lessons at PYC during the summer months. McKinnon has owned and raced sailboats, while continuing to volunteer her time and services to PYC, first as a committee chair, then accepting the position of fleet captain in 2010, followed by rear commodore in 2011, vice in 2012 and now commodore. In honor of this history-making year, PYC is hosting the first ever Women on the Water Boating Forum, a special 105-day membership drive, and other special events.
Florida Senator Rubio Proposes Elimination of Mortgage Interest Deduction for Boats In December, Florida senator, Marco Rubio, proposed eliminating the mortgage interest deduction for boats that qualify as a second home. Rubio referred to such boats as “yachts”— an expression that rubbed many the wrong way. Since Florida is the state that builds and sells more boats than any other state, this came as a surprise to many. There is currently a movement by many in the country to eliminate the deduction for all second homes, but many criticized Rubio for targeting boats—especially since the deduction is currently available for vacation homes, boats and RVs. The NMMA says that less than five percent of boats qualify for the deduction. Boats that qualify—“yachts”— must be 26 feet long, have a galley and a sleeping berth and a toilet. The deduction can be taken for up to $1.1 million. Not many 26-footers qualify for that maximum. In fact, very few do—and some will argue that none do.
“Joining forces with UK gives Knighton Sailmakers the ideal platform to showcase our talents while, at the same time, opens up a worldwide database of knowledge and technology to us,” said Gregg Knighton, president of Knighton Sailmakers. “With this merger of talents, we can offer our customers the very best and latest technology for PHRF, IRC and one-design racing, as well as an expanded cruising market. Our two locations will now join the UK Sailmakers lofts in Miami, Houston and Charleston to better serve the sailing community in the Southeastern U.S.” “By joining UK Sailmakers, the Knighton team will be able to give sailors in southwest Florida the technological edge, the know-how, and expertise to get the best bang for their hard-earned dollars,” said Gregg Knighton. Knighton Sailmakers is located at 2100 20th St. in Sarasota (941) 365-7245). In Punta Gorda, they are at 6025 Taylor Rd (941) 347-8325).
Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society Receives National US SAILING Award US SAILING presented the Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society (CMCS) of Fort Myers, FL, with a national award, Outstanding Organizational Support—2012. The award was presented to CMCS’s 2012 Commodore Glen
Knighton Sailmakers of Sarasota and Punta Gorda, FL, Joins UK Sailmakers \
UK Sailmakers is expanding its international network of sail lofts with the addition of Knighton Sailmakers, with established Florida lofts in Sarasota and Punta Gorda. Knighton Sailmakers has over 25 years of experience in design and construction of world-class yacht sails, a solid base upon which to expand their business under the UK banner.
KEEP YER PANTS ON
Unique design. Main halyard shackle closure. Highest quality English bridle leather. Easily adjustable. Light Havana (pictured) or Mahogany.
www.mainsheetpartners.com 941-776-1237 26
March 2013
SOUTHWINDS
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