Department of Environmental Quality brought in a salvage contractor that used side scanning sonar to identify and pinpoint for removal the hundreds of foundered boats and debris in the marinas. “That area of slips is in a bit of deeper water than most of West End’s slips and I guess that’s how it stayed hidden for so long.” Gutierrez adds, “I immediately got in touch with the harbormaster, and the whole process started for removal.” It took nearly nine months and loads of paperwork to have the boat—described by Gutierrez as an “unidentified Katrina casualty”—accepted by FEMA for removal. The federal agency eventually paid for the removal and disposal, which took place in early May. The lifting of a barnacle- and silt-covered boat brought back a lot of memories for many driving past, heralding back to the yearlong salvage process when hundreds of such “casualties” lined the marinas and seawalls of New Orleans.
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www.newrudders.com 18
July 2013
SOUTHWINDS
Deck Development Acquires the Losange Group, Merging Wichard/Profurl and Sparcraft On May 1, the European holding company Deck Développement, owners of Wichard and the yacht sail management systems Profurl, acquired the Losange Group. Based in France, the Losange Group is composed of Facnor (manufacturer of furling systems), RDM (mast manufacturer based in La Rochelle, France), Sparcraft Rigging (manufacturer of standing and running rigging), and Charleston Spars, also known as Sparcraft USA (mast manufacturer based in Charlotte, NC). This acquisition will soon result in the merging of the two entities, Wichard, Inc., and Sparcraft USA, into one global company. It will also mark the rebirth of Sparcraft USA after a long period of difficulties. Located in Charlotte, Wichard-Sparcraft will emphasize providing high quality products and strong customer service, relying on the skills of a highly experienced team. Each brand identity will be maintained and their strength reinforced in an effort to provide each segment of the market with a better offer, as well as with the will to explore new business opportunities. To achieve this goal, Deck Development will invest in the infrastructure in Charlotte, renovating the factory and improving logistics. Articles Wanted About Southern Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations and Youth Sailing Groups SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for articles on individual yacht clubs, sailing associations and youth sailing groups throughout the Southern states (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX (east Texas). Articles wanted are about a club’s history, facilities, major events and general information about the club. The clubs and associations must be well established and have been around for at least five years. Contact editor@ Southwindsmagazine.com for information about article length, photo requirements and other questions. www.southwindsmagazine.com