHOWS Tampa Boat Show. Sept. 28-30 Tampa Bay’s oldest and longest running boat show. Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL. NMMA. (954) 441-3220. www.tampaboatshow.com. 10-8 p.m., 10-6 on Sunday. 16 and older, $12. Ages 15 and under, free (when with adult). Purchase tickets online, at show, or by phone. 3rd Annual Southport Wooden Boat Show, Southport, NC, September 29 Held downtown on the waterfront, wooden boats—both in the water and on land—will be on display and with awards given to Best Powered Boat, Best Non-Powered Boat Row/Paddle and Best Non-Powered Boat - Sail. An awards ceremony and dinner for exhibitors, guests and vendors will be at 5 p.m. There will be a Nauti-kids event where kids will build their own boats and test their seaworthiness. There will also be a Seafood Chowder Cook-off with tasting

www.southwindsmagazine.com


and voting for best chowder. Live music. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go to www.southportwoodenboatshow.com.

SEAFOOD FESTIVALS Oct 5-7. 26th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival and Boat Show. Food, music and lots of other events. Morehead City, NC. www.ncseafoodfestival.org.

OTHER EVENTS

2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, June 1-November 30 Visit the SOUTHWINDS hurricane pages at www.southwindsmagazine.com for articles and links to weather Web sites, hurricane plans, tips on preparing your boat and more.

Florida Lobster Season July and August Openings Florida has two spiny lobster seasons for recreational divers.

The first is the two-day mini sport season, which is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, falling this year on July 25-26. The regular eight-month season always runs Aug. 6 through March 31. For regulations and more information, go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website at www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/lobster.

Sailing Expo, Tampa Sailing Squadron, Apollo Beach, FL July 28, Aug. 11 Tampa Sailing Squadron in Apollo Beach is hosting two Sailing Expo events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 28 and Aug. 11. The Expo will include information about the club along with discussions about cruising, racing, learn-to-sail programs for kids and adults, social sails, the Sea Scout program and other social events. There will be a $3 cookout at noon, followed by free sailing at 1 p.m. A handicappedaccessible boat will be available. In addition to the Expo, the public is invited to crew during sailboat races on Wednesday evenings or Saturdays. For more information about the club, go to www.sail-tss.org, or call Julie Stocksdale, at (727) 418-5119. The club is located at 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach.

REGATTA POINTE MARINA On the South Side of Tampa Bay

Slips $199 Star t at a mo (Subj nth ect t o Ava ilab

ility)

• Two Waterfront Restaurants • Spa and Salon • Heated Pool • Jacuzzi • Fitness Room • Laundry Facilities • Boater’s Lounge • Boater’s Bath House • Deep Water Sailing Right Off the Marina • Minutes to Sailing in Tampa Bay And MUCH MORE... News & Views for Southern Sailors

Transients and Liveaboards Welcome - Short Term or Long Term Offering “NEW” and “IMPROVED” Luxury Amenities

“The best liveaboard marina in West Florida” www.RegattaPointeMarina.com 1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL

(941) 729-6021 (800) 257-6020 SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

17


Seven Seas Cruising Association and Ocean Cruising Club, 22nd Downeast Gam, Islesboro, ME, Aug. 4 The 22nd annual Downeast Gam will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, at Dick and Kathy de Grasse’s cottage at the north end of Gilkey Harbor, Islesboro Island, Maine. (44 16.9N 68 58.9W). The cottage is a short walk from the town ferry dock where a few, large, hard dinghies can tie up. Most dinghies land on the seaweed beach in front of the cottage. A dinghy raft up will be held in the anchorage on Friday, Aug. 3, about 5 p.m. Gilkey Harbor is a large, all-weather harbor with good holding and few lobster pots. Islesboro is a nice sail further downeast or to Canada. There is no admission to the gam. Saturday festivities begin about 11 a.m., with a potluck lunch around noon. A grill and ice will be available. Bring books to swap and stuff to sell or give away. Jim Mitchell, Islesboro historian, will highlight the island’s history. Diesel, gas and water are available nearby. T-shirts and other memorabilia will be for sale. Channel 68 will be monitored from Wednesday through the weekend. Call with questions. (781) 635-5439, or (207) 734-6948 after June 1. Dick and Kathy de Grasse, s/v Endeavour, Islesboro, ME.

2nd Annual Florida Marine Flea Market and Seafood Festival, West Palm Beach, FL, Sept. 7-9. Marine flea market, seafood festival, new and used boat show, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. www.flnauticalfleamarket.com.

25th Annual Coastal Cleanup, Alabama, Sept. 15 Always the third Saturday in September, the Coastal Cleanup is a chance to take pride in the beaches and waterways of Alabama. Over the past 24 years, the Alabama Coastal Cleanup has had 61,513 volunteers remove 1,169,844 pounds of marine debris from a total of 3,917 miles of coastline. www.alcoastalcleanup.org. 8 a.m. till noon.

Ocean Conservancy’s 26th Annual International Coastal Cleanup, June through September This year, Landshark Lager is partnering with Ocean Conservancy to host the Landshark Fin-tastic Voyage, a series of beach cleanups and events to celebrate keeping coasts clear of trash. Starting in June and running through September, cleanups will be on the East Coast from New 18

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

Jersey to Florida. On August 4, cleanup will be at Treasure Island in the St. Pete/Tampa area. On Sept. 15, cleanup will be in Pensacola, FL. To participate, go to www.oceanconservancy.org.

SAILBOAT AND TRAWLER RENDEZVOUS Promote and List Your Boat Rendezvous SOUTHWINDS will list your Rendezvous for three months (other events listed for only two months)— to give boaters lots of time to think about and plan their attending the event. This is for rendezvous held in the Southeast U.S. or Bahamas. Send information to editor@southwinds magazine.com.

NEWS AND BUSINESS BRIEFS

Okeechobee Water Level Rises Slightly Since May As of press date in early June, Lake Okeechobee is at 12.03 feet above sea level, rising several inches since May from recent heavy rains, particularly Tropical Storm Debby. This makes the navigational depth for Route 1, which crosses the lake, 5.97 feet, and the navigational depth for Route 2, which goes around the southern coast of the lake, 4.17 feet. Bridge clearance at Myakka was at 51.46 feet. For those interested in seeing the daily height of the lake, navigation route depths and bridge clearance, go to www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/LakeOWat erways.htm (copy this address exactly as it is here with upper and lower cases). This link is also available on our website, www.southwindsmagazine.com.

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

www.southwindsmagazine.com


Catalina Yachts Opens Ship’s Store in Largo, FL Catalina recently opened a new “Ship’s Store” in Largo, FL, to sell new parts and accessories from overstock inventory. The store includes items from current and previous Catalina, Morgan and Capri models and all sizes of boats. Included items are: hatches, hatch screens, opening ports, blocks, masts, booms, line, sail covers, thru-hull fittings, sinks, teak doors and parts, electrical panels, interior light fixtures, hull striping materials, interior cushions, cockpit cushions, cabin window shades. The store is located at 7200 Bryan Dairy Rd., Largo, FL, 33777. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (727) 544-6681. Ken@Catalinayachts.com

Corps Temporarily Closes Locks on Okeechobee Waterway The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, announced a temporary closure along the Okeechobee

Waterway for repairs. The Moore Haven Lock closed on June 11 to complete installation of the Manatee Protection System (MPS). The MPS is intended to protect endangered manatees that might be swimming in the vicinity of the lock gates. The lock is expected to be closed for about two months while installation is completed, reopening in early August if goes as scheduled. Check the website. For more information on navigation notices concerning the Okeechobee Waterway, go to www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/ Branches/Navigation/NavNotices.htm.

West Marine Opens New and Larger Bradenton Store West Marine closed its Palmetto store and its old Bradenton store and consolidated the two into a new larger store. It held its grand opening in July. The new store is located at 3622 1st St., Bradenton, FL 34208. (941) 357-1657.

HOBIE CAT SUNFISH LASER

WE SELL FUN

420

HOBIE MIRAGE SPORT Pedal Kayak

OPTIMIST

Largest Dive Shop on the West Coast 727-546-5080 800-537-6099 www.tackleshack.com

PRECISION WAKE BOARDS

We’ll be on-site at your regatta with Parts, Accessories & Support

SKIM BOARDS

OR STOP BY THE STORE:

WATER SKIS

7801 66th St. North Pinellas Park, FL 33781

KAYAKS

The World is a Waterpark. Since 1962, we have sold the best rides! For more information, e-mail andy@tackleshack.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

19


Can You Identify This Boat? Sailboat Stamped Card © 2012 United States Postal Service. All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Contact editor@southwindsmag azine.com if you do recognize it, even if it is just an educated guess.

America’s Cup Racing on TV—New, Exciting and Worth Watching

The U.S. Postal Service recently approved the above stamp image to appear on a “Forever” stamp. The image is a painting by artist Burton Silverman and is based on a 1967 Memorial Day Weekend photo of an unidentified sailboat taken off Long Island Sound. The Postal Service is looking to identify the sailboat, hoping a reader might recognize it.

New Hobies Just In Great Prices on all models • Hobie Cats • Compac* • RS Sailboats* • Hunter Trailer Sailboats • Triak Trimarans • SUP ATX Paddle Boards • Future Beach Kayaks • Catalina*

HOBIE WAVE

www.tikiwatersports.net

Gran Com d Openi ng ing S oon PORT CHARLOTTE

Two South Florida Locations: KEY LARGO 94381 Overseas Hwy. 305.852.9298 bob@tikiwatersports.net

19450 Peachland Blvd. 941-735-8363 • 941-979-9728 Jeff@MainsailNews.TV

Although sailboat racing on TV has never really caught on, with the latest innovations, coverage and filming, it’s come a long way and is now available, not only online but nationally on NBC. At least it was for the first time on July 1. The America’s Cup itself has changed, too, and it’s a whole new world. It’s match racing, which means all the boats are the same; the A45, a 45-foot wing-sail catamaran, and the A72, a 72-foot wing-sail catamaran. These are big cats. No more one team coming up with a new design costing multimillions and cloaked in secrecy. It’s now one team’s racing ability versus another’s. And it’s even more exciting than you can imagine. Plus, the whole venue has changed. Now the pre-cup racing goes on for two years, beginning in 2011 and finishing with the final America’s Cup race in San Francisco in 2013. The America’s Cup is made up of three main stages: the America’s Cup World Series; the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Finals. The World Series is a series of races on the A45 catamaran, which serves as a run-up and practice for the teams competing. It is eight crews from six countries. It is all with the intent of publicizing the America’s Cup and bringing it to world viewers. Each locale had a series of races. The first locale was in Cascais, Portugal, in August 2011. From there, they went to: Plymouth, UK; San Diego, CA; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy; and Newport, RI. The last series was just held June 26 through July 1 in Newport, RI, and it was covered live on national TV on July 1 by NBC. The racing was live on June 26 through June 30 by watching it on www.youtube.com/americascup. But through broadcast agreements, it was only live on NBC. You can still watch it online on the YouTube site, and if you know how to hook your TV up to your computer, you can watch in high definition on a big screen. Even on a computer screen, it is exciting with all the new features and superb video coverage. But what a difference a few innovations make. Think of the virtual yellow first-down line in football broadcasting. They now have brought that to sailboat racing, with lines showing the start, the finish, each boat’s track, the layline, 100-meter lines (to show where they are in relation to who’s ahead)—even a line around the mark showing the two-

**AVAILABLE ONLY AT KEYS LOCATION

20

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


boat-length circle. Intermix this with cameras on helicopters, on board the race boats, and on chase boats. All this is put together like some super-action movie. It’s a whole new ball game. Next is the Louis Vuitton Cup with the big boats racing—the huge A72 , 72-foot catamarans. The winner will be the team that races against the America’s Cup defender—team Oracle USA. The Louis Vuitton Cup will run from July 4, 2013, through Sept. 1, 2013, followed immediately by the America’s Cup on Sept. 7-22. And it’s all on San Francisco Bay—and live TV. Learn more about the teams, the boats and the racing at www.americascup.com.

Drone Boats? NOAA Sends Crewless Craft into Hurricanes The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is sending drone boats into this year’s hurricanes to capture real-time wind, atmospheric and water conditions. The drone boats will be linked via satellite to send information back to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Two different types of these crewless craft will be sent out into hurricane-prone areas to capture conditions should tropical storms arise. One type is the Emergency Integrated Life Saving Lanyard—called EMILY—and is about five feet long, looks

FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE YACHT BASIN

Upper Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, Florida

RR CALL FO

WINTE EDUCED

(941) 575-3000 www.fishville.com

S R RATE

• 111 Slip Marina • 33 Shops & 5 Restaurants • Wi-Fi & Cable TV • Tennis, Bikes, Dayroom • Heated Pool, Gas Grills • Ships Store, Laundry • Live Aboards & Long Term Dockage • Transients & Boat Clubs Welcome • ValvTect Fuel, Pump Outs • Dinghy & Courtesy Docks

News & Views for Southern Sailors

The EMILY drone

like an unmanned water scooter and moves as fast as 7 mph, equipped with a gasoline engine (hopefully run on ethanol-free fuel). It can be at sea for about seven days and then must be retrieved before it runs out of fuel. The boats were originally designed for lifeguards to help reach a swimA Wave Glider drone mer quickly, but have evolved into watercraft being used to monitor different marine habitats, and in this case, atmospheric conditions. NOAA purchased 10 of them for hurricane research for $30,000 apiece. The other type of drone is called a Wave Glider and these have been around since 2008 and have been used extensively for all sorts of reasons. It uses wave motion to propel itself and photovoltaic panels for other operations, like gathering data and sending and receiving information via satellite. It is not limited by a need for fuel and have been known to go over 2500 miles. It looks like a surfboard with an antenna on it and have underwater submarine-like sensors that can gather information via a cable tether. The manufacturer, Liquid Robotics, is allowing NOAA to test two of the $100,000 crafts at no cost. Both types of these waterless craft are remote-controlled via satellite. At milemarker 204 Call Dockmaster on VHF Ch 16/71 or phone 252-726-6862 Ex 3.

Morehead City Yacht Basin 208 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 252-726-6862 Ext. 3 See Our Sister Marina MATTHEWSPOINT On the River Neuse

www.moreheadcityyachtbasin.com SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

21


To Advertise, call 941-795-8704 or email editor@southwindsmagazine.com

INNOVATIVE

BOAT LETTERING

WWW.BOATNAMES.NET AQUA GRAPHICS 800-205-6652 BOAT SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

Electrical upgrades & installation, chargers, inverters, batteries & much more. ABYC certified. 941-708-0700 www.innovativemarineservices.com or e-mail innovms@verizon.net

Absolute (866) 258-4060 (727) 688-3804

28' 4" wide 88-ton MarineTravelift & 125-Ton American Crane for Wider Boats Do it yourself - or we can including spray paint

BEST RATES

TANK CLEANING www.AbsoluteTankCleaning.com

CATAMARAN BOATYARD

Professional installation of your electronics, NMEA & Raymarine certified.

See our ad in rigging services as well Charlotte Harbor to Tarpon Springs

st” nk Speciali a T l e u F r u “Yo

BOATYARDS/MARINAS

2009 Wins Corsair National 1st F28 - Bad Boys 2nd F28 - Evolution Cortez Cup 1st Multi Hull F28 - Evolution 1st Over All F28 - Evolution SYC Invitational 1st Mono Hull - Forever Young 1st Multi Hull - Evolution Naples Commodores Cup 1st Melges 24 USA515 sponsored by Longboat Key Moorings 957 N. Lime Ave. 941-951-0189 Sarasota, FL ullmansails@ullfl.net

BOATS/DINGHIES

www.boatsandtires.com 305-852-2025 KEY LARGO, FL

CAPTAIN SERVICES CAPT. RICK MEYER (727) 424-8966 US Sailing & Powerboat Instructor Instruction • Deliveries Your Boat or Mine 100-ton Master • www.captainrickmeyer.com

NEED YOUR BOAT MOVED? Great Lakes to Caribbean & Mexico

Power & Sail/Instruction/Sea Trial

Captain Andrew Jagger U.S.C.G. Licensed, Master 200 ton

ELLIE’S SAILING SHOP Clearwater

Lifelines, rigging, hardware, repairs Serving small boat sailors Since 1958 Sunfish Boats & Parts . 727-442-3281 For Information CONTACT: editor@southwindsmagazine.com _____________________________________ 22

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

captandrew@juno.com 727-542-4829 TheCaptainCanDoIt.com

1’’ ADS Start

CAPTAIN GEORGE

at $132/6 months

PICKUP OR DELIVERY • POWER OR SAIL Texas to Maine & Inland Waterways

727-692-6440 george@captaingeorgeschott.com www.southwindsmagazine.com


To Advertise, call 941-795-8704 or email editor@southCHARTS

• Custom Burgees • Personal Signals • Regatta & Award Flags • Courtesy Flags • U.S. & Yacht Ensigns

888-361-9988 www.BeaverFlags.com Flag Supplier to US SAILING

Made in USA

The versatile handle & auxiliary cleat • Place a bumper where you want it • A secure handhold to get on/off boat • An auxiliary cleat to secure your boat Watch our video or shop our online store

www.handeecleat.com

GEAR & EQUIPMENT Marine Supplies & Gear Over 25,000 Products Get $5 Off - Use Code SWMAG at Checkout

EXPERT OUTFITTERS Owned & Operated by Experienced Sailors

www.ahoycaptain.com 888-464-5581

C-Head Portable Composting Toilet System Designed for your boat, camper, cabin or homestead. Easy to install, maintain and use. COMPLETE Marine System Price:

$499 www.C-Head.com or call:

407-592-1207

A NATURAL OIL VARNISH

• Easy to apply, easy to maintain • Beautiful varnish finish • Doesn’t crack or peel • Florida proven

AMERICAN ROPE & TAR

www.tarsmell.com 1-877-965-1800 News & Views for Southern Sailors

Quiet • Powerful • Simply Designed

For more information, go to our website

Free S&H 48 states

BASED ON A CENTURIES OLD FORMULA

KISS HIGH OUTPUT WIND GENERATOR

Hydrogen Sulfide • Methane • Battery • CO • Others? Head • Holding Tank • Bilge • Diesel Odors Vacuum them up and vent overboard

Continuous Ventilation is The Key

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed SYSTEMS FROM $599

Also: Solar Panels, LED lights, energy-efficient products

3-YEAR WARRANTY

SEE US AT THE ST. PETE BOAT SHOW, DEC. 2-5

727-943-0424 www.svhotwire.com

For Information CONTACT: editor@ southwindsmagazine.com SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

23


To Advertise, call 941-795-8704 or email editor@southwindsmagazine.com Climb your mast alone with Mast Mate. • Flexible nylon ladder • Attaches to any mainsail

track or slot • Thousands in use

Satisfaction guaranteed Made in the USA for 20 years. SECURE, SAFE & EASILY STOWED

207-596-0495 www.mastmate.com VISA / MC / AM/EX

On the Waterfront in St.Petersburg

PRODUCTS

SAILKOTE

SAILBOAT HARDWARE

What we don’t stock, we can generally have the next day! ASK FOR CAPT. FARO AT 1-561-324-8244

“www.theleatherwheel.com”

Open from 8 am-7 pm 7 days 727-258-4958 1500 2nd St. South on Salt Creek

(800) 783-6953 (727)327-5361

3’’ ADS Start at $57 Per Month

NEW LOCATION 4500 28th St. N. St. Pete, FL 33714

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

Electronics, Inc. 95 Dorothy St., Buffalo, NY 14206

1-800-876-4970 or 716-821-5304 www.moorelectronics.com

! N e wu c t d o r P

“NATURE’S HEAD” COMPOSTING TOILET

• No Odor • Compact • Exceptional holding capacity • Urine Diverting • All-Stainless Steel Hardware • USCG Approved

Great For:

• Homes • Cabins • Boats • Workshops • RV’s • Etc…

NATURE’S HEAD, INC. 251.295.3043 WWW.NATURESHEAD.NET

Sailing Store and More Foul Weather Gear All Season Sailing Apparel Gear Bags, Gloves, Footwear, Lifevests

Sailboat Hardware, Line & Kayaks

Used & New Sails Full Service Sail Loft

Boat Covers & Canvas Dealers For: Catalina

& Com - Pac Yachts

Shop Our Online Store… www.mastheadsailinggear.com 24

SAILING INSTRUMENTS Moor/EMS has made reliable, affordable marine instruments for 30+ years. Full line of analog & digital instruments. Speed - Depth Apparent Wind - Windspeed Six models - Prices start at $170

2’’ ADS Start at $38/ Month www.southwindsmagazine.com


To Advertise, call 941-795-8704 or email editor@southwindsmagazine.com HOTELS & RESORTS

FREE Sailboat w/Cottage

CUSTOM YACHT RIGGING Custom-made halyards Topping lifts Sheets Mooring & dock lines Floating rope Anchors Stainless steel hardware

Florida Keys

Cajun Trading Company Ltd.

WATERFRONT WITH DOCK

www.cajunrope.com

1-888-ASK-CAJUN (275-2258) cajun4rope@gmail.com

305-451-3438 www.keylimesailingclub.com

INFLATABLE BOATS

INFLATABLE BOAT REPAIRS Repairs of All Makes & Models Authorized: Zodiac, Avon, Achilles, Walker Bay Sales & Service

FAIR WINDS BOAT REPAIRS 134 Riberia St. #7, St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 669-6045 fairwindsboatrepairs@comcast.net www.fairwindsboatrepairs.com

ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED

OUTBOARDS DINGHY MOTORS • SAILBOAT MOTORS

Tohatsu Sail-Pro 9.8hp, 4-Stroke • 25" shaft • Electric start • 4 Blade, high thrust prop • 6A charging system MSRP $2746 -

RIGGING RIGGING ONLY SMALL AD, SMALL PRICES

2’’ ADS Start at $38/ Month News & Views for Southern Sailors

Standing and running rigging, life lines, furling gear, winches, line, windlasses, travelers, wire and terminals, blocks, vangs, and much more.

Our Price $2195 + tax Outboards: 2½ hp & up

COMPARABLE SAVINGS ON ALL IN-STOCK MOTORS

Problem Solving & Discount Mail Order Since 1984

www.riggingonly.com sail@riggingonly.com 508-992-0434

6814 46th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33709

www.StarMarineInc.com

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

25


To Advertise, call 941-795-8704 or email editor@southwindsmagazine.com SAILS/CANVAS ADVANCED SAILS (727) 896-7245 Quality Cruising Sails & Service Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg Marinas Keith Donaldson . . . . . . . . (727) 896-7245

Excellent Customer Service

PALMETTO • BRADENTON

ATLANTIC SAIL TRADERS SINC

85 E 19

PERFORMANCE CRUISING SAILS

CASH FOR YOUR SURPLUS SAILS

• Huge Inventory of Used Sails • Top Quality Custom-Made New Sails • Hardware, Canvas, Repairs, Alterations • Roller Furling Systems, Line

Masts •Booms • Deck Hardware Rigging •Canvas & More WHEELS CUSTOM LEATHERED

SUNRISE SAILS, PLUS 941-721-4471 www.sunrisesailsplus.com jimmy@sunrisesailsplus.com

ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES

Irish Sail Lady

Buy the Sail, not the label!

Linda Robinson

1-800-WIND-800 Local (941) 957-0999 1818 Mango Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234 FOR OUR UP-TO-DATE INVENTORY DATABASE VISIT:

www.atlanticsailtraders.com 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

WWW.BACONSAILS.COM 7800 Used Sails Online Now

You’ll see the quality You’ll feel the performance

But most of all, you’ll appreciate the price Phone 1-800-611-3823 E-mail: NewSails@aol.com Fax 813-200-1385 www.nationalsail.com

New and Used in Stock

Complete Yacht Outfitting Service

Order on the Internet

New Sails •Sail Repair •Cleaning

Sailing doesn’t have to be expensive

4500 28th St. N., St. Pete, FL 33714

NEW & USED SAILS, RECUTS, REPAIRS CANVAS DESIGN & REPAIR • RIGGING SERVICES Serving St. Augustine - Daytona - Jacksonville - SE Georgia 134 Riberia St. #4, St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 377-0527 irishsaillady@yahoo.com

FOR ALL YOUR SAILING NEEDS Free New Sail Quoter Online — ONLINE SHIPS STORE — New & Used Hardware Call to order by 2pm - same day shipping

BACON SAILS & MARINE SUPPLIES

• Full rigging services by Colin Curtis • Outfitting service & consultation • Cruising Sails • Racing Sails • Sail Repairs • Canvas All sails designed and built in the USA

410-263-4880 50 Years Brokering Sails & Hardware For Information CONTACT: editor@southwindsmagazine.com _____________________________________ 26

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

NEW & USED SAILS BUY • SELL • TRADE NEW CUSTOM SAILS

SARASOTA 2100 20th St. (941) 365-SAIL Gregg Knighton Alan Capellin Bob Revou

PUNTA GORDA 6025 Taylor Rd. (941) 347-8325 Scott Endicott Alan Capellin

ROLLER FURLING SYSTEMS

FURLING PACKAGES

7060 15th St. E. #12 • Sarasota, FL 34243 Phone: 941-758-2822• Fax: 941-758-2979 1-800-507-0119 • www.porpoisesailing.com

www.southwindsmagazine.com


To Advertise, call 941-795-8704 or email editor@southwindsmagazine.com

We put the wind back in your sails!

NEED SHADE? Try Our Sailboat Awnings

REPLACE SUNBANDS 15% Discount on Repairs REPAIR LEECH LINES June 1-Aug. 31 LUFF/FOOT ROPES SEAMS, GROMMETS, HANKS, SLIDES, NUMBERS/INSIGNIAS, BATTEN POCKETS, REPAIR HOLES, TEARS, CHAFE, & MORE!

800-433-7245 www.sailcare.com

• ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT • UV PROTECTION • WIND RESISTANT • CARBON FIBER POLES • FOLDS TO 5’ FOR EASY STORING • 15-20 DEGREES COOLER! www.shellbackawnings.com shellbackcanvasllc@gmail.com 941-773-2410

All You Need to Sail! 957 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 941-951-0189 ullmansails@ullfl.net

Cruising & Race Sails Sail Repairs Fiberglass Repairs Fair Hulls, Keels, Rudders Rigging, Splicing Swaging Tacktick Electronics 420, V15, Sunfish & Laser Parts

We Serve Your Sailing Needs

2’’ ADS Start at $38/Month News & Views for Southern Sailors

2’’ ADS St. Pete Florida

Start at $38/Month

727-823-1968 www.sail-tech.com SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

27


OUR WATERWAYS

Georgia’s Revised Liveaboard Rule By James Newsome SOUTHWINDS Magazine reported in October 2011 that important changes were being considered in Georgia’s liveaboard law. Cruisers traveling through the state’s coastal waters have branded Georgia as unfriendly to liveaboards and rightfully so. However, few out-of-state boaters know the history behind Georgia’s strict policy. In the 1980s, modern day squatters occupying derelict boats and barges—mainly along the Altamaha River— dumped their human waste, garbage and oil directly into the state’s waters. Over time, many of the floating homes sunk as the irresponsible owners abandoned them or were unable to keep them afloat. In 1992, Georgia reacted with sweeping legislation and enacted one of the most restrictive liveaboard laws in the country, allowing boaters only 30 days of liveaboard privilege each year. The law worked, and the derelict liveaboard boats and barges were stopped. Unfortunately, their legacy remains as over 250 sunken vessels have been documented by Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources, and with the state’s limited resources, only 50 have been removed as recently as 2008. One unintended consequence of the law was that cruisers traveling through the state, as well as Georgia boaters, were also punished. Consequently, few boaters traveling north and south along the ICW have stayed for long periods of time in Georgia, and the resulting economic impact on coastal marinas and communities has been devastating, especially considering that Georgia’s marinas are a logical retreat for Florida boaters during hurricane season. In 2010, the Georgia Marine Business Association (GMBA) petitioned the Coastal Resource Division (CRD) of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to consider a rule change. Chris Ferguson, the manager of Morningstar Marina at St. Simon’s Island, is on the GMBA committee that lobbied for the reconsideration of rules pertaining to liveaboards. Chris explained that Georgia already has a law on the books that makes sewage discharging illegal; therefore, the liveaboard and discharging issues are separate concerns. Essentially, if a marina is capable of handling the discharges, then the time an owner spends on a boat should be a moot issue. GMBA presented its case well, and public meetings were held in July 2011 by the CRD as amendments to Georgia’s Coastal Marshlands Protection Rules were proposed. As of January 1, 2012, it became legal to live aboard a vessel for an extended period in Georgia. No application or notification is required for the initial 90 days. Under Rule 391-2-3.05, approved by Georgia’s DNR in 2011, a process has been established where boaters wanting to live aboard their vessel for more than 90 days may apply to the commissioner of the DNR for an extension. The Extension of Live-Aboard Privileges application is a simple one-page document that must be filled out by the boat owner and marina operator. There is no cost for submitting the application. Boat owners must certify on the application that they meet the following requirements: • Individuals must have a slip rental agreement with an 28

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles on St. Simon’s Island is one of the marinas that will now allow liveaboards. The marina will not charge a liveaboard fee.

“Eligible Marina.” • Individuals must certify that the vessel has a secured mechanism to prevent discharge of treated and untreated sewage, i.e., including, but not limited to, closing the seacock and securing it closed by padlocking, using a non-releasable wire tie, or removing the seacock handle with the seacock closed. • Individuals must certify that they will not discharge any sewage, treated or untreated, into Georgia coastal waters and that they will use a pump-out station to empty their holding tank and keep a record of each pump-out for one year. • Individuals must certify that the vessel is capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water and is capable of safe, mechanically-propelled, navigation under average Georgia coastal wind and current conditions. • Live-Aboard Extensions cannot be transferred. • Individuals must request a modification to a Live-Aboard Extension prior to re-locating to a new eligible marina. • Live-Aboard Extensions must or may be renewed every calendar year. • Vessels associated with a Live-Aboard Extension are subjected to inspections by the Department. While some of the certified marinas have decided to charge an extra monthly fee for liveaboards, Chris Ferguson with Morningstar Marina believes the additional revenue generated by fuel sales, dockage fees and services will more than offset the cost associated with boaters who live full-time at the marina. Therefore, he has opted not to charge a liveaboard fee. The new liveaboard rule sends a clear message that Georgia has shed its black-eye status associated with the restrictive policy of the past 20 years and is ready to back up the claim that this is a boat-friendly state. Liveaboard owners need to be aware that DNR’s Coastal Resource Division and the certified marinas are very serious about preserving the fragile coastal environment and Georgia’s treasured barwww.southwindsmagazine.com


rier islands and will strictly enforce the no-discharge law. Doug Haymans, policy coordinator for DNR’s Coastal Resource Division, states that, “We need more pump-out capacity along the coast. The agency’s primary concern is water quality, and we will continue to look for the best possible solutions.” The Coastal Resource Division recently received a $288,000 Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant, which aids states and marinas by providing up to 75 percent of the funding for building or improving pump-out systems. Several marinas have already taken advantage of the funding, and information has been sent to other marinas along the Georgia coast informing them about the CVA Grant program. Find additional information at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division website for Extension of Live-Aboard Privileges or by contacting certified marinas. http://coastalgadnr.org/msp/ap/Liveab Currently, there are five of Georgia’s 30 marinas with unlimited pump-out capacity. They are Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles at St. Simon’s Island, Jekyll Harbor Marina on Jekyll Island, Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, Bull River Marina and Isle of Hope Marina in Savannah.

Sarasota City Bayfront Mooring Field — Approved, Again and Again and Again By Harmon Heed The long proposed Sarasota, FL, mooring field has received three required approvals and may soon become an actual reality this summer. The quest began seriously seven years ago when the economy was ostentatious. Planning commission board member and later city commissioner, Ken Shelin convinced the city it had to clean out the dozen derelict boats and liveaboards that were pumping poops into the bay that already suffered from thousands of gallons a year of fecal matter and other effluent overflow from city sewers. He could see it all from his high rise condo on plush Palm Avenue, just a block from the Bay. Within two years, the engineering firm the city hired laid out the projected field, had a subsurface survey of the bay floor conducted, specified the anchors to be used, obtained permits from the state and eventually recommended the installing contractor. By 2007, the permits had been permitted, the Submerged Land Lease (SLL) was let and required ordinances ordained by the city commissioners. In 2009, a contractor was hired to install the first 35 anchors for $85,000 but they failed. Another company was paid $28,000 to test the failed anchors and confirmed the failure. In 2011 the city rebid the project, but a protest held up the issuance for months. The city’s five-year Submerged Land Lease was set to expire in June of this year. In May 2012, without one mooring ball in place, the city received a three-year extension on its SLL from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Not only had a lot of time been wasted but also a lot of News & Views for Southern Sailors

The mooring field in Sarasota Bay.

money. According to the city engineering department— which is in charge of putting the project together—by November 2010, expenditures allocated and/or spent were: city general fund, maintenance fund and matching funds for pump-out boat grant: $439,500; city attorney expenditures of $133,731; and engineering department staff costs approximately equal to city attorney costs of $133,731 (although the department never provided staff costs asked for by Commissioner Kirschner). That adds up to a total of city expenditures of approximately $707,000. But still there was not one mooring in the bay. In 2011, $45,000 was paid for another geotechnical (subsurface) survey. This year, $220,000 will be spent on a second installation try. (That is over two and a half times what the original installation contract was in 2009.) The total cost of the first 35 moorings will be approximately $1,000,000, or $28,570 per ball. The average estimated cost of a mooring in places like Gulfport and Punta Gorda is $3,000. When asked about the high cost, City Commissioner Terry Turner, a retired banker who was elected in 2009, replied, “… there is no question that we have spent a ridiculous amount of money to date. Unfortunately, that money is gone, and there is nothing that we can do to recover it. It is also not relevant.” Not even in a recession when library hours, teachers and life safety positions are still being cut. Most of all that money was/will not be paid for by the city residents but by other Florida residents. $112,000 came from the Florida Boating Improvement Program funded by state taxes. $605,000 came from West Coast Inland Navigation District grants paid for by taxes levied in Charlotte, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota counties. This means that Sarasota City’s exorbitantly priced mooring field is being paid for mostly by people who do not live in the city or even in the county and therefore can’t hold the city engineering or procurement departments or commissioners accountable. The initial plans for the mooring field called for 109 moorings in 114 acres of water in the nape of the bay, the prime anchorage. The original Phase I only, was for 35 moorings in about 38 acres. Now they will be scattered over about 50 acres. If Phase I is financially successful, the additional 74 moorings will be set in the remaining 60-plus acres. No one can venture a guess as to when that will be. The SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

29


OUR WATERWAYS

Boats anchored in the bay where the Sarasota Mooring field will be completed this summer, if all goes as planned. Photo by Steve Morrell.

$1,000,000, 35 mooring Phase I is an experiment. But the lease extension, asked for by the city and approved by the DEP last month, was for the entire 114 acres. So, even though the city will use only 50 acres for the mooring field, boaters will not be allowed to anchor in the other 60-plus unused acres. Jay Bliss, who is elected to sit on the St. Augustine Port Waterway and Beach Commission, is astounded at the space requirement, “Seventy acres were set aside for the installation of 163 moorings in St. Augustine. How Sarasota would require 114 acres simply does not make sense.” According to Commodore David Jennings, the Sarasota Sailing Squadron requested a SSL of only 38.5 acres for its proposed 149-ball mooring field. The new Vinoy Basin mooring field in St. Pete has, according to St. Pete Municipal Marina manager, Walt Miller, 13 balls with 30- to 60-foot swings in about four acres, and, when funds permit, another 13 balls will be installed within the same boundaries. All five of the Pilot Program mooring fields have standoffs, buffer zone areas around land and the mooring field boundaries in which boats cannot remain anchored. In Sarasota that standoff is supposedly 150 feet. However, since boaters will be prohibited from anchoring in the empty, adjacent Phases II & III, the standoff in Sarasota is actually over 1,000 feet all along the southern and southwestern boundaries. Many people feel that prohibiting anchoring in this unused, 60-plus acres of open water is in contradiction with one of the reasons the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission established the Pilot Program, to “promote public access to the waters of this state.” The city of Sarasota is hoping a 90 percent-plus fill rate will pay for the mooring field. That may be an exorbitantly optimistic projection. It is optimistic even for east coast mooring fields that get the snowbird traffic. In early March, Wally Moran, who writes for SAIL and Waterways, noted, “When I went past Titusville, there were three boats on its 75 balls—and at least 15 boats anchored out.” Last April, this writer was at Fort Myers Beach and saw only six of its 70 moorings occupied. I was also at St. Pete where only two boats were moored in the new Vinoy field. A couple of years ago, the city of Bradenton Beach scrubbed its plans for a mooring field because, “… it had become too financially risky.” In March of this year, the city of Punta Gorda indefinitely postponed its plans for a new mooring field because its present field off Laishley Park is “hardly used.” “This year, we’ve had a whopping six for a week—and we’re talking 80 mooring balls. If you build it, they will come 30

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

doesn’t really work for me,” said Mayor Bill Albers. A pro forma, estimated balance sheet for the proposed Sarasota mooring field, was created by Sam Chavers, the wellrespected dockmaster at the prestigious Marina Jack that will manage the mooring field. It projects total excess (negative) revenues of over $16,000 a year for the first three years of operation. That pro forma is based on an over 90 percent occupancy. If the annual losses reach $25,000 a year, either the city or Marina Jack may unilaterally terminate the management agreement, thereby leaving the $1,000,000 mooring field with no management and/or upland amenities like pump-out boat, dinghy dock, head, showers, etc. With no mooring field management, the city would lose its “fee-waived” lease and be required to pay the state $80,000 annual rent. The second approval for the Sarasota Bayfront Mooring Field came on May 7 when the board of commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the new ordinance required by the FWC Pilot Program. The original mooring field ordinance, approved in early 2009, would have allowed no more than 72 hours of continuous anchoring outside of the mooring field. The FWC’s prohibition of local regulations outside of mooring fields in Florida in July of 2009 invalidated that. However the FWC’s Pilot Program required the five participating municipalities to establish new local ordinances. Those individual ordinances will take effect only after approved by the FWC and each mooring field is operable. A brief synopsis of the ordinance is: Time restriction A vessel may anchor outside the mooring field for 89 consecutive days and then must move into the mooring field or outside of city waters for three consecutive days after which it can again anchor for another 89 days. This may be repeated without limit. Setbacks Applicable after 12 hours 150 feet from mooring field boundaries 150 feet from mean high water mark of property. Exceptions Safe harbor clause for mechanical or weather-related issues. If mooring field is full, setback around it and 90-day rules are suspended until space is available. Enforcement and Penalties Enforcement by Sarasota Police, County Sheriff and/or FWC. Multiple visual observations (may be done by civilians) required for enforcement of time and/or setback violations. Citation will be presented to owner/occupant or mailed to registered owner. Non-criminal violation with a fine not to exceed $500. The third approval came on June 28th in Palm Beach Gardens when the FWC approved the new Sarasota ordinance, which will go into effect as soon as Phase I is installed. The city hopes the contractor will have equipment on site by July 9, and the installation completed in 60 days as per the contract. That means that sometime in September, 80 moorings in the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and the six that are part of the New College sailing program will become illegal and have to be removed. Perhaps that is how the city commissioners and mooring field manager expect to fill the new Sarasota Bayfront Mooring Field. www.southwindsmagazine.com


SOUTHERN SAILING SCHOOLS N. Carolina • S. Carolina • Georgia • Florida • Alabama • Mississippi • Louisiana • Texas Unlimited Sailing — $295/Month! THE HARBORAGE MARINA, ST. PETERSBURG

Flagship Sailing Club Unlimited sailing for $295 a month • No dock fees, maintenance or insurance costs • Catalina 27s and 30s

Learn To Sail With Us! Basic Sailing & Coastal Cruising Certification Courses Half-Day Captained Charters ASA certified instructors • Coast Guard licensed captains ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA

800-282-1411 sales@dunbaryachts.com www.dunbaryachts.com

Catalina 27

FLAGSHIP SAILING SCHOOL Award-Winning ASA School BKB 101 thru ACC 106 plus ASA Docking Endorsement and Instructor Training

t

1421 Bay Street SE • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-946-6542 facebook.com/flagshipsailing info@flagshipsailing.com www.flagshipsailing.com

ADVERTISE YOUR SAILING SCHOOL in this space for $228 (B&W) or $273.60 for color, for a one-year ad. ADVERTISE YOUR SAILING SCHOOL in this space starting at $57 a month (black & white, 12- month rate). Add 20% for color. janet@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 870-3422 editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

ADVERTISE YOUR SAILING SCHOOL in this 4’’ space starting at $76 a month 2-inch ads at $38/month (black & white, 12- month rate). Add 20% for color.

CHARTERS & SAILING SCHOOL Tampa Bay/West Florida at the Vinoy Resort in Downtown St Pete — ASA SAILING SCHOOL — Courses #101 thru #114 Cruising Catamaran — CHARTERS — SAIL/POWER/FISHING — 29’-47’ • CHARTER 1 DAY OR LONGER • GUIDED FISHING CHARTERS • LOOKING FOR VESSELS Put your boat in charter & save

janet@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 870-3422 editor@southwindsmagazine.com

Sailing Florida Charters 1-866-894-7245 www.sailingflorida.com

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

31


CAROLINA SAILING

Upstate Splendor for Sailors By Dan Dickison Photos by Johnny Corn www.bigjohn.smugmug.com

W

hen you think sailing in South Carolina, particularly at this time of year, it’s likely that the coastal environment populates your thoughts. For most people, the waters of Charleston, Hilton Head or Georgetown come to mind. The murky, tidal-strewn waterways that range from Savannah in the south to Myrtle Beach in the north are what sailing characteristically connotes in the Palmetto State. But this state has a wealth of options for those inclined to spend time under sail in inland waters, and among the most alluring—yet least explored—is Lake Jocassee. Situated in the upstate near the intersection of the North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia borders, Lake Jocassee is a man-made waterway—the farthest upstream of a series of lakes formed by dams and fed by tributaries from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Seen from an elevation of 30,000 feet, this lake resembles the head of a frazzled cartoon rabbit, its ragged ears flopping out to form two extensive waterways, prime for exploration. Closer to ground level, Lake Jocassee is a canvas of watery hues that range from olive to azure, surrounded by a palette of evergreen and deciduous forests. With little man-made infrastructure in the immediate vicinity, the waters of this 7,500-acre lake are crystal-clear and 300 feet deep in places, making the lake popular with scuba divers. Various sized coves rim the lake, many of which are particularly inviting due to the waterfalls—some dozen or so—that cascade into the lake. Despite all this splendor, it’s not common to see many sailboats here. Unlike its downstream neighbor, Lake Keowee, which is rife with sailing activity, Lake Jocassee is more popular with kayakers and powerboaters. If you do make the trek here, chances are there’s one sailboat you will see—a 22-foot sloop owned and skippered by Johnny Corn. If anyone knows this lake from a sailor’s perspective, it’s Corn, who has been plying these waters aboard his MacGregor 22 since the mid ’80s. Corn grew up sailing in Key West and has trailered his boat to sailing venues up and down the Southeast coast. He says there are few places in this region that rival Lake Jocassee. It’s his homeport and preferred sailing venue. 32

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

“If I’m going sailing, Lake Jocassee is the place I like to go. I like to make every outing an adventure, and this is a great spot for that. There are very few houses on the lake, and the rest of the surrounding land is protected. You’ve got a gorgeous state park on one side and managed land on the other. And several of the rivers that feed the lake are wild and scenic rivers. You’ve got waterfalls in various places around the lake. So it’s really beautiful here.” And, says Corn, the water levels are higher this year than they’ve been in several years, making it even more inviting. Corn notes that there are only four public access points on the lake for boaters—each within Devils Fork State Park. And there’s only one ramp for bigger boats, which can get crowded during weekends in the summer. “At those times,” he says, “you may not be able to get on the lake because the number of parking spaces for trailers is limited. But during the week, you’ll have the place to yourself. Those days, you might just have a handful of other people on the lake, so you can pretty much be out there on your own.” This time of year, Corn typically prefers to avoid the heat, so he favors sunset sails. “I generally arrive late in the afternoon when most people are going home. I launch and sail out into the middle of the lake and watch the sunset. Sunsets are fantastic here. And unless there’s a storm, there’s very little wind in the afternoon, so you can just drift. But once the sun sets and the moon rises, you can get a pretty consistent evening breeze blowing out of the valley, and if that’s the case, I’ll spend a couple of hours sailing before I head back to the ramp. Sometimes, I’ll sail into a cove and spend the night. Technically, you’re supposed to be fishing if you spend the night on the lake. So you should buy a South Carolina license and take some gear, but you don’t even have to have a hook or bait on your line.” How well does Corn know the lake? On one particular evening, he remembers heading for a certain favorite cove. “There was no moon that night, and because there are no man-made light sources out there, it was very dark. But I know my way around the lake, so I found the cove, which is next to a waterfall, and it wasn’t until then that I realized I’d been wearing my sunglasses the whole time. So, I guess that’s knowing the lake pretty well.” www.southwindsmagazine.com


The largest of three launching ramps at Devils Fork State Park.

Johnny Corn coaxes his MacGregor 22 into the mouth of one of Lake Jocassee’s many tributaries.

Like any experienced sailor, Corn watches the weather pretty closely. He says it’s particularly important in a lake setting. “If I can offer any warning, it’s that Jocassee can become a very mean lake very fast. If a cold front comes through and you get 20 mph winds, the lake will start to whitecap, and out there, the winds will come at you from every direction. It can pretty quickly become life-threatening. You have to keep your eyes open because a front or a thunderstorm can come in and all of sudden the wind will switch. That’s pretty common with any mountain lake, but we have had a few fatalities up here because of it.” A favorite tactic of his is to watch the weather, and right before a cold front hits, he’ll sail from Devils Fork State Park almost all the way up the upper part of the lake and take refuge in a North Carolina cove. “If you wait until the front

Johnny Corn posing in front of one his favorite sights, a waterfall on Lake Jocassee.

passes, that will often bring in a northerly wind that will blow you all the way back across the lake to the park, so it’s a nice ride home.” What Corn loves to do most on Lake Jocassee is “chase waterfalls.” He says he uses his sloop as “an access vehicle to do a lot of trail hiking. There are dozens of fantastic waterfalls around the lake. A lot of them require a hike, and some of them are huge. But I chase waterfalls to shoot photography.” Later this year, he expects to have a coffee table book out depicting the many vistas he has shot around Lake Jocassee. But no trailer sailor has to wait that long to experience this beautiful waterway. Just head to the upstate, and pull into Devils Fork State Park. It’s only an hour’s drive from Greenville, SC, and miles from nowhere. For additional information on Lake Jocassee, log on to www.southcarolinaparks.com/devilsfork/introduction.aspx News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

33


Demopolis is located in Alabama on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway (known as the Tenn Tom Waterway) and is used regularly by boaters in the fall as they head south to warmer climates. It is particularly used by those on the Great Loop. Some use Demopolis as a storage point for their boats during the hurricane season, since it is north of the 32nd parallel—important to insurance companies.

The new well at Kingfisher Bay Marina is a welcome addition to Demopolis Yacht Basin. The author’s boat, Chip Ahoy, is shown here in the slings.

Kingfisher Bay Marina Opens in Demopolis New Facility Features Same Great Hospitality By Cyndi Perkins

D

emopolis Yacht Basin is a refuge for boaters headed up or down the remote 216-mile stretch of the river “highway” above Mobile Bay—a route used by boaters cruising America’s “Great Loop” each fall. There is only one other fuel stop on the lower Tombigbee River and no other marinas. Trinella, the yacht basin’s outstanding dockmaster, has always figured out a way to get boaters tucked in off the river for a night’s rest, even if that meant rafting vessels up three and four deep. Many a boater has spent a night on the bustling Demopolis fuel dock, with tows pulling in at all hours on the opposite side of the floating structure.

There never was a dull moment for staff or guests exposed to the sights and sounds of river commerce 24/7; frustration levels frequently rose during busy November, when the current flock of America’s Great Circle Loopers travel in packs of five to 10 boats or more, fresh from enjoying the big AGCLA Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park. By the time they get to the lower Tombigbee, merging with downbound snowbirds, marina slips are filling to capacity, and the more competitive among them are actively jockeying to get to the next dock or anchorage while there is still room available. Demop’s Yacht Basin theoretically had enough surface area to accommodate many boats, but the natural curve of

• Competitive Pricing • Quality-Rated Companies • Coastal USA, Including Florida • Caribbean & Worldwide Navigation For quotes, visit our website

www.BlueWaterInsurance.com Toll Free 866-795-3704 - Fax 866-795-3707 OFFICES

34

August 2012

IN JUPITER,

SOUTHWINDS

FLORIDA

www.southwindsmagazine.com


area to accommodate many boats, but the natural curve of the basin brings in every bit of drift along with considerable silt, making many slips unusable for boats drawing more than 3.5 feet. Skeptics waxed poetic over the obstacles the proposed Kingfisher Bay Marina expansion would encounter. A few naysayers over the years have opined that the project was nothing more than a grandiose dream. I harbored few doubts; my birdseye view of the project from Chip Ahoy’s deck atop her boatyard stands revealed impressive progress over the last couple of years. Now the rip-rapped land-cut bordering the Riverview RV Park on the spit of land northeast of the fuel docks is open. The Tombigbee /Black Warrior water flooding in is not as blue as the pond was before Slips on the floating piers feature full hook-ups. There are currently 53 slips, with plenty of room it was connected to the waterway, for transients. but the comfortable depths it now we have somewhere to put them,” says smiling affords for any size vessel is a dream come true for anyone General Manager Fred Hansard, who catches up to me in who ever bumped through the mud in the old basin. There his golf cart as I am walking around snapping pictures of are currently 53 slips, with plenty of room for transients. the new marina. From the roadway it is located down the No more headaches for Trinella. Lock Number 4 Park Road, and a few guest golf carts are “We always made sure they could get off and be safe – also provided for the long trek through the boatyard over to the well-appointed ship’s store and the fuel dock. Despite the increased acreage to traverse, Fred seems to be everyGulfport Municipal Marina where, his enjoyment obvious as he oversees operations in the new basin and throughout the facility. “All of us who work here are just goin’ wild,” he says. “No more tying up the fuel dock; no more rafting off. Then Your Gateway to the Gulf & we’ll go from there. There’s still a lot to do but we’re getting Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve there.” They certainly are. They were projected to have 85 slips available by last May. Excavation continues on adjacent property but is not intrusive. Future plans are quite ambitious, including indoor/outdoor pools, walking trails and a golf course. Fred says the envisioned resort is meant to establish Demopolis as a destination rather than solely a much-needed stop on the river highway leading recreational and commercial boaters to the Gulf of Mexico. It occurs to this cruis-

Well Protected Basin Transient Dock Transient Daily: $1.50/ft Transient Weekly: $5.25/ft

(727) 893-1071 www.ci.gulfport.fl.us 4630 29th Ave. S. Harbormaster: Denis Frain, CMM News & Views for Southern Sailors

250 Wet Slips 100 Dry Slips Marina Web Cam Floating Transient Dock Launching Ramp Monthly & Daily Rentals Marine Supplies Free Internet Access Free Public Pump-out Floating Fuel Dock Gas & Diesel Fishing Tackle Charter Boat Center Ice, Beer, Snacks Live & Frozen Bait Prop Recondition Monitoring VHF CH 16 FM

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

35


Pumpout is accessible in all slips, which will also lead to faster fueling times, since that chore can now be done somewhere other than the fuel dock.

36

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

er that my bias against “dockominiums” and overdevelopment related to points south of Alabama does not apply here. This is not a Florida investor’s poorly designed overpriced dream. Kingfisher Bay is needed. Some of the regular seasonal residents have already settled in, proclaiming the place fit for habitation. Some avow that there is no better place to retire. While the down-home marinas boaters find along the Tenn-Tom are one of the best reasons to cruise the rivers, every once in a while it’s such a comfort to find a well-appointed fullservice, what-a-great-shower marina. There really isn’t anything like Kingfisher Bay on the rivers, save for Alton at the head of the Mississippi and to a lesser extent Green Turtle Bay on the Tennessee. It’s been a kick to watch it develop. What a thrill for Scott and I to launch our 32-foot DownEast sailboat Chip Ahoy in the spacious new launch well in November 2011, where depths were a hearty 8-10 feet. By the time she had easily motored to her slip at the new docks, boatyard staff would still have been dragging Chips through the two-to-four foot humps that plague the old basin. As we tied up and settled in, I wondered aloud if I was hallucinating. Scott laughed, nodding his head. Staying here is a far different experience than we have had in the past, when loading the boat with provisions was a time-consuming project that involved hauling all our stuff over the other boats we were rafted up to after trundling it a quarter-mile down long metal docks. There are full hook-ups at all slips, along with a clean, cheerful, well-lighted and thoughtfully designed clubhouse featuring a Laundromat ($2 per washer, $2 per dryer), spacious restrooms with three showers for women and three for men, big-screen cable TV and rocking chairs. Automated lighting throughout the clubhouse, handicapped-accessible washing machines and dryers and many other nifty features illustrate the care that has been put into every phase of the marina’s design. During our stay staff was unpacking patio furniture for the rooftop cruisers deck under the shade of the covered slips. The wet bar and countertop island make it a perfect place for potlucks and parties. And best of all, the reasonable rates remain the same. Many boaters passing through will never stay in the old yacht basin, but those who do also have a welcoming clubhouse with television, lending library, deck overlooking the water equipped with barbecue grill and wonderfully refurbished laundry and shower facilities. These amenities are particularly appreciated by those staying in the boatyard to have work done or to work on their own vessels before splashing. Chip Ahoy has summered two years in the boatyard, where do-it-yourself liveaboards are welcome, and the nearby ship’s store either has it or will accept delivery for you. This year we had a new toilet shipped to coincide with our arrival. It was waiting for us. Fred says there are no plans to abandon the original Demopolis Yacht Basin docks. These docks are now envisioned as more of a “workhorse marina” for vessels needing haulouts and in-water repairs. But the comfort of the mariner’s stay is still an important consideration. “Have www.southwindsmagazine.com


you seen the clubhouse over there?” he wants to know, and I reassure him that I have been enjoying its fabulous improvements for two boating seasons. Then he asks me how I like the new restrooms and clubhouse at Kingfisher Bay. I tell him that I cannot even believe I am staying on my boat in the same place. The stench of a night on the fuel dock downwind of the pump-out with a tow barge’s headlights shining in my eyes, the line for the shower, that one shower…it’s like a parallel universe. The busy fuel dock marked by distinctive stanchions remains the heart of the operation, downriver side reserved for commercial tows and upriver side for pleasure craft. The pump-out facilities in Kingfisher Bay Marina will also lead to faster fueling times, since that chore can now be done somewhere other than the fuel dock. It’s surreal watching the first Looper trawlers pass through the irons and into a basin that I first saw when it was being scooped out before they let the water in. This engineering project is a fascinating study in sand sculpture. The sand also proved to be a valuable means to assist in financing the expansion. In November staff was still cheerfully working out any bugs related to routing boaters over to the new place. Trinella teasingly tells boaters headed from the fuel dock to their assigned slip to refer to Fred as “Dock Boy” when hailing him on Channel 8. While there are a few new employees in the boatyard and marine store (great to see American job creation), this is still a lean operation where everyone pulls their weight. Fred is tying up boats at the new marina and also making sure that the Dumpster on the other side of the complex is emptied on schedule.

While much of the surrounding landscape remains raw around the edges, and the Lock Number Four Park dirt access road screams anything but “resort,” strategically placed ground cover keeps sand off boats and is establishing sod around the main perimeters of the basin. Herons and the namesake kingfishers are finding their way to the new pond, where the fish are establishing a new habitat below the surface. One foggy morning a bass boat motored slowly into the new basin looking for the fuel dock. Getting used to the changes will take a little time, but everyone seems to be adjusting just fine. Alabama has the most navigable amount of waterways in the entire United States. What a natural fit to promote boating, the local economy and to give boaters a good night’s sleep on the river where ample marine services are available. If your mast is 50 feet or under, you may step your mast at Demopolis. There are only two railroad lift bridges to open the rest of the way to Mobile, and they are in the up position unless a train is coming. While many sailors carry or ship their masts all the way down the rivers and wait to step until Mobile Bay, we greatly prefer to have all systems up and running long before we enter saltwater. There are times when we are able to sail on the lower Tombigbee, especially working upriver when a favorable wind gives Chip Ahoy’s keel a fighting chance against opposing current. Perhaps one day when the swimming pools are completed and there are a few townhouses occupied in the envisioned Kingfisher Bay Marina Resort, slip fees will rise and the atmosphere will turn hoity-toity. But I doubt it. The upgraded facilities are a great source of pride that the Demopolis Yacht Basin staff seems positively tickled to share with the boaters from all walks of life who have watched this new marina take shape. For those who take time to linger more than a day in Demopolis, the provisioning by courtesy car is good and so are the restaurants. The people around here like to eat well. Even if you never make it to the classic town square, which is a short walk away, you must be sure to visit the boatyard and the original yacht basin. Have a beer at Mo’s—aka the New Orleans Bar & Grill – and watch the turtles sunning on the submerged logs that pile up in the basin. We have learned in this neck of the woods to never expect anything but churches, restaurants and Wal-Mart to be open on Sunday. The people in this town work hard during the week and enjoy their Saturdays and Sundays off. I recommend that you do the same. Demopolis is a small town, where everyone knows everyone else in the McDonald’s or the Dollar Store or the bank. In the ornate lobby of the latter I stood in line for a roll of quarters so I could mark laundry off my to-do list. The teller gave me a roll from Gloria; I won’t give you her last name or telephone number, but I had them in case she was a couple of quarters short! Kingfisher Bay Marina is located above the 32nd parallel at the junction of the Black Warrior and Tombigbee Rivers. For more info check out KingfisherBayMarina.com or call Kim at (334)-289-1023. Cyndi Perkins and husband Scott completed two America’s Great Circle Loops and have been sailing on their home waters of Lake Superior every chance they get for 17 years. Three years ago they became snowbirds, fleeing winter aboard their 32-foot DownEast sailing vessel, Chip Ahoy. From the rivers Chip Ahoy is heading somewhere south to where the butter melts.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

37


Revisiting Hurricane Katrina

Municipal Harbor experienced over 80 percent boat losses during Katrina.

Two Liveaboards Look Back On Riding Out Hurricane Katrina in a New Orleans Marina By Troy Gilbert

A

sk anyone today if it would have been a good idea to ride out Hurricane Katrina onboard a boat in a New Orleans marina, and it’s almost guaranteed that they wouldn’t even think it was a real question. But that was the hurricane plan for a few New Orleans liveaboards who were only expecting one heck of a wicked night out on their boats, seven years ago this month (Katrina made landfall Monday, Aug. 29, 2005). What they got instead was three weeks of hell, camaraderie and heroism—and with civilization breaking down, the marina rapidly became an island of refuge in those dark days. As all New Orleanians did, they went to bed that Friday night, Aug. 26, comfortable in the knowledge that Katrina was expected to make landfall near Pensacola, but they woke the next morning and learned that the Cat 5 hurricane had tracked farther northwest and would now strike their city in under 36 hours. The mad scramble of hurricane

preparations quickly ensued, with many of them securing the boats of absent owners after providing for their own. With lines secured and supply runs winding down by Sunday morning, the majority of them opted to evacuate the city and join the 200-mile-long traffic jams streaming from the coast. Dennis Raziano, a part-time liveaboard who’d spent nearly 28 years in the marina, knew all along that he was going to ride the storm out and watched them leave. He explains his decision to stay with a wry smile, “That’s my hurricane plan. I evacuate my home and send my wife off to stay with family in Greenville, MS, and then I head out to my

SPARS & RIGGING By Sparman USA

Experience + Knowledge = Solutions • 25 years mast and rigging experience • Re-rigging any sailboat, anywhere • Supplying the best spar and rigging products at the best price • On-site mast & rigging installation, tuning and problem solving We solve your problems - whatever they are, wherever YOU are CONTACT US TODAY AT:

352-222-4019 Info@sparmanusa.com www.sparmanusa.com 38 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


HURRICANE SEASON 2012 boat. I was taught many years ago to never leave the boat. Even if it’s floating down the highway—you never leave the boat.” As such, Raziano has ridden out every hurricane to strike south Louisiana since Camille in 1969. One pier over, his neighbor, Kevin Stouffelt, is similar—having never evacuated his boat for a storm since 1981. Stouffelt adds, “It was never like this one, though.” The Orleans Marina is one of three large New Orleans marinas located along the southern shores of Lake Pontchartrain, which is actually not a lake, but more of a brackish bay—or large tidal lagoon—with a narrow opening on one end to the waters of Municipal Harbor three days after Katrina. the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of With the first feeder bands coming through the city and the Mexico. The marina is considered a reasonably safe “hurriwinds of the northwest quadrant of the storm pushing water cane hole,” existing as an inner harbor surrounded by the into the lake by way of the Rigolets and shipping canals, much larger Municipal Harbor, a 60-plus acre park with yacht Raziano started taking notes of the water levels in the mariclubs, boathouses, restaurants and high-rise condominiums. na. His measurements would later become an invaluable Its southern edge is a large securable seawall that rises 13.6 resource for the Army Corps of Engineers in documenting feet above sea level and is part of the levee protection system. the storm surge. By 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, the water levels Within the marina, the boats float near rooftop level of the had swallowed the wooden finger piers, and Katrina was still below-sea level neighborhood of Lakeview just beyond the 200 miles from New Orleans and the Mississippi coast. supposed protection of the levees. The now-infamous 17th In his 28 years on his 34-foot shrimp boat, Kaui Girl— Street Canal floodwall breach, one of many that occurred that he’d converted into a houseboat—Raziano had never throughout the city, is a mere 200 yards away. seen the water rise higher than the main cement piers. But Sunday—Water Levels Begin to Rise by 4:00 a.m., the water was matching that, and the eye of the storm was still five hours away. He adds, “Once you make all the lines, there’s really nothing that you can do except hold on—ride it out.” As the eye of the storm neared landfall, the winds began to clock in the 50- to 80-mph range, and it wasn’t long before sustained pressure was pounding the city at higher levels with gusts bouncing into the 130s. Raziano describes, “I’ve got 3/4-inch nylon lines that I use for storms, and the boat gets so much pressure on it with the ropes getting so tight that they become like piano wires. The lines were actually sawing through the boat in places, and they started moaning. Having been through so many of these, I knew that once the boat started moaning, I knew that was a good sound; the boat was still in her slip. They’ll go in different tones. If it’s a ‘soft’ wind, they produce a low moan, but when they get that high pitch, you know you’d better get up and start paying attention.” Stouffelt further describes the experience “It was way worse than I thought it would be. The boats were rocking wildly with masts coming together and striking each other. And the water kept continuing to rise.” Monday—Katrina Arrives In the early morning hours, Raziano attempted to get a bit of fitful sleep when above his berth a hatch cover blew out, throwing streams of wind and water down on him. His immediate reaction was to jam a pillow into the hatch, but that was sucked out before his eyes. He then ran out onto the stern of his boat to track down anything that he could use to secure it and spotted a piece of plywood floating over the cement piers. In his preparations the day before, he’d built a small News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

39


For months these boats littered the landscape. Witch Doctor, visible here, was salvaged and she sails Lake Pontchartrain today.

rope swing off the roof of the pier, and using that, he swung off the boat into the now waist-high and dark water above the cement piers. He then manhandled the plywood onto the boat, broke out his Skilsaw, and—in the rain and winds—fashioned a new cover for the hatch. After securing the hatch inside the cabin, he then climbed out on the upper deck to secure it from the outside—and that was one of the scariest moments for Raziano. “The rain in the wind was burning like fire, but what I was most uncomfortable about was the corrugated metal roofing over the cement piers peeling off. If they peel off, they become like saw blades flying through the air. That was my biggest concern, but we didn’t lose one piece of it. They built this marina solid.” As the brunt of Katrina blasted the city, this is really when it got, as Stouffelt puts it, “...surreal and terrifying. I did more praying in one night than I usually do in a month.” From the pilothouse of his custom 41-foot ketch, Stouffelt could only sit and watch, “My lines were all under water. It was over the dock boxes. I kept saying over and over to myself that this is like biblical proportions. Four sailboats washed up on top of each other right in front of me. Then the stern of a large powerboat in the slip across from me jammed under the roof of the pier with her bow lodged on a piling. That boat stayed perched like that for almost a year afterwards.” The highest force of winds came when they clocked in from the west. Raziano explains, “With the shadows of the large condominiums around the marina and the huge oaks of the park, the winds were somewhat diminished. Over to the west, there were a series of restaurants built out over the water, but once all that crap got knocked down, there was almost nothing to block the wind. That’s when we got most of the pressure. When it came out of the west is when we started getting the 120s [knots of wind]. In this marina, most of the damaged or foundered boats were on the west side of the piers.” He recalls how by dawn Monday morning, the normal water depth under his boat had doubled to 24 feet, leaving the water a mere foot and a half from overtopping the seawall. In the marina’s small parking lot, there were two-foot seas. Because of the height of the water from the surge, they 40

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

were now looking over the rooftops of the piers and down into the surrounding neighborhood over the seawall. At one point, Raziano watched as a huge vortex of wind came off one of the condo high-rises. He explains, “I was looking out the starboard door and all that wind pressure was rolling off the edge of the building. It created a massive vortex and built up until it peeled the roof off of a smaller house next door. It took the roof up five feet in the air, levitated it for a couple of moments, turned it 90 degrees and then smashed it into the little blue house to the left of it. Debris was flying everywhere.” As the day progressed and the weather started to slowly subside, the three liveaboards were able to survey the damage, although they were stranded on their boats. It was bad, with about 20 percent of the boats of all different stripes either sunk or resting atop other boats, but it wasn’t anywhere near complete devastation. What they couldn’t know at the time was how badly damaged the other marinas were, with both reaching up to 80 percent losses. They also had no idea that there was an issue of a floodwall collapsing, a mere stone’s throw away, but they would learn about it soon enough along with the rest of the country and the world. Tuesday—The Levee Walls Begin to Fail Communication with the outside world was non-existent, let alone to his mother’s house only four blocks away, and consequently, Stouffelt grew increasingly concerned about his wife and mother who had ridden out the storm there. It wasn’t until Tuesday, the day after Katrina made landfall in Louisiana, that the water levels in the marina had dropped significantly to where they could walk out onto the cement piers. Having learned on the radio that the levee walls were failing and understanding now that the entire city was filling with water, Stouffelt took a dinghy and started what was to become the first rescue mission from the marina. He waded through the rising waters towards his mother’s home and describes how Robert E. Lee Boulevard was flowing like a river from behind him, with the dinghy dragging him along. Finding his family safe, but wet with over a foot and a half of rising water in the house, he and his wife placed his petrified mother (who had recently gone through hip replacement surgery) into the dinghy and made their way back to his ketch fighting against the currents in the streets. As the day progressed, more and more individuals trickled into the marina, forced by the rising waters in the city to evacuate their homes and out onto their boats. Included in this group was a New Orleans police officer, his wife and two others, who set up a base on their sailboat. That evening, the group of now eight had what Raziano www.southwindsmagazine.com


was anything I could do for them. calls a sort of pier party, explaining, The soldiers were all like, ‘man, “It was getting dark, and there was we’re supposed to be here saving nothing much that we could do, so you.’ ” That afternoon, Raziano we fired up a couple of barbecue led the troops over to a restaurant pits, and with a lot of the food thawwhere they secured 800 pounds ing out, we cooked a bunch of fish, of, as yet, unmelted ice. The chicken and ribs. That night we appreciative soldiers teased him, cocktailed and ate like hogs. You saying, ‘What dude is able to either eat it or throw it away. It was come up with 800 pounds of ice in a huge stress relief for all of us.” a disaster zone?’ “ The next morning is when it The days out at the marina started turning ugly. With local sailturned into weeks, and the group makers and others joining in, they’d tried their best to adapt to an commandeer small flatboats and make runs out into the immediate This sign was removed shortly after the third stickers uncomfortable situation. They neighborhoods conducting rescues. appeared. Municipal Harbor still lies unrepaired today eventually took over a swimming pool on the second story of a condo Raziano describes, “After every due to FEMA paperwork delays. building and were able to start storm for the first few days it’s bathing. Improvisation took over always stagnant and sweltering. with the stern platforms of boats resting on the piers becomThe flood water stunk from all the sewage backing up into ing makeshift tables and bars. Scrounging for fuel became the city. It was black water. It was nasty.” more and more difficult, but they persevered. At this point, there was still no military or government Stouffelt finishes, “It was eerie out there. For months presence whatsoever, and the group began to make runs farafterwards, it was just quiet, with nobody around. It was ther and farther out into the mayhem. With the flood waters pitch black, like being way out in the country rather than reaching 12 feet in the city, they’d pull up to the gutters and being in a marina in a big city. I’ve never seen stars like that gather people onboard who had fled to their rooftops, many in a city. But what was great was the closeness of the people having axed their way out from their attics. One run in parwho were out here. Everybody pulling together, pooling ticular was for the marina’s security guard, who was severtheir food and water. It was great. But, you know—we were al miles away and stranded on top of his home. Raziano findefinitely in survival mode.” ishes, “By the third day of rescues, it was rapidly changing from rescues and more to one of body recovery.” In the neighborhood surrounding the marina, over 350 people were eventually discovered to have drowned in their homes or attics. With the NOPD officer returning periodically to the marina and detailing some of the horror stories out in the city with police involved in running gun battles with criminal dead-enders, the group agreed to lock down the marina at night and set up watches. All were now armed carrying rifles or holstered pistols. Raziano would joke with the • Sun/Rain awning, self supported, no halyard. exhausted officer telling him, “I’d take off that shirt that says police on the back of it and put on one that says ‘No • Rigid, folding, flexible frame. “Stands on lifeline”. broh—I ain’t the police.’ ” • Waterproof, marine grade construction throughout. Troops Enter the City It was finally during this time that a military presence started to appear. Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters appeared in the sky, roping soldiers down onto the non-flooded roads near the levees and the marinas in order to cut down streetlights and power poles to make landing zones. A few dumped out cases of MREs for them. The group’s real concern was not for food, but for their rapidly diminishing water supply in the heat of a late August Louisiana sun. Eventually, elements of the 82nd Airborne and the Massachusetts National Guard appeared, and with them, their first sense of real security. Raziano smiles as he describes how one afternoon he went over and talked with some of the soldiers from the Airborne who were bivouacked on high ground in tents across the street at an Army Corps of Engineers building. After getting the latest news, he inquired as to how they had to be miserable in this heat. He states, “I mean we were actually better off than they were. With a few of us having generators, we had airconditioning onboard. I went over there and asked if there News & Views for Southern Sailors

• • • •

Easy up & down. Stows complete in 10"x36" bag. Designed for use in true cruising conditions. Stock models for up to 50ft LOA $300-$800. Custom designs also available.

www.shadetreefabricshelters.com email: info@shadetreefabricshelters.com 1-888-684-3743

1-251-987-1229 SOUTHWINDS August 2012

41


SOUTHERN MARINAS = BOATU.S. COOPERATING MARINAS DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE to BoatU.S. Members 800-295-2628

On Clearwater Beach Free Pumpouts • 22 Transient Slips • Handicap Lift Gas/Diesel • 24-hr. Security • Laundry • Showers Close to Restaurants & Gift Shops 25 CAUSEWAY BLVD. 727-462-6954

CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN BOAT SLIPS On Intracoastal 2 miles from Municipal Marina 1,407-Foot Transient Docks on Concrete Side-Ties 210 DREW STREET 727-224-7156

RIGHT OFF HIGHWAY A1A

Slip into Luxury…

Club Foot Creek, off the Neuse River HAUL-OUT FACILITIES• PUMP-OUT STATION SERVICE YARD • GAS & DIESEL • SHOWERS • LAUNDRY MARKER 13 BAR & GRILLE • SHIPS STORE ICW MM #721

Reservations Accepted

SLIPS

AB AVAIL

Day Marker 13

251 Creekside Dr., Amelia Island, FL (904) 277-4615 • www.AIYB.net

Sail the Beautiful Neuse River and Pamlico Sound

LE!

PASADENA MARINA

Southern tip of Pinellas County on ICW 38 LIVEABOARDS WELCOME • 125 Wet Slips • Parking Next to Slips • Pump Out at Each Slip • Electric • Free WiFi • Large Pool • Laundry • Free Ice • Full Size Dock Box & Water

North Carolina

South Carolina

Havelock

Georgia

For Information on slips, call

252-444-1805 www.matthewspoint.com

727-343-4500 www.pasadenamarina.com

Amelia Island

St. Augustine

St. Augustine

RIVERTOWN B a o at works & Marin

2504 88th St Ct NW, Bradenton FL 34209

GREAT PRICES ON BOTTOM JOBS Special Pricing for Brokers on Survey Haul-outs

ON THE SAN SEBASTIAN RIVER AT GREEN 37 • Walk to Historic Downtown & Shopping Centers • • Floating Docks – Secure Gated Docks • • Well-Protected – Deep Water Slips • • Great Rates – Discounts Available • • Dock Masters on Premises • • Live Aboard Friendly •

Florida Clearwater Pasadena Bradenton

Moore Haven

Pompano Beach

(904) 829-0750 www.hiddenharbor.biz Make This YOUR Home

Sarasota/Bradenton’s Only DIY Yard Or — we do it for you A full service yard with a friendly & knowledgeable staff • Haul out up to 52 ft • Land Storage • Bottom Jobs • Topside Paint • Rigging • DIY Work Bays Slips Available from $8 ft A Little Hard to Find But Real Hard to Beat On the south side of Tampa Bay at the mouth of the Manatee River west of Palmetto – Call for appointment & directions

941-761-2662 42

August 2012

GLADES

BOAT STORAGE &

Do-It-Yourself

WORK YARD

Hurricane Proof On the Okeechobee Waterway

863.983.3040 www.gladesboatstorage.com Sail • Power • Auto • Trailer • RV Storage 40-ton Lift • 8' deep channel

800-227-3353

SANDS HARBOR RESORT & MARINA Pompano Beach, Florida

On the ICW Minutes from Hillsboro Inlet Ethanol-Free Gas & Diesel Pump-Out • Convenience Store • Laundry 50 SLIPS • UP TO 100 FEET Everyone’s welcome to stay the night at the Sands Harbor Resort Hotel!

YACHT BROKERS - BOAT RENTALS NEWLY REFURBISHED DOCKS www.sandsharbor.com

SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com


Florida Sailors Compete in Paralympic Games By Richard Shrubb

Four sailors from Florida are competing in this year’s Paralympic Games in Weymouth, England, Sept. 1-6. To a person, their journeys have been amazing, from severe adversity that would challenge even the strongest in this world to competing for Gold on a world stage. The Two-Person SKUD 18 Team Jen French and JP Creignou, both from St. Petersburg, travelled two separate journeys and have come together in the last two years to race the SKUD 18 for this year’s Paralympics in Weymouth. French is a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, and Creignou is legally blind. The SKUD 18 is a high-performance racing yacht, and the crews must be a pair, one severely disabled and the other less so. Many resent that they cannot “hike out” on the boat to keep it flat in higher winds and make the boat go faster; the pair must be sitting Jen French and JP Creignou sailing in the SKUD 18 at the Sail for Gold in down. Many able-bodied people race this class of boat for Weymouth, England, in June. French is on the left (aft) and Creignou is on the right (forward). This is Creignou’s second Paralympic campaign. In 2004, he the speed and exhilaration. JP Creignou points out, got Bronze in the Sonars at Athens. For French, this is her first Games. Photo “Sailing is a great sport for disabled people, as you by Mick Anderson/US SAILING. aren’t always in a specific disabled class, and you race head-to-head with able-bodied people,” which drives up the standard for all. Most sailboat racing doesn’t consider a disability a disadvantage in competition and is one of the few sports where people of all physical abilities will race against each other regularly. French adds, “It is all about the creativity of adaptations on your boat to help you sail it.” This is shown at its greatest among the teams with the contraption that Sonar skipper Paul Callahan—one of the other Florida Paralympic sailors competing—sits in. Callahan, from Cape Coral, FL, cannot move his hands or legs. He sits in a mechanism that can be moved from side to side to keep the boat flat, and steers the boat using his arms, with his hands clipped to bicycle pedals that are attached via a mechanism to the rudder. All have been active throughout their lives, loving the competition and teamwork involved. French was a competitive windsurfer while at college in Ohio. Her journey toward Paralympic glory began on Friday 13, 2002, with a snowboarding accident. “I came off a 40-foot embankment on my snowboard and broke my back.” She laughingly points out it was a full moon that night, as she was rushed to the hospital and started her fight back. “Recovery was a test of character. In fighting depression and despair, you really learn about yourself,” says Jen of the beginning of her journey. In all the stories here, learning to overcome an injury that would defeat most people was as much a battle of the mind as a battle of the body to get fit again. Creignou’s story of debilitation began as a youngster and is still on the slide—he was born with a degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa. “My eyesight only really started getting bad in my 30s and 40s when I had to News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

43


The Skud 18. The SKUD 18 is a high-performance racing yacht, and the crews must be a pair, one severely disabled and the other less so. Many resent that they cannot “hike out” on the boat to keep it flat in higher winds and make the boat go faster; the pair must be sitting down. Photo by Richard Shrubb.

Paul Callahan being readied at the dock before boarding the Sonar by crewmate Tom Brown. Photo by Richard Shrubb.

stop driving and playing tennis because I couldn’t see.” Born in France, Creignou had been sailing at an amateur competitive level most of his life. It was only when he became legally blind that he started competing at a national level. By then he was based in St. Petersburg, FL. Both had been competing in Sonars when they came together and began their campaign for this Paralympics in 2010. “In January this year, we raced the International Federation of Disabled Sailors World Championships and won Gold, so we’ve a fighting chance at the Paralympics,” suggests French. This is Creignou’s second Paralympic campaign. In 2004, he got Bronze in the Sonars at Athens. For French, this is her first Games. She says of her selection, “It is an incredible experience, but we have to keep our head about ourselves and stay focused.”

before, so, failing to make the cut for the Olympics, he was going to Sydney anyway. He is on his third campaign with 16 years of top level competition under his belt. Pompano Beach lawyer Bradley Johnston recounts his life-changing experience. “I was driving home from college on the highway, and my tires weren’t so good, so I lost control and slammed into the crash barrier. The car door took both my legs off.” He recounts being totally calm and painfree. “The doctors said if I was screaming and in distress, I would have died of blood loss because my heart would have pumped much harder. The fact I was so calm in the car wreck saved my life.” A year and a day after losing his legs below the knee, he returned to college at the University of Florida and finished his degree. The positivity of all these people is astounding to see. Callahan broke his neck in 1981 slipping on a wet floor at Harvard. His recovery took longer than most—five years— but he found his way via a career in real estate development. He received an MBA at Harvard Business School and then worked at Goldman Sachs. “I wanted a job that fulfilled me spiritually, so I quit my job at the bank and took over a non-profit in Newport, RI, that teaches disabled children sailing”. Johnston was looking for a sport that kept him active, so he took up disabled volleyball. He competed for Team USA at Sydney in 2000, but found that sailing challenged the mind as well as the body, so he took up the sport. In 2003, he joined JP Creignou and Ross Duggan on a Sonar, and they took Bronze at Athens. Callahan says that disabled sailing at this level is now just as competitive as at the Olympic level. “When I started, it was very much an amateur sport—almost anyone could compete. Today you have to put almost as many hours in as the Olympians to have a chance.” The bar being so high, the competitors are in a situation of survival of the fittest—a

The Sonar Team The other Florida team at the Paralympics is the Sonar boat, led by Paul Callahan. His team, which includes Tom Brown from Northeast Harbor, ME, and Bradley Johnston, from Pompano Beach, FL, make for a fiercely competitive trio. The Sonar is a three-crewed racing yacht. It doesn’t plane like the SKUD 18—it is a “displacement boat” with a heavy keel for stability. They will still compete in up to 25 knots of wind, which isn’t unusual in Weymouth. During the Sail for Gold regatta in which I met the crew in June, hurricane-force winds blasted the harbor for two days, foreshortening the regatta for the Paralympic crews. Tom Brown had cancer in his shin when a youngster and had one leg amputated below the knee. He had to take two years off school after the amputation for chemotherapy. Even with the disability, Brown was still a serious contender for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2000 Sydney Games. Thanks to his disability, he had trialled for the Paralympic Team the week 44

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


Callahan and crewmates sailing the Sonar at the Sail for Gold in Weymouth, England, in June. On the left (aft) on the rail is Tom Brown and on the right (forward) on the rail is Bradley Johnston. Callahan is in the middle of the boat (head showing). They came in eighth—missing Bronze by only five points. Photo by Mick Anderson/US SAILING. Paul Callahan installed in his contraption aboard the Sonar, with crewmate Bradley Johnston readying the boat. The Sonar is a threecrewed racing yacht. It doesn’t plane like the SKUD 18—it is a “displacement boat” with a heavy keel for stability. They will still compete in up to 25 knots of wind. Photo by Richard Shrubb.

harder job than for Olympic athletes, as profile and sponsorship is harder to find than, for example, the man who

News & Views for Southern Sailors

wins Gold having run for just over 9 seconds in London. Family and support networks are important for all of them. Those on the boat are really the tip of the iceberg of a large group of people, from physiotherapists to sport psychologists, as well as coaches. French’s husband Tim is on the coach boat and is close by throughout her competition, giving words of advice and support. French says, “A solid team and solid support network are key to any campaign.” Their recent success shows that Creignou and French have that in place. In Sail for Gold in Weymouth in June, they came in eighth—missing Bronze by only five points. Many of the rest of the team felt that if the weather hadn’t intervened, they would have won a medal. Callahan’s drive is all about inspiring others. His nonprofit, Sail to Prevail, is going to set up a new sail school in Pompano Beach next year. Currently based in Newport, RI, he has taken over 1,000 children of all disabilities sailing since he took it over in 1998. Callahan also plans to set up Paralympic programs for his protégés. “I choose to work so hard to represent the USA to show disabled children that they too can achieve great heights if presented with the opportunity.” French gives advice to those who are lying in their hospital bed right now, perhaps wondering if they could compete at Rio de Janeiro in 2016: “You have to have your eye on the podium—focus on that—but also remember to enjoy the sport!” Johnston lights up anywhere he goes with his radiant positivity. He gives three points of advice to anyone in this position: “One, if you’re an amputee, there’s a possibility for you to try almost any sport if you’re in good health. Two, if you’re interested in sport, try them all until you find what you love. Three, start locally if possible—Miami and St Pete’s programs are some of the best for disabled sailing in the U.S., so if sailing floats your boat, you’re in the right place!” SOUTHWINDS August 2012

45


Regata al Sol Sets Another New Record Pensacola, FL, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, May 9-10 By Julie B. Connerley

T

he 555-nautical mile race from Pensacola to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, never disappoints those who compete—or those who follow the fleet to the small island near Cancun. This year’s regatta began May 9-10. Fifteen cruisers left Wednesday, May 9. Four racing-class boats started Thursday. Seventeen finished the race. The 27th biennial Regata al Sol, popularly labeled as “RAS,” offered some “firsts,” including an exciting community-involved starting area, a new “society,” and another record finish. For one competitor, the return trip also served as a qualifier for the 2014 Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race. Southern Yacht Club, In the four-boat racing class, Stephen Murray Jr., returned to defend his 2010 win in yet another new Pensacola Yacht Club and Club boat with the familiar name, Decision. This racing yacht is a Carkeek HPR 40, built in China. Its techde Yates Isla de Mujeres, nology and performance principles are the prototype for a potential new class still being discussed Mexico, all sponsors of the known as the High Performance Rule. Here, it is tacking in Pensacola Pass at the beginning of the race. Photo by Julie B. Connerley. regatta, coordinated the usual myriad details. A specialevents permit in Pensacola and additional customs forms in ing fleet. They finished in 76:52:22, besting the 2010 record Mexico were new this year. set by near-sister ship Parlay, a Beneteau 49 TMDK by As part of an effort to grow more community support almost six hours. Parlay, skippered by PYC’s Jim Oyler, finfor Pensacola’s maritime heritage—and to promote the area ished third. as a world-class sailing venue—PYC regatta co-chair Alan Lady Gray’s crew included veterans of over 45 races to McMillan suggested changing the starting line location so Mexico, including RAS co-chair since 2006, Guy Brierre. that people on shore could easily see the boats begin their “We had a strategy on how to attack the Gulf Stream’s long journey. loop current,” began Brierre, “and it played out perfectly. The It was moved three-quarters of a mile northeast, near squall coming out of Pensacola got us away from the coast the Port of Pensacola, just off Plaza de Luna. The park/pier quickly that first night. The breeze stayed up throughout the is popular for fishermen, families with children and downrace staying on the beam or forward most of the race. town workers on lunch break. “We really needed that to keep a 27,000-pound boat Publicity, including a radio broadcast about RAS, moving. We decided to sail with a spinnaker, so we added announced boats would parade by the pier just before the a short cruising bowsprit that allowed us to carry asymrace start. Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, WEAR-ABC Channel metrical kites. However, we ended up blowing up both our 3 and Cat Country 98.7 Radio were on hand, along with chutes—one of them twice. But both were fantastic while PYC’s Bernie Knight, whose “colorful” insights about the they lasted. Once the last one blew, the wind stayed forward skippers and their crews (provided by the competitors so luck played a part in our win.” themselves) entertained the gathered crowd. In the four-boat racing class, Stephen Murray Jr., As each vessel passed, Knight read the prepared returned to defend his 2010 win in yet another new boat remarks to the delight of the cheering crowd. From the with the familiar name, Decision. This racing yacht is a waves and smiles of the competitors, they looked as if they Carkeek HPR 40, built in China. Its technology and perhad already won the race! formance principles are the prototype for a potential new Representing Southern Yacht Club, Lady Gray, a class still being discussed known as the High Performance Beneteau 49 skippered by owners Bob Hughes and Howard Rule. Second place went to Kativa, a J/160 CF ODR. Leach, with a crew of eight, set a new record for the cruisJulie Denton, PYC, has crewed to Mexico three times,

46 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


This year marked the induction of the inaugural class of the Regata al Sol Villista Society, named for Pancho Villa’s army. The society honors sailors and race committee with 10 or more RASs under their keels. All members grew mustaches in honor of Pancho Villa. Photo by Susan McKinnon.

but skippered her own boat this year. Several months ago she purchased a Tartan 4400 and spent approximately eight months preparing it for the regatta. “The dodger literally was installed on the boat during the skippers’ meeting the night before the race,” Denton recalled. “We had never even raced the boat or had much sailing time on her before RAS.” Co-skipper Ronald Bray and two other couples rounded out the crew. All good friends, they have raced bay and offshore regattas together. However, Night Sky had something the other boats didn’t—a lot of extra weight. Denton’s plans included leaving the boat in Mexico, then flying home to wait for school to recess so her 11-year-old daughter, Kat, could return to Mexico with her and spend time in the Yucatan peninsula before the family cruised home. Like Denton, Anthony Hudson, had a mixed agenda when he registered for the RAS. Hudson, 30, and a crew of two men and one woman raced his Antrim 27, Anemone Tickler, finishing third in class. He skipped graduation ceremonies at LSU’s medical school to participate—a decision that didn’t set well with his mother. But the skippers of RAS honored Hudson with the Jose de Jesus Lima Trophy—acknowledging his sportsmanship and seamanship. Hudson chose to single-hand back to Pass Christian Yacht Club as a qualifier for the 2014 Singlehanded Transpac, a 2120-nautical mile biennial race from San Francisco to Hanalei Bay, on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. “Because I am beginning my residency in pediatrics at Tulane, this race was the only time I could fit in a 400-mile single-handed qualifier,” Hudson smiled. “The return trip took 95 hours. After the first night it was with winds in the 20s and confused seas. It was a straight beat all the way!” This year marked the induction of the inaugural class of the Regata al Sol Villista Society, named for Pancho Villa’s army. Similar to the Island Goats Sailing Society for sailors with 25 or more Chicago-Mac races, the Villista Society honors sailors and race committee with 10 or more RASs under their keels. All members grew mustaches in honor of Pancho Villa. News & Views for Southern Sailors

Crew of Lady Gray. Representing Southern Yacht Club, Lady Gray, a Beneteau 49 skippered by owners Bob Hughes and Howard Leach, with a crew of eight, set a new record for the cruising fleet. They finished in 76:52:22, besting the 2010 record set by near-sister ship Parlay, a Beneteau 49 TMDK, by almost six hours. Photo by Susan McKinnon.

“We had more than a dozen inductees this year,” said Guy Brierre, RAS cochair since 2006. “It’s meant to be a fun thing. We even have a bumper sticker that says Regata Al Sol 555 Pensacola to Isla Mujeres.” For complete race results, visit www.southernyachtclub.org.

Pensacola Loft • 850-438-9354 490 South “L” Street • Pensacola FL 32501 Visit us on-line at www.schurrsails.com SOUTHWINDS August 2012

47


Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference Grassroots effort now benefits hundreds

Article author Julie Connerley and conference keynote speaker Nancy Erley. Erley led two all-women circumnavigations from Seattle around the world aboard her Orca 38, Tethys.

By Julie B. Connerley

A

n unabashed “seminar groupie,” I jumped at the chance to learn new skills when longtime sailing friend Terry Osman suggested I join her at the second annual Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference (MCSC), May 19, in Milwaukee, where she now lives. Moreover, it was organized by women, for women— an idea that germinated 18 years ago when a small group of women began sailing together Monday nights on Lake Michigan. Later they formed the Milwaukee Bay Women’s Sailing Organization. In 1994, just three boats sailed. Today, 15 boats are on the starting line weekly for competitive yet fun racing and camaraderie. Those same women were the nucleus for the conference which enjoyed success last year and generated even more support this year. Conference chair, Helen “Cookie” Mueller recalled, “It was a perfect storm of events that brought us to the culmination of our first conference.” In 2009, the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center began construction of a new $1.7-million, 6,000 square-foot facility to replace the old building located at McKinley Marina near downtown. After completion, the MBWSO was approached by Kathy Weishampel with an idea based on Southern California’s popular women’s sailing convention. The plan? To celebrate the opening of the greatly improved sailing facility with a similar conference. Cookie Mueller was the obvious choice to coordinate such an event. Her passion for the sport is obvious. Her resume includes first woman commodore of South Shore Yacht Club, Milwaukee, SSYC Junior Board member for over 25 years, MCSC president and board member, and overseer of the construction of the new building which operates as a non-profit organization. Thirty committee members and volunteers coordinated efforts for the 92 attendees. Everything ran smoothly. Twenty-four workshops were offered by 18 very qualified instructors who graciously volunteered their time. The difficulty was in choosing which four workshops to attend! Spinnaker class instructor, Mickey Neilson, owns and races an Olympic Class Star in local and world level competitions. Assisted by Lynn Gram, another accomplished racer from Racine, and Sarah Pederson, groups of 18 women moved through spinnaker basics and in a separate workshop, covered advanced tactics—all on a Hunter Legend 37.5 docked alongside the sailing center. Taking multitasking to a new level, this dynamic trio rapid-fired personal tips at every step of explaining what was happening and why. Harken Technical Service Manager and U.S. aftermarket sales leader, Charlotte Taylor, provided a hands-on workshop to “make hardware work for you.” Her slide show, catalogs and samples of products the industry has made to reduce weight while increasing the strength of commonly used hardware was impressive. Diagrams for rigging different systems and tubes of OneDrop ball bearing conditioner were provided to every 48 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

participant. Chicago office National Weather Service meteorologist, Amy Seeley, has been working with and for mariners for 21 years. She brought along charts and videos of severe damage caused by winds alone to accompany her both entertaining and educational stories. “My goal,” smiled Seeley, “is to educate women so they can watch the weather channel without the sound and know exactly what those charts and graphs mean.” Her choice of instruments to have aboard any boat? A barometer. Check it every 1/2 to one hour and record the information. It will tell you what type weather is about to approach your area. This is especially useful on distance races. Seeley also provided the best weather information websites and highly recommended an inexpensive weather app called radarscope for any serious boater. Phyllis McDonald’s workshops made sense of diesel engine basics for those willing to take the plunge into the bilge. Props included $800 worth of parts loaned from West Marine and a 2-cylinder Yanmar loaned by Crowley’s Yacht Yard, Chicago. “I do like understanding how machines work,” McDonald said. “But it isn’t necessary that the average boat owner understand a diesel engine like an engineer does.” McDonald’s approach to instructing was simple. “Most of us know how to get our computers to create documents and send emails, but we don’t understand the inner workings of the machine. We don’t need to. It’s the same with the diesel,” she said. “However, it is important to cultivate a relationship with a good mechanic who sets your engine up properly. When the engine is running good, you then establish a base line by using your senses.” Listen to how it sounds, how everything smells when it is lubed, and even the temperature of the water pump (but not the exhaust)! “That way,” she smiled, “you let your senses work for you to determine when something doesn’t seem right.” Keynote speaker was Nancy Erley, who led two allwomen circumnavigations from Seattle around the world aboard her Orca 38, Tethys. Erley’s love of sailing began at age 12. She first took a Girl Scout sailing course, continued that with the Mystic Seaport youth mariner programs, intercollegiate racing, and the purchase of her first sailboat in 1975. She lived aboard full time while in college. Erley has taught hundreds of women to sail through her company, Tethys Offshore. Along the way, she earned the 2006 Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award sponsored by Boat US and the National Women’s Sailing Association. But perhaps her greatest achievement is the satisfaction of bringing women and sailing together. “I teach skills,” she said, “but it is just a recipe for learning more about ourselves, a stepping-stone for captaining one’s life.” Sailing See CONFERENCE continued on page 68 www.southwindsmagazine.com


RACING TRAINING

North U Match Racing Clinic, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Sept. 28-30 North U Match Racing clinics are intended to introduce racing sailors to the thrills, skills and techniques of match racing. For further information, go to the North U schedule page under the Seminars Tab, at www.northu.com.

will be Saturday and Sunday. There is a donation-based entrance fee, and the skipper who raises the most money wins a prize, which will be announced Saturday night. For sponsorship or registration, contact Rebecca.Surles@Special OlympicsGA.org at (770) 414-9390, ext. 102. The event is hosted by the Southern Sailing Club. For more information, go to www.southernsailing.org, or www.specialolympicsga.org/support/special-events/sailing-regatta Southeast Coast Race Calendar

One Day Race Management Seminar, Clearwater Yacht Club, Aug. 25 Clearwater Yacht Club. www.clwyc.org. (727) 447-6000

SOUTHERN REGIONAL RACING NOTE ON REGIONAL RACE CALENDARS Regattas and Club Racing— Open to Everyone Wanting to Race For the races listed here, no individual club membership is required, although a regional PHRF rating, or membership in US SAILING or other sailing association is often required. To list an event, e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Send the information. DO NOT just send a link. Since race schedules and venues change, contact the sponsoring organization to confirm. Contact information for the sailing organizations listed here are listed in the southern yacht club directory at www.southwindsmagazine.com. Club Racing. Many clubs have regular club races year around open to everyone and new crew is generally invited and sought. Contact the club for dates and information. Individual club races are not listed here. We will list your club races only if they happen on a regular schedule. Note: In the below calendars: YC = Yacht Club; SC = Sailing Club; SA = Sailing Association.

Upcoming Regattas

12th Annual Special Olympics Sailing Regatta, Lake Lanier, GA, Sept. 14-16 Area skippers are invited to participate in the annual open Sailing Regatta, benefiting Special Olympics Georgia on Lake Lanier Sept. 14-16 at the Sunrise Cove Marina. Races

News & Views for Southern Sailors

AUGUST South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. Go to this site for a list of the clubs in the region and their websites. www.sayra-sailing.com. (state in parentheses) 4-5 SAYRA Youth Team Race. 420s. Carolina YC (NC) 4-5 SAYRA Open Invitational. Carolina YC (NC) 4-5 Rockville Regatta. Sea Island YC 11 Mt. Pleasant Youth Regatta. Opti, Sunfish, Laser, 420. Hobcaw YC Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org. South Carolina. See club website for local club race schedule 10 Overnight to Savannah Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org. New Bern, NC. See club website for local club race schedule 4-5 Dragon’s Breath Regatta. Oriental, Oriental YC 25-26 Blackbeard One-Design Regatta. San Juan 21, Ensigns, Flying Scots, Sunfish & more. Blackbeard SC Lake Lanier. www.saillanier.com. GA See club website for local club race schedule Long Bay Sailing. www.longbaysailing.com See club website for local club race schedule SEPTEMBER South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. Go to this site for a list of the clubs in the region and their websites. www.sayra-sailing.com. (state in parentheses) 1-2 Labor Day Regatta. Open. Lake Norman YC. (NC) 8-9 Cat Fest. Catamarans. Lake Norman YC. (NC) 8-9 Scots and Rocks. Flying Scot. Lake Murray SC. 8-9 Lightning Regatta Lightning. Atlanta SC. (GA) 15-16 Leukemia Cup/ Wassaw Cup. PHRF. One Design. Savannah YC. (GA) 22-23 Board Bash. Dinghies. Lake Norman YC. (NC) 22-23 Gone With the Wind. Catalina 22. Lake Lanier SC. (GA) 22-23 Bottoms Up IIMC. Lake Murray SC. 29 15th Annual Charleston Leukemia Cup Regatta PHRF, One Design, High School, JIYC, ChYC, CYC, CORA, CCS, HYC. (SC) 29-30 Junior Regatta Youth. Lake Lanier SC. (GA) 29-30 SAYRA. PHRF. Championships. J/22. SAYRA. 29-30 Outback Regatta. Open. LMSC. Carolina SC. (SC) Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org. South Carolina See club website for local club race schedule 15 Fall Ocean Race 29 Leukemia Cup Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org. New Bern, NC See club website for local club race schedule 1 Fairfield Harbor YC Oar Regatta 1 28th Annual Michelob Ultra Regatta. Lake Lanier. www.saillanier.com. Lake Lanier, GA See club website for local club race schedule Long Bay Sailing. www.longbaysailing.com See club website for local club race schedule

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

49


RACING

Southeast Florida Race Calendar Upcoming Regattas

Upcoming Regattas

Melbourne Yacht Club Fall Regattas, September through November

46th Annual Lime Cup Ocean Races, Mango Cup and Avocado Cup, Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Sept. 29-30

Melbourne Yacht Club starts its fall racing lineup on Sept. 2930, with the 34th annual Mermaid Regatta for women sailors. PHRF boats race Saturday, and Sunfish race on Sunday. The Melbourne Yacht Club Fall Regatta Race Week starts off with small boat racing on Oct. 20-21. Expected classes are Sunfish, Laser, Flying Scot, Monohull and Multihull Portsmouth. Big-boat racing is the following weekend on Oct. 27-28. Go to www.sail-race.com for more information. East & Central Florida Race Calendar Club Racing (contact club or website for details): Rudder Club of Jacksonville (www.rudderclub.com): Weekend races organized seasonally and biweekly races on St. Johns River Indian River YC (www.sail-race.com/iryc): Weekend races organized seasonally; Wednesday evenings during daylight savings. Winter Series begins Jan. 31. Spring/Summer series begins March 14. Wednesday evening races weekly. Melbourne YC (www.melbourneyachtclub.com): Friday afternoons; Small boat Sundays on alternate weekends throughout the year, sometimes suspended during regattas. Also have a J/24 race series. East Coast SA (www.ecsasail.com): a women’s series and a regular series; At least one event each month. Halifax River YC (www.hryc.com). Commodore Cup Races Halifax SA (www.halifaxsailing.org): Sunfish racing weekly; Race series organized seasonally. Lake Monroe SA (www.flalmsa.org): Wednesdays and weekends. Lake Eustis SC (www.lakeeustissailingclub.org): Weekend races twice monthly, Sept through May The Sailing Club in Orlando. (www.thesailingclub.us) dinghy club race series, second Sundays (3 Exceptions) in the afternoon on Lake Baldwin. January through November, AUGUST 4 Moonlight Regatta. Rudder Club 4 Full Moon Race. Saint Augustine YC 18-19 Boy Scout Island Cruise. East Coast SA 31-1 Ponce Inlet to St. Augustine. Saint Augustine YC SEPTEMBER 1-2 Herb Elphick Memorial Race (Sat) and Tommy Hall Memorial Race (Sun). North Florida Cruising Club. 3 Labor Day Regatta. Rudder Club 29 Fouled Rudder Regatta. Navy Jax YC 29-30 Mermaid Regatta. Melbourne YC 29-30 Marker 21 Cruise. East Coast SA

50 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

Avocado Cup race from Key Biscayne to Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on Saturday, Sept 29. The Mango Cup race on Sunday, Sept. 30, is from Port Everglades to Government Cut in Miami. Party at pool and pool bar at Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale after the race on Saturday. After-race party on Sept. 30 is the traditional Lime Cup Free Daiquiri Party at the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club with lobster dinner available and awards afterwards. Contact BBYC at (305) 858-6303. Entry forms at www.bbyra.net and www.biscaynebayyachtclub.com.

8th Annual Castaways Cup Regatta, Palm Beach Inlet to Port St Lucie Inlet, Sept. 22-23 This regatta, with a pursuit start, is a two-day, 24-nautical mile race from Lake Worth Inlet (Palm Beach) north to Port St. Lucie Inlet on Saturday, returning on Sunday. An afterrace pool party is at the Hutcheson Island Marriott on Saturday. Reserved dockage and reserved rooms available at reduced rates to race participants. The return race on Sunday is a regular class start race. On Sunday, the dinner and awards banquet is held. Race classes are Spinnaker, Jib & Main Class (for the family participants), and Multihull. The race is open to all seaworthy yachts. Go to http://castawayscup.com for complete information. Palm Beach Sailing Club, www.pbsail.org. See club website for club racing. Races on the ICW last Sunday of each month (Son of a Beach Regatta). Racing on Biscayne Bay: Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net Go to the website for local club races. BBYC Biscayne Bay YC BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net CGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.org CRYC Coral Reef YC. www.coralreefyachtclub.org. MYC Miami YC. AUGUST 3 Full Moon Regatta 11 Single-handed race. CGSC 12 Double-handed race. CGSC 31 Blue Full Moon Regatta. SEPTEMBER 8 Florida State Snipe Juniors. CGSC www.southwindsmagazine.com


15 Commodore’s Cup. CGSC 22 Conch Cup. MYC 22-23 8th Annual Castaways Cup Regatta. www.castawayscup.com 29-30 Avocado, Mango and Lime Cup. BBYC.

Florida Keys Race Calendar Key West Community Sailing Center (formerly Key West Sailing Club). Every Saturday – Open house at the Center. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday evenings happy hour open house at 5 p.m. (305) 292-5993. www.keywestsailingsailingcenter.com. Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West. Non-members welcome. Small-boat Wednesday night racing during Daylight Savings season. Smallboat Sunday racing year around at 1 p.m. Boat ramp available. Race in the seaplane basin near the mooring field. Dinner and drinks afterward. Upper Keys Sailing Club (UKSC). www.upperkeyssailingclub.com. Go to the Club website for regular club racing open to all. August 18 Dog Days All Comers Regatta September 2 Labor Day Regatta.

Josh Wilius and crew ride high on his Martin in the Transbay Race on Tampa Bay on June 16. Photo by HE Heed.

Janson’s Winga 28, Chaos, busted a shroud, and a spinnaker halyard parted at the head shackle on John Christman’s C&C 33, Brass Ring IV. But the most damnable occurrence happened when an approaching freighter honked five times and boats three, four, and five had to do 360s just before a mark to allow the big boy prudent clearance. Results: 1, Back Off, Soverel 26, Tony Barrett; 2, Pure Magic, Pearson Flyer 30, John Martini; 3, Thunder, Morgan 27, Woody Fraser.

Fourth Annual River Regatta and 12th Summer Sailstice, Palmetto, FL, June 23 By Nana Bosma, Regatta Chair Race Reports

Transbay Race, Tampa Bay, FL, June 16 By Harmon Heed It’s the “Transbay Race” because it’s sponsored by two sailing clubs on either side of big Tampa Bay. On the west side is the St. Pete Sailing Association, and on the east side is the Tampa Bay Sailing Squadron in Apollo Beach. The turnout was low this year with only 10 boats racing, perhaps because it was Father’s Day weekend, so the four classes were combined into one. Regatta Chair Jackie Meyer and her committee were motherly, polite and held the start for a half hour while two entries from St. Pete beat their way to windward to the starting area. The race was an eight-mile, random-leg course ending near the Apollo Beach channel. It was a picture-perfect day with a bright blue sky, and steady winds at 12-16 knots, which kept the temperature, humidity and chop down. Even with such light winds, Matt News & Views for Southern Sailors

The Fourth Annual River Regatta, hosted by Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto, FL, may have been rainy under nearby Tropical Storm Debby, but it produced a great day of racing for eight hardy boats and their crews. Debby was twirling 100 miles off the mouth of Tampa Bay, bringing a cool summer day with steady winds from the southeast of 10-15 knots. The course was 10.7-nm course, with 12 legs, taking the fleet zigzagging down the Manatee River, and sailing around two triangles before returning to the finish in front of Regatta Pointe Marina. The fleet had quite a spread of PHRF ratings ranging from 260 to 15, making the pursuit start stretch for over 43 minutes. For the second year in a row, local sailor Peter Wormwood was the last to start and the first to finish, winning spinnaker class with his Stiletto 27 Deuce Coupe. Rolf Hahn, with his Olson 30 Reagan e, who came up from Venice to race, won the Non-Spinnaker class. After sailing, the Riverhouse Reef and Grill, located at the marina, provided a great dinner and awards party at the third floor banquet room. In spite of the threatening weather that kept some of the participants away, the day turned out great for a day of sailing and celebrating Summer Sailstice. A thank-you to sponsors, race committee, and participants SOUTHWINDS August 2012

51


RACING for turning what could have been a wet Saturday in front of the TV into a great day of sailing on the Manatee River. For complete results and more, go to www.regattapointemarina.com. Upcoming Regattas

Joey Meyer Regatta, Apollo Beach, Tampa Bay, FL, Aug. 19 The Tampa Sailing Squadron hosts this regatta for kids and teens. Racers will set up boats at 12:30 and attend a skippers’ meeting at 1:00. Races will be followed by an awards party. Graduates of TSS Youth Sailing’s sailing and racing classes, and sailors recommended by the Youth Sailing coaches are eligible to race. The regatta is free but there are only a limited number of race boats, so an RSVP is required for race boat assignments. Some spectator boats are available—RSVP requested. To RSVP, leave message at (813) 645-2262 with your phone number, name, age, and when you took TSS Youth Sailing’s sailing or racing classes. TSS Youth Sailing’s Joey Meyer Regatta memorializes a young sailor who grew up at the Tampa Sailing Squadron in Apollo Beach to join the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information, go to TSS Youth Sailing’s website, www.tssyouthsailing.org or Facebook, TSS Youth Sailing. TSS Youth Sailing, Inc., is a Florida nonprofit and federal 501(c)(3) educational organization.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron 66th Annual Labor Day Regatta, Aug. 31- Sept. 2 The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is hosting its 66th Labor Day Regatta, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. With six courses on Sarasota Bay and PHRF racing in the Gulf, this regatta attracts sailors from all over the country. Courses will be set up hosting Opti Red, White, & Blue fleets, Opti Green Fleet, Laser, 420, Sunfish, Melges, SR Max, one-design, multihulls and PHRF fleets. This is a Sarasota Bay Boat of the Year Event. Camping is available on the club grounds. In 2011, there were almost 300 boats racing. Free dockage and limited camping are available. Food and entertainment will be provided throughout the weekend. Contact the SSS at (941) 388-2355 for further information. The NOR and online registration is available at www.sarasotasailingsquadron.org

30th Bradenton Yacht Club Fall Kickoff Regatta, Bradenton, FL, Sept. 21-23 This regatta, held at the Bradenton Yacht Club, is the “kickoff” event for the Tampa Bay/Sarasota Bay area winter racing season. It is two days of racing in Tampa Bay. Six classes, spinnaker, non-spinnaker, true cruising, racer cruiser, multihull and one-design, will make up the three-race regatta. Free dockage at the yacht club. Upwards of 70 boats have 52 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

raced in the past, most of which raft up at the yacht club. Partying for the event begins on Friday night as boats gather at the club, continuing Saturday afternoon after racing. Register at www.bradenton-yacht-club.org, or call (941) 9813891. For dock reservations, call (941) 722-5936, ext. 212, or the dockmaster cell at (941) 374-2310.

28th Dunedin Cup Regatta, Dunedin, FL Sept. 28-29, Gala Event and Auction Sept. 15 The skipper’s meeting will be held at the Dunedin Boat Club on Friday, Sept. 28. This one day of racing on Sept. 29 on St. Joseph Sound and in the Gulf is a recognized Suncoast Boat of the Year event. The 6th Annual Black Tie Gala & Charity Auction (reservations required) is on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Dunedin Boat Club. All proceeds from the auction and regatta go to support the Dunedin Youth Sailing Association program. Guest speaker at the Gala will be Paralympic sailor Maureen McKinnon. Information for the Gala and the regatta is available at www.DunedinCup Regatta.org, or call Paul Auman at (727) 688-1631. West Florida Race Calendar Club Racing Boca Ciega YC. Gulfport. Every Sunday following the third Friday of each month. Skipper’s meeting at 10 a.m., PHRF racing, spin and non-spin. (727) 423-6002. Onedesign, dinghy racing every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. March through October. Jim Masson at (727) 776-8833. www.sailbcyc.org. Bradenton YC. Winter Races: Starting in October until April. Races at 1400 hours each Sunday. Thursday evening races at 1830 hours beginning in April through Daylight Savings Time. PHRF racing on Manatee River. Lower Tampa Bay race second Saturday of each month. Contact John Izmirlian at 941-587-7758 or fishermensheadquarters@yahoo.com. Clearwater Community Sailing Center. Regular weekend club races. www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org. Davis Island YC. Regular club racing weekly. www.diyc.org. Dunedin Boat Club. Spring/Fall PHRF racing in the Gulf of Mexico; June-Aug. Bay racing in St. Joseph’s Sound, alternate Wednesday nights. Paul Auman at (727) 688-1631, or paulrauman@gmail.com. Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-round john@johnkremski.com Platinum Point Yacht Club. Weekly PHRF racing on Mondays starting at 1 p.m. on Charlotte Harbor. www.ppycbsm.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com. Punta Gorda Sailing Club. Charlotte Harbor. Weekly racing. www.pgscweb.com. Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Friday evening races start in April. www.sarasotasailingsquad.com. St. Pete Yacht Club. Friday evenings (except April 3) www.southwindsmagazine.com


through Aug. 28. 16:30 starts off The Pier. www.spyc.org. Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org Boat of the Year Races (BOTY) (not yet confirmed - please check with West Florida PHRF -www.westfloridaphrf.org) Tampa Bay: (SuncoastBOTY) Caloosahatchee (Fort Myers area): (CBOTY) Sarasota Bay: (SBBOTY) Naples/Marco Island: (N/MBOTY) AUGUST 4 Full Moon Regatta. Sarasota Sailing Squadron SEPTEMBER 31-1 Labor Day Regatta. SBYA BOTY. Sarasota Sailing Squadron 8 Open Portsmouth. Lasers, Flying Scots. Tampa Sailing Squadron 15 Bruce Waters Regatta. Optis. St. Pete YC 15 Dunedin Cup Regatta Ball. Dunedin Boat Club. 17 Kayusa Cup. Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society 22-23 Kickoff Regatta. Suncoast and SBYA BOTY. Bradenton YC 29 Dunedin Cup. Dunedin Boat Club.

Race Reports

Floridians Capture Texas 300, June 13-16 By Morgan Stinemetz Two Floridians, John Casey, 37, of Orlando and Dalton Tebo, 23, of Sarasota, sailed an F-18 Cirrus catamaran 300 miles along the Texas coast from South Padre Island to Galveston to capture the Texas 300 Race over Father’s Day weekend, June 13-16. The actual distance the boats sailed was 272 miles, but somehow the Texas 272 doesn’t ring quite the way the Texas 300 does. Team Cirrus is actually three people, though but two sail the boat. As important as either sailor is Robert Remmers, team manager. Remmers has a trailer on shore with spare parts and extra sails; he is the logistical hookup that makes the difference between success and failure. The sailors are connected to Remmers by a waterproof cell phone, and Remmers makes beachfront pit stops possible. The F-18 cat is made in France. Tebo said they took delivery of the boat in St. Barts, which he called, “Awesome.” Tebo is easily influenced by gorgeous women beyond count and bikinis made with the least fabric possible. Casey and Tebo have sailed together enough so they think alike, talk to each other about tactical decisions and News & Views for Southern Sailors

John Casey, on the left, and Dalton Tebo sail into the beach at the finish at Galveston. At one point in the race, the team hit 24 knots. Photo by Steve Piche.

simply get along well, period. “We stayed focused all the time,” Tebo recalled. “The first three days we were behind. Deficits are carried forward, and we were behind the leader the last day by eight minutes. We didn’t want to go home empty-handed, so on the last day we split from who was first and who were staying close to shore. There was a storm to our north and we went for that.” They made the right move. When they got on the right side of the storm, they got more wind and were knifing through the water at 10-15 knots. At one point they hit 24 knots. Catamarans hum like tuning forks at those speeds. Experienced cat racers can actually tweak a boat by knowing how it sounds at its fastest. The legs broke down to 91-91-50-40. On the last leg Team Cirrus needed to make up eight minutes, minimum. Tebo said, “After we finished, 10 minutes goes by, and then 20, and then 30. We ended up beating the leader by 40 minutes on that last day.” To come from behind made victory taste so sweet for all three teammates, like chocolate chip cookie dough when you’re 12 years old. For more information, complete results and photos, go to www.gt300.com.

Summer Sailstice Regatta, Seabrook Sailing Club, Seabrook, TX, June 23-24 By Dave Ellis Delightful weather greeted over 40 boats to Galveston Bay for this annual event. Winds Saturday were enough to sit on the deck, with chop from a Poker Run of big racing power boats and others enjoying the day on the bay. Sunday started with a little more wind, then settling down to a repeat of Saturday’s conditions. Racing was on a triangle-windwardfinish to leeward course with the experienced race committee adjusting to the wind as it veered to the sea breeze direction over the day. Catamarans sailed a distance race, starting and finishing at the same line as the three other fleets. Sunfish, Lasers and Radials and Portsmouth each had a separate start, with the Portsmouth Class having the largest turnout. Dave Ellis made the trip from Florida with his Raider Turbo to sail with the infamous Texas Centerboard Circuit and to give a sail shape seminar after Saturday’s banquet. Go to www.seabrooksailingclub.org for complete results. SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

53


RACING 2012 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival, Pensacola, FL, June 29-July 1 By Kim Kaminski

Youth sailors from this year’s USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival & SUBWAY Sail Fest discuss their day’s racing opportunities as the Opti Class makes their way to the beach landing area. The facilities at the Pensacola Yacht Club offer the ease of a beach landing site nestled in-between the yacht club and the city of Pensacola’s Community Resource Center boat launch area. Photo by Kim Kaminski.

Tropical Storm Debby drenched Florida as the fourth named storm in the 2012 hurricane season, but she did not drown out the spirit of 60 young sailors who gathered at the Pensacola Yacht Club to celebrate sailing at the 2012 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival and SUBWAY Sail Fest, a youth sailing championship event. This event was presented by key sponsor SUBWAY (“race hard, eat fresh”) of NW Florida and South Alabama, with additional sponsors US SAILING, Gill, West Marine, and Hobie Polarized sunglasses, which helped to provide the young athletes from across the Southeast a chance to participate in numerous activities geared toward competition, learning and fun. On Friday, sailing clinics (both on the land and on the water) were taught by three professional coaches, including Robbie Daniel, a veteran Olympic sailor who was also the keynote guest speaker. Daniel started sailing at age 12 and began winning regattas at age 15 (winning the Hobie 14 South Florida Championship). Robbie has sailed in over 400 events, races Pro-Sail and Top Sail racing circuits and heads up three Olympic campaigns. He has earned over 200 first-place finishes in national and international competitions, including prestigious races and national titles over the past 10 years. The Junior Olympic participants obtained first-hand knowledge on sailing techniques and skills taught at the clinics. Various skill level sailing classes were available for the youth participants who raced in the following classes: Optimist Red White and Blue class (this class sailed for the US Sailing Junior Olympics Division), Optimist Green (beginners with a three-day clinic), Laser, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Flying Scot and Club 420s. New this year, participants sailed in the Formula-16 catamaran class. Class racing was held on Saturday and Sunday, with 54 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

the awards presentation after racing Sunday. Coral Reef and Sailing Specialties were provided as an Expo for all three days of the Sail Fest. Seven races were held for the Opti class, five races each for the Lasers, Club 420s and Flying Scot classes, and 10 races for the catamaran class. At the awards ceremony, Race Chairperson Kelly Amos presented prizes for skippers and crews placing first through third in all divisions. All Optimist Green fleet competitors were awarded a USA Junior Olympic medal. Top winners for the Junior Olympics were: Scott Guy, Gulfport Yacht Club, Opti Red, White and Blue Class; Skip Webster, Pontchartrain Yacht Club, Laser Radial Class; A.G. Stitt, Pensacola Yacht Club, Laser 4.7 Class; Stephen VerHulst and Samantha Wood, Sarasota Youth Sailing Program, C420 Class; Eric Amos and Mark Amos, Pensacola Yacht Club, Flying Scot Class; Taylor Reiss and Brianna Chu, St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and Racine Yacht Club, F16 Catamaran Class and the entire Green fleet Opti class. For more information regarding the Junior Olympic Sailing Festival, go to www.pensacolayachtclub.org. Upcoming Regattas

Inaugural Children’s Cup Regatta, Mobile Bay, Aug. 18-19 Fairhope Yacht Club will host the 3rd Annual Children’s Cup Regatta, benefitting Children’s Hospital of Alabama, on Aug. 18-19. A full day of racing and entertainment is scheduled. For regatta registration and a full list of activities planned, visit www.fairhopeyachtclub.com.

92nd Annual Lipton Cup, Bay St. Louis, MS, Sept. 1-3 The Pass Christian Yacht Club in Pass Christian, MS, will host the 92nd Annual Sir Thomas Lipton Cup Sept. 1-3. The regatta is an inter-club competition between the 33 member clubs of the Gulf Yachting Association. Competitors sail the 19-foot one-design, the Flying Scot, in five races held over three days. The winning club hosts the 93rd Lipton Cup in 2013. www.pcyc-gya.org.

22nd Annual Juana Good Time Regatta, Navarre Beach, Florida Panhandle, Sept. 7-9 Always held on the first weekend after Labor Day, this regatta is held at, and sponsored by, Juana’s Pagodas—a thatch-roofed volleyball beach bar just south of the Navarre Beach Bridge on the Florida Panhandle. Racing on Santa Rosa Sound, the regatta usually has about 50 boats participating including cruising catamarans, beach cats and windsurfers. They are looking for trimarans to enter to make their own class this year. Many boaters travel from as far as Louisiana and Mississippi to attend. For more information, go to www.juanaspagodas.com, and click on Regatta—or any of the regatta links. www.southwindsmagazine.com


Selling Your boat? “Making Dreams Come True” Serving Southeastern Sailors since 1972!!

CALL KELLY!

WITH MASSEY YACHT SALES

Representing

How he can help sell your $75K to $1M sailboat

Georgia, South Carolina & North Florida In Stock Now!! REDUCED!

35 years sailing experience; 23 years yacht broker experience Certified Professional Yacht Broker (one of 3% of Florida Brokers) Kelly will come to your home, office or boat — evenings included! Massey Yacht Sales sells more brokerage sailboats than any firm in the Southeast U.S.

Catalina 2011 355 – 2012 Models are on order Schedule your demo sail!!

Quality Brokerage ASA Sailing School, Sailing Charters St. Simons Island, GA View our complete brokerage listings at www.dunbaryachts.com 800-282-1411 sales@dunbaryachts.com

Kelly Bickford, CPYB Massey Yacht Sales & Service TAMPA BAY AREA

kelly@kellybickfordcpyb.com Cell: 727-599-1718

Northern Gulf Coast Race Calendar See local club websites for club races. LEGEND BSC Birmingham SC, Birmingham, AL BucYC Buccaneer YC, Mobile, AL BWYC Bay Waveland YC, Bay St. Louis, MS BYC Biloxi YC, Biloxi, MS CSA Corinthian SA, New Orleans, LA FWYC Fort Walton YC, Fort Walton Beach, FL FYC Fairhope YC, Fairhope, AL GYC Gulfport YC, Gulfport, MS JYC Jackson YC, Jackson, MS LBYC Long Beach YC, Long Beach, MS LPWSA Lake Pontchartrain Women’s SA, New Orleans, LA MYC Mobile YC, Mobile, AL NYC Navy YC, Pensacola, FL NOYC New Orleans YC OSYC Ocean Springs YC, Ocean Springs, MS PBYC Pensacola Beach YC, Pensacola Beach, FL PCYC Pass Christian YC, Pass Christian, MS PontYC Pontchartrain YC, New Orleans, LA PYC Pensacola YC, Pensacola, FL SSYC South Shore YC, New Orleans, LA StABYC St. Andrew’s Bay YC, Panama City, FL SYC Southern YC, New Orleans, LA AUGUST 11-12 Knost Regatta. PCYC 11-12 Round the Rig. MYC 18 Children’s Hospital Charity Regatta. FYC 18 Round the Lake. CSA 18-19 Charles R. Galloway GYA Sunfish/Laser/Opti. GYC 25 Big Mouth Regatta. PBYC 25 Pam Sintes. SSYC/NOYC See RACING continued on page 67 News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS August 2012

55


Delphia 33, 37, 40, 46 Center Cockpit, 47. Shoal Draft Swing Keel available

Performance Cruising Sabre 456, 426, 386 Spirit 36 Classic American Craftsmanship

Serving Yachting Enthusiasts since 1994

If your boat is not becoming to you, you should be coming to us. Let the pros at Grand Slam Yacht Sales get you out of your old boat and into a new one. SABRE 456

DELPHIA 33

2012 Sabre 456, 426, 386 & Spirit 36

2012 NOVATEC 46 CS

Fine Novatec Motor Yachts from 46-82 Feet Classic Sedan, Islander & Euro Series

Shoal draft option 2'4". Delphia 33, 37, 40, 46 CC & 47 SAIL AND POWER BOATS 66' 2004 NOVATEC ISLANDER....................................REDUCED $449,900 55' 1994 FLEMING PILOT HOUSE .........................................................$495,000 54' 2006 HYLAS RAISED SALON CC ...................................REDUCED $875,000 53’ 2002 BRUCE ROBERTS CUSTOM 53 CENTER COCKPIT ...............$329,900 54' 1988 CROWTHER CAT, AUSTRAL, NZ............................REDUCED $224,900 52' 2006 CUSTOM ALUMINUM CATAMARAN..........................................$549,900 51' 2006 PASSPORT 515 VISTA CENTER COCKPIT ..............................$895,000 50' 2003 SYMBOL PILOTHOUSE ..........................................REDUCED $329,900 47' 2001 CATALINA 470 .................................................................................SOLD 45' 1978 MORGAN 452 ............................................................REDUCED $69,900 44' 2006 MANTA POWER CAT..................................................................$439,900 43' 2004 MENORQUIN 130 TRAWLER..................................REDUCED $199,900 43' 1986 ALBIN TRAWLER CLASSIC DC ................................REDUCED $89,900 42' 1983 BENETEAU FIRST........................................................................$78,900 42' SABRE 426 2004 .................................................................................$325,000 40' 1983 JEANNEAU SUN FIZZ .................................................REDUCED 72,900 40' 1956 HINCKLEY ................................................................SACRIFICE $19,900 40' 1982 HUGHES COLUMBIA CENTER COCKPIT .............REDUCED $109,900 38’ 1979 CABO RICO CUTTER ..................................................................$69,900 38' 1983-1986 SABRE CENTERBOARD ...............REDUCED,STARTING $59,900 38' SABRE 386 2010 ......................................................................................SOLD 38' 1990 ISLAND PACKET CUTTER..............................................................SOLD 36' 1996 SABRE 362 ......................................................................................SOLD 31' 2001 ALBIN TOURNAMENT EXPRESS..............................................$119,900

Visit our website for detailed specs and more photos of all of our listings:

www.grandslamyachtsales.com CORTEZ COVE BOATYARD 4522 121st Street West, Cortez, FL 34215 • Toll-free 866-591-9373 • Tel 941-795-4200

info@grandslamyachtsales.com Frank Joseph: Frank@grandslamyachtsales.com 941-962-5969 Alan Pressman: AlanGSYS@gmail.com 941-350-1559 Nic Ware: NicGSYS@gmail.com 305-510-7081 Dale Rudischauser: captdaler@gmail.com 941-586-3732 Jim Booth: jboothyacht@yahoo.com 904-652-8401 Mark Vieth: ViethGSYS@gmail.com 305-479-6320 Wayne Johnson: Wayne@grandslamyachtsales.com 941-773-3513 HOME OF THE “FLORIDA SABRE SAILBOAT OWNERS ASSOCIATION” (FSSOA). CONTACT ALAN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SELLING YOUR BOAT? Call the pros at Grand Slam for a confidential consultation and a free comprehensive analysis of what your boat is worth. Let us put our marketing program to work for you to get your boat sold. 56

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

August 2012

57


Your Authorized Dealer for SELECTED LISTINGS Hyundai 53 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$170,000 Beneteau 49 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$320,000 Wellcraft 4600 MY 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$159,000 Lancer 45 CC 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55,000 Beneteau 432 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$65,000 Sea Ray 400 42 DB 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$110,000 Grand Banks Classic 42 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$191,800 Beneteau Oceanis 41 2012 ON ORDER CALL FOR PACKAGE Rampage 38 Express 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$124,000 Beneteau First 375 1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$52,000 Hunter 375 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$65,000 Island Trader 37 1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,500 Beneteau 361 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99,000 Beneteau 361 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$95,000 Grand Banks 36 Classic 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$165,000 Beneteau 36 Center Cockpit 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$85,000 Grand Banks 36 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$79,000 Pearson 36s ’79 & ‘82 starting at . . . . . . . .$36,500 Jeanneau SO 35 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$89,500 C&C 35 MKIII 1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32,500 Formosa 35 1976 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,900 Beneteau First 10R (34’) 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$115,000 Beneteau Oceanis 34 2012 IN STOCK CALL for PACKAGE Californian 34 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55,000 Catalina 34 Mark I 1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,000 Mainship 34 Trawler 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$169,000 Hunter 340 1998, ’99 & ’01 starting at . . . .$55,000 Beneteau 331 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$78,900 Pearson 323 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,900 Beneteau 323 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$89,900 Catalina 320 MKII 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$108,000 Fuji 32 Ketch 32 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,000 Taylor 32 “Danger Zone” 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30,000 Beneteau Antares 980 32 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$139,000 Beneteau First 310 1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39,000 Beneteau 31 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$118,000 Catalina 310 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,900 Sea Sprite 30 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31,500 Endeavourcat 30 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,500 Mainship 30 Pilot 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$69,000 Nonsuch 30 Ultra 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 Performance Cruising Telstar 28 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . .$81,500 Alerion AE 28 ’04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$78,900 Beneteau First Class 7.5 (26’) 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,500 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$81,500 J/Boats J/70 (22') 2013 – On order for October Delivery Sylvana Yachts Rocket 22 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33,000

(N) (S) (P) (N) (S) (N) (N) (S) (N) (P) (S) (P) (N) (S) (N) (N) (P) (N) (N) (N) (P) (N) (S) (N) (N) (N) (N) (S) (N) (S) (P) (P) (N) (N) (S) (N) (S) N) (N) (S) (P) (N) (N) (N) (N) (N)

Beneteau (31’ to 58’)

J/Boats (22’ to 43’)

Sense (43’ to 55’)

Details & Pictures - Go to www.MurrayYachtSales.com

Complete Gulf Coast Coverage New Orleans 504-210-3668 NewOrleans@MurrayYachtSales.com Pensacola 850-261-4129 Pensacola@MurrayYachtSales.com St. Petersburg 727-214-1590 StPete@MurrayYachtSales.com

Beneteau Power (28’ to 52’)

We have IN & OUT of the Water Slips AVAILABLE for our Listings!

www.MurrayYachtSales.com 58

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com



4500 28th St. N., St. Pete, FL 33714

www.mastheadsailinggear.com Catalina Yachts Com-Pac Yachts RS Sailboats Used Boat Brokerage AGENTS FOR New RS Tera 9’5” . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2595 New RS Q’Ba 11’5” . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3895 New RS Feva 12’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5495 New RS Vision 15’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9495 New RS 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,800 2002 Catalina 12.5 Expo/Trlr . . . . . .$2137 2013 Catalina 14.2 Expo . . . . . . . . .$6383 2000 Hunter 140 w/trailer . . . . . . . .$2481 2008 Catalina 14.2 w/trlr . . . . . . . .$5367 2013 Compac Legacy 16 . . . . . . . .$11,500 2013 Catalina 16.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8041 1997 Catalina 16.5 w/trailer . . . . . . .$4684 2013 Compac Picnic Cat . . . . . . . .$10,995 2002 Compac Suncat /Trlr . . . . . . .$11,671 2013 Compac Suncat . . . . . . . . . .$19,795 2013 Compac SundayCat . . . . . . .$17,245 2013 Compac Eclipse . . . . . . . . . .$26,595 2013 Capri 22 Wing Keel . . . . . . . .$18,163 2013 Catalina 22 Sport . . . . . . . . .$15,252 2005 Catalina 22 MkII . . . . . . . . . .$13,721 2007 Compac 23 MKIV . . . . . . . . .$21,334 2013 Compac 23 MKIV . . . . . . . .$34,995 2013 Catalina 250 WB . . . . . . . . . .$31,856 1990 Catalina Capri 26 . . . . . . . . .$22,687

YACHT BROKERS

www.huntyachts.com

1990 Macgregor 65 custom 6' Shoal draft keel by Mars Metal, recent refit by Snead Island Boats Works including new hull paint, rig removed and painted completely serviced, all new interior upholstery, call Ritch Riddle cell: 727.424.4232 Office: 727.210.1800.

41.1 Bristol Center Cockpit 1983. This one-owner boat has recently had her decks & nonskid professionally refinished, repowered Yanmar diesel, new Garmin Plotter/Digital Radar. Asking $147,500. Call Tom D’Amato 727.480.7143.

1990 Morgan Classic 41 MKII Out Island. Many upgrades in the past couple years, blister-free bottom job, A/C, new Furuno GPS. A truly “turnkey” cruiser. Reduced price. Call Rick Grajirena for further details. 727.403.9910.

Jeanneau 36i Sun Odyssey. 2007. In-mast mainsail furling, roller furling genoa, shoal draft model, A/C, dodger w/ bimini, Raymarine E80, Autopilot, Original owners. Reduced to $124,900. Contact Andy Gillis. 239.292.1915.

1998 Island Packet 350. This 350 was purchased in 1999 by her second owner and has been very well maintained and equipped. Quality built, capable offshore cruiser and comfortable underway, anchored or dockside. $130,000. Contact Tom D’Amato. 727-480-7143.

2009 Schock Harbor 25. Original owner, 5' draft, dry-sailed, like new condition, inboard Yanmar diesel, asymmetrical spinnaker, shore power, self-tending jib, great all-round day sailor, asking $79,900. Ritch Riddle. 727.424.4232

Advertise in the SOUTHWINDS Brokerage Section at special rates: $110 QUARTER PAGE

Quarter Page (includes 1 free classified ad/photo)

$200 HALF PAGE Half Page (includes 2 free classified ads/photos)

$325 FULL PAGE Full Page (includes 4 free classified ads/photos) (12-month rates, black and white ads – add 20% for color)

Broker classified ads w/photos: $15-$20/month

Update Your Ads Monthly The most cost effective way to reach southern boaters

65' Macgregor 6' keel, recent re-fit at Snead Island Boat Works . . .$235,000 53' Custom Herreshoff Ketch 1974 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$225,000 41' Morgan Classic OI MKll 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .bring offers 41' Bristol 41.1 Center Cockpit 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$157,500 40' Freedom Ketch 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$69,900 37' Fairway Marine 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$98,000 37' Tayana Cutter 1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$86,500 36' Jeanneau 36i Sun Odyssey 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$124,900 35’ Island Packet 350 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125,000 35' Island Packet 350 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$130,000 33' Abbott 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35,000 32' C&C 99 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99,000 25’ Schock Harbor 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$79,900

www.rossyachtsales.com CONTACT

editor@southwindsmagazine.com or call (941) 795-8704 60

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

Tampa Bay : 727.210.1800 Ft. Myers: 239.461.9191 Naples: 239.261.7006 www.southwindsmagazine.com


CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25. FREE ADS — Privately owned gear up to $200 and FREE boats (limitations apply) E-mail ads to the editor, asking to place the ad, and give your name. Free Ads sent to us without politely asking to place the ad and/or without a name, will not be run. For questions, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com or (941) 795-8704 PRICES: • These prices apply to boats, real estate, gear,

dockage. All others, see Business Ads. • Text up to 30 words with horizontal photo: $50 for 3 months; 40 words @ $60; 50 words @ $65; 60 words@ $70. • Text only ads up to 30 words: $25 for 3 months; 40 words at $35; 50 words at $40; 60 words at $45. Contact us for more words. • Add $15 to above prices for vertical photo. • All ads go on our website classifieds page on the first of the month of publication at no additional cost. Add $10 to place the ad early on the website. • The last month your ad will run will be at the end of the ad: (7/12) means August 2012. • Add $5 typing charge if ads mailed in or dictated over the phone. • Add $5 to scan a mailed-in photo. DEADLINES: 5th of the month preceding publication. IF LATER: Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or (941) 795-8704. AD RENEWAL: 5th of the month preceding pub-

lication, possibly later (contact us). Take $5 off text ads, $10 with photo, to renew ads another 3 mos. SAVE MORE ON RENEWALS: Ask us about automatic renewal (credit card required) to take $10 off above prices on text only ads and $15 for ads with photos. Ads renewed twice for 3-month period unless you cancel. BUSINESS ADS: Except for real estate and dockage, prices above do not include business services or business products for sale. Business ads are $20/month up to 30 words. $35/month for 30-word ad with photo/graphic. Display ads start at $38/month for a 2-inch ad in black and white with a 12-month agreement. Add 20% for color. Contact editor@ southwindsmagazine.com, or (941) 795-8704. BOAT BROKERAGE ADS: • For ad with horizontal photo: $20/month for new ad, $15/month to pick up existing ad. No charge for changes in price, phone number or mistakes. • All ads go on our website classifieds page on the first of the month of publication at no additional cost. Add $10 to place the ad early on the web-

site. Unless you are a regular monthly advertiser, credit card must be on file. TO PLACE AND PAY FOR AN AD: 1. Internet through PayPal at www.southwindsmagazine.com. Applies only to $25 and $50 ads. (All others contact the editor) Put your ad text in the subject line at the end when you process the Paypal payment, or e-mail it to: editor@southwindsmagazine.com. E-mail ALL photos as separate jpeg attachments to editor. 2. E-mail, phone, credit card or check. E-mail text, and how you intend to pay for the ad to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. E-mail photo as a jpeg attachment. Call with credit card number (941) 795-8704, or mail a check (below). 3. Mail your ad in. Southwinds, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218, with check or credit card number (with name, expiration, address). Enclose a SASE if photo wanted back. 4. We will pick up your ad. Send airline ticket, paid hotel reservations and car rental/taxi (or pick us up at the airport) and we will come pick up your ad. Call for more info.

We advise you to list the boat type first followed by the length. For example: Catalina 30. Your boat is more likely to be found by Internet search engines in this format. Boats & Dinghies Boat Gear & Supplies Businesses for Sale Engines for Sale

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

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

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

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

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________

Trimaran 21 feet folding day sailer. Brand new. Natural mahogany finish makes this an eye-catcher. Johnson engine. Custom aluminum trailer. $8500 OBO. Call (954) 3168342. (8/12)

Hunters Galore! New 22' - 27' and mint condition late model 30' - 36'; Hunters - 7 available. See for yourself at St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. Call for pricing. Simple Sailing Boat Sales. (727) 362-4732.

New WindRider 17. $8995. Call Brian at Bimini Bay Sailing. (941) 685-1400

2007 Com-Pac Horizon Cat 20’. Yanmar diesel, w/trailer, Bimini top, cockpit cushions, dual battery w/built-in battery charger and much more. $31,671. Call Paul at Masthead Enterprises (800) 783-6953, or (727) 3275361. www.mastheadsailinggear.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Devlin “Winter Wren.” Professionally crafted. Launched 2002. 22’ 6” LOA x 18’ 10” x 6’ 10” x 2’ 6”. Xynole polyester fabric and epoxy over ply. Very good condition. Located Orlando. Asking $12,500. marclfrnc@gmail. com. (407) 415-4203. (9/12)

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS

Ranger 23. Tall Rig, 7 sails, 4 Hp 4-stroke, lift chain, Porta Potti, swim ladder. All interior cushions, dinette, ready to sail, Mobile, AL. Tom Davis (251) 343-9520 or tdavis@mitternight.com. $3300. (9/12)

www.southwindsmagazine.com SOUTHWINDS

August 2012 61


CLASSIFIED ADS

2002 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. $81,500 Fresh water, R/F, Lazy Jacks, Autopilot, AGM batts, dripless stuffing gland, canvas 2010/11, Carry-On AC. 727-214-1590, ext 3. Full specs/pics at: www.MurrayYachtSales.com

’79 CSY 44 CUTTER ................................$82,500 ’80 PEARSON 424 KETCH.......................$84,900 ’70 CAL 40 (RESTORED) .........................$63,000 '79 CORONET ELVSTROM 38 .................$57,000 ’85 C&C 37................................................$40,000 ’66 CAL 36 ................................................$19,000 '85 CALIBER 35 ........................................$59,000 ’85 CAL 35 ................................................$35,500 '80 CATALINA 30 TRBS ............................$22,000 ’89 HERRESHOFF 28 CAT KETCH..........$22,000

Lindenberg 28, Fast Lane. Good condition, Ready to Race, full racing sail inventory. Copper bottom Fall 2011, 4hp Yamaha OB. Asking $17,000. Boat is located in Indian Harbor Beach, FL (Melbourne Area). (413) 822-2223, day or nite. (9/12)

S2 7.9 (26’) 1985. Fast race boat & weekend cruiser. Large sail inventory, new bottom paint May 2012 (no blisters), centerboard, inboard Yanmar 1GM, toilet w/holding tank, interior cushions, VHF, radio, and much more. Mobile, AL. Chris Long. (251) 379-1677, or chrisnlong@msn.com. $18,000 OBO. (10/12) 30' Catalina MkII. 1987 with Universal Diesel, Harken Roller Furling, Mainsail, Data Marine Speed and Depth, Wheel Steering with instrument Pods, Bimini, Solar Vents. Fast, Easy Sailing. Go to www.cortezyachts.com. Great Chance for a Great Sailing Vessel. Available at our Docks. Asking $24,500. Cortez Yacht Sales. (941) 792-9100

$25,000 - 30’ custom built, aft cabin, cutter rigged ketch. Hull & Volvo engine & transmission were completely re-conditioned in 2007. Hand laid up fiberglass hull. Built in Sweden in 1980. Main cabin has 6-foot settee/berths each side and a semi-enclosed forward V-berth. Boat lies in Cortez, FL. Contact Tom O’Brien (941) 518-0613 tomob@obrienarchitects.com. (9/12)

30’ Healey sloop. Wm Healey’s finest “Pago Pago”. Designed for single & short handed cruising in Florida Keys & Bahamas. 3’10” draft, 10’10” beam. 30hp Perkins diesel. Key Largo, $18,500, tropicrover@bellsouth.net (8/12)

CORTEZ YACHT SALES Telstar 26 1979 Trimaran. New standing rigging, new roller furling. New 9.9 hp OB 4stroke, electric start. Tilting mast to get under bridges. Good condition. New Upholstery, radio, Porta-potti, etc. $18,500. (305) 8936061 (10/12)

SAIL

56' Custom Wood Schooner ’07 . . . . .$800,000 45' Jeanneau 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$109,000 40' Bayfield 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$89,900 39' Corbin PH 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99,900 37' Tartan 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$44,900 31' Mariner Ketch 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,900 30' Catalina 1987 MKII . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24,500

31’ Mariner Ketch 1970. 44 HP rebuilt Perkins Diesel. Complete retro. Full keel. 2 mains, 2 mizzens, cruising chute w/sock, windlass, Bimini, dinghy, S/S propane stove, GPS w/charts. A must see at our docks. Asking $19,900. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

POWER

44' Targa 1989 Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$84,900 34' Sea Ray 1984 Twin Diesel . . . . . . .$34,500 34' Sea Ray 1983 Twin Gas . . . . . . . . .$15,000 29' Proline Walkaround 1999 . . . . . . . . .$31,900 12' Abaco Skiff w/OB. Classic wood . . . . .$5800

DEEPWATER SLIPS AVAILABLE 1990 Catalina Capri 26. Wing Keel. New 15 hp Honda electric start, completely refurbished in 2010/2011. New Mast, rigging, furler. Everything is either new or in excellent condition. $22,687. Call Paul at Masthead Enterprises (800) 783-6953, or (727) 3275361. www.mastheadsailinggear.com.

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

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

62

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

32’ Bayfield 32C, 1987, beautiful classic design, recent upgrades include a New Beta Marine Diesel, new sails, dodger and solar panel, $49,900, Call Kevin @ 321-693-1642, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers www.SailboatsinFlorida.com www.southwindsmagazine.com


CLASSIFIED ADS St. Augustine Yacht Sales

32’ C&C, 1980, equipped with 4 sails, lazy jacks and furling head sail. Large bimini and nice electronics package! $29,900, Call Dean @ 727-224-8977, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsinFlorida.com

35’ Island Packet 350 1999. 38HP Yanmar – low hours. Harken roller furling staysail and genoa, Bimini/dodger w/fly, self-tailing winches, freshwater boat up to 1/2012, Raymarine ST60, and much more. $125,000. Call Andy Gillis (239) 292-1915. andy@RossYachtSales.com

SAIL 45' Hardin CC Ketch 1980 ..................$123,000 44' Lafitte 1982....................................$149,900 43 C&C Custom 1975 ...........................$49,900 41' Concordia Sloop 1953...................$126,000 38' Downeaster Cutter 1980 .................$29,000 38' Beneteau First 1984........................$37,900 33' Csy Sloop 1979...............................$36,500 32' AMI Catamaran 1996 ......................$79,000 32' Hunter Vision 1989..........................$25,000 31' Pacific Seacraft 1990 ......................$84,900 26' Macgregor Powersailer 1999 ..........$17,900 25' Hake Seaward 1994........................$14,500 23' Beneteau Sloop/Trl. 1990................$12,500

904-829-1589 866-610-1703 Toll Free sayachtsales@bellsouth.net www.sayachtsales.com

2007 Beneteau First 10R. 33’. $115,000. Full race inventory, very well maintained, race ready, full electronics. 727-214-1590, ext 3. Full specs/pics at: www.MurrayYachtSales.com

35’ C&C – Turn-key cruiser, great sail inventory. Reduced to $27,000! Contact Curtis Stokes at (954) 684-0218 or curtis@curtisstokes.net.

36 Jeanneau 361 Sun Odyssey 2007. Inmast mainsail furling, RF genoa, 29 HP Yanmar diesel, shoal draft version, air conditioning, dodger w/ bimini, Raymarine electronics, wind, depth, speed, and autopilot. $124,900. Andy Gillis. andy@RossYachtSales.com. (239) 292-1915

34’ Gemini 105C 2004. 27 HP Westerbeke diesel, 12K BTU A/C, Raymarine ST tridata series w/ wind. Autopilot, Garmin GPS, 150 RF genoa, F/B main, davits, solar panel. 1/2012 bottom paint. $129,500. Call Andy Gillis 239.292.1915. andy@RossYachtSales.com

1993 Beneteau First 35.7. New 135 Genoa, 8D Trojan house battery, bottom job, & lots more. GREAT condition & ready to sail for $65,900. Call Kim (850) 445-8733 for more info & pics, or email sumaps2@hotmail.com.

2002 Beneteau 361. $95,000. Air Conditioning, In Mast Furling, Bimini & Dodger, Refrig, Microwave, Huge Head, Big Cockpit St. Petersburg, FL 727-214-1590, ext 3. Full Specs & Pics at www.MurrayYachtSales.com.

34’ Catalina 1990. 4’ 3” draft, arch/davits, solar & wind generator, 16K BTU A/C, inverter/charger, windless chartplotter, wind, depth, autopilot, VHF stereo, Mackpack, RF genoa & lots more. Asking $55,000. Call Joe at (954) 682-3973. (8/12) News & Views for Southern Sailors

Wharram Tangaroa Sail Catamaran 36’ MKIV, 2002. Sail the world in safety and comfort or enjoy the tradewinds. She handles beautifully. Well equipped and has great long sea legs. Can be single-handed. Sail flat and fast. What more can you ask from a lady! Purr-fect for voyagers/cruisers/liveaboards or day charter. Asking $65,000. Details: svforeveryoung@hotmail.com. (9/12)

BROKERS: Advertise Your Boats for Sale. Text & Photo Ads: $50 for 3-months. Text only ads: $25 for 3 months SOUTHWINDS

August 2012 63


CLASSIFIED ADS

37 Searunner Trimaran. All sails and standing rigging in good condition. Self-tailing winches, auto pilot. Yanmar 2 GM, A/C. Refrigerator in custom box. $35,000. For Details, Contact Dave Pond. captpondo@yahoo.com. (985) 966-3504. (10/12)

37’ TARTAN Centerboard Sloop. 1977 w/ Westerbeke diesel, Harken RF, Jib, Genoa, Main, Storm Sail, Sea Anchor, Spinnaker, Autopilot, 2 X VHFs, SSB, Wind, Depth, GPS Navigator, Stove, Ice Box, Pressure Water, Dinghy w/OB, lots of gear and spares. Asking $44,900. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

1983 & 1986 Sabre 38 Centerboard. Shoal draft. Performance Cruising on a budget. Starting at $59,900. See both boats at www.grandslamyachtsales.com, or call Alan at 941-350-1559, or alangsys@gmail.com.

1982 40’ Hughes Columbia Center Cockpit. Loaded and Cruise ready. Wind, Solar and more. Reduced. $109,900. Alan 941-350559. AlanGSYS@gmail.com. www.grandslam yachtsales.com

39’ Corbin Pilothouse 1981, 64 hp Pathfinder diesel 200 hrs, blue water cruiser, Gen Set, All Roller furling, solar, wind gen, radar, auto pilot, GPS, electric windlass, full galley + more. $99,900. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100

42’ Catalina MK II. 2 staterooms, 2-head layout, very good condition. Reduced to $135,000! Contact Curtis Stokes at (954) 684-0218 or curtis@curtisstokes.net.

Trimaran, 39’ Piver Lodestar. Equipped and ready to cruise, 3.5’ draft, fun and responsive, perfect for Bahamas & Keys, 9’ inflatable w/6hp 4-stroke, wind, solar, autopilot, EPIRB, etc. $16,900, Nokomis, FL, argolo@aol.com. (10/12)

1979 Cabo Rico 38 Cutter. Autopilot, wind vane, GPS, Refrig, Solar, Wind, 5’ Draft and ready for Bahamas and beyond. $69,900. AlanGSYS@gmail.com, or Call Alan at 941350-1559. www.grandslamyachtsales.com

38’ Hunter – 2 staterooms layout, very good condition, freshwater boat. Reduced to $124,500! Contact Curtis Stokes at (954) 684-0218 or curtis@curtisstokes.net.

64 August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

42’ Endeavour Center Cockpit, 1990, Well equipped, sugar scoop stern, gorgeous teak interior and upgrades galore, $129,900, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.SailboatsinFlorida.com

45’ Voyage 450, 2006, expertly maintained since new, great electronics, $375,000, Call Tom @ 904-377-9446, Edwards Yacht Sales, Quality Listings, Professional Brokers, www.CatamaransFlorida.com

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 61 www.southwindsmagazine.com


CLASSIFIED ADS

1977 45’ Morgan 452 Ketch. Center cockpit, aft stateroom, two heads refrigeration, generator GPS. Great Liveaboard or cruiser. $69,900. AlanGSYS@gmail.com, or Call Alan at 941-350-1559. www.grandslamyachtsales.com

2007 Beneteau 49 $320,000 Genset, AC Bow thruster, Electric winches, Full electronics, Bimini, Cockpit cushions, shows like new. 727-214-1590, ext 3. Full specs/pics at: www.MurrayYachtSales.com

56’ Schooner. Custom built in 2008 by Rollins in Maine. A masterpiece from American craftsman. White Oak framing with Douglas Fir planking. Black Locust, Teak, and Cherry used throughout. Aluminum spars and custom cast bronze fittings. A beautiful “Alden” style schooner capable of passages with elegance and American pride. Asking $800,000. www.CortezYachts.com. (941) 792-9100 45’ Hunter Deck Salon 2012. DIVORCE SALE. Here’s your chance to own a like-new 45’ cruiser at an unheard of price. ASKING price is $100k under retail. Shoal draft, heat & air, color plotter. $259,000. Call Kelly Bickford CPYB at (727) 599-1718, or kellyb@masseyyacht.com

51’ Little Harbor – Performance cruiser in very good condition. Reduced to $449,000! Contact Curtis Stokes at (954) 684-0218 or curtis@curtisstokes.net.

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

_________________________________________

FREE ADS Free ads in boat gear for all gear under $200 per item. Privately owned items only. Editor@southwindsmagazine.com. (941-795-8704)

45’ JEANNEAU 45.1 Sun Odyssey 1996, Volvo Diesel, Twin Steering, 4 separate cabins, two heads w/shower, roller furling main, electric windlass, auto-pilot, Tri-Data, full galley, Rib w/ OB. Excellent performance. $109,000. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

2002 53’ Bruce Roberts. Custom Aluminum Center Cockpit. Quality Construction and Loaded. Twin headsails, incredible owners’ stateroom. $329,900. Alan at (941) 3501559. AlanGSYS@gmail.com. Details at www.grandslamyachtsales.com

Marine Flea Market and Clearance—New & Used blocks, cleats, line, fenders, boat hooks, electrical, trailer parts, marine BBQ, portable A/C, furling units, anchors, winches & odd parts. Masthead Enterprises. 4500 28th St. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 327-5361

1986 - 47-foot offshore cruising/racer. Total refit- Yanmar, mast/rigging/sails (7), electric winches, monitor amp air/solar, electronics, SSB, radar etc, 2 staterooms, 6-person life raft, dinghy w/10-hp OB. $129,900 inventory. Call (401) 782-0555. (9/12)

1988 54’ Crowther Hi Performance Cruising Catamaran. Daggerboards, new electronics, great sail inventory, generator and more. $224,900. AlanGSYS@gmail.com, or Call Alan at. 941-350-1559. www.grandslamyachtsales.com

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

BROKERS: Advertise Your Boats for Sale. Text & Photo Ads: $50 for 3-months. Text only ads: $25 for 3 months SOUTHWINDS

August 2012 65


CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED

_________________________________________

BOYE BOAT KNIVES. Cobalt blades, extreme cutting power. No rust, ever. Handcrafted quality, lightweight, great everyday and safety carry, stays sharp. Super reviews. Made in USA since 1971. www.boyeknives.com. (800) 853-1617. (7/12)

Wanted: Lewmar 16 two-speed self-tailing winch — or similar make and model. Will consider standard, non-self-tailing model. (941) 792-9100. _________________________________________ Instrument/antenna tree. All stainless, 1 1/4” pole, 6’ 6’’ tall, the horizontal tube is 18” L, the base plate is 3 1/2”w x 2 1/2” L. The pole is usually mounted on the transom. Ron (727) 521-2857. (9/12) _________________________________________

Davis Sextant, Mark 25, with case in excellent condition. This is the top of the line plastic sextant with a full horizon mirror and coating on high quality optical lens to allow user to see through the mirror yet still pick up lowlight stars. Great for cruisers or beginners taking celestial classes. Includes user’s guide/instruction book and Warren Norville’s book, Celestial Navigation, Step by Step. Retails on-line for $240; asking $100. Photos available. Sarasota, FL. (941) 342-1246. (8/12) _________________________________________ Teleflex control cables, Red-Jacket 15’ CC33215 and 10’ CC33210, still in boxes. This is the most popular boat cable in the world. 3” travel, 10-32 SAE threads with nuts and rubber grommets on both ends, 15’ retails for $40; asking $20. 10’ retails for $36; asking $18. Both for only $35. Photos available. Sarasota, FL. (941) 342-1246. (8/12) _________________________________________ 36” Helm, destroyer style with 1” shaft. Used but in excellent condition. Great upgrade for 30’-40’ racers or cruisers. New costs $560; asking $250 or will trade for 28” wheel. Sarasota, FL. (941) 342-1246. (8/12) _________________________________________ Fore deck/ Streaming Light with wooden base. Can be used with or without base depending on mast circumference. It isn’t beautiful but it goes way up the mast, it works and it’s cheap! Photos available. Sarasota, FL. (941) 342-1246. (8/12)

ENGINES FOR SALE

_________________________________________ Perkins/Westerbeke 4-108 diesel engine. Low hours, inspected, test run, no trans., come see it run. Free delivery 500 miles from Pensacola w/full price $3,995 (850) 5721225. (9/12)

BROKERS: Text & Photo Ads New: $20/mo Pickup: $15/mo 66

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

Sailing Instructors wanted for SW Florida (St Pete/Ft Myers) & British Virgin Islands. If you have a strong racing and/or cruising background, have excellent teaching ability, US Sailing certifications and have a USCG license (or the necessary sea time) and interested in joining a world-class organization. Send resume to Kevin@offshoresailing.com. (8/12) Wanted: An experienced canvas person and an experienced rigger for subcontract work. Work area is greater Tampa Bay to Sarasota. Located in Palmetto. Email jimmy@sunrisesailsplus.com. (10/12) _________________________________________ Sailing couple to run small sailing resort in the Florida Keys. Work one day a week with pay. Free dockage and/or apartment. No smokers or pets. Call Tom at (305) 743-8454. (10/12) _________________________________________ Edwards Yacht Sales is Expanding! We have several openings for Yacht Brokers in Florida. Looking for experienced broker or will train the right individual. Must have boating background and be a salesman. Aggressive advertising program. 37% sales increase in 2010, Come join the EYS team! Call in confidence, Roy Edwards (727) 507-8222 www.EdwardsYachtSales.com, Yachts@ EdwardsYachtSales.com. _________________________________________

INSTRUCTION

_________________________________________

CAPTAINS LICENSE CLASS Six-pack Captain’s License (OUPV) with no exam at the Coast Guard. USCG APPROVED COURSE & TEST

Miami/Miami Beach August 2012 Call Toll Free for more details.

www.captainslicenseclass.com 888-937-2458

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

www.southwindsmagazine.com


CLASSIFIED ADS LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________

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

R EAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

SAILING COMPANION WANTED ________________________________________

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

________________________________________

This new section is at a special rate. Our standard rate for a 3-month ad up to 30 words is $25. In this section the words allowed is up to 50 words for $25. Add $25 if you want to add a photo. Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Sailboat Captain seeks Co-Captain. 57 yr old sailor seeks female sailing partner. I’ve lived aboard 15 yrs now. Currenty residing Boot Key Harbor, Marathon. Email me at saltykevin@yahoo.com. Chat soon! (10/12)

Bristol 35 1973. Good boat for a serious sailor. 6 ft. full keel, sea-friendly. Yanmar diesel. Dinghy w/OB. Autopilot, chartplotter, roller furling and all required equipment. Boat and all equipment in good condition. Ready to cruise. Location Jacksonville. $22,000. dporter@unf.edu. (10/12)

SAILS & CANVAS

________________________________________

32’ 1975 Allied Seawind II Ketch. Many upgrades including new main and jib, 27 hp Yanmar with 300 hrs, including complete new drivetrain. New canvas, both exterior and interior. Garmin GPS/Depth, ST-4000 auto pilot. New topside, bottom paint 2012. 100%, 135% genoas, mizzen and mizzen staysail. Much more. Price reduced to $29,900. Florida Panhandle, Bluewater Bay Yachts (850) 897-4150. (10/12)

Boating, fishing, relaxing on 20k acre lake in Northeast “Old Florida” in small, quiet, lakefront adult mobile home park. Conveniently located, reasonable lot rent. Homes from $3500 to $14,000. (386) 698-3648 or www.lakecrescentflorida.com (9/12A) Live on the New River in Fort Lauderdale. 4plex with Docks. Zoned for Liveaboards. Let rents pay the Mortgage. Deep water/Ocean Access. www.argyledrive.com for details or (360) 390-4168. (8/12)

RACING continued from page 55 25-26

SLIPS FOR RENT/SALE

________________________________________

St. Augustine, FL, 4 lots, deep water, “No Profile” dock. 3br/2ba, 2568 sq. ft. with Guest House on 4 lots on corner. $1,190K. (904) 8147018. MLS#137044. Watson Realty, ask for Dee Dee. (9/12)

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $24/year • 3rd Class $30/year • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com News & Views for Southern Sailors

DOCK SPACE off SARASOTA BAY!! Slips start at $117 a Month on 6-Month Lease. Sheltered Marina accommodates up to 28’ sail or power boats. Boat ramp. Utilities included. Call Office: (941) 755-1912. (9/12A)

SEE CLASSIFIED INFO ON PAGE 61

Lipton Warm-up Invitational. PCYC 25-26 Katrina Memorial Regatta. OSYC 25-26 Rock, Paper, Scissors. BSC SEPTEMBER 1-3 Lipton Cup Regatta. PCYC 8-9 Back to School Regatta. PontYC 14-15 Leukemia Cup. BucYC 15 Chappel & Stitt Regatta. PYC 15 Double-Handed Couples. StABYC 15-16 Race Week. LBYC 15-16 Leukemia Cup. BSC 21 To the Pier and Back. PBYC 21-23 Sunfish Masters. BWYC 22 Middle Bay. MYC 22 Fall 3. LBYC 22-23 Great Lake Race. CSA/SSYC/NOYC 28-30 GYA Multi-hull Championships. PBYC 29-30 Wadewitz Regatta. FYC 30 Coco Seeman Regatta. SYC/LPWSA SOUTHWINDS

August 2012 67


ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

360 Yachting ......................................33 Absolute Tank Cleaning ......................22 Advanced Sails....................................26 Ahoy Captain......................................23 Amelia Island Marina ..........................42 American Rope & Tar..........................23 Aqua Graphics ....................................22 Atlantic Sail Traders.............................26 Bacon Sails..........................................26 Beaver Flags........................................23 Beneteau Sailboats .............................BC Beta Marine ........................................12 Bimini Bay Sailboat Rentals .................13 Bluewater Insurance............................34 Bluewater Sailing School................17,31 Boat Moorings ....................................15 Boaters’ Exchange ................................5 BoatNames.net ...................................22 Borel...................................................23 Bo’sun Supplies...................................35 Bradenton YC Kickoff Regatta ...............9 Cajun Trading Rigging ........................25 Capt. George Schott...........................22 Capt. Jagger .......................................22 Capt. Rick Meyer ................................22 Captains License Class ........................66 Catalina Yachts ...............................IFC,5 Catamaran Boatyard ...........................22 C-Head Compost Toilets .....................23 Clear Air .............................................23 Clearwater Municipal Marina..............42 Compac Sailboats ...............................36 CopperCoat........................................13 Cortez Yacht Brokerage.......................62 CPT Autopilot .....................................66 Cruising Solutions...............................38 Curtis Stokes Yacht Brokerage.............59 Defender Industries.............................11 Doyle/Ploch Sails ................................26 Dr. LED ..........................................23,36 Dunbar Sales ........................IFC,5,31,55 Dunbar Sales Sailing School................31 Dunedin Cup Regatta ...........................5 Dwyer mast ........................................66

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

Eastern Yachts ....................................BC Eastern Yachts/Beneteau.....................BC Edwards Yacht Sales............................57 EisenShine ..........................................22 Ellies Sailing Shop ...............................22 Fair Winds Boat Repairs.......................25 Fisherman’s Village..............................21 Flagship Sailing...................................31 Florida Yacht Group ...........................BC Flying Scot Sailboats ...........................64 Glades Boat Storage ........................8,42 Grand Slam Yacht Sales ......................56 Gulfport City Marina...........................35 Hand-ee-Cleat.....................................23 Harborage Marina .............................IBC Hidden Harbor Marina........................42 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack .....................19 Hobie Cats/Tiki Watersports ................19 Hotwire/Fans & other products .........23 Innovative Marine Services.............22,25 Irish Sail Lady......................................26 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales................58 Kelly Bickford, Broker ..........................55 Key Lime Sailing .................................25 Key West Race Week .............................3 Knighton Sails.....................................26 Landing Loop .....................................24 Laser ...................................................19 Leather Wheel ....................................24 Mack Sails...........................................43 Madeira Beach Municipal Marina .......14 Marine Supply Warehouse ..................24 Massey Yacht Sales ...........................IFC Masthead Enterprises.............5,24,26,60 Mastmate ..........................................24 Matthews Point Marina ......................42 Moor Electronics.................................24 Morehead City Yacht Basin .................21 Multihull Regatta ..................................7 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau ........58,BC National Sail Supply............................26 Nature’s Head.....................................24 North Sails .........................................45 North Sails Direct ...............................39

North Sails Outlet ...............................67 NV-Charts ...........................................23 Optimist .............................................19 Pasadena Marina ................................42 Porpoise Used Sails .............................26 Portland Pudgy...................................22 Premiere Racing....................................3 Regatta Pointe Marina ........................17 Rigging Only ......................................25 Rivertown Marina & Boatyard.............42 Ross Yacht Sales ..................................60 RS Sailboats ........................................20 Sail Care .............................................27 Sail Repair...........................................27 Sail Technologies ................................27 Sailing Florida Charters .......................31 Sailing Florida Sailing School ..............31 SailKote ..............................................27 Sailrite ................................................16 Sands Harbor......................................42 Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta ...............................................10 Schurr Sails .........................................47 Sea School ..........................................34 Sea Tech .............................................66 Seaworthy Goods ..........................25,37 Shadetree ...........................................41 Shellback Awnings ..............................27 Simple Sailing ................................31,55 Snug Harbor Boats & Co. .....................5 Sparman USA .....................................38 Spotless Stainless ................................25 St. Augustine Yacht Sales ....................63 St. Barts/Beneteau ..............................BC Star Marine Outboards .......................25 StrictlySailing.com ..............................62 Sunfish................................................19 Sunrise Sails, Plus................................26 Tackle Shack .......................................19 Tiki Water Sports..............................5,20 Turner Marine Yacht Sales..................IFC UK Halsey Sailmakers ..........................27 Ullman sails ...................................22,27

CONFERENCE Continued from page 48 skills are one thing. The ocean will teach you the rest of what you need to know. As Erley said, “What happens in an all-women environment is that we tend to take a few more risks, try things we might not get perfect the first time because there are women around who

will be supportive and helpful.” The Milwaukee Bay Women’s Sailing Organization has expanded since its 1994 beginnings, just as the MWSC will continue to grow. Both will continue to focus on women teaching women to sail. I had a great time, learned a lot,

and am looking forward to another invitation to visit my friend—sometime in May would be great! To learn more about the MWSC, go to http://womenssailing.org. To see photos from this year’s event, go to http://knotjustracing.smugmug.com.

CRACKER JACK continued from page 70 spacious cockpit on Cracker Jack and looking down below or at her flowing lines, we get the feeling of being right at home. More important, however, is that we are excited again! No more looking at a perfect sailing day with sadness and longing! It’s actually fun pouring money back into the water hole! The 68

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

pride of ownership wells up inside, and just taking a walk down to the marina to check out OUR boat instead of THE boats is a thrill. Even the left brain has to agree. A liveaboard-sized boat may be in our future someday when Jupiter aligns with Mars, and we’re old enough to truly retire, but not too old

to raise the main. In that case, Cracker Jack may brighten the eyes of her next new owner (she’ll be a much better boat by then, thank you). She will have served our purposes by keeping us excited and engaged and most important, sailing. The chandlers can breathe a sigh of relief as well; we’re back. www.southwindsmagazine.com


ADVERTISER’S CATEGORIES

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

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau .......................................................................................BC Boaters Exchanges/Catalina .............................................................5 Catalina Yachts ..........................................................................IFC,5 Compac Sailboats ..........................................................................36 Cortez Yacht Brokerage..................................................................62 Curtis Stokes Yacht Brokerage ........................................................59 Dunbar Sales....................................................................IFC,5,31,55 Eastern Yachts................................................................................BC Edwards Yacht Sales.......................................................................57 Florida Yacht Group.......................................................................BC Flying Scot Sailboats ......................................................................64 Grand Slam Yacht Sales .................................................................56 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack ................................................................19 Hobie Cats/Tiki Watersports ........................................................5,20 Kelly Bickford, Broker .....................................................................55 Laser ..............................................................................................19 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Hunter/ IslandPacket/Eastern/Mariner...................................................IFC Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina..........................................5,24,26,60 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau....................................................58,BC Optimist ........................................................................................19 Optimist ........................................................................................19 Portland Pudgy ..............................................................................22 Precision ........................................................................................19 Ross Yacht Sales .............................................................................60 RS Sailboats ...................................................................................20 Simple Sailing ................................................................................55 Snug Harbor Boats & Co. ................................................................5 St. Augustine Yacht Sales ...............................................................63 St. Barts/Beneteau .........................................................................BC Strictly Sailing.com ........................................................................62 Sunfish...........................................................................................19 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg....................................19 Tiki Water Sports............................................................................20 Turner Marine Yacht Sales .............................................................IFC GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Ahoy Captain.................................................................................23 Beaver Flags...................................................................................23 Boat Moorings ...............................................................................15 Borel ..............................................................................................23 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware .............................................................35 Cajun Trading Rigging ...................................................................25 C-Head Compost Toilets ................................................................23 Clear Air.........................................................................................23 CopperCoat ...................................................................................13 CPT Autopilot ................................................................................66 Cruising Solutions ..........................................................................38 Defender Industries........................................................................11 Doctor LED ...............................................................................23,36 Ellies Sailing Shop ..........................................................................22 Hand-ee-Cleat................................................................................23 Hotwire/Fans & other products ....................................................19 Landing Loop ................................................................................24 Leather Wheel................................................................................24 Masthead Enterprises ........................................................5,24,26,60 Mastmate Mast Climber ................................................................24 Nature’s Head ................................................................................24 NV-Charts ......................................................................................23 Sailrite............................................................................................16 Seaworthy Goods .....................................................................25,37 Shadetree Awning Systems ............................................................41 Sparman USA.................................................................................38 Spotless Stainless ...........................................................................25 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision............................................19 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Advanced Sails ...............................................................................26 Atlantic Sail Traders........................................................................26 Bacon Sails.....................................................................................26 Cajun Trading Rigging ...................................................................25 Doyle Ploch ...................................................................................26 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging ............................................66 Innovative Marine Services........................................................22,25 Knighton Sails................................................................................26 Mack .............................................................................................43 Masthead/Used Sails and Service ......................................5,24,26,60 News & Views for Southern Sailors

National Sail Supply, new&used online..........................................26 North Sails Direct/sails online by North .........................................39 North Sails, new and used ........................................................45,67 Porpoise Used Sails ........................................................................26 Rigging Only ................................................................................25 Sail Care ........................................................................................27 Sail Repair ......................................................................................27 Sail Technologies ...........................................................................27 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL...............................................................47 Sunrise Sails, Plus ..........................................................................26 UK/Halsey Sailmakers .....................................................................27 Ullman Sails ..............................................................................22,27 CANVAS, STAINLESS STEEL Pedersen Canvas................................................................................ Shadetree Awning Systems ............................................................41 Shellback Awnings .........................................................................27 SAILING SCHOOLS/CAPTAIN’S LICENSE INSTRUCTION Bluewater sailing school............................................................17,31 Captains License Class ...................................................................66 Dunbar Sales Sailing School .............................................IFC,5,31,55 Flagship Sailing ..............................................................................31 Sailing Florida Charters & School...................................................31 Sea School/Captain’s License ........................................................34 Simple Sailing ...........................................................................31,55 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES Beta Marine ...................................................................................12 Star Marine Outboards ..................................................................25 MARINAS, MOORING FIELDS, BOAT YARDS Amelia Island Marina .....................................................................42 Catamaran Boatyard ......................................................................22 Clearwater Municipal Marina .........................................................42 Fisherman’s Village.........................................................................21 Glades Boat Storage ...................................................................8,42 Gulfport City Marina......................................................................42 Harborage Marina ........................................................................IBC Hidden Harbor Marina...................................................................42 Madeira Beach Municipal Marina...................................................14 Matthews Point Marina..................................................................42 Morehead City Yacht Basin ............................................................21 Pasadena Marina............................................................................42 Regatta Pointe Marina ..................................................................IBC Rivertown Marina & Boatyard........................................................42 Sands Harbor .................................................................................42 CHARTERS, RENTALS, FRACTIONAL 360 Yachting .................................................................................33 Bimini Bay Sailboat Rentals ............................................................13 Flagship Sailing ..............................................................................31 Key Lime Sailing ............................................................................25 Sailing Florida Charters ..................................................................31 Simple Sailing ................................................................................31 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, DIVE SERVICES, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, REAL ESTATE, ETC. Absolute Tank Cleaning .................................................................22 Aqua Graphics ...............................................................................22 Bluewater Insurance.......................................................................34 BoatNames.net ..............................................................................22 EisenShine......................................................................................22 Fair Winds Boat Repairs/Sales.........................................................25 Innovative Marine Services........................................................22,25 CAPTAIN SERVICES Capt. George Schott......................................................................22 Capt. Jagger ..................................................................................22 Capt. Rick Meyer ...........................................................................22 MARINE ELECTRONICS Moor Electronics ............................................................................24 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication............................................66 SAILING WEB SITES, VIDEOS, BOOKS BoatNames.net ..............................................................................22 REGATTAS, BOAT SHOWS, FLEA MARKETS Bradenton YC Kickoff Regatta ..........................................................9 Dunedin Cup Regatta ......................................................................5 Key West Race Week ........................................................................3 Multihull Regatta .............................................................................7 Premiere Racing...............................................................................3 Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta ................................10

SOUTHWINDS

69


From Calcutta to Cracker Jack By Joe Corey

I

t was less than three months after our collective left brain convinced us to sell our beloved Cal 36, Calcutta, when our collective right brain screamed out that maybe we had made a mistake. Sure, it didn’t make sense to pour our hard-earned dollars into maintaining and docking a boat that was too much to day-sail. And since we swallowed the anchor and moved ashore to work full time with vague plans to move back aboard “someday,” day sailing was all we could realistically manage. We realized that we had lived aboard Calcutta longer as adults than we had in any other single place. We survived nasty gales at sea in her and snuggled securely in cozy anchorages up and down the East Coast. We celebrated some of our most memorable holidays aboard her in the company of fellow cruisers, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Our very identity seemed, somehow, intrinsically linked to her. And yet that left brain thing loomed large. It even seemed unfair to the boat for her to be relegated to the less and less frequent short afternoons or mornings. She was too proud for that. And there’s an axiom that says “disuse is almost as bad as misuse.” Who had the time to keep up

with a nearly 50-year-old boat and all her systems? Refinishing teak, for instance, was routine—like mowing the lawn when we lived aboard—but once ashore it became an exercise in futility to go through all that just to watch it degrade in stages, appreciated only by well-fed seabirds. So the left brain held sway. Calcutta had to go. It was so difficult to turn Calcutta over to the new owner that Peggy, my wife, couldn’t bear to be there for the transfer. The only mitigating factor was seeing the excitement and rapture in the eyes of her new owner. I could have, however, grabbed the next person who said “the two happiest days......” by the shoulders and shaken them! This was not a happy day, cash in hand notwithstanding. Oh, we were saving money after the sale; no dockage, no insurance premiums, no trips to the chandlery. But there was a big hole in our hearts where there once was a hole in the water. We joined two local yacht clubs primarily to have access to their available day sailers but found that banging around in really small boats when they might be available just didn’t fill the bill. Then, like magic, the ad in the local paper jumped off the page: “Cal 27 for sale.” Calling the number on the

ad was automatic. Driving down to see the boat the next day was automatic. Deciding to pull the trigger on the sale was automatic. Truly, there was no question. Right brain was screaming at full volume! Even being 20 years newer, the Cal 27 (renamed Cracker Jack) may not be the boat Calcutta is. There are no systems; no AC, no charging systems, no inboard engine, no refrigeration, etc., and she is decidedly more tender by virtue of her size, BUT; there are no systems to maintain, dockage is less than half the cost it had been for the bigger boat, and she is so much easier to sail (so that’s what roller furling is all about!). Day sails make more sense now, happen more frequently, and long weekends (or longer) are still entirely possible. The outboard motor has its foibles, but I’ll be glad to forget my blind, one-armed mechanic skills for the time being. A bag of ice keeps the frosties plenty cool enough for the day. A little 5-watt solar panel keeps the battery topped off for the very occasional 12-volt need. Bill Lapworth, may he rest in peace, designed both boats, and his genius comes through in both. Sitting in the See CRACKER JACK continued on page 68

Cracker Jack

70

August 2012

SOUTHWINDS

www.southwindsmagazine.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.