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January/February 2015
Sailing the Northeast
Marion to Bermuda Aboard Spirit of Bermuda Newport Laser Fleet Home of Champions
What’s New for 2015 www.windcheckmagazine.com
Editor’s Log The AC in BDA I’ve been to Bermuda a dozen times…flew there once. And, while I prefer the ‘Arrival by Sea’ stamp in my passport, to a sailor, a Dark n’ Stormy in hand and ‘delivery’ in under three hours makes the innocuous airport arrival stamp seem much less defeatist. My wife and I speak with great fondness of this special place. Among our favorite memories are honeymooning there, her watching my Newport Bermuda Race finish from St. David’s Lighthouse in 2008, and racing in the Onion Patch Series together. We are looking forward to creating many more memories, and maybe watching the America’s Cup races there will be one of them. When the news that the Cup had a chance of taking place in Bermuda in 2017, we discussed what fun it would be to enjoy the racing at a place we love – and one that’s so close. Not since Newport, RI has Cup racing been within a short flight (or sail) of our region. Though we didn’t think Bermuda had much of a chance of hosting the Cup, we still made plans as one does when divvying up a yet-to-be-won lottery jackpot, with grandiose accommodations and exciting race watching. We didn’t think Bermuda would host the 35th America’s Cup, for the obvious reasons. Bermuda is a foreign country, so why would the defender, an American team representing an American yacht club, choose to bring the Cup regatta – and its potential financial windfall – there? Moreover, why choose a place with limited tourist accommodations? And why an island that is known to be costly? According to the organizing authority, Bermuda was selected for its consistent conditions, ideal spectating opportunities in and around The Great Sound and, in general, “a perfect international venue to demonstrate the excitement America’s Cup boats and teams can generate.” While Bermuda certainly has these attributes, I am sure that myriad other circumstances and factors drove the decision. Regardless of the reasons, this is where the next Cup will be held. There are already rumors of a paucity of available lodging, and those rooms that are vacant will be unobtainable for the average sailing fan – priced out of reach when one considers paying for flights, too. While I don’t think that going to see the Cup races will be inexpensive, I doubt that Bermuda, the organizing authority or any of the teams wish to race in a venue that cannot accommodate a large number of fans. Moreover, hotel rates and airfare weren’t exactly bargains when the races were held in San Francisco, and the flight time was much longer for us East Coasters! As my wife and I discussed different options for experiencing this Cup, we agreed there would likely be insufficient accommodations on terra firma for the number of race fans likely to swarm the island. But, since the America’s Cup Village will be based at the Royal Naval Dockyard, why not bring in a cruise ship as an on-site floatel? How cool would it be to wake up in the morning and walk to your window (or porthole) overlooking the village and the racing venue? We also talked about doing the Marion Bermuda Race! If race calendars align, maybe we’ll see the 2017 MBR arrive in Bermuda as the Cup Trials get underway. Why not make the MBR the largest pilgrimage of boats in the history of the race (or any race, for that matter)? Check the MBR’s new Crew Finder to get on board a boat, or start making plans now to enter your own. This could be an opportunity to check off two bucket list items at once! I say start planning to attend. If you’re willing, there will surely be a way! I hope Bermuda will provide an event that even the most skeptical devotee of the America’s Cup will be delighted with. I understand the dissatisfaction that folks may be feeling about the Cup – no matter what, someone will experience frustration with the current iteration of sporting’s oldest trophy, be it nationality issues, vessels, the cost of mounting a successful campaign, or hosting the Cup outside the defender’s country. I am eager to hear what our readers have to say as plans unfold, and equally interested in learning of the ways that people can visit Bermuda to see these races. I think if you’re going to do it, do it right. In my mind, Bermuda has the potential to beat San Francisco, Auckland, Fremantle – and yes, even Newport – as a venue. Only time will tell. And, whether you’re doing the Marion Bermuda Race or combining your Cup watching with a vacation: When the day’s racing is done and the boats are put away, you’re in Bermuda! See you on the water!
Sailing the Northeast Issue 140 Publisher Anne Hannan anne@windcheckmagazine.com Editor in Chief Christopher Gill chris@windcheckmagazine.com Senior Editor Chris Szepessy zep@windcheckmagazine.com Contributing Editor Joe Cooper coop@windcheckmagazine.com Graphic Design Kerstin Fairbend kerstin@windcheckmagazine.com Contributors Chuck Allen, Will Becchina, Joe Berkeley, Billy Black, Matthew Cohen, Brandon Cole, Walter Cooper, Captain Ed Cubanski, USCG, Arthur Daniel, Pen Duick, Dave Foster, John K. Fulweiler, Cynthia Goss, William Granruth, Fran Grenon, Matt Knighton, Matt Leduc, James Mitchell, Taylor North, PhotoBoat.com, Vin Pica, Plimoth Plantation, Alex Pugliese, Colin Rath, Melissa Ryan, Ainhoa Sanchez, Roland Skinner, Shane Smart, Stewart Thomas, Nathan Titcomb, David Watts Ad Sales Erica Pagnam erica@windcheckmagazine.com Distribution Satu Lahti, Man in Motion, Chris Metivier, Prolo Services, Rare Sales, Jack Szepessy, Urban Distribution WindCheck is a monthly magazine. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the members. WindCheck encourages reader feedback and welcomes editorial contributions in the form of stories, anecdotes, photographs, and technical expertise. Copies are available for free at 1,000+ locations (yacht clubs, marinas, marine retailers, restaurants, sailing events & transportation centers) in the Northeast. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute WindCheck should contact us at (203) 332-7639. While WindCheck is available free of charge, we will mail your copy each month for an annual mailing fee of $27. Mail payment to: WindCheck Magazine P.O. Box 195, Stratford, CT 06615 Phone: (203) 332-7639 Fax: (203) 332-7668 E-mail: contactus@windcheckmagazine.com On the web: windcheckmagazine.com WindCheck is printed on recycled paper. Member of Find us on Facebook
Contents
Editor’s Log
4
Letters
8
Checking In 10
Providence Boat Show 18
Boat Review: Alpha 42 20
Meet the Footy! 24
Captain of the Port 34
Sound Environment 36
Book Review: My Name is Luke 37
Calendar of Events 38
Tide Tables 42
Volvo Ocean Race Update 50
The Sea Dog “Worlds” 53
Coop’s Corner 56
Drone Photography 58
Comic 60
Broker Tips 61
Subscription Form 62
Brokerage 63
Classifieds 65
Advertisers Index 69
On Watch: Zack Leonard 70
Features 16 The Most Important Rule of Cruising: Let the Weather – Not Your Timetable – Determine the Schedule Last fall, the Rath family departed Stamford, CT for a worldwide cruise on their Hanse 545 Persevere. With more than seven years of planning behind, a great many miles ahead and three kids and three pets aboard, Colin Rath asserts that the safety and comfort of loved ones is a skipper’s paramount concern. 26 What’s New for 2015 There are plenty of exciting things on the horizon for Twenty-fifteen, including a new ocean racing series, a new multi-format regatta, new initiatives for both a venerable distance race and the 50th anniversary of a popular race week, the restoration of an historic ship, a gorgeous new runabout from one of our favorite boatbuilders, and more. 46 The Marion-Bermuda Race Aboard Spirit of Bermuda A National Icon of the island of Bermuda, the 112-foot Spirit of Bermuda competed in the 19th Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race. Stewart Thomas, one of 32 sailors aboard the three-masted Bermuda Sloop, recounts an unforgettable journey, and Fran Grenon provides photos from the start and finish. 52 What Happened Team Vestas Wind? A Maritime Attorney Wants to Know In the most noteworthy event thus far in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15, one of the seven teams was forced to abandon their boat after grounding on a reef in the Indian Ocean. In this month’s installment of his excellent Boating Barrister column, John K. Fulweiler, Esq. considers the incident’s legal ramifications. 54 The Newport Laser Fleet, Home of Champions Aspiring Olympian Christine Neville moved across the country so she could train with the enthusiastic Laser sailors in Newport, Rhode Island, and she’s one of many accomplished racers in Fleet 413. Joe Berkeley takes a look at what is arguably the world’s best all-around Laser fleet, and Matthew Cohen has some great photos.
On the cover: Matthew Cohen shot this photo of members of Laser Fleet 413 sailing to windward past Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport, RI. To learn more about this fierce but friendly fleet, turn to page 54. © Matthew Cohen Photography/ cohenphotography.com
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Letters An Optimistic Aftermath Editor’s note: Andrew Shemella’s article, “Gone Girl: White Knuckle Whitebread” (November 2014: Read it at windcheckmagazine.com), recounted the sinking of a boat during the 21st ‘Round the Whirl Regatta. What a great article. Very well written. I’ve found that, when engaging the elements, one has to be humble. Survival in a storm at sea, or in the Bay, is not always assured. Nature reminds us, all the time, of how vulnerable we are. Yet, with knowledge, we can survive most anything. Hey, this is what adventure is all about. The boat will be replaced. Thank God no one was lost. And congratulations on your win. Howard Marks, via email Optimistic went down about 100 yards Southeast of MOA, and that location was given to Douglas Marine. They went out on Sunday and tried to locate her by sonar. They were not successful. On Monday they brought two boats. They stretched a weighted line between the two boats and dragged the line across the bottom, starting approximately where she went down. Within 15 minutes, the line caught on something. They sent a diver over who confirmed that it was Optimistic. She was sitting upright on her keel in 50 feet of water approximately 150 yards Southeast of MOA, sails still up. The
top of the mast was only a few feet below the surface at low tide. On Monday afternoon, they returned to the site to raise her. They attached balloons to the boat and inflated them. With the weight of the boat somewhat neutralized, they were able to raise her by towing her forward. Once surfaced, they put pumps on the boat to remove the water. On Monday evening they towed the boat to Orient and on Tuesday morning they towed her to Brewer Yacht Yard. By Tuesday afternoon, Brewer had stripped the boat of its contents, including the interior floor and V-bunk plywood. They had already un-stepped the mast. Also, and importantly, they were able to start the engine and flush out the salt water. The engine will not need replacement. The boat is covered in silt below decks, but nothing that a good scrubbing won’t take care of. The boat, the mast and the rigging look structurally undamaged. Optimistic will sail again next season. Steve Weiss, Whitebread 21 Committee Chairman Andrew Shemella replies: Thanks Howard for the kind words. I’m glad my article conveyed the dual nature of adventurous undertakings to you. While I haven’t particularly liked windy sailing conditions, I find myself looking forward to the next breezy adventure. And, I’ve been following the Volvo Ocean Race and dreaming about a ride on one of those boats. All Whitebread participants cheer this good news from Steve Weiss. Willie Fisher, who was on one of the boats used to locate Optimistic with Bill Archer, the owner, recounted this anecdote: The diver came up and shouted to Bill, “Is your sail number 148?” Bill deadpanned to the diver, “No, it’s 646. Keep looking.” That’s the kind of humor that we know and appreciate Bill for. Whither the Cup? Editor’s note: The news that “Bermuda is the Home of the 2017 America’s Cup” (posted at windcheckmagazine.com) has not been universally well received. George Schuyler must be spinning in his grave. How far are they going to deviate from the original Deed of Gift? This is part of the reason the America’s Cup is a joke. The Cup was defended in San Francisco. It should be sailed there again until another yacht club based in a different city or country wins it, as was originally intended by the members of the syndicate who originally won the 100 Guinea Cup in 1851. Ed Weglein, via email Ed – A list of questionable decisions in the history of the America’s Cup would fill this magazine, although we think the action on San Francisco Bay during AC 34 was some of the most exciting sailing we’ve ever seen, and we hope Bermuda will deliver more of the same. F Send correspondence to: WindCheck Magazine, P.O. Box 195, Stratford, CT 06615 or via email at contactus@windcheckmagazine.com
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Checking In... Oakcliff Ocean Racing Team Wins Class in RORC Transatlantic Race On December 12, Oakcliff Ocean Racing Team finished first in class and second overall in the RORC Transatlantic Race. Dan Flannigan, 23, Hobie Ponting, 23, Chris Kennedy, 26 and Andrew “OD” O’Donnell, 27, completed the 3,100 nautical mile race from Lanzarote, Gran Canaria to Grenada aboard Oakcliff’s new Class40 with an elapsed time of 12 days, 13 hours, 15 minutes and 41 seconds.
Andrew O’Donnell, Dan Flannigan, Chris Kennedy and Hobie Ponting celebrate their victory in the RORC Transatlantic Race. © Puerto Calero/James Mitchell “That was epic,” exclaimed navigator Ponting at the finish. “We have crossed an ocean – the first time any of us have done it – and it feels fantastic. The last 24 hours was the hardest of all. We had very little wind and it was frustrating having spent days charging along at 20 knots. We have all worked so well together and we have finished this race better friends than we started.” Only two months ago, Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay, NY received a call that the Bodacious Racing Team in Chicago, IL wanted to donate their Class40 to Oakcliff. The detail that the boat was in Hamble, England was quickly remedied when the core of the Oakcliff Ocean Racing Team created and executed a plan that had them flying to the UK with coach Jeffrey MacFarlane, a top shorthanded sailor and an Oakcliff graduate. After taking delivery, the team sailed to the Canary Islands for the start of the race. “This is just one of the exciting and life-changing opportunities that Oakcliff is providing to hungry, young athletes who come to Oyster Bay to test themselves in the extreme world of ocean racing, the uber-competitive match racing world or to aim for the Olympics,” said Oakcliff Executive Director Dawn Riley. Applications for Oakcliff’s 2015 training programs can be found at oakcliffsailing.org. F 10 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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Checking In... Margaret Podlich is Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Margaret Podlich, President of the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), is the 2014 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year. The award, sponsored by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Boating Industry Magazine, is presented annually to an outstanding woman in the marine industry. Podlich has served in various capacities at BoatUS for 20 years. She began her career with the association in 1994, when she was recruited to run its non-profit BoatUS Clean Water Trust. In 2005, she was promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs. As President, she oversees membership activities, recruitment and retention efforts, government affairs and lobbying responsibilities, and consumer and public affairs. She is also active with the Recreational Boating Leadership Council and the American Boat & Yacht Council, currently sitting on the ABYC Board of Directors, and has served on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Advisory Council. Podlich (shown racing her Laser) was raised in a sailing family. After racing at Tulane University, she competed in several national and international events, including finishing fourth in the 2011 Rolex Women’s International Keelboat Championship. She was also a member of the three-woman Team Cronin Yngling crew that competed for a place on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team. “To be in the select group of women who have received this award before me – who build, sell, service and provide ‘homes’ to the boats that are critical to our half-million members – is very humbling,” said Podlich. “I hope the industry recognizes that today, women play a central and growing role, and can offer a valuable perspective when it comes to increasing our customer base.” The award was established in 1987 in honor of Darlene Briggs of Wayzata Marine in Wayzata, MN, the first retail marine saleswoman in Minnesota and the first female member of her state marine trades association. F
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Checking In...
Zeke Horowitz Joins North Sails
Zeke Horowitz has joined the North Sails One Design Team at the company’s flagship loft and sales office in Milford, CT, and will work closely with North One Design’s Brian Hayes and sail designer Ched Proctor. “It’s very exciting for me to welcome Zeke to our team,” said North Sails One Design president Tim Healy. “Zeke is only a few years removed from college sailboat racing, but he already boasts a tremendous resumé and his talents fit perfectly with our commitment to providing the best support and experience for our clients. Zeke will be helping sailors in many of the classes we represent and his experience and racing success in boats like the Optimist, Flying Scot, Lightning, J/70, Viper and several other classes will reinforce our support for one-design sailors.” Horowitz grew up in Sarasota, FL and began racing Optimists at age 9. Racing Optimists took him all over the world and inspired his passion for sailing and the camaraderie
that comes with the sport. He attended the College of Charleston and was team captain his senior year, leading the Cougars to their first ever ICSA Team Racing National Championship. As an assistant coach with the Yale University sailing team, he helped the Bulldogs win the ICSA Team Racing Championship and the ICSA Coed Fleet Racing Championship. He has won six national championship titles in various classes and disciplines, and he’s currently active in the national team racing circuit as well as racing J/70s, Etchells, Flying Scots, Vipers and Lightnings. “I am overwhelmingly excited to be joining the North Sails One Design Team,” said Horowitz. “It is truly humbling to be a part of such an accomplished brand amidst some of the greatest one design racers in the world. I look forward to working with this incredibly friendly and talented group of people, and to be immersed in this sport which I am so passionate about.” “North Sails is proud to add another talented sailor and coach to our team,” Healy concluded. “We look forward to working with Zeke and introducing him to North One Design customers throughout the world.” Horowitz can be reached at 203-877-7627 or zeke.horowitz@northsails.com. F
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Checking In... Kevin Dailey & Lincoln White Join McMichael Yacht Brokers McMichael Yacht Brokers has announced that Kevin Dailey and Lincoln White have joined their brokerage team. Dailey will be working out of the company’s Mamaroneck, NY office, and White will be working out of the new McMichael Essex office, located at Essex Boat Works, 9 Ferry Street, Essex, CT. Kevin Dailey began his 35 years in the marine industry as a sailmaker, and he managed the North Sails Long Island loft. As a broker with Nautor’s Swan New York, he spearheaded the Swan 42 project between Nautor and the New York Yacht Club, becoming the top Swan 42 salesman worldwide. He comes to Kevin Dailey McMichael after many years as a yacht and charter broker with Sparkman & Stephens. Lincoln White has 25 years experience running yacht club waterfront programs and coaching at sailing schools. He was the Director of Offshore Programs at the U.S. Coast Guard
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Academy, the Director of Northeast Operations for Offshore Sailing School, and most recently the Waterfront and Sailing Director at Larchmont Yacht Club. He has sailed with his clients in many international offshore regattas, weeknight races and youth competitions, and is currently active in the J/70 Class. McMichael Yacht Brokers is celebrating its 80th anniversary in the yacht brokerage and service industry. McMichael has a team of seven brokers operating out of offices in Mamaroneck, NY, Newport, RI, and a new sales and service operation in Essex, CT opening early this year. The company owns and operates two yards in Mamaroneck, offering full service for yachts up Lincoln White to 50 feet, and has partnerships with yards around the country to provide service for McMichael customers. In addition to brokerage sales, McMichael is a dealer for J Boats, MJM Yachts, Hanse Yachts (2014 Western Hemisphere Brokerage-of-the-Year), C&C Yachts, Alerion Yachts, Harbor Sailboats, EdgeWater Powerboats, and AB Inflatables. Visit mcmichaelyachtbrokers.com for more information. F
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Checking In... Bermuda is the Home of the 35th America’s Cup
The second edition of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, in which national teams (ages 19-23) race AC45 catamarans, was also confirmed in New York. The America’s Cup World Series will also return, this time in foiling AC45s. All six America’s Cup teams have been given an opportunity to host World Series events in their home countries. Visit americascup.com for more information. F
The next America’s Cup will be raced in Bermuda in June of 2017. The host venue was confirmed by Harvey Schiller, Commercial Commissioner for the America’s Cup, at a press conference in New York, NY on December 2. “In Bermuda we have a perfect international venue to demonstrate the excitement America’s Cup boats and teams can generate,” said Schiller. “The sailing conditions are near perfect. The racecourse on The Great Sound is a natural amphitheater with room for racing and spectators, amid a spectacular backdrop of islands and beaches. And the proposed America’s Cup Village at the Royal Naval Dockyard will be the heart of the event for the teams and fans alike.”
© Roland Skinner/picturesquebermuda.bm
Six teams have so far taken up the challenge of racing for the next America’s Cup, including defending champion ORACLE TEAM USA, Emirates Team New Zealand, Artemis Racing (SWE), Ben Ainslie Racing (GBR), Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA) and Team France. The Challenger series and finals will be sailed in new AC62 foiling catamarans. “Racing in Bermuda will be an incredible experience for the spectators, both on-site and for those watching the broadcast, and for the sailors, it’s going to be very challenging,” said ORACLE TEAM USA skipper Jimmy Spithill. “I’ve raced there several times and the variety of conditions means you can never let your guard down. We’ll all need to be at the top of our game to have success, and that’s how it should be.”
Morgan Wilson Joins SUNY Maritime Coaching Staff
SUNY Maritime in Throggs Neck, NY has hired Morgan Wilson as assistant coach for the Co-Ed Dinghy Sailing Team. “It is great to have Morgan on board,” said Head Sailing Coach Zach Runci. “She brings a great new positive attitude to the team.” Wilson comes to Maritime after coaching various private teams © maritimeathletics.com along the East Coast in regional and national events. A sailor since the age of seven, she put together a strong junior career that saw her finish in second place at the U.S. Sailing Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championships. The Maryland native earned her degree in International Studies from Old Dominion University in 2011. As a member of the ODU Monarchs, she qualified for the ICSA National Singlehanded Championships in each of her four seasons with the team. An avid triathlete who also competes in the local J/24 fleet, Wilson is currently pursuing a Masters in Political Science. “I’m excited to be joining the coaching staff, and really looking forward to the spring semester,” said Wilson. “I’d like to thank Zach for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the program, and look forward to contributing to the growth and success of the team.” The Maritime Privateers’ spring season resumes in mid-February. Visit maritimeathletics.com to see the schedule. F
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The Most Important Rule of Cruising: Let the Weather – Not Your Timetable – Determine the Schedule By Colin Rath Editor’s note: Last fall, the Rath family (Colin & Pam, daughters Breana, Meriel and Nerina, dog Aspen and cats Wausabi and Ginger) departed from Stamford, CT for a worldwide cruise aboard their Hanse 545 Persevere. We had been planning our exodus for over seven years, delaying the actual departure several times to make sure that we covered everything and could get away clean. I closed the family business that I had been working at for over 33 years, put my condo in Manhattan on the market, my wife Pam started teaching our three girls with Calvert Home Schooling, and we had our pets (an Alaskan Malamute dog and two American Curl cats) vaccinated for international travel. We sold everything else we owned as we progressively moved into smaller rental houses over the past four years to downsize and get the kids ready for living aboard a boat. You would not believe all the stuff you have and just store, but never actually use. The girls, age 13 and twin 9-year-olds, took junior sailing each summer to get their sea legs and lived aboard our Hanse 545 Persevere each summer in Newport, RI. We logged some miles aboard her, doing the New York Yacht Club Cruise annually, the Salty Dawg Rally from Annapolis, MD to Tortola, BVI, and a lot of local cruising. I raced Persevere in several major regattas on the East Coast to work out her quirks. We made sure the whole family was fully committed to this adventure. We didn’t want any surprises. We heard too many horror stories of families jumping aboard a boat to sail the world with little or no prep and ending up getting divorced in Bermuda. Pam and I made sure we triple-checked everything
With their departure from New York City delayed by rough weather, the Rath family decided to see the sights. © Persevere60545.com
before we departed, so we stayed out of that category. This included other details too numerous to mention, of least was preparing Persevere for world travel. We upgraded Persevere with a folding bowsprit (to save on dock fees), an extended keel (draws 9 ½ feet, helpful for transatlantic crossings), water maker, solar panels, tow generator, wind generator, a complete B&G H3000 electronic navigation system, carbon mast, a complete inventory of racing sails, and of course complete safety equipment for Category 1 racing (including two liferafts that hold a total 14 people). We also inventoried comprehensive spares of almost everything we could think of including an alternator, hoses, impellers, filters and pumps. I checked off a 7-page checklist to make sure we covered all bases before we left. Pam took several cruising seminars over the years at boat shows, where I would be selling Sailor’s Night Vision Caps to gain more knowledge and insight for our adventure. This is our trip of a lifetime – a life-changer – and there was no going back. We want to see the world with our kids while they are still young enough to enjoy it with us…hell, while Pam and I are still young enough to enjoy it. Finally we would have true independence with an open option to move anywhere we end up. This was our light at the end of a very The family started their worldwide cruise last October. © Persevere60545.com
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long dark tunnel. Our seven-year-plus plan was hatched long before that, but it became an imperative when we found ourselves living under foreclosure with multiple lawsuits in litigation, collection agencies all over us, and many millions in debt. This was the result of our multi-million dollar real estate development that collapsed in Manhattan when it came to light that our contractors had conspired to defraud us right as the financial market failed in 2007. It was our perfect storm to say the least. But, somehow, some way, Pam and I knew we could get through it, and if we did we’d better have a goal. The yacht Persevere became that goal, and with perseverance, some legal good fortune and a book deal (Green – A Manhattan Real Estate Horror Story with a Silver Lining, to be published 6/15) we resolved most of our problems and set about our disappearance. We finally made our sendoff from Stamford, CT at 6:20 am October 28, 2014, bound for New York City. The girls wanted to do one last Halloween Parade on 6th Avenue, and we wanted to say good-bye to all our friends there. The initial plan was to leave November 1 for Charleston, SC. The weather was definitely not cooperating, but we had a schedule and were anxious to finally begin our adventure. This is where the first and most important rule of cruising comes into play.
The weather determines your schedule, not your timetable.
This is especially true for an extended cruise with a family, because you don’t want your significant other or your children seasick on the first leg of a multi-year cruise. That is a big nono – bad karma in any book. Reluctantly, I took Commanders’ Weathers’ advice and motored Persevere from North Cove Marina in Manhattan to Liberty Landing in New Jersey after breaking two docklines. We became tourists, visiting the Statute
Persevere’s spectacular vinyl topside wrap was created by Bill MacGowan of Mac Designs in Newport, RI. © Persevere60545.com windcheckmagazine.com
The girls are keeping up with their studies with the Calvert Home Schooling program. © Persevere60545.com of Liberty (unbelievable security; worse than the airport and about as effective) and the Empire State Building, and taking in a show. Refreshed, we departed a cold Monday, November 3 with a narrow weather window. It was a beautiful day, blowing 20, a nice reach to Charleston. It was a little rough with six-foot seas, but OK. Tuesday, still blowing, we caught a nice tuna that we had for dinner. Then the weather began to build, with seas eight feet and blowing 30 knots. Not a happy crew. So we pulled into Beaufort, NC at 5am. Persevere tied up to a gas dock and I went to sleep. We fueled up in the morning and it was blowing 30-plus on the nose. It was a rodeo ride, up and down, crash. After six hours we pulled into Willington, NC. That was it – no more schedule. Persevere was getting beat up and everyone was nauseous. It plainly wasn’t worth it to rush to Charleston, so we anchored for the night and initiated the rule to not go unless the weather worked. This is to be a fun, enjoyable trip, not beating ourselves up to race somewhere. I can do that with my racing crew at regattas. Plus, one of the main reasons for this cruise was to get off the treadmill and enjoy life again. This is about family sailing, enjoying time traveling together, playing a game with the kids, helping them with home schooling, drawing, and sailing back to the simple things that we lost with the cell phone generation. Each of our kids got a new portable VHF as her “cell phone” for the trip, and they love them. It’s time to go back to basics. Please follow us on our Persevere Facebook page and our website, Persevere60545.com. In addition to family cruising, Persevere has a very ambitious racing schedule. After a season in the Caribbean that includes the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in March, the Raths are returning to Newport, RI in June. Their 2015 racing calendar (with additional crew) includes the NYYC RORC Transatlantic Race in July, the Rolex Fastnet Race in August, the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October, and the RORC Transatlantic Race (Lanzarote, Canary Islands to Grenada, West Indies) in November. Look for updates on Persevere’s journey in future issues of WindCheck. F WindCheck Magazine
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Visit the Providence Boat Show in January By Cynthia Goss Winter may be a good time to get your boat ready for spring, but you can also use your time off the water to get yourself ready for next season. One of your best destinations for off-season education and inspiration is the Providence Boat Show. The 22nd running of the show takes place January 23-25 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI. Show organizers at the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) and local sponsors have teamed up to create new attractions for all types of boaters—experienced racers, cruisers, fishing fans, powerboaters, and even those just taking their first steps in the sport. There isn’t a better Boatshow U to be found anywhere in New England this winter, so take advantage of the show’s expanded seminars series. The Annapolis School of Seamanship, along with sponsor Safe/Sea Marine Rescue of Rhode Island, has created a new series of boating seminars with sessions on maintaining and troubleshooting your diesel engine, stress-free docking techniques, anchoring safely in any type of setting, and more. There is also a series of sport fishing seminars coordinated by Captain Jack Sprengel. Sail America, the trade association for the U.S. sailing industry, has created a new series of premium seminars for sailors. Are you a cruiser who wants to be as self-sufficient as possible once you sail away to new waters? You’ll find sessions on splicing, marine plumbing, sail repair, and other topics. Do you have a new racer in your crew who wants to better understand the game? Bring them to an informative session on sailboat racing for the novice skipper with veteran racer Joe Cooper. Confident Captain/Ocean Pros, with sponsor Safe/Sea, is offering a premium seminar on “Women on the Water,” a twohour program taught by women for women. By now, you’re likely glued to the Volvo Ocean Race action in anticipation of the round-the-world fleet’s arrival in Newport in May. You’ll find a special Volvo Ocean Race feature at the show where you can get better acquainted with the race and get the lowdown on the Newport stopover, the only U.S. port in the race, so you can plan to meet the fleet next
Come to the Providence Boat Show to see the new Zim 15, a twoperson racing machine designed to draw 20- to 30-year-old members to your club. Photo courtesy of Zim Sailing
spring. With help from local sponsors, show organizers have added new attractions where you can connect with the aspects of boating you are most passionate about. The Washington Trust Show Pavilion—sponsored by the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of New England’s leading financial services companies—is the focal point of the show, with revolving events ranging from sea-to-table cooking demonstrations with the region’s top chefs to presentations designed to both educate and inspire. You can also meet Michael Tougias, co-author of The Finest Hours, the story of a heroic Coast Guard rescue mission that will be released as a major motion picture in 2015. New England Boating, whose television show of the same name airs on NESN, has created The New England Boating Experience, a new attraction where you can learn about all the ways you can boat in New England—from simple and affordable, to high-speed and high-tech. Also new this year is a special area for sailors, The Sailing Center, and a hub for fishing fans, Reel Island. And make sure you bring your young boaters to the Youth Boat Build, where they will meet young boat builders and have fun doing hands-on activities. And don’t miss the show’s First Annual Yacht Club Challenge; a perpetual trophy, enough Keel Vodka and pizza for your club to celebrate, and a signature Keel Vodka drink named for your club are in the offing. To find out more about the show and to purchase tickets, visit providenceboatshow.com. F
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Alpha 42 Catamaran: A cat enthusiast puts this New York-built cruiser through its paces By Will Becchina I am a Long Islander. I have sailed Long Island Sound since childhood and cruise extensively in this “Mediterranean of the East,” so when I got word of a 42-foot production catamaran being built in my backyard, I was truly intrigued. “Do you want to sail on the Alpha 42 tomorrow?” asked Gregor Tarjan, the boat’s designer. Of course, I was thrilled at the offer. Two and a half years ago, Tarjan and boatbuilder Marc Anassis consolidated their strengths to create something that many in the multihull industry thought was impossible.
The Alpha 42’s wave piercing bows slice through the water and deliver a smooth motion. © aeroyacht.com
in her chiseled lines to satisfy the most demanding go-fast sailor yet there are enough soft breaks and a stunning interior to soothe the minds of our lady partners. All shapes are easy to understand and one’s eye has an easy task of following the flow of angles and lines. Tarjan aims to completely re-interpret the modern cruising catamaran, and I believe he has made great
The boat’s crisp lines look good from any angle. © aeroyacht.com
Without outside funding or assistance, they have launched a quality cruising catamaran only an hour from New York City. Alpha Yachts, located at South Shore Boatyard in Patchogue, NY, has built two Alpha 42s and has orders for 10. “If Wally Yachts was to design a 42-foot cruising cat, this would be it,” said Tarjan. Indeed, when I set eyes on the Alpha 42 I was struck by its good looks. Most cruising cats, especially those under 42 feet, suffer from lumpy proportions, exaggerated hull heights and low bridgedeck clearances. The Alpha 42, however, is a purposeful looking yacht with enough aggression
Pros & Cons + Quality workmanship, innovative design, made in the USA. - Ill-fitted trampolines, underpowered with standard self-tacking Solent, no grab handles in companionways, limited cabin storage in the 4-stateroom charter version.
With an optional joystick or autopilot control, the expansive nav station becomes an all-weather helm. © aeroyacht.com
strides to that end. “Gregor’s hulls were the hardest ones I ever had to build and I have built more than 850 boats in 35 years,” said Anassis, who is a naval architect and engineer. Each hull has two chines that accentuate the boat’s silhouette and aggressive reverse bows. The key to Alpha Yachts’ success, Anassis explained, is their workforce, most of them professional boat builders. As we walked through the various shops and assembly buildings, he proudly explained each build process in detail. I could see the advantages of laying up a hull in a more traditional way, rather than an automated production process such as infusion. The penalty, he explained, is about 3-5% more structural weight, but the chance of delamination is completely eliminated. Alpha
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Yachts’ choice of resin is not Polyester but the much stronger Vinylester. Not a single piece of balsa is used in the hulls or decks. The hulls’ core material is Nomex honeycomb, and the decks have 1-inch thick Nydacore. Anassis says the Alpha 42 is the strongest boat he has ever built. This structural strength was proven when hull #1 survived a force 10 winter storm last January. The boat was slammed by a 40-foot rogue wave that pushed it backwards, submerging nearly half of the rear decks. The official insurance report states that the rudders were thus damaged and the boat was abandoned, but the Alpha was fully intact. Approaching the Alpha, which was tied to the dock like an eager racehorse, I admired its lines and impeccable gelcoat, although one unanswered question was troubling me: How can a 42-foot catamaran whose beam is just over 24 feet have enough bridgedeck clearance to deal with pounding seas? Anticipating the inquiry, Tarjan produced a tape measure. “Thirtyeight inches, just shy of one meter,” he called out, asserting that this is by far the highest bridgedeck of any catamaran this size. This tunnel height will go a long way to ensuring comfort in a seaway. Stepping aboard, I was greeted by the warm color of the synthetic teak decking. “It has zero maintenance,” said Tarjan. “It looks like real wood and has an added advantage that you do not have to wash the decks so often.” Entering the cockpit, I had to remind myself that this cat is only 42 feet long. The immense beam gives a sense of space of a much larger multihull. A generous U-shaped cockpit seating area has a folding teak table that can be exchanged for the saloon table and lowered to make a coffee table. To port, behind the massive stainless double helm seat, is a large lounge area. Tarjan is working on an optional “wet bar/ barbecue” module for this area, which would be ideal for charter guests. Very large cockpit drains, hidden under a beautifully crafted teak grate, will assure swift evacuation in the rare case of waves entering the cockpit. The entire aft side of the cockpit is spanned by a 22-foot by 30-inch veranda that connects the hulls, so that guests can cross between hulls without disturbing people in the cockpit. This area can also be used for water toy storage or sunbathing. Stepping onto the main deck, I walked forward windcheckmagazine.com
unencumbered by any obstructions. The hatches are flush, and the continuous handhold on the overhanging coachroof “eyebrow” gave me a sense of security. I noted an integrated water catchment system on the saloon roof, which is offered as an option. Forward is a clever trampoline seating area with enough room for two people to sleep under the stars. Steps lead up to the mast, where I observed the very thoughtfully laid out sail handling systems. Lately it seems to be fashionable to ruin a catamaran esthetic with the addition of helm station biminis – horrible-looking contraptions that some sailors nevertheless cannot do without. For these folks, Tarjan designed a forwardfolding dodger/bimini that can be deployed in seconds or folded forward. Most of the cockpit is covered by a fixed composite roof. For hotter climates, an optional “roof extension pack” shades the entire cockpit and can be enclosed with side curtains. I have sailed on many catamarans and inspected the newest models at boat shows, and cannot recall having such good visibility from the saloon in every direction, whether sitting or standing. The main deck is one of the highlights of the Alpha 42. Two sliding doors open to the main deck, creating a sizeable inside/ The galley is adjacent to outside living the cockpit. space. Part of © aeroyacht.com the galley, which The head in the owner’s is to starboard, bathroom has a composite is exposed to cover that doubles as a the cockpit, seat. © aeroyacht.com effectively becoming a bar. Guests in the cockpit will have unobstructed communications with those in the saloon. A large navigation station means business. The expansive instrument panel has a black carbon-look covering and more space for a suite of electronics than most boats I have seen. An optional joystick or autopilot control transforms this command center into a true all-weather, forward-facing helm station. The electrical panel is just as impressive, with 45 breakers. The boat has the optional courtesy lighting. Dimmable strip lights and small courtesy lights are strategically placed on the transom steps, cockpit and interior. Of course, every light fixture is a low consumption LED. The starboard hull is the owner’s suite. A queen-size double berth (with side access) is flanked by beautifully finished oak veneered cabinetwork. A long, backlit storage compartment WindCheck Magazine
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is perfectly placed along the length of the bed – a modern interpretation of a night table. Midships, a curved lounge and small desk sits opposite a wall of built-in lockers. Cleverly hidden behind the sliding companionway door is the escape hatch and a seat, under which the clothes hamper finds the perfect spot. This could also be the space for a washing machine, Tarjan explained. All the way forward is the owner’s bathroom. This is the first boat I have seen where the actual head is hidden from view. It’s cloaked by a white composite cover that hinges out of the way when the head is in use. When closed, it makes a perfect seat – why is no one else doing this? There is ample space to shower, even for tall people like me. The head compartment is lined with natural teak, while the rest of the interior has a fine oak veneer. Sail control lines are led to the helm, shown with the optional The port hull has a spacious head with separate shower windscreen and dodger/bimini. © aeroyacht.com midships. Aft is a large guest stateroom with a side access queensize bed flanked by a seat, two drawers and several lockers. Forward is another guest cabin with two lockers, a large sliding Then it was time for the turbo. Tarjan hoisted the 1,100 square drawer under the bed, and opening hatches. The view from the foot gennaker with the electric winch, the sail snapped open and hulls is spectacular. There are two opening portlights in each hull boatspeed hit a constant 9 knots in 15-17 knots of wind. This that will assure good ventilation when beautifully cut sail is made of 1.5 oz. Specifications not using the air conditioner. Forward of nylon and rolls on an endless line Facnor Length (LOA): 42’1” the hull interior are two giant sail lockers. furler from the carbon bowsprit. As the Beam (max): 24’2” On this particular boat, the port sail wind picked up to over 20 knots we Draft (foil keel): 3’6” locker has a full-length workbench. In the bore off, unfurled the self-tacking Solent (optional daggerboard): 28” up/6’8” down again and stowed the gennaker. Tacking charter version of this boat, these would Air draft (mast above water): 62’ make great skipper and crew quarters. is a breeze and the Alpha 42, at nearly (US Intracoastal Waterway capable) After casting off the lines, we headed 10 tons fully loaded, can be handled Displacement: 9.2 T out into waters off Long Island’s South like a dinghy. With a determined turn Mainsail: 569 sq. ft. Shore. The electric winch hoisted the high of the wheel, it tacks easily with no need Self-tacking Solent jib: 369 sq. ft. for backwinding, changing of sheets on aspect ratio mainsail up the Selden double Genoa: 428 sq. ft. winches, or starting the engines (as on spreader mast. The single line reefing Reacher on furler: 1,076 sq. ft. some other cats). boom, a patented Selden invention, lets Engines: (2) x 30 hp Yanmar 3YM diesel It started to rain on the way back in, you tension clew and luff of the main (40hp option) equally. This system seems simple and it and I welcomed the helm station dodger/ Concept & Interior Design: Gregor Tarjan, bimini and the clever windscreen. This works. All reefing lines, halyards, sheets Aeroyacht Ltd. and topping lift lead to a neat battery of boat has top-notch equipment including Naval Architect & Engineering: well-marked clutches within easy reach Yanmar engines, Selden mast, and Marc Anassis NA, Alpha 1 Composites of the helmsman. The lines are hidden Lewmar and Harken deck gear, and its Builder: Alpha 1 Composites, in a clever module with a fighter jet-style innovative features make it very special. Patchogue, NY windscreen. This feature will block out The Alpha 42 is built with the attention Standard sailaway price: $434,000 glare and UV damage to instruments, and to detail of much more expensive custom delivered New York will be immensely useful when beating yachts and has features normally only into a cold Atlantic gale. found in larger catamarans. Charter As we unfurled the genoa in light air the boat picked up to companies will love the oversize cockpit, deck area and spacious an easy 7-8 knots, and I immediately noticed a different motion saloon. Private owners will appreciate the quality fit and finish of compared to conventional-hulled catamarans I have sailed. The a boat that is made in America by old world craftsmen. Sailing stylishly raked wave piercing bows cut through the water with this boat into any harbor would be special, with its beautiful the softest of motions. Tarjan asked the photo boat (a heavy looks bound to draw attention. The Alpha 42 is a winner, and displacement 42-foot poweryacht) to cross our bows several may redefine how we perceive cruising catamarans. F times at high speed. The Alpha handled the resulting three-foot waves with ease, punching through them with a solid, controlled Will Becchina grew up sailing out of Smithtown and Port Jefferson on motion. I concluded that the Alpha 42 feels a bit more like a Long Island’s north shore, piloting both monohulls and a 30-foot open trimaran than a cat. Her motion is slower and less jerky, which bridgedeck catamaran. He currently enjoys cruising with his family, should be very welcome in heavy seas, especially to those with a chartering in the BVI, and assisting with the Three Village High weak stomach. School sailing team. 22 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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Meet the Footy!
This diminutive R/C boat is easy to build and transport, and racing one is more fun than dancing barefoot. By Nathan Titcomb Two years ago, I had just proposed to my wife and was looking for something that would keep me in the good graces of my future father-in-law. I was pretty sure he liked me, but having a little extra insurance could never hurt. He is an avid sailor who, with my mother-in-law, culminates each summer with a yearly cruise in and around Buzzards Bay and the Elizabethan Islands. My goal was to design and build a remote control sailboat he could carry with him aboard his Cal 33-2 to sail at the various harbors they visited. While most classes of R/C boats would fit aboard a 33-footer, I also had to make sure I stayed in the good graces of my mother-in-law; no points are earned if you inadvertently start a fight between your in-laws! The boat would need to be securely stored onboard without taking over the whole cabin. Fortunately the perfect solution existed in the Footy Class. My plan was to develop and build a boat in time for Christmas. The Footy is the smallest, in length, class of R/C boat. The class is a development rule that encourages people to think outside the box, with minimal restrictions on what a designer or tinkerer can do. To keep things competitive between boats, there is a simple set of rules that a boat needs to adhere to. Of these rules, there are only two that really define the class. First, the
Have boat, will travel. The Footy was designed to fit inside a 12” X 6” X 12” box for easy transport, either in a compact car or aboard a boat. © Nathan Titcomb
boat – including the rudder and keel – must literally fit inside an open-top box that is 12 inches long, 6 inches wide and 12 inches deep. The rig and sail(s) are not included inside the box, but the sails must be able move through the full range of motion while the boat sits in the box. The second rule states that the number of channels for the radio is limited to two. In essence, this limits the number of servos aboard the boat to two: one for the sails and one for the rudder. As a result of these rules, most boats are monohulls of between 12 inches and 14 inches in length (think diagonally). Due to the Footy’s small size, the cost to construct one is kept very reasonable. The most competitive boats are built out of balsa or molded plastic. While exotic materials like carbon are allowed, the weight benefits in this size range are non-existent. My idea for this Footy was to have a removable keel. With The Footy is a development class with few restrictions on hull shape, rig design or sail area. The author built this handsome Footy, which resembles a Class40. © Nathan Titcomb the keel removed, the boat could fit inside a cradle situated in some sort of carrying case to protect the boat while stored aboard the Cal in the quarter berth or lazarette, and to make transport to and from sailing easy. I found a plastic toolbox from a home improvement store that fit the bill. It easily contains all the parts of the boat and everything else needed to go for a sail, including the remote control. The package worked so well that I built another one for my father for his birthday, which was taken along for a six-week cruise to Maine this past summer. I have also built a few boats for myself, 24 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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which I actively race. The Footy is an international class with an active and growing community of sailors in New Zealand, the UK, Germany and the U.S., where the boat is now an official American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) class. In New England there are a handful of Footy Class races a year, mostly on the inland lakes of Connecticut and New Hampshire. I started racing Footys in May of 2013, and while I have not moved up much in the leaderboard, I have moved up in the leadership of the class. In September of 2014, I became the class secretary for the U.S. Thankfully, the former class secretary, Bill Hagerup, is not leaving the Footy class and is staying on as a terrific resource. Bill is a prolific designer whose designs have won the AMYA Region 1 (New England) Footy Championship for the past several years. Bill has been kind enough to design the easyto-build Footy (#434) pictured in this article. He and I have worked together to develop a package for a Footy for you to build and pack along, so the next time you are in your favorite harbor, be it Cuttyhunk, Mattiuck, or Tashmoo, you can bring
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The Northeast is home to an active and growing Footy fleet. This photo was taken at the Region 1 Championships in Gilford, NH. Š Nathan Titcomb
out a Footy and sail. With any luck you’ll run into someone else sailing a Footy, or at the very least I am sure you will capture the interest of more than one fellow boater. For more information including plans and build instructions, class rules, news, photos and more, visit footy.rcsailing.net. F
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What's
New for
2 015 Mystic Seaport and Plimoth Plantation Collaborating on Mayflower II Restoration Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA and Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT, both acclaimed New England history museums, have announced a collaborative project to restore and repair Mayflower II, a full-scale © Plimoth Plantation reproduction ship owned by Plimoth Plantation. The ship arrived at Mystic Seaport’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard on December14. A cohesive restoration plan will be established in conjunction with Plimoth Plantation’s Maritime Artisans Program, led by the museum’s Associate Director for Maritime Preservation and Operations, Whit Perry. Inspections in 2013 revealed that Mayflower II is in need of a major refit, which is normal for a nearly 60-year-old wooden ship. The ship arrived at Mystic Seaport in December, and a multi-year restoration, honoring the ship’s original construction and using traditional methods with the goal of restoring the ship to her original state, is now underway. “Part of our mission at Mystic Seaport is to pass on the skills and techniques of traditional shipbuilding and historic preservation to the next generation,” said Steve White, President of Mystic Seaport. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to help restore Mayflower II so she can continue to tell the story of the Pilgrims and their brave journey to America.” “Mystic Seaport is the clear choice for restoring Mayflower II,” said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth Plantation’s Executive Director. “She will be in good hands with the Museum’s skilled craftspeople and shipwrights. The staff and boards of
both museums share pride in this collaboration and profound respect for this treasured ship.” The restoration is scheduled for completion prior to 2020, the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival, and Mayflower II is available for visitors to view at Mystic Seaport throughout the restoration process. For more information, visit mysticseaport.org and plimoth.org.
Marion Bermuda Race Adds Offshore Youth Challenge, Pre-Race Yacht Rally and Crew Finder The Twentieth Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race, a 645-mile ocean race for amateur sailors from Marion, MA to St. David’s Head, Bermuda, starts Friday, June 19. For years, the Marion Bermuda © marionbermuda.com Race has financially supported youth sailing programs in North America and Bermuda. In continuing its mission to foster youth sailing, the race has added an Offshore Youth Challenge class for sailors between the ages of 16 and 23. “The Marion Bermuda Race recognizes that there is an age gap in participants of offshore racing, and understandably so,” said Ray Cullum, Marketing Chair. “It requires significant experience and financial wherewithal to participate in a major offshore event such as Marion Bermuda. We can help on the financial side by offering low cost accommodations in Bermuda, but where we can really be a factor is by promoting the Offshore Youth Challenge and convincing seasoned skippers to fill out their crew with enthusiastic, capable youth sailors. For years, the Naval Academy and Mass Maritime have fielded boats with a select group of 18- to 23-year-old sailors and done very well.” “If you belong to a yacht club or boating organization, you most likely have a pool of young sailors that would be extremely excited about sailing in an offshore race like the Marion Bermuda,” Cullum continued. “But you don’t have to belong to a sailing organization. You can put an excellent crew of young adults together from friends and family you sail with. The requirements are simple. Youth crew must be between the ages and 16 and 23 and each boat must have a minimum of four youth crew (additional requirements can be found on the Marion Bermuda website). We have already received an excellent response to the addition of the Offshore Youth Challenge, and a number of boats are ready to participate.” Special housing and dining arrangements in Bermuda will be available for youth sailors, who are encouraged to attend a safety at sea seminar as prescribed in the Notice of Race. Toward that end, race organizers are hosting a Safety at Sea Symposium
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The Xc 35, winner of SAIL Magazine’s “Best Boats 2015” and nominated for “European Yacht of the Year 2015” award in the “Luxury Cruiser” category, joins the world renowned Xcruising range. The Xc 35 is designed to offer a smoother voyage than typical performance cruisers by having a relatively heavier displacement and deeper hull sections. These deeper V-shaped hull sections help the Xc models give a more comfortable motion in large waves, especially when heading upwind under sail or engine. The Xc 35 is offered with teak on the side decks, applied with vacuum technology to ensure quality and sustained longevity. The Xc 35 offers true X-Yachts sailing qualities; the standard fittings, systems and detailing offered by X-Yachts truly set them apart from the competition. Visit rodgersyachtsales.com or call 860-536-7776 to learn more.
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The Xp 44 is the latest performance racer/cruiser from X-Yachts of Denmark. X-Yachts have utilized the latest techniques in design and construction to create Sailing World’s “2014 Boat of the Year” and one of SAIL’s “Best Boats 2014.” The latest vacuum-infused epoxy E-glass process and a carbon keel grill reduce displacement significantly while improving the strength-toweight ratio and ballast-to-displacement ratio, resulting in a faster, stiffer, more stable yacht. Owners can choose a racing or cruising package, with options including a taller carbon rig accompanied by a deeper keel, a removable carbon bowsprit, a “popup” cockpit table, and a folding bathing platform. A sliding navigation seat gives the option of having a forward-facing nav station or a full-length settee/berth with an entertainment center. The Xp 44 is available at Rodgers Yacht Sales in Noank, CT. Visit rodgersyachtsales.com or call 860-536-7776 to learn more.
WindRider RAVE V Hydrofoil Trimaran
The RAVE V from WindRider International is poised to bring high performance foiling to sailors of all abilities. This innovate craft has lightweight, durable composite construction, retractable “V” foils with sonic tubes at the tips to reduce cavitation, an A-frame rig with carbon fiber spars and dual mainsails, and comfortable face-forward seating with foot pedal steering. The RAVE V is now in pre-production, and WindRider has created a crowdfunding campaign that provides participants with a test sail, deposit on future purchase, or discounted pre-sale on the first production run. To learn more, visit fundable.com/windrider.
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and Practical Training at the University of Massachusetts in Boston on March 21 & 22. Sponsored by Kingman Yacht Center, Team One Newport, Landfall and Hinckley Yacht Services, the symposium features a very experienced group of speakers who will address topics of vital interest to all serious sailors. Also new for 2015 is a cruising yacht rally from Maine to Marion in advance of the race. Called the M2M2B, the rally will be an enjoyable and convenient way for Maine-based skippers to sail to Marion as they stage their boats for the race to Bermuda. Hosted by Harraseeket Yacht Club in South Freeport, ME and sponsored by The Hinckley Company, Points East Magazine and Brooklin Boat Yard, M2M2B begins with a welcome reception and dinner at Harraseeket YC on Sunday, June 14. Yachts will depart South Freeport on Monday, June 15 on an overnight passage to the Cape Cod Canal and onto Marion. M2M2B participants will receive special recognition at the Marion Bermuda Race welcome reception at the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion on June 18. A trophy will be awarded to the first yacht to complete the rally course on corrected time. A new Crew Finder on the race website allows sailors that want to sail in the race or on the return voyage and skippers looking for crew to exchange information. The secure database will make it easy to match crew skills (navigation, medical, etc.) and experience with the needs of the skipper. Organized and run by members of The Beverly Yacht Club, The Blue Water Sailing Club and The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, the Marion Bermuda Race is a Corinthian event, with each entry skippered by its owner and none of the crew paid to participate. It is the only ocean race that still awards a trophy for the fastest passage on corrected time by a celestially-navigated yacht. For more information, visit marionbermuda.com.
East Coast Ocean Series The organizers of three East Coast offshore races have teamed up to create an overall point standings and trophy for sailors to race from Fort Lauderdale, FL up to Newport, RI between April and June. The first event © Billy Black in the East Coast Ocean Series is the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race, which starts April 11. This leg will offer teams the option of competing in Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week (April 17-19). The second leg will be the inaugural Ocean Race North, a new offshore event from Charleston, SC to Annapolis, MD that starts May 22. The third leg is the 35th edition of the Annapolis to Newport Race, which starts June 5. To participate in the series a boat must race in all three legs,
although the same sailors do not need to be on board for all three races. A final trophy presentation and party will be held in Newport following the Annapolis to Newport Race. Signing up for the series is free, and can be completed when registering for the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race. The 408 nautical mile Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race is presented by Lauderdale Yacht Club, the Storm Trysail Club and Carolina Yacht Club. “We’re excited that with the creation of the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston race, there’s a new way to get sailors, their boats and crews to Charleston in time to enjoy Race Week,” said Race Director Randy Draftz. “The Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race is also a great first leg of the East Coast Ocean Series. The race starts the Saturday before Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week, and if you’re not keen on buoy racing you can sign up for Race Week’s Pursuit Class and of course you can then enjoy the next leg, Ocean Race North, up to Annapolis.” The middle leg of the series, Ocean Race North, is presented by Manuka Sports Event Management in Newport, RI, organizers of The Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing. “Once we decided to move The Atlantic Cup to a biennial event, we knew there would be a need for an event to bring boats north after the winter,” said Race Director Hugh Piggin, Manuka’s Co-founder and Managing Partner. “It made perfect sense to tie these three events together and create a unique series to further grow offshore racing.” Ocean Race North is open to Class40s and yachts with a current ORR certificate. Class40s, which will be sailed doublehanded, will sail a course of 473 nautical miles, while ORR boats will sail a 512 nautical mile course. Entry details and Notice of Race can be found at OceanRaceNorth.com. The 475 nautical mile Annapolis to Newport Race is hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club and Newport Yachting Center. In addition to IRC, PHRF and Double-Handed Divisions, and the Cruiser Division that was initiated in 2013, the Annapolis to Newport Race will also have a Class40 division. “Annapolis looks forward to welcoming all East Coast Ocean Series and Ocean Race North participants,” said Race Organizer Dick Neville. “Competitors planning on racing in the Annapolis to Newport Race will be hosted by members of the A2N Hospitality Committee.” Visit annapolisnewportrace.com for more information.
The Oakcliff Challenge
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Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay, NY is hosting the inaugural Oakcliff Challenge on June 12-14. “We created this as a result of the recent discussions in Scuttlebutt about the growing demand for a windcheckmagazine.com
more exciting, varied, social racing format,” said Bill Simon, Oakcliff’s Race Program Director. “We are inviting all yacht clubs, sailing centers and college sailing teams to join Oakcliff for three days of multi-format racing. This new and exciting format is a great opportunity to race the sleek Match 40 in high-intensity short course racing, and to learn and apply many of the match racing tactics that will take your fleet racing to another level.” “A one-day clinic will be run by rules and tactics expert Dave Perry to get teams up to speed in the Match 40s,” Simon continued. “Anyone who has been to a Dave Perry clinic can testify to how entertaining, educational and fun the day is. Day two will be a day of short fleet races with real-time coaching, and day three will see the champions crowned after an ISAF grade 5 match race regatta. There will be a fleet race winner, a match race winner and an overall winner. We expect a lot of fun and camaraderie, and teams are welcome to stay in Oakcliff’s new Bunkhouse and spend their evenings commingling and socializing.” To learn more or to request an invitation, contact Simon at bsimon@oakcliffsailing.org.
New Initiatives for 50th Anniversary Block Island Race Week The Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race Week XXVI will be held June 21-26 in Block Island, RI. With this iconic regatta celebrating its 50th anniversary, the organizers have implemented several new initiatives that include inviting new classes boats, growing youth participation and focusing on
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environmental awareness. “We hope to have a record turnout to mark the 50th anniversary,” said Event Chairman Peter Rugg. “We have assembled a serious A-team to manage the onwater and shoreside © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com aspects of the regatta.” With a tradition of world-class regatta management, the Storm Trysail Club is calling on the breadth and depth of its membership to make this landmark event the best one to date. Dick Neville will again serve as Principal Race Officer, while Onshore Co-Chairs John Fisher and Eric Kreuter and Administration Director Marcy Trenholm lead the shoreside efforts. A dozen other club members are handling other aspects of the regatta’s preparation. “June 2015 marks 50 years since the first Block Island Race Week was held, and the Organizing Committee is pulling out all the stops to make this iconic regatta a memorable one,” said Participation Director Joe Cooper, who will be racing his Mini 650 Bushranger in the PHRF Doublehanded class. “A very aggressive outreach to classes and individuals has resulted in registration running almost 45% ahead (39 boats at press time)
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of the same time for the 2013 regatta.” Several one-design classes are holding major championships at Race Week, including the J/109 Class (North American Championship), the J/105 Class (East Coast Championship), and the Swan 42 Class (New England Championship and qualifier for the East Coast Championship). At press time, the fast-growing J/70 Class had two entrants. Organizers are also reaching out to several other communities of sailors. The popular Doublehanded Class will return, and invitations have been sent to dedicated shorthanded boats including Class40s and Mini 650s. In the same vein, the organizers are promoting the Classics class for traditional wooden boats. Entrants in the Doublehanded and Classics classes will have one race per day around fixed marks on Block Island Sound, with distances appropriate to conditions. The Race Week committee is also organizing a number of other elements that will embrace junior and youth sailors, conservation, and care of the sea. Particulars will be announced in coming months. Conceived by Everett Morris and Jakob Isbrandtsen, Block Island Race Week was modeled on Cowes Week in Great Britain. The first Block Island Race Week, created to emphasize both sailboat racing and shoreside fun, was held in 1965. Sailed in odd-numbered year, the event has become a favorite New England summer regatta and a way to enjoy the camaraderie of sailors, family and friends. A detailed survey conducted after Race Week 2013 revealed that sailors return because it is a fun family event with great racing, and that more than 80% of participants found out about Race Week 2013 via word of mouth from their mates. For more information and to register, visit blockislandraceweek.com.
Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation Supports Safe Boating The family and friends of Emily Fedorko, a 16-yearold honor student and athlete from Greenwich, CT who lost her life in a boating accident on Long Island Sound last summer, have established a foundation in her © emsway.org memory. The Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation provides funding to support education, advocacy and awareness of boating and water sport safety for adults and children, and will also honor areas of interest in Emily’s life including gifts for academic and athletic endeavors. “Being avid boaters and a family who has grown up spending summers on the shore, we felt it was also important to honor Emily’s love for the water,” said Emily’s parents, Pam &
Joe Fedorko. “We are very grateful to our community and local businesses for their support to our family and the foundation.” Several Greenwich businesses and organizations have hosted fundraising events, and bracelets designed by the Fedorkos in Emily’s memory are available at many local retailers. The foundation will have a booth at the Progressive® New York Boat Show (January 21-25 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, NY), as well as the Norwalk Boat Show in September, to build awareness of boating safety. Plans for the spring include providing training for all ages on basic boating and towing skills. For more information including upcoming events, where to buy the Emily Bracelet, and links to boating safety tips, visit emsway.org.
New Viper 640 Class Website The Viper 640 Class Association has redesigned its website to support a modern, growing class. “From its founding, the class was launched with an interactive website that allowed our members and prospective © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com members to access information, share stories, share boat tuning tips, and engage in friendly banter on the forums,” said Viper 640 Class Administrator Buttons Padin. “The growth of the class as an international organization with fleets in Europe and Australia in addition to the USA, Canada, and Bermuda has presented us with the opportunity to upgrade our website and build a global platform.” “The new website has arrived in time for a very exciting 2015 sailing season around the world,” Padin continued. “It includes the winter series in Sarasota, FL, the EFG Viper PanAmerican Championship in March in Miami, Long Beach Race Week in California, the Euro Cup on Lake Garda, Italy, the Canadian Championship in Kingston, Ontario, a series of championship regattas in the UK, and the Viper 640 North American Championship in Larchmont, NY in October.” Visit Viper640.org for more information.
Black Rock Sailing School Adding a Facility in Warwick, RI Black Rock Sailing School has opened a new location in Warwick, Rhode Island! Located just six minutes off of I-95 and only twenty minutes from the Connecticut border, this new location at Brewer Yacht Yard - Cowesett offers instant access to the beautiful and protected waters of Narragansett Bay. With a focus on quality - not quantity, this award winning
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sailing school offers internationally recognized certifications through the American Sailing Association (ASA), as well as a sailing club fleet consisting of late model Harbor 20s, Colgate 26s, © blackrocksailingschool.com J/80s, J/105s, and Hunter 33s - with reciprocity between the school’s Massachusetts and Rhode Island locations. If you are interested in daysailing, coastal cruising, bareboat charter certification, coastal navigation, docking techniques, women’s-only classes, performance cruising, or “adventure” cruising classes along the New England coastline and beyond, then check out www.blackrocksailingschool.com to learn more about how Black Rock Sailing School has become “New England’s foremost sailing school” since opening their doors in 2008. Black Rock Sailing School will also be at the Providence Boat Show, January 23 - 25, and the New England Boat Show in Boston, MA, February 14 - 22. Stop by their booth to meet
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some of their instructors and learn more about their program. Registrations are already being accepting for the 2015 sailing season!
Destino 25 The latest modern classic runabout from the drafting table of Destino Yachts in Branford, CT is the lovely Destino 25. The new design resembles the © destinoyachts.com smaller Destino 20 in both lines, style and execution, but the new bigger version will give the owner opportunity to take friends along for cocktails, and there’s enough room forward to accommodate a head. The Destino comes standard with a built-in icebox, U-shaped seating with a lounge and cockpit cover, easy-access steps behind the helm seat, and a retractable pole for extra boarding support. It also features the usual Destino abundance of custom one-off hardware and windshield. Options include a custom made umbrella, sun pad over the aft deck, bar sink in the cockpit, full cover, trailer, transom and swim ladders, ski pole or
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a transom hook for tubing. “This is a custom made-to-order boat, so the client will have all the opportunity in the world to make it his or her own,” said master craftsman Ole Nielsen, Destino’s Founder and President. “The Volvo 380 hp V-8 engine with the duo-prop outdrive will get this baby going 40+ mph. Of course virtually any propulsion system can be installed, be that shafts, jet drive or perhaps a diesel engine. The boat will be in a cold-molded construction, and will be offered either with a painted hull or veneered with mahogany and finished off bright.” For more information, visit destinoyachts.com.
Sailo Expanding East Coast Operations
restaurants, offices and a boatyard. Plans for the boatyard, at 28 Southfield Avenue, take into account feedback from the Harbor Commission and other constituencies. The full-service boatyard © harborpt.com will have deep water slips; a 60- to 80-ton lift suitable for larger boats and a mast crane; winter storage for more than 500 boats including 154 boats on-site, 100 boats in-water on-site, and 252 boats at the additional storage facility at 205 Magee Avenue; heated indoor storage for boats for winter work; year-round repair facilities; fuel dock; laundry, showers and restrooms; snack bar; pump-out station; dinghy dock; transient dockage; paint facilities; spar storage; boat sales and brokerage; outboard and inboard engine repair and service; marine refrigeration/air conditioning service; and marine electronics sales, installation and service. In addition to the boatyard, BLT plans to restore the marina at the nearby 14-acre peninsula site at Harbor Point with 220 slips and improved public access. Seasonal and transient slips are also available at Stamford Landing, Harbor Point North Marina, Harbor Point East, and the Crab Shell restaurant. Davenport Landing will have several waterfront restaurants, and many others are located within a block of the Harbor Point Waterfront. For more information, visit harborpt.com.
Sailo, Inc., a New York, NYbased online boat rental marketplace, is expanding its operations to the entire East Coast this spring. By introducing the cultural shift from a consumer ownership society © sailo.co to a sharing society to boating, Sailo connects boat owners, renters and captains via an easy matchmaking platform. Boaters of every level of experience can view and compare boats and captains based on date, location, price, size, and user reviews, and create custom trips without any of the usual hassle. “When I first came to the US, I was amazed by how Erica Pagnam Joins WindCheck difficult it was to simply rent a boat, especially when marinas are packed with unused boats accumulating maintenance fees,” said Erica Pagnam has joined the Sailo founder and CEO Adrian Gradinaru. “Sailo makes renting WindCheck crew, and will be working on Business Development and a boat simple and seamless for everyone, whether you’re a user Advertising Sales. Born and raised going for an afternoon sail, an owner looking for a better way to in Essex, CT, Erica has deep roots in charter your boat, or a captain looking to fill your free hours.” “Sailo offers owners both a way to monetize their boats and the boating community. Her sailing peace of mind thanks to their insurance and access to licensed experience began at age 6 when her captains,” said co-founder Delphine Braas. Sailo currently has father purchased a 30-foot Hunter. boats available in New York City, New Jersey, Miami, Fort At 12, she took sailing lessons at Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Key West, with more locations Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, coming soon. Visit sailo.co for more information. CT, and during high school she worked at The Chandlery (now Brewer’s Marina) as a summer dockhand. “I was responsible for Davenport Landing to Revitalize Stamford the safe arrival of boats large and small and the general operation of the docks,” she recalls. “I was the initial liaison between Harbor’s West Branch the boater and his marina, so I took my job seriously.” Erica Building and Land Technology (BLT), the developer of graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in Harbor Point in Stamford, CT, recently unveiled plans for a Communications and started a career in media and advertising. redevelopment of a 14-acre stretch of land the company owns Having worked for 10 years at Fox and Time Inc., Erica has a along the West Branch of Stamford Harbor. Designed to increase diverse background in both sales and marketing. “I am excited public access to the Stamford waterfront, Davenport Landing to have joined WindCheck Magazine!” she enthuses. You can incorporates a mix of public spaces, residential apartments, contact Erica at erica@windcheckmagazine.com. F 32 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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From the Captain of the Port Prevention of Collision at Sea – Gee, How Does GPS Do It? By Vincent Pica District Commodore, First District, Southern Region (D1SR) United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
off Selective Availability, correctly reasoning that with nuclear weapons as powerful as they were, you didn’t exactly have to hit the White House on the roof for the bomb to be effective. The only people being disbenefited by Selective Availability were those who had paid for it – us.
How Does It Actually Work?
The easiest and most reliable measurement we can make with current technology is time itself. Everyone has heard of “atomic In 1951, a Raytheon PhD, Dr. Ivan Getting, born in New York clocks” that can measure time to within billionths of second by City in 1912, suggested to the U.S. Government that satellites counting the vibrations of the atoms themselves. So, if we put could be used for navigation and positioning. The concept was enough atomic clocks in orbit and measure the time it takes, at developed only from a laboratory standpoint for many years – the speed of light, for the signal of three of those clocks/satellites until October 4, 1957. “Sputnik” sent shock waves through the defense establishment when it became immediately apparent that to reach our $300 GPS unit in the cockpit of our boat, we must know where we are. It the Russian satellite’s is coastal piloting to radio signal was a the nth degree. Akin lighthouse in outer to using a handheld space. By 1960, compass to find the the U.S. Navy had angle from our boat a working model, to three landmarks and it went live with and drawing the “Transit” in 1965 for lines back to the boat the Polaris fleet. to find the boat’s By 1973, location relative to the Navy wanted those objects, GPS a reliable, global uses time differences system for all to do the same thing. vessels and what It can even tell your we now know as elevation, should you “GPS” was born be using a handheld in a brainstorming GPS while hiking or session at the Volvo Ocean Race skipper Ian Walker looks back as RMS Queen Mary 2 overtakes Abu hunting. But there are Pentagon over the Dhabi Ocean Racing’s Volvo Ocean 65 Azzam in the Atlantic. © Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi a couple of wrinkles Labor Day weekend. Ocean Racing in this simple model By 1978, the skeleton and it demonstrates the genius of the designers. of GPS was aloft and reached operational status with 24 satellites Forgetting about the “Doppler effect” (why a car’s horn in 1993. (There are now 31 such satellites aloft.) Around that sounds differently as it approaches and then moves away from time, the U.S. Government turned over GPS technology, that you), which is easily compensated for, the first wrinkle was we paid the estimated $12 billion it took to build, to the private thrown in by Albert Einstein. Under the Theory of Relativity, sector and said, “Have at it!” We did, and companies and objects traveling at high speeds actually distort time itself. So, divisions of even bigger companies were created. Along with the with the satellite traveling around the Earth at a distance of jobs and the benefits to so many that were derived from that act, 11,000nm twice a day, “relativistic effects” have to be accounted there came one little wrinkle – “Selective Availability.” for or the system would be absolutely useless. In fact, if it weren’t The designers of GPS noted to President Clinton that such for Einstein’s work in 1905, there would be no GPS, period. The technology could eventually be used by our enemies to target second wrinkle was cost – to us. To make the system work, all the us. “For $500, some Russian spy drives up alongside a missile clocks have to be accurate to a couple of billionths of a second of base, or the White House, and now has its exact position.” This each other. Such clocks cost about $100,000. Such an expense was deemed, “Not such a good idea…” So, the government hardly stops a government project – but all the clocks have to be intentionally degraded the quality of the system to the degree that accurate, including the one in your GPS. And the clock in that “PO’GPS” (Plain Ol’ GPS) was accurate to within roughly a your GPS is no more accurate (nor expensive) than your quartz football field. In one of his final acts as President, Clinton turned 34 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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wristwatch. So, how does it work? When my children confront me with some fantastic fact, I answer with this bit of logic: “If that were true, what else would have to be true to make it so?” This usually shortens the debate about Martians populating early Earth. But the designers of the GPS system used essentially the same logic to replace a $100,000 atomic clock with a cheap quartz wristwatch. They take the signal from a fourth satellite. If our GPS clock was as accurate as the ones in the satellites, the redundant signal from the fourth satellite should give the same position as was calculated by the other three satellites. Once the GPS knows the difference in the calculated positions, it knows the error factor built in by the cheap quartz watch and compensates for it – giving you atomic clock accuracy on your boat!
How Accurate Is It? In the days of Selective Availability, commercial GPS accuracy was good to within the length of a football field. Now, it is accurate to within 30+/- feet. How come, with all this fantastic technology, it can’t be more accurate? The answer, again, is time. Light travels at the speed of light or about one billion feet per second. This means that it travels one foot in one billionth of a second. While that is incomprehensibly fast, think of it this way. If you could drop this magazine, and then travel 10 times around the world, you’d be back just before it hit the floor – about one second later. Fast, no doubt, but now conceivable. So, every clock in the system has to be accurate to each other by that
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same one billionth of a second, or there is a built-in 1-foot error. The Department of Defense is working to get all GPS satellites accurate to each other to within a few billionths of a second on a daily basis as they pass overhead. Until then, we’ll have to be happy getting to within 10 meters of where we are on Earth! If you are interested in being part of USCG Forces, email me at JoinUSCGAux@aol.com or go direct to the D1SR Human Resources department, who are in charge of new members matters, at FSO-PS@emcg.us and we will help you “get in this thing.” F Captain Ed Cubanski is the Captain of the Port and Sector Commander for US Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. Captain Cubanski is responsible for all active-duty, reservist and auxiliary Coast Guard personnel within the Sector. Vin Pica, Commodore for the First District Southern Region in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, works closely with Captain Cubanski and his staff to promote boating safety in the waters between Connecticut, Long Island and 200 nautical miles offshore. Sector Long Island Sound Command Center can be reached 24 hours a day at 203-468-4401. Editor’s note: Weekly updates for the waters from Eastport, ME to Shrewsbury, NJ including discrepancies in Aids to Navigation, chart corrections and waterway projects are listed in the USCG Local Notice to Mariners. Log onto navcen.uscg.gov, scroll to “Current Operational/Safety Information,” click on “Local Notice to Mariners” then “LNMs by CG District,” and click on “First District.”
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Sound Environment... The Ocean and Human Health By Melissa Ryan “Simply put, human beings, and all life on Earth, depend on the ocean. Without it, we could not exist...Although recent efforts have made headway in calling attention to the need for conservation of the ocean, few efforts have stressed the human dependence on a healthy ocean system…” (Center for Health and the Global Environment, 2006) There is something about hearing the rhythmic flow of waves onto the shore and breathing salt-tinged air that inspires us to spend time on or in the ocean. The ocean drives our weather systems, is a source of oxygen, water, and nutritious foods, and even has applications to biomedicine. Blue water soothes the emotions, relaxes the mind, and invigorates the spirit. Many people feel that the ocean has unique healing qualities, even though they may not be able to explain exactly how that healing takes place. An informal study conducted at an aquarium found that only one in ten visitors could identify one way in which their health is affected by the ocean. In contrast to environmental issues, which are consistently ranked relatively low in public opinion polls, human health is often a chief public concern. Yet the public is virtually unaware that the ocean provides many positive contributions to human health. One of the most fascinating benefits is the research that is being conducted with marine organisms as they relate to biomedicine and human health. Marine organisms tend to have unique and varied mechanisms for defending themselves, whether it is by harboring toxins, or having antibiotic properties to fight bacteria and viruses in their environment. Scientists are currently studying mud puppies, fish that are highly resistant to pollutants, to see if their genetic makeup suggests ways to protect humans from pollution. Our ocean provides us with revolutionary pharmaceuticals: the cone snail produces a paralyzing toxin which is being used in modern medicine as a painkiller that is more effective than morphine, and is non-addictive. A compound found in a species of deep water sponge is being investigated as an anti-cancer treatment. We have inner ears almost identical to those of toadfish, so they are excellent research partners in studying balance. And if you’ve ever experienced an intravenous treatment at a hospital, there’s a chance that those fluids were tested for impurities by using a compound produced by the horseshoe crab. This animal is also helpful in teaching us about vision. Its eye has over 1,000 photoreceptors, which process visual information and relay it to the brain. In contrast, the human eye has only about 100 photoreceptors.
The horseshoe crab is one of many marine animals being studied by scientists with a goal of improving human health. © wildbook.files.wordpress.com
Here are some other examples of marine biomedical models: • Sea urchins are helpful in understanding cell biology. They lay an abundance of eggs, and researchers are studying how their cells divide after fertilization. The urchin is being used as a model for studying fetal alcohol syndrome in humans. • Winter flounder is being used as a model to examine how kidney cells transfer toxins from the blood into the urine for excretion. • The spiny dogfish shark is helping scientists learn more about vision and fluid formation in the eye. • The squid has a huge axon, or part of a nerve fiber, which is 1,000 times larger than axons in vertebrates. Studies on nerve conduction from the squid are forming the basis for diagnosing and treating nerve disorders in humans. This is only a small sampling of the many different marine animals that are helping us learn about ourselves and our health. The field of biomedical modeling keeps expanding, as we discover more about the ocean’s inhabitants and the similarities we share with them. Research on the connections between our health and the health of the oceans is ongoing, but one thing is certain: we know that we have barely scratched the surface of this relationship. It can be humbling to realize how much we still don’t know, and sometimes it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the numerous challenges we need to overcome to keep our ocean thriving. But we must also remember that there are many people dedicated to understanding this Ocean Planet, with the intent of managing it sustainably, and ultimately protecting it. Hopefully, the momentum of the oceans and health movement will continue, and we will come to appreciate the importance of taking care of our oceans, because they certainly take care of us. F Melissa Ryan is the Project Manager at the Ocean Technology Foundation in Mystic, CT. She can be reached at Melissa.oceantechnology@gmail.com.
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Book Review... My Name is Luke A Novel by Jim Ruddle Published by Amika Press 206 pages paperback $14.95 This reviewer is not the first to note that My Name is Luke seems cut from the same cloth as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Kidnapped or Treasure Island. Spinning a Stevenson-esque yarn with wit to rival Twain, author Jim Ruddle has created a timeless coming-of-age tale. Indeed, reviewers in the future may liken seafaring adventures written a century hence to this engaging book. Fifteen-year-old Luke Constance, well-read, worldly and wise beyond his years, tells the story. One day in 1858, while he’s asleep aboard his grandfather’s schooner in Marblehead, Massachusetts, a pair of thieves steal the ship and head out to sea. Soon after he’s discovered, Luke realizes the miscreants know much more about hijacking than sailing. With the Atlantic weather taking a turn for the worse, Luke knows that if he and the Mary Constance are to survive, he must summon all of his experience and resourcefulness.
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Jim Ruddle enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in his teens. Serving as a radio operator aboard ocean station vessels in the Atlantic and Pacific set him on a path to a career as a highly respected radio and television journalist. A longtime sailor, he lives in Rye, NY and enjoys navigating the waters of Long Island Sound and New England. My Name is Luke is his first book. The 2014 winner of the Literary Classics Silver Medal for Historic Fiction, Young Adult, My Name is Luke can be obtained through the usual online channels, and it’s available in electronic formats. You’d do well, however, to take your favorite young sailor into your favorite independent bookstore and buy a copy for him or her…and perhaps one for yourself. F
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Calendar 2015 JANUARY 1 34th Annual CPYC Hangover Bowl - Sponsored by The Boat Locker, West Marine Stamford, Rex Marine, Castle Wines & Spirits, Hathaway, Reiser & Raymond, and Ninety Nine Bottles, this regatta for intrepid Laser and Radial sailors is much more fun than watching football…and Dave Foster’s legendary chili will be served after the races. Cedar Point Yacht Club, Westport, CT; cedarpointyc.org 3 Chantey Blast & Pub Sing - Join the Mystic Seaport chantey staff and many of the finest chantey singers in the Northeast to sing maritime ballads and songs of the sea. 1- 5pm; Admission to this event, co-sponsored by the
Pinewoods Folk Music Club, is free, but donations will be accepted to support the 36th Annual Sea Music Festival at Mystic Seaport June 11-14. Frohsinn Hall (aka the German Club); Mystic, CT (across from Mystic Seaport main entrance); smf@mysticseaport.org; mysticseaport.org 8 Shoreline Sailing Club meeting - If you’re an active single over 35, this club’s activities include sailing, fishing, kayaking, dances, dockside parties, golfing, skiing and more. Meetings are held the first & third Thursdays of each month (lite bites/cash bar available); 7:30pm; Westbrook Elks Lodge, Westbrook, CT; shorelinesailingclub.com 8 Singles Under Sail meeting - SUS is a sailing club
for adults who are also single. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at various locations in Fairfield County, CT; 203-8473456; visit SinglesUnderSail.org for cruises, lectures and other special events. 10 & 11 Advanced Judge Seminar Led by Pat Healy, this seminar provides the training and test for certification as a US Sailing Judge. Manasquan River Yacht Club, Brielle, NJ; register at raceadmin.ussailing.org
© ussailing.org 11 & subsequent weekends through 4/12
Seal Spotting Cruise Study winter biodiversity aboard the Maritime Aquarium’s brand new research vessel Spirit of the Sound™, a 63-foot catamaran running quietly on hybrid-electric propulsion, while seeking out seals that winter in Long Island Sound. Passengers must be over 42” tall, and those under age 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Departure times vary according to the tides; $22.95 ($17.95 for Aquarium members); Bring binoculars and dress very warmly! Space is limited; advance reservations are strongly recommended. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700, ext. 2206; full schedule at maritimeaquarium.org 14 - 16 40th Annual Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race - Ocean sailing boats from 25 feet LOA and larger (IRC, PHRF & Multihull) are invited to compete in this event, co-hosted by Lauderdale Yacht Club and Storm Trysail Club.
Port Milford is a Friendly Full-service Marina with Slips Available for 2015! Best rates in the area. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, train station, Milford Yacht Club and beaches We fix boats from all over! Mechanical, electrical, fiberglass and paint repairs
Slips and racks available in Milford Harbor, Milford, CT. For boats 16 to 42 feet.
ll, cDo na ld, Jamie DeE tia n Tre mo, Dave M vis ris Ch : ht Rig to t From Lef Ste ve Da , Br uce Ku ry la an d Bil l Wo lf, Ray Sw ift
203-301-2222
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Fort Lauderdale, FL; Joel Bowie: 954-525-6022; Chair@keywestrace.org; keywestrace.org 15 Journey Between the Oceans: The Panama Canal - In this Mystic Seaport Maritime Author Series lecture, Adventurer and writer Niki Sepsas will share a visual journey through the canal, recounting the fascinating story of the creation of one of the manmade wonders of the world. 1:30 & 6:30pm; $20 ($15 for museum members); Latitude 41º Restaurant & Tavern, Mystic, CT; call 860-572-5331 for tickets. mysticseaport.org 16 Basic Diesel Engine Maintenance & Repair Taught by Mack Boring diesel technicians, this seminar covers diesel combustion theory, marine diesel basic operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, cooling, lubrication, fuel system and transmissions. 6 - 10pm;
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Center, New York, NY; nyboatshow.com
$125; Landfall Marine Training Center, 151 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, CT; 203-487-0775 ext 21; visit landfallnavigation.com/ mtccourse.html for full course listings. Also offered on 2/28, 3/26 & 4/16 17 - 19 LYC Olympic Classes Regatta - This regatta for 49er, 470, Laser, Laser Radial & Finn sailors is a warm up for the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami. Lauderdale Yacht Club, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; lyc.org/web/ guest/regattas 18 - 23 Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 - The 28th edition of North America’s premier winter regatta is open to boats from 23 to 72 feet, and will be the North American competition debut of the GC 32 foiling catamaran. Key West, FL; premiere-racing.com
© Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com 21 - 24 National Sailing Programs Symposium - This US Sailing event brings program directors, instructors, volunteers, parents and industry representatives together to share best practices for running, maintaining and improving sailing programs. Double Tree Hilton, New Orleans, LA; nsps.ussailing.org 21 - 25 109th Annual Progressive® New York Boat Show - This venerable show is the place to see the latest and greatest in boating. Jacob K. Javits Convention
23 - 25 22nd Annual Providence Boat Show - More than 300 powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes & inflatables will be on display at the first boat show of the year in the Northeast, along with the newest engines, electronics & accessories. Owned and operated by the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), the show showcases a broad cross-section of the Ocean State’s vibrant marine industry and career opportunities. Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI; providenceboatshow.com 24 A Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen #16 This open-mike tribute to the sea begins with a traditional Irish “Seisiún” followed by a parade of musicians, including some fiddlers and some fishermen (some are even both!) 6:30pm; $15; Common
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JANUARY Continued Fence Music, Portsmouth, RI; commonfencemusic.org 25 - 31 ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami - US Sailing’s premier event features competition among the world’s top Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls in the 470, 49er, 49erFX, Laser, Laser Radial, Finn, Nacra 17, Windsurfer, 2.4mR, SKUD-18 & Sonar. Hosted by the US Sailing Center, Miami Rowing Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club and Shake-A-Leg Miami, Coconut Grove, FL; mocr.ussailing.org
Chris Barnard © Walter Cooper/ ussailing.org 30 Winch Seminar - Ever wanted to service your winches but were afraid to take them apart? Have no fear! Bam Miller from the Oyster Bay Boat Shop will go over the basics of winch maintenance including seasonal maintenance and lubrication. Oakcliff Sailing Center, Oyster Bay, NY; Bill Simon: 516-8020368; bsimon@oakcliffsailing.org; oakcliffsailing.org 30 - 3/15 EagleWatch & Winter Wildlife Boat Cruises - Get an up-close view of majestic bald eagles on a 1.5-hour tour aboard Project Oceanology’s 65-foot Enviro-Lab III with heated cabin & ample deck area. Binoculars & coffee provided. Friday afternoons and mornings and afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays; Connecticut River Museum, 40 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
Essex, CT; Reservations are strongly suggested, and children under age 6 are not allowed on board. Call 860-767-8269 x 110 for reservations; ctrivermuseum.org
FEBRUARY 4-8 Progressive® Atlantic City Boat Show - From luxury motor and sailing yachts to sportfishers, performance boats, inflatables & personal watercraft, this show has something for every lifestyle, activity & budget. Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ; acboatshow.com 5-8 46th Annual CMTA Hartford Boat Show presented by Evinrude E-Tec - View hundreds of new powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, inflatables, engines, electronics, fishing equipment and more, along with a full schedule of boating & fishing seminars. Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT; hartfordboatshow.com 6-8 9th Annual Boatbuilders’ Show on Cape Cod Presented by the Cape Cod Marine Trades Association, “the best little boat show in the Northeast” showcases custom and limited production sailboats and powerboats in wood and fiberglass. Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, MA; boatcapecod.org
© forum.woodenboat.com 7 Near Coastal Safety@ Sea Seminar - Presented windcheckmagazine.com
by Landfall, this day-long, hands-on seminar provides both novice and experienced mariners with the skills and information needed to safely navigate coastal waters from Long Island Sound to Cape Cod and the Gulf of Maine. 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; The River Room at Latitude 41º Restaurant at Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT; landfallnavigation.com/ sasmystic.html; register at mysticseaport.org/event/ safety-at-sea-seminar. 7 3rd Annual Frost Biters Bash - This fundraising event celebrates the wonderful history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and America’s Cup competition. 6:30 -11pm; Herreshoff Museum & America’s Cup Hall of Fame, Bristol, RI; herreshoff.org 11 Maritime Author Series with Llewellyn Howland III - The author will discuss his recently published biography, No Ordinary Being: W. Starling Burgess, Inventor, Naval Architect, Aviation Pioneer, and Master of American Design. 6pm; $15 members ($20 non-member); Collections Research Center Library, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT; call 860-572-5331 for tickets; mysticseaport.org 13 and daily through 5/21 Humpback Whales This IMAX film looks at the most acrobatic of all whales, why only the males sing, and why these intelligent 50-foot, 48-ton animals migrate more
than 6,000 miles every year. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700, ext. 2206; maritimeaquarium.org 13 - 22 27th Annual Newport Winter Festival - The City by the Sea comes alive with 10 days of non-stop music, food & fun! Various venues in Newport County, RI; 401-8477666; newportevents.com/ winterfest 14 - 22 58th Annual Progressive® New England Boat Show The area’s oldest boat show offers a large selection of the newest boats, gear & gadgets, with exhibitors offering the season’s best deals. Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA; 617-472-1442; NewEnglandBoatShow.com 19 Preserved on the Mighty Waters: Exploring the Indian Mariners Project - In this Mystic Seaport Adventure Series event, Jason R. Mancini, Ph.D., senior researcher at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, will give a presentation on the hundreds of Native Americans that found work in the customs district of New London, CT. 1:30 & 7:30 pm; $15 ($20 non-members); students are admitted free. The River Room, Latitude 41° Restaurant, Mystic, CT; call 860-572-5331 for tickets; mysticseaport.org 21 The “Shocking” Truth About Your Boat’s Electrical Problems Russ Bailas of Tidewater Electronics, Inc. will discuss how to cope with shorts circuits, prevent galvanic corrosion, use a multi-meter, make a waterproof splice in 12V wire and manage your boat’s batteries, new
technologies for 12V electrical systems, and more. 10am; free; Halloween Yacht Club, Stamford CT; To assure seating, please contact in advance Bernie Weiss: 203-969-5936; CaptainBernieWeiss@Gmail. com or Ron Glassman: 203-322-0592; rlgmedia@optonline.net 21 US Sailing One-Day Race Management Seminar - Led by Matthew Hill, this seminar provides the training and test for certification as a club race officer. Bristol Yacht Club, Bristol, RI; register at raceadmin.ussailing.org 23 7th Annual RORC Caribbean 600 - Organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Antigua Yacht Club, this race covers a spectacular course that starts and finishes in Antigua, with stops in St. Martin & Guadeloupe. caribbean600.rorc.org 28 Are Our Holding Tanks Big Enough? - With federal & local regulations for overboard discharge changing again, along with techniques & technologies for monitoring trash, overboard discharge and disposables, Stamford Harbormaster Captain Eric Knott will discuss what to expect this year. 10am; free; Halloween Yacht Club, Stamford CT; To assure seating, please contact in advance Bernie Weiss: 203-969-5936, CaptainBernieWeiss@Gmail. com or Ron Glassman; 203-322-0592, rlgmedia@optonline.net Add your event to our print and online calendar by emailing to contactus@windcheckmagazine.com by the 7th of the month.
© Brandon Cole windcheckmagazine.com
WindCheck Magazine
January/February 2015 41
January 2015
These tide tables are predictions and are to be used as a reference only. The times of high and low are approximations and are affected, in part by onshore and offshore winds, full and new moons as well as changes in currents. Always use caution when entering or leaving any harbor and navigate in areas that are well marked. WindCheck assumes no liability due to the use of these tables.
Source: noaa.gov
The Battery, NY Port Washington, NY 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/16
5:03 AM 11:30 AM 5:28 PM 11:36 PM 5:56 AM 12:21 PM 6:20 PM 12:25 AM 6:43 AM 1:10 PM 7:08 PM 1:12 AM 7:26 AM 1:56 PM 7:52 PM 1:57 AM 8:06 AM 2:40 PM 8:36 PM 2:40 AM 8:46 AM 3:21 PM 9:19 PM 3:21 AM 9:26 AM 4:00 PM 10:04 PM 4:00 AM 10:06 AM 4:37 PM 10:49 PM 4:38 AM 10:46 AM 5:14 PM 11:33 PM 5:16 AM 11:27 AM 5:51 PM 12:15 AM 5:58 AM 12:06 PM 6:32 PM 12:55 AM 6:55 AM 12:47 PM 7:22 PM 1:35 AM 8:05 AM 1:31 PM 8:22 PM 2:19 AM 9:09 AM 2:23 PM 9:18 PM 3:10 AM 10:05 AM 3:26 PM 10:11 PM 4:08 AM 10:58 AM
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1/16 1/16 1/17 1/17 1/17 1/17 1/18 1/18 1/18 1/19 1/19 1/19 1/19 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/21 1/21 1/21 1/21 1/22 1/22 1/22 1/22 1/23 1/23 1/23 1/23 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/28 1/28 1/28 1/28 1/29 1/29 1/29 1/29 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/31 1/31 1/31
4:32 PM 11:03 PM 5:06 AM 11:49 AM 5:32 PM 11:54 PM 5:58 AM 12:40 PM 6:25 PM 12:46 AM 6:47 AM 1:29 PM 7:14 PM 1:38 AM 7:35 AM 2:18 PM 8:03 PM 2:29 AM 8:24 AM 3:06 PM 8:54 PM 3:19 AM 9:15 AM 3:53 PM 9:48 PM 4:10 AM 10:10 AM 4:41 PM 10:46 PM 5:03 AM 11:08 AM 5:31 PM 11:44 PM 6:00 AM 12:05 PM 6:26 PM 12:41 AM 7:04 AM 1:03 PM 7:26 PM 1:37 AM 8:12 AM 2:01 PM 8:28 PM 2:36 AM 9:17 AM 3:03 PM 9:28 PM 3:39 AM 10:16 AM 4:08 PM 10:23 PM 4:41 AM 11:10 AM 5:09 PM 11:15 PM 5:37 AM 12:01 PM 6:03 PM
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1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/16
2:32 AM 8:40 AM 3:11 PM 9:16 PM 3:27 AM 9:33 AM 4:02 PM 10:08 PM 4:18 AM 10:21 AM 4:51 PM 10:55 PM 5:06 AM 11:06 AM 5:36 PM 11:39 PM 5:50 AM 11:46 AM 6:18 PM 12:18 AM 6:29 AM 12:18 PM 6:54 PM 12:50 AM 7:02 AM 12:38 PM 7:21 PM 1:09 AM 7:20 AM 12:57 PM 7:34 PM 1:26 AM 7:41 AM 1:30 PM 7:56 PM 1:58 AM 8:16 AM 2:10 PM 8:32 PM 2:39 AM 9:01 AM 2:56 PM 9:16 PM 3:25 AM 9:53 AM 3:47 PM 10:05 PM 4:16 AM 10:50 AM 4:40 PM 10:58 PM 5:09 AM 11:52 AM 5:37 PM 11:53 PM 6:04 AM 1:16 PM 6:40 PM 12:54 AM 7:05 AM
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Bridgeport, CT 2:26 PM 7:52 PM 2:00 AM 8:07 AM 3:14 PM 8:54 PM 2:58 AM 9:02 AM 3:56 PM 9:43 PM 3:49 AM 9:52 AM 4:37 PM 10:31 PM 4:40 AM 10:42 AM 5:21 PM 11:19 PM 5:32 AM 11:32 AM 6:06 PM 12:07 AM 6:23 AM 12:23 PM 6:51 PM 12:55 AM 7:15 AM 1:13 PM 7:38 PM 1:45 AM 8:09 AM 2:06 PM 8:29 PM 2:40 AM 9:13 AM 3:05 PM 9:30 PM 3:42 AM 10:27 AM 4:16 PM 10:42 PM 4:54 AM 11:40 AM 5:34 PM 11:57 PM 6:07 AM 12:49 PM 6:50 PM 1:09 AM 7:18 AM 1:53 PM 7:59 PM 2:13 AM 8:22 AM 2:51 PM 8:58 PM 3:09 AM 9:17 AM 3:43 PM 9:50 PM
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1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/16
42 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
1:43 AM 7:56 AM 2:28 PM 8:29 PM 2:37 AM 8:48 AM 3:19 PM 9:20 PM 3:27 AM 9:37 AM 4:06 PM 10:08 PM 4:14 AM 10:22 AM 4:50 PM 10:52 PM 4:57 AM 11:05 AM 5:30 PM 11:34 PM 5:39 AM 11:46 AM 6:09 PM 12:14 AM 6:19 AM 12:26 PM 6:47 PM 12:54 AM 7:00 AM 1:06 PM 7:25 PM 1:34 AM 7:41 AM 1:48 PM 8:04 PM 2:15 AM 8:25 AM 2:31 PM 8:46 PM 2:59 AM 9:12 AM 3:17 PM 9:30 PM 3:45 AM 10:03 AM 4:07 PM 10:19 PM 4:35 AM 10:58 AM 5:02 PM 11:12 PM 5:27 AM 11:55 AM 5:59 PM 12:07 AM 6:22 AM 12:52 PM 6:56 PM 1:03 AM 7:16 AM
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1/16 1/16 1/17 1/17 1/17 1/17 1/18 1/18 1/18 1/18 1/19 1/19 1/19 1/19 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/21 1/21 1/21 1/22 1/22 1/22 1/22 1/23 1/23 1/23 1/23 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/28 1/28 1/28 1/29 1/29 1/29 1/29 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/31 1/31 1/31 1/31
1:47 PM 7:52 PM 1:58 AM 8:10 AM 2:40 PM 8:44 PM 2:51 AM 9:02 AM 3:31 PM 9:35 PM 3:42 AM 9:52 AM 4:20 PM 10:24 PM 4:33 AM 10:42 AM 5:09 PM 11:13 PM 5:24 AM 11:32 AM 5:57 PM 12:02 AM 6:15 AM 12:22 PM 6:46 PM 12:52 AM 7:08 AM 1:14 PM 7:36 PM 1:43 AM 8:03 AM 2:08 PM 8:28 PM 2:37 AM 9:01 AM 3:04 PM 9:23 PM 3:34 AM 10:02 AM 4:04 PM 10:21 PM 4:33 AM 11:05 AM 5:07 PM 11:21 PM 5:35 AM 12:09 PM 6:10 PM 12:23 AM 6:37 AM 1:11 PM 7:13 PM 1:23 AM 7:36 AM 2:09 PM 8:10 PM 2:20 AM 8:31 AM 3:01 PM 9:02 PM
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windcheckmagazine.com
January 2015
These tide tables are predictions and are to be used as a reference only. The times of high and low are approximations and are affected, in part by onshore and offshore winds, full and new moons as well as changes in currents. Always use caution when entering or leaving any harbor and navigate in areas that are well marked. WindCheck assumes no liability due to the use of these tables.
Source: noaa.gov
Fishers Island, NY 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/16
6:13 AM 12:54 PM 6:25 PM 12:54 AM 7:00 AM 1:46 PM 7:14 PM 1:45 AM 7:46 AM 2:31 PM 8:00 PM 2:31 AM 8:28 AM 3:12 PM 8:45 PM 3:13 AM 9:09 AM 3:51 PM 9:28 PM 3:52 AM 9:50 AM 4:30 PM 10:12 PM 4:33 AM 10:33 AM 5:11 PM 10:59 PM 5:17 AM 11:19 AM 5:54 PM 11:48 PM 6:05 AM 12:07 PM 6:37 PM 12:36 AM 6:54 AM 12:54 PM 7:20 PM 1:24 AM 7:43 AM 1:40 PM 8:03 PM 2:13 AM 8:35 AM 2:31 PM 8:48 PM 3:08 AM 9:31 AM 3:28 PM 9:38 PM 4:06 AM 10:28 AM 4:26 PM 10:29 PM 4:58 AM 11:21 AM 5:17 PM 11:21 PM 5:46 AM 12:14 PM
windcheckmagazine.com
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Woods Hole, MA 1/16 1/17 1/17 1/17 1/17 1/18 1/18 1/18 1/18 1/19 1/19 1/19 1/19 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/20 1/21 1/21 1/21 1/21 1/22 1/22 1/22 1/22 1/23 1/23 1/23 1/23 1/24 1/24 1/24 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/25 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/26 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/27 1/28 1/28 1/28 1/28 1/29 1/29 1/29 1/29 1/30 1/30 1/30 1/31 1/31 1/31 1/31
6:03 PM 12:13 AM 6:32 AM 1:06 PM 6:51 PM 1:06 AM 7:19 AM 1:56 PM 7:39 PM 1:59 AM 8:06 AM 2:44 PM 8:28 PM 2:49 AM 8:52 AM 3:30 PM 9:16 PM 3:38 AM 9:39 AM 4:17 PM 10:06 PM 4:30 AM 10:28 AM 5:07 PM 11:00 PM 5:27 AM 11:21 AM 6:00 PM 11:57 PM 6:27 AM 12:16 PM 6:53 PM 12:53 AM 7:27 AM 1:10 PM 7:47 PM 1:50 AM 8:28 AM 2:05 PM 8:44 PM 2:52 AM 9:32 AM 3:08 PM 9:43 PM 4:00 AM 10:36 AM 4:14 PM 10:44 PM 5:02 AM 11:36 AM 5:14 PM 11:41 PM 5:55 AM 12:32 PM 6:06 PM 12:37 AM 6:43 AM 1:25 PM 6:54 PM
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1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/12 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/16
4:48 AM 12:52 PM 4:59 PM 12:42 AM 5:39 AM 1:45 PM 5:49 PM 1:31 AM 6:27 AM 2:32 PM 6:36 PM 2:10 AM 7:12 AM 3:15 PM 7:22 PM 2:09 AM 7:56 AM 3:53 PM 8:08 PM 2:25 AM 8:40 AM 4:28 PM 8:54 PM 3:02 AM 9:24 AM 4:56 PM 9:41 PM 3:44 AM 10:09 AM 5:16 PM 10:29 PM 4:31 AM 10:53 AM 5:44 PM 11:17 PM 5:25 AM 11:37 AM 6:22 PM 12:05 AM 6:25 AM 12:20 PM 7:06 PM 12:53 AM 7:31 AM 1:05 PM 7:52 PM 1:43 AM 8:35 AM 1:53 PM 4:54 PM 6:04 PM 8:39 PM 2:37 AM 9:35 AM 2:47 PM 9:25 PM 3:33 AM 10:32 AM 3:44 PM 10:12 PM 4:27 AM
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11:29 AM 4:39 PM 11:02 PM 5:18 AM 12:25 PM 5:30 PM 11:56 PM 6:06 AM 1:20 PM 6:20 PM 12:53 AM 6:54 AM 2:11 PM 7:09 PM 1:51 AM 7:41 AM 3:01 PM 7:58 PM 2:49 AM 8:30 AM 3:49 PM 8:49 PM 3:47 AM 9:20 AM 4:39 PM 9:42 PM 4:48 AM 10:11 AM 5:32 PM 10:36 PM 5:55 AM 11:03 AM 6:29 PM 11:32 PM 7:09 AM 11:55 AM 7:31 PM 12:28 AM 8:24 AM 12:49 PM 8:35 PM 1:26 AM 9:34 AM 1:44 PM 9:39 PM 2:27 AM 10:39 AM 2:41 PM 10:42 PM 3:29 AM 11:41 AM 3:39 PM 11:44 PM 4:28 AM 12:38 PM 4:35 PM 12:41 AM 5:21 AM 1:29 PM 5:26 PM
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4:32 AM 11:17 AM 4:55 PM 10:24 PM 5:28 AM 11:59 AM 5:48 PM 11:04 PM 6:17 AM 12:37 PM 6:36 PM 11:45 PM 7:03 AM 1:09 PM 7:21 PM 12:27 AM 7:45 AM 1:38 PM 8:04 PM 1:10 AM 8:25 AM 2:09 PM 8:45 PM 1:53 AM 9:03 AM 2:41 PM 9:25 PM 2:35 AM 9:40 AM 3:14 PM 10:05 PM 3:17 AM 10:17 AM 3:48 PM 10:46 PM 3:58 AM 10:55 AM 4:23 PM 11:27 PM 4:41 AM 11:35 AM 5:02 PM 12:10 AM 5:31 AM 12:18 PM 5:47 PM 12:53 AM 6:32 AM 1:05 PM 6:41 PM 1:41 AM 7:45 AM 1:57 PM 7:41 PM 2:35 AM 8:58 AM 2:57 PM 8:43 PM 3:36 AM 9:58 AM
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WindCheck Magazine
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4:01 PM 9:41 PM 4:36 AM 10:49 AM 5:01 PM 10:34 PM 5:32 AM 11:36 AM 5:56 PM 11:25 PM 6:23 AM 12:23 PM 6:47 PM 12:16 AM 7:12 AM 1:11 PM 7:37 PM 1:09 AM 8:02 AM 1:57 PM 8:27 PM 2:01 AM 8:52 AM 2:41 PM 9:19 PM 2:53 AM 9:43 AM 3:24 PM 10:12 PM 3:44 AM 10:37 AM 4:07 PM 11:07 PM 4:38 AM 11:32 AM 4:53 PM 12:05 AM 5:46 AM 12:29 PM 5:47 PM 1:03 AM 7:51 AM 1:27 PM 6:51 PM 2:03 AM 9:15 AM 2:28 PM 8:08 PM 3:08 AM 10:16 AM 3:33 PM 9:20 PM 4:14 AM 11:06 AM 4:35 PM 10:12 PM 5:12 AM 11:47 AM 5:30 PM 10:53 PM
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January/February 2015 43
February 2015
These tide tables are predictions and are to be used as a reference only. The times of high and low are approximations and are affected, in part by onshore and offshore winds, full and new moons as well as changes in currents. Always use caution when entering or leaving any harbor and navigate in areas that are well marked. WindCheck assumes no liability due to the use of these tables.
Source: noaa.gov
The Battery, NY Port Washington, NY 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/14 2/14 2/14
12:04 AM 6:26 AM 12:48 PM 6:50 PM 12:51 AM 7:08 AM 1:33 PM 7:33 PM 1:36 AM 7:48 AM 2:14 PM 8:14 PM 2:18 AM 8:25 AM 2:54 PM 8:53 PM 2:58 AM 9:01 AM 3:31 PM 9:33 PM 3:36 AM 9:37 AM 4:05 PM 10:11 PM 4:13 AM 10:12 AM 4:38 PM 10:48 PM 4:47 AM 10:46 AM 5:06 PM 11:24 PM 5:22 AM 11:21 AM 5:32 PM 11:58 PM 6:02 AM 12:00 PM 6:02 PM 12:36 AM 7:05 AM 12:46 PM 6:56 PM 1:21 AM 8:24 AM 1:39 PM 8:26 PM 2:16 AM 9:30 AM 2:42 PM 9:36 PM 3:21 AM 10:28 AM 3:55 PM 10:36 PM
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4:30 AM 11:22 AM 5:05 PM 11:32 PM 5:33 AM 12:14 PM 6:04 PM 12:27 AM 6:28 AM 1:05 PM 6:56 PM 1:20 AM 7:19 AM 1:55 PM 7:46 PM 2:13 AM 8:09 AM 2:43 PM 8:36 PM 3:04 AM 9:00 AM 3:31 PM 9:28 PM 3:55 AM 9:54 AM 4:17 PM 10:23 PM 4:46 AM 10:50 AM 5:06 PM 11:19 PM 5:41 AM 11:47 AM 5:58 PM 12:15 AM 6:41 AM 12:44 PM 6:56 PM 1:11 AM 7:46 AM 1:41 PM 7:59 PM 2:09 AM 8:52 AM 2:41 PM 9:02 PM 3:10 AM 9:52 AM 3:44 PM 10:00 PM 4:14 AM 10:46 AM 4:46 PM 10:53 PM
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2/1 4:01 AM 2/1 10:06 AM 2/1 4:31 PM 2/1 10:37 PM 2/2 4:48 AM 2/2 10:50 AM 2/2 5:16 PM 2/2 11:20 PM 2/3 5:32 AM 2/3 11:30 AM 2/3 5:57 PM 2/3 11:57 PM 2/4 6:11 AM 2/4 12:03 PM 2/4 6:32 PM 2/5 12:27 AM 2/5 6:43 AM 2/5 12:22 PM 2/5 6:56 PM 2/6 12:40 AM 2/6 6:58 AM 2/6 12:34 PM 2/6 7:01 PM 2/7 12:54 AM 2/7 7:12 AM 2/7 1:03 PM 2/7 7:22 PM 2/8 1:24 AM 2/8 7:43 AM 2/8 1:40 PM 2/8 7:56 PM 2/9 2:03 AM 2/9 8:23 AM 2/9 2:22 PM 2/9 8:37 PM 2/10 2:47 AM 2/10 9:10 AM 2/10 3:10 PM 2/10 9:24 PM 2/11 3:35 AM 2/11 10:02 AM 2/11 4:02 PM 2/11 10:16 PM 2/12 4:28 AM 2/12 11:00 AM 2/12 4:58 PM 2/12 11:12 PM 2/13 5:25 AM 2/13 12:04 PM 2/13 5:58 PM 2/14 12:14 AM 2/14 6:26 AM 2/14 1:24 PM 2/14 7:08 PM
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2/15 1:25 AM 2/15 7:35 AM 2/15 2:40 PM 2/15 8:24 PM 2/16 2:39 AM 2/16 8:43 AM 2/16 3:32 PM 2/16 9:24 PM 2/17 3:39 AM 2/17 9:40 AM 2/17 4:19 PM 2/17 10:15 PM 2/18 4:34 AM 2/18 10:33 AM 2/18 5:06 PM 2/18 11:05 PM 2/19 5:26 AM 2/19 11:24 AM 2/19 5:52 PM 2/19 11:53 PM 2/20 6:17 AM 2/20 12:14 PM 2/20 6:37 PM 2/21 12:41 AM 2/21 7:06 AM 2/21 1:03 PM 2/21 7:23 PM 2/22 1:29 AM 2/22 7:57 AM 2/22 1:53 PM 2/22 8:12 PM 2/23 2:19 AM 2/23 8:55 AM 2/23 2:49 PM 2/23 9:09 PM 2/24 3:18 AM 2/24 10:04 AM 2/24 3:56 PM 2/24 10:20 PM 2/25 4:27 AM 2/25 11:14 AM 2/25 5:11 PM 2/25 11:35 PM 2/26 5:41 AM 2/26 12:22 PM 2/26 6:25 PM 2/27 12:46 AM 2/27 6:53 AM 2/27 1:27 PM 2/27 7:34 PM 2/28 1:51 AM 2/28 7:59 AM 2/28 2:26 PM 2/28 8:34 PM
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2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/14 2/14 2/14
44 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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1:28 AM 7:40 AM 2:11 PM 8:16 PM 2:26 AM 8:37 AM 3:06 PM 9:10 PM 3:22 AM 9:32 AM 3:57 PM 10:01 PM 4:15 AM 10:24 AM 4:46 PM 10:51 PM 5:07 AM 11:15 AM 5:35 PM 11:40 PM 5:59 AM 12:05 PM 6:23 PM 12:30 AM 6:51 AM 12:56 PM 7:12 PM 1:20 AM 7:44 AM 1:48 PM 8:03 PM 2:12 AM 8:39 AM 2:43 PM 8:57 PM 3:07 AM 9:37 AM 3:41 PM 9:54 PM 4:06 AM 10:39 AM 4:42 PM 10:55 PM 5:08 AM 11:42 AM 5:45 PM 11:59 PM 6:11 AM 12:45 PM 6:48 PM 1:01 AM 7:13 AM 1:43 PM 7:46 PM
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windcheckmagazine.com
February 2015
These tide tables are predictions and are to be used as a reference only. The times of high and low are approximations and are affected, in part by onshore and offshore winds, full and new moons as well as changes in currents. Always use caution when entering or leaving any harbor and navigate in areas that are well marked. WindCheck assumes no liability due to the use of these tables.
Source: noaa.gov
Fishers Island, NY 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/14 2/14
1:30 AM 7:29 AM 2:10 PM 7:41 PM 2:16 AM 8:11 AM 2:49 PM 8:25 PM 2:57 AM 8:51 AM 3:26 PM 9:07 PM 3:34 AM 9:30 AM 4:01 PM 9:48 PM 4:11 AM 10:11 AM 4:38 PM 10:31 PM 4:50 AM 10:53 AM 5:17 PM 11:16 PM 5:34 AM 11:38 AM 5:58 PM 12:02 AM 6:21 AM 12:23 PM 6:40 PM 12:47 AM 7:08 AM 1:06 PM 7:22 PM 1:31 AM 7:57 AM 1:50 PM 8:06 PM 2:19 AM 8:50 AM 2:41 PM 8:57 PM 3:18 AM 9:49 AM 3:42 PM 9:53 PM 4:19 AM 10:46 AM 4:41 PM 10:51 PM 5:14 AM 11:42 AM 5:33 PM
windcheckmagazine.com
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Woods Hole, MA 2/14 2/15 2/15 2/15 2/16 2/16 2/16 2/16 2/17 2/17 2/17 2/17 2/18 2/18 2/18 2/18 2/19 2/19 2/19 2/19 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/20 2/21 2/21 2/21 2/21 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/23 2/23 2/23 2/23 2/24 2/24 2/24 2/24 2/25 2/25 2/25 2/25 2/26 2/26 2/26 2/26 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/27 2/28 2/28 2/28
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2/1 2/1 2/1 2/1 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/3 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/7 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/9 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/11 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/12 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/14 2/14 2/14
6:02 AM 12:19 PM 6:18 PM 11:32 PM 6:45 AM 12:46 PM 7:01 PM 12:13 AM 7:24 AM 1:13 PM 7:41 PM 12:55 AM 8:01 AM 1:42 PM 8:19 PM 1:36 AM 8:36 AM 2:13 PM 8:55 PM 2:17 AM 9:09 AM 2:45 PM 9:31 PM 2:55 AM 9:43 AM 3:16 PM 10:07 PM 3:33 AM 10:18 AM 3:47 PM 10:44 PM 4:11 AM 10:57 AM 4:21 PM 11:26 PM 4:52 AM 11:41 AM 5:00 PM 12:11 AM 5:41 AM 12:30 PM 5:48 PM 1:00 AM 6:46 AM 1:23 PM 6:49 PM 1:56 AM 8:05 AM 2:23 PM 7:59 PM 2:59 AM 9:22 AM 3:30 PM 9:09 PM
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WindCheck Magazine
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4:07 AM 10:22 AM 4:36 PM 10:13 PM 5:08 AM 11:12 AM 5:34 PM 11:10 PM 6:03 AM 12:00 PM 6:27 PM 12:04 AM 6:54 AM 12:47 PM 7:18 PM 12:59 AM 7:44 AM 1:33 PM 8:08 PM 1:53 AM 8:34 AM 2:17 PM 8:59 PM 2:44 AM 9:25 AM 2:59 PM 9:51 PM 3:34 AM 10:17 AM 3:41 PM 10:45 PM 4:24 AM 11:11 AM 4:24 PM 11:41 PM 5:23 AM 12:07 PM 5:13 PM 12:39 AM 7:20 AM 1:05 PM 6:11 PM 1:39 AM 8:52 AM 2:04 PM 7:27 PM 2:43 AM 9:54 AM 3:08 PM 9:02 PM 3:50 AM 10:43 AM 4:12 PM 10:02 PM
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January/February 2015 45
The Marion-Bermuda Race Aboard Spirit of Bermuda
chilly. Foul weather gear, boots and gloves were required, especially because it was raining. After we motored out of the shallow Marion harbor into open water, we started the process of raising sails: mizzen main, fore main, inner jib, By Stewart Thomas mainsail, and finally the outer jib sporting Friday, June 14, a huge Bermuda 2013 – Thank you, crest. Even with Marion! With your our large crew this numerous United process takes an hour. States and Bermuda Then, as the cannon flags flying throughout sounded, we crossed town, and your the starting line under friendly hospitality, full power doing 12 you have taken great knots with high-fives care to make us all feel declaring that, after welcome. We would months of planning start the race in five and anticipation, hours. As the crew we were finally woke up on mainland racing to Bermuda! soil for the last time, We screamed down Thirty-two sailors from around the world sailed the 112-foot Spirit of Bermuda in the the weather was terrible 2013 Marion Bermuda Race. © Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon Buzzards Bay, leaving – and perfect. It was 50 New Bedford to degrees, raining, and starboard and Woods Hole to port – Martha’s Vineyard visible very windy, with gusts up to 25 mph. This was great for Spirit through the hole – last was Cuttyhunk Island left to port, and we of Bermuda, a big boat with lots of sail area, a big keel, and a big were in the North Atlantic. crew. Spirit loves a stiff breeze. Our crew has divided into two First night – The sea was confused. That precious lowwatches, and we have made some good-natured bets on which pressure system that gave us the lovely breeze, passed over us and watch can get Spirit going at top speed. Spirit slowed down. The seas, however, did not. With little wind We are prepared. Our navigator has circumnavigated the to provide direction, the North Atlantic turned into a washing globe numerous times, our sail master knows Spirit and treats machine set on high agitation. Even Spirit, weighing 120 tons, was her like a spoiled daughter, and our captain and crew know every tossed around like a cork. At one point, we stopped completely: aspect of this beautiful yacht. 0.00 knots. But this is not to say we were not moving. What we lacked in forward progress we made up in pitching fore and aft, and rolling side to side – not what we wanted. Finally, a hint of a breeze began to organize out of the north. Growing steadily, the breeze got us up and going again. After a slow jibe over to starboard tack, we rode the heavy seas down toward Bermuda, well past all sight of land. The shortest route to the finish line was to sail the rhumbline on compass heading 164 degrees. But the strategy of this race is to know when to deviate from the rhumbline to gain an advantage. The most common strategy is to sail to the Gulf Stream and ride its favorable currents and warm breezes toward Bermuda. The Stream The crew shows off the Captain Ed Williams Trophy at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. © Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon is constantly moving, changing, and shifting, requiring constant monitoring to catch it precisely. This is the primary focus of our The Spirit crew assembled at 10 am, received bunk assignments, navigator Larry Rosenfeld, who regularly downloaded updated stowed our gear, and got ready to set sail. Because of our large color maps and charts showing the Stream’s current position. number, we were “hot-bunking” (persons from different watches By sundown, we had settled into our routine. Chef Ben sharing the same bunk). Space is tight, and we brought lots of served a delicious spaghetti primavera, with fresh chopped parsley gear – not because we overpacked, but because this race demands and grated parmesan cheese. Our watches went down to four it. The first 36 hours are set in the cold Northern Atlantic still hours, with those off watch heading to the bunks for a quick rest. remembering its cold winter. The water was cold and the wind was 46 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
windcheckmagazine.com
as much as two extra knots of current to push us toward Bermuda. Now began our task of learning how to sleep amid loud noise and But while the water temperature rose from 63 to 70 degrees, constant movement. Some of us were better at it than others, but we managed. The sun set, a half-moon rose in the southeastern sky, we couldn’t quite find the sweet spot of warm water and strong a north wind blew us southward, countless brilliant stars presented current. Sunday, June 16 – Daybreak, breakfast, and another crew themselves, and the Milky Way reminded us of our tiny place in the universe. Phosphorous plankton illuminated our wake, and the change…the night was beautiful and uneventful. Because we were now on the eastern side of the Stream, the warm breeze meant occasional dolphin surfaced to greet us and escort us on our way. less foul weather gear to put on and pull off. Dolphins playfully Saturday, June 15 – It was a crystal blue day, with winds a rode our bow wake, providing a reassuring escort. A Saudi tanker steady 10 to 12 mph with an occasional whitecap. Breakfast was appeared, first on radar, then visually, off our port bow. We were pancakes, bacon, and eggs cooked to order. Spirit was cruising on a collision course, so we adjusted our waypoint to pass behind at 6 to 8 knots. We wished for more wind, but there was not a the tanker. Bearing off caused us to lose speed, but we passed safely cloud in the sky and weather reports showed nothing organizing behind the ship and resumed our course. on the horizon. So we set our course for the nearest entry point This was the best day yet. The sun passed across a nearly of the Gulf Stream and peeled off the foul weather gear to bask in cloudless sky, and the wind freshened to 15 mph, crossing directly sunshine and shorts lazily cruising toward Bermuda. across Spirit’s beam. This provided optimal conditions, and we Searching for a favorable entry point into the Gulf Stream took advantage. Spirit clocked over 10 knots on a beam reach for using multiple color maps and projections, our navigation team almost 24 hours. Assuming this beautiful weather continued, our pored over various scenarios and plotted how to take advantage of the Stream’s favorable current. The experienced crew knew that the projections had us crossing the finish line Tuesday evening. Monday, June 17 – At 3:00 am, Starboard watch had race can be won by the yacht that best solves the puzzle of the Gulf relieved Port watch and sent two crewmembers forward to stand Stream. Unfortunately, Spirit found this puzzle tough to crack. bow watch. Light cloud cover veiled the otherwise brilliant stars. The projected “knuckle” of the Stream that was to extend north Wind was a steady 12 mph and Spirit cruised along on calm seas into our waypoint never materialized. at 9 knots. We went about our morning chores, such as cleaning The weather was beautiful: not a cloud in the azure sky and the heads – some perhaps doing jobs for the first time. In the wind from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph. The Atlantic was deep afternoon, we sighted a huge U.S. Navy ship passing to our stern. blue and clear with steady seas. The spirits on Spirit were high. As the crew got to know one another better, watches settled into their The dolphins paid us another playful visit, and we sighted many man-o-war jellyfish. routine and we shared The Gulf Stream’s good-natured humor elusive currents were and cheer. Someone a distant memory, mentioned a desire for and with yesterday’s fresh fish, so we threw favorable conditions we out the fishing line. now expected to cross No bites. Chef Ben the finish line Tuesday prepared a delicious morning…much better butternut squash and than our earlier forecast. curry soup and a savory As the sun rose onion soup, which we gloriously amid light quickly devoured. We clouds that diffused the all agreed this was the rays onto an expansive best-fed crossing we sky canvas with hues could recall. Meals were of red, orange, yellow, served at watch changes, blue, and green the so 12 tired sailors came wind laid a bit as well, down from their watch The race started in blustery conditions with gusts to 25 knots. slowing Spirit to 6 knots. at once, peeling harnesses © Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon But the crew’s spirits and foulies and scurrying about. At the same time, another dozen bleary-eyed sailors crawled remained high. As our familiarity with one another increased, laughs become louder and conversations more meaningful. We out of their tight bunks, clambered about getting dressed and using the head, then scarfed down a meal before scampering up on learned each other’s tastes in music, the books each is reading, our deck. We had settled into sea life and were developing our sea legs. various sleeping habits, and who keeps a messy bunk. We knew who loses his gear and who loses his temper. We have become like Those prone to seasickness were feeling better, and we all moved a small family. Often, conversation turned to estimates of how about the ship more nimbly. much longer until we arrived in Bermuda, what time of day we The Gulf Stream is identified by its warm water and warm would cross the finish line, and what we planned to do first when breeze. And if we could enter it in the right place, it might give us windcheckmagazine.com
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January/February 2015 47
we hit dry land. A tasty adult beverage was a popular second choice. Showers were the unanimous first choice! Tuesday, June 18 – Beautiful sunrise but no wind…gorgeous clouds but no wind…lovely calm seas but…no wind! Spirit of Bermuda weighs 120 tons. She is a champion in heavy weather. She is the yacht you want when the seas are rough or the wind is high. But for the last two days, a high-pressure system over the midAtlantic had produced very little wind to drive us home. So we kept sailing – slowly; averaging about 3 to 5 knots. We were 65 nautical miles from the finish line. Our current navigation tracking software models calculated that we would reach Kitchen Shoals at around 10 pm assuming current weather projections, and much sooner if the wind increased. Spirit was in this race because Preston walked the plank. Spirit pays for its programs by hosting fundraisers, one of which is a “Walk the Plank” dinner in which our skipper, Preston Hutchings, raised lots of money for Spirit by walking the plank. Together with his friend Patrick McGee from Dallas, TX, who spends much of his summer in Bermuda, they donated the necessary funds to charter Spirit for this Marion Bermuda Race. We were competing for the Captain Ed Williams Trophy, named for the late professional captain from Bermuda who used sailing as a means of teaching. We were delighted that Captain Williams’ son Ed was a member of our crew. We were deeply grateful to Preston and Patrick for making this race possible through their generous support of Spirit of Bermuda. We come from all over the globe: Hong Kong, Dallas, Blackpool, Boston, County Cork, Paris, Lancashire, and of course, Bermuda. This diversity was enriching. We enjoyed stimulating conversations and struggled with various accents and senses of humor. Many of us had family and friends waiting anxiously in Bermuda, making our torturous pace difficult for everyone. Sailing this yacht in light air is quite difficult. Bermuda was directly into the wind and, even though this Bermuda rig was designed to go to windward, she does not perform this task as well as modern yachts. The helmsman must carefully balance a course that keeps the boat headed as close to the wind as possible without stalling Amen and Alleluia! Wind and fish! Two great things happened at the same time. First, the wind burst open, gusting up to 22 knots. We heeled over and accelerated. We were back in business and might make the finish before nightfall. Great! To top that off, the fishing line we had dragged without any luck for four days through the doldrums suddenly started to scream: Fish on! But we were moving so fast, we could not catch the fish. It simply couldn’t be dragged in…it was big. And to catch the fish, we had to stop moving. What? Now? After praying for wind for three days? Thus begat the classic conflict: fish or sail? For the first time in days, we were sailing over 8 knots. Fantastic! But we could not just cut the line. What to do: fish or sail? Some said sail on. One crew offered to buy everyone fresh sushi as soon as we landed in Bermuda if we cut the line. Others said we had to stop to land the beast. After a spirited debate, we headed into the wind and luffed the sails. For 20 minutes we intentionally stalled so we could land the fish. Finally, amid much reeling and running, shouting and advice, we pulled a 60-pound tuna onto the aft deck! We bore off, trimmed the sails, and celebrated. The sailing contingent re-plotted our course
and reset the sails. The fishing crew filleted the tuna and hosed down the deck as we anticipated fresh fish for lunch and a fine finish. Wednesday, June 19 – Having feasted on tuna tartar, tuna sashimi, seared tuna steaks, and tuna pasta with ginger soy sauce, we set our sights on our final approach to Bermuda. All signs were positive, as the wind was up and its direction called for a direct course to the finish. But this is sailing, and things happen. First, the mid-day wind dropped, slowing our progress and adding about eight hours to our estimated time of arrival. Then, the wind shifted so that the finish line was directly to windward! Recall that Spirit does not go upwind as well as modern yachts, especially in light air, so we had to beat a wide zig-zag toward the finish after dark. With the sun setting and the finish line hours away, Spirit’s spirits began to sag. Suddenly, at just the right time, Patrick performed a miracle and produced, out of nowhere, some welcome frosty beverages and snacks…just what we needed. We all cheered, paused for a fabulous team photo, and resumed our course with renewed enthusiasm. The wind increased after sundown, but we just couldn’t get to the finish line. We sailed to distant laylines, only to find them short of the mark. We tacked back and forth, searching for the finish line in the dark. Because the outer and inner jibs overlap, the outer jib must be furled each time we tack. Tacking is time consuming and labor intensive, and causes the yacht to slow to a crawl. The finish line was located between a buoy in the ocean and St. David’s Light, but there were dozens of lights in the water: boats, buoys, markers, etc., making it difficult to discern the finish line lights. We finally crossed the line at 2:43 am, concluding our race of 645 nautical miles from Marion to Bermuda. Now another race began – to clear customs. We were instructed to fly our quarantine flag and hold in St. George’s Harbor until sunup. This provided an opportunity for a champagne toast to a safe, fun, and exciting race. We had been up all night, but spirits soared as we celebrated accomplishing our goal of winning our division. We folded and flaked our sails, packed our gear, made the boat shipshape, and raised our ceremonial colors to fly throughout the week-long celebration. As dawn broke on a beautiful morning, we pulled in to Hamilton Harbor and docked at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. Loved ones greeted us with cheers, hugs, and a few tears of joy and relief. We were tired but proud. We started the race as 32 separate individuals from all over the globe. Many of us were complete strangers. We all stepped way outside our comfort zone. Just like the objective of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, we united over a common purpose. We worked together to accomplish our goal, and in the process we became a team…even more… we became a family. As we stepped off the yacht, I realized that this crew – Preston, Patrick, Alan, Larry, Karen, Ben, James, Sean, Tre, Gus, James, David, Elijah, Steve, Neil, Chris, Mark, Chris, Ed, Will, Max, Deb, Amy, Luke, William, Oliver, Dylan, Dan, Rauiri, Alistair, Willie, and Stewart – we have become the Spirit of Bermuda. F For more information on the Spirit of Bermuda and the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, visit bermudasloop.org.
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Volvo Ocean Race Update: It’s A Three-Way Tie! The third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 is now underway, and three of the seven teams are tied for first place. The 4,670 nautical mile leg, from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Sanya, China, started Saturday, January 3. It’s no surprise to find Team Brunel, skippered by Bouwe Bekking, and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (Ian Walker) at the front of the pack, but few expected to see China’s Dongfeng Racing Team in the hunt. Skippered by Frenchman Charles Caudrelier with a crew that is half Chinese and half international, Dongfeng is enjoying an excellent race, with second place finishes in Leg 1 and Leg 2. The race’s most dramatic
incident to date took place in late November. While sailing at 19 knots in the Indian Ocean, Team Vestas Wind’s Volvo Ocean 65 ran hard aground on the Cargados Carajos Shoals, approximately 230 nautical miles northeast of Mauritius. Although no one was injured, the boat’s keel and stern were
Team Brunel won the 6,125 nautical mile Leg 2 from Cape Town, South Africa to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. © Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race
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heavily damaged and the rudders were destroyed and the team was forced to abandon ship. After a successful salvage operation, the team plans to rejoin the race in June after repairing the boat. Overall Standings 1. Team Brunel 2. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 3. Dongfeng Race Team 4. Team Alvimedica 5. MAPFRE 6. Team SCA 7. Team Vestas Wind
Leg 1 3 1 2 5 7 6 4
Leg 2 1 3 2 4(RED) 4 6 8 (DNF)
…and on TV Outside Television is airing new episodes every Monday night at 10:30 (with rebroadcasts throughout that week) in addition to online coverage at OutsideTelevision.com. NBC Sports Network is airing half-hour updates at various times throughout the race. F
Total 4 4 4 9 11 12 12
It’s time to make plans for the Newport stopover! The only North American stopover in this 38,739 nautical mile ‘round the world race is in Newport, RI, from May 5-17. For more information on the Newport Destination Race Village at Fort Adams State Park and an event schedule, visit volvooceanracenewport.com. Follow the action at windcheckmagazine.com For articles, updates, twitter feeds, team info and news, visit WindCheck’s Volvo Ocean Race website at windcheckmagazine.com.
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Team Vestas Wind’s Volvo Ocean 65 sustained heavy damage in a grounding on a reef in the Indian Ocean. © Shane Smart/ Volvo Ocean Race
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The Boating Barrister What Happened Team Vestas Wind? A Maritime Attorney Wants to Know By John K. Fulweiler When I raced weekend club races, we’d sail our keeled machine in tight to the shoreline. You’d see the bottom alright, and occasionally it’d reach up and give us a thump and we’d tack away pleased we’d snuck a little more yardage out of the effort. A great aunt would thunder us kids across darkened Maine waters and nearly every time, the outboard would clunk to a stop and there’d be cursing and flashlights and flash of fillet knife as the prop was cleared. The thing is though, in those scenarios we’d invited the hazard aboard. The thump or clunk might’ve been a surprise, but the hazard itself wasn’t. I mean it’s not like we were sailing a prestigious global race and smacked into a charted reef. Uh-oh, did I offend? Sorry, folks, but I’m pretty shocked by the Team Vestas Wind grounding. Now first up, I’m more of a Joshua Slocum as opposed to a Dennis Conner, Ted Turner or Charlie Enright so there’s a certain amount of perspective I’m potentially missing which I concede. For instance, the toll on a nine-member crew punishing themselves to place well on a race that continues day in and day out is worthy of consideration and something I haven’t experienced. Still, that an endeavor of this caliber could ground itself so miserably on the shoals of disaster (all puns intended) is incredible to me. I would give my eye teeth to be involved in the forensic investigation of how Team Vestas Wind’s multimillion dollar racing yacht fetched up at speed on shoals in the middle of the Indian Ocean. My eye teeth, darn it, and I don’t even know what they are! From a liability perspective, the general maritime law of this country (which I don’t see applying in this instance) would raise two goalposts (unseaworthiness and negligence) that’d likely drive my investigatory endeavors. First, I’d want to know whether an unseaworthy condition aboard the vessel caused the grounding. An owner’s warranty of seaworthiness covers all parts of a vessel from the hull and machinery to gear and equipment. For instance, I’ve read commentary about how electronic charts may require a zooming action to fully display certain navigational hazards. If that’s the case (and I’m merely proposing the hypothetical), does that requirement rise to the level of making the vessel unseaworthy? Was this hypothetical the crux of what caused the grounding? On the negligence front, the questions pile up around me like a freshly recovered spinnaker. For instance, with respect to the electronic charts hypothetical, were there warnings accompanying these electronics and did the crew understand the
warnings? Relatedly, what sort of navigational redundancy was employed aboard? That is, was the crew using a paper chart or another navigational aid to double-check their location? I’d also be keen to know whether the weighty burden of plotting one’s way across 28.4 million miles of Indian Ocean is shouldered only by the navigator, or is there a “co-pilot” of sorts lending a second set of eyes to calculations and assumptions? I could spend a whole morning asking questions about watch standing. How does the crew aboard one of these modded sailing Hoonigans set up for watch? In the midst of all the pressures I’m sure associated with clawing your way into a good finish, is there a crewmember specifically designated to keep watch? On that point, and appreciating how the metronome sounds of wind and water at night can be almost hypnotic, I’d be deeply interested in learning whether any of the crew perceived the hazard before the grounding? If not, why not? Are these sailing steeds equipped with lowly depth sounders? Was there no warning? Look, I know asking questions from my armchair is rife for criticism, but this grounding could have ended very differently with people hurt and lives lost. Right now, it seems aside from bruised egos it’s just money that’s been lost, which presents the right circumstances for a bullish investigation. Indeed, with as much racing as there is left to do in the Volvo Ocean Race, it’d be nice to share some lessons from this incident with the rest of the fleet. Lessons, no doubt, us Joshua Slocum-like sailors might benefit from as well. This article is provided for your general information, is not legal opinion and should not be relied upon. Always seek legal counsel to understand your rights and remedies. Underway and making way.
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Admiralty attorney John K. Fulweiler, Esq. practices maritime law on the East and Gulf Coasts. As a former partner of a Manhattan maritime firm, John now helms his own practice located in Newport, Rhode Island where he helps individuals and businesses navigate the choppy waters of the maritime law. John can be reached anytime at 1-800-383-MAYDAY (6293) or via e-mail at john@fulweilerlaw.com.
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The Sea Dog “Worlds” By Taylor North
Brett Nazareth (#51) won the pin at this start, and went on to victory in the 2014 Sea Dog “Worlds.” © Chuck Allen
Narragansett Bay plays host to all types of sailboats over the course of the year; foiling catamarans, carbon racing yachts, stunning superyachts, and high performance dinghies, many sailing multiple times faster than the wind speed. However, once the weather gets cold and the big boats head south, there’s a different game in town. On Saturday, December 13, the Wickford Frostbiting Association hosted the Sea Dog “Worlds” (or Inter-Galactic Championships if you’d like to be politically correct) at the Wickford Yacht Club in Wickford, RI. (The ISAF approval for the Sea Dog is still pending.) The regatta is held annually, alternating venues between the two known Sea Dog fleets in the world, at Wickford and Sachem’s Head Yacht Club in Guilford, CT. Twenty-nine boats, including 12 that made the trip from from Sachem’s Head, were on the starting line this year, creating the largest ever pack of ‘Dogs in over 50 years of the one-design class’s existence. Wickford Harbor is a great arena for this event, and conditions were perfect for mid-December in New England: 40 degrees, bright sun, a 9- to 14-knot northwesterly and flat water. The breeze was predictably shifty and puffy, which provided many opportunities for big gains (and big losses). Throughout the day the “locals” played the left side of the course aggressively, seeking current relief. It worked. Again, and again. The “magical” left side of the course never looked particularly good from a pressure perspective and the siren’s song from the right lured the visiting sailors (and some locals, too) to that side of the course which looked great, but never paid off on the first beat. “Getting used to a two-minute starting sequence with a one-minute rule in effect was tricky at first,” said Mike Schnitt, skipper of the windcheckmagazine.com
#14 boat, “but I was able to capitalize on the apprehensiveness of the fleet [likely due to the I-Flag] and find my way to the front row every race. From there it was a drag race to the left side. Unfortunately, boat speed was a limiting factor for the #14 boat today.” The top of the fleet was regularly dominated by Wickford sailors Gordon Fletcher, Peter Green and Brett Nazareth, with Sachem’s Headers Taylor North, Mike Schnitt and Cutter Smith trying to stay with the peloton. Skip Whyte dominated the first half of the regatta, winning four of the first five races. Whyte was over early in Race 6, opening the door for the only Sachem’s Head win of the regatta. Brett Nazareth won Race 7, placing him one point out of the lead behind Whyte. Nazareth finished strong in a long final race, and in dramatic fashion, clinched the championship at the finish line off the docks of the yacht club. The Wickford fleet reclaimed the team trophy for 2014. John Stax, a staple of the Sachem’s Head fleet, is always expected to be at the top of the fleet. However, the wind and currents in Wickford Harbor proved to be a challenge for the flat-black #39 boat. A visibly rattled Stax mentioned in passing that he was taking his boat straight back to the shop for some “modifications” so that it can be ready for next season. However, his spirits were restored at the awards party. “Look at that beer selection!” he exclaimed. “And look at the all the food! This is great! What an awesome regatta. We’re going to have to step it up when we host the party next year. We can’t have the Wickford group beating us on the water and on land!” As a sponsor of the event, North Sails had Chuck Allen on the water taking photos and kindly gave away a new sail to a lucky recipient. Special thanks to WFA Commodore Nick Turcotte, Wickford Yacht Club, PRO Moose McClintock for running great races, and the WYC safety boat volunteers and party hosts. Hoping for 35 boats next year at the 2015 “Worlds” in Sachem’s Head! F This was the largest regatta in class history, with 29 ‘Dogs in the fight. © Chuck Allen
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The Newport Laser Fleet, Home of Champions By Joe Berkeley
© Matthew Cohen Photography/cohenphotography.com
Just don’t tell that to Dwight Escalera. A marine surveyor for Executive Marine Services in Wakefield, Dwight bought a Laser he found on craigslist for – and this is not a typo – $650. The powder blue yacht, named Improv, had been stored in a basement for 35 years. His sail number, 13222, is the actual hull number, which is remarkable considering that more than 200,000 Lasers have been built. Another father/son campaign is made up of Larry and Parker Colantuono. Larry is the General Manager and Vice President of Brewer Wickford Cove Marina. Parker is a freshman at Portsmouth High School whose height makes him look more like a freshman in college. Parker enjoys sailing against his dad, but even if he has a great day on the racecourse there is no trash talking in the truck on the way home. Dan Neri, the Chief Operating Officer of North Sails, is a former fleet captain and a Fleet 413 stalwart. An astute observer noted that during the season, Neri often switches between his red Zhik lifejacket and his white SLAM lifie. When asked why, Neri said, “You know how some fans wear Michael Jordan’s basketball sneakers? Well, when Scott Ferguson beats Peter Shope, I wear the Zhik lifejacket to be like Ferg. Lately, Shope has been beating Ferg so I wear the SLAM to be like Shope.” Ah, well, fans can be fickle and one can only hope that Ferg, who designed the masts for the America’s Cup winner ORACLE, won the Laser Masters Worlds twice, and was inducted into the
How far would you go to sail in Newport, Rhode Island’s Laser Fleet 413? Christine Neville moved 3,090 miles across the country. The aspiring Olympian, who stands an athletic 5’ 11” tall, enjoyed the temperate climate and spirited breeze of San Francisco, but longed for the crowded starting line of Fleet 413. “It’s the best and the most fun sailing education,” Neville said. “I learn more from racing against this fleet than anywhere else.” And it is not just aspiring Olympians who are attracted to the keen competition and 45-boat fleets. On many days, two generations of the same family compete on the same course. John Kirkpatrick is a high-school student at St. George’s School who races Radials in the summer and full rigs in the winter. A sparring partner of Christine Neville’s, John finished second in the Laser Radial Atlantic Coast Championship last summer. John often rigs up next to his Dad, Steve Kirkpatrick, a Master sailor who has won the day three weeks in a row. A graduate of the Wharton Business School, Steve finds Laser frostbiting in Newport to be “the best value in sailing.” Storage and dues are just $140 per season. Kirkpatrick was also quick to point out that gently used boats can be found for around © Matthew Cohen Photography/cohenphotography.com $2,500. 54 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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St. George’s School Hall of Fame, isn’t taking the slight personally. Ed Adams, the 1987 and ‘91 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and former Star World Champion, is no stranger to the front of Fleet 413. After racing, he is often greeted on shore by his happy Labrador retriever Bodie who is, according to Adams, “all brawn, no brains.” Adams is quick to share his top tips and insights with competitors after sailing. Mark Bear, a professor at MIT, is one of the many who has benefited from being a student of Ed’s. In 2002, Bear finished second at the Master Worlds following © Matthew Cohen Photography/cohenphotography.com numerous coaching sessions racing is proper. And when Moose is calling the shots, there is with Ed, who won the Worlds that year. Of all the sailing no grousing; respect is shown. Professor Bear does, frostbiting Lasers in Newport is his favorite. If there is a secret ingredient to the fleet’s success, it may Then there is the man of iron, nine-time Masters World well be the gathering at the International Yachting and Athletic Champion Peter Seidenberg. According to Peter, the Laser is Club after racing. Located on Thames Street, IYAC was voted a “simple, complex boat. Little adjustments can make a big Wight Vodka’s Favourite Yachting Bar in 2011 by the readers difference.” The reason he loves the Newport fleet is the racing of boats.com. As the changing facilities at Sail Newport are the offers “simple, pure, man-against-man sailing.” backseats of the sailors’ cars, the welcome at IYAC feels that Despite the presence of numerous former World Champions, much warmer, the food tastes better, and the adult beverages Olympians and collegiate All-Americans, all of the regulars cite wash away any regret from the day’s performance. the fleet captains as the reason the organization has stayed strong With the sincerity of a competitor begging for room at the over the years. This winter, Peter Shope and Jack McVicker share leeward mark, Ed Adam’s Labrador retriever Bodie looks deeply the privilege and responsibility of running the fleet. into your eyes in the hopes you might share a bite of crust. For Shope is focused on making the racing as competitive as at IYAC, salty sailors and salty dogs are all treated like family. possible. He was the Fleet Champion last season, won the Masters At the Laser Master Worlds in Hyeres, France in October, Nationals this summer and finished third at the Masters Worlds. there was some heated debate as to the location of the world’s His goal is to create a guide for running races so the quality is best Laser fleet. Those from Newport’s Fleet 413 displayed their always high and people know exactly what to do, as each weekend pride. At the same time, members of the Royal Canoe Club in a different fleet member is responsible for doing RC. Sweden stated they may well have the premiere organization. Jack McVicker, a real estate agent with Re/Max, has deep Thomas Whitmore, the only sailor who has been a member ties to the Newport community and is keen to get as many boats of both fleets, dodged the issue like a wily politician hoping out on the water as possible. He also keeps score for the season, to get votes from both sides of the debate. On the Fleet 413 which can be a daunting task. Last season, more than 77 sailors Facebook page, Whitmore wrote, “Wednesday nights are the participated in approximately 150 races. McVicker’s duty was main event at the Royal Canoe club with 50-60 boats (Lasers) made easier when local computer whiz and Laser 2 Champion on the line. It seems to be a bit different than the 413 set-up: Avram Dorfman wrote a program that simplifies the scoring one 75-minute race with a rabbit start (they have bunch of 5O5 process. world champions in the fleet and those 5O5ers love their rabbits The entire fleet is grateful for the race committee leadership starts.)” of Moose McClintock, who runs more races than anyone To join the Newport Laser fleet, visit newportlaserfleet.org. F else. A veteran of two America’s Cups as well as a world-class sailor, Moose runs perfect races. Wearing his headphones and Joe Berkeley is a member of Laser Fleet 413 and a freelance Creative sunglasses, he constantly squares up the course to make sure the Director. His work is at joeberkeley.com. windcheckmagazine.com
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Corner
Coop’s
Seamanship: A Fading Art? By Joe Cooper Years ago, I attended a presentation at which Buddy Melges was the speaker. He had just come off winning the America’s Cup and was full of that hearty Midwest “Aw, shucks” that is part of his persona. His opening statement was his classic: “Ya know, Zenda is not at the end of the world, but you can see it from there.” I was reminded of this vision in late November when it seems all the sailing world, and a reasonable portion of the non-sailing world, was watching the results of the Team Vestas Wind guys plowing into a reef, seemingly at the end of the world, or at least within sight of it. During breaks from watching this minidrama unfold and wondering what happened, I clicked over to the Route du Rhum site to see what was going on with the tailenders in this solo Transatlantic race. As it happened, the news that moment was a Class40 with a broken mast was closing in on the finish. That got my attention. It is rare today that one hears anything about sailors effecting jury-rigs after an equipment failure at sea and making it to land under their own steam. I wandered back through the sailing I had been watching over the past few years and could think of only one episode. The PUMA guys dropping the rig in the South Atlantic during the previous Volvo Ocean Race and getting to Tristan da Cunha, another vantage point for studying the end of the world. Opposite my desk is a bookshelf with about 15 feet of books on all aspects of sailing. I had a browse through the titles on the spines of my old shipmates, many from “the old days.” One of the most fascinating and telling tales is from Humphrey Barton, a Brit, a marine surveyor by trade and partner in the design firm of Laurent Giles, the go-to yacht designers in the UK in the early post-war days. Vertue 35 is a great yarn about Barton’s 1950 passage from Lymington to City Island, NY, with one crew, aboard a 25-foot boat his firm had designed in the 1930s. Today, a transatlantic passage is still nothing to be sneezed at, requiring the same level of preparedness and seamanship that
Barton and Kevin O’Riordan used in undertaking their voyage. Barton was a highly skilled sailor and seaman, yet actually writes about his own doubts of actually getting to the U.S., a remarkable fact coming from a stoic Brit. Regardless, they set of across the Western Ocean and I recommend reading Vertue 35 as a great sea story with lots of insights into how it was done back in the day. But the part that I find most fascinating is his account of weathering a hurricane while hove-to in the Gulf Stream. They were knocked over by a wave, the largish cabin windows were smashed, water poured in and the main hatch was jammed on its fittings, rendering them captive in their little boat, knee-deep in water in the midst of a storm. Barton, realizing the pressing need to do something to address the situation, crawled out through the smashed window (he was a small bloke), got the hatch sorted out and the boat stern to the waves again, and they begin to fix up the wreckage. All of which is a pretty sound bit of work, to say the least. You just do not see this kind of seamanship today. Viewed from the perspective of today’s cozy and warm bubble that we all live in, this was a remarkable achievement. Consider this 25-foot wooden boat with cotton sails, wooden spars, a towed log, no wind meters, no VHF, GPS, SSB, sat phone, flares, EPIRB, raft or fridge, and with a kerosene stove and kerosene lamps inside and out. Navigation was by sextant and DR and communication with passing ships was by Morse code using an Aldis lamp. Weather forecasting was, after they sailed out of range of BBC forecasts, by barometer and study of the clouds. Anyway, they cobbled the wreckage together and managed to finish the voyage, sailing up New York Harbor and into City Island. The little boat had no engine either. It would not surprise me to hear of someone attempting such a journey today and equipped in such a basic fashion being restrained by the Coasties for attempting a manifestly unsafe voyage. There are dozens of fairly similar stories of, mainly guys but a few women, making, in small boats, what today would be thought of as sheer suicidal voyages but which were undertaken with a type of seamanship and attitude that seems to be vanishing if not completely gone. Consider: John Guzzwell: around the world in a 20-foot boat; Hiscock: 30 feet; Bob Nance: another Vertue, doubling Cape Horn; Patrick Ellam and Colin Mudie: 19 feet; Jean Lecombe: 18 feet in the first OSTAR, upwind across the Atlantic. The list is much longer than these few examples. The rigors of the sea have not changed, so what has? One fairly regularly reads of people being plucked off their yachts for what to us ashore seem to be fairly small problems. Certainly, like the Vestas guys, if you were not there you cannot damn the actions or requests undertaken, but many of the incident reports certainly seem pretty sketchy. So back to the fellow on his Class40: He dropped his rig 370 miles from the finish in Guadeloupe. The press reports said that he had secured his boat, was preparing a jury rig and that “he made it clear he was not seeking assistance.” This was after about three weeks of sailing, including a punishing first
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week out of St. Malo that took about a third of the Class40 fleet out of the game. He managed to wash in to the finish and was not last. OK, he was second to last, but still pretty impressive in these days of calling 911 when you run out of brie. Apart from the fact he is French and they have a monopoly on solo racing, there was one other detail that gives me hope that the
Humphrey Barton School of Seamanship is not dead. Paul Hignard is 19. F Australian born, Joe ‘Coop’ Cooper stayed in the US after the 1980 America’s Cup where he was the boat captain and sailed as Grinder/ Sewer-man on Australia. His whole career has focused on sailing, especially the shorthanded aspects of it. He lives in Middletown, RI where he coaches, consults and writes on his blog, joecoopersailing. com, when not paying attention to his wife, teenage son, dog, two cats and several, mainly small, boats. True Grit: Nineteenyear-old French skipper Paul Hignard, sailing his Class40 Bruneau singlehanded in the Route du Rhum, completed the 3,542 nautical mile race under jury rig after his mast broke 370 miles from the finish. © Pen Duick
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A New Perspective to Advance Sailing By William Granruth and Alex Pugliese, Osprey Imaging Game-time footage has long given sporting teams an edge when preparing for contests and improving technique. Sailing is a sport in which drones can redefine the methods by which crews advance skills and boat performance. Defined as any remote controlled aircraft, drones were previously accessible only to military and scientific organizations. Concerns over safety and inexperienced pilots are fueling a debate over the introduction of drones into national airspace. Regardless of recent controversy surrounding these small battery powered aircraft, their cameras can provide transformational perspectives to the sailing world. Experienced pilots operate drones within close range of sailboats at speeds up to 30 knots while capturing a previously impossible viewpoint. Drones add significant value in racing applications, providing an intimate and revealing view for sailors. Teams can analyze starts, crew positioning and reaction, mark roundings, sail trim, tacking and boat handling from an angle that shows crew, sail, and boat position. The elevated vantage points are near-range, which is optimal to observe both fine detail of crew operations, while removed enough to observe the course and other boats. Reviewing high definition video recorded by
Osprey Imaging’s newest drone is an 8-rotor model. © ospreyimaging.com
drone, allows crews to see their actions precipitate within the larger context of a race. Hull speed, wind direction, and GPS coordinates can be overlaid onto video, enabling precise analysis of all racing parameters. Video is shot up to 100 frames per second — if additional detail is required, up to 6,000 still images can be extracted from one minute of video. Sailing is a classic sport, which drones elegantly display with intimate photography or cinematographic quality video. Owners can showcase their yacht with wholesome images, seizing epic moments without disrupting a race, unlike helicopters. Sailmakers and riggers are able to observe sail configurations from an aerial perspective, and identify necessary modifications. Brokers can use drones to film a revealing perspective of listed yachts in a range of settings. Yacht clubs utilize drones to document events for record, awards, distribution, and promotion.
Floating Dock Mooring Space Available in 2015 Milford Harbor, Milford, CT • Docks Secured with Helix Anchors & Seaflex Lines • Walk to Restaurants, Shops & Train Station • Dinghy Launch Area/Space Available • Boats up to 42’ • $25 per ft. for the Season • Free Pump-out Service
City of Milford Harbor Management Commission Milford Lisman Landing 203-874-1610 milfordlanding@ci.milford.ct.us 58 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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Teams can use drone footage to improve starts and mark roundings, crew work, sail trim and more. © ospreyimaging.com
Osprey Imaging’s team has logged over one thousand hours flying drones, and have an extensive record of working with the sailing community. Fully insured and experienced in a wide range of operations, we set ourselves apart through our ability to fly in challenging environments. As aviators and sailors, we are experts in flying to capture action in detail. Real-time
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high definition monitoring enables our pilot to see the aircraft’s first person view and the photographer to operate the camera with extreme precision, at a range of up to one and a half miles. Our fleet is comprised of four-, six-, and eight-rotor copters, which we use for various purposes. For close range observation, an agile drone outfitted with a high-resolution camera is preferred. Our largest drone is capable of lifting heavy cinema grade cameras. Osprey Imaging complies with FAA regulations to avoid disturbing air traffic and the general public. Safety is our primary consideration in all flight operations, which is why we constantly review weather conditions and potential hazards, and have established an emergency procedure to minimize operational risk. We are professional videographers with experience documenting regattas and showcasing vessels and yacht clubs. Though we are based in Western Long Island Sound, the mobility of our aircraft gives us global reach. We invite you to visit our website at ospreyimaging.com to view our portfolio of work, and please contact us if you would like to discuss how we capture photography and cinematography. F
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January/February 2015 59
Northeast Sailing News
Any Way You Like It!
203-332-7639 www.windcheckmagazine.com 60 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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☛ Broker Tips What Are You Considering Buying? By Matt Leduc, Latitude Yacht Brokerage, LLC You have made the jump and are looking for a boat for you and your family. You have worked hard for a long time and this is your payoff. Your broker has listened intently to your needs. You have done your homework together and have come up with a handful of boats that could be “The One.” Do you know what you should be looking for? The entire process of “looking at the boat” is very important. You must look with intent and purpose. You are looking for clues to the boat’s history. It’s nice to get as much information about the boat as possible before you go to see her. Many times the seller may be unaware of an issue, and other times the seller would rather have you try to find the problems. The data you collect should be used to assess if she is worthy of your consideration. Now, let’s go take a look. It is all about the layout. Boat building has come a long way over the years, and this evolution has made manufacturers consider the customer. It has always been and will always be about layout. Many of my customers need this advice. Many get caught up in the model number/length of a boat from a particular manufacturer. I have seen many manufacturers move a nav-station desk a certain way and, in combination with a slight move in the galley countertop, make a 36-foot boat feel bigger than the previous 38-foot model. It is amazing! The only way you will observe this is to get out on the boats and take a look for yourself. It will only take a few seconds below to find out if you like it or not. Don’t be shy. If she doesn’t fit, move on to the next boat. If you do not like the interior layout or finish, nothing else will matter. If she looks interesting, then continue. Remember, look with intent and purpose. The first thing I like to do when I’m with a client is to look at the boat from a distance, ideally from as far away from the boat as possible. Stand forward of the bow and look down her centerline. Look for symmetry. Anything out of balance could be a sign of an issue. Keep in mind, you are looking for clues to an issue that the boat has had in her past. It could be nothing, or it could take you down a path for more information. Make your way closer to the hull, looking down the topsides. You will always see some nicks and dings, but you should be looking for cracks, crazing or blisters. These are the issues that could cause the biggest concern. Then, make your way aft and look at the running gear. Check the strut, cutless bearing, shaft, zincs, rudder and rudder bearing. All of these items tend to come up in a survey once in a while. These items need periodic attention during the boat’s life, windcheckmagazine.com
and you may need to budget for maintaining or replacing any or all of these within the timeframe of your ownership. The biggest one of the group is the rudder. An extremely high percentage of all rudders in your marina have a moisture or delamination issue. It is very common issue with fiberglass rudders, and you may need to deal with this. The deck is the make-or-break point for a boat. If the deck has a high moisture reading on a moisture meter and/ or is delaminated in high-stress areas, there is a problem. You may not want to deal with it. On older boats, elevated moisture readings or delamination become more common. When dealing with this type of issue the question then becomes location and size. Many times, moisture or delamination is in an area of low stress. In that case, it should be monitored throughout your ownership. Of higher concern are high-stress areas such as chainplates, mast bases, stanchions or the windlass. The good news is that on a fiberglass boat most of these issues can be repaired to be just as good as new. When inspecting storage compartments, look not only at the storage space but also the tabbing. The tabbing is the 2- to 3-inch tape that holds the interior parts to the hull. Does it look cracked or coming up in areas? If so, it could be a clue to an issue. Compartments are another area that could hide signs of an active or old leak. Get into the bilge – How does it look? Look at the tabbing, keel bolts, wiring and plumbing runs. Systems investigation may be tricky. In the Northeast, the biggest buying time is in the late winter and spring, when most boats are out of the water. Most of the systems analysis will be done at the time of the survey. The survey will only be done after you have already seen the boat and agreed upon the price. How do you account for systems issues before the survey? You must ask questions of the seller. Get as much information out on the table before you negotiate the price. All of the 12V and 110V systems should be tested at the time of the survey. What about the water systems? If you’re selling your boat and choose to test a system for a buyer or surveyor, you will be required to re-winterize any system that you decommission. Many times these systems will be covered in a decommissioning escrow that will be held back at the time of closing. Talk to your broker about the details of the escrow hold back. This is a very brief description of what you may encounter during your purchase process. You may buy and sell a handful of boats in your lifetime. Every one of them is a great investment of time and money. Your Latitude Yacht Broker can sell as many as 30 boats per year. The above advice is a sampling of what our experienced brokers can provide as we guide you through the process, assist in looking at a boat, and manage the transaction and closing. F Matt Leduc is a yacht broker with Latitude Yacht Brokerage, LLC in Jamestown, RI.
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January/February 2015 61
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631-421-3400 Family Owned & Operated Yacht Sales, Service, Storage, Slips & Moorings Since 1975 SELECT SAILBOAT LISTINGS
22’ 1963 Pearson Ensign 30'
1984 S2 9.2
$ 1,200 22,500
30' 1983 Sabre 30
24,900
31'
1989 Tartan 31
47,900
33’ 2000 Beneteau 331
72,000
34’ 2002 Catalina 34
79,900
34'
29,500
1985 Hunter 34
34' 1993 J/105
82,900
34' 2007 Beneteau 343
99,000
36' 1993 Sabre 362
129,900
37’ 1983 C&C 37
37,900
37.5' 1994 Hunter Legend
67,500
38’ 1990 Ericson 38-200
64,900
38' 2008 Hunter
124,900
40' 2004 Catalina 400 MKII
195,000
41’ 2008 Tartan 4100
335,000
42’
109,000
1993 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey
42' 2007 Jeanneau 42 DS
189,900
44’ 1990 J/44
155,000
44’
1995 Island Packet 44
149,900
44'
2006 Beneteau First 44.7
238,447
46’
2008 Beneteau 46
249,900
48'
1997 Swan 48
395,000
55’ 1984 Frers 55'
149,900
1975 NY Boat Co. Ketch
25,000
Call us today and let us put our years of experience to work for you! We are always looking for new listings. Call 631-421-3400 or e-mail info@willismarine.com
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WindCheckMagazine Magazine January/February January/February2015 2015 63 WindCheck
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30' Pearson 1971 $18,500 1973 $8,900 1984 $85,000 28' Tartan 1993 $38,000 1973 $33,500 28' Catalina MKII 1998 $38,000 1990 $61,000 27' Pearson - New Honda Outboard 1985 $11,500 27' Tartan, Diesel 1961 $7,900 1968 $19,000 27' Beneteau 265 Diesel 1992 $17,500 1987 $45,000 1987 $9,900 27' O'Day 2007 $139,900 2006 $129,900 1970 $5,100 26' Pearson 1988 $13,000 26' Sea Ray Sundeck 2008 $44,900 1978 $10,900 25' Hunter 1983 $3,500 1985 $19,000 25' Kirby w/Triad trailer 1979 $11,500 1999 $15,500 22' Aquasport Osprey, T top 1999 $11,000 1982 $14,500 164 ROGERS AVENUE, MILFORD, CT 06460 203-301-2222 Visit www.yachtworld.com/portmilford for more information and photos. Full service marina • Seasonal and transient slips • Brokerage • Rack storage • Walking distance to town and train
42' Chris Craft Commanche 42' Nelson Marek 40' Islander Ketch 38' Ericson 38' Chris Craft Commander 37' Farr, Carbon Mast 34' Sea Ray Sundancer 34' Sea Ray Sundancer 32' Wellcraft St. Tropez 32' Columbia 9.6, diesel 31' Silverton 30' S2 9.1 30' US Marine Sloop, diesel, radar
64 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine 64 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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CLASSIFIEDS Place your classified ad here! (203) 332-7639
BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 2008 Vanguard 15 with SeiTech Dolly and deck cover. Very little use. Fresh water only. Stored indoors. $4500. Firm. Phone or text 860-912-5393.
19’ Lightning 1998, Glass - Set-up for cruising and camping: full flotation, dodger and full cockpit cover/tent by Topside Canvas, ‘Bandit trailer, 3.3 hp. Mercury 2006, Regular and self-tending jib, sails are OK. Bottom and centerboard painted with anti-fouling. Boat is set-up for comfortable cruising/trailering or mooring, not racing. Mooring mushroom & chain. $3,000 or B.O. Matsconn@gmail.com.
BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 26’ Beneteau 265 1992 - Settees & dining table convert to large V-berth. Oversized quarter berth. Galley w/ sink, cooler, alcohol stove. Full-size marine head. Roller furling. Tiller. Volvo diesel engine. Shore power. Owners moving up. Milford, CT Asking $17,500 203-301-2222
26’ O’Day 1985 Ray Hunt Design - w/ Shoal Draft, Centerboard, 8 Hp Honda Outboard, One Owner through June 2014. This pleasing 26 footer has 6’ standing head room and berths for 5. The anodized aluminum mast is deck-stepped on a hinged tabernacle base. This allows the mast to be hoisted in place with its own rig. A highly maneuverable sailor, extended centerboard provides great stability combined with comfortable interior in very good condition, porti-potty, CD, VHF, and Speed. Priced to sell at $5,950. Scottwprentice@yahoo.com 203-570-8277
25’ Kirby 1979 - Fractional rig, Triad Trailer, 4HP Yamaha 4 stroke, new main, new 155% Genoa, new #3, new spin, Hall Van, cushions, head, tactic compass $11,500.
28’ Cal 1986 – This well maintained boat is in excellent condition. Can be seen at Fayerweather Boat Yard, Bridgeport, CT. $22,000. Contact Anne at 203-209-3577 Sistership
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BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 30’ Pearson Flyer 1981 - Includes full set of sails – new genoa 150 and main, plus older spinnaker. Four wheel trailer. New Harken roller furler. Also some older sails. Porta potty (head). Sleeps four, stove, sink, dinette table for cockpit or below, large cooler. Inboard Yanmar diesel 1gm10 engine purchased in 1994. Large roomy cockpit, very competitive racer-many trophies won, new teak and holly decking below. Must be seen to appreciate, kept in excellent condition. Asking $15,000. Make offer. For more information or to see the boat call David Riordan 203-259-8814, or email djrio218@att.net
30’ Cal 2-30 1969 - A well cared for example of the highly regarded William Lapworth designed Cal sloop. Rebuilt Atomic 4 engine. Replaced rigging and life lines Hood roller furling. Many upgrades, call for details. Price $8,000 Also available Zodiac and 2 hp outboard, $850 Call Bob: 203-261-5968
Place your classified ad by sending your listing to WindCheck, P.O. Box 195 Stratford, CT 06615 contactus@windcheckmagazine.com
or call 203-332-7639
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January/February 2015 65
BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 30’ Pearson 1971 - Full set of racing sails. 2 spinnakers, 1 Asym. cruising chute. Twin head foil for roller Genoa W/ removable drum. Full instrument display & GPS. Harken deck hardware. Spinlock rope clutches. Cockpit cushions, dodger, bimini. New holding tank, water tank & plumbing. New cooktop. This boat is a race ready winner and a comfortable cruiser. Has Poppets. $12,500 Call Doug @ 860-227-5323 or email at dougmcdonald138@comcast.net
BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 36’ Sabre 362 1993 - Very clean & well updated Sabre. New windlass, radar/plotter, A/P, Hatches & ports, & much more in last 2 years. Flag blue, wing keel. Asking $129,900 Owner anxious - two boat owner. Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400
42’ Jeanneau 42DS 2007 - Very nicely maintained, full electronics & canvas, HUGE aft berth. Asking $189,900. Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400
31’ Tartan 31 1989 - Exceptionally clean & well equipped. New Raymarine E120W, A/P, New Air Cond., full canvas, spin. Asking $47,900 Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400
34’ Alsberg Express 1987 - Carl Schumacher design well built and fast. Yanmar diesel engine. New mast, full North sail inventory. Asking $48,000. Call 917-545-8748 janusw@aol.com
43’ Dave Pedrick designed sloop 43-5x34-0x13-0x6-0, #25,000.Light weather Tall 64’ rig. One Owner, launched 1990. Most of its life in short season Maine- light use, shows well. Compare with BALTIC 43, Huge Tri-cabin, 2 full head layout. Stored inside Essex CT. Full photos & details at website: “Pedrick 43 SEA LION” $157,500 (sistership sold recently at $175,000) lionyachts2000@ yahoo.com cell 203-209-0943
44’ Beneteau First 44.7 2006 - Great performance cruiser, North 3DL Sails, Asym. Spin., Raymarine electronics, full canvas, winter cover. Mint. $238,447 Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400
BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 46’ Baltic 46 – MERRYTHOUGHT Finnish quality throughout in this well found and very able racer-cruiser. Close-winded, fast and comfortable with full teak interior, good electronics and large sail inventory. Single hand cruise or full crew race this exceptional design. Sell or trade. sailmyles@aol.com 860-823-7952
49’ Hinckley REDUCED PRICE! Classic center cockpit ketch. Comfortable live-aboard and blue water cruiser with two private staterooms, galley, salon and fireplace. Well-equipped for short-handed sailing with integrated GPS map and radar, bow thruster, and ICW height mast. $99,000. Northeast partnership possible. 518-744-2825
BOATS FOR SALE- POWER 25’ Wellcraft Coastal 1989 & 2007 Suzuki 250 - You cannot find a lower cost, more fuel efficient, reliable, offshore capable fishing machine anywhere near this price. 350 hours, full flotation. Raymarine: chart plotter/GPS, S-1000 Autopilot & Radar + Std. Horizon VHF/ GPS, Sea Star Hydraulic Steering. Full recent canvas all around by Topside Canvas. Pressure water and microwave. Recent maroon cushions, enclosed head. 36 Knots WOT, very smooth idle and cruise performance, exceptional fuel efficiency, NADA Wholesale, $16,500, NADA List: $40,400. matsconn@gmail.com
66 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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BOOKS/SEMINARS
ENGINES FOR SALE
EQUIPMENT
9.8 hp. Tohatsu 2008 long shaft, Electric Start - About 3 hours use - like new. 4 gal remote tank, very fuel efficient, NADA retail $955; List $2,644 matsconn@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT dwyermast.com
CREW
Offshore Passage Opportunities Your Offshore Sailing Network. Sail for free on OPB’s. Learn by doing. Gain Quality Sea time towards your lifetime goals. Sail on different boats with different skippers to learn what works and what does not. Want to be a paid skipper? Build sea time and network with pro skippers. We are the crew network for the ARC, Caribbean 1500, NARC, World ARC Rally, Salty Dawg Rally, Newport/ Bermuda Race and delivery skippers worldwide. Helping Sailors Sail Offshore Since 1993.
Learn more and join online at www.sailopo.com or call-1800-4-PASSAGe (1-800-472-7724) Keep the Dream Alive for the cost of a good winch handle.
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Atlantic Yacht Delivery Sail/Power. East Coast, Maine to Florida. USCG Licensed Master Mariner. Navy veteran. 45 years’ experience. Insured. Non-smoker, non-drinker. Good with a wrench. Captain Bernie Weiss 203.969.5936 www.AtlanticYachtDelivery.com
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ENGINES FOR SALE Yanmar 27hp. Diesel Outboards - Will Outlive you! Two for sale: #1 new factory power-head & lower unit, 0 hours, 6 gal. remote tank, 200 lbs $3,950. #2 , 2002, 1,500 hours, good shape, $1,950. Yanmar parts available worldwide. 500 - 4,500 RPM, 1,600 RPM max. torque. Extreme fuel efficiency, 200 lbs., 1 liter, 3 cyl. engine, new prop. like a 50 hp. in torque. Electric start or manual, 10 amp. alternator, Twist grip tiller or remote control. Robust industrial quality, good for 4,000 hours plus. matsconn@gmail.com 6HP Johnson Outboard Motor – Long shaft, with Alternator, includes 3-gal metal gas tank. V.G.C. $950 203-218-5570 windcheckmagazine.com
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845-227-2633
HELP WANTED WILLIS MARINE CENTER in Huntington, NY is seeking an experienced Yacht Broker to join our sales team. Very active New (Beneteau & J Boats) and brokerage (Sail & Power) office. Boat shows, our own boatyard & marina, and a great location make this a good opportunity. 631-4213400 or info@willismarine.com
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January/February 2015 67
HELP WANTED
MARINE SERVICES
MARINE SERVICES
MARINE POSITIONS AVAILABLE M Yacht Services, Annapolis, a large, full service marine company, is hiring additional highly experienced crew in the following fields: marine systems (mechanical & electrical), carpentry, sailboat rigging, fiberglass/gelcoat/painting. We offer excellent wages and benefits. Applicants must have in-depth knowledge of their trade. Must have a clean driving record. Email resumes to admin@myachtservices.net Experienced Yacht Sales Professional - Prestige Yacht Sales representing Beneteau, Hunt Yachts and Southport Boats as well brokerage is seeking qualified, experienced yacht brokers. Positions at our offices in Essex, Mystic and Norwalk, CT. All Inquiries will be confidential. If interested, please send your resume to Info@PrestigeYachtSales.net LOOKING FOR A GREAT SUMMER JOB? The Housatonic Boat Club in Stratford, CT has 2015 seasonal steward/launch operator position available. Applicants must have a USCG launch operator’s license: OUPV min, Ltd Mater preferred. Other duties call for general maintenance of our club facilities. Contact dgdriscoll@aol.com for further info/ application.
REAL ESTATE For Sale: Duplex Condo on Housatonic River Inlet, Breakwater Key, Stratford, CT. Living Room with Gas Fireplace, Sliders to Patio and Inlet. Den or Office. Bath with shower and Laundry. Kitchen/ Dishwasher, Disposal, Breakfast Area. Bedroom w/ Balcony, Bath, Jacuzzi, Shower. Garage. Parking lot for cars or boat. Club House, Pool & Party Room. Marina with Slips for sale or rent. breakerslane.com. Owner 1-800-255-6179.
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Aeroyacht 631-246-6448 aeroyacht.com........................................... 12
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North Sails northsails.com Milford, CT 203-877-7621..................... 3 Huntington, NY 631-421-7245 Portsmouth, RI 401-683-7997 Salem, MA 978-745-1400
Brewer Yacht Yards 800-331-3077 byy.com ...................................... 71
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Port Milford 203-301-2222 yachtworld.com/portmilford .......... 38, 64
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Prestige Yacht Sales, prestigeyachtsales.net .................................... 9, 64 Norwalk, Essex & Mystic, CT 877-401-0783
Hands-on Safety-at-Sea Seminar at SUNY Maritime ........................ 51 stormtrysailfoundation.org
Providence Boat Show providenceboatshow.com .............................. 10
Joe Cooper Sailing 401-965-6006 joecoopersailing.com ................... 59
Rodgers 860-536-7776 rodgersyachtsales.com ................................. 27
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Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Connecticut....... 40 203-445-9978 spcact.org
Maine Boatbuilders Show 207-774-1067 portlandcompany.com ..... 37 Marion Bermuda Race marionbermuda.com .................................... 39 Marion Bermuda Safety-at-Sea marionbermuda.com/sas .................. 57
Sperry Sails 508-748-2581 sperrysails.com ....................................... 35 Star Clippers 800-442-0551 starclippers.com ................................... 62 Stonington Harbor Yacht Club 860-535-0112 shyc.us ............... 31, 57
McMichael Yacht Brokers Mamaroneck, NY 914-381-5900......... 2, 63 Newport, RI 401-619-5813 mcmichaelyachtbrokers.com
Stur-Dee Boat Company 508-733-7101 stur-deeboat.com .............. 18
Milford Landing 203-874-1610 ....................................................... 58
UK Sailmakers 800-992-9422 uksailmakers.com ............................... 7
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Volvo Ocean Race Newport volvooceanracenewport.com ................. 50
Nautical School 800-992-9951 nauticalschool.com .......................... 14
Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400 willismarine.com ................ 5, 63 WindRider fundable.com/windrider ................................................ 27
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January/February 2015 69
On Watch Zack Leonard As the Head Varsity Sailing Coach at Yale University, Zachary Leonard has led the Bulldogs to several Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association national championships. A champion in team racing and several onedesign classes, himself, Zack has coached numerous Olympians and contenders and was US Sailing’s National Coach of the Year in 2007 “I grew up in Barrington, Rhode Island and started sailing up in Maine, where my mom’s family is from, when I was six or seven,” says Zack, who lives in East Haven, CT. “I never took formal sailing lessons, but I was really lucky. I learned to sail by crewing for my dad, and when I was 13 I bought a Laser with money that I made mowing lawns. I brought it to the yacht club where my dad kept his boat and went sailing every day. Most of the kids were sailing Sunfish, and there was a smaller Laser group. There was an older guy sailing Lasers, who was maybe 17, named Peter Duclos. Peter had a double trailer and he drove me to Laser regattas all around New England for two years and taught me a lot.” As a Yale undergraduate and a member of the sailing team, Zack was a Collegiate All-American in 1987 and Team Captain in 1988-89. “That was where a lot of great opportunities opened up for me, and things really took off in a bunch of ways,” he says. “I had sailed every day of the summer during high school and went frostbiting in the winter. When I got to Yale I sailed even more, putting in more hours on the water with other really motivated and really good sailors. That was a more naïve time in college sailing. There were four or five teams in the country that had coaches, and Yale didn’t. In my sophomore and junior years we got Dave Perry [Yale ‘77] to coach us one day a week, and that’s where things started to click. Dave helped us so much, and I learned a ton from him. He mentored us in a lot of different ways, took us to match racing regattas where we crewed for him, and opened up a lot of opportunities.” “When I graduated from Yale, my first job was Head Sailing Coach at Brown. During that time I was also training for the Olympics in the Tornado class, and after four years at Brown I started a graphic design company with some friends in Providence. That job allowed the flexibility to sail Tornados five months a year. As skipper, I sailed with two fantastic sailors: Mike Ingham for two years and another two with Brian Doyle.” Zack was instrumental in Yale Sailing’s transition from a club to a varsity sport. “Yale had a great team for many years, and when I was an undergraduate we were able to be very competitive as a club,” he explains. “More and more teams were hiring coaches and benefiting from the continuity of having a
coach, and eventually from recruiting. Our club parentage and student leadership was a big part of our identity, so we resisted the shift to varsity status and a full-time coach longer than most of our peer schools. Our results started to suffer, and a number of Yale Sailing Associates, or alumni body, were thinking about what we needed to do to become more competitive. I agreed to come back and coach, and I really thought I was going to do it for just a year to see what could be done to improve things. So many positive changes happened during that year, and really I enjoyed the job…15 years later I’m still doing it.” “Our sailing facility, Yale Corinthian Yacht Club in Branford, is an amazing place to sail. It’s one of the only college facilities on the East Coast that feels like you’re sailing in the ocean. We have over 30 sailors, and we practice Tuesday through Friday during the spring and fall seasons. To succeed in sailing – or any activity in life – you need to put time in. College students are pulled in a lot of different directions, and sailing needs to fit within the framework of school. Coaches have to be flexible, and our Assistant Coach Bill Healy and I work hard to find creative solutions to make the best use of time. We spend lots of time with the team, and develop really strong relationships. Our team performed to potential for ten days straight in last year’s championship, and winning was a great moment.” “A number of Yale sailors including Isabelle Kinsolving, Stuart McNay, Sarah Lihan and Thomas Barrows have competed in the Olympics and we have a number of contenders this time around, and that’s a big part of our identity. I’ve been lucky enough to coach some Olympic sailors, particularly the Women’s 470 Class. The Olympics are an amazing opportunity to compete in the sport you love at the very highest level, and about eight years ago I was asked to join the US Olympic Sailing Committee. I’ve volunteered with the committee ever since, and it’s my hope to improve opportunities for our sailors who are interested in chasing that dream.” “I enjoy the opposite ends of the spectrum: tactical, mano a mano fighting like team racing and match racing, and really fast boats like Tornados and skiffs,” says Zack, a four-time winner of the U.S. Team Racing Championship for the Hinman Trophy who has also won the Vanguard 15 Nationals, 5O5 Midwinters, Tornado Nationals, F31 Nationals and the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race. “I think that was the first time they allowed multihulls in the race, and I was asked to sail on an F27 with Randy Smyth. Randy is a Tornado World Champion and one of the best sailors in the world…I think we did it in 13 hours and 13 minutes. Fast boats are a lot of fun, and they’re one of the things that help keep people in the sport.” F
70 January/February 2015 WindCheck Magazine
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