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September 2003
Southwinds
Selection varies by store.
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LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
Southwinds
September 2003
3
ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY
(See page 61 for alphabetical list)
SAILBOATS - NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats Back Cover Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats 12 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Colgate 26 9 Eastern Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Finish Line Multihulls/ F-Boats & Used Multihulls 25 Flying Scot Sailboats 59 Hunter Sailboats 16,17 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Jeanneau IBC,3,7,15,26 Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 3 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Performance Sail & Sport/Hunter/Hobie/Windrider 52 Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District/St. Pete. 34 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats 56 Snug Harbor Boats/Compac/Elliot 14 St. Barts/Beneteau Back Cover Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida 19 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 8 Ullman Sails/Hunter Sailboats, West Florida 21 Whitney’s Marine 31 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power 40 Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie 6,34
GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES Bluewater Sailing Supply, www.bluewaterss.com/ 11 Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL 12 BoatUS Marine Stores 37 Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com 11 CDI Propellers/Perfect pitch props 22 Chutescoop, Spinnaker Control 61 Defender Industries, www.defender.com 60 Fujinon binoculars 33 Garhauer Hardware/www.garhauermarine.com 10 Glacier Bay Refrigeration/ www.glacierbay.com 55 Grin Designs/Scully/Dinghy sail & More 13 Harken Gear 49 Hotwire/Fans & other products 58 Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc. 12 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 11,51 Martek Dinghy Davits 58 Masthead Ent. www.mastheadsailinggear.com 3 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign 55 Performance Sail & Sport, www.perfsail.com 52 Quantum Pure-Aire Filters for Boats 9 Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com 48 Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, St. Pete 34 Sailor’s Soap 14, 21, 45 Rolls Batteries/Surrette, www.rollsbattery.com 25 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 8 Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie 6,34 West Marine IFC
SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Atlantic Sails/new, used, repair West Florida Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida Bluewater Sailing Supply, www.bluewaterss.com/ Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com Cruising Direct/sails online by North Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging Hong Kong Sailmakers Masthead/Used Sails and Service National Sail Supply, new&used online North Sails Sabre Sails/ Ft. Walton Beach, FL, & Mandeville, LA Sail Exchange/www.sailexchange.com Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, St. Pete. Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL Snoop Sails & Canvas, Sarasota, FL Steve Smith Mobile Rigging & Chandlery UK Sails, www.uksailmakers.com Ullman Sails/West Florida Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie
24 58 11 11 28 60 35 3,60 54 50 3 52 34 13 13 51 53 21 6,34
CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida Sail Covers & More, buy online, www.sailcovers.net Snoop Sails & Canvas, Sarasota FL
58 61 13
USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Don’s Salvage, Clearwater FL Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida 4
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30 55
Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL Steve Smith Mobile Rigging/Consignment/St. Pete
23 51
SAILING SCHOOLS Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District/ St. Pete. Sea School/Captain’s License www.seaschool.com Smooooth Sailing, private instruction, Tampa Bay area Capt. Josie Sailing School for Women
34 27 14 57
MARINE ENGINES Beta Marine RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, St. Pete.
23 40 34
RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina Isla Del Sol Resort & Marina Pasadena Marina, on the ICW, St. Petersburg FL Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District/Tampa Bay FL
18 9 41 34
CHARTER COMPANIES Flagship Sailing, Tampa Bay Area Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, Sunsail Yachting Vacations
23 34 33
MARINE SERVICES,MARINE SURVEYORS, MARINE INSURANCE, MISC. Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online Bluewater Insurance/ West Florida Coast Weather Services Davis Maritime Surveying First Patriot Inc, Insurance Agency, Paul Phaneuf Mobile Marine Services/ West Florida Tow BoatUS Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie
57 20 26 21 35 48 27 6,34
MARINE ELECTRONICS Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication JR Overseas/Moisture Meter Rolls Batteries/Surrette, www.rollsbattery.com
54 11,51 25
BOOKS Bubba Stories Book
30
REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Bitter End Yacht Club’s Women’s Sailing Week Bradenton Yacht Club Fall Kick-Off Regatta Crow’s Nest Regatta Melbourne YC Mermaid & Fall Regatta Sail Expo St. Pete/Sail America St. Petersburg Yacht Club Fall Races Terra Nova Trading Key West Race Subscription Information Alphabetical Advertisers’ List
22 45 18 44 39 42 29 This Page 61
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TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Helm .............................................................. 8 Letters ......................................................................... 11 Bubba Makes Money on Language .............................. 18 By Morgan Stinemetz Three Days in Havana and One in Pinar del Rio: Part II .......................................................................... 24 By Elena Pimiento Racing Calendar .......................................................... 28 Boatek: Freezer Alternatives ......................................... 30 By Stephen Sommer Chartering in the BVIs: One Sailboat, Three Generations ....................................................... 32 By Tony Miró Getting Your Sailboat Towed When Aground: What You Should Know ............................................... 36 By Capt. Bruce Pierce 10 Tips to Lower Your Sailboat Insurance ..................... 38 By Paul Phaneuf Boat Review: Windrider 16 .......................................... 40 By Rebecca Burg Southern Sailing: Preparing Your Boat for a Hurricane ............................. 43 By Dave Ellis The New, Improved West Florida PHRF ........................ 44 By Morgan Stinemetz
Charter in the BVIs. Tony Miro photo
See page 32
Windrider 16 Boat Review. Rebecca Burg photo
See page 40
Racing and Regattas .................................................... 46 Youth National Multihull Championship, Hemingway Bell Regatta, Flying Scot Nationals, Optimist Regatta in St. Thomas Short Tacks .................................................................. 53 Miscellaneous sailing news, Business Briefs, West Marine Seminars Classifieds .................................................................... 57 Solo Surprise ............................................................... 62 By Capt. Captain Herman Bips III Alphabetical Index of Advertisers ................................. 61 Advertisers’ List by Category .......................................... 4 Subscription Form ......................................................... 4 COVER Optimists from many nations on the beach at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. The Regatta has grown from under 20 to near 70 boats over the last decade. Dean Barnes photo. Racing and Regattas page 48.
Sail the Web with Southwinds: southwindssailing.com See many of the current features on the Web, along with past issues, Cuba articles and more. Send your letters to the editor on the Web. Stay tuned, this Web site is evolving. LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
Southwinds
September 2003
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Southwinds
NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS ■
VOLUME 11
NUMBER 9
Steve Morrell Heather Nicoll Kathleen Elliott
SEPTEMBER 2003
Publisher & Editor Design/Graphic Production Proofreading
ADVERTISING SALES Gary Hufford (727) 585-2814 Steve Morrell (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 toll free Southwinds Media, Inc. PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 • (941) 795-8705 Fax CONTRIBUTORS Carol Bareuther Dean Barnes Captain Herman Bips III Dave Ellis Jim Kransberger Tony Miró Bruce Pierce E. Pimiento Morgan Stinemetz
Jim Baughmam Stephen Fishman Paul Phaneuf Stephen Sommer
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, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some far off and far out place. Keep them 1500 to 2000 words maximum (and we also like shorter stuff), and we might sometimes take something up to 3000 words. You can send it typed, double-spaced, with all your contact info or by e-mail or on a disc. We’d much rather receive it on disc or by e-mail, as that saves us lots of work. In that case, it’s better single-spaced. If you want the stuff returned, then enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and give us a good 6-8 weeks to get back to you, although sometimes we move faster. Keep in mind we might be sailing or trying to meet the next deadline. PHOTOS: We like photos with just about every story, so send us some of those. We’ll take photos of interest alone without stories, too. We also like funny ones of the water world. We’ll take them via e-mail, on disc, slide, or prints, black and white or color. If they’re comin’ electronically, then make them high resolution – like 300dpi, but a little less will work if needed. Send to the address below or e-mail to editor@southwindssailing.com. Southwinds is published monthly by Southwinds Media, Inc., copyright 2003. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIBE TO SOUTHWINDS: One-year subscriptions third class $12, two-year subscription $20, first class $24. Mail in check, e-mail or phone to contacts listed below. Charge cards accepted. Now subscribe online at www.southwindssailing.com at a secure site using your credit card.
P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 Toll Free (877) 372-7245 Fax (941) 795-8705 Reach Southwinds online at: www.southwindssailing.com or editor@southwindssailing.com
From the Carolinas to Cuba…From Atlanta to the Abacos…Southwinds Covers Southern Sailing 6
September 2003
Southwinds
www.southwindssailing.com
FROM THE HELM
How Profitable Can an Anchorage Be?
I
t seems that again we have received letters about Florida com munities that are setting new rules and rates that are making it more expensive for boat owners to survive, particularly for liveaboards and transient cruisers. Over the past couple of years we have seen moves to ban liveaboards in St. Petersburg, an increase of fees in Miami and Marathon, and most recently, restrictions on moorings and anchorages in Stuart (see this month’s letters). Communities are facing tighter budget constraints everywhere, and one way to meet these budget demands is to create and/or increase user fees to make an anchorage or mooring area “profitable.” If you don’t use these services, then you shouldn’t have to pay for them. The problem is how do you determine what is “profitable?” How do we determine the real costs and the real income? All public services cannot be treated the same as private businesses, although many think they all can be. Let’s take the ocean in general. We all know the amount of money the government spends on the ocean and beaches. If you live inland and never go there, why should your taxes help pay to maintain them? What about if you live on the coast and never go to a national park? We can’t charge for everything because, for one, it would be a very complex system of turnstiles, toll booths and fences. Who would want to live in a world like that? A turnstile to the beach? A toll booth at a forest service road? Or how about toll booths along the ICW? Each community could have one, so that everyone who
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passes through that town has to pay his or her way. That would solve some tax problems. We can more easily determine the costs for services, like an anchorage or mooring area, but how do we determine the financial benefits, the “income” gained by these boats moored out there? Maybe they should think along these lines: Charge less money for the bigger boat, as to own the bigger boat means you have a lot more money and you are more likely to spend more on shore, in restaurants and the like. Those small poor boaters don’t spend any money; they should be charged more to moor there. Isn’t that fair? Governments spend a lot of money promoting tourism as dollars are brought in, like beach renourishment. What about all the communities that spend money developing their waterfront districts? Shouldn’t tourists be charged every time they look at those boats moored out there? And shouldn’t that money go to those boat owners? I think of how many waterfront condominiums, or city tourist promotions, picture a sailboat in their sales literature. People pay good money to see these boats in their view. That raises property values, which raises taxes, which brings in more money. I am beginning to think that the income side of the equation is outweighing the expense side. Maybe these communities should be paying these boaters to moor or anchor off their shore. And those beautiful old schooners should get the most. Editor
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LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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LETTERS “Freedom of the press is limited to those H.L. Mencken who own one.” In its continuing endeavor to share its press, Southwinds invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.
THE GREEN FLASH I’ve seen only three green flashes in over 35 years of going to sea. Of course, I wasn’t looking for them for the first 25 years. I became interested in green flash research about four to eight years ago. There is a Vatican astronomical observatory somewhere in Italy. They put out a book, in English that pretty well covers the subject. I was able to borrow a copy through the county library system from the U.S. Weather Bureau, or whatever that became with the realignment of government names. The observatory, at an elevation of about 1000-2000 feet on the west coast of Italy, has a great view of the ocean toward the west, and they had some great pictures in the book taken, I guess, through one of their telescopes. R Doyle
SALVAGED AND ABANDONED SAILBOATS I have been searching the Internet about maritime salvage and or abandonment laws regarding sailboats, and I haven’t been having much luck. Through a search engine I found your magazine and read a short column written by a Mr. Shea. I would greatly appreciate it if you could get him to contact me regarding this issue. I would like to know what the procedure is for obtaining legal ownership of an abandoned and or salvaged sailboat. Thank you very much for your help in this matter. It is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Eldorah Burton Eldorah, We have forwarded your e-mail to Michael Shea, and he is working on possibly writing an article on this subject for a future issue of Southwinds. Editor
PROBLEMS AT BOOT KEY HARBOR IN MARATHON You are going to love what the City of Marathon is doing to Boot Key Harbor. Bring Money. Not only was Boot Key Harbor a nice place to anchor during short crossings, but it WAS part of the affordable housing for the city. Bring Money. All that is fast coming to an end. Unless you bring Money. If you plan on using the harbor as a resting point, don’t forget to bring lots of Money. In a December 18, 2002, news item in our local newspaper, the Keynoter, it was stated, “During a public interview before the Marathon City Council last week, he (Marathon’s City Manager Scott Janke) spoke of Boot Key Harbor as a potential revenue source for Marathon.” Bring lots of Money. As reported in the Keynoter on February 5, 2003, “Janke, councilmen and council candidates have all declared that it should be a self-sustaining, money making venture for the city.” Thats right...Bring lots of Money. It was Marathon’s city manager, Scott Janke, who on June 7, 2003, told the Keynoter, “...I still say the citizens of this town shouldn’t have to subsidize those boat owners.” Guess Janke has never lived aboard a vessel. They make LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
www.nuclearsailmakers.com
Southwinds
September 2003
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LETTERS Continued from page 11 their own electricity. They carry their own water to their boats in jugs. If you live on land, you can call 911 for fire or medical emergency, but if you are a liveaboard in the harbor, the city does not respond. And if a boater has a fire on board his vessel, the city’s pump-out boat (which is equipped with water hoses), won’t come out to put out the fire. So what services is the City of Marathon subsidizing? Jim Lowry Marathon, Florida
INFORMATION SOURCE ON BOOT KEY HARBOR I’m glad you put the article in the magazine about Boot Key Harbor. The city has done some good things to clean up the harbor, such as cleaning out the sunken boats. Overregulation, or even the perception of its impending implementation, is still a major problem. I’m a past commander of the Marathon Sail and Power Squadron, member of the yacht club and live on my boat in Marathon. Your readers might like to use our http://www.BootKeyHarbor.com Web site as a resource for cruising the entire Florida Keys — it’s all in there. It also includes a page on Harbor/City regulations and a forum to keep everyone apprised of the regulatory status of the harbor. Gregory T. Absten Marathon
INCREASED BAHAMAS CHARGES FOR CRUISERS
WE
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We just received the following from the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club: “TO: All Members - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - In a meeting with Customs Officer Forbes in Marsh Harbour on July 14, 2003, the following answers were received, reviewed and approved concerning the new customs fees and procedures. A cruising permit is normally issued for 12 months. You cannot leave the Bahamas during that period and return on the same cruising permit. You must check in again and pay the published fees. Fees for entering the Bahamas...$150 for all vessels under 35 feet and $300 for vessels 35.1 feet or greater. $150 for dinghys/tenders over 18 feet. The above fees cover the captain and 3 crew members. Any additional crew members over 6 years old must pay $15 per person. Your fishing license for three months is included. If you wish to extend your fishing license, it is an additional $150 for 12 months. Also included is a $15 exit/departure fee for four individuals. For those of you who keep your boat here for more than one year, it will cost you $500 per year for the next two years. You can do that for a max of two years, and then you must either leave the Bahamas or “duty in” your vessel. The cost of duty on your vessel is 27 percent under 30 feet and 6 percent for 30.1 feet or greater. In addition to the paperwork you now submit when entering the Bahamas, customs officers will now require the ORIGINAL of your state registration or Coast Guard documentation to be submitted with your application and a copy of same. They will return the original but will retain the copy for their records. They require that the copy show the names of the vessel and the length. Since some of the customs offices may not have a copy machine, I strongly recommend that you make several copies and bring them with you. You should always ask the customs officer for a receipt for monies paid. You will not need to pay your exit/departure fee of $15 at the airport if you need to fly out of the country on an emergency or if one of your crew members goes home. Be www.southwindssailing.com
sure to bring the receipt and a copy of your cruising permit to the airport with you. In the event the officer does not have a receipt book with them, you can go to the customs office in Marsh Harbour, at the new port facility, and they will give you one. Overtime: There are NO overtime charges for weekend customs clearance. This information covers the Abacos and is supposed to be standardized for ALL of the Bahamas. Don Van Beck, commodore, Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club” Please read the above carefully, especially about the extra documentation. Suggest that you also make copies of dinghy registration as well as mother boat. Transportation fees were not asked about at the time, but we were told by another source later that those fees might be levied at the discretion of the officer clearing you in if he uses his personal vehicle and travels to your location. A boat clearing in at Marsh Harbour was charged a $35 transportation fee on a Saturday. Info on West End (Old Bahama Bay Club) charges: 35-foot minimum. Weekdays $1.65/foot, weekends (Fri & Sat night) $1.95 foot, $18 electricity, $10 water per day, used or not. Can anchor in turning basin for $25 per day, includes amenities. That’s the news for now. Cindy & Art S/V Gypsy Jean Even with increased charges in the Bahamas, it might still be cheaper than living on your boat anchored or docked in Florida, as the price of living aboard keeps going up in the Sunshine State, to say nothing of the hassles local governments seem to keep putting on liveaboards. For those of you who would like to protest new charges in the Bahamas, see the BoatUS information in “Short Tacks” in this issue. Editor
CROSSING THE OKEECHOBEE WITH A SAILBOAT I just bought my first sailboat, a 1989 Hunter 35.5 Legend. The mast height is 55 feet. (I don’t know if that is the same as the “bridge clearance.”) The boat lies in Punta Gorda, and I live in Jacksonville, FL. I have a friend in Jacksonville, who is a tugboat captain who moved tugs and barges from Ft. Myers to Jacksonville for several years but has never sailed. He offered to help me bring the boat to Jacksonville this month. While starting to plan the trip, I was looking at a Florida cruising guide from Ft. Myers to Stuart through the Lake Okeechobee waterway. I counted at least ten fixed bridges with a height of 55 feet or less. Several are 55 feet, one at 54 feet, one at 53 feet, and the one at Port Myakka is 49 feet. There are also the factors of tides and true water depth at any given time. What I have is a simple question with what probably is a complex answer. What is the best way to move the boat from Punta Gorda to Jacksonville? If this were going to be a onetime move I would have more choices. But I plan on relocating to Ft. Myers and making one round trip a year to Jacksonville and back to Ft. Myers. So I need to figure out what is going to be the best solution for making this trip several times in the coming years. There are, of course, the given concerns of safety and ease of passage, related costs for hiring a crew to “tip the boat” at Port Myakka, hiring a captain, or removing the mast. Then there is the time factor of making the trip in LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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LETTERS Continued from page 13 eight to 10 days via Stuart or three to four weeks via the Florida Straits. All these things considered, whom can I turn to for sound advice? Can you help with recommendations, names, numbers, etc.? Thank you. Bill Spohn Jacksonville, Florida Bill, Coincidentally, I moved my boat across the Okeechobee last year and had the boat tilted under the 49-foot bridge by the Indiantown Marina people, who do it on a regular basis for $100. They told me they thought my 54-foot mast was the tallest they had ever done. It went extremely well and they were very good at it. It was a bargain for $100. Contact them for more help. Whether 55 feet makes it is another question. The water was a foot low at the time and that helped. Beware of bridges that are close to that limit around Stuart and in the Ft. Myers area. We tilted our own slightly in Ft. Myers because we knew it was close. The antenna scraped here and there. Watch the tides. I am not sure how a captain would look at taking responsibility for the tilting of the boat, but taking it around through the Keys would be easy. You can pass through the Keys part way down them and get into Florida Bay depending on your draft. I think it would add a week or a little more to the trip instead of across the Okeechobee. The real time it would take all the way from Jacksonville depends on whether you go outside, have wind and/or motor up the ICW. Editor
BERNOULLI, BRUNELLI, AND THE SAILOR’S WIND COMES UNDER PRESSURE I’ve enjoyed Southwinds since moving to Fort Myers Beach a year ago and very much appreciate the articles about some of our government’s incredibly stupid policies toward cruisers. I’ve also liked Dave Ellis’ “Sailor’s Wind” pieces, but would feel a lot better about believing them if he’d explain who this guy “Brunelli” is whose “effect” he refers to. I couldn’t find him in any reference book. Could he mean Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782) whose “effect” deals with “the phenomenon of internal pressure reduction with increased stream velocity in a fluid.” (American Heritage Dictionary- 3rd edition)? Jay Light S/V Alborada Fort Myers Beach, FL Actually, I misspelled the man’s name. According to my Encyclopedia Britannica, 1911 edition, he came from a family of mathematicians and religious free thinkers of the day. Yes, our learning from his learned sayings involves the faster the fluid flow, the lower the pressure. Goes to show that if one visualizes a “fact,” such as how to spell something, after a few decades it sticks there. I’ll work on that. Or maybe it’s too late! Dave Ellis
RE: PANAMA CANAL MOVING TO RESTRICT PASSAGE OF PRIVATE YACHTS, In 2000 when we were cruising, we were in Colon, Panama. At the yacht club, we checked in at customs and took a taxi to immigration. This is where everyone going west stages for going through the canal. The Chinese (government? company?) had leased all port facilities for x many years from the Canal authorities, and it was rumored at that time that the yacht club in Colon would be forced out, as well as the one in Balboa on the western side. 14
September 2003
Southwinds
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New Hunter 426 Deck Saloon
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Bubba stories are not available on the Internet because Southwinds does not have the electronic rights to the stories.
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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LETTERS Continued from page 14 So far, they haven’t let the Balboa Yacht Club rebuild its offices and clubhouse. So I suspect that the Chinese will run everything except for the canal operations. Hopefully, they will have the foresight not to close the yacht clubs and facilities. It would be a big loss. Maybe the ACP is closing them as per contract with the Chinese port lease. Earl Lawes S/V My Bonnie Sharpes, FL
CITY OF STUART OUTLAWING ANCHORING I am from Florida and trying to inform boaters of their rights being lost in towns along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in the state of Florida-the right to anchor their boats. For example, the town of Stuart, FL, has just passed a law that prohibits boaters from anchoring their boats on the ICW around Stuart. The law states that no person will live aboard their boat within the corporate city limits of Stuart. They must take a mooring and pay the city of Stuart. The city of Stuart has named their mooring field the “city anchorage,” which in itself is deceiving! The cities in Florida are passing these laws knowing that they can be defeated in court. However, they also know the expense of fighting these laws in court and don’t think that boaters have the funds available to fight them. I have talked to several lawyers who believe the laws can be defeated, but the cost would be upward of $60,000 plus. I am trying to get all boaters who care about their rights to anchor on the waterways of the United States to band together and help support this fight. All waterways belong to the federal government and are entrusted to the states for the use and enjoyment of the public. Maritime law gives the boater the right of navigation. This includes the right to anchor. The federal law has set no time limit for the right to navigate. What gives these towns the right to do so? From town to town, the right of navigation is defined as 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours. This is called “shooting from the hip” — making it up as they go without anything upon which to base their decisions. It is time for boaters and American taxpayers to stand together and say that the waterways belong to the American public and not to these small town commissioners. It is a common perception held by these commissioners that boaters who don’t pay dockage or mooring fees are freeloaders. What they fail to take into account is that most boaters, while anchored off a town or city, contribute to the economy by spending money on provisions, in restaurants, hardware stores, boat supply stores, bars and local points of interest. I am interested in starting a fund to defeat these laws and reestablish the rights of all boaters. I have documentation available and would love to meet with anyone and talk about this issue. I would also like to set up a legal defense fund where other boaters who care about their rights can send donations to try to get these laws overturned. I have been a boater for some 35 years and have traveled up and down the East Coast many times. On our last trip my wife and I sailed for two years from New York to the Bahamas. In the summer we would come back to Stuart, FL, and anchor out from July through October. We fell in love with the area and how boaters were treated. We sailed back to New York, saved our money and now call Stuart, FL, home. I own two boats — one is a 33-foot Pearson, and the other is a 5220
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foot skipjack, which I am restoring. We do not live aboard either. Due to the high cost of dockage, I had anchored one of my boats on the St. Lucie River, one block from my home. It was out of the channel and had an anchor light on as required. The other was on the city moorings at a cost of $7 per day. The city contacted me and told me that I had to put my second boat on a mooring or get it out of the city limits of Stuart. The dockmaster informed me that the second mooring would cost another $7 per day, with no discount for the second mooring or no price adjustment for being a taxpayer/homeowner in the city of Stuart. Based on the new ordinance, the city is basically saying that if you want to come to Stuart, you need to pick up a mooring and pay the city of Stuart. This appears to me to be a form of extortion. The water belongs to the public, not to the local commissioners. At the city meeting where this ordinance was voted on, one commissioner related a story regarding a boat that was anchored behind his waterfront home. According to him, the boater jumped in the water and walked on the vacant lot next to his home. Seeing the boat anchored and the owner coming on shore so close to his property, he feared for his family’s safety. Ironically enough, this commissioner is a lawyer in the town of Stuart. If the boater was trespassing and did not have permission to use the vacant lot to come ashore, he should have known to call the police and press charges. (I don’t want this lawyer defending me.) Ordinances should not be enacted out of fear. Another complaint voiced at the meeting by a condominium group was that the anchored boaters make too much noise and don’t belong in front of their condominium complex. Therefore, they supported the ordinance. Again, ironically enough, the city plans to expand the mooring area once the anchored boats are moved and install another 30 to 60 new moorings in front of that same condominium complex. The concerns that these folks cited in support of the ordinance, while I agree are problems which should be addressed, are because of anchoring. The city of Stuart has laws on the books that if enforced, would address the problems cited by the supporters of the ordinance without outlawing anchoring on public waterways. However, they choose not to enforce these laws. Passing this ordinance means that if a homeowner/taxpayer lives and pays taxes in the city of Stuart but cannot afford to pay the high cost of dockage or mooring fees, he or she may be forced to sell their boat. This is fundamentally wrong. People with limited incomes have as much right to enjoy the waterways as those with money. I also spoke to the group that funded the anchorage. They informed me that the moorings were needed because of the expensive homes being built on the waterway and the need to control where people anchor their boats. If people who buy homes on a waterway don’t want to see boats, maybe they should consider living inland. The waterways and boats in most cases were there first. I want to take a stand with the city of Stuart and then move from town to town to get the right to anchor back for the boaters on the waterways of the United States. If anybody wants to help or would like more information, please print my e-mail address. TGill47672@aol.com. Please send e-mails to the city of Stuart and tell them you will spend your money in a more boater-friendly town and copy me with your notes so that I can make copies and pass them out to the local businesses in town. City of Stuart LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
2790 45th St. So., Gulfport, FL 33711
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LETTERS Continued from page 21 e-mail address is CWhite@CI.Stuart.fl.us (The fight has just begun.) Thomas R. Gill Tom This seems to be part of the continuing change going on around America in putting everyone in their proper place, like cubbyholing. And then each cubby hole will have its rules you must live by. I also wonder about what kind of mentality is going around when people want to restrict anchoring because of the expensive homes being built along the waterway? Yikes! Maybe people will be happiest if they just buy a bunch of cheap sailboats that are like stage sets and have them anchored off the shore, as I know people will pay big money to have a view of a dock or of beautiful sailboats nearby. Then they won’t have to put up with the sailors making all that noise. Editor
CUBA AND THE CONCH REPUBLIC CUP I was on Scarab, the winning boat. We were interrogated for one and a half hours, and approximately $500 worth of charts, cruising guides, cameras, film, my hand-held GPS, post cards, tapes, videos and other items were confiscated as “proof” that we’d been to Cuba. Yes...with a U.S. Treasury license for humanitarian aid and sponsorship by Club Nautico de la Habana. Harassment and intimidation were all in the name of “Homeland Security.” Mac Storm I wonder if the current administration will demand that all those items be given back to their rightful owners, as they were obviously stolen, and the administration has indicated they want to enforce all laws equally. Editor-
A LITTLE HISTORY ON TRAVELING TO CUBA Since 1993, I have been to the island nation of Cuba 11 times and truthfully I have not once spent a dime there! I have been on my own boat, by plane, and as crew on other people’s boats. Back in the days of green passports they had a note inside stating that these passports were not valid for several countries, including the Cuban Republic. A Supreme Court decision in the ’70s stated that U.S. citizens could not be restricted from traveling wherever they wanted and U.S. passports became valid for all countries. Under the Reagan administration an obscure law, the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, legislation dating from the U.S. declaring war on Germany in WWI was invoked, and by restricting the spending of U.S. currency in Cuba, the Supreme Court’s decision was effectively by-passed. Upon returning to Key West in the early ’90s, one was usually greeted jocularly by at least the “Anglo” officials with, “Correct answer!” when replying to the question of spending money. Cuban-American officers would grumble, “You have been buying bullets for Castro’s guns.” (In truth I have never seen an armed police or soldier in Cuba.) After the shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes and the kneejerk passage of the Helms-Burton Law, the whole situation changed. First a Coast Guard-enforced security zone was established with severe penalties for not registering to enter Cuban terri22
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torial waters, warnings of another “Law of Convenience” about lying to a federal official fetching severe penalties, (a joke about Bill Clinton was not appreciated), and an organized system of harassment was instituted. This harassment was not subtle in any way. Whole crews were required to march from the marinas to the Federal Building where it took hours to fill out the forms and write an essay on the reasons for going to Cuba. The Treasury Department changed the onus from proving that they had spent money themselves and automatically stated that some boats had violated the Trading with the Enemy Act and fined them $7500 without a trial or evidence — a clear violation of our Constitutional rights. I know of crewmembers carrying prescription medications being accused of drug smuggling. No one was ever taken to court or forced to pay the fines. By losing a case, the Feds would have had to face a precedent that would weaken any future threat, as it is sure that the Trading with the Enemy Act would never stand up in any modern court! What has been happening is trying to instill fear in the yachting community to satisfy the political ambitions of the gubernatorial and presidential candidates who gain support from the South Florida Cuban community. It is time that someone stood up to this minority and took the federal government to court to throw out this archaic law. Note: Although the U.S. dollar is legal tender in Cuba, U.S. dimes are not accepted!!! Name witheld Out of fear of retribution from the U.S. Government, this letter was mailed in on a disc.
CUBA HARASSMENT I read Peter Goldsmith’s comments (July 2003 issue) about the harassment he received from the U.S. government and was curious if this was the first time this happened with the race. Since the race was held six times prior to this, had he received this type of attention from the federal government before? If not, then what did he do this time to inspire the government to action? While I am not sympathetic to cruisers who whine because the “big old mean government” won’t let them play in Cuba, neither do I support the strong arm tactics displayed by the Coast Guard and Commerce Department. I am not a lawyer, but at face value I could see where the government violated several private property laws. And since I am not a licensed captain, I can only guess at the number of maritime laws they violated. It appears that the reason they got away with all this was that they caught Mr. Goldsmith and the participants by surprise. Since the participants were not sure what rights they had or didn’t have, discretion was the better part of valor, and you can’t fault them for that. However, I hope they are prepared for them next time and make them work for every bit of “evidence” they get. I can only imagine how much it cost us taxpayers for that little operation, but it was worth it. I feel much safer now. Way to go, Big Brother. Dave Knaak SHARE YOUR OPINIONS WITH THE EDITOR: PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705 E-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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CUBA
Three Days in Havana & One in Pinar del Rio: Part II
Havana View
By Elena Pimiento, s/v Habanero III
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 - HABANA VIEJA The day starts with a birthday card from Tony; I am 53 years old. Last year on this day, we were sailing from Venezuela to St. Croix with my son Jay, aboard. It was the best birthday ever. Today we take the tourist shuttle to Old Havana again. Our friend Linda, who is aboard for a month of touring with us, has helped with our itinerary. We walk through Plaza de Armas and pause to watch several colorfully costumed stiltwalkers, including a large red devil, perform a drama with much shouting, gesturing, posturing and juggling. We find the Hostal Valencia, a mid-18th-century colonial mansion with an enchanting interior courtyard, and make 1:00 lunch reservations at La Paella. With that done, we walk one block to the Antique Automobile Museum. Admission is $1 US, and we see about 20 old cars, mostly American-made, a few trucks, a small go-cart, a Jet-Ski, and six motorcycles, including four Harleys. None are restored or of “museum-quality,” and all of them look as though they were recently taken out of daily service, washed down and parked in the high-ceilinged colonial building. We are not permitted to enter one large section, as the roof was deemed dangerous. Along Oficios Street in front of the museum, two older women sit crocheting garments that hang on racks for sale. With some time before lunch, we walk to the Plaza de San Francisco, an open area for pedestrians only, facing the Lonja del Comercio, a large edifice built in 1909 that originally housed the commodities markets. Restored in 1999, it now houses offices of foreign companies that enter into joint ventures with Cuba. At La Paella, lunch starts with selecting a bottle of wine, not from the extensive printed wine list but from the shelf of red wine bottles or the cooler of white and blush wines. Tony picks a French Merlot with a reasonable price tag and a pleasant taste. Printed on the menu is a quote from Chef Ibis Gómez: “Going for paella is a happy and joyful occasion. Is there anything better than eating together?” We order paella Valenciana, consisting of lobster, chicken, pork, shrimp and saffron-seasoned rice, followed by flan and expresso. The bill for the three of us comes to $71 U.S., plus a tip for the waitress and one for the musicians who serenade us, including a two-part happy birthday song on guitar and violin. It does not occur to me until much later (and still doesn’t matter at all): There were no candles to blow out. We walk back towards Obispo Street and stop at the Museo de Historia Natural, which the guidebook says has a collection of Cuba’s flora and fauna. It doesn’t seem very large. 24
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All the explanations are in Spanish, and there is a delay getting an English-speaking guide. We continue walking on Obispo to Cuba street and then to Agramonte. The streets are full of Habaneros of every sort: women of every shape, size and age, wearing Lycra or stretch denims that hide no physical flaws, middle-aged men in dark business suits, young men in movie star sunglasses, old men in guayaberas (shoes optional), and well-dressed women in expensive shoes with matching purses. Men approach to ask if we want to buy cigars but carry no stock in trade. Others approach to recommend a restaurant, obviously in return for a commission. Dogs sleep in the street; they look healthier but smaller than dogs we’ve seen on other islands. Open doors reveal interior patios, dimly lit, with worn furniture of a past era. Some are places of business: a kitchen, an art studio, or a cobbler. Laundry hangs from the ornate balconies above; walls painted long ago no longer peel. The guide book says the National Museum of Art has a good collection of European and Impressionist paintings, and I want to see it. We find a beautiful new museum building opposite the Granma memorial. The Granma was the 18-meter boat that brought Fidel Castro and Che Guevara from Tuxpán, Mexico, to Cuba in 1956. It is housed in a glass building, surrounded by Fidel’s Land Rover, a bullet-riddled “Fast Delivery” truck used in an assault on the Presidential Palace in 1957, a T-34 tank Fidel used at the Bay of Pigs, and other vehicles used in the revolutionary war. The art museum guide tells us that only Cuban art is housed in this building. The European art is three blocks up
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the street. Along the way, we enter the lobby of the Hotel Plaza, built in 1909 in the grandest style. Although we look even behind the Corinthian columns, we do not see Sidney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Humphrey Bogart or Alec Guinness. They must have just left. The Museo National de Las Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Art) is newly restored to its Belle Epoch grandeur. Before the revolution, it was La Casa Asturia, a private club. In the ceiling above the massive central staircase is a large stained glass depiction of Christopher Columbus’ three caravels. It is breathtaking not only for its immense size but also for its beauty and detail. I feel as though the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria will crash on my head with the next set of waves. The Capitolio View museum is organized by country of origin. The Italians, Flemish and British are on level five; the French, ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek relics in two large mosaic tile sections are on level four; the Spanish and the museum store are on level three, and the Latin Americans and North Americans are on the ground floor. We take the elevator to the fourth floor, where the French works are displayed. Nothing is newer than late 17th century; my beloved
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
Impressionists are nowhere to be seen, except for small copies of a Degas and a Rodin sculpture. The attention to environmental care of historic and precious works seems lacking; I drip with perspiration after walking up one flight of stairs. Many cracked paintings show the effects as well. I see a Corot, an Ingres, some lovely portraits of young women and children, but nothing inspires me among the lords and ladies, landscapes, still-lifes and religious scenes. Walking quickly through the rest of the museum, I find many paintings are labeled, “Escuella de (some artist or even country)” or “Copia de (some artist),” which is to say a copy by a student of a famous artist, such as Rembrandt, or in the manner of some country, such as the famous portrait of George Washington. The Greek and Roman artifacts are labeled copies, and truly lack the luster of the originals. The area where I presume the Asian works will be has not been opened yet. The Spanish section is by far the largest in number and scope. The more modern paintings (pre-1930), and especially those by Solomillo Bastistade, appeal to my eye, though I don’t remember any of the artists from the art history classes I took
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IN PARIS Boyd Edwards managed to find the last copy left of Southwinds magazine at the East Marine store in Paris, France. With all the heat this summer, the sport of sailing has experienced a surge in popularity along the beaches of the Seine River.
PHOTO BY BEACH EDWARDS
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LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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RACING CALENDAR We’d like to encourage all sailing associations, yacht clubs and regatta sponsors to notify us of upcoming events in your area. Simply fax or e-mail us by the 10th of each month to ensure that your racing and regatta schedule will be included.
Send to calendar@southwindssailing.com or fax to 941-795-8704 Southwinds Magazine also offers reduced advertising rates for regattas. FLORIDA EAST COAST & KEYS Local club’s evening racing continues SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Snipe Florida State Juniors Coconut Grove Sailing Club cgsc.org SEPTEMBER 13 North Florida Cruising Club Hands On Helm’ Women’s Regatta Rudder Club (904) 860-6013 SEPTEMBER 19 - 21 Mermaid Regatta Melbourne Yacht Club melbourneyachtclub.com OCTOBER 4 - 5 Annual One Design Regatta Coconut Grove Sailing Club cgsc.org OCTOBER 11 - 12 49th Columbus Day Regatta and raft-up party Miami columbusdayregatta.net OCTOBER 19 - 20 Annual PHRF Regatta Coconut Grove Sailing Club cgsc.org OCTOBER 18 - 19 Melbourne Fall Small Boat melbourneyachtclub.com OCTOBER 25 - 26 Melbourne Fall PHRF melbourneyachtclub.com OCTOBER 25 - 26 Fall Harvest Regatta Miami Yacht Club \miamiyachtclub.net FLORIDA WEST COAST & INLAND THURSDAY evening racing Davis Island Yacht Club diyc.org Bradenton Yacht Club (941) 865-0345 FRIDAY evening racing Clearwater Yacht Club (727) 447-6000 St. Petersburg YC spyc.org Sarasota Sailing Squadron (941) 388-2355 Treasure Island YC (727) 367-4511 SEPTEMBER 13 Tampa Bay YRA Davis Island Yacht Club diyc.org
SEPTEMBER 14 Dore Drake Regatta Davis Island, Tampa diyc.org SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Wildcat Multihull Regatta Lake Eustis Sailing Center Mbpz@aol.com SEPTEMBER 27 - 28 PHRF Invitational Bradenton Yacht Club (941) 748-7930 OCTOBER 4 Annual Morgan Invasion For Charles Morgan designs Treasure Island Yacht Club (727) 367-4511 OCTOBER 4 - 5 Clearwater Championship Clearwater Yacht Club cyc.org OCTOBER 4 - 5 27th Annual Crow’s Nest Venice Yacht Club Steve Harner (941) 484-9551 OCTOBER 4 - 11 Sonar World Championship St. Petersburg Yacht Club spyc.org OCTOBER 17 - 18 SPYC Distance Classic St. Pete to Venice PHRF spyc.org OCTOBER 18 - 19 River Romp Regatta & Sunfish Florida States Fort Myers Edison Sailing Center john@johnkremski.com OCTOBER 18 - 19 Fall One Design Melges 24, J24, J105 Davis Island Yacht Club diyc.org OCTOBER 24 - 25 Tampa to Clearwater PHRF Davis Island Yacht Club diyc.org OCTOBER 25 - 26 Commodore’s Cup PHRF buoy racing Naples Sailing & Yacht Club swfloridaphrf@yahoogroups.com OCTOBER 25 Great Pumpkin Regatta Sarasota Sailing Squadron (914) 388-2355 OCTOBER 25 - 26 Bikini Cup St. Petersburg Yacht Club spyc.org
Nashville, TN hiyc.org SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Special Olympics Regatta Southern Sailing Club (770) 447-8047 SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Melbes 24 Regatta Lake Lanier Sailin gClub llsc.com NORTHERN GULF SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 (AL, FL,LA,MS,TX) Windmill Districts Friday evening racing Percy Priest YC Southern Yacht Club (615) 8892-9002 syc.org SEPTEMBER 20 SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Watkins Cup PHRF J-22 Coco Seemann Regatta Kentucky Lake SC Southern Yacht Club tkraft@ieee.org syc.org SEPTMEBER 20 - 21 SEPTEMBER 19 - 21 PHRF Championship\ NOOD Regatta (National Offshore One-Design) Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com Houston Yacht Club SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 sailingworld.com Catalina 22 SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Gone With the Wind DIYRA Portsmouth Champ Lake Lanier Sailing Club Volvo Leukemia Cup llsc.com Birmingham Sailing Club SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 birminghamsailingclub.org Chattanooga Challenge OCTOBER 9 - 12 Catalina 22 17 Annual Harvest Moon Privateer Yacht Club 150 miles Galveston to privateeryachtclub.org Port Aransas. SEPTEMBER 27 - 28 Lakewood Yacht Club Tennessee Valley Challenge Seabrook, TX Portsmouth harvestmoonregatta.com Privateer Yacht Club privateeryachtclub.org SOUTHERN STATES SEPTEMBER 27 (AK, GA, NC, SC,TN) Around Parris Island Local club’s evening racing Long Distance Race SEPTEMBER 2 Sunfish Jr. Commodore’s Cup Beaufort Yacht @ SC Lake Lanier Sailing Club (843) 522-3320 (770) 967-9323 SEPTEMBER 28 - 29 SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 C15 Hunter Cup Dorton Cup Lake Lanier Sailin g Club Barefoot Sailing Club llsc.com (770) 813-8948 SEPTEMBER 28 - 29 SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Snipe Battle of Atlanta Thistle Old Goat Lake Lanier Sailing Club Lake Lanier Sailin g Club llsc.com llsc.com OCTOBER 12 - 13 SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Sailboard North American Sunfish Atlanta Fall Classic Women’s Championship Lake Lanier Sailing Club James Island, Charleston llsc.com jiyc.org OCTOBER 17 - 19 SEPTEMBER 12 - 15 Hots’Yacht Hospic Regatta Lightning class Western Carolina Sailing Jr., Women and Masters Anderson, South Carolina North Americans wcsc-sailing.org Harbor Island YC OCTOBER 26 Lars Bergstrom Regatta Sarasota Sailing Squadron (914) 388-2355 OCTOBER 29 - 11/2 Rolex Osprey Cup St. Petersburg yacht Club spyc.org
OCTOBER 18 - 19 Laser Georgia State Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com OCTOBER 25 - 27 Halloween Snipe Regatta Atlanta Yacht Club watt@circle-environmental.com OCTOBER 26 - 27 Open Halloween Regatta Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com THE CARIBBEAN OCTOBER 25 - 11/1 Dry Creek Vinyard Women’s Sailors week Bitter End Yacht Club Virgin Gorda, BVI binfo@beyc.com JUNIOR REGATTAS SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Back to School Optimist Dinghies Pontchartrain YC (985) 626-3192 SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Lousiana State Opti Southern Yacht Club syc.org SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Neubauer Regatta Optimist Dinghies Treasure Island Yacht Club tityc.com OCTOBER 4 - 5 Tennessee Optimist Dinghy Clinic and Regatta Concord Yacht Club korrnet.org OCTOBER 11 - 12 Bruce Watters Regatta Green Fleet Optis St. Petersburg Yacht Club spyc.org OCTOBER 11 - 12 Green Fleet Mega Clinic by Tim Coleman Lake Eustis Sailing Center Mbpz@aol.com OCTOBER 25 - 26 Lagniappe Regatta Club 420s and Optimists Southern Yacht Club syc.org
SAILING CLUB DIRECTORY IS NOW ON THE INTERNET
For a list of yacht clubs and sailing associations in Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, visit our Web site southwindssailing.com. Their addresses and Web sites will also be listed. We are asking all these organizations to e-mail us your Web site address and we will put a link to it. Yacht Clubs and Sailing Associations: Please update your phone numbers by e-mailing yachtclubs@southwindssailing.com and give us your Web site address also.
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LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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BOATEK SOLUTIONS TO ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION AND OTHER YACHT SYSTEMS
Freezer Alternatives Steve: I have an “Indirect Drive” freezer that has worked well, with a few repairs, for many years. It now has a leak at the shaft seal, and I’m wondering if it is worth fixing or whether it should be replaced with a new unit that uses the new refrigerant instead of R12. Is R12 illegal now?
R
12 is not illegal to use now, even though it has not been legal to manufacture or import into this country since 1995. It is very expensive, however, because all R12 added to new or old systems has to come from old, decommissioned systems and possibly very old stock from before 1995. I presume that when you say you have an “indirect drive” system, you mean that it is a high capacity system that runs on 12 volts and draws so much current that it should be run only when the engine is running to keep up
with the demand. I personally would not replace an old “indirect drive” system with another similar system. These systems are a holdover from the days when inverters were much more primitive than they are now. With today’s inverters, which most of us have for plenty of other reasons, you can run a large capacity 120-volt hermetic compressor, which can replace your large 12-volt motor, compressor and belt, for a fraction of the cost. “Hermetic” means that the compressor is in a sealed can like
those used in all household applications, like refrigerators, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. They are incredibly inexpensive, efficient and long-lasting. There are a lot of options that you can consider, with respect to the refrigerant used and the capacity of the system.
REFRIGERANT CHOICE You can stay with R12 if you want, and you will have no problem buying compatible components that you need. You
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BY STEPHEN SOMMER Stephen Sommer is a degreed electrical engineer with extensive experience in electrical, mechanical, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and holds a USCG Masters license. He consults in all areas of yacht systems, which include all the equipment on board yachts beyond a basic hull and motor or sails. Have a systems problem or question? Ask Stephen Sommer. E-mail: boatek@southwindssailing.com.
will have to pay a lot for the refrigerant, which is not so bad until you consider that you will pay more every time you need more due to repairs or possibly leaks. Using R12 also means that you will have to pay a certified technician to purchase and charge the refrigerant into the system every time. This might be a problem if you are a hardcore do-it-yourselfer. You can convert to R134a, which is the replacement of choice, as long as you take all the right steps to remove all of the lubricating oil from the old system, before installing new components. This includes circulating an appropriate solvent through the system components with a hand pump. You could also convert the system to one of many R12 near-direct replacements. None of them are perfect and are more appropriate for switching refrigerant types when the compressor is not being replaced. You could even consider going to R22, which is still an ozone depleter, but not nearly as bad as R12. By using R22 you’ll avoid the oil incompatibility problem. It is still available at a reasonable price. This would require changing your expansion valve and maybe other components.
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
SYSTEM CAPACITY: You should consider using a much lower capacity 12-volt-powered system. You can use a compressor with only one tenth to one fifth the capacity of your existing system. This means that it would run 10 or more hours per day instead of one to three hours. This would reduce the draw on the batteries from 30 or 50 amps to four or six amps. This would be most appropriate if you get a lot of your power from solar panels or a wind generator. It’s always a good idea to match the nature of your loads and your power source. That way you end up using more of your power directly instead of storing it in batteries, with all the losses and battery wear and tear. The system would be very efficient because the evaporator (cold plate) and the condenser would be grossly oversized. If you do decide on a low capacity system, you should switch to a smaller seawater pump. You could give up a great deal of power efficiency if you continue pumping so much water. My favorite way to pump a small amount of water for a small system is to use a 24-volt freshwater system multi-diaphragm pump, running on only 12
volts. You’ll get about one gallon per minute for about one amp. While you are considering changing to a small capacity system, consider replacing your cold plate(s) too. Low capacity systems have no need for the energy storage that the eutectic solution that’s in the cold plate provides. You could replace your four-inch-thick cold plate with a 1/2-inch-thick “thin” plate. This opens up a lot of space for food. If you do replace the compressor and the cold plate, you might as well purchase an entire system, which comes pre-charged and ready to install. Don’t be disturbed if you find the pre-configured system-in-a-box is aircooled instead of water-cooled. The engineers among you may comment that a water-cooled system is inherently more efficient because the condenser can be kept cooler. The thermodynamics theory says they’re right, but the practical impact of dealing with yet another saltwater-filled system and the power consumed by the pump, makes the air-cooled system attractive. Premium brands of low power refrigeration systems use oversized condensers that narrow the efficiency gap and tip the balance toward air-cooled systems.
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CHARTERING
Three Generations...One Sailboat: Chartering in the British Virgin Islands By Tony Miró
A
bout a year before my 40th birthday, I started dreaming and talking about celebrating it by sailing with my family and some of my friends, down in the British Virgin Islands. After months of planning, lots of emails, and many phone calls, my dream became a reality. Even though my wife and I have chartered in the BVI before, this was a very special charter because it was the first time that my wife, my kids, and my dad and his wife were together on a sailboat. What follows is a summary of our adventure, which physically started on Sunday June 8, 2003, but in our minds and hearts it started way before that...and its memories will last a lifetime.
THE PLANNING
Sunsail’s Hodges Creek Marina at Maya Cove
well as many other amenities not commonly found in other charter sailboats.
THE WAIT The six months before our charter were the longest months of our lives! At least for me they were. Now that we had selected a company, a boat and the dates, the next thing to do was to plan the itinerary to make the best use of our 10 days in the islands. In order to decide which places (beaches, marinas, restaurants, etc.) to go, we visited lots of different Web sites and read the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands from cover to cover at least twice! (Please check out the list of resources included at the end.)
We started our adventure by sending a few questions via e-mail to get a feel for places people wanted to go, things they wanted to do during our charter, the type of boat they wanted to sail, the amenities they thought the boat should have, and the number of days they wanted to sail. After a few e-mails we decided to 3 Generations...1 Sailboat THE CREW stay within the BVI and not sail to the Our crew consisted of Tony, age 40; USVI or Anegada, sail as much as possible (and motor if nec- Maria, age 30-something (wife); Tony Sr., age 65 (dad); Matsey, essary), eat all dinners ashore and breakfasts and lunches on age unknown (dad’s wife); Natalia, age 7 (daughter) and the boat, get a monohull and not a catamaran, get a boat with Danny, age 5 (son). A/C and a generator, and finally, since I do so much racing As you can see, there was a big difference in age among here in Florida, favor comfort over performance. We also de- our crew members. cided to do our own limited provisioning. With those parameters in mind we sent out information CHALLENGES AND GOALS request e-mails to various charter companies and charter bro- Our main challenges were trying to decide how to keep the kers. After analyzing their responses and the costs, we decided kids entertained and how to make sure the three generations to go with Sunsail out of Hodges Creek Marina in Tortola. were going to get along for nine days on a 43-foot sailboat. Since my dad lives in Puerto Rico and we do not get to see THE BOAT him often, our main goal was for all of us to spend some qualOur sailboat of choice was a 2002 Jeanneau 43 DS. We selected ity time together, bond as much as possible and make some this boat due to its flexible layout (can be changed from 4 cab- memories to last a lifetime. ins down to 2 by removing bulkheads), its bright and airy Without getting ahead of myself, I want to say that the saloon, and of course, its looks! Sunsail offers various lines of challenges mentioned above did not prove to be challenges sailboats, and we decided to go with their Platinum line. The and that we definitely reached our goal and already started Platinum sailboats are boats that have A/C and generators as talking about another charter in a couple of years! 32
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THE ITINERARY All the research we did was used to plan our itinerary. The itinerary was planned around entertainment at places we wanted to visit. It worked so well that we did only minor changes to it as we sailed along the islands. We were blessed with 20-25 knots of wind every day which made for some fast sailing! Day 1: Flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Tortola and sleep aboard at Maya Cove; dinner at the Calamaya Restaurant. Day 2: Boat briefing, upwind motor sail from Maya Cove to Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda: broad reach from Savannah Bay to Virgin View of Mood Indigo docked at The Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda Gorda Yacht Harbour; dinBitter End buffet. ner at The Rock Café & Restaurant. Day 3: Broad reach from Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour to The Day 5: Broad reach from The Bitter End Yacht Club to Marina Cay; dinner at the Pusser’s Rum Restaurant at Marina Cay. Baths; reach/close reach/upwind from The Baths to The BitDay 6: Broach reach/run from Marina Cay to Green Cay/Sandy ter End Yacht Club; limbo Party at The Bitter End. Spit; run down to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke; dinner at Ali Day 4: Rest day at The Bitter End; hike to Biras Creek; famous
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BVI CHARTER Baba’s and live music at Foxy’s. Day 7: Close reach from Jost Van Dyke to Cane Garden, Tortola; dinner and live music at Paradise Club. Day 8: Broad Reach from Cane Garden Bay to Soper’s Hole, Tortola; dinner at Piscis Restaurant. Day 9: Upwind motor sail from Soper’s Hole to Cooper Island; dinner at Cooper Island Beach Club. Day 10: Screaming reach! From Cooper Island back to Maya Cove.
—
THE MEMORIES There were so many wonderful moments in the 10 days that we spent on the islands sailing aboard Mood Indigo that it is hard to write about them in a few paragraphs, so I decided to share some highlights of our experiences instead. — Sailing with my dad again after a 10-year break. — Sailing upwind with the kids in large swells and hearing them laugh and saying that they were riding a roller coaster! — Watching my dad’s big smile as he steered Mood Indigo for the first time on a reach in 20+ knots of wind. — Spending 10 full days and nights with my wife, my kids, my dad and his wife. — Snorkeling with the kids for the first time and seeing their faces and hearing their comments the first time they saw fish. — Steering Mood Indigo and surfing down the swells on the way to Marina Cay doing 12.5 knots! — Sipping Painkillers and other tasty drinks while looking at the sunset with my family. — Eating at great restaurants wearing shorts and sandals. — Making new friends, who we can stay in contact with via e-
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— —
— — — —
mail, such as Andrew, Julie and their kids, whom we met at The Bitter End, where they renewed their wedding vows while on their BVI charter Meeting wonderful, friendly people everywhere we went, who were always willing to help with big smiles on their faces-like Tracy, our waitress and bartender at Calamaya, or Julian and Fillmore from Sunsail, who docked our boat in reverse a few times, or people like Johnny, who has worked at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour for over 20 years and is always willing to help you. Learning new home remedies, from people like Roxanna in Virgin Gorda, who recommended home-made garlic soup for hangovers. Running into people you know, like Rombi, an American Eagle pilot I know, whom I ran into at Maya Cove, or meeting someone who knows some of your friends-like Karen from J/Boats in San Diego, who sailed with my friend Jose aboard his J/109 in Key West Race Week 2002. Sharing sailing stories or mooring nightmares with sailors from all over the world, such as the group from Argentina, who were part of the Sunsail flotilla we met in Virgin Gorda. Being so relaxed that you start forgetting what day and what time it is. Dancing calypso, reggae and limbo to great tunes by Clinton, who performs with his cousins at The Bitter End and also tends the bar at Biras Creek! Jumping off the dock at The Bitter End or from the boat’s swimming platform holding hands with my kids and my dad while yelling Ya-ya!!!
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— Enjoying a “chocolate storm” dessert, made with Godiva chocolate, at Marina Cay while enjoying a beautiful view of the islands with my family and friends. — Talking with great people like Roger and Sandy, who manage Marina Cay, and daydreaming about having their jobs. — Spending Father’s Day with my son and my dad aboard a beautiful sailboat. — Hearing my dad and my kids say that this was the best vacation of their lives!!! — Doing nothing at all.
CONCLUSION The BVI are a group of beautiful islands blessed not only by their scenery, but by the friendliness of their people and the people who have made them their home. We strongly recommend a charter down at the BVI if you are in need of some rest and relaxation or if you simply want to bond with your loved ones. Our successful charter proved that sailing with kids and adults with an age difference crossing three generations is not only possible but enjoyable and very rewarding. Regarding the overall charter experience with Sunsail, the services were so good and the boat was in such good condition, that we definitely will charter with them again in the near future. If I can be of any assistance in planning your next charter, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail at sailboatSpecs@yahoo.com. You can see photos of our charter and also get more detailed information about chartering in the BVI at our Web site: http://www.sailboatspecs.com
WEB RESOURCES Charter Companies http://www.sunsail.com http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com/ http://sailtmm.com/index.cfm http://www.cyoacharters.com/ http://www.tradewindyachts.com/ http://www.bviyachtcharters.com/ Provisions http://www.islandsonline.com/bobbysmarketplace/ http://www.amplehamper.com http://www.pussers.com http://www.rtwbvi.com http://www.mspenguin.com http://www.ticobvi.com Places http://www.pussers.com/marinacay/ http://www.cooper-island.com/ http://www.foxysbar.com/ http://www.sandcastle-bvi.com/soggy.html Marinas http://www.vgyh.com/ http://www.beyc.com/ http://www.leverickbay.com/ Maggie, Henry, Danny & http://www.sopershole.com/ Natalia aboard Alimata Two http://www.hodgescreek.com/ at The Bitter End Yacht Club, http://www.mmsbvi.com/ Virgin Gorda
Tony Miró is a software developer and a sailor, who currently lives with his family in NW Tampa. He has cruised and raced in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands since the mid-70s. When he is not spending time with his wife and kids, he is either cruising or racing aboard the J/109 Mariah with his friends at Davis Island Yacht Club. Any comments or thoughts about this article, or the subject matter? Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor: editor@southwindssailing.com Got an interesting charter story? We’d like to read it for possible publication. Send it to editor@southwindssailing.com
Sample Rate quote is for west coast of Florida, and is not a contract, or binder of coverage. All coverages are subject to availability, qualifications, territory and the terms and conditions contained in the policy and endorsements.
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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Towing Your Sailboat When Aground: What You Should Know By Captain Bruce Pierce
“If you haven’t been aground, you haven’t been around!”
Y
ou’re aground—something we all dread, but it happens to most of us. The towboat is on the way. Surely, the towboat captain knows what he’s doing. He’s had lots of experience rescuing grounded sailboats. Right? You could be wrong. There are many more powerboats than sailboats in some areas. Your towboat captain may not have as much experience with sailboats. A sailboat has very different characteristics from a powerboat. Knowing these characteristics is important in an ungrounding. So, what should you know before you accept his towline? One way to know if he has experience with sailboats is if he asks you what kind of a keel you have. If he doesn’t ask, question him as to whether he knows what you have. Most sailboats have either a full keel, a fin keel with a spade rudder, or a wing keel. It’s critical for him to know the shape, design, and exact location of the keel and rudder. Draw it for him if he’s not familiar with it. It’s also important to know how the rudder is fastened to the boat. The rudder is one of the biggest fears in a grounded sailboat. You don’t want to break it off. Now, if your vessel is about to go onto the rocks and it’s an emergency, of course, you can’t have this discussion. The goal is to do the least amount of damage. It may be cheaper to lose the rudder than the whole boat. In a routine ungrounding, your next question is how he intends to get you off. There are many different ways we commonly use. Which method we choose is affected by the design of your keel. We might pull you out the way you went in, or heel you over, or, if you are not stuck in a wildlife preserve, remove bottom material to free your keel. Or, it might be a good idea to wait for more water. Pulling you out is usually our first choice. The captain should tie up to your bow. Then he will try to spin you around and take you out the way you went in. Spinning you around is important; if you go forward, you may be pulled into even shallower water. As he spins you around, he will try to wiggle you port to starboard. Often this will break the keel loose from its hold on the bottom. You almost never want the captain to hook up to your stern because this will probably break your rudder. I have a friend who wasn’t very experienced with his sailboat. He ran aground. When the tower came up to him, the tower told him to hook the line to his stern. My friend sensed this was not a good idea, but the tower insisted. And the tower ripped off the rudder. It was an older boat; the rudder was no longer made. A costly mistake! If you’re really stuck, we can heel your boat over by connecting the tow line to your halyard. As we pull you over, you motor forward. Your rig must be sound to do this. This should not be used if you have a wing keel, as the keel may dig in deeper, and can easily break. In my towboat, I once approached a grounded sailboat. The 36
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captain preferred to wait for the tow company to which he belonged. He waited an hour. During that time, he lost a lot of water, as the tide was going out. When the tower arrived, he didn’t ask what keel the boat had. (It was a wing keel.) He pulled the boat forward. That didn’t work because the keel acted as an anchor. Then he tried to pull the boat over. The keel broke, and he snapped off the rudder. Waiting for a free ungrounding ended up costing him. The easiest sailboat to unground is a full keel. My sailboat has a full keel, with the rudder bolted directly to the keel. With a full keel, any of the three ungrounding methods will work. In an emergency, it will survive being pulled from the stern, but I prefer not to have it done. Many times I’ve come up to a vessel that was aground. They look at my boat, and say, “Oh, that’s too small!” This is definitely a situation where bigger is not better. And the horsepower of the vessel is not as important as the experience of the captain. As a tower, it’s handy to have a small towboat with an inboard. This boat is the best tool for the job. With this boat, I can get close to the stuck sailboat and propeller-wash the bottom of the keel, blowing away sand or mud. This can be very effective with a wing keel. The tow vessel may need to tie up to the stern and wash the bottom away from the rudder. I’ve seen towboats that were much bigger and more impressive-looking than mine. I’ve watched the captains try to jockey them around for 15 minutes trying to come alongside, while in my little Shamrock, I can quickly maneuver to where I need to be on your vessel. Don’t judge a rescue boat by its size! And don’t be scared of the word “salvage,” especially if you think there has already been damage to your vessel. Many times I’ve saved sailboats when the owner would have been better off if it were called a salvage. For the sake of insurance reimbursement, it may be in your best interests to have it called a salvage, as a salvage brings you into a different part of your policy. Remember: Stay in the center of the channel and you’ll avoid going aground, and you won’t have to deal with us! “Keep it between the sticks!” Capt. Bruce has a master’s license with a towing and sailing endorsement. He has worked four years as a captain for Sea Tow in Sarasota and is now working for them in Naples. He has logged over 32,000 miles in his sailboat Crossroads. www.southwindssailing.com
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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Sailboat Insurance: Questions & Answers About Insuring Your Boat By Paul Phaneuf
Paul, I have a 30-foot cruising sailboat. I need to lower my insurance costs. Can you give me some ideas on how to lower my rates? EIGHT WAYS TO CUT SAILBOAT INSURANCE COSTS 1. Check the limit on your boat insurance policy. Does it reflect the current value? Many boaters are paying extra premiums on a value that should be lowered to the current value of the boat. 2. Check your deductible. Ask for the savings of the next higher deductible. Also, be sure to check for special deductibles for hurricanes or named windstorms. Ten percent here means 10 percent of the boat’s value listed on the policy. So, a $120,000 boat would have a $12,000 windstorm deductible. Make sure you can afford the windstorm deductible when comparing similar policies. 3. Do you want to pay for extras? Towing and personal property may be doubleinsured by your homeowners or towing policy. 4. Territory covered on your policy. Make sure your policy reflects where the boat
is stored and used. This is critical for savings and for coverage. Don’t pay for international coverage if you are not traveling this year. Conversely, some policies are very restrictive with how far offshore they will cover you. Will a 10-mile limit offshore be enough? There is no standard for territory coverd in insurance policies. Every insurance company and policy can be different. 5. Discounts. Have you taken or could you take a boat safety course that would save you money? Ask what discounts are available. 6. Discounts. Will carrier give a multipolicy discount for having other lines of insurance with them? 7. Discounts. Could a low-cost fire extinguisher be installed (even on a sailboat) that would give a discount? Also, diesel engines are given a discount with
many carriers. 8. Shop. Most agencies have one lead company they use. Don’t just renew your policy each year without checking. Bring your policy to the boat shows for quotes! Check several companies and agencies for a second opinion. Insurance information provided here is of a general nature. Agent or publisher does not assume liability for decisions based on this information. Please consult your policy and insurance agent for specific professional advice. Paul Phaneuf is an agent with First Patriot, Inc. Insurance Agency in Tampa, FL, and has over 20 years experience in the insurance business. Got an insurance question? Send inquires by e-mail to Paul at his Web site www.firstpatriotinc.com/ or forward to editor@southwindssailing.com
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LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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BOAT REVIEWS
Triple Play – The Windrider 16 Trimaran By Rebecca Burg
“W
eird boat – weird boat! You have a weeeeeeerd boat!” The boisterous teenagers shouted and laughed as their fishing boat veered towards me. I shyly waved. The kids nodded then sped away, leaving Troika and I bobbing in a choppy wake. Mainsail luffing, I hardened her up and rode the wind home. Troika, a 16-foot WindRider, always seemed to pique people’s interest and curiosity. When trailering Troika, I’ve had people ask me if she was a small airplane, and someone even thought she was a submarine. Designed by Jim Brown, the WindRider 16 is one of a family of small trailerable sailing trimarans produced by the Wilderness Systems Company. Available through dealers, you can find the nearest salesperson in your area at boat shows or on the Internet (www.windride.com). The Web also supports a number of WR groups where you can learn detailed information and ask questions. Money-saving deals can also be found. Last year, a used WR 16 was sold on Ebay, an online auction site. Used
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trimarans are also available through small boat dealers and in classified ads in sailing publications. Don’t let the WR 16’s lean, mean looks fool you. She may resemble something from a James Bond flick, but this wild little tri’ is extremely stable, rugged and great with kids. She’s also sporty, intense and an irrefutable wind-loving raging maniac. WINDRIDER 16 TRIMARAN SPECS: Length: 16’7" Beam: Draft: 16"(fixed keel) Sail Area : Inloaded Weight: 250 lbs.
12' 82 sq.ft.
The cat rig (one main, no jib) is unstayed, the aluminum mast freestanding. The sail is roller-reefed onto the mast, which is rotated by hand. Hulls are molded out of polyethylene, which works well for small boats and kayaks. The material is slippery and nonskid and is thoughtfully molded into the WR’s top sur-
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faces. When compared to fiberglass, polyethylene’s positives are lower cost, lighter weight, easy to clean, impervious to osmosis, and repairs can be made with careful effort. The negatives are that the plastic can be scratched and scuffed far more easily than fiberglass, colors will fade faster in the sun if not tended to with a UV inhibiting coating, and fiberglass does repair far more easily than the poly. Over the years, Troika’s poly hulls have required less maintenance than a fiberglass sailboat. A few times during the season, the WR is washed and sprayed with a UV protectant. Small scratches are carefully smoothed out with super-fine grit emery cloth. Some owners use heat guns for serious repairs, but this must be done with great care. The unsinkable trimaran has proven to be extremely tough. In one incident, I had tied Troika to my 9000+ pound cruiser, Angel. The two restless boats quickly engaged in a territorial dispute and Angel, bowsprit first, jumped Troika and then squeezed her deep-keeled bulk over the trimaran’s long bridles. Entangled, Troika responded by ramming her pointed hulls into Angel’s ample side. The two illbehaved sailboats only suffered minor scuff marks, the tough trimaran undamaged.
PERFORMANCE The WR16’s hulls effortlessly knife through the water. With fixed keel and inboard rudder, the boat is a displacement hull and not a planing hull like a Laser or Sunfish. The WR excels when the wind is too brisk for small monohulls and catamarans. While the other daysailers are tipping over or going home, the WR has the most fun. Agile and responsive, a WR 16 has been clocked at 13 knots with a good wind on the beam. She will lift her wind-
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
ward ama while the leeward ama torpedoes through the water. When the leeward hull begins to completely bury itself, it’s time to reef the sail to avoid being overpowered and damaging the rig. In light winds, the WR16 falls behind the small monos and cats. She won’t point as high either but can feather up in a gust. The trimaran is balky when tacking in light air and requires a different technique from a monohull. A taller mast and new, improved sail design now comes standard with the WR 16. The older rig had a vertically battened, short and large-roached main. The new battenless, high aspect ratio mainsail provides improved light air and lake sailing performance. This is helpful to know when considering the purchase of a used WR. If the wind dies completely, a paddle can be used. It’s awkward and slow but better than being stuck in the middle of nowhere. Motor mounts are available, and some owners use small electric or gas outboards. The trimarans tow easily, but someone must be onboard to helm since the WR will try to race ahead of the towboat. Anything seems to work and Troika has even been towed by a man paddling a kayak and was once pushed along by a swimmer in the water. There is no hiking as one does in small monos and cats. The skipper is seated deep inside the aircraft-like cockpit while passengers can ride on the optional trampolines stretched between the amas and main hull. If there’s chop, you will get wet. Low to the water, the WR will fling spray at you even with the optional windshield. On a hot summer day, it’s not a bad thing. Helming is accomplished by adjustable foot pedals or optional tillers. The tillers are handy when sailing from outside of the cockpit. The WR is extremely difficult to capsize. I know of only
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WINDRIDER one case where a WR16 has pitched over as she was inundated with storm winds and steep, violent waves. In other rare cases, overpowered WR16s have experienced rig failure instead of capsizing. Some adventurous owners have even deliberately tried to tip their trimarans but with no success. Weight sensitive, the trimaran is easily bogged down by extra people or gear. Bring a friend or two and the WR will still go, but she’ll have slower reflexes and acceleration. There is a significant amount of stowage in each ama and in the main hull behind the folding seat. With the trimaran’s light weight, sailing upwind against strong chop will slow her down. Likewise, strong current and light air will frustrate a WR 16 attempting to sail against the tidal flow. Trailers are usually customized by the dealer to accommodate a WR. Trailering is easy, and with the boat’s light weight, you can pull her around with an ordinary car. Once at the ramp you must find a clear place to assemble the trimaran before launching. One person can assemble a WR16 in about twenty minutes, and she’ll launch from the trailer with minimal fuss. However, with the trimaran’s width and skittishness, she’s a stubborn thing to coax back onto the trailer. Most likely, you’ll get your feet wet, and a pair of nonskid water shoes is a must. For storage, the disassembled trimaran is as narrow as a large kayak. Though wild, swift and rowdy, for the fun-loving heavy weather sailor the versatile WR 16 can also provide memorable family enjoyment. Except in the roughest conditions, the trimaran is safe and stable for the kids to ride and sail. The WR is one of the easiest small boats to picnic on, explore with, bird watch, swim and fish from. You can even pull the light and buoy-
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ant WR onto a sandy beach or grassy shore. Under the unobtrusive silence of sail, one can explore a remote shoreline, take pictures and enjoy the beauty of nature without worrying about tipping over. On one sunny day, I took a friend and her two tiny eightyear-old girls for a sail. After a while, we anchored Troika over a shallow sandy bottom. Wearing lifejackets, the giggling girls leapt from the trimaran’s amas and splashed into the water. The kids were easily able to climb back aboard on their own as they enthusiastically jumped, swam and turned Troika into a jungle gym adventure. Watching the kids, we lazily stretched out on the trampolines and emptied the cooler while listening to the radio. There is no age limit or special sailing skills required for the WR16. An elderly couple interested in a calm day of shoreline nature-watching enjoyed a quiet escape with Troika. Creeping along a reedy lake shore, they were able to closely observe turtles, fish, nesting eagles, and even a deer. Reluctant to return to land, the couple appreciated the trimaran’s stability and how easy she was to sail. They left the beach to seek out the nearest WR dealer. Overall, the unique WR16 is a rugged, highly social and playful small boat. With her versatility, she’s worth the assembly time. People of all ages, from beginner sailors to the experienced, can enjoy the wide range of possibilities that the trimaran is capable of providing. One can easily singlehand or bring the family. Whether you desire the challenges of a speedy, strong weather sail or a calm and peaceful escape into nature, the WindRider 16 delivers. Any comments or thoughts about this article, or the subject matter? Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor: editor@southwindssailing.com
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SOUTHERN SAILING
Preparing Your Boat for a Hurricane — What Will You Do When the Big Blow Comes? By Dave Ellis
W
eather guessers tell us that we likely are entering a cycle of more hurricanes. A look at the history of major hurricanes hitting the Southeast does show a cyclic pattern starting from the mid 1800s, with the last great “season” in the 1940s and ’50s. “I’ll just make sure the insurance premiums are up to date,” says the boatowner. Better check that policy. Some say that if some effort is not made to secure the vessel, you may not be as covered as one would think. What do the pros do, the marina operators, the charter boat fleet captains, the yacht club sailing masters? A common thread is that whatever they do, they do it early. One study of traffic showed that if a major storm traveled from Miami and over to Tampa Bay, requiring both to be evacuated, the quarter-million cars on I-75 at the intersection of the Florida Turnpike in north-central Florida would take nearly two weeks to clear. Bridges will close to boat traffic before the storm hits. Evacuation traffic negates the “open for marine traffic” rule. If you need to move your craft by water under a bridge, do it early enough, before evacuation is mandated. Do you have a “hurricane hole” scoped out? Do you imagine you are the only one who thought of that safe place? One sailor in Panama City, FL, saw on the chart a perfect little cove to anchor his ketch. When he got there, seemingly plenty early, he found that it was the U.S. Navy port for the area. He was met at the entrance with more than side arms. Because he was early enough before that 1985 blow, there was time to make the extra miles inland to the ICW canal. Waiting too long to move can be deadly. Some may remember the tragic story of the couple who decided to move their boat just before the “Storm of the Century.” A trip down the ICW along the Skyway Bridge on Tampa Bay became impossible to negotiate; the boat was pulled under a low span at Bunces Pass and both were drowned. I have always wondered why they didn’t just run the boat aground, as it was a very narrow channel. Storms will do that to clear thinking. As for anchoring, if one can find a place with little wave action, good holding ground and put out enough scope on the rode, a surprising number of boats come through unscathed. Chafe on usually normal places, like the bow chocks, becomes a problem. Extra chafe protection is warranted. Winds will change direction during the hurricane, even if the eye doesn’t pass directly overhead. So multiple anchors from the bow are in order. When figuring scope, calculate for water depth with the storm surge predicted. Ten feet of water may require calculation for 25 feet, plus the height of your bow. With everyone letting out all that extra anchor line, it becomes obvious that a safe harbor quickly becomes very crowded. Make sure the battery for the bilge pump is strong and the bilge is protected so things cannot float in and clog up the pump in case the water overwhelms it. Rain can be prodigious in slowmoving storms. Ironically, the really big hurricanes often have less rain, but more wind and a higher storm surge near the eye. In marinas it is standard procedure to double dock lines for LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
the storm season. Dockmasters will tell you that most do so perfunctorily, if at all. The problem lies not with the wind and rain. It is the extremely high or low water associated with a hurricane. Tampa Bay has seen nearly 20 feet above mean high water in 1848, and 9 feet below in the 1930s. In 1921 only one boat at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club docks escaped damage on the pilings when a 9-foot surge occurred. Harvey Parke anchored his boat out in the marina. It swamped, but was undamaged. So what can you do? It is not really practical to move all the hundreds of boats. If you choose to stay at the marina, dockmasters suggest you double nylon lines, tying them as loosely as possible when on fixed docks. Use plenty of chafe protection wherever you think anything might rub. Spring lines running well aft from the bow and well forward from the stern can be more snug than bow lines and stern lines. “We turn the power off at the docks as soon as the water starts to rise,” says professional dockmaster Dan Sherwood. “Remove your power cord from the dock so that it doesn’t become a short dock line in a storm.” Some suggest that at least one of the nylon dock lines should be tied to the piling with a clove hitch and two half-hitches. A bowline or spliced loop may saw back and forth under that great strain, finally chafing through. I saw this happen to a Moorings 50 at a dock in a near-miss on the Florida Panhandle in 1986. I was just able to get another line on the post when the loop chafed through on 5/8-inch nylon braid. Make sure the bimini, covers, barbecue grill, dinghy and the sails are off the boat. When the roller furling lets go in a storm, it sounds like a shotgun blast. Not only does it tear up the jib, but also the boat in the next slip. Yours, which you spent so much time preparing, gets thrashed. Sherwood suggests that in a minimal hurricane, use a spare halyard to wrap the furled jib and use spare line to wrap up the furled mainsail to keep it from coming loose. Small boats without inboard engines have been known to survive even extreme storms by simply pulling the plug and letting them swamp while at anchor. A Styrofoam block or two tied in strategic places will keep it from sinking. If the mast is down, the wind will have little effect. This was standard procedure for generations and is still the written plan of many facilities with Rhodes 19s, J-22s and the like that cannot be moved to a safe land location. Don’t forget where you put the plugs. Don’t ask me why I say that. If you can get the boat out of water and take it to safety on the trailer, by all means do so. But do so early. When evacuation orders are given, boats on the highway are not top priority. Power lines often are pulled low by breaking branches. Your route home may be a mass of cars going the other way. Letting much, but not all, of the air out of the tires of the trailer helps stabilize it in the wind. Water may accumulate in the boat due to a clogged drain or dead battery. Leaving some CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 Southwinds
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The New, Improved West Florida PHRF By Morgan Stinemetz
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he history of the handicap sailboat racing on the west coast of Florida under the aegis of the Performance Handicap Rating Fleet (PHRF) system has had a few potholes in the highway of transition. Now, however, it appears to have blue skies overhead and a sunny future. The regional rating system used in this west Florida areafrom Tarpon Springs to Marco Island — began life locally as the Suncoast PHRF. And that was about 20 years ago. In the beginning, Suncoast PHRF was, basically, a one-man shop under the stewardship of Ed Wegman, a racing sailor from Treasure Island, in Pinellas County. The concept of an area rating system was hatched with the hope of having something that worked well and leveled the playing field for competitive sailing in what was, basically, the Tampa Bay area. A year’s rating certificate was cheap, only five dollars. After several years, however, skippers came to believe — and with cause-that having a handicapping system controlled by only one person was not workable. Wegman was hard, if not impossible, to reach. Additionally, some said, he was a pushover for savvy boat builders, who could easily convince Wegman that their new boat deserved a high numerical handicap. While that pleased boat builders and
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the people who bought that model boat, it displeased a large number of other racers. Over time, Wegman lost his constituency. There were others who thought they could do it better, so West Florida PHRF was formed, at the expense of Suncoast PHRF. Dues were $25 a year, which caused some resentment among sailors, who are notoriously thrifty — some even say “cheap.” Sandy Schoenberg, from St. Petersburg, and a small nucleus of knowledgeable sailors made up the break-away faction, which, after a short time, became the viable place to get and maintain a handicap. While the new group had some great ideas of what to do because they had a ton of experience, their execution of those ideas fell short largely due to their being unable to get the membership involved in the organization. In January of 2003, at a meeting at the Bradenton Yacht Club, the members of the rating entity elected new leadership, and J. A. Booker, of St. Petersburg, was elected president of West Florida PHRF (WFPHRF). Booker, by the way, uses just his first initial, J, for a first name. There was much to be done. To date, much has been done. WFPHRF is now, legally, West Florida PHRF, Inc. The incorporation occurred this year. It was one of Booker’s prime objectives and the first accomplishment of the new board of di-
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“A rating organization needs a strong consensus, and the way to get that is to have people engage in debate. We want the membership to know what we are doing and be part of the whole thing.” rectors. Secondarily, WFPHRF is operating under a set of workable by-laws, ratified by the membership at a June 29 meeting at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. “Now everyone is on the same page,” Booker said. “We have nine directors and a separate rating committee under the chairmanship of Jay Tyson. The rating committee has been organized with the concept of having a group of people from different regions and who sail in different classes.” The classes involved are multihulls, sport boats (planing hulls), spinnaker, non-spinnaker and true cruising. On August 3, the board met in St. Petersburg and, in a marathon meeting, fine-tuned and then ratified new class rules that will eliminate ambiguities or errors. The PHRF ratings for all members are up on the Web site, www.westfloridaphrf.org. The various regions represented in WFPHRF are the greater Tampa Bay area, the Sarasota Bay area-Bradenton to Venice — and the southwest Florida area, which is everything south of Venice. “It is important to have representatives from different classes and regions,” Booker emphasized, “because they have to be familiar with what is happening in different fleets.” Booker went on to say that WFPHRF has an operating technical committee with an open membership. People with
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technical knowledge are encouraged to join to bring diversity of thought and opinion. “The biggest challenge I have had so far,” Booker explained, “has been getting people to discuss their opinions and ideas as part of an organized group, instead of standing around on the docks complaining. A rating organization needs a strong consensus, and the way to get that is to have people engage in debate. We want the membership to know what we are doing and be part of the whole thing.” One of the stars of the new regime is the aforementioned Jay Tyson of Tampa, an experienced sailor and dedicated handicapper. Booker was lavish with his praise of Tyson. “We would not be where we are now were it not for Jay. He has an excellent handle on what is happening,” Booker said. The “new” WFPHRF was ready for public viewing just after the middle of August. The Web site now has the rating information and the certificates of the 500+ members on-line for immediate review. Personal information about a boat owner, Booker said, will not be available on-line, but all pertinent information about a boat will be. In addition, a message board, profiles and pictures of most of the directors, instructions on rating appeals and a host of other features are available on the site. With the release of new ratings, WFPHRF moved to a three-tier rating system, one that includes different ratings for different types of courses. The first, BUOY, is a rating for a boat that is sailing on a windward/leeward course. The second, RLC, is a rating for a boat sailing on a random leg course, usually around government marks. The third, OWC, is for off wind courses, which generally means distance races. “The biggest problem with any handicapping system is that the best handicap for one set of conditions is probably not good for another,” Booker said. “We hope that with a three-tiered system we will be able to give boats the fairest rating that they can reasonably expect for the type of course they are sailing.” Booker added: “We want people to get involved with what we are doing, because an organization like ours, with more than 500 members, works best when lots of sailors are regularly an integral part of what is going on.”
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RACING & REGATTAS GULFCOAST
Fort Walton Beach, third; Newkirk - Fruitticher of Pensacola, fourth;. McCann - Hambleton of Fort Walton Beach, fifth. Race #4 began in light drizzle. At day’s end five had been MEXICAN TEAM WINS HOYT/JOLLEY CUP completed. “We’d hoped to get in six,” said Chairman Art IN US SAILING’S YOUTH NATIONAL Stevens of US Sailing, “but we felt lucky to get the five. With five MULTIHULL CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA — more on Sunday, we’ll have a 10-race series instead of 12.” FT. WALTON BEACH, FL, JULY 10-13 Sunday, still plagued by light, shifty winds, held much less By Jim Baughman rain, even some Florida sunshine. Race #9 decided the event. “I began sailing at four,” Murrieta - Manzano, Figueroa - Mustafa, and Bedenbaugh says Francisco Figueroa McBeth photo-finished within seconds of each other. Only 0.25 of Rio Piedras, Puerto points separated first and second place in the series, with the Rico, 17, skipper of a first three boats finishing within 0.75 points. Hobie 16 team. His famJorge Murrieta and Andres Manzano of Mexico are gold ily sailed a Venture 23. medal champions for the Hoyt/Jolley Cup. Francisco Figueroa He and crew, Fabiola and Fabiola Mustafa of Puerto Rico placed second. Bret Sullivan Mustafa of San Juan, 13, and Samantha Simon of New Jersey won third, Rufus Loe and home port at Puerto Edward Conrad of New Orleans fourth, with Harry Newkirk Rico’s Ponce Yacht Club. and Tommy Fruitticher of Pensacola fifth. Fabiola’s family sails a Newkirk - Fruitticher Youth National Multihull Hobie 16. Championship. Cal Jones photos won qualification to repJorge Murrieta, 17, resent the United States began sailing at 9. He and crew Andres Manzano,17, home port in the 2004 ISAF World at Club Nautico Avandro on Lake Valle-De-Bravo in Mexico City. Youth Championship in Murrieta’s father is Mexico City’s Hobie dealer. Jorge has comPoland. First and second peted often in Southern California and Texas sailing regattas. place winners could not Among 40 young sailors hailing from far-flung ports, they qualify because of being met at Fort Walton Beach on northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast outside the U.S. home to compete in US Sailing’s 2003 Youth National Multihull Chamports. Third and fourth pionship for the Hoyt/Jolley Cup, sailed July 10 - 13. place winners will be Expanding on its reputation as one of America’s finest lopast the age of qualificacations for national sailing regattas, the Fort Walton Yacht Club tion for the World Youth event. hosted the event. Many young contenders were housed as guests of FWYC members. The 10-heat series was sailed in the broad western end of adjacent Chocawhatchee Bay. Competition, administered by the Multihull Committee of US Sailing, is classified as a Category A event conforming to ISAF Regulation 20 with one team scheduled to qualify as the FLYING SCOT NATIONALS, LAKE NORMAN YACHT United States competitor for the 2004 ISAF World Youth Cham- CLUB, LAKE NORMAN, NC, JULY 23-25 By Jim Kransberger pionship to be held in Poland. Normally, the Emerald Coast is hot and humid in July with It’s hard to ascertain which was more successful: The Flying Scot 10 to 15 knot southwest winds. During US Sailing’s third an- Regatta or the party that interweaved the entire event. nual Youth Multihull event, weather surprised with light, shifty Most important, this was the largest Flying Scot regatta ever. winds, thunderstorms, cloudiness, off-and-on-again light rains, If a reference point is needed, last year’s regatta attracted sailors and several downpours. numbering more than 50 to Florida. The regatta this year, hosted Ten new Hobie 16 Class catamarans, provided by the Hobie by the Lake Norman Yacht Club in North Carolina, pulled in 90 Cat Co. were trucked from California. The event is limited to 20 boats. That’s an all time record! Of course, the demographics do teams competing in round robin format. Management was by a favor the more central location of Lake Norman. Scuttlebutt atthree-person staff: Dan Mangos of Hobie, Regatta Chairman Art tributes the record attendance to promotion of the event and to Stevens of US Sailing, and Phyllis Seaton, 2003 fleet captain for the fine execution of the event itself. the FWYC. The predictable moderate winds of summer pushed the race On Saturday, first of the two-day series, five heats were committee to cancel their schedule on several days, limiting the marred by light, 6 -7 knot shifty winds, low cloud, drizzle, threat- regatta to a three-race affair. The first two races were held in a rather fair breeze, and ening storms, and occasional downpours. Race #4 had to be recalled with heavy rain severely limiting visibility. Greg Fisher took one and the Eagan brothers the other. In the Figueroa - Mustafa of Puerto Rico grabbed the early lead third race, the air was very light and shifty. The Eagans sat on with a first in race #1. Appel - Iames of New Jersey, second. Fisher throughout the race, driving Fisher nearly off the course. Burns - Innwood of Michigan, third, Sullivan - Simon of New It was classic match boat racing and better to watch than most of Jersey, fourth. And Baird - Wallace of Florida, fifth. the America’s Cup. The Eagans didn’t improve their final standMurrieta - Manzano of Mexico demonstrated command of ings with the show and finished second, exactly their position light airs, gaining strong lead in shifty winds, first in race #2. before the last race. Fisher went from first to fourth. Proving that you don’t have to win a race to win a regatta They placed second in race 4, first in races 7, 8, and 9. Baird Wallace of Florida moved to second. Bedenbaugh - McBeth of (ala Susie Pagel in the Laser Nationals years ago), Bill Draheim
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Bill Draheim and Scott Mauney (5346) round inside of Mike and Stacy Roberts (5040) as both nearly surf to the off set mark at the Flying Scot Nationals, Lake Norman Yacht Club, North Carolina. Jim Kransberger photo.
collected the first place glass and silverware trophy. Draheim’s crew, Scott Mauney, attributed their win to “...a very good set of the sails...” and a lot of luck on the upwind legs and good boat speed downwind. He alluded to the fact that several boats ahead of them just went the wrong way or got tangled up racing other boats. Scott Mauney is both a sportsman and a gentleman . . . and damn fine crew. The annual meeting, coupled with nightly tent wining and dining, brought the whole onshore experience to a worthwhile memory of a regatta well-done. Expecting the worst in the afternoon wind conditions (doldrums?), LNYC braced itself with near-endless activities. The thread running through the onshore events was clearly NASCAR. Yes, NASCAR, sailors. Lake Norman is very close, maybe a few miles, to the center of the NASCAR world: Mooresville, NC. Tongue in cheek, hopefully, NASCAR hats, shirts and promotional stuff were given (awarded?) to the contestants. Trophies were awarded daily. Trophies were nearly awarded hourly. If there’s ever a North American Championship trophy for trophies, the award has to be, hands down, to Lake Norman Yacht Club. You can forget who won the Charlie Fowler lookalike contest. A very fine and fun regatta. Results: Championship Division: 1st Place: Bill Draheim and Scott Mauney, 2nd Place: Marcus Eagan and Andrew Eagan, 3rd Place: Harry Carpenter and Carrie Carpenter. Challenger fleet Division: 1st Place: Jery Lane and Gene Lane, 2nd Place: Charlie Fowler and Nancy Fowler, 3rd Place: Tom Clark and Dick Dommel. Senior Division: 1st Place: Frank Gibson and Debbie Gibson, 2nd Place: David Caldwell and Ian Denholm, 3rd Place: Bob Neff and Mary Ellen Neff. LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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timists, so those juniors coming to compete in the SCIOR either bring their own boats or sign up to charter a boat through McLaughlin. This year, 66 juniors competed, hailing from all three U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Martinique, Trinidad, Curacao, Venezuela and New Jersey. “First, we charter boats as an advertisement or promotion. It lets potential customers try the boat. Like taking a car for a demo run. We hope that they will buy an Opti and that the boats will come back as new. The charter fee is then, after expenses, passed on to the new owner. This has usually been a club purchasing five to 10 boats. The savings is enough to make it very worth while,” Sherman says. Robin Clair Pitts, who with husband Fletcher runs the Kids and the Sea (KATS) program on the neighboring U.S. Virgin Island of St. John, says: “We’ve bought 10, maybe 12, of our Optis from McLaughlin right after a regatta. It’s been a cost-
effective move for us since we’re a small, nonprofit program.” Likewise, Karen Stanton, vice commodore of the St. Croix Yacht Club, says: “We purchased our first five Optimists from McLaughin and brought them home right after the Scotiabank regatta. Our kids chartered the boats first, then we bought them.” Yacht clubs and individuals on St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Antigua, Puerto Rico and a few other islands have purchased McLaughlin Optis after a SCIOR regatta over the years. Says Sherman: “Financially we have sold well over 125 boats in the Caribbean area. We have always sold them at a discount. For the first six years we sold them at very low prices to help the programs get started. We still discount but not as much. Helping young children in the Caribbean experience the joy of sailing at a young age has been a rewarding experience.” Any comments or thoughts about this article, or the subject matter? Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor: editor@southwindssailing.com
KEY WEST KEY WEST’S SAILING CLUB TRADITION — THE HEMINGWAY BELL REGATTA, JULY 2003 By Rebecca Burg “Defiant got mail!” Captain Bill waggled a neon green flier in front of my nose. Addressed to his sailboat, the flier was a notice of an upcoming race. This was how I learned of an established Key West custom, the HemingThird Place winner Defiant in the Hemingway way Bell Regatta. Any boat over 20 feet Regatta. Rebecca Burg photo. in length was encouraged to participate. Interest piqued, I attended the captain’s meeting on the open upper level of Schooner Wharf. Generously sponsored by Schooner Wharf Bar and West Marine, this year’s race was organized by the efforts of longtime sailors Matt Blomberg and Ivy Gray. As people registered for the event, Ed Gully of the race committee addressed the enthusiastic crowd. While watching a pink-hued full moon rise
over distant rooftops, I listened to Ed’s instructions. Below, a live blues band played under rustling palms. CLANG! Ed jangled a ship’s bell, signaling the conclusion of the meeting. The bell was mounted on a large wooden plaque, which listed the names of past race winners since 1990. Sailors lingered, socializing and swapping salty tales. Unable to resist the appealing crowd and a chance to sail with them, I signed up. The Race Fifteen knots of shifty breeze was punctuated by a hot Key West sun and an outgoing tide. Participating boats tightly circled in eager anticipation near the starting line. Big cruisers, sleek racers and multihulls graced the sparkling waters as bouncing, crowded tour boats slipped along the fringes. A red flag flashed and a horn sounded. The race was on. Heads turned and cameras pointed as the crowd of sails snared the wind and squeezed past the start. Kaya, a striking and traditionally styled cruiser, was escorted by a group of playful porpoise as she established herself near the lead. Moonspinner, a winner of races past, tore up the first leg
Salt Creek Marine District LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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RACING & REGATTAS like a thoroughbred. It was going to be close. Nimble little racer Thin Ice breezed over the choppy blue and was closely pursued by Class Act. Flying many colored spinnakers, they surfed downwind in wild bursts of speed. Pressing toward the lead, Defiant, sailing singlehanded, nosed up to trim sail and accidentally tacked off course. The big blue ketch swerved, snapped her sails as if in indignation, and then quickly settled back on track. She was followed by Sassy Lil Rascal, who forgot to round the first buoy. Crewless, Angel and I brought up the rear, the yellow cruiser’s clipper bow tossing spray, bowsprit bouncing over waves like some old-time vessel. Struggling to keep up, I watched Defiant unintentionally tack off course a second time. Not seen at the start, Maloolooba was found meandering away from the buoys. Starting far too late, her skilled crew had decided to go for a leisurely sail instead. Fast and well-coordinated, BlaBlaBla seemed to effortlessly fly over the elements. It was too late when the enthusiastic racer realized that she’d followed the cruising course instead of the spinnaker racing course. In short time, the leading cruisers and racers filed over the finish. In stark contrast with the finely-tuned competitors, Angel’s rotund figure bumbled over the blue and zigzagged far behind. Sheepish, I felt like the regatta’s rodeo clown, Angel’s vivid yellow hull and vintage gaudy red and white striped topsail befitting the role. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day for a sail. With a Queen CD blasting, I ate lunch and aimed for the distant harbor. Soon the others had finished. Still on the last leg, I noticed an unnatural shape below the cloud line ahead. Inside the har-
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bor, the committee boat and Defiant had spied it as well. The birth of a waterspout! Unsure what to do, I pointlessly swerved to and fro, Angel’s headsails flopping in the addled wind. A past encounter with a funnel had been frightening, and I didn’t want to repeat it. Violent and destructive, a spout can tear up one’s canvas and force a big boat to lie on her side. “Be careful!” Ed Gully radioed. “That is a tornado.” Like a serpent ready to strike, the thin funnel needled downwards over the water ahead. Clutching Angel’s twin mainsheets like reins, I fought to drive the stumbling cruiser away from the disturbance. She lurched awkwardly, Queen CD skipping, sails bouncing and spray flying. Suddenly, as quickly as it had started, the spout disintegrated. The winds settled. Unnerved, Angel and I ambled onward and eventually slunk across the finish. Rodeo clowns or not. AND THE WINNERS ARE... That evening, sailors convened at Schooner Wharf. Sunburned and tired, the social crowd shared their adventures. Daniel, avid sailor and crew of Maloolooba, appeared particularly weary. “I got stung!” He said, gesturing animatedly. “Stung?” I repeated, curious. Daniel proceeded to explain how he’d jumped in the water to help scrape Maloolooba’s rather rough bottom. Unfortunately, the boat’s resident sea creatures didn’t appreciate the disturbance and fought back. At least it wasn’t serious, and the dedicated sailor had enjoyed the time on the water. I sat down next to Defiant’s Captain Bill Robinson, and he benevolently poked fun of Angel’s speed. For that, I made him buy me a beer and as I savored it, something brushed my leg. A comical, stubby little black and white pug dog, begging for food, was skittering from table to table. I tossed him a french fry. Soon, Ed Gully hushed the room’s burble of voices. Complimented with applause from the group, each Hemingway Regatta winner was announced and valuable West Marine door prizes drawn. The Key West Sailing Club had again held a memorable event and sailors were already looking forward to next year. RACING CLASS (spinnaker): Thin Ice - first place, Class Act - second place, BlaBlaBla - DSQ, Maloolooba - DNF MULTIHULL CLASS WINNER: Conch Pearl CRUISING CLASS: Kaya - first place, Moonspinner - second place, Defiant - third place, Sassy Lil Rascal - DSQ Any comments or thoughts about this article, or the subject matter? Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor: editor@southwindssailing.com
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SHORT TACKS BOATU.S. URGES BAHAMAS-BOUND BOATERS TO PROTEST 200 PERCENT CRUISING FEE INCREASE The Boat Owners Association of the United States is urging all Bahamas-bound cruisers to join an e-mail campaign to protest the country’s sharp increase in its cruising permit fees. As of July 1, recreational vessels 35-feet and larger will now pay $300 per entry, a 200 percent increase over the previous $100 fee. Vessels less than 35-feet, which previously paid $100, will now have to pay $150. The fee was originally scheduled to increase on January 1, 2004, but the Bahamian government abruptly moved the date forward six months. All e-mails should be directed to the Bahamian comptroller of customs, Mr. John Rolle, at cofrolle@batelnet.bs. BoatU.S. is asking boaters to send a copy to GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com. BoatU.S. President Jim Ellis, who recently returned from a Bahama cruise aboard his 42-foot motor vessel said, “A reasonable increase might be warranted if the Bahamian government could show some tangible benefits. But the steep increase, as well as the way it was implemented raises a great deal of concern.” The Bahamian government claims that increased port security costs, as well as anti-poaching and environmental measures targeted to the boating community warrant the increase.
FLORIDA SAILOR BISCHOFF NAMED COLLEGE SAILOR OF THE YEAR The Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association of North America (ICSA) has announced the members of its 2002/2003 ICSA/Ronstan, All-America Sailing Team, the College Sailor of the Year, Sportsman of theYear, and winner of the Leonard M. Fowle Memorial Trophy for the all-around best college team.
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
The Everett B. Morris Trophy, presented annually to the College Sailor of the Year, has been awarded to Harvard University graduating senior Clay Bischoff (Coral Gables, FL). A three-time All-American (2001-2003), Bischoff placed second at last fall’s 2002-2003 ICSA/Vanguard North American Men’s Singlehanded Championships. Just recently at the spring championships in Detroit, Bischoff helped Harvard to win its second consecutive ICSA North American Team Race Championship. Just days later, as A-Division skipper at the ICSA/Gill North American Dinghy Championship, he was instrumental in Harvard’s first win of the dinghy championship since 1974. The win was with the largest margin in recent memory — a stunning 69 points over second place. Graduating from Harvard with a degree in economics, Bischoff will now turn his attention to investment banking with Raymond James in St. Petersburg, FL. Feeling that the timing is not right to attempt an Olympic campaign, Bischoff expects that his next on-the-water competitions will most likely be team racing events. The youngest of three brothers, he learned to sail at Coral Reef Yacht Club (Miami, FL.) and was a member of the U.S. Optimist World team. His oldest brother, Senet, the 1996 College Sailor of the Year, was a “significant influence” on his early sailing, as was last year’s College Sailor of the Year, fellow Harvard team member, Sean Doyle. “No one would be this successful without the compilation of a lot of effort,” said Bischoff in acknowledging the importance of the support of his team and coaches. “In many situations working hard is not enough.” Clay is also a former Optimist National Champion and the 2001 winner of the O’Day Trophy, US Sailing’s Singlehanded Championship.
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SHORT TACKS STEVE FOSSETT TO GO AFTER JULES VERNE ROUND THE WORLD RECORD American skipper Steve Fossett announced that he is targeting the Jules Verne Round the World record —the absolute record for the fastest boat around the planet-for January 2004, at the helm of his 125-foot (38.1m) maxi-catamaran. Steve Fossett’s Playstation. Current holder of 10 of Copyright Mark Pepper-Marinepics the 13 fastest world record passages in sailing (as certified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council), Fossett and his crew made sailing history in October 2001 setting a new Transatlantic record of four days and 17 hours, shattering the previous record by over 43 hours. Twice he has set the 24-hour record (1999, 2001), signifying the world’s fastest sailboat. “We are going. I regard the Round the World as the most important of all sailing records, and it’s the one we have never held. The time has come to get committed. I aspire to join the list of the great Jules Verne record skippers, Bruno Peyron, Olivier de Kersauson, Peter Blake and Robin Knox-Johnston.” Cheyenne is the new name planned for the former PlayStation. The catamaran is undergoing a refit in Norfolk, VA. An assault on the 24-hour record will be made during October with the goal of logging the first 700-mile day. The current record is 694.78 nautical miles by Maiden II in June 2002. The round-the-world crew will be named in September. Final preparations will be made in southern Europe during November and December. Over the past 11 years there have been 13 attempts to set the Jules Verne Round the World record-with just four successful, the current record being set by Bruno Peyron (France) and crew aboard the 110-foot catamaran Orange in 2002 at 64 days 8 hours, 37 minutes, 24 seconds. www.fossettchallenge.com
FLORIDA’S INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP — SEPTEMBER 20 Volunteers are again needed to help clean up Broward County’s coastline making our waterways cleaner and safer. This year ’s Coastal Cleanup will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Anyone can take part in removing the litter and de-
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bris that clutters our shores and endangers both marine life and humans. Adults, students, teachers, retirees, boaters, scuba divers, and others can help collect and catalog the types and volumes of materials gathered. Share a special day with family, friends and co-workers and raise awareness of the problem of pollution. Help make our oceans and waterways safe for swimming and fishing while contributing to marine debris research. Twelve beach cleanup sites are located in Broward County from Deerfield Beach south to Hallandale Beach, including an underwater cleanup site sponsored by Ocean Watch Foundation, Inc. Volunteers for the beach cleanup should wear sunscreen, comfortable clothes, old tennis shoes that can get wet, hats or caps and garden-type cotton gloves. The Ocean Conservancy and Coastal Cleanup sponsors provide trash bags and data cards for each location. For information and location, please see http://www.oceanwatch.org/coastalcleanup2003.htm.
BUSINESS BRIEFS MASSEY ENTERPRISES, INC. NAMED HUNTER YACHT DEALER FOR FLORIDA’S GULF COAST Massey Yacht Sales & Service, one of the oldest and most respected dealers for new sailing yachts on Florida’s west coast, has teamed up with Hunter Marine to become the exclusive Florida Gulf Coast dealer of new 30- to 50-foot Hunter sailboats. This recent appointment strengthens the company’s position as a primary resource for several of America’s most popular sailboat lines. In addition to Hunter yachts, Massey Yacht sells and services Catalina, Morgan, and Caliber yachts, also built in Florida. Hunter Marine has been a major force in the sailboat industry since 1973 and has achieved the status of America’s top producing yacht builder. “We have been consistently expanding and upgrading our domestic and international dealer network,” announced John Peterson, director of sales and marketing for Hunter Marine. “With two locations on Florida’s west coast and 26 years of experience, Massey Yacht Sales is the perfect addition to our dealer base.” Hunter Marine delivers yachts ranging from 24 through 50 feet from their state-of-the-art plant in Alachua, FL. These innovative sailboats are now marketed in over 45 countries throughout the world. Hunter is certified by the NMMA and the Community of Europe and is in compliance with the ABYC. In addition, Hunter Marine is one of the first companies to achieve marine industry certification. “Last year Hunter embarked in a new direction to make the product line more upscale,” explained Edward Massey, president and CEO of Massey Enterprises. “As Hunter enters the 2004 model year, consumers will see a new look that includes all new
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interiors, upgraded appliances and hardware plus an increased list of standard features which have never before been offered on production sailboats.” Hunter Marine’s “Discover the Difference” program includes over 20 features or processes that are a step above the ordinary and will enhance the value and appeal of Hunter yachts. “Our customers now have the advantage of localized sales and service for several of the most popular yacht builders in America,” continued Massey. “Central and Gulf Coast buyers can inspect product lines of both Hunter and Catalina, get a personalized tour of the factories, and test sail a new yacht at either of our two facilities.” Yachts are available for inspection at the Regatta Pointe Yachting Center in Palmetto, FL, and St. Pete Marine Center at Sailboat Row of Salt Creek in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. The Regatta Pointe location includes a service department, and Massey’s Mobile Marine Service provides warranty claims solutions and repairs onsite at owner’s slips. Massey Yacht Sales & Service has accommodated the diverse needs of yachtsmen since 1977. In 2002, the firm grossed $15.6 million in sales. The sales team consists of eight experienced Gulf Coast sailors who provide extraordinary attention to customers and offer no-nonsense advice about the nuances of Florida yacht outfitting and sailing. The yachting centers have access to thousands of pre-owned yachts through membership in multiple listing services. Each new yacht purchase includes owner orientation plus up to four days of ASA sailing orientation with an instructor on board. In addition, Massey Yacht Sales & Service offers charter ownership programs through “Sailing Florida with Sunsail” Yacht Charters. For more information, contact Edward Massey at yachtsales@masseyyacht.com, or visit the Web site at www.masseyyacht.com or call 941-723-1610.
niques. Visit www.offshore-sailing.com or call (888) 567-2211. Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2003 Advanced Live Aboard Cruising Course. West Florida and the Keys. Sail from Duck Key to St. Petersburg. This course takes sailors into more challenging waters with emphasis on safety, navigation and advanced cruising techniques.Visit www.offshoresailing.com/or call (888) 567-2211. Utilize Sailing to promote growth, leadership, teamwork, communication and strategic implementation in the workplace. Offshore Sailing School will organize a custom program for corporate groups. Information: (888) 567-2211. New Sailors Clinics. These are booked on a space available basis-no set dates. $95. Call to set one up. (888) 567-2211.
WOMEN’S SAILING WEEK AT BITTER END YACHT CLUB OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 1
MASTHEAD ENTERPRISES CLEARANCE SALE SEPT. 8-12
You go, girl. Bitter End Yacht Club teaches women how to sail or improve their skills October 25-November 1 at Bitter End Yacht Club’s 12th Annual Dry Creek Vineyard Women’s Sailing Week. Combining exceptional hands-on instruction with superb shoreside activities, Women’s Sailing Week offers unique programs and enthusiastic speakers for a one-of-a-kind experience. Female celebrities of the Sailing and cruising world including five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the year Betsy Alison, and big boat racer Martha Parker and global cruiser Pam Wall instruct while a variety of non-sailing programs entertain. Guests can partake in morning yoga with Debra Hendrikson, visiting spa director from Westward Look Resort in Tucson, AZ; nutritional seminars by Sports Nutritionist, Lisa Dorfman; after-sun spa treatments and more. Rates start at just $400 per night (a $50 savings off the normal rack rate), based on double occupancy and are subject to availability and exclusive of tax and service charge. For more information or to make reservations, call toll-free at (800) 872-2392, direct at (305) 4680168 or e-mail at binfo@beyc.com. Cruise the Web site at www.beyc.com.
Sailing Gear Super Clearance SALE - foul weather jackets/ pants, lifevests, boat shoes, sailing accessories, misc. boat hardware. Great prices. Sept. 8-12.Masthead Enterprises, (727) 3275361, 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Pete, www.mastheadsailinggear.com
ST. PETERSBURG SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON OFFERS SAFE BOATING COURSE — CLASSES STARTING SEPT. 8
OFFSHORE SAILING SCHOOL EVENTS Oct. 19-25, Advanced Live Aboard Cruising Course. West Florida and the Keys. Sail from Captiva Island to Duck Key. This course takes sailors into more challenging waters with emphasis on safety, navigation and advanced cruising tech-
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
Florida ranks number one among all states in boating accidents. The number one ranking is consistent across accident statistics-number of boats involved, percent of registered boats involved, number of injuries, number of deaths, and total property damage. In fact, the likelihood of a Florida boat being involved in an accident is 2 1/3 times greater than the national
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SHORT TACKS average, according to recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics. Safe Boating is no accident. It comes from knowledge and skill. To get both, the St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron offers a boating course devoted to safe boating practices. If you don’t know your bow from your stern or you want a refresher course, the knowledge is yours for the taking. Your entire family, crew and friends are welcome aboard in classes starting September 8. The classes are held Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the Sailing Center at Demens Landing at 250 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Classroom lectures will cover the techniques of safe handling of sail and power craft, anchoring, tying basic knots, chart reading, plotting courses, use of the mariner’s compass, marine telephone procedures, aids to navigation, rules of the road and more. This course satisfies Florida state education requirements for persons born after September 30 1980. Additional information and registration can be obtained by calling (727) 527-3117.
WEST MARINE SEMINARS St. Petersburg Store North, 2000 34th St. N. (727) 327-0072 What: GENERAL BOATING SEMINAR SERIES When: Every Thursday 7-9 p.m. Call the store for topics Fort Lauderdale Store, 2300 So. Federal Highway (954) 527-5540 What: All Wednesday night seminars are FREE & begin promptly at 7:00 p.m .at our FlagShip Store - 2300 South Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Please feel welcome to call us for more information anytime at (954) 527-5540. Tues. Sept. 2 - To be announced. Please call. Tues. Sept. 9 - To be announced. Please call. Tues. Sept. 16 - To be announced. Please call. Tues. Sept. 23 - To be announced. Please call. Tues. Sept. 30 - To be announced. Please call.
SOUTHERN SAILING Continued from page 43 air keeps the tires from going completely flat with the extra weight. The rims of flat tires will have less surface and therefore less stability. Naturally, tie the boat down at the bow, both sides and the stern. Some use trees to tie lines to the trailer. Others have found that when the trees toppled, it pulled their boat over with it. Mobile home anchors have been used to good effect. Some have them in place just in case. There have only been two category five hurricanes in the modern era to strike the U.S. mainland while they were at that strength . The 1935 hurricane in the Florida Keys and Camille in 1969 showed that no amount of preparation of marinas or boats will make them survive a direct hit. But boats just a few miles away from the eye wall were spared if the owners had made prudent advanced preparation. Just do your boat preparation very early. Family and home then can be your priority. A written hurricane plan is standard business practice at marine facilities. Think about writing one up for your specific marine situation. When the time comes, time is always short. The man with a plan can. 56
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C L A S S I F I E D
A D S
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS UNDER 30 WORDS FOR ALL PRIVATELY-OWNED BOATS, GEAR AND PRIVATELY-OWNED DOCK/SLIPS FOR RENT. All photos must be sent electronically or the actual photo — no photocopies. All ad text e-mailed must be in upper and lower case, not all caps. Every ad w/photo goes on the Web. Ad is cancelled after 3 months unless renewed. The last month your ad runs is in parentheses at the end of the ad. You must call by the 15th of that month to renew for another 3 months. Call (941) 795-8704, e-mail to editor@southwindssailing.com, or mail to PO Box 1175 Holmes Beach FL 34218-1175. All other classified ads are $20 for up to 20 words and $5 for each additional 10 words, $5 for a photo. All ads go on the Internet, and your Web site or e-mail address in the ad will be linked by clicking on it.
DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS
Hunter 260 – New. Take the helm and plan your cruise. This boat is ready to GO! Enclosed full head, complete galley, 2 double berths. Own your second home on the water. Ullman Sails/Sarasota Sailboats (941) 951-0189 or ULLFL@mindspring.com
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Advertise your business in a display ad in the classifieds section. Sold by the column inch. 2 inches minimum. (3 column inches is 1/8 page) Monthly Cost Ads Per Inch
12 6 3 1
$17 $20 $23 $27
Minimum Inches
Total Cost
2" 2" 2" 2"
$34 $40 $46 $54
Hunter 240 – New. EZ mast-raising system and a shallow draft make this centerboard boat simple to trailer and rig. Daysail or cruise. Large cockpit for entertaining and sleeping space for six. See it at Ullman Sails/Sarasota Sailboats (941) 951-0189 or ULLFL@mindspring.com
1968 Morgan 25 - recent sails, new opening ports, freshwater use, trailer available, recent paint, 8hp mariner, in the family 26 yrs, no blisters, shallow draft/ CB, $5,800 obo Dave (404) 819-5656 (11/03) 29' Norwalk Island Sharpie Ketch, 1994 Luzier Custom- built , Kirby Design, shown in April 1998 Southwinds, Excellent Thin Water Performance, Bronze Ports, A/C, Many Extras, Reduced $29,900 Call (941) 764 8904 (11/03) Hunter 31 1986, Shoal Draft, second owner,great Bahamas cruiser, ready to go again, lots of recent work, includes dinghy and outboard, $26,500. Located Melbourne, FL (404) 236-0511 (11/03)
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
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1984 Aloha 32, Mark Ellis design. Performance cruiser. 35’ LOA, 32’ LOD,11’beam 4’9” draft. 25hp Westerbeke. Hood Furling, bowsprit, autopilot, 2 headsails, davits, 2 speed winches, marine A/C, supercruising layout, 2000 survey 48K. asking $42,500. Will consider trades. (239) 218-8680 or (800) 443-8908 ext. 4313. (11/03)
Hunter 1983 22.5 New paint bottom-top, 7 sails, 8hp Honda new, tandem trailer with brakes. All new rigging, AutoHelm D/S plus more $12,000. (352) 867-5841 (11/03) ’80 Buccaneer 22’ 4hp outboard, main, working jib, 150% Genny. Chemical toilet. Very clean. Comes with slip. (727) 638-2339 (11/03)
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23' Kirby 1986. Super PHRF racer (180 swfl) or daysailer. 9 sails, GPS, fluxgate compass, Nexus CPU, boat speed-depth. Faired hull, keel. Details, pix avail. $8000 dixonwj@comcast.net (11/03) C&C 24 Built 1975. New Main, Old Main, 4 jibs & one Spinnaker. 5hp Mercury OB. $6000 OBO. Located near Gulfport MS (228) 452-7380 (11/03) 35' Island Packet 350 1997 Proven liveaboard cruiser. Well maintained. Setup for extended cruising. More info and photos at:: http:// home.mindspring.com/~pehler or (252) 671-0358 Imagine@Springmail.com (11/03) J/27 (1989) VG Condition, Sobstad genoa & mainsail, 2002 UK spinnaker, 2002 Sobstad jib, Evinrude 4HP, sailcomp, knotmeter, triad trailer, keel/ rudder faired, bottom painted 11/2002, Titusville, Florida. $20,500. (407) 323-5459. (9/03)
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C L A S S I F I E D
A D S
28' Ranger 1976, immaculate, fresh-water maintained racer/cruiser with $16,000 in recent improvements, 12 sails, new Yanmar. $18,000. Call (770) 619-4002 or captain_ron@comcast.net (9/03) 79 Irwin 21' (Mini-Ton) Racer/Cruiser 2001 sails & trailer, lots of extras, great rating $5744.00 Sanford, FL (407) 474-9336 (10/03) Wavelength 24. Very good condition. Dry sailed. North main, 155, 3/4 spin, float-on trailer. Outboard. Near Atlanta. $7500. (404) 872-1934 (9/03)
Bravura Sportster 29 Very Late (November 1999) Model, Was raced three times with excellent finishes. #1 in Spinnaker class/Leukemia Cup 2000, Only in the water for the 2000 season. Mint condition, loaded, looks brand-new. Must sacrifice immediately. Will deliver as far South as Key West on its own double axle Custom Trailer. $63,000. Boat’s original price was over $100,000. Must Sell NOW !!! YOU SAVE BIG. ulalena@comcast.net or (609) 841-6356 h t t p : / / w w w. b o a t o w n e r. c o m / c g i - b i n / atl.cgi?mct=a4&ct=xxe2&md=second&id=6(11/ 03) O’DAY 32, twin cabin, 2 heads, shower, low hours diesel, new mainsail, 2 jibs, 2 anchors and rode, Avon dinghy, cruise ready. $19,995 OBO, will deliver up to 500 miles from Pensacola. 850-455-8830 or satorito@bellsouth.net (9/03)
38’ Island Packet 1990 Turn key, ready to cruise anywhere. One of the best equipped cruising boats you’ll find. Beautiful condition. Call for details. By Owner. Ft. Lauderdale. $155,000. (251) 458-9109. (10/03)
1984 Irwin Citation 34 Recent major refit, new interior, new electronics, reconditioned sails, bimini, dodger, fresh bottom paint, Yanmar 3GM, wheel steering. OWNER FINANCING $33,900. (252) 2297245 bombashac@msn.com (9/03) Brewer 12.8 1986. Excellent cruiser/liveaboard yacht. A Ted Brewer design to cruise around the world, fast. Has been well maintained and is in impressive condition. Gen set, reefer/freezer, 4 1/2' draft, recent bottom job. More photos at seacoastcharters.com. (727) 943-9364 johnw.burney@verizon.net. (9/03 1973 Albin Vega, 3’ 10” draft. Volvo 10 hp diesel. R.F. Jib, full batten main w/lazy jacks. dodger, UHF, GPS, DF, knotmeter, excellent condition. Great sailer. $10,500, (239) 337-4977 (10/03)
Catalina 36 1987 Freshwater til fall ’02. All new equipment to include A/P, wind, speed, wind,VHF, NEW batten main & 155 RF genoa, Electric windlass, dodger & bimini,etc. AP7878@aol.com, (850) 785-9211 (10/03)
2000 Elliott 770, 25' Excellent condition. Sportboat with little use and an interior for weekending. Full Race equipped. Triad trailer. Bottom by Waterline Systems. VC Offshore bottom. Sobstad mainsail, non-overlapping jib. Assymetrical spinnaker. $27,900. (678) 947-8875 or email: stle32@aol.com (11/03)
Ericson 38 1981 Good condition. Recently surveyed. Autohelm, refrigeration, dinghy w/ob, dodger, bimini, gps, 2 VHFs, roller furling just rebuilt, Nice interior, very fast comfortable cruiser/racer. West Florida, $55,900/OBO (941) 795-8711 (10/03)
1984 Cal 35-MarkII (5' draft) 32hp diesel, fully cruise and liveaboard equipped with A/C/heat, microwave, stall shower, etc. Numerous recent upgrades and parts replaced. e.g. genoa vasmith1@yahoo.com or (941) 505-1558. NO BROKERS PLEASE. (11/03) ’98 Hobie 13 Wave Excellent condition. $2,700 includes trailer, beach wheels, and extras. (941) 7587276 (Bradenton,FL) (11/03) Cape Dory 25, New Honda 9.9, Seven sails, Two anchors, new wiring, auto pilot, fish finder, electronics, pressure water, new trinidad bottom, dingy, cruise ready, much more! $6,500, (305) 296-5490 (9/03)
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Beneteau 38 1990 model new genoa, Icom SSB, compass, inverter and more. Laying Tortola, BVI. $62,000. (305)-310-4653 or sloopm38@hotmail.com (10/03)
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Ericson 39 1978 rebuilt 2002, surveyed. Allnew 38 hp diesel, electrics, plumbing, windlass, autopilot, canvas. Plus dinghy, o/board, etc $49,500. Private sale. Andrew (954) 524 4765, e-mail brandtwo@bellsouth.net (11/03)
40 hours use. $2100. St. Augustine, FL (904) 4718036 (11/03)
FLYING SCOT Very attractively priced new boats used only for the Adams Cup finals. Race-rigged and professionally tuned. Includes North Sails main, jib,spinnaker, and galvanized trailer Available in late October at Lake Norman, NC. For details Call (800)864-7208 (12/03) Gemini 3200 - 1993 32' catamaran. 14' beam, 18"/ 5' draft, New Honda 25, 4 stroke, new 110/propane refrigerator, queen size master berth, depth/ knot/autopilot. North Carolina. Bruce (602) 8266957. (11/03)
20’ Montego, sleeps 4, sink, bimini, roller furling 155% Genny, 110% Jib, main, and 6hp Yamaha, swing keel (weight 470 lead), trailer, depthfinder, compass, battery, “This boat sails like a 30-foot boat.” $2850. (727) 784-5482. (10/03) 1986 Ranger 22, completely refurbished, wew mast and standing/running rigging, custom keel, custom interior, port-a-potty, new instruments, 6 excellent sails, new spinnaker, fresh bottom paint, new hull paint, pocket cruiser/racer. Call Matt – Day (813) 988-6870, Ext. 213, or Evenings (813) 645-4423. (10/03) US 21 1983 Excellent as racer (PHRF 194) or daysailer with trailer, main, working jib, 150 genoa. Fresh-water sailed in Georgia. (770) 377-5141 (10/03)
37' Morgan O.I. 1976, 4' draft.Excellent condition and perfect for cruising/live-aboard! 50hp Perkins 401-8 diesel engine. 2001 electronic overhaul. www.geocities.com/morgantampa/1 $32,000. 813758-2222. (11/03)
1987 Nonsuch 22 6' standing headroom. Sleeps 2 on wide double berth. Enclosed Head. One sail does it all. Easy, easy, easy to sail! Simple and fast! The best single-hander ever made! $19,750. St. Pete Beach. Call Dave (727) 363-0858 (11/03)
Compac Suncat New – huge cockpit with cabin for two. Shallow draft, rigs in minutes, a breeze to sail. It’s a hassle-free adventure. We pay the sales tax this month! Call Paul at Masthead Enterprises 727-3275361. 40' Tartan 1986, Electra, Excellent condition. $200K firm. No Broker/Dealers. Leave Message (813) 932-3720 (11/03)
Tayana 37 1986, Superb Condition, 106K USD, New rig, sails, furler, etc. Check www.camirand.net (10/03) 8’ Wooden Dinghy Excellent Condition. Oars & Oarlocks included. Sail, Tow or Row. $425 Tampa (813) 251 –5328 (10/03) Soverel 33 1985 Excellent condition, Dry stored & sailed since 1986. Totally upgraded & refurbished inside and out. Extremely fast race winner. w/ trailer. $46,000 invested asking $36,000 (704) 489-0596 (10/03)
1987 S2 9.1 30' Race/Cruise, 18 hp Yanmar, 650 hrs, Bimini, Autohelm, 110V refrigerator, Harken furler, 150 and main are Dacron. 155, 95, and main UK tape drive 2001, New Bottom $25,500. East Florida (321) 779-4464 (11/03)
Catalina 22 10hp, autohelm, gps, ladder, ff, compass, kt meter,vhf, am/fm, potty, bilge pump, solar, boom kicker, vang, trailer, new main, bimini, covers, hull paint, companionway, $4500 850-6784478 (11/03) 1973 Oday 23 - Excellent condition, all sails, swing keel, new port-a-potty, sleeps 6, good sailor, 8hp Yachtwin. $2800. 727 398-1664 (11/03) Davis Maritime - Professional Accredited Surveys– see display ad in the index of advertisers. (727) 3239788; e-mail: cgoebel1@tampabay.rr.com
BOATS WANTED Farr 30 Updated & Harkenized. New Paint, Graphs, Rigging, Sails, Bottom. Includes Trailer. Pictures: www.rushteam.com. $17,000. 615-371-4700 (11/03) Avon 10.1 Rib lite, 2002 with 2002 8hp Yamaha. Avong folds and bags for transport and storage. Both
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
Wanted, Mirage 5.5. Rigging, sails and trailer unimportant, must have sound hull. Under 1K call John (772) 913-1045 (9/03) Pearson 33 1986 hull #16 Draft 3’10' w/cb, perfect for racing or cruising the shallow waters of Bahamas & Florida. a/c, davits, refrigerator, many extras; documented, asking $41,000. sailboat86@att.net; [239] 549 2849 (11/03)
Colorful Books About Sailing the Bahamas and Caribbean. The Virgin islands Illustrated; Sailing
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CLASSIFIEDS
dwyermast.com • Masts • Booms • Hardware • Rigging
DWYER Aluminum Mast Co. 203-484-0419 Through Paradise (covering the Bahamas thru the Virgins); Wreck and Resurrection (sailboat repair); Alphabet Sea (ages 3-8). Package deals. Tortuga Books. (800) 345-6665.
no job too large or too small — reasonable and reliable - Ron Butler (727) 582-9335
Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 574-0289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm
Writers, photographers, personal sailing experiencers (sic). Southwinds is looking for contributors – send your stuff in and let’s look at it: editor@southwindssailing.com
Pier 17 Charts & Publications DMA-NOAA-TOPOS-NTM-Textbooks. South’s largest nautical store at 4619 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210. (904) 387-4669 (800) 332-1072 Fax (904) 389-1161
Sailmakers/assistant sailmakers wanted Fastest growing sail loft in the Southeast is expanding and needs more sailmakers/assistant sailmakers. Call (850) 244-0001 or e-mail sabre@sabresails.com
Regional Sales Representatives wanted to sell advertising space for Southwinds magazine in all areas of Florida and the South. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com. Sales experience a must. Sabre Sails is expanding its dealer network. If you are interested in a rewarding business with a fun side, call (850) 244-0001 or e-mail sabre@sabresails.com
Visit Southwinds new boat and crewlisting service at southwindssailing.com
Visit Southwinds new boat and crewlisting service at southwindssailing.com
Experienced Sailmakers Wanted – UK Sailmakers Palm Beach, FL, location is expanding and needs skilled sailmakers. Candidates must have strong “gogetter” attitude and be highly capable in Dacron and laminate construction and repair. Canvas experience a plus. Call (561) 844-3884 or e-mail ukpalmbeaches@uksailmakers.com If you are under 35 and cruising the Caribbean, we’d like to hear your story. We are working on stories about those out there cruising and why they went. Contact Cherie at supercherie@hotmail.com Have an interesting charter story? Southwinds magazine is looking for people to send in articles about their charters – in the South, the Caribbean, or wherever. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com
INVESTOR WANTED Best Prices – Solar panels, wind generators, charge controllers, deep cycle batteries, solar panel and wind generator mounting hardware. Authorized dealer for Siemens, Kyocera, Solarex, and Uni-Solar solar panels, Air Marine wind generator, Deka, Trojan, and Surrette deep cycle batteries.™ Toll free (877) 432-2221 www.e-marine-inc.com
Responsible, honest, licensed contractor, well-experienced in high-quality homes, seeks like-minded investor to finance and partake in build/remodel projects in Manatee County or nearby . Must be interested in doing something for fun, interesting projects & making money. (941)795-8711 (12/03)
SeaTech Systems – Computerized navigation & communication. Call for free Cruiser’s Guide to the Digital Nav Station and CAPN demo disk. (800) 4442581 or (281) 334-1174, navcom@sea-tech.com, www.sea-tech.com
Steve Smith Marine Rigging Services Used gear and chandlery. See display ad in Index of Advertisers. (727) 823-4800
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MARINE SERVICES
Sailing Yacht Services Repairs, maintenance, equipment installed, marine consulting, yacht deliveries by USCG licensed captain, free estimates –
Marine Electrical Service, Chartering & Deliveries 50 ton master, Gulf of Mexico, located Alabama, References, Captain Larry Dorich (251) 605-6612 (10/03) Marine Electrical: Thomas Marine Electrical Engineering Electrical systems analysis & repair, electronics installations, galvanic & current corrosion surveys, complete vessel rewire specialists, all work done to A.B.Y.C. standards, St. Petersburg, (727) 480-8519, E-mail: thomas@ihj.net
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NEW & USED MASTHEAD CLEARANCE SALE SAILING GEAR SUPER CLEARANCE SALE Foul weather jackets/pants, lifevests, boat shoes, sailing accessories, misc. boat hardware. great prices. Sept. 8th–12th. Masthead Enterprises 727-327-5361, 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg www.mastheadsailinggear.com SSMR INC., Our Rigging Shop introduces the new State-of-the-Art HOOD 808 Furler! Fits 5/16”-3/ 8” dia.headstay wire up to 56’. Hundreds le$$ than the competition for comparable units, only $1650! Including free sail installation! We are the standing and running rigging specialists for all your cruising and racing needs. Licensed and insured. Call (727) 823-4800 or fax (727) 823-3270 “a cruiser friendly shop” Ibeearigger@juno.com (12/03) Wheels Custom Leathered – Satisfaction guaranteed, 1 year warranty. Free turks head. Over 100 satisfied customers last year. Contact Ray Glover at Sunrise Sails Plus (941) 721-4471 or sunrisesailsplus@msn.com Dinghy davits, OB motor lock, and other gear. Island Marine Products. See display ad in Index of Advertisers (727) 698-3938 Moisture meters for fiberglass or wood. JR Overseas. (502) 228-8732. See display ad in Index of Advertisers
www.southwindssailing.com
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Sail Covers & More! Best Prices Ever for Custom-Made Canvas Buy Online or by Phone & Save $$ Highest Quality & Satisfaction Guaranteed Family Owned & Operated
For more information and to see our products & pricing go to
www.sailcovers.net (800) 213-5167 Carry-on Portable air conditioner Model 5000 capacity 4800 BTU including air deflector. Excellent condition $375.00 Located Ft. Lauderdale phone (954) 525 0058. (11/03) SSMR INC., Chandlery, If we don’t have it, we’ll find it! Every manufacturer represented at the most competitive prices! We are growing, fair, and pay attention to detail. Blocks, vangs, fasteners, insulators, ports, etc., on-site swagging and splicing, we can fill all your needs. Stop by and meet Stink and Ollie. Insured and a member of the BBB of West Florida. Call (727) 823-4800 or fax (727) 823-3270 “a cruiser friendly shop” Ibeearigger@juno.com (12/03)
or fax (727) 823-3270 “a cruiser friendly shop” Ibearigger@juno.com (12/03) Nautical Trader. Buy and Sell, consignment. Venice/ Sarasota Area. (941) 488-0766. See Display ad in Index of Advertisers Scurvy Dog, Marine Equipment Resale. Pensacola. (850) 434-1770. See Display ad in Index of Advertisers 25 HP Diesel Engine for Sailboat. 105 total hours since new from factory. $2,500 Call (727) 457-8746 or e-mail: Beallsouth@att.net for details. See more info on the Internet at: http://beallsouth.home.att.net (8/03)
Yanmar,YSE-12 Engine for rebuild or parts $500. Includes transmission, alternator, starter, extra & new injectors, gaskets, manual. (727) 415-6513 or captct@hotmail.com. (10/03) Dripless Packing Proven high-tech propeller and rudder packing that outlasts all other packings and is virtually dripless. Easy to install. Bilges stay dry. Won’t damage shafts. Economical. Dealer inquiries welcome. Toll Free (877) 432-2221 or www.e-marine-inc.com Whisker Pole. AMOC Marine.15' extends to 25'. 3" tube,2 1/2" line control inner tube.For up to 40' boats. $500 OBO. L.Miniati (813) 932-3720. glminiati@juno.com (10/03) Don’s Salvage Yard in Clearwater. Huge assortment of gear. (727) 576-8577. See Display ad in Index of Advertisers.
Single male seeks double-jointed supermodel who owns a bewery and knows how to hydroponically grow cannibas sativa in small spaces. Access to free concert tickets a plus, as is have an open-minded twin sister. If the above attributes are all in order, knowing how to sail is not necessary. Reply to rightguard@southwindssailing.com.
USED SAILS SAVE $$$ 1000s of headsails, mains & spinnakers. We ship everywhere, satisfaction guaranteed. We also buy sails. Sail Exchange. (800) 628-8152. 407 Fullerton Ave. Newport Beach CA 92663 www.sailexchange.com See Display ad in Index of Advertisers Hong Kong Sail Makers Cruising Sail Specialists Top Quality, Best Price Delivery 2 - 3 Weeks (852) 2789 1938 (852) 2789 3155 (FAX) E-mail: uoil@hkstar.com
LODGING FOR SAILORS TIRALO floating deck chair - a beach chair that floats in water and rolls easily on the sand. Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.oasisllc.com or swti@oasisllc.com SSMR INC., Visit our Consignment Shop, check out our pre-owned life rafts! $1700VIKING 6 man valise, cert 2000; $1300 AVON 6 man valise w/RORC rated pack; $1350 WINSLOW 6 man, current 2003 cert SOLAS approved. Come see us for lots of other marine consignment needs or empty your lockers and add to the cruising fund! Call (727) 823-4800
LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS
Ponce de Leon Hotel Historic downtown hotel at the bay, across from St. Petersburg YC. 95 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 550-9300 FAX (727) 826-1774 www.poncedeleonhotel.com
Aqua Graphics 57 Atlantic Sails 24 Banks Sails 58 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 23 Bitter End YC’s Women’s Sailing Week 22 Bluewater Insurance 20 Bluewater Sailing Supply 11 Boaters Exchange 12 BoatUS Marine Stores 37 Bo’sun Supplies 11 Bradenton YC Kickoff Regatta 45 Bubba Book 30 Capt. Josie Sailing School 57 Carson/Beneteau BC CDI/Perfect Pitch 22 Chute Scoop 61 Coast Weather Service 26 Colgate 26 9 Crow’s Nest Regatta 18 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina 18 Cruising Direct 28 Davis Maritime Surveying 21 Defender Industries 60 Don’s Salvage 30 Dwyer Mast 60 Eastern/Beneteau BC Finish Line Multihulls 25 First Patriot Insurance 35 Flagship Sailing Charters 23 Flying Scot Sailboats 59 Fujinon 33 Garhauer Hardware 10 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 55 Grin Designs/Scully 13 Harken Gear 49 Hong Kong Sailmakers 35 Hotwire/Fans and other products 58 Hunter Sailboats 16,17 Isla Del Sol Resort & Marina 9 Island Marine Products 12 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 11,51 Martek Davits 58 Massey Yacht Sales IBC,3,7,15,26 Masthead Enterprises 3,60 Melbourne YC Fall Regatta 44 Mobile Marine Services 48 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau BC National Sail Supply 54 Nautical Trader 55 North Sails 50 Pasadena Marina 41 Performance Sail & Sport 52 Quantum Pure-Aire 9 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 40 Rparts Refrigeration 48 Sabre Sails 3 Sail Covers & More 61 Sail Exchange/Used Sails 52 Sail Expo St. Pete/Sail America 39 Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District 34 Sailor’s Soap 14, 21, 45 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 56 Schurr Sails 13 Scurvy Dog Marine 23 Sea School 27 Sea Tech 54 Smooooth Sailing School 14 Snoop Sails & Canvas 13 Snug Harbor Boats 14 St. Barts/Beneteau BC St. Petersburg Yacht Club Fall Races 42 Steve Smith Mobile Rigging 51 Suncoast Inflatables 19 Surrette (Rolls) batteries 25 Tackle Shack 8 Terra Nova Trading Key West Race 29 Tow BoatUS 27 UK Sails 53 Ullman sails 21 Weathermark sailing 6,34 West Marine IFC Whitney’s Marine 31 Windcraft Catamarans 40 Yachting Vacations 33
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I LEARNED ABOUT SAILING FROM THAT
Solo Surprise By Captain Herman Bips III
It is often said that we learn from our experiences. So it was with my solo trip from Key West to Captiva, FL, in May 2002. The race from Clearwater to Key West was noneventful for me and my five-person crew aboard my 31-foot classic sloop Dragonlord. The first night out had been slightly rough with winds in the plus 20-knot range, uncomfortable for us but not threatening.
W
e ended up motoring to Key West when the winds dropped below 10 knots, and our boat speed was less than three knots. Our trip had taken around 45 hours. My racing crew bid farewell as I waited for my return crew. The weather forecast was for light to moderate winds for Monday and Tuesday, with winds strengthening on Wednesday. My return crew could not make the sail back and I decided to go solo, leaving Key West on Monday morning and arriving in Captiva, hopefully, by daybreak on Tuesday, well before the anticipated approaching high winds. The prior year I had done the trip solo, motorsailing in light winds, fishing, having a good solitary trip, and arriving in Captiva in 22 hours without any problems. Leaving Key West on Monday at daybreak, I was well fueled and motored north, past Smith Shoal, and headed towards Captiva. The day was uneventful; motorsailing and enjoying the solitude and challenge of a man and his boat alone at sea. Around sunset, I donned my foul weather jacket and noticed an increase in wind and waves. The autopilot held my course as I took down the mainsail and lashed the sails to the boom. The winds increased over 25 knots, and the waves were mounting and soon began to break over the bow of the boat, rushing back towards me in the cockpit. I had rigged jacklines from the front to the rear of my sailboat and attached my tether and harness to the line. Up the waves and down, Dragonlord kept working toward the north, the strong winds increasing to 40 knots, coming from the northeast. 62
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My main concern was that the engine would stop, and I would be forced to go midship and raise the main, or even worse, go forward to hank on a small working jib. The foredeck was constantly awash and a dangerous place to go, especially alone on the boat at night. I sat huddled in my cockpit, lifejacket on and harnessed, holding onto my Epirb (emergency position indicator radar beacon) for emotional support and ready for emergency use. The night was long and very stressful. At times, I could see the shrimpboat lights and felt some assurance that at least there were some boats in the area. My radio indicated that other boats were in trouble, and the Coast Guard was seeking assistance from any boats in the area to respond to the many distress signals being received. I was hoping I would not be in need of Coast Guard assistance. The constant water over the decks was taking an emotional and physical toll. I began to wander in and out of dreams, even seeing someone’s face on the stern of the boat. All of a sudden, the boat went sideways to the waves, and a large wave broke over and into the cockpit. The bracket on the autopilot had broken off, and I had to manually steer the boat. I found some electrical tape and taped the bracket back in place and again began taking the waves off the port bow. Winds were still steady without any sign of letting up. Dragonlord is a 31-foot classic C and C sloop and holds up well in all conditions. We had been through a minor depression on our way to Key West years ago, and she held her own against the high seas and winds. I was just not sure of this 52-year-old captain and his ability to perform under adverse conditions.
At daybreak, I finally saw the high seas that had hammered me all night. The winds were out of the northeast, and I figured that as I motored closer to shore, the land would block the winds and decrease the constant thrashing of Dragonlord. To my amazement, it wasn’t until I was directly off Sanibel that the waves subsided. My lesson is that a simple solo trip can turn into a struggle to survive as weather does not follow man’s forecasts. My crew has decided that I will not sail solo again, even if work is missed, etc. In the darkness of night, cold and wet, holding my Epirb, I thought of my family and friends, my son Sam, good times aboard Dragonlord, and hoped to be able to enjoy life and make it safely to port. A real good reality check for this old captain; the sea does not discriminate. It can change peaceful beautiful sails into a survival challenge, creating mountainous waves and strong winds to test the best-equipped boats and the most experienced crew. Short solo trips are still on my list, but the long distance, out in the open Gulf away from safe havens, are in the past. Well worth the time and money to wait for additional crew to help sail Dragonlord long distances back to home port. Captain Herman Bips III has sailed 13 times in the Clearwater to Key West Race. An avid sailor and active member of Davis Islands Yacht Club, Tampa, FL, he teaches basic sailing aboard his sloop Dragonlord. He can be reached at www.sailtampa.com or reached by email at captbips@sailtampa.com. Any comments or thoughts about this article, or the subject matter? Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor: editor@southwindssailing.com www.southwindssailing.com