WindCheck March 2017

Sailing the Northeast

The Odyssey of Arethusa The Making of a Mega Cat

When Whales Meet Sails Scholastic Sailing Heats Up

March 2017 • FREE

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March 2017

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editor's log Drive

I race on a boat that is owned by avid cyclists. In fact, these three brothers are innovators in that field, inventors of components that allow riders to go further, faster and more safely. They’ve been sailing a long time, but are looking to ‘amp up’ their racing experience. Their company and the products they create are the best in the business, and the reasons are obvious. In character these guys are inimitable, but I find that they share a certain trait with other ambitious, successful individuals – drive. I see a lot of drive in top sailors, too…that singular determination to continue over the horizon in search of new harbors; to attain great speeds and cover astonishing distances; to press on; to win.

I sail on the boat to bring the crew up to speed, to help keep everyone safe; essentially a ‘been there, done that’ sort of guy that the crew can tap for experience-proven responses when questions or situations arise. But in turn, I draw from this group the enthusiasm that they put into every aspect of our journeys together. They ask interesting and important questions, always working to improve their knowledge and understanding of the practical side of things, but also the technical and even spiritual side of sailing. I find myself digging deep, attempting to draw from every aspect of my sailing life to help guide theirs, and in doing so I greatly enhance my own experience. I’m driven to become a better sailor.

The same drive that pushes the cyclist or sailor further along a route, that enables them to find that reserve of energy to best even the most daunting obstacles and press on to the finish, exists in every great athlete. That ambition is ingrained in some, but I also believe it is infectious. I think certain people inspire greatness – or at least kindle a fire in others that suggests that a goal is attainable. I see team members drive one another to succeed, even when the odds are stacked heavily against them. Think back to the America’s Cup finals in San Francisco, or the latest Super Bowl.

Drive is what inspires a sailor to enter an event like the Vendée Globe, and keeps a guy like Conrad Colman, alone at the helm of Foresight Natural Energy, forging ahead even after being dismasted nearly 100 days (97% of the way to the finish) into an already grueling race, to complete his circumnavigation under a jury rig for the final 793 nautical miles – and somehow keep smiling.

The awesome, ‘round-the-world match race between Armel Le Cléac’h aboard Banque Populaire and Alex Thompson on Hugo Boss was exhilarating to follow and certainly kept us armchair sailors on the edge of our seats, but perhaps Colman will emerge as the race’s hero and his story will be the highlight of this edition of the Vendée Globe. In fact, the seamanship exhibited by every competitor in this Vendée has been astounding.

An unrelenting quest for efficiencies, a constant desire for improvement and refinement, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge drives those who occupy top level positions in business or play on top tier teams. They hold high expectations of themselves and more often than not they deliver. It’s the same with sailors on race boats. The best sailors are driven to succeed. They adapt, overcome, and persevere. Perhaps this is what sets the expert sailor apart; the ability to find within him- or herself that sense of greater purpose and hold onto it for as long as it takes to get to the finish line.

Drive is also what keeps volunteers coming back to serve year after year. It’s a willingness to put others first, be it a junior sailing supporter like US Sailing’s 2016 Volunteer Coach of the Year, Peter Becker, who donates time on weekends to ensure that young people sail big boats fast and safely and have fun, or brothers Kilian and Sean Duclay, who strive to heal hearts and minds by giving veterans an outlet through their organization SailAhead.

Find what drives you in sailing, and pass it along to others. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro sailor, a fledgling organization or an improving race team; if you’ve got the goods, share what you know. When I’m around people with the energy to continually educate themselves, the intensity to press forward when most scenarios look bleak, and the readiness to absorb everything happening around them, I am reminded to do the same and pass those lessons along. What we learn in sailing, whether day racing along the coast or embattled offshore, helps shape who we are. The guys I sail with are inspired and inspiring, and I’m lucky to be able to share such great times with them, learning more about sailing and myself. They have what it takes to become perpetual frontrunners, and it is indeed thrilling to see them work towards their goal as it is to see other sailors and volunteers achieve their own feats of greatness.

See you on the water.

Sailing the Northeast Issue 161 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 Ali Beqaj, Boatpix.com, Tyson Bottenus, Maria Burton, Chad Corning, Tom Darling, Dave Foster, John K. Fulweiler, Cynthia Goss, Sam Greenfield, Fran Grenon, Jimi Grover, Chris Jennings, Terri Jennings, Gary Jobson, Ethan Jobson, Phil Lotz, Ed Lyman, Hilary Kotoun, Christoph Jovany, Dave McLaughlin, Sean McNeill, Beth Oliver, Captain Linda Perry Riera, PhotoBoat.com, Vin Pica, Colin Rath, Maeve Ryan, Bill Shea, Cate Sheahan, Cory Silken, Cynthia Sinclair, Joan Thayer, Captain Andrew Tucci, USCG, Nigel Tufnel, Barbara Jean Walsh, Beth Ware, Tim Wilkes Ad Sales Erica Pagnam erica@windcheckmagazine.com Distribution Man in Motion, Chris Metivier, Rare Sales, Jack Szepessy WindCheck is published ten times per year. 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 $29.

Mail payment to: WindCheck Magazine P.O. Box 195, Stratford, CT 06615 Phone: (203) 332-7639 E-mail: contactus@windcheckmagazine.com WindCheck is printed on recycled paper.

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contents

Editor’s Log 6

Checking In 10

Women’s Sailing Conference 20

A Different Kind of Furniture Maker 24

From the Log of Persevere: Niue, The Rock 30

Captain of the Port 34

The Boating Barrister 35

Book Review: Ice Ghosts 36

Book Review: QuickStart 37 Circumnavigation Guide

Calendar of Events 38

Tide Tables 46

Sailing Life Starts at Shennecosset 48 Yacht Club

US Sailing Annual Awards 49

The Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race 52

Crew Connection 53

Quantum Key West Race Week Wrap-up 54

Coop’s Corner 56

Club Spotlight: Sail Racing at 59 Thames Yacht Club

Block Island Race Week Update 60

Comic 60

Brokerage 62

Classifieds 64

Advertisers Index 69

On Watch: Kate Wilson 70

21 The Odyssey of Arethusa: The Making of a Mega Cat

In Greek mythology, Arethusa was a daughter of the sea god Nereus. Avid racers Wendy & Phil Lotz chose that name for their Gunboat 60. Tom Darling shares the story of this high performance offshore cruising speedster and recounts an unforgettable first sail.

26 Winter Sailing in the Caribbean: Saba

After selling their home, cars and most possessions, Captain Linda Perry Riera and her husband, Captain Bob Damiano, set sail from their homeport of Boston last fall for a yearlong cruise aboard their Tartan 4000 Argon. In the second installment of a series, Linda checks in from a little known yet very welcoming island.

32 When Whales Meet Sails

With more sailboats venturing offshore and many going faster than ever, the potential for large marine mammals being struck is likely to increase. Tyson Bottenus, At-Large Ambassador for Sailors for the Sea, says it’s time for the sailing community to ring some changes.

50 NYISA-SE Spring Sailing Preview

The enthusiastic and hardy sailors in the New York Interscholastic Sailing Association South East league are hitting the waters of Western Long Island Sound this month, with eleven coed teams poised to duke it out through the end of the school year. League Director Jimi Grover sizes up the contenders.

61 The Story of One-Design at Pequot Yacht Club

One-design racing is popular with sailors of all ages at this club in Southport, Connecticut – as well as many other clubs and community programs around Long Island Sound – thanks to the efforts of the late Ted Jennings. Ted’s daughter-in-law, Terri Jennings, remembers a man whose passion for sailboat racing has inspired countless others.

On the cover: Arethusa, a Gunboat 60 owned by Wendy & Phil Lotz, on a fast reach in the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race, the feeder race for Quantum Key West Race Week 2017. You’ll find the story of this luxurious speedster on page 21. © Boatpix image courtesy of Wendy & Phil Lotz

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checking in.

Storm Trysail’s Hands-on Safety-at Sea Seminar is May 20 The Storm Trysail Foundation will conduct its one-day, US Sailing sanctioned Hands-on Safety-at-Sea Seminar on Saturday, May 20 at SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, NY. Building on the success of past seminars, this event will follow an interactive curriculum where attendees fire distress flares, put out fires, learn damage control, set storm sails, and rescue a man overboard, among other activities.

associated quizzes.

Responding to sailor requests for additional training, this year’s seminar will also offer a new advanced program (Level 200) open to sailors who have previously attended a Storm Trysail seminar (limit 48). Besides participating in the opening and closing sessions, Level 200 participants will spend half of the day on the water and half receiving classroom instruction. The extended time on the water will allow for one-on-one instruction and introducing new safety techniques including abandoning ship and steering without a rudder. The Level 200 classroom sessions will include interactive round table discussions and sessions on topics such as emergency communications briefings and helicopter evacuation.

Attendance is limited to 300 people and is open to both racers and cruisers. The admission fee is $295 and includes breakfast pastries and coffee, lunch, afternoon snacks and refreshments.

World Sailing Certification will cost an additional $75, which Storm Trysail will collect and pay directly to US Sailing. For more information and to register, log onto stormtrysailfoundation.org or stormtrysail.org. ■

Safe Harbor Marinas Acquires Brewer Yacht Yard Group © stormtrysailfoundation.org

The seminar will be supplemented by Storm Trysail’s educational Safety-at-Sea Video Library produced by longtime Storm Trysail member Gary Jobson. This Video Library covers a broad range of safety-at-sea subjects and will be available to attendees online prior to the seminar as part of their fee. Subscriptions to this Safety-at-Sea Video Library are now available to all sailors on the Storm Trysail Foundation website at a cost of $40.

By attending the seminar and viewing the Video Library, sailors will earn a US Sailing Safety-at-Sea Certificate. Attendees can opt to earn a World Sailing Safety-at-Sea Certificate by viewing supplemental US Sailing instructional videos and completing the

Safe Harbor Marinas, headquartered in Dallas, TX, has acquired Brewer Yacht Yard Group, the marina company led by industry veteran Jack Brewer. The transaction makes Safe Harbor the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world, with 63 properties housing over 30,000 members’ boats.

“We are delighted to have found a partner that shares our values and long-term strategic vision,” said Jack Brewer, founder of Brewer and a Safe Harbor board member. “I remain fully engaged and committed to ensuring our new Safe Harbor family is successful in setting the industry standard for professionalism and customer service excellence for many years to come.”

Safe Harbor has appointed its President, Baxter Underwood, to lead the newly combined company as Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Rives Potts, former Brewer President, has been appointed Safe Harbor’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’d like to raise the standards of the industry,” said Potts, “so that any time a boat owner wants to go to a marina, boat yard or marine facility they can expect high quality and consistent quality all the way down the line.”

Brewer has a long tradition of personal service to professional and recreational boat owners, sailors and fishermen that began in 1879, when R.G. Brewer opened his chandlery and hardware store in Mamaroneck, NY. Jack Brewer’s father acquired the adjacent boat yard in 1964, which became known as Brewer Post Road Boat Yard. It remains the first of many Brewer Yards from Maryland to Maine. Safe Harbor was formed in 2015 by American Infrastructure Funds through the acquisition of three marina portfolios and an experienced management company. For more information, visit byy.com. ■

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checking in.

Eva Touhey Named Program Manager at Clean Ocean Access Clean Ocean Access (COA), a non-profit organization with a mission of “action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities” and an exclusive focus on the Aquidneck Island communities of Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, RI, has announced the appointment of Eva Touhey as its Program Manager.

A native Aquidneck Islander and resident of Portsmouth, Touhey has always been fascinated with the ocean and marine life. She graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2015, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marine Affairs.

“Eva began working with Clean Ocean Access in September 2015 as an intern, composing a report for the Seaweed Nutrient

Analysis Program, and assisting with the back-office operations for our environmental work,” said Dave McLaughlin, COA’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. “In the spring of 2016 and throughout the summer, Eva took on increasing responsibilities and became the COA education coordinator, presenting watershed education to Aquidneck Island elementary schools and summer programs and teaching marine education and environmental conservation to the students, including a 6-week program with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County.”

As Program Manager, Touhey leads the efforts for COA’s environmental reporting, and is responsible for management and oversight of the core programs for marine debris removal, water quality monitoring and shoreline access protection efforts. “Eva is a talented and highly motivated individual with a deep commitment to the environment,” said McLaughlin. “She has a deep intellectual curiosity and a true passion for ocean health, and we are stoked to have her on the team!” For more information about COA including numerous volunteer opportunities, visit cleanoceanaccess.com. ■

Lynn Lynch to Lead NYYC Sailing Program The New York Yacht Club has announced that Lynn Lynch will take over for the retiring Brad Dellenbaugh as Sailing Director. “We feel extremely fortunate that we have found such a talented, experienced and respected individual to step into the rather large shoes that will be left behind by Brad Dellenbaugh,” said NYYC Commodore Philip A. Lotz.

A Chicago native, Lynch has worked in the sailing industry in a variety of roles for more than 20 years. As the Race Director for St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA, she oversaw one of the sport’s busiest regatta offices, organizing and assisting with events that covered the spectrum of sailing, including the J/70 World Championship, the Kite Foil Gold Cup, the US Sailing Match Race Championships and the club’s signature annual event, the Rolex Big Boat Series.

“My husband and I have always wanted to end up in Newport, RI, and had recently begun to plan our move east,” said Lynch. “I feel very fortunate to be able to take this job, at this club, and build upon the legacy of great regattas and on-thewater member events. For more information, log onto nyyc.org. ■

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Deb Marlor Joins Offshore Sailing School Deborah (Deb) Marlor, an Offshore Sailing School graduate from 38 years ago, has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Marlor has served as a sales and process consultant with the company since August 2016.

“As we enter our 53rd year, with more than 140,000 graduates, Deb will work with the management team to develop our company’s strategic and business goals and oversee the sales process and sales team,” said Offshore Sailing School CEO and President Doris Colgate.

“Her vast experience in developing and transforming company infrastructure, founding and leading her own successful sales or-

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ganization while utilizing the most current technology to achieve time efficiency and sales effectiveness, will position Offshore Sailing School well for sustainable growth.”

An award-winning entrepreneur with over 35 years of demonstrated success in creating and developing sales teams, Marlor has also led demand generation activities for Global 500 technology sales campaigns, generating revenue for channel sales programs, and strengthening client pipelines.

After decades of sailing and racing whenever and where they could, Marlor and her husband sold their home and moved aboard their Beneteau Oceanis 38 Simplicity full time. Sailing from Houston, TX, to Florida, stopping in Pensacola, Clearwater and Punta Gorda, they have made Fort Myers, FL their current “home” base. For more information, log onto offshoresailing.com. ■

Jane Leipold Joins NESS

New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS), a non-profit ocean adventure education organization in Stonington, CT, has appointed Jane Leipold to its Board of Directors.

Leipold is an accomplished global executive with over 30 years of business experience in engineering, operations, and human resources.

Over the past ten years, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for TE Connectivity, a $13 billion global technology leader.

“Jane brings great business and board experience to NESS, especially around human resource management,” said Bill Follett, Chairman of NESS’s Board of Directors. “NESS has grown exponentially over the last several years, and Jane’s leadership will be invaluable.”

Leipold holds a B.S. in Quantitative Business Analysis and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University and was recently named an Alumni Fellow by the Penn State Alumni Association. “Jane’s deep interest in education, especially around STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) programing will help us drive our year-round curriculum forward with our school partners,” added Spike Lobdell, NESS’s President & CEO. “This is a very exciting time in our evolution. I am so pleased to welcome Jane to the team.” For more information, visit nessf.org. ■

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Dockwa, Inc. Acquiring Marinas.com Dockwa, Inc., the slip and mooring reservation platform that boaters use to connect to marinas online and by app, has acquired Marinas.com, the world’s most extensive online directory of more than 75,000 marine locations including 15,000 marinas, yacht clubs and boat yards. The acquisition solidifies Dockwa’s position as a leader in marine technology and expands its already growing footprint of marinas.

“The company vision of Dockwa is highly aligned with the vision of Marinas.com,” said Dockwa CEO Mike Melillo.

“Both connect marinas with boaters and provide marinas with the online tools and data necessary to make informed decisions about their business strategies. Our primary goal is to increase the value for Marinas.com clients and empower marinas to reach the next generation of boaters.”

Headquartered in Newport, RI, Dockwa is an award-winning, unified marina operations platform which connects boaters to marinas in real time, online and by app. Boaters download the free iOS or Android app or log in online and then search, explore, reserve and pay for their reservations in a matter of minutes. Marinas then use the Dockwa platform to confirm the

reservation, collect payment and deposit the customer’s information into their database with a single click. Dockwa rapidly expanded along the eastern seaboard in its first year to a growing network of more than 400 marinas and tens of thousands of boaters. For more information, visit dockwa.com. ■

Sailors for the Sea’s 2017 Ocean Watch Magazine Now Available Sailors for the Sea, a Newport, RI-based conservation organization that engages, educates, inspires and activates the sailing and boating community toward healing the ocean, has released the third edition of Ocean Watch magazine. The 2017 edition features nine articles that highlight new ways for boaters to be involved in ocean conservation. From saving sea turtles and tracking seaweed invasions in the Caribbean, to reporting whale strikes and pirate fishing on the high seas, every article speaks to people interested in protecting the waters they love.

Highlights include an interview with world-renowned sailor Damian Foxall discussing his passion for protecting whales, a special report on how AIS (automatic identification system) can be utilized by boaters to report illegal fishing and a closer look at pollution problems in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by filmmaker and activist Annie Costner. Every article includes a “take action” section, empowering readers to translate their knowledge into tangible steps that will benefit the ocean and their local waters.

“Ocean Watch magazine has become a key program in our efforts to engage boaters in taking personal action for ocean health,” noted R. Mark Davis, President of Sailors for the Sea. “We are proud to work with a strong group of experts to bring boaters exciting, relevant articles that discuss topics they care about and action opportunities unique to their time spent on the water.”

Since 2009, Sailors for the Sea has published Ocean Watch as an online monthly periodical, connecting over 240,000 readers with opportunities to take action and become part of the movement to protect the waters they love. To view the magazine online visit bit.ly/OceanWatchMagazine2017.

Sailors for the Sea is kindly offering a free print edition of this beautifully produced publication to the first 10 WindCheck readers to email Hilary Kotoun, the organization’s Social Impact Director. To claim your copy, email her at hilary@sailorsforthesea.org with the subject line: “Ocean Watch magazine giveaway - WindCheck.” ■

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Sperry Charleston Race Week Just Around the Corner If it’s late winter, that means it’s nearly time for America’s megaregatta. Sperry Charleston Race Week runs from Thursday, April 20 through Sunday, April 23 in Charleston, SC, and sailors in the Northeast are getting pumped to head south.

Sperry Charleston Race Week has built a reputation as a keystone event, signifying the beginning of the spring sailing season.

Part of the event’s popularity is due to the competitor-centric outlook that regatta organizers have long adopted. Each year, they make off-season tweaks to the event’s programming to ensure that Race Week is the best regatta possible for competitors.

Among the refinements for 2017 will be the use of the Offshore Racing Congress rating system for all offshore entries (save those sailing one-design or in the Pursuit Class). Event Director Randy Draftz says he and his fellow organizers have done this to level the playing field for dissimilar boats as much as possible.

“ORC is able to rate dissimilar boats more precisely because it uses a velocity prediction program,” he says. Another tweak will be the establishment of a fourth inshore racecourse to accommodate more classes and make sure that those groups are equitably distributed around Charleston Harbor.

Draftz and company have a few other surprises in store.

They’ll be importing Paul Henderson to enliven the event.

Known as “The Pope of Sailing,” Henderson is the © Charleston Race Week/Tim Wilkes photo former head of the International Sailing Federation (for a decade), and a fierce advocate for grassroots sailing. He’s also a shrewd racing analyst and an engaging storyteller.

Organizers have also partnered with the College of Charleston Sailing Program to offer US Sailing’s First Sail program.

“We’ll be taking people out sailing who have never had that experience,” explains Draftz. “For us, it’s the perfect way to use the regatta to promote sailing to non-sailors. Ultimately, that’s what this event is about – promoting sailing.” He says that’s why he and his fellow organizers have adopted a new marketing tagline for Race Week this year: Serious racing. Serious fun.

It’s the perfect way to start the spring season. Find out more at charlestonraceweek.com. ■

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Women’s Sailing Conference Slated for June 3 in Marblehead

The 16th Annual Women’s Sailing Conference is a full day of workshops, seminars and demonstrations, with activities on and off the water. © BoatUS.com

Marblehead, MA. The event, which features hands-on land- and water-based workshops and seminars, offers women a fantastic opportunity to learn or hone sailing skills, network with other women sailors; and gain the confidence necessary to become better sailors.

Featured keynote speaker, two-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Sally Barkow, brings it all together with her unique insights and experiences that can be applied to sailing and to life. “Women of all sailing abilities are encouraged to attend,” said NWSA President Linda Newland. “By sharing experiences, women leave with improved skills and knowledge that contribute to better days on the water.”

Women can improve sail trim skills or take the helm aboard a Colgate 26 or Sonar. “We are very fortunate to have the support of Black Rock Sailing School, the Corinthian Yacht Club and BoatUS,” said Joan Thayer, Conference Committee Chair.

Generous support from these organizations enables NWSA to mentor women with sailing training plus teach courses on rigging, reefing, navigation, diesel engine care and much more.

Courses are taught by some of the country’s most experienced and exceptional sailing women.

The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) is excited to announce the 16th Annual Women’s Sailing Conference, slated for Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Corinthian Yacht Club in

Sailing on a Colgate 26 or a Sonar is one of the many activities at the Conference. Others include workshops on diesel engine care, boat maintenance, seamanship skills and more. © BoatUS.com

The event includes raffles, silent auction events, three meals, and all workshops. Registration will be available in the spring at womensailing.org. Event proceeds benefit the Women’s Sailing Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization which funds the AdventureSail program for at-risk girls ages 9 to 14 and the Sue Corl Youth Sailing Scholarship, which provides all-girl sailing opportunities for older, post-AdventureSail, teenage girls. For additional information, contact Chair Joan Thayer at joan_thayer@comcast.net.

The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) is a program of the Women’s Sailing Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of women and girls through education and access to the sport of sailing. ■ 20 March 2017 WindCheck Magazine

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The Odyssey of Arethusa: The Making of a Mega Cat

By Tom Darling When one dreams of a dream boat, what might that be? In 1900, it would have been a Herreshoff-designed colossus intended for the America’s Cup. In 1936, Mike Vanderbilt had Starling Burgess design him the last of the great J Boats of that decade – Ranger. In the 2010s, ultimate yachts have a new look: multiple hulls. When Phil Lotz and Wendy Darling Lotz (full disclosure: they are my brother-in-law and younger sister) thought “new boat,” they saw what I call a “mega cat” – a fullyfeatured, carbon constructed, high performance offshore cruising speedster called Arethusa.

Amaryllis to Gunboat: Building the Performance Cat The history of cruising cats and tris is a fascinating one, replete with eccentric designers and colorful builders. In the U.S., multihull designs derive from the model of Herreshoff’s Amaryllis, a replica of which is now on the ceiling of the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, RI. In the 1960s, liveaboard catamarans were homebuilt on the West Coast in plywood, cement and eventually fiberglass. The development of the one-design Corsair F-line of trimarans brought multihull cruising to a broader market. European designers led by the French have populated Caribbean charter fleets with their designs. Just examine sailing magazines today and count the cruising multihull ads.

After racing a Frers-designed Swan 42, Phil and Wendy decided on an ultimate multihull yacht. When they surveyed the options, their choice was a second generation Gunboat design, a line originally designed by the Californian shop Morrelli & Melvin. Designer and engineer Pete Melvin is a credentialed world-class cat sailor who represented the U.S. as the Tornado skipper in the 1988 Olympics.

The history of the Gunboat concept of high performance racer/cruiser catamaran started with Peter Johnstone, son of J Boats co-founder Bob Johnstone. With the original designs done by Morrelli & Melvin and built in South Africa, Gunboat has produced models from 40 to over 90 feet over the past 15 years.

When Phil and Wendy saw that designer Nigel Irens had penned a similar design with emphasis on a sleek, aero looking interior to complement the all-out technical specs of the modern hull and carbon rig, they moved ahead to work with Peter Johnstone’s organization to pursue their new Arethusa cat concept.

Gunboat used a Chinese-based building team. Hudson Yachts is known for its access to a workforce of Kiwis, South Africans and English craftsmen skilled in creating carbon performance yachts.

(Hudson’s latest multihull project was featured in the January 2017 edition of SAIL Magazine as the HH66.)

The Hudson plant is in Xiamen, China, south of Qingdao, the site of China’s Olympic sailing venue. The facility produces windcheckmagazine.com

Ample charms: At speed with the asymmetrical, Arethusa shows off her generous deck space and array of solar panels. © Gary Jobson Productions

a variety of sporting goods from helmets to baseball bats. It may be a surprise to us here in the U.S., but “Made in China” is one of the benchmarks for excellence in performance catamarans.

(Gunboat has recently been purchased by a French cruising cat manufacturer, Grand Large Yachts, which plans to feature the Gunboat design as their top of the line model), according to an article in the January issue of SAIL.

Phil and Wendy’s Gunboat 60 is their second Arethusa. The name comes from a Greek water nymph who fled an overzealous god. The circular symbol of leaping dolphins derives from a Hellenic site and was a common motif on classical coins. It makes for a great spinnaker logo!

The key dimensions of the Gunboat 60 are 60 feet at the waterline with the reverse chine bows one sees in modern smaller racing cats, 30 feet of beam, 100-foot high mast and 15.5 tons of displacement without the crew (which averages 1,300-1,500 pounds).

“There was quite a bit of discussion on details and the interior,” said Phil. New innovations for the Arethusa model included rig improvements and the addition of extra solar panels to satisfy the thirst for electrical power of modern electronics and conveniences.

Beginning in the summer of 2013, Team Lotz worked with the Gunboat team on the rigging and layout, and had the big cat shipped to Newport, RI for an August 2015 delivery. After four trips by the Lotz’s to Xiamen, which is 180 kilometers north of Shanghai, the boat went by freighter to the Northeast.

Meanwhile Hall Spars & Rigging of Bristol, RI built the rig. It WindCheck Magazine

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all came together in August, 2015.

Shakedown and tuning extended the learning process through Quantum Key West Race Week 2016. Another summer of tuning and shakedown and team Lotz was ready for a sleighride in this year’s Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Race (the cover photo shows Arethusa reaching in that event.)

High-Tech Mega Cat The Gunboat 60 is a second generation design following the Gunboat line developed since 2002. The concept and configuration of the 60 is similar – two carbon-reinforced hulls with the heads and berths inside – some fore and aft, some athwartship. Those hulls are connected by a bridge deck enclosed for the galley, living area and the navigation and steering stations looking forward through huge windows (larger than those of a commercial airliner) that open to the working cockpit forward of the wing-shaped mast.

The sails are set, trimmed and handled from this double hot tub-sized crew cockpit. The spaghetti-like complexity of colored halyards, sheets and control lines is daunting. Centerboards in each hull pivot up inside the hulls. The clues to aerospace heritage are everywhere; for a 32,000-pound boat, an airplane’s worth of carbon makes up the hulls. The total effect is of an ultramodern, superwide personal jet ready to hit the water.

The rigging is deceptively simple. The square-topped carbon fiber main launches with halyard locks and trims to an aft traveler that goes 2/3 of the width of the boat. Jibs, from a storm jib to a high-top reacher, launch off the forestay and trim to electric, foot pedal-controlled winches and a cluster of jammers behind the mast. The asymmetric spinnaker also launches forward and trims to winches fully aft on the two hulls. It’s a lot of sail to be manhandled. The #1 reacher requires four people to muscle it on and off the dock, says Phil.

Crewing a 60-foot, 16-ton catamaran presents different challenges from sailing conventional grand prix boats. The skipper has the option to drive from inside or outside the coachroof, usually inside starboard of amidships to give the pit crew their space. It takes 4-5 crew for a straight line delivery and Team Lotz races with 8 to 10. Of those, two younger and more agile sets of hands handle the bow.

The skipper talks to crew through a opened door or window, but when the wind is up the sound of hulls cutting water drowns out any conversation. Phil has just purchased a fourheadset communications system, the type commonly used by

Wendy Darling Lotz, usually the navigator, at the helm © Phil Lotz

crews aboard much larger yachts. “Hopefully the headsets will help,” he said. “The combination of the wind and the water going by makes it pretty tough to hear.”

The other difference in controlling these mega cats is dealing with the prodigious power created by all that sail area (more than 1,500 square feet in the main alone, plus headsails up to 1,100 (gennaker) and 3,200 square feet (spinnaker)… this evokes the J Boats of the 1930s, large crews of professional sailors handling acres of cotton canvas to go out racing on the waters off Newport…There is a red button at Arethusa’s steering station. That is the emergency brake, so to speak. Push and you blow the mainsheet, itself a piece of Kevlar the size of an electrical cable.

Dolphin Dance After commissioning at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport (Phil is currently NYYC Commodore), the extended Darling and Lotz families including the veteran sailing grandparents took their first spin on Arethusa in September, 2015 on a cool, breezy afternoon during the 12 Metre North Americans.

Mastering the halyard locks on the enormous, full-battened main took some practice, even for the two seasoned pros working the sail trench. There were some moments of trepidation as we drifted toward the omnipresent cruise ship anchored off Goat Island, but we finally got the main to cooperate. With a stormsized jib and full main, we headed north up Narragansett Bay under the Newport Bridge with the intent of circumnavigating Conanicut Island.

The sensation of speed on Arethusa is very deceptive until you look around and realize that at 15 knots upwind in 18 knots true, she’s going two times the speed of a 60-foot grand prix monohull. It’s not a quiet ride, but absent big ocean waves the ride is smooth enough to not spill a glass of water in the galley.

The plan with the northerly breeze was to head north of the 12 Metre fleet, who were rail down in the 18-knot breeze, then circle the island counterclockwise. We passed Courageous, the 12 Metre fleet leader, so fast we barely left a wind shadow, then bore off west and headed down the West Passage toward Newport.

As would expect, it is downwind that a cat shines. A progression of high clew, lighter composite reachers provide the power that pushes the speed to 20 knots plus. Given the crew, the wind speed and the shakedown cruise, the spinnakers had remained on shore. In the photo (page 21), you can see what 2,700 square feet of Gunboat 60 asymmetrical looks like…

We relaxed in the chilly sun, sailing downwind under the new Jamestown Bridge, while we rigged up for what we thought a mega cat really likes – reaching.

When we hardened up onto a port reach heading east in

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Arethusa exhibits her nimble form at Quantum Key West Race Week. © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com

a building northerly coming off Beavertail, we lit up the speedo.

Full main and smallest jib pushing the needle consistently up and over 20 knots, the boat bouncing on a 3-foot chop. Now, this is what performance cat sailing is about. As we beat our way back to the mooring, we got it. Speed, power, and my 80-something parents never spilling their cocktails: that’s why you deal with these mega cats.

Since fall 2015, Arethusa has had a progression of shakedown cruises and day races (including the New York Yacht Club Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex) to acquaint the crew with the nuance and power of a boat that would easily pass a J Class sloop, either on an offshore reach or inshore around the buoys.

Arethusa winters at Phil and Wendy’s Ft. Lauderdale home. Given the right weather, she has the power to dash up and down the Gulf Stream in as little as four days between South Florida and Rhode Island, her summer home.

When I talked to Phil and Wendy, Team Lotz had just finished the Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Race and were preparing for Quantum Key West Race Week and the 2017 Caribbean racing circuit, with upcoming events including the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta (March 2-5) and the BVI Spring Regatta (March 27April 2). They expect six to 10 big multis for these events, with Gunboats 55 feet and up as well as other emerging varieties of big cats and tris. Arethusa and her speedy rivals will surely rival the J Class sloops for the eye of the yachting photographers. ■

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Tom Darling races IODs in the Western Long Island Sound and Nantucket fleets and crews on a classic wooden Alerion sloop in Nantucket Harbor. *A revolutionary 33-foot catamaran, Amaryllis was designed by Captain Nathanael Green Herreshoff in 1876. After sailing her from his shop in Bristol, RI to New York City (200 miles in only 14 hours!), Captain Nat entered her in the New York Yacht Club’s Centennial Regatta in New York Harbor. The radical cat so thoroughly trounced all comers that she was disqualified, which led to the barring of catamarans from conventional yacht races for many years. – Ed.

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March 2017

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A Different Kind of Furniture Maker

By Maeve Ryan The person behind the furniture company AC Grayling is not your average woodworker. A 2005 graduate of the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) in Newport, Rhode Island, Andrew Coughlin is a modest man in his early 40s who knows a thing or two about building durable furniture inspired by ships and the sea.

After helping to restore renowned yachts in New England for 10 years, master craftsman Andrew Coughlin launched his custom furniture company, AC Grayling, LLC, in 2014. © Maria Burton Photography

After graduating from IYRS, Andrew was selected to help restore the 1913 Herreshoff NY50 Spartan at MP&G in Mystic, Connecticut; she is now the only surviving “New York 50” sloop in the world. Three decades earlier, Spartan’s then-owner hired a restoration crew that included Andy Gilbin, who would later become one of Andrew Coughlin’s greatest influencers in boat building. When Andrew climbed aboard the yacht decades later to continue its restoration process and serve as captain, Andy provided him with valuable mentorship and guidance.

“In addition to teaching me superior craftsmanship,” said Andrew, “Andy taught me how to lead people and adhere to the best standards possible.” Those lessons gave Andrew the confidence he needed to utilize his skills as a boat builder and transition them into innovative furniture making.

The curves I use in my furniture pieces are a reflection of the ocean.

Given his background as a boat captain and outdoor climbing guide, it’s not surprising that Andrew’s furniture has natural,

AC Grayling’s signature piece, the “Spartan” table has a mahogany king plank, steam-bent teak strakes and mahogany edges forming the top, and legs of steam-bent white oak. © Maria Burton Photography

unique, and nautical characteristics. His signature Spartan dining room table, for example, is nine feet long and over four feet wide, and seats up to 12 guests. It evokes the feeling of being on a boat deck, one made out of the best quality mahogany, teak, and oak woods. Rather than make the legs of the table straight, Andrew steam-bent them to make beautiful curves, reminiscent of a boat’s bow.

“The curves I use in my furniture pieces are a reflection of the ocean,” explains Andrew. “I want people to see a piece of art in my furniture and pieces. I want the pieces to remind them of summer evenings, and boating on the water with friends with a cocktail in hand.”

In 2014, Andrew founded AC Grayling, LLC in Fall River, Massachusetts. The name represents his initials and one of his favorite boats, a very special vessel named Grayling that was built

by Frank Rice of East Boothbay, Maine in 1915.

It’s worth noting that there’s another AC Grayling out there…a famous British philosopher and founder of the New College of the Humanities in London. What could he and

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The “Silhouette” bathroom vanity takes its name from a 1926 Herreshoff S-Class. © Maria Burton Photography The “Gloriana” hanging sleigh bed is named after Andrew’s all-time favorite wooden boat, which was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff and launched in 1891. © Maria Burton Photography

Andrew Coughlin’s furniture company possibly have in common, you ask? Well, for starters, they both pride themselves on authenticity, the highest quality, and an appreciation for the natural world.

AC Grayling once said, “If you really want a mind-altering experience, look at a tree.” Andrew concurs, adding, “Wood that represents the curves of the ocean is appreciating beauty at a

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whole new level.”

To view the current gallery of furniture or to learn more about AC Grayling’s customized, nautical furniture for the home, boat or business, visit acgraylingfurniture.com. ■ Maeve Ryan is a former marketing director and educator. She has two decades of combined experience in educational technology, project management, content marketing, and digital media. She is currently a marketing consultant and freelance writer living in Vermont. For more information, visit maeveryanconsulting.com.

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From the Log of Argon: Winter Sailing in the Caribbean - Saba Approaching Saba from the northeast. That cloud was over Saba the whole time we crossed from St. Maarten. This is common with mountainous islands in the trade winds. The trades run up the windward side of these mountains, cool and condense. © ArgonSailing.com

By Captain Linda Perry Riera Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a series of dispatches from Linda and her husband, Captain Bob Damiano, who are nearly six months into their one-year sailing voyage aboard their Tartan 4000 Argon.

What or where the heck is Saba?? This lesser known Leeward Island is about 30 miles west of St. Maarten. And what a gem it is! When approaching Saba, one is deceived by scale.

It looks like a small, round island but then you realize that you are still five miles (not 200 yards) out and as you get closer, the sheer cliffs around the perimeter of the island tower above. And on top of those jagged cliffs are some tall and steep mountains…a dormant volcano, actually.

Saba looks absolutely uninhabitable from the water (save for the few houses you can see on slopes of the northeast side). And, don’t come here for the beaches – there are none. Well, not usually. Apparently, an occasional beach washes up on the western (leeward) side of the island near “the steps” (more on those later) and remains for a few days to a few weeks. Sabans take advantage of this beach when they can. Besides the lovely scenery, villas, hotels and great restaurants, many venture to Saba for the fantastic scuba diving along deep cliffs in crystal clear water.

Anchoring is impossible near Saba, as the cliffs continue where the land meets the water. There are only two places to grab a mooring: Well’s Bay on the northwest side and Port Ford pier on the south side. Neither place is especially protected, or to be exact, protected at all. Saba can be a miserable place to sit on a mooring in any sort of weather. We selected a very calm

Below left: Sure, let’s build a town, and an airport, on that thing! Jagged, dramatic cliffs encircle the entire perimeter of Saba. One would think that Sabans do not want to be bothered with visitors, but the opposite is true. Saba has an extremely welcoming culture. © ArgonSailing.com

weather window and were perfectly comfortable in both mooring areas.

After clearing customs and immigration, there is not much to do right in the immediate area (unless you are into sand mines and junkyards). While passing the harbor on the way to the moorings, we caught a glimpse of one of the settlements up in the hills. It did not look that far away, and we wondered if we would just walk it. Well, it’s not that far in 2D but the Z axis is a killer here. We wandered into Pop’s Place (the only bar near sea level on the entire island) outside of customs and asked about a taxi. Two different taxi drivers happened to be drinking in the bar at the time and we had our ride. (Hey, it’s the Caribbean, mon!...I think the driver who had consumed less alcohol volunteered to drive us.)

All four wheels had all lug nuts – a bonus, as we have been in some interestingly maintained vehicles among the islands.

The Long and Winding Road (that could not be built)

Prior to 1950, the only way for people and goods to get on and off Saba was from Well’s Bay (completely exposed) up crazy steep stone steps and with no sort of dock, only a thin strip of rocky, surf-battered shoreline at the base. We wanted to go ashore here but even with our mild conditions, beaching the dinghy was

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These steep stone steps were the only way on and off the island for hundreds of years. © ArgonSailing.com

At this point in the road, you’ve gone less than a half mile from the sea but are more than 600 feet above it. © ArgonSailing.com

untenable. It is hard to imagine the dangerous conditions that residents must have had to deal with for hundreds of years.

Disclaimer: Any of theses pictures that attempt to capture the insane steepness and height of these roads and structures fail miserably to do so. I suggest you read this while up on a wobbly stepladder standing on one leg. That might help.

Today there is a semblance of a harbor (Port Ford on the south side) and an actual road connecting the harbor to the small capital of The Bottom and on to the other town of

Windward Side. After quickly ditching ambitions to walk up the mountainside, our driver started up the steep road from the harbor. Very soon you realize the absolute insanity of building this road. Within the first half mile there is an “S” turn that is incredibly steep with very sharp, tight hairpin turns.

This road did not exist until the 1950s, and conventional wisdom held that it would be impossible to build a road that could transit this island. Sabans are a very stubborn and proud people and telling them something can’t be done is apparently a

The town of The Bottom is a mere 900 feet above sea level (but less than a mile inland). This is a fully equipped small town with government offices, stores, shops and a couple of restaurants. © ArgonSailing.com

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Port Ford is where one must go first to check in to customs and immigration. The view of Port Ford is not so inviting. There is a commercial pier surrounded by sand mines, an auto graveyard and very steep cliffs. At this point, we were questioning why we came. © ArgonSailing.com

sure way of getting it done. A resident named Josephus Lambert “Lambee” Hassell took a correspondence course in Civil Engineering, then designed and led the building of the road that couldn’t be built. Needless to say, he was a hero and remains a legend among Sabans.

Eventually you get to a somewhat flat area of the island, and it is here that the lower settlement called “The Bottom” is built.

The Bottom is situated in the crater of the dormant volcano. By the way, on Wikipedia, Saba’s volcano is classified as “Potentially Dangerous.” It has not erupted since 1640, but in geological time scales, that is like yesterday. Sabans worry about the volcano

about as much as Americans worry about Yellowstone.

We stopped briefly in The Bottom, but had our taxi take us on up to Windward Side. On the way up, we passed the Saba University School of Medicine (yes, you can go to med school in Saba) and picked up a student who was hitchhiking up the hill so she could watch Sunday night football in one of the bars.

Windward Side is the big city of Saba. Here, you will find a few hotels, restaurants and bars, art galleries, museums, churches, markets and the hospital and pharmacy. Windward Side is over 1,300 feet above sea level and about a mile inland from the southern shore.

The next day, we hired “Lollipop” a local jack-of-all-trades and lovely woman who not only runs a taxi/tour, but a laundromat, guest houses and student apartments. She also does home visits to take care of an elderly woman on the island. Lollipop is what you call a good person. She acquired her moniker from one of her elderly clients who thought he was “as sweet as a lollipop.”

She gave us an excellent tour of the whole length of the road, sharing lots of local trivia and telling us about her family as we went. Later, we ran into her again…in Pop’s Place, of course.

Cleanliness We started appreciating how incredibly clean and well maintained everything is on this small island, and we noticed more than one person outside of their home or business with a broom sweeping the street. Lollipop explained to us that this type of pride in their community is ingrained in all Sabans from a young age and it’s just part of the culture now. There is also virtually no

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crime, as all of the less than 2,000 inhabitants seem to know and support each other. A real community.

By Air...on the shortest runway in the world Saba is challenging to visit by sailboat; one really needs a good weather window. You will either need to stay in Well’s Bay, which is in the lee of the island (not really a bay at all) with an extremely long dinghy ride to the port, or closer to the port which is completely exposed to the easterly trade winds and still a relatively long dinghy ride. The day ferries from St. Maarten are the most popular way to travel to Saba. The last option is flying, but even this comes with challenges as another thing they said could not be done on Saba was to build an airport here. So of course they did. We met a pilot in St. Kitts who described Saba’s airport as like landing on an aircraft carrier. Apparently you are not allowed to land there until you have co-piloted with someone else who has.

The much more picturesque, albeit intimidating and isolated, northwest coast of Saba. Thankfully there are a handful of well-maintained moorings (all were vacant, we were the only boat in sight), as it would be impossible to anchor here due to the depths and likely rocky bottom. © ArgonSailing.com

Moving On...

After our land explorations, we moved Argon from the Port Ford mooring up to one of the mooring balls in Well’s Bay. It was from here that we would depart at midnight for the British Virgin Islands under a moonless but star-filled night. ■

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Captain Linda Perry Riera and her husband Captain Bob Damiano are the owners and operators of All Hands Sailing Charters, LLC in Boston, MA (allhandssailing.com).

Argon is currently island- and harbor-hopping in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. You can follow Linda and Bob’s journey (and view their very well produced videos) at ArgonSailing.com.

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March 2017

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From the Log of Persevere: Niue, The Rock

By Colin Rath Editor’s note: This is the eighteenth installment in a series of dispatches from the Rath family (Colin & Pam, daughters Breana, Mariel and Nerina), who departed Stamford, CT in the fall of 2014 for a worldwide cruise aboard their Hanse 545 Persevere.

You’ll find previous articles at windcheckmagazine.com.

We departed from Tahiti at our usual time in the afternoon for yet another full moon sail with 12 knots of trade winds on our beam to Bora Bora. When we sail these voyages from island to island, it never ceases to amaze me that there is no one out there.

No boats, even in the shipping zones around the world – once you are in the ocean you are on your own. Rarely does another boat pop up on AIS once you’re 10 miles from shore. You might see a fishing boat 15 miles off or a freighter on AIS, but rarely visually at all. I still do sleep on deck and wake every 45 minutes through the night, but mostly to admire the starry nights of shooting stars and following seas. This is the ocean I am talking about. The Caribbean, Med and English Channel are a whole other story of multiple targets that you have to watch out for, while the Pacific Ocean in particular is a lonely place. That’s The girls loved snorkeling in Niue’s clear the beauty of it and the waters. © persevere60545.com precarious nature of the ocean. in the end after some frustrating days

This is the place in of work. All in all, as I said we have the world you have only been lucky. yourself – and what you We arrived in Vaitape at dawn with bring aboard – to rely the girls well rested to explore another on. There is no West island after making it through Passe Marine in any port. You to Ava Nui, the only entrance through might find the basics: the reef surrounding Bora Bora. We oil, or a bolt or two, but picked up a mooring ball at MaiKai that’s it. Spare parts are Marina, a little outside Vaitape. We worth their weight in went ashore and checked out the town. gold out here. It’s quite

Bora Bora was set up for a common to run into The Rath sisters have made new friends around the world. month-long celebration of tribal other cruisers stranded © persevere60545.com dances that begins in June each year in some harbor in the and culminates with Bastille Day. Pacific, waiting for parts.

There was a series of thatched restaurants and booths set up We’ve come across at least 20. Some just put their boat up on in the square, and nightly dance competitions. It is a carnival land, fly home to get the part, and return next season. Others type atmosphere with cotton candy and a lot of kids. The girls just wait – some up to six months – for the part to arrive. got into it and we enjoyed the ritual dances. The big event on

We have been lucky and I made sure we had doubles of Bastille Day was a bicycle race around the island, a mini Tour de everything before we left, and we still have a lot of spares. Plus France, French Polynesian style. There were a lot of scooters racour boat is in excellent racing condition and only four years ing ahead with spare tires for the bikers for when their tires pop, old…knock on wood…so we have been able to keep on sailing and a lot of fun and rivalry among the participants…good old without much difficulty. We had some problems with our water fashioned French entertainment. maker, generator, boom gooseneck, and actuator, but taking Meriel and Nerina befriended Kihia, the daughter of the them apart and rebuilding them with the spare parts we had aboard, often with some tweaking here and there, all worked out owners of MaiKai Marina. The owner was a French chef that 30 March 2017 WindCheck Magazine

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married a Californian woman named Donna and had a daughter. The girls hit it off right away and they liked the pool at the marina because it had an infinity edge.

While we were exploring Bora Bora over the next few weeks they must have had four or five sleepovers, either on our boat or their house, and they had a blast. Donna had a “mermaid tail,” something like a wetsuit stocking that holds your legs together with a mono fin on the end. They spent the days taking turns swimming with it. The marina owners are very nice people who bought the facility a few years ago and are making a go of it.

They are doing pretty well, and it was good to see people taking a chance on a new life and succeeding.

We rented a car and toured the island, enjoying a lot of great diving with manta rays and discovering secluded coves in which to anchor. We exchanged burgees from Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club with Bora Bora Yacht Club for my friend Kirk Kelly, CLYC Commodore, who had made me their ambassador to the Pacific. Now, CLYC can put the BBYC burgee up at their clubhouse in upstate New York to give it some international flavor.

That was fun. After two weeks, it was time to move on again and we had to get stores for a five-day sail to Niue. We said our goodbyes to new friends and set sail at our usual time.

Niue is an upthrust coral reef of about 100 square mile in the middle of the Pacific. The whole country has a population of 2,000. Niue has amazing diving caves and chasms dotting its coast. Some say Niue has the best diving in the world because of its clear water. Since it’s a rock, there are not many beaches or landing areas, just little coral coves and one cement pier at the capital, Alofi. We arrived at dawn on the sixth day, after another uneventful crossing with following seas…although we did catch a tuna.

Before you get there you join Niue Yacht Club, “The Biggest Little Yacht Club in the World” (nyc.nu). The club has 16 moorings for visitors that you pay for while you stay, and they pick you up at the dock and help you through customs. There is really no protection except the island and the bay is rather large, so you want a good hook. Because if the wind changes, it blows, and your boat is gone. The seabed is coral and 30 meters down, and after that it goes to 1,000 meters, plus the tide is three to five meters. Anchoring is not a realistic option. Now the fun part of landing at the dock. Since Niue is in the middle of the ocean,

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This mermaid tail made quite a splash with the girls. © persevere60545.com

the sea can be rough and landing on a cement pier as your dinghy goes up and down five feet with a family of five is a trick to say the least. First, always bring separate clothes in a drybag, and be ready to grab the railing on the cement pier and hold on for life because a second later the dinghy will not be there.

Once you get everyone off, you have to hook up a sling and hoist your dinghy onto the top of the pier, then onto a cart, then put the cart next to all the other tenders on the pier, then set up the hoist for the next arrival. This is the only way to get ashore.

All boats are lowered in and out by hoist. Even large 30-foot fishing boats are put in and out this way every day, since there is no protected harbor. When a container ship brings supplies, they lower a launch that takes one container at a time and it is hoisted up one at a time ashore. It takes three days to unload a ship. It’s quite a process to watch, and the whole country comes out to help and receive their goods. Once we got organized ashore with customs, we set out to enjoy lunch and plan our exploration of the island. ■ Look for updates on Persevere’s journey in future issues of WindCheck. You can track the Raths’ progress on their Facebook page, “Persevere60545.” Colin’s book, It Is What It Is, can be purchased on ColinRath.com or at Amazon.com or any major bookstore. Look for his next book this fall.

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sound environment.

When Whales Meet Sails

How the sailing community can help stop collisions with whales

By Tyson Bottenus, At-Large Ambassador for Sailors for the Sea “Currently the database for marine mammal strikes is very sparse.

We are requesting sailors and boaters help to submit information on current and past incidents, however long ago that may be. By giving a location, date, identification if possible, and any other relevant information you can help scientists better understand where marine mammals are at risk for strikes, and help fellow boaters know where they are likely to come across marine mammals. This is the best thing we can do in our sport to protect these brilliant creatures.” – Damian Foxall

In May 2012, CAMPER helmsman Roberto ‘Chuny’ Bermudez found himself nearly face to face with a whale in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. In a pretty extraordinary video from a rainy day on the Miami to Lisbon leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, you see Bermudez swing the boat, which had been hurtling through the ocean at over 20 knots, into the wind and just narrowly avoid what would have been a catastrophic collision with a marine mammal. “It would have been a bad day for both the whale and for us,” said Onboard Reporter Hamish Hooper afterwards. “With reflexes like a cat [Bermudez] narrowly missed what would have been the equivalent of a runaway freight train colliding with a truck.”

Another video, dated May 2016 from the Canadian Ocean Racing team, highlights what happens when a sailing vessel collides at night. “We were doing 15-20 knots and there was this loud smack,” says a crewmember into the camera. “Everyone came on deck because we weren’t sure what happened, and then afterwards we saw the whale surface.” For Canadian Ocean Racing and their IMOCA Open 60 O Canada, the incident left them without a starboard rudder. For the whale, its fate remains unknown, but it’s assumed by some scientists that a collision with a large enough vessel going over 10 knots can easily be considered a lethal encounter.

Incidents like these illustrate a growing problem within the sailing community that needs to be addressed by sailors, regatta organizers, and anyone directly responsible for determining where boats will be sailing. With sailboats becoming more numerous and faster, the potential for more ship strikes is expected to increase unless we change something.

“Overall, we think that the planning needs to be more proactive,” says Fabian Ritter, Ship Strike Data Coordinator with the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the global

intergovernmental body charged with conservation of whales and the management of whaling. “The most precautionary actions to reduce ship strike risks will be at the planning stage rather than at the stage where the timing and route has already been decided.”

In 2012, Ritter published a study finding that, over the last 60 years, 81 reported collisions and 42 near misses of whales and sailing vessels were reported, and a greater proportion of these were from more recent years. Damian Foxall, veteran ocean racer and Recreation Education Manager at the Canadian Wildlife Federation, is confident that this number is only the tip of the iceberg.

This humpback whale calf was spotted by researchers in the leeward waters off Maui. The ship-struck animal was a case in which researchers didn’t know the type of vessel involved. © Ed Lyman/NOAA MMHSRP (permit #932-1489)

“There’s a problem right now in that the vast majority of sailors do not even know that there is a duty to report these incidents,” says Foxall, who has spent the better part of a few years working to raise attention on this issue. “At the Canadian Wildlife Federation, one of our roles as a national conservation organization is to ensure that everyone going afloat is aware of best practices to apply while in the vicinity of marine mammals.

In the case of a collision, mariners have an obligation to report this type of incident to the Coast Guard as a safety notice to other mariners as well as to the Ship Strike Database hosted by the International Whaling Commission.”

One race Foxall brings up as a perfect example is the 2016 IMOCA Ocean Masters Transat from New York, NY to Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Fourteen singlehanded IMOCA 60 monohulls departed New York, bound for Les Sables-d’Olonne on May 29th. After leaving New York, all sailors took care to avoid a Right Whale Exclusion Zone and a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off of Nantucket designed to create distance between ships and a sensitive habitat area.

However, less than 24 hours into the race sailors began

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reporting collisions with unidentified floating objects. First to report was the French skipper Yann Elies, who reported damage to his boat’s daggerboard. Then Armel Le Cléac’h hit an unidentified object and turned around. In the end, eight boats would report over 15 collisions with floating objects. Six boats turned around and returned to port, and one boat dropped out of the race entirely. A statement was released after the collisions occurred by the race organizers stating:

“We are very saddened that this could happen when we worked to protect marine life which would possibly cross the course of our race. The sailing community is very concerned about protecting nature, especially within the seas, which is our playing field. In our commitment to trying to resolve this issue we will assist other race organisers to find ways to work together with scientists around World Sailing’s Major Oceanic Events commission to improve safety of all races, both current and in the future.”

For Foxall, who studied this race in depth, this is a troubling story. “There were reports from skippers of sunfish and basking sharks in the area, but much of the damage to the leading edges of appendages and surrounding structure was consistent with marine mammal strikes,” says Foxall. “However since all of the boats were singlehanded and the collisions occurred at night, this makes reporting details much harder for the skippers.”

Both Foxall and Ritter urge race organizers to apply care towards the timing and route planning of offshore events and to inform sailors of where they are most likely to encounter whales, dolphins, and other vulnerable marine life. They also encourage

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organizers to provide general advice on the species most likely to be encountered along an intended route. Whales, for instance, tend to aggregate so if sailors report one whale, there’s a very good probability that there are others in the area.

“Despite due diligence and correct procedure followed by the race committee and skippers in the case of the Transat-Vendee Globe, we are seeing an increase of incidents,” says Foxall. “While many nations are now realizing the real value of their marine resources, the legislation behind creating marine protected areas is often very prolonged. As a community, we must self-regulate and promote good stewardship when it comes to avoiding collisions with marine mammals.”

If an accident between a sailing vessel and a whale takes place, both Foxall and Ritter urge sailors to take the time to report the incident, not only as a notice to mariners in the area, but also to the International Whaling Commission’s global database on ship strikes located at iwc.int/ship-strikes. ■ *We would like to extend a special thank you to the sailors and race organizers who contributed to this story or have shared their stories of whale strikes publicly. Marine mammal strikes are scary and dangerous, and not many are reported. The more we report and provide data, the more we help scientists with whale research – and it is a respectful way to deal with a collision with one of these magnificent animals.

This Sailors for the Sea Ocean Watch Essay is reprinted with permission. For more information, visit sailorsforthesea.org.

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March 2017

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from the captain of the port

Sounding Smart on the Radio

By Vincent Pica Commodore, First District, Southern Region (D1SR) United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

There is a natural tendency to shy away from the unfamiliar, especially when you can’t get the words back. Remember the first time you were faced with a phone message machine: “Leave your answer after the beep” – BEEP! Now what? Even today, that beep can strike fear into the hearts of some. Now, how about multiplying that a hundred-fold to everyone tuned to VHF channel 16?

Some Basics Unless you know the cell phone number of every boater in your vicinity, your only source of help is your radio. You don’t have one, you say? Stop reading and check yourself in someplace, because that is simply nutty. Your radio is likely to be your only source of help and you go to sea without one? Over a couple hundred dollars? And West Marine, for one, will give you a three-year warranty in the price. Come on, Bunky, where else can we skimp with such potentially disastrous results?

So, let’s assume we all have a radio, even if only a 5-watt handheld, aboard. Calls fall into three categories and if you use the introduction properly, you will save essential time with U.S. Coast Guard Forces. Tune it to VHF channel 16 and leave it there.

Imminent Loss of Life Aboard The all-too-familiar “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” is the ultimate.

It means “I need help right now. There is imminent risk to lives aboard my vessel.” (Emanating from the sinking of the Titanic, “Mayday” comes from the French for “Help me!” M’aide.) Would you use it if there wasn’t imminent threat to lives? No. What then do you use?

Someone to Watch Over Me “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan” (said “pahn”) is the introduction to indicate that a high level of concern exists and advice, at a minimum, is needed. You’re taking on water but you have it generally under control, but you wisely want the USCG to keep an eye on you…or you are coming in during a heavy storm, are struggling but maintaining steerage, and want the USCG to keep an eye on you. Don’t be bashful. Get on that radio and have someone watch over you.

Someone to Look Out for Me “Security-security-security” (often said with the French pronunciation – “secure-a-tay”). You are coming into the Inlet at night, can’t see anybody but are worried, as you should be, that there is somebody there…You’re coming back from Montauk on a foggy day and you are on the rhumbline from the Montauk sea buoy towards the Moriches sea buoy. Someone going from Moriches to

Montauk will be on a reciprocal course to yours – in the fog. Put out the security call!

All of these introductions, which immediately establish the level of the issue, are repeated three times, per above.

Now What Do I Say? What you say next will save time and possibly save your life. Identify yourself (the name of the boat – if you don’t have one, make something up right then motor vessel ‘Charlie’) and, most importantly, the nature of your distress and where you are! For example, “Pahn-pahn, pahn-pahn, pahn-pahn, this is the motor-vessel Charlie. We are taking on water and are 10 miles due south of Moriches Inlet. Over.” When the USCG hears that, they will come right back to you (if they don’t within, say, a minute, hail them again.)

Note that I finished my hail with the word “over.” This means I am finished talking and hoping to hear back. (There is no such signoff, despite the movies, as “over and out.” “Out” means I am done talking and I don’t want to talk to you any more. “Over” means I am done talking and I do want to talk to you some more.

The rest is pretty straightforward. USCG Forces will essentially take over the conversational and situational control at that point. They will gather essential information (how many people aboard?) and direct you to take action consistent with the risk of the situation (get everyone in life jackets.) They will also put out an urgent call to all boaters in your vicinity to render assistance if they can, as Good Samaritans. And, if the risk warrants it, they will get underway within minutes.

Get a radio – and sound safe and smart out there!

If you are interested in being part of the 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 d1south.org/StaffPages/DSO-HR.php and we will help you “get in this thing.” ■ Captain Andrew Tucci is the Captain of the Port and Sector Commander for US Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. Captain Tucci is responsible for all active-duty, reservist and auxiliary Coast Guard personnel within the Sector. As a Commodore of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary First District, Southern Region, Vin Pica works closely with Captain Tucci 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.”

34 March 2017 WindCheck Magazine

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The Boating Barrister Going Down to the Sea, But Not with the Ship

By John K. Fulweiler The lore of a captain going down with the ship is well known, but what’s the legal consequence? Are civil, criminal or professional penalties meted out to the ship’s master who scoots clear leaving passengers and crew fending for themselves?

The concept of a captain as somehow being obligated to go down with the ship is likely anecdotal. It’s no doubt hyperbole of a design encouraging the person with the greatest potential of helping lives to hang around and render aid. There’s a certain awe, I think, people possess for those in the command of a vessel.

During the heyday of transatlantic shipping, New York City hosted a ticker tape parade for a ship’s captain who stayed alone aboard his sinking cargo vessel. Lauded as an international hero, the 1950s black & white newsreel recounts Captain Kurt Carlsen’s efforts to save the doomed Flying Enterprise with heavy emphasis on courage and heroism. Why, the narrator explains, the captain lived on pound cake and warmed his hands over a candle while the gale roared on around him. Although ultimately plucked from the sea having leapt from the ship’s funnel, there’s an indelible sense that forgiveness for the salty sin of losing one’s vessel requires such heroics.

Undoubtedly the ship’s captain who exits stage left leaves passengers and remaining crew in an awful spot, but the criminalization of this abandonment is sort of sparse. There’s little law on the books. Apparently, Ethiopian law makes it a crime for a ship’s captain to abandon the ship in times of distress, with the penalty being “simple imprisonment” not to exceed one year.

Likewise, news reports suggest authorities charged the captain of the Costa Concordia under an Italian law for his reported shoreside as opposed to bridge-side management of the disaster. To the extent there’s a criminal penalty for a Master’s early departure, it’s country-driven and there’s no codified international law treating the issue.

In the United States, there’s no specific federal statute prohibiting a captain from clambering off a vessel before the passengers. Still, much of this country’s maritime law is judgemade and they’re cases finding that the crew owe a unique duty to their passengers. One case is particularly gruesome and splays open the rawness of being huddled together aboard an overloaded lifeboat in the ice-strewn waters of 19th Century Newfoundland. Without an emergency beacon’s electronic chirp to warm their hope and with less than a foot of freeboard, the survivors of the vessel William Brown lived through the horror of the vessel’s crew electing to toss the lifeboat’s male passengers into the sea. When manslaughter charges were later brought in Philadelphia against the only crewmember located stateside, the Court’s revulsion is palpable. It wasn’t the fact that some windcheckmagazine.com

had to die to save the others that bothered the Court; it was the crew’s election to spare themselves. It was the crew singling out the passengers instead of drawing lots (‘sortation’) that the Court found untenable. The Court’s decision makes clear that the master and crew have a duty to the passengers and that duty went horribly awry in this instance. A scenario exists where the foundations of this case and the seaman’s manslaughter statute could be used to bring charges against a captain who left the vessel before the passengers.

On the civil side of the ship, a captain abandoning the vessel when efforts otherwise might have had a reasonable chance of saving the day could give rise to liability. That liability, however, may not extend to the owners. The Safety of Life at Sea Convention imposes a duty on the owner to draft procedures for handling emergencies and if that was done adequately, it could be tough to hang liability on the owner for the captain’s early departure. What that means practically is the claimants would be left gunning at the captain, who likely doesn’t have the financial resources to satisfy any kind of big judgment. But civil liability is not the only concern as the maritime law encourages passing ships to intervene and render salvage services to vessels in distress. A captain who leaves the ship early could expose the vessel’s owner to a much more robust claim of salvage because the rescuer is going to argue the ship was essentially lost when the captain left, and the award given a salvor is measured by the degree of danger.

It maybe seems odd in an era of air travel to speak about a sea captain going down with the ship. It maybe makes you wonder whether the Captain Scullys of our day are a product of their fate being inextricably bound to the passengers? Whatever the case, the sea plays fickle with the fates of those in distress and it’d be nice to believe there was some overriding legal obligation imposed on a ship’s captain. Maybe it’s time.

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. ■ John K. Fulweiler, Esq. is a licensed captain and a Proctor-In-Admiralty.

His legal practice is devoted to maritime law and he represents individuals and marine businesses throughout the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. He does not represent insurance companies. He may be reached anytime at 1-800-383-MAYDAY (6293), or at his Newport, Rhode Island desk at 401-667-0977 or john@saltwaterlaw.com.

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book reviews.

Ice Ghosts

The Epic Hunt for the Lost Franklin Expedition

By Paul Watson Published by W. W. Norton & Company 365 pages hardcover $27.95 This reviewer first learned of the doomed Franklin Expedition of 1845, in which two ships and 128 men were lost to the Arctic ice, in a song called “Northwest Passage” from the 1981 album of the same name by the late, great Canadian singer/songwriter Stan Rogers. Comparing the voyages of the first European explorers in Canada to his own experiences as a touring musician, Rogers sang,

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea

Award-winning journalist Paul Watson was aboard the icebreaker leading the expedition that discovered Sir John Franklin’s HMS Erebus in 2014, and he broke the story of the discovery of Franklin’s other vessel, HMS Terror, in pristine condition at the bottom of an Arctic bay, in 2016.

A fast-paced detective story about modern science, Native American beliefs, and the irrepressible spirit of exploration and its accompanying – and ultimately fatal – hubris, Ice Ghosts spans nearly 200 years. Watson tells the story of Franklin and his crew setting off in search of a sea route to the Orient only to become trapped in the ice hundreds of miles from the nearest outpost of Western civilization; decades of searching that had turned up only “weathered, broken bones and a long-forgotten, lonely cairn of stones” that Rogers sang about; and the league of scientists, researchers, divers and local Inuit who made the momentous discoveries.

Paul Watson has had a long, incredibly accomplished career as a journalist, winning the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for an image he shot while covering the civil war in Somalia. He is the author of Where War Lives and Magnum Revolution: 65 Years of Fighting for Freedom. A resident of Vancouver, BC, he’s even been the subject of an opera (The War Reporter) and a play (Body of an American). His website can be found at arcticstarcreativity.com. Well researched, masterfully crafted and utterly spellbinding, Ice Ghosts is an unforgettable read. ■ 36 March 2017 WindCheck Magazine

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QuickStart Circumnavigation Guide

Proven Route and Sailing Itinerary Timed for Weather

By Captain Charlie & Cathy Simon Published by World Sailing Guru 166 pages paperback $39.95 When Captain Charlie and Cathy Simon left St. Lucia in 2014 to sail around the world, they did so with a goal of compiling information to create the ultimate overview guide to circumnavigating the globe under sail. That book, in which the Simons enthusiastically share their wisdom on the life-changing aspects of circumnavigation, is now available.

With over 150 photos, 18 maps and 49 aerial diagrams, the QuickStart Circumnavigation Guide is packed with essential and practical information for making the voyage of a lifetime.

Chapters with detailed information on ports of call include the Panama Canal, Galapagos, French Polynesia, Niue, Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia, Bali, Indian Ocean, South Africa, Brazil and St. Lucia.

“This is the book we wish we’d had when we began our world circumnavigation,” said Captain Charlie. “The book inspires and prepares others to make the journey that many would consider overly daunting. Sailing the world is not as difficult as you might think.” If you’re dreaming of sailing the seas, QuickStart Circumnavigation Guide is an indispensible resource and it’s available at Amazon and booksellers nationwide.

Captain Charlie Simon and his wife Cathy have sailed together for more than 40 years, logging over 100,000 sea miles.

They completed a 26,000-mile, 14-month circumnavigation aboard their Taswell 58 Celebrate in 2015, and this year they’re embarking on a circumnavigation of North America including the Northwest Passage.

You’ll find more information at WorldSailing.Guru. Captain Charlie’s excellent article, ‘Top 10 Tips for Being Together at Sea,’ appeared in our November/December 2016 issue and can be found at windcheckmagazine.com. ■ windcheckmagazine.com

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Calendar 2017 MARCH 2-5 37th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta This international event features four days of world-class racing and entertainment by world famous musicians at party locations all over the island. St. Maarten, FWI; heinekenregatta.com 2 & 16 Singles Under Sail meeting SUS is a sailing club for adults who are also single.

Meetings are held on the first & third Thursdays of each month at Doubletree Inn, Norwalk, CT, CT; Check out SUS on Meetup, Facebook and singlesundersail. org. For more information, message or call 203-847-3456.

2 & 16 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. 7:30pm; Westbrook Elks Lodge, Westbrook, CT; shorelinesailingclub.com 4 On Land and On Sea: A Century of Women in the Rosenfeld Collection Photographers Morris Rosenfeld and Sons are best known for their stunning images of large racing yachts under sail, but they also captured images of people and everyday events. More than 70 images of ordinary and exceptional girls and women, from aviators and athletes to telephone operators and suffragettes, will be on exhibit for the first time. 10am - 4pm; R.J. Schaefer Building at Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT; mysticseaport.org 4 Meet Olympic Medalist

Caleb Paine US Sailing’s 2016 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, who won Bronze in the Finn at the Rio Olympics, will give an informal talk about what it’s like to compete at the top of our sport. There will be substantial opportunity for questions. 2 - 4pm; Nyack Boat Club, Nyack, NY; nyackboatclub.org

© Sailing Energy/World Sailing

4 Introduction to Celestial Navigation This is the first of two consecutive courses that will put the new student of celestial navigation on the path to proficiency in this time honored, defining skill of the competent sailor. 10am - 5pm; $195; Landfall Marine Training Center, Stamford, CT; 800-9412219; landfallnavigation.com/ celestial-navigation-intro.html Also offered 4/1 4 One Day Race Management Seminar Steven Purdy is the instructor for this US Sailing event. $55 fee includes course packet, online testing, lunch and mid-morning and afternoon snacks. 9am - 5pm; Norwalk Yacht Club, Norwalk, CT; ussailing.org/race-officials/ find-a-seminar/race-officerseminar-calendar/ 4 Beach Cleanup at Brenton Point This event is one of many volunteer opportunities with Clean Ocean Access, a non-profit organization taking “action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities.”

12pm - 2pm; Newport, RI; *to

confirm details before all COA events, call 401-236-2561, email info@cleanoceanaccess.org, or visit cleanoceanaccess.org.

4 About Boating Safety Completion of this 8-hour class, presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 24-3, satisfies the Connecticut licensing requirements for a Safe Boating Certificate and PWC Certificate. Family participation is encouraged. 8am; $60; Flotilla 24-3 Training Center, Milford, CT; 860-663-5505; skperrone@ hotmail.com; cgaux.org *All students must obtain a State of CT Conservation ID number before taking the course.Visit ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales/Sales to register for a free ID number.

5 Advanced Celestial Navigation This is the second of two consecutive courses that will put the new student of celestial navigation on the path to proficiency in this time honored, defining skill of the competent sailor. 10am - 5pm; $195; Landfall Marine Training Center, Stamford, CT; 800-941-2219; landfallnavigation.com/celestialnavigation-advanced.html Also offered 4/2 5 - 11 8th Annual Bacardi Miami Sailing Week presented

by EFG This event features one-design racing for Stars, Audi Melges 20s, Melges 24s,Viper 640s, J/70s,VX Ones,VX Evos, Flying Tiger 7.5s and A-Class catamarans; Miami, FL; miamisailingweek.com

8 Rising Ocean Levels In this Seamen’s Church Institute 2016-17 Speaker Series presentation, Teresa Crean, a community planner and coastal management extension specialist with the Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, will discuss the effects of climate change on the Ocean State and beyond. 7pm; Seamen’s Church Institute, Newport, RI; the series is open to the public without charge, though a suggested $10 donation will help defray the costs and fund the Institute’s outreach programs. Seating is limited and attendees are asked to register in advance. Contact Megan Bayley at 401-847-4260 or megan.seamen@gmail.com; seamensnewport.org 8 - 14 Snipe Winter Circuit Nassau Royal Nassau Sailing Club, Nassau, Bahamas; snipe.org 9 Racing Rules & Tactics Seminar with Butch Ulmer In this Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound evening presentation, sailing legend Ulmer will discuss the Rules (new and old) so you’ll know your rights and obligations in every situation, and tactics so you’ll know your options whenever boats meet. 7:30pm; Larchmont Yacht Club, Larchmont, NY; yralis.org 9 13th Annual IYRS Winter Event This fundraiser for the IYRS School of Technology & Trades includes a cocktail reception, dinner and keynote speaker Seth Goldenberg, Founder and CEO of Epic Decade, on The Maker Movement, IYRS & Education Today. Cocktails at 6pm; seated dinner at 7:30; New York Yacht Club, New York, NY; to purchase tickets, visit iyrs.edu/ winterevent, email events@iyrs. edu, or call 401-848-5777 ext.

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9 Dave Perry on the New windcheckmagazine.com

Racing Rules for 20172020, and How to Use the Rules at Starts and Marks The author of Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing Through 2020 will share his expertise on using the rules to your advantage. 7:30 - 9:30pm; $10; Nyack Boat Club, Nyack, NY; nyackboatclub.org *Due to limited seating, no walk-ins will be accepted.

11 North U. Rules & Tactics Seminar Spend time with Dave Perry and the new Racing Rules for 2017-2020.

8:30am - 4:30pm; Stamford Yacht Club, Stamford, CT; Francine Wainer: 203-245-0727; Francine.

Wainer@northsails.com; northu.com 11 Connecticut Safe Boating Course Approved by NASBLA and CT DEEP and recognized by the USCG, this course exceeds the minimum requirements for the certification to operate a boat in the State of Connecticut, and includes Personal Watercraft and Water Skiing endorsement. $90; Landfall Marine Training Center, Stamford, CT; 800-9412219; landfallnavigation.com/ connecticut-safe-boating-course. html Also offered 3/26 11 60th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Céad Mile Fáilte!

11am; Newport, RI; newportirish.com 11 & 12 Marion Bermuda Safety at Sea Symposium and In-Water Practical Training Session Moderated by Bill Biewenga and sanctioned

© Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon windcheckmagazine.com

by US Sailing, this 2-day event is highly recommended for sailors preparing for the Marion Bermuda Race as well as anyone planning to sail offshore. UMass Boston, Boston, MA; marionbermuda.com/sas 11, 18, 25, 4/1, 4/8 & 4/15 Marine Engine Maintenance Presented by the Norwalk Power Squadron, this 6-session, Saturday morning course covers the basic of gasoline & diesel engines, transmissions, propellers and steering systems in both classroom and hands-on environments. 9am 1pm; Star, Inc., Norwalk, CT; Register at tinyurl.com/nspssemmar2017. For more information, contact Karl Wagner at NSPSEducation@gmail.com or 203-274-5550; usps.org 12 US Sailing Umpire Seminar with Bruce Cook This sanctioned seminar will include the test required for re-certification as a US Sailing umpire.

8am - 5pm; $75 fee for US Sailing members includes snacks & lunch. Oakcliff Sailing, Oyster Bay, NY; Bill Simon: 516-8020368; bsimon@oakcliffsailing. org; oakcliffsailing.org 12 - 16 Flying Scot Midwinters Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA; fssa.com 16 Racing Rules & Tactics Seminar with Bill Gladstone In this Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound evening presentation, the Director of North U will discuss the Rules (new and old) so you’ll know your rights and obligations in every situation, and tactics so you’ll know your options whenever boats meet.

7:30pm; Centerport Yacht Club, Centerport, NY; yralis.org 16 After All…A Fisherman In this Mystic Seaport Adventure Series presentation, skiff captain Elma Burnham will share her experiences as a salmon fisher in Alaska’s Bristol Bay, WindCheck Magazine

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MARCH Continued home to the world’s largest wild salmon run. 1:30 and 7:30pm; $15 for museum members ($20 non-members); students are admitted free; The River Room at Latitude 41° Restaurant & Tavern, Mystic, CT; call 860572-5331 to purchase tickets; mysticseaport.org 17 - 19 O’Pen BIC North American Championships The top sailors in this ‘Un-Regatta’ will qualify for the AC Endeavour O’Pen Bic, a once-in-a-

© bicsport.com

lifetime event during the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda (June 15-18). Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Sarasota, FL; Nevin Sayre: 617-584-5784; nsayre@aol.com; sarasotayouthsailing.org/2017open-bic-north-americans/ 18 12th Annual IYRS Marine & Composites Industry Career Day Hosted by IYRS School of Technology & Trades, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association and Polaris MEP, this event draws marine and composites industry experts and employers from all over the U.S. Career seekers will have an opportunity to meet with boatbuilders, boatyards & composite manufacturers; learn about the skills needed to work in the marine and composites industries; gather information on how to gain in-demand skills; learn about career prospects; and attend informative seminars.

10am - 1pm; free; Newport, RI; iyrscareerday.com

18 Beach Cleanup at Pheasant Drive Beach This event is one of many volunteer opportunities with Clean Ocean Access, a non-profit organization taking “action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities.” 12pm - 2pm; Portsmouth, RI; *to confirm details before all COA events, call 401-236-2561, email info@ cleanoceanaccess.org, or visit cleanoceanaccess.org.

18 Coastal Ocean Weather, Sea State & Medical Emergencies at Sea Led by instructor W. Frank Bohlen, this 6-hour class provides an introduction to the factors governing the weather, currents & surface waves in coastal waters extending seaward from the bays & estuaries to the edge of the continental shelf, plus a segment on handling shipboard medical emergencies. $200; Landfall Marine Training Center, Stamford, CT; 800-941-2219; landfallnavigation.com/coastal-weather.html

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18 One Day Race Management Seminar Cynthia Parthemos is the instructor for this US Sailing event. $45 fee includes course packet, online testing, lunch, buns in the morning and cookies in the afternoon.

8:30am - 4:30pm; Essex Yacht Club, Essex, CT; ussailing.org/ race-officials/find-a-seminar/ race-officer-seminar-calendar/ 18 & 19 Southern New England Team Race This collegiate regatta is hosted by Connecticut College and sailed in FJs. New London, CT; collegesailing.org 19 - 21 70th Anniversary Lightning Class Winter Championship St. Petersburg Yacht Club, St. Petersburg, FL; lightningclass.org 20 Vernal Equinox First day of spring!

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22 Racing Rules & Tactics Seminar with Butch Ulmer In this Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound evening presentation, sailing legend Ulmer will discuss the Rules (new and old) so you’ll know your rights and obligations in every situation, and tactics so you’ll know your options whenever boats meet. 7:30pm; Sea Cliff Yacht Club, Sea Cliff, NY; yralis.org 23 - 25 59th Annual Lightning Class Midwinter Championship Coral Reef Yacht Club, Miami, FL; lightningclass.org

custom boatbuilders on the East Coast features everything from small rowing boats, kayaks and canoes to powerboats and sailboats of every size. Portland Sports Complex, Portland, ME; boatshow.portlandcompany.com

Sailing event. $160 fee includes course packet, online testing, and lunch on both days. 8am - 4pm; Stamford Yacht Club, Stamford, CT; ussailing.org/raceofficials/find-a-seminar/raceofficer-seminar-calendar/

24 - 26 St. Thomas International Regatta The “Crown Jewel” of Caribbean racing is hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club. St. Thomas, USVI; stthomasinternationalregatta.com

25 & 26 Friis Trophy This collegiate regatta is hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and sailed in FJs and Z420s. New London, CT; collegesailing.org

23 - 26 Snipe Winter Circuit Miami Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Coconut Grove, FL; snipe. org

25 North U. Rules & Tactics Seminar Spend time with Dave Perry and the new Racing Rules for 2017-2020.

8:30am - 4:30pm; Raritan Yacht Club, Perth Amboy, NJ; Francine Wainer: 203-245-0727; Francine.Wainer@northsails.com; northu.com

24 - 26 30th Annual Maine Boatbuilders Show With a new venue for 2017, this gathering of the finest fiberglass and wooden

25 & 26 Advanced Race Management Seminar Cynthia Parthemos and Hank Stuart are the instructors for this US

© Cynthia Sinclair/cynthiasinclair. smugmug.com

25 & 26 Admiral Moore Team Race This collegiate regatta is hosted by SUNY Maritime and

sailed in 420s and FJs. Throggs Neck, NY; collegesailing.org 25 & 26 Duplin Women’s Team Race This collegiate regatta is hosted by Tufts and sailed in Larks. Medford, MA; collegesailing.org 26 North U. Rules & Tactics Seminar Spend time with Dave Perry and the new Racing Rules for 2017-2020. 8:30am 4:30pm; Oakcliff Sailing, Oyster Bay, NY; Francine Wainer: 203245-0727; Francine.Wainer@ northsails.com; northu.com 26 North U. Rules & Tactics Seminar Spend time with Dave Dellenbaugh and the new Racing Rules for 2017-2020.

8:30am - 4:30pm; MIT (building TBA), Cambridge, MA; Francine Wainer: 203-245-0727; Francine.Wainer@northsails. com; northu.com 27 - 4/2 46th BVI Spring Regatta

YACHT CLUB RACE WEEK PARTICIPANTS SAVE 40% OFF TRANSIENT FEES Inquire about additional Transient Loyalty Program Benefits.

SEASONAL & TRANSIENT SLIP RENTALS • 72 slips with 30/50 amp power and water

TGM ANCHOR POINT MARINA

• Unparalleled resort style amenities including bathroom/shower facilities, outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, indoor basketball/racquetball court, and a shuttle to the Stamford train station • Short walk to waterfront restaurants on the west branch of Stamford Harbor and water taxi services to Harbor Point restaurants • Minutes drive from I-95, Stamford train station and downtown Stamford

TGMAn c h orPoin t Marina .co m | 203.363.0733 | VHF 68 150 S outhfield Ave nue , Sta m fo r d, C T 0 6 9 0 2 eswanson@tgmcommunities.com windcheckmagazine.com

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MARCH Continued & Sailing Festival Hosted

by Nanny Cay, this event features warm water, hot racing, and cool parties. Tortola, BVI; bvispringregatta.org 28 - 30 Snipe Winter Circuit Clearwater Clearwater Yacht Club, Clearwater, FL; snipe.org 29 Racing Rules & Tactics Seminar with Dave Perry In this Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound evening presentation, rules guru Perry will discuss the Rules (new and old) so you’ll know your rights and obligations in every situation, and tactics so you’ll know your options whenever boats meet. 7:30pm; Riverside Yacht Club, Riverside, CT; yralis.org 30 - 4/2 21st Annual Defender Warehouse Sale Save on over 50,000 products for sail

& powerboats, learn about the latest technologies at informative seminars, speak with factory experts representing nearly 300 brands, and enter hourly prize drawings and a Grand Prize drawing. Defender, Waterford, CT; defender.com

APRIL 1 One Day Race Management Seminar Cynthia Parthemos is the instructor for this US Sailing event. $45 fee includes course packet, online testing, coffee, tea, lunch and snacks. 8am - 5pm; Milford Yacht Club, Milford, CT; ussailing.org/ race-officials/find-a-seminar/ race-officer-seminar-calendar/ 1 One Day Race Management Seminar Sandy Grosvenor is the instructor for this US Sailing event. $60 fee includes course packet, online testing and lunch. 8am - 5pm; American Yacht Club, Rye, NY; ussailing.org/race-officials/find-

a-seminar/race-officer-seminarcalendar/ 1 Western Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise Venture out on the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s hybridelectric research vessel Spirit of the Sound™ for an close-up look at eight historic lighthouses: Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge, Sheffield Island, Harbor Ledge, Great Captain Island, Execution Rocks, Sands Point, Stepping Stones and Eaton’s Neck. Maritime Aquarium educators will offer details, histories and anecdotes about the lighthouses, and also point out visiting winter waterfowl.

Binoculars will be provided. The vessel has a climate-controlled cabin, but the best view’s on deck so bring plenty of warm clothes. Passengers must be over 42” tall. The 7-hour cruise departs at 9am. $75 ($65 for Aquarium members); advance reservations are required. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700, ext. 2206; maritimeaquarium.org

42 March 2017 WindCheck Magazine

1 Beach Cleanup at Bailey’s Brook This event is one of many volunteer opportunities with Clean Ocean Access, a non-profit organization taking “action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities.”

12pm - 2pm; Middletown, RI; *to confirm details before all COA events, call 401-236-2561, email info@cleanoceanaccess.org, or visit cleanoceanaccess.org

© cleanoceanaccess.org

1&2 Dellenbaugh Women’s Trophy This collegiate regatta is hosted by Brown and sailed in Z420s. Providence, RI; collegesailing.org

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1&2 Lynne Marchiando Team Race This collegiate regatta is hosted by MIT and sailed in FJs and Fireflies. Boston, MA; collegesailing.org 1, 8, 22 & 29 Music of the Sea: Ballads, Chanteys, and Songs of the Sailor Sharpen your musical skills while exploring the rich connections between music and the sea. The class will culminate in a performance at the Museum’s Greenmanville Church. 10am - 12pm; $90 ($110 non-members); Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT; call 860572-5331 to register; mysticseaport.org 6 & 20 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. 7:30pm; Westbrook Elks

Lodge, Westbrook, CT; shorelinesailingclub.com 6 & 20 Singles Under Sail meeting SUS is a sailing club for adults who are also single.

Meetings are held on the first & third Thursdays of each month at Doubletree Inn, Norwalk, CT, CT; Check out SUS on Meetup, Facebook and singlesundersail. org. For more information, message or call 203-847-3456.

8 Beach Cleanup at Fort Adams This event is one of many volunteer opportunities with Clean Ocean Access, a nonprofit organization taking “action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities.” 12pm 2pm; Newport, RI; *to confirm details before all COA events, call 401-236-2561, email info@ cleanoceanaccess.org, or visit cleanoceanaccess.org.

8&9 Greenwich Boat Show In-water boat show with more

than 100 boats will be presented by the area’s best dealers, and attendees can take advantage of free sea-trials to test boats on Long Island Sound. 10am 4pm; free admission; Greenwich Water Club, Cos Cob, CT; to preview the models on display and book sea trials in advance, visit greenwichboatshow.com.

8&9 USCG Launch Operator’s License Course This 16-hour, hands-on course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a powerboat, improve their on-the-water boat handling skills and earn a U.S. Coast Guard (geographically) Limited Masters or a Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) U.S. Coast Guard License. $350; Landfall Marine Training Center, Stamford, CT; 800-941-2219; landfallnavigation.com/uscglaunch.html Also offered 5/6 & 7, 6/10 & 11 and 7/22 & 23

8&9 Emily Wick Trophy This collegiate regatta is hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and sailed in FJs and Z420s. New London, CT; collegesailing.org 9 North U. Rules & Tactics Seminar Spend time with Dave Perry and the new Racing Rules for 2017-2020. 8:30am - 4:30pm; Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, Branford, CT; Francine Wainer: 203-245-0727; Francine.Wainer@northsails. com; northu.com 10 - 15 Les Voiles de Saint Barth 7th Edition With competi-

Rambler 88 © Christophe Jouany

Floating Dock Mooring Space Available in 2017 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 203-882-5049 windcheckmagazine.com

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APRIL Continued tion on the water and conviviality on the shore, this French and fabulous regatta attracts sailors from around the world. St. Barth, FWI; lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com 13 Across Three Oceans In this Mystic Seaport Adventure Series presentation, Lenore & Ralph Naranjo will discuss how they turned an interest in club racing and overnight cruising into a five-year family voyage around the world.1:30 and 7:30pm; $15 for museum members ($20 non-members); students are admitted free; *The afternoon program will be held at The River Room at Latitude 41° Restaurant & Tavern, Mystic, CT and the evening program will be held at Stonebridge Retirement Community, Mystic, CT; call 860-572-5331 to purchase tickets; mysticseaport.org 15 Central Long Island

Sound Lighthouse Cruise This 5-hour cruise aboard the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s hybrid-electric research vessel Spirit of the Sound will make close passes by five beacons: Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge, Sheffield Island, Penfield Reef, and Stratford Shoal. Maritime Aquarium educators will offer details, histories and anecdotes about the lighthouses, and also point out visiting winter waterfowl. Binoculars will be provided.

The vessel has a climate-controlled cabin, but the best view’s on deck so bring plenty of warm clothes. Passengers must be over 42” tall. The 5-hour cruise departs at 10am. $70 ($60 for

Aquarium members); advance reservations are required. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700, ext. 2206; maritimeaquarium.org 15 Beach Cleanup at Corys Lane This event is one of many volunteer opportunities with Clean Ocean Access, a non-profit organization taking “action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities.”

12pm - 2pm; Portsmouth, RI; *to confirm details before all COA events, call 401-236-2561, email info@cleanoceanaccess.org, or visit cleanoceanaccess.org.

15 & 16 Thompson Trophy This collegiate regatta is hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and sailed in FJs and Z420s. New London, CT; collegesailing.org

© maritimeaquarium.org

15 & 16 President’s Trophy Women’s This collegiate regatta is hosted by Boston University and sailed in FJs. Boston, MA; collegesailing.org

18 - 20 Sailing The Collegiate Dinghies This 3-day clinic is for high school & college sailors who are fairly experienced with racing dinghies and are looking for the next level of refinement to their speed and handling skills. Crimson Sailing Academy, Cambridge, MA; crimsonsailingacademy.com 20 - 23 22nd Annual Sperry Charleston Race Week Enjoy springtime fun and competition in the #1 city in the world (according to the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine), with three days of racing in 18 classes, four nights of beach parties, free daily race debriefs and seminars, and a heapin’ helpin’ of Southern hospitality. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Mt. Pleasant, SC; charlestonraceweek.com

Add your event to our print and online calendar by emailing to contactus@windcheckmagazine.com

by the 7th of the month.

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March 2017

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March 2017

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 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/16 3/16

4:08 AM L 9:57 AM H 4:26 PM L 10:19 PM H 4:55 AM L 10:50 AM H 5:10 PM L 11:12 PM H 5:50 AM L 11:47 AM H 6:01 PM L 12:09 AM H 6:55 AM L 12:46 PM H 7:05 PM L 1:09 AM H 8:06 AM L 1:49 PM H 8:16 PM L 2:13 AM H 9:14 AM L 2:57 PM H 9:24 PM L 3:24 AM H 10:15 AM L 4:07 PM H 10:25 PM L 4:35 AM H 11:11 AM L 5:13 PM H 11:22 PM L 5:38 AM H 12:04 PM L 6:09 PM H 12:16 AM L 6:31 AM H 12:54 PM L 6:58 PM H 1:07 AM L 7:17 AM H 1:40 PM L 7:43 PM H 1:55 AM L 9:01 AM H 3:24 PM L 9:26 PM H 3:40 AM L 9:42 AM H 4:05 PM L 10:07 PM H 4:22 AM L 10:24 AM H 4:44 PM L 10:49 PM H 5:03 AM L 11:07 AM H 5:21 PM L 11:31 PM H 5:44 AM L 11:51 AM H

3/16 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/31 3/31 3/31 3/31

5:56 PM L 12:13 AM H 6:25 AM L 12:36 PM H 6:32 PM L 12:55 AM H 7:10 AM L 1:22 PM H 7:10 PM L 1:37 AM H 8:05 AM L 2:08 PM H 8:06 PM L 2:22 AM H 9:09 AM L 2:59 PM H 9:18 PM L 3:13 AM H 10:10 AM L 3:55 PM H 10:21 PM L 4:12 AM H 11:04 AM L 4:56 PM H 11:16 PM L 5:14 AM H 11:53 AM L 5:53 PM H 12:07 AM L 6:11 AM H 12:39 PM L 6:41 PM H 12:55 AM L 6:59 AM H 1:24 PM L 7:24 PM H 1:44 AM L 7:42 AM H 2:09 PM L 8:03 PM H 2:32 AM L 8:24 AM H 2:53 PM L 8:42 PM H 3:19 AM L 9:06 AM H 3:36 PM L 9:24 PM H 4:06 AM L 9:52 AM H 4:20 PM L 10:09 PM H 4:54 AM L 10:43 AM H 5:04 PM L 10:59 PM H 5:44 AM L 11:39 AM H 5:52 PM L 11:55 PM H

3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/16 3/16

12:40 AM 7:02 AM 1:02 PM 7:17 PM 1:25 AM 7:48 AM 1:49 PM 8:04 PM 2:13 AM 8:40 AM 2:41 PM 8:56 PM 3:08 AM 9:41 AM 3:40 PM 9:57 PM 4:09 AM 10:58 AM 4:51 PM 11:12 PM 5:23 AM 12:29 PM 6:24 PM 12:52 AM 6:58 AM 1:46 PM 7:50 PM 2:10 AM 8:16 AM 2:48 PM 8:55 PM 3:11 AM 9:17 AM 3:43 PM 9:49 PM 4:05 AM 10:10 AM 4:33 PM 10:38 PM 4:55 AM 10:58 AM 5:20 PM 11:23 PM 6:41 AM 12:42 PM 7:03 PM 1:03 AM 7:24 AM 1:21 PM 7:41 PM 1:37 AM 8:01 AM 1:54 PM 8:12 PM 2:03 AM 8:33 AM 2:17 PM 8:32 PM 2:21 AM 8:55 AM

H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L

3/16 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/31 3/31 3/31 3/31

Bridgeport, CT 2:38 PM 8:51 PM 2:49 AM 9:21 AM 3:11 PM 9:24 PM 3:27 AM 9:59 AM 3:53 PM 10:07 PM 4:12 AM 10:49 AM 4:42 PM 10:58 PM 5:04 AM 11:50 AM 5:38 PM 11:57 PM 6:01 AM 1:32 PM 6:41 PM 1:11 AM 7:04 AM 2:47 PM 8:26 PM 3:03 AM 8:30 AM 3:39 PM 9:30 PM 3:54 AM 9:37 AM 4:21 PM 10:10 PM 4:34 AM 10:19 AM 4:54 PM 10:41 PM 5:08 AM 10:56 AM 5:22 PM 11:14 PM 5:42 AM 11:35 AM 5:54 PM 11:52 PM 6:20 AM 12:17 PM 6:32 PM 12:34 AM 7:02 AM 1:01 PM 7:14 PM 1:19 AM 7:47 AM 1:47 PM 7:59 PM 2:06 AM 8:34 AM 2:35 PM 8:47 PM

H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L

3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/16 3/16

46 March 2017 WindCheck Magazine

12:45 AM 7:06 AM 1:10 PM 7:24 PM 1:31 AM 7:55 AM 2:00 PM 8:12 PM 2:20 AM 8:49 AM 2:53 PM 9:05 PM 3:15 AM 9:48 AM 3:52 PM 10:04 PM 4:15 AM 10:52 AM 4:56 PM 11:09 PM 5:20 AM 11:59 AM 6:03 PM 12:16 AM 6:28 AM 1:04 PM 7:08 PM 1:22 AM 7:33 AM 2:05 PM 8:09 PM 2:23 AM 8:33 AM 3:01 PM 9:04 PM 3:18 AM 9:27 AM 3:51 PM 9:54 PM 4:09 AM 10:16 AM 4:36 PM 10:39 PM 5:55 AM 12:01 PM 6:18 PM 12:22 AM 6:38 AM 12:43 PM 6:57 PM 1:02 AM 7:19 AM 1:25 PM 7:35 PM 1:41 AM 8:00 AM 2:05 PM 8:13 PM 2:21 AM 8:41 AM

H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L

3/16 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/31 3/31 3/31 3/31

2:47 PM 8:53 PM 3:01 AM 9:23 AM 3:30 PM 9:34 PM 3:45 AM 10:09 AM 4:17 PM 10:21 PM 4:32 AM 10:59 AM 5:08 PM 11:13 PM 5:25 AM 11:53 AM 6:04 PM 12:11 AM 6:22 AM 12:51 PM 7:02 PM 1:10 AM 7:22 AM 1:48 PM 7:59 PM 2:08 AM 8:19 AM 2:42 PM 8:52 PM 3:02 AM 9:11 AM 3:32 PM 9:40 PM 3:53 AM 10:01 AM 4:18 PM 10:26 PM 4:40 AM 10:47 AM 5:03 PM 11:09 PM 5:27 AM 11:33 AM 5:46 PM 11:52 PM 6:12 AM 12:18 PM 6:30 PM 12:36 AM 6:59 AM 1:04 PM 7:15 PM 1:21 AM 7:48 AM 1:53 PM 8:02 PM 2:09 AM 8:39 AM 2:44 PM 8:53 PM

H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L

windcheckmagazine.com

March 2017

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 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/16 3/16 3/16

5:28 AM 11:18 AM 5:48 PM 11:48 PM 6:24 AM 12:10 PM 6:41 PM 12:41 AM 7:22 AM 1:03 PM 7:35 PM 1:36 AM 8:21 AM 1:59 PM 8:33 PM 2:39 AM 9:24 AM 3:05 PM 9:36 PM 3:49 AM 10:28 AM 4:15 PM 10:40 PM 4:55 AM 11:29 AM 5:17 PM 11:42 PM 5:52 AM 12:26 PM 6:12 PM 12:41 AM 6:45 AM 1:21 PM 7:03 PM 1:37 AM 7:34 AM 2:09 PM 7:50 PM 2:27 AM 8:19 AM 2:52 PM 8:35 PM 4:12 AM 10:01 AM 4:32 PM 10:17 PM 4:54 AM 10:42 AM 5:11 PM 10:59 PM 5:36 AM 11:24 AM 5:51 PM 11:43 PM 6:21 AM 12:10 PM 6:34 PM 12:29 AM 7:08 AM 12:58 PM

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L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H

Woods Hole, MA 3/16 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/17 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/19 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/21 3/22 3/22 3/22 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/23 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/24 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/25 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/26 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/27 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/29 3/30 3/30 3/30 3/31 3/31 3/31 3/31

7:19 PM 1:18 AM 7:55 AM 1:46 PM 8:05 PM 2:06 AM 8:43 AM 2:35 PM 8:52 PM 2:58 AM 9:34 AM 3:29 PM 9:44 PM 3:56 AM 10:29 AM 4:30 PM 10:41 PM 5:00 AM 11:24 AM 5:30 PM 11:38 PM 5:58 AM 12:15 PM 6:21 PM 12:31 AM 6:47 AM 1:04 PM 7:07 PM 1:22 AM 7:33 AM 1:51 PM 7:51 PM 2:12 AM 8:17 AM 2:37 PM 8:34 PM 3:00 AM 9:00 AM 3:21 PM 9:17 PM 3:45 AM 9:41 AM 4:03 PM 9:59 PM 4:31 AM 10:24 AM 4:46 PM 10:42 PM 5:18 AM 11:08 AM 5:31 PM 11:30 PM 6:11 AM 11:58 AM 6:23 PM 12:23 AM 7:07 AM 12:53 PM 7:18 PM

L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L

3/1 3/1 3/1 3/1 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/3 3/3 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/6 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/7 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/9 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/10 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/11 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/12 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/14 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/15 3/16 3/16 3/16 3/17

4:48 AM 10:08 AM 5:04 PM 10:32 PM 5:49 AM 10:58 AM 5:56 PM 11:25 PM 6:57 AM 11:50 AM 6:54 PM 12:21 AM 8:08 AM 12:45 PM 7:58 PM 1:21 AM 9:16 AM 1:43 PM 9:05 PM 2:24 AM 10:21 AM 2:44 PM 10:14 PM 3:28 AM 11:22 AM 3:45 PM 11:22 PM 4:29 AM 12:19 PM 4:43 PM 12:26 AM 5:24 AM 1:12 PM 5:36 PM 1:23 AM 6:13 AM 2:00 PM 6:26 PM 2:13 AM 6:59 AM 2:44 PM 7:13 PM 3:58 AM 8:43 AM 4:22 PM 8:59 PM 4:37 AM 9:26 AM 4:54 PM 9:44 PM 5:11 AM 10:10 AM 5:12 PM 10:30 PM 5:40 AM 10:55 AM 5:25 PM 11:17 PM 6:13 AM 11:40 AM 5:51 PM 12:05 AM

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Sailing Life Starts at Shennecosset Yacht Club If you are looking for a great place to learn how to sail, check out the program at Shennecosett Yacht Club (SYC) in Groton, CT. Located next to UConn’s Avery Point Campus in beautiful Pine Island Bay, students can enjoy an easier early sailing experience with calm waters in the protective cove.

In 2009, Bill Gaynor, SYC’s Director of Sailing, restarted the club’s junior sailing program. If Bill’s name is familiar, that is SYC Sailing School classes are held on the sheltered waters of Pine Island Bay. © Barbara Jean Walsh

Opti sailors rig up on the SYC dock. © syc-ct.com

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because he is the recently retired Head Sailing Coach at Stonington High School and previously worked as sailing instructor for both the Mystic Seaport and Town of Groton sailing programs.

The SYC Sailing program has grown to include a total of more than 90 youth and adult students each season, although classes are generally limited to 16 or 17 students. Two senior instructors, who are US Sailing certified, and four junior instructors, work under Bill’s direction.

The Sailing School offers three class levels: beginner, Intermediate, and Introduction to Racing. In addition, the Sailing School participates in local junior regattas and qualified students are eligible to compete on SYC’s team in Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association junior sailing events.

Courses run from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a break for lunch. Lunch can be enjoyed on the club’s covered porch or grassy lawn. On the water training is held in the quiet cove of Pine Island Bay, which students access from the club’s safe and private docks. SYC maintains 21 boats for the sailing school, including Optis, Flying Juniors and 420s.

Boats can be used for practice, with appropriate supervision, at non-class times, by sailing school students whose parents are club members. Classroom training takes place inside the spacious clubhouse.

The annual sailing school picnic is held at the end of the program season for all students, their parents and families.

Before the festivities begin, students are invited to sail, under supervision. Everyone then gathers for a cookout, certificates are distributed, and awards announced.

To learn more about the program and see the 2017 class schedule, check the SYC website at syc-ct.com. Online registration and payment is available. Keep in mind that classes fill up early. The Sailing School Director, Bill Gaynor, can be reached by emailing him at sailingschool@syc-ct.com. ■

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US Sailing Recognizes Outstanding Contributors Individuals and organizations in the Northeast are among the recipients of US Sailing’s annual awards, which were presented at the National Sailing Programs Symposium in Austin, TX.

Lawrences Receive the Herreshoff Trophy Betsy & Hunt Lawrence of New York, NY received the prestigious Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy for their outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing. The Lawrences were instrumental in their financial support for the fleet of Olympic-class boats that were used at the Olympic venue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for more than two years to help train American athletes. The Lawrences also founded Oakcliff Sailing, a high performance training center in Oyster Bay. Oakcliff was named a US Sailing Team National Training Center in 2013, and acquired multiple fleets of Olympic-class boats that were used for training and racing in Oyster Bay and around the world.

A quartet of Herreshoff Trophy winners gathered at Oakcliff Sailing in February From left to right are Hunt Lawrence, Mary Savage, Timmy Larr and Betsy Lawrence. © Ethan Johnson/Oakcliff Sailing

Peter Becker is the Volunteer Coach of the Year One of three recipients of national coaching awards presented annually by US Sailing’s Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC), Peter Becker of Rye, NY is the 2016 Volunteer Coach of the Year.

After helping to start and manage the Young American Junior Big Boat Sailing Team at American Yacht Club in Rye, NY, Becker saw years of effort come together when his predominantly junior crew on the Tripp 41 High Noon found unprecedented success in the 2016 Newport Bermuda Race. High Noon was the second boat in the 133-strong fleet to arrive in Bermuda, beaten only by the 100-foot super maxi Comanche. The team took third overall in the St. David’s Lighthouse Division, winning the race’s first Stephens Brothers Youth Division Trophy.

programs and students by identifying their inherent potential and guiding them to achieve it. Whether he’s directing an adaptive sailing program or rigging a spinnaker simulator from a thin plastic bag and wooden dowels when high school students are forced inside during a rainstorm, Rotzien has the remarkable ability to teach the most complex sailing topics.

New England Science & Sailing (NESS) in Stonington, CT received the award for Creative Innovations in Programming.

NESS provides students of all ages with year-round programming that includes marine science, sailing, powerboating, and adventure sports. NESS courses support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum with a unique combination of on-the-water and classroom lessons intended to spark curiosity, enhance learning, and encourage students to step out of their comfort zones.

Spike Lobdell of Stonington, CT received the award for Outstanding Organizational Leader. The founder and President/CEO of the New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS), Lobdell works selflessly and tirelessly to make sailing accessible to all who want to learn. He firmly believes that benefits derived from sailing – increased self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, independence and resilience, to name a few – should be available to everyone.

Dana Bolton of Burlington, VT was named Volunteer of the Year for his ongoing dedication to the Community Sailing Center (CSC) on Lake Champlain. Bolton has volunteered at CSC for four years in addition to being a summer staff member. He donates his time, all winter, to updating curriculum, recruiting new staff at various boat clubs and yacht clubs so CSC can attract more adult instructors and implement new programs. He’s also donated his J/88 to the CSC Junior Big Boat Program.

Mary Horrigan of New London, CT received the award for Outstanding Community Sailing Program Director. Horrigan is recognized for her leadership in bringing the sailing, STEM education, ocean stewardship and outreach at NESS to students in New London. She has provided access to sailing for these kids, spearheading NESS’s partnership programs with numerous community organizations in New London and the New London Public Schools. Through her encouragement and tireless efforts, over 1,000 students went sailing during the 2015-16 school year and the summer of 2016. For more information, visit ussailing.org. ■

Community Sailing and Training Awards Don Rotzien of New York, NY received the award for Excellence in Instruction. As the Program Growth and Development Officer at Hudson River Community Sailing, Rotzien aims to develop windcheckmagazine.com

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March 2017

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High School Spring Sailing Preview

Teams in the NYISA-SE League Prepare for Battle

By Jimi Grover The New York Interscholastic Sailing Association South East league is about to hit the water for their spring season. The league has 11 active teams and competes in regattas from mid-March through the end of the school year.

Sailors from this league are tough – they have to be to brave the cold weather in the beginning of the season – but they are also talented.

Some of the league’s top sailors have gone on to do impressive things in college sailing and beyond, including the Olympics.

The league is fortunate to have formed a partnership with local colleges SUNY Maritime in the Bronx, who will host a NY-NJ intersectional and the U.S Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point who will host the MASSA district’s fleet racing championship on April 8 and 9.

At these regattas, high school sailors will get an up close look at some of the country’s top collegiate sailing venues. Below is a preview of the league’s teams. To learn more about the league, the schedule, or to follow live results, head over to massa.hssailing.org/nyisa-se/home.

The Syosset Braves finished 8th out of 15 teams at the SUNY Maritime Fall Intersectional Regatta. The team is led

by Justin Smith, Neil Sawhney, John Devito and Camryn Smithwick. Syosset practices out of The WaterFront Center in Oyster Bay, which is a terrific venue for learning to sail that also offers racing programs for all abilities. The WaterFront Center is also one of the most hospitable venues for hosting our league’s regattas.

The Rye High School Garnets had an impressive fall and will look to keep the momentum rolling. The Garnets have lofty but practical goals of qualifying for Nationals. They are represented by skippers Michelle Lahrkamp, Carina Becker, Lindsay Powers and crews Audrey Fung, Madeline Saffer and Caelan Desmond. Rye qualified for the district Team Race Championship in Annapolis this past fall and hopes to improve their team racing strategy. Rye HS practices out of American Yacht Club, and has terrific support from their coaching staff as well as their dedicated parents.

The Rye Country Day Sailing Team is hoping to build off the momentum started last year as they were one of two teams to qualify for Nationals from our

The NYISA-SE fleet races at SUNY Maritime. © Ali Beqaj

League. Both teams were the first teams to qualify from NY in over 35 years and RCDS would like to return to Nationals this year at MIT. Returning Captain and A division skipper, Cooper Yeager, and junior skipper, Lucie Rochat, who skippered a number of strong races at Nationals will create a strong base for our team to work from. Senior Captains and starting crews Ruth Reynolds and Jack Briano round out a strong returning team that only lost two seniors to graduation.

The Stony Brook School Bears represented the league this past fall at the District’s Silver Championship down at Washington College. SBS sailed impressively, finishing 4th overall out of 18 teams. Winning the A Division was Joshua Martin and Konstantin Sturm and rounding out B division for the Bears were Kaden Via and Matthew Sparacio who finished 7th. SBS sails out of Port Jefferson Harbor and has a terrific facility that includes 21 420s, Lasers, and also two keelboats: an Alberg 30 and a Tartan 34.

The St. John the Baptist Cougars squad is led by skippers Noah Scarpa, Rob Parente, Andy Madsgard and Clara Guarascio and crews Wendy Quatrale, Kyra Gilmore, Brianna Califano and Christian Muller. They will be graduating five seniors in June, but not before they look to make a splash this spring. This season, they will also need to train the younger sailors to be top performers, both as skipper and crew, for the future. The Varsity Sailing Team at St. John the Baptist has been around since 2002. St. John’s practices at Babylon Yacht

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The league’s season runs though the end of the school year. © Ali Beqaj

Club on the south shore of Long Island. The club is a fantastic venue, and very welcoming and accommodating. St. John’s owns eight 420s. Their fleet is getting old, and they hope to replace at least six boats this spring or summer. According to Coach Bob Scott, there is nothing better than to end your school day out on the Great South Bay!

420s. Most of the team has been sailing for many years and has come through the CYC sailing program, where they started in Optimists, Blue Jays and Pixels before advancing to C420s and Lasers. Although this is a young team, their sailors have good experience and they should be able to make a quick transition into high school sailing. ■

The Mamaroneck High School Tigers team had a stellar fall season, qualifying for district championships in both Team Racing and Fleet Racing. Mamaroneck finished 4th out of 13 in the Mid Atlantic District Team Race in Annapolis with a record of 8 wins and 4 losses. Mamaroneck’s top skippers are Lizzy Kaplan, Emma Cowles and Carmen Cowles and their most talented crews are Guy Santee, Eloise Smith and Julia Henderson. Mamaroneck will be tough to beat this spring.

Jimi Grover is the Director of the NYISA-SE league as well as a board member for the Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association. He is also a high school math teacher.

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The Three Village Patriots are led by Alex Wiggins, Simon Allam, Dylan Masters and Alexander Langrock. The team practices out of Port Jefferson Harbor and often partners with the Stony Brook School for their practice sessions.

Mattituck High School partners up with the East End Youth Sailing Foundation and practices out of Old Cove Yacht Club in Mattituck. The team is led

by Marissa Sanino and Caroline Keil.

The Harborfield School is a brand new team just looking to make a splash on the scene. The team, which will be led by skipper Max Hafen and crew Cormack Murphy, will practice out of Centerport Yacht Club and will use the club’s windcheckmagazine.com

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The Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race From the exciting – if damp – front row seats

By Chad Corning, aboard Elvis Twenty-seventeen was a record setting year for the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race (January 11 - 13). Fresh easterly winds allowed David and Peter Askew’s R/P 74 Wizard (Baltimore, MD) to shave a few minutes off the impressive mark set by Joe Dockery’s R/P 81Carrera in 2005 and propelled nearly all the fleet home before the sun rose in Key West.

I sailed the race aboard Jason Carroll’s Gunboat 62 Elvis (New York, NY), an annual tradition on the boat for the last five years. We did a few days of warm up out of Ft. Lauderdale and it was absolutely smoking from the northeast. The Gulf Stream was pressed quite close along the Florida coast and once you got into it the waves were truly impressive. Our goal was to push the boat and find the weak points. We probably overachieved on this, as we returned to the dock early each day with gear failure. If the conditions persisted this would certainly be a full-on race.

The collected fleet was abuzz at the skippers meeting on Tuesday evening at the Lauderdale Yacht Club as the forecast looked excellent for a fast race. Teams got busy comparing their fast routing times, and some rum-fuelled bets were laid. The terms “record” and “beating last call” were bandied about freely.

When the monohull record fell in 2005 the conditions were absolutely perfect. The fleet started in a fresh NNE breeze, which shifted right as the fleet made the turn to the west to skirt the Keys. The only jibe was at the Key West sea buoy for the run into the finish. Carrera famously broke their rudder when close to the final turn but managed to finish with the stump and still grab the record. Two years later and almost two hours faster was the soft-sail Stars and Stripes catamaran, which found similar conditions on the 160-mile course and reached her way to an almost unbreakable record of 8 hours, 31 minutes.

Race day dawned with the forecast ENE winds of around 20 knots, present and accounted for.

The monohulls blasted off the line with jib tops and genoa staysails as the preferred setup. The multis started last with some testing out screachers, but most reaching along comfortably with mains and solents.

After a good start at the pin the fun began aboard Elvis. Multis in general, and Elvis in particular, love the wind around 90-100 TWA, which is what we had for the first three hours of the race.

In about an hour we had passed Wizard and were blazing our own trail, making between 19-25 knots. It was sort of a Tale

of Two Cities on the boat with the helmsman, mainsheet trimmer and traveller man aft and relatively protected, while the trimmers in the forward cockpit were taking a beating as the waves came aboard and dealt out repeated body blows. Having the good fortune of being forward, I silently added up how many beers the helmsman would owe us for each mistimed wave or slight steering error; the number got very high.

As the Keys faded off to the West, the fast reaching turned into a VMG run. Any thought of the record went out the window as our VMC dropped to around 14 knots, though we were sometimes sailing twice as fast through the water. Conditions turned puffy and squally with TWS reaching into the mid-30s at times. The boat has a hard-luffed A3, which, along with the powered winches, made the many jibes relatively easy. The routine became familiar: get out into the Gulf Stream on port and take a pasting from the lively sea state, jibe back into the relatively flat water by the reef, rinse (literally) and repeat. Our navigator, Anderson Reggio, called the turns to perfection and got us on the right side of the squalls.

The Key West sea buoy was soon upon us and after a puffy close reach we stopped the clock at 10 hours, 48 seconds to notch the fastest elapsed time in the fleet. Wizard’s record-setting run was good enough to get the “triple” in the IRC fleet (line, class and handicap honors). Karen & Chris Lewis’ J/44 Kenai (Houston, TX) took home the chocolates in the ORC fleet, while Bill Bollin’s Melges 32 Badfish (Sylvania, OH) continued her winning ways by taking PHRF fleet honors for the second year in a row. For full results, go to keywestrace.org. ■

Push the throttle and burn the track: Although conditions thwarted a record-breaking run, Elvis consistently logged speeds in the 20s throughout the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race. © Chad Corning

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Northeast Sailing News

Any Way You Like It! Sailing

Intervie w Volvo Oc with ean Rac e CEO Mark Turner Bringing aG Medal H old ome

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Looking for crew this Season?

Looking for a boat to sail on?

“Looking for crew for Cedar Point One Design, J109 North Americans in Newport, and Wed night beer can racing…”

Check in to the WindCheck Crew Connection and go sailing!

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www.windcheckmagazine.com/crew_connect "Looking to add to the crew. Experience on the fore deck or trimming headsails or main would be good.

Enthusiasm is a must..." © Jane Reilly

"Beneteau 36.7 looking for crew interested in a serious racing program.

Less experienced people welcome, will train quick learners… We like to race with 10 people and need some lighter crew, females especially encouraged…."

"We race Thursday eves at 6 PM and various weekend day races. Experienced sailors and novices alike are welcomed to join our team….Physical fitness and a good pair of 'sea legs' are all that is required."

A Week to Remember in Key West

By Sean McNeill The 30th anniversary edition of Quantum Key West Race Week, organized by by the Storm Trysail Club, was held January 15 - 20 in Key West, FL. The regatta saw seven racing classes complete 10 or 12 races, all as scheduled. The Performance Cruising Class also completed five races, as scheduled. The week started with a windy and wavy southeasterly that faded over the course of four days before swinging around to a light southerly on the final day.

By winning the final race of the highly competitive 52 Super Series and with it the class championship, Doug De Vos’ Quantum Racing (Ada, MI) was awarded Boat of the Week honors. The coveted Boat of the Week trophy came down to the 52 Super Series and J/70 Class, but ultimately was awarded to Quantum Racing. “Based on the closeness of the racing from start to finish, the 52 Super Series is the most competitive class we’ve ever had at Race Week,” said Division 1 Principal Race Officer Ken Legler, who’s been coming to Race Week for 23 years.

“Thanks to Terry (Hutchinson, tactician, Annapolis, MD) Tim Healy, John Mollicone, Paul Abdullah and Matt Coughlin sailed New England Ropes to victory in the J/70 Class. © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com

Doug De Vos’ TP52 Quantum Racing won the 11-boat 52 Super Series and was named Boat of the Week. © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com

and the Quantum Racing crew for all the great work that they’ve done,” said De Vos. “I want to thank and congratulate each and every competitor for making our sport special. What they do every day, the fact that they’re here participating takes the sport of sailing forward. It wouldn’t happen without the organizers at the Storm Trysail Club, and we’re grateful for what they’ve done.”

The Corinthian Boat of the Week was awarded to Rob Britts’ J/70 Hot Mess, (Tierra Verde, FL), which finished 15th in class. The Sailing World Youth Trophy, awarded to the crew with the youngest average age, was presented to Gannon Troutman’s J/70 Pied Piper (Gloucester, VA; 12th in class).

The Storm Trysail Club’s Contribution to the Sport of Sailing Trophy was presented to Division 3 Principal Race Officer Dave Brennan (Miami, FL). “Brennan has been a race officer at Race Week for 17 years and brings his own village, boats and all,” said event chairman John Fisher, a Past Commodore of the Storm Trysail Club.

“This year he drove back and forth to Miami on three separate occasions to deliver boats. He is 100 percent a volunteer.”

All shoreside activities at Race Week were held at the

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finished 11 points ahead of Marty Kullman’s New Wave (St. Petersburg, FL), which won a tiebreaker for second over Carlo Alberini’s Calvi Network (Pesaro, ITA).

Peter Wagner’s Skeleton Key (Atherton, CA) won the 42-boat J/111 Class for a second consecutive year. Todd Stuart’s Swan 56 White Rhino (Key West, FL) won the Performance Cruising Class with five bullets, and Wendy & Phil Lotz’s Gunboat 60 Arethusa (Newport, RI) Pied Piper, a J/70 raced by Gannon Troutman, Dan Troutman, Taylor Canfield and Tomas Dietrich, won the Sailing World Youth Trophy. © Chris H/PhotoBoat.com

Waterfront Brewery, which was a gracious host. Nightly debriefs and panel discussions covered a host of topics, and morning weather briefings with Ed Adams (presented by Quantum Sails and Gowrie Group) got everyone ready for the day’s racing.

Tim Healy’s New England Ropes (Jamestown, RI) won the J/70 Class, the largest class at Race Week. New England Ropes

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won the Multihull Class.

In the ORC Class, J.D. Hill’s J/122 Second Star (Houston, TX) fended off Alex Sastre’s Italia Yachts 9.98m High Noise (Coconut Grove, FL) for the victory. “This event is something that every sailor should do at least once,” Hill enthused. “If you don’t, you miss out on something that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”

Complete results are posted at keywestraceweek.com. The Storm Trysail Club’s next major event is Block Island Race Week, scheduled for June 18-23 off the coast of Rhode Island. ■

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Corner

Coop’s

Trains, Boats and Automobiles

By Joe Cooper I was reminded recently that four of the five boroughs of New York City are on islands. This came about as I rode Amtrak into Manhattan to attend a Volvo Ocean Race press round table in midtown. The event’s save-the-date email was rather neutral in tone, but nonetheless I persuaded myself something was afoot.

This idea was boosted by the principals list on the invitation: Charlie Enright and Mark Towill, the leaders of the only U.S. entry in the VOR 2014 - 15; Mark Turner, the race’s CEO, and Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport, the event’s only U.S. stopover. This, and the fact that the meeting was in a 23rd floor conference room of a Manhattan office building, could, I reckoned, mean only one thing: The Alvimedica boys were back in the game with a new sponsor. Well, not quite yet, apparently.

Navigating oneself into Manhattan office buildings these days is a bit like sailing around the shipping in the Strait of Malacca. There were several checkpoints where you had to signal your sail (or driver’s license) number as you passed, your name was checked on the list, elevators that went only to the floor of your destination, and more doors to be buzzed through. Despite all this the view was, well New York’ish, and the coffee was hot, good and in abundance. Regrettably this was not the meeting to announce the boys’ new sponsor, although that was mooted further on in the morning.

The attendees were a selection of Newport sailing water rats such as myself, Martha Parker from Team One, and Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, as well as several freelance journalists. Mark Turner led off with remarks on the race, its history and some appropriate video clips that still bring forth great emotion, at least in me, as one contemplates the rigors of the race. Images of firehose sailing drenching fully suited guys and girls, grim faces with 2-week shadows (guys only) and bloodshot eyes contributed to the stressed look. I was reminded just what an enormous undertaking the race is. As anyone who has undertaken a normal ocean race – even a short one – knows,

getting to the start is usually the hard part. Well, not in this case.

The change in the last race to the one-design idea using VOR 65s has put the sailing back firmly in the laps of the sailors. Any sponsor with the wherewithal to sign off on the 10-15 million dollars/Euros to fund a VOR team is not going to do it by halves, so my sense is that the non-racing side, the preparation and shoreside support, is pretty straightforward, at least compared to the sailing. If we have any racing experience, especially in one-design classes, we are aware of the closeness of such racing. I was watching Laser frostbiting a couple weekends ago and from my position at the pin end of the finish of one race, I could not pick one boat over the other in a tight finish. Turner referred to this close racing aspect of the VOR in his remarks.

Turner was the program manager for the Dongfeng Race Team program in the last race, and he told a story that could be the definition of the VOR. In this story, told with great and obvious pride, Dongfeng dismasted west of Cape Horn, while leading, and with a crew of apprentice Chinese sailors with a sprinkling of masters and led by a Frenchman, Charles Caudrelier. Caudrelier is a French merchant marine captain, a professional sailor, winner on Groupama in the prior race, and multi-time competitor (and event winner in 2004), on the Figaro Circuit in France. It’s in this latter regatta that one learns about really, really close ocean racing in one-design boats, in which finish times over 500 and 600-mile races are in single digits of minutes, or less. After the rig failed, Dongfeng made it to Brazil, got back on the horse and arrived in Newport just ahead of Abu Dhabi to take the leg win. One video clip shows the interview with Caudrelier right after finishing in Newport about Abu Dhabi being merely meters astern. This anecdote is a theme Turner returned to on the human side of the race; that it’s really about the people.

All sports – nay, life itself – have moments of difficulty and moments of elation. Except for life itself, most sports finish in a day or so, or a few hours, minutes or seconds. Few last more than a week, except for ocean races. By their nature, offshore races are a fascinating test tube for how people react with each other, and relationships born inside a black carbon hole pounding upwind at 9 knots or blasting downwind at 29 last a lifetime.

In Middletown today, I am waiting for the snow to fly from the early February “blizzard.” It is presently blowing around 30 knots as measured by the roar of the trees (and 30 to 35 at Buzzards Tower), and rain turned to snow just a few minutes ago. I am warm, dry and comfortable, yet looking at the trees outside my window as I think about writing this essay, I can drift away to the inside of one of the 65s. I got a look inside Alvimedica last time with one of the young sailors I coach, so I have arguably a clearer vision of the insides of these boats than those who have not been so fortunate. The New York City theme returns and I think of the motion of an express subway car hurtling, hammer down, at rush hour.

Imagine if you will, being outside in a snowstorm, but in

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Teamwork is everything in the Volvo Ocean Race, all the time. © Sam Greenfield/Dongfeng Race Team/Volvo Ocean Race

the ocean – a mean, unforgiving, rough and violent ocean. It’s blowing 35 and expected to increase to over 40. You are cold and wet. You’re feeling like you just had a three-hour session at the gym, combining Pilates, cardio, and strength all together, and doing it on floor cranked at a 25-degree angle, moving in three axes at once as the fire sprinklers rain cold water down in you. One of your mates has noticed something odd up the rig.

He needs to take a look, so you rig up a halyard and grind him up very slowly and carefully. The rig is of course also gyrating around on these three axes, but being 40 feet up in the air the range of motions is amplified with every foot he ascends. He’s hanging on for grim death and the occasional “Whump!” you hear is his head, rightly fitted with a crash helmet, banging into the rig. If perchance you are the skipper, a rare feat in itself, there’s the constant hum in the back of your mind; or rather you prefer to keep it in the back, of what happens if, well, something happens. Amongst all leaders, the good ones, the best in fact, the first rule is look after the most important assets, invariably the people. Watching the hand ascend the spar, you try to manage the strain of hoping he gets up and back without something happening

The light is fading as night falls. Eventually, he descends to the deck and goes below to thaw out and recover. Down below, the gyrations continue. I think for a moment of being in my express subway, at night, with the insides painted black, no windows and no lights save for a spelunker’s headlamp or two.

Movement around the car/boat cannot be done without hanging on, often with both hands. To get anywhere you need to climb, or more often crawl, over piles of soaking wet baggage, disguised as sail bags, strewn on the floor of the subway car as it careens along. Then do this for an hour, which becomes two hours and windcheckmagazine.com

ultimately a day, a week and then 30 days. There’s no place to bathe, at least at these temperatures, I’ll ignore going to the head, and Balmex becomes a valued commodity.

You cannot just nip out to the corner deli for a snack – food must be extracted from its labeled bag (hopefully stowed in a readily accessible location after the last tack’s stack) and eaten with a plastic spoon (and without a napkin) sitting on the baggage.

Spills are scraped up and, if not too scuzzy or water-soaked, scoffed up.

I wager too, here is nothing that can be done by one person, certainly not heaving sails around. Teamwork is everything, all the time. Your mates are an extension of you, and you, their extension. Simple acts, rare on shore today, like helping a bloke line up the sleeve of his jacket so he can get his arm through it, are so commonplace as to be unremarkable beyond “Thanks, mate.”

This existence would make the folks at the Department of Labor double up in laughter…“Yer kidding, no one works in these conditions.” Wrong: not only do they work in this environment, they sign up for it again and again. And so do the other 50 or so men and women riding their own black subway car, scattered around the tracks never very far from you. They’re eating roughly the same food and spending their days at the same gym, even the women and the young’uns.

Unlike some sports there are very few sailing events, even at the elite professional level, offering prize money. The World Match Racing Tour and The Atlantic Cup are two that come to mind, but the VOR and even the America’s Cup are sailed for God, King and Country, but mainly mates. So, what is it about the Volvo Ocean Race that brings people back time and again? I think Bouwe Bekking, the Dutch sailor, has the record at seven Whitbread/VORs. That’s almost 30 years of this kind of sailing, every three or four years. There are a few sailors with four, five and six editions that have washed through their sea boots, so it obviously has attractions over and above the plush office and ondemand limo.

We’ve probably all had an offshore passage or race where on arrival we said, “Never again.” Yeah, that turned out well, didn’t it? Think back on the stories: nearly always, regardless of the drama or the laugh, they circle back to the shipmates. This was a theme, the human story, Turner returned to again and again through the morning.

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humans more or less together. Our schools, surfing spots, dramatic football or America’s Cup comebacks, including Larry’s, are all tiny nails or bits of glue keeping us all afloat. If we have something in common with another human, we are much more likely to get along with them than not. The more arduous the experiences, like the VOR and, I wager battle, the tighter the bond.

Another innovation for the 2017 - 18 edition is the provision to each crew member of their own communicator, a one-way device to let them beam direct to their own social (well named in this case) media the experience of the moment. I’ll bet that will get politics off your Facebook feed.

In the clip noted above of the Dongfeng dismasting, there is a scene where one of the crew holds up his hand so the On Board Reporter cannot see his face. Sailors are known for many things, but not wanting to get their two cents’ worth in on video is not one of them.

I have written before on the breadth and depth of aspects of life that sailing can, and does, bring to bear for young people first dunking their toes into the bilge water of an Opti. The need to fertilize the next generation of sailors, to inspire them to aspire to races, experiences really, like the VOR is a pretty strong theme within the VOR management and certainly Enright and Towill.

There is for this next race the requirement for two crewmembers to be under age 30. Combined with the new matrix of men and women crew combinations, introduced for the 2017-18 race to create more opportunities for women sailors, someone at the round table quipped that really good women sailors under 30 will now be in demand for VOR crews. Turner again picked

up this theme by touching on rumblings within World Sailing to include an offshore component to Olympic sailing. While Olympic sailors certainly have skill in abundance, big boat skills – ‘seamanship’ – is generally not an aspect they can spend time on in an Olympic campaign, so opportunities to address this seem to have a wide benefit base.

I asked Charlie about this, and what he thinks about on the topic when having his morning coffee. He confesses great appreciation for the break he and Towill (and others) got in the Morning Light program in 2007. To this end he is talking with Dawn Riley, surely one of the country’s most experienced and storied sailors, and the Executive Director at Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay. Oakcliff is in the business of training sailors over and above being good 420 racers, so this seems to be close to an ideal mix.

One of the freelancers asked what was available for families who did not sail but merely wanted an enjoyable experience in Newport. Brad Read, a major cheerleader for all things sailing, replied in spades. Short, column length version? Lots!

Turner spoke a sentence with the words ‘new boat’ in it.

“So, what will this be?” another asked. “Something appropriate to the race,” he responded with a smile. The two slides accompanying this answer showed the 30-meter tri MACIF and a monohull even more exotic looking than the current crop of foiling IMOCA boats. Other sentences included ideas on having the In-Port series in M32 cats; possibilities for a “second division” in the “old boats”; and for some portions of the race that would be Corinthian and aimed at the sponsors…more than this was not articulated. There was an interesting element on shrinking the race’s frequency to two years from the present three. Turner had yet another insight, gained no doubt from his years running OC Sports, that over a four-year cycle most likely a (or the) key decision maker who supports something like a VOR campaign would rotate out of the management team. A two-year cycle would thus offer the race and the sponsors a degree of continuity and a better ROI, the holy grail of sponsorship.

My takeaway from this round table is that Volvo is committed to this event for the foreseeable future, which in this game might be 20 years without much of a stretch. And while it is a monumental race with lots going on, the experiences the people have to tell, before, during and after, are the important story.

Volvo is in the business of making things on wheels. On my subway ride back to Penn Station, it occurred to me that trains are one thing Volvo does not make. On the other hand, they don’t have to – they have the Volvo Ocean Race. ■ 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 short-handed 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.

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Club Spotlight: Sail Racing at Thames Yacht Club

By Cate Sheahan Racing is one of the best parts of sailing for many boat owners, and the members who sail at Thames Yacht Club (TYC) of New London CT are no exception. TYC is a family boating club with a racing heart. TYC hosts a number of racing events and series throughout the sailing season and the annual Commodore’s Trophy Race, an Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association event, is one of their biggest. Last year’s 69th Annual Commodore’s Trophy Race is a fine example of how TYC brings together a great day of racing, celebration and friendship!

The morning started overcast with little wind while 38 boats and crews from around Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds prepared for the race. But by the time the first warning went off just before 11 am, the sun was beaming in a brilliant blue New England sky with winds blowing between 25-30 mph. It promised to be a great day of sailing.

The race started and finished in the vicinity of the Vixen Ledge buoy. Great racing conditions meant lumpy seas at anchor, and the race committee braced topside for a long day.

Rocking and rolling on a hook meant there would be no below deck conferences on the committee boat.

There was a little extra excitement for the committee boat just as the race got underway, when a competitor tangled with the committee boat’s anchor line! The race was promptly postponed as level heads prevailed: The anchor line was sheared and the committee boat anchor found a new home at the bottom of the Thames River. A second anchor was quickly secured and the race happily resumed. Good sailors are always prepared! In another incident, the mast of an Ensign snapped, forcing the Thames Yacht Club has one of the best yacht club beaches in the Northeast.

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There was plenty of breeze for the 2016 Commodore’s Trophy Race.

crew to withdraw from the race. Fortunately, no one was hurt in either situation.

Not all the fun happened out on the water. Racing and non-racing sailors, family members, friends and guests gathered on the beach outside the clubhouse for the post race party and award ceremony. TYC provided an outstanding meal of steamed clams, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, clam chowder and a huge variety of salads and deserts. Lots of refreshments were available to keep hydrated while the popular ‘Dark ‘n’ Stormy’ tent was busy serving its namesake drink in addition to beer and wine. Guest moorings were available to those boats and crew who came a distance to participate, making it a safe and comfortable party for all.

Of the 38 boats that started, 34 finished. Handsome etched glass trophies were awarded among Canvas, Spinnaker, Ensign, Nonsuch and J/70 classes. First place finishers in each of seven classes were Tom Doyle’s KISS 44 Bagatelle (S1), Tom Welsh’s J/30 Blackbird (S2), Stu Craig’s J/27 Goombay Smash (C1), Ted Paulsen’s Tartan 30 Skirr (C2), Robin Durrschmidt’s Magic (Ensign), Cat’n Mouse (N) and Will Lennon’s Freedom (J/70).

The Commodore’s Trophy Race is one of many racing, cruising and membership events held throughout the year at Thames Yacht Club, a friendly and social boating club where new members are always welcome. TYC is situated at the mouth of the Thames River on Pequot Avenue in New London, CT, ideal for both boaters and beachers to enjoy the beauty of Connecticut’s shoreline and waterways.

TYC’s 2017 racing season promises to be another great one, so come check us out or visit our website at ThamesYC.org. ■ WindCheck Magazine

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Block Island Race Week Update The Notice of Race for the Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race Week XXVII, set for June 18-23 in Block Island, RI, has been amended. The most significant change with this amendment is that the Plus One crew limit has been separated from the Performance Cruising classes. With this limit lifted, you can be sure that the daily post-race parties under the Storm Trysail Tent at The Oar will be a little bigger…and perhaps a decibel or two livelier.

“Veterans of the ever-fun Performance Cruising division told us they wanted more flexibility with the crew limit,” said AJ Evans, Chairman of Block Island Race Week and Storm Trysail Club Vice Commodore, “and we were happy to make this amendment to let them sail with the whole family or more friends. We will be happy to see a few more smiles in the parties and competition in those classes.”

Sailors who prefer to sail with a more limited group of people will be pleased to know that Plus One (and even Double Handed) classes will be offered separately if sufficient entries are received.

Another change is the application of Appendix T (Arbitration and Post-Race Penalties). This change is intended to help resolve protests quickly and before the actual “room.”

Meanwhile, the Storm Trysail Club’s classic New England regatta has continued to garner attention from several classes holding their championships at Block Island. These classes currently include The IRC North American Championship, the PHRF East Coast Championship, the J/44 North American Championship,

the J/88 East Coast Championship, the J/109 North American Championship, the C&C 30 North American Championship, and the J/105 New England Championship.

To enter the regatta, review the amended Notice of Race, or see the latest entry list, visit the Block Island Race Week page on YachtScoring.com. The Storm Trysail Club wishes to remind sailors that now is the time to make Race Week housing and ferry arrangements. For more information including accommodations, information about marinas, on-island boat and sail repairs, taxi service, linen rentals, ferry and air service to Block Island and much more, log onto blockislandraceweek.com. ■

All aboard for Block! The only five-day race week in New England features great racing and six parties in the Storm Trysail Tent at The Oar, all framed

by Block Island’s special ambiance. © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com

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The Story of One-Design at Pequot Yacht Club

Ted Jennings’ legacy sails on Long Island Sound

By Terri Jennings The concept of one-design sailing hinges on the idea of honing a sailor’s skills right next to his or her opponent’s. Is there a better way for a sailor to improve and stay motivated? This story of one-design sailing on Long Island Sound begins with a testimony to the dedication and contributions of Edward Austin “Ted” A young Ted Jennings at the helm of an Atlantic on Long Island Jennings II (1929 - 2016) of Southport, Connecticut.

Sound, just outside Southport Harbor.

It began with Atlantics in the 1940s and 1950s; that concept of one-design competition where you could test your sailing drawn countless new members to these clubs.”

From Indian Harbor Port Jefferson, Ideal 18 programs took skills on a level playing field. Then Dyer Dhows opened the off. PYC Manager Jeff Engborg observes, “The Ideal 18 and door for pitting sailor against sailor at Pequot Yacht Club, right one-design program on Long Island Sound continues to be a in Southport Harbor, all winter long. And the Solings made an success, and Ted Jennings is the reason. Ted was instrumental in entrance in the late 1960s and endured into the 1970s. his leading role of introducing other clubs to Pequot’s successful

Then Thistles made their notorious debut in the 1980s. one-design model.” “Ted was so supportive his of father’s (ArLongtime Pequot Yacht Club member Ann Watkins recalls, thur O. Jennings) tradition of the Jennings Cup, says Pam Toner, “John and I were newlyweds when Ted Jennings began the prowho headed the PYC Junior cess of convincing every sailor Program. “He was very proud on Long Island Sound that the of this event, for both his own Thistle should be the next onememories as a child sailing with design boat. He enthusiastically his father and as a father sailing took us under his wing and anwith each of his five children. nounced that he had found the He was instrumental in fosterperfect boat for us to sail. He ing a love of sailing at a young even drove us in his car, which age.” had a trailer hitch, to Staten

Past Commodore Hugh Island to negotiate the purSmith remembers, “Ted was a chase. Our future first ‘yacht’ strong competitor out on the was sunk into the grass and full water, and his very positive presof leaves in the previous owner’s ence will be fondly remembered backyard. Yes, we were proud by those who served with him owners of a Thistle!”

Ted Jennings and his son Ward on the Pequot YC race committee as Elected Governor or as a

The big game changer boat © Chris Jennings member of his One-Design Comarrived in 1992, when Ted, mittee. Ted was also one of the a lifelong PYC member and inventors of the Special Activities Membership idea, which made sometimes-daunting competitor, pushed for the introduction of the whole Ideal 18 program work and allowed the club to prosthe Ideal 18s. “The Ideal 18 fleet at Pequot was a game changer per. Another one of his accomplishments was bringing (along for me,” recalls Dave Perry, PYC member, champion sailor and with Clark duBois) the Community Sailing of Fairfield program author of the book, Winning in One-Designs. “Not having a to fruition.” Clearly, Ted had a passion for sailing, and a calling boat of my own, it allowed me to take my two young kids out for sharing that passion with others. ■ sailing whenever they wanted to go, which was huge. I have also enjoyed racing with my wife, Betsy, in the Ideals, as well as doing Terri Jennings is a freelance writer/editor living in Easton, CT. She some high-level team and match racing in them. Ted’s insight and persuasive persistence were significant in causing this to hap- is the daughter-in-law of the late Ted Jennings. Her husband, Ward Jennings, is a lifelong member of Pequot Yacht Club in Southport, pen at Pequot. And as a result, over a dozen clubs around Long and currently serves as Vice Commodore. Their two children, Austin Island Sound soon followed suit with their own fleets of Ideal and Kate, are proud graduates of the Junior Program at Pequot.

18s. This has kept one-design racing alive on the Sound, and windcheckmagazine.com

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Place your classified ad by sending your listing to WindCheck, P.O. Box 195 Stratford, CT 06615

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BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 40’ Beneteau Oceanis 2011 - A very rare find, one newer than 2010 and in such great condition. NEW (2014) salon cushions. Full electronics package, bow thruster, furling mainsail and genoa, dodger and bimini. $219,900 (RI) Call Matt Leduc, CPYB, 401-226-1816 www.latitudeyacht.com

40’ Valiant 1977 - One of the most famous designs and highly regarded offshore performance yachts designed by Robert Perry. Many improvements have been made to this yacht in recent years... Engine replaced (2006), refinished galley (2009), Monitor Windvane (2010). $110,000 (CT) Tom Miller, 401-835-7215, www.latitudeyacht.com

40’ Class 40 2007 - First Light is a 2007 Owen/Clarke design built by Jazz Marine.

Complete refit in 2015, sparing no expense, including a complete repaint inside and out. Refitted with all new deck hardware including Harken winches, Spinlock rope clutches. All instruments replaced with B & G w/repeaters in the cockpit.

New in 2014 is all the running rigging including the runners and spinnaker gear.

All sails are 2014 or newer / lightly used.

First Light is a fine example of a Class 40 motivated seller as he has taken delivery of a new Class 40. For complete equipment list and photos, contact Jimmy Carolla jcarolla395@gmail.com 269-985- 8000

BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 40’ Sabre 402 1997 – “CALLIDORA” is a 1997 Sabre 402 that is stored indoors and lightly used. Notable features: Garmin touchscreen chartplotter, electric winches, mainsail with Doyle Stackpack (2007), genoa (2007), Awlgrip (2006), chartplotter, radar, autopilot & wind/speed/depth. $195,000 (MA) Ryan Miller, CPYB, 401-835-0069, www.latitudeyacht.com

41’ Beneteau Oceanis 2012 – Flag blue awlgrip, extensive canvas package, full electronics, new sails, immaculate!! Asking $259,000. Willis Marine Center, 631-421-3400 www.willismarine.com

42’ J/42 L 2001 - Single owner boat.

Starlight is extremely well equipped for blue-water sailing, is setup for single person watches, and is cared for meticulously with many system upgrades! It will be worth your while to examine this treasure.

Barrington, RI $199,900.

Contact Jim Spiro 401-258-2625 jim@thecruisingyachtbrokerage.com

42’ Beneteau 423 2004 - This model nicely offers a blend of comfort, speed, and graceful lines. “Endless Summer” has been owned and operated by a 5 star rated charter company and is fully equipped to go cruising! $99,950 (RI) Call Ryan Miller, CPYB, 401-835-0069, www.latitudeyacht.com

BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL 42’ Sabre 426 2004 - Fresh Awlgripped in 2014 flag blue with a white boot top.

New sails in 2012. She looks beautiful and is ready for a new owner. $273,500. Call Willis Marine 631-421-3400

42’ Catalina MKII 2004 - This threestateroom model with private head in the owner’s stateroom and shared head off salon: 3 cabin configuration, centerline queen, in mast furling, helm/nav station chartplotters, electric windlass, 2015 Doyle 135% Genoa, $154,000 (RI) Tim Norton (401-575- 8326) or Ryan Miller (401-835- 0069) www.latitudeyacht.com

44’ J/44 1989 - Impeccable condition, fresh Awlgrip & varnish, huge sail inventory, updated electronics, winning race record. Ready to race or cruise. Asking $180,000. Willis Marine Center, 631-421-3400 www.willismarine.com

44’ Jeanneau 44 1989 - Was updated in 2003 with NEW: canvas, sails, cushions and Yanmar diesel engine. She is a two cabin, two head layout. Perfect for a couple cruising the Northeast or going south for the winter. $89,900, Call Matt Leduc, CPYB, 401-226-1816, www.latitudeyacht.com

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BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL

BOATS FOR SALE- SAIL

44’ Tartan 4400 2005 – “Her raised salon provides for a comfortable and conveniently accessible main cabin” - Tim Jacket. She is in the water with less than 500 hours on the engine and includes a new dodger and bimini. $349,000 (NJ) Ryan Miller, CPYB, 401-835-0069 – www.latitudeyacht.com

46’ Beneteau 46 2009 - Loaded & immaculate two cabin boat. Generator, A/C, Elec. Winches, Bow thruster. Full canvas & electronics. Asking $218,750. Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400

EQUIPMENT

54’ Hanse 545 2011 – World cruiser/ racer. Carbon mast, racing and cruising sails, full safety equipment (including 2 liferafts), extensive navigation equipment, many upgrades – Persevere has sailed the world. $611,745. Contact colin@waiparawinds.co.nz

BOATS FOR SALE- POWER 23’ Albemarle - V-8 Volvo, inboard outdrive, Center console, Sharp, fast. Great sea boat. Asking $35,750. Call Bruce 860-235-5035

REMOVABLE BOWSPRITS

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

53’ Amel Super Maramu 1998 – Quintessential offshore vessel ready for world cruising. Well equipped and clean. $229,000.

Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400

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.

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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.

EQUIPMENT dwyermast.com

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• Masts • Hardware • Booms • Rigging Dwyer Aluminum Mast Co.

203-484-0419

SPRIT

RUBICON MARINE PRODUCTS

www.csprit.com HELP WANTED 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 Licensed Captain - United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain with Towing endorsement needed to work for TowBoatU.S. this summer. Knowledge of waters from CT River to Branford helpful. Please call 860227-1612 for details. PT & FT available.

Launch Driver - Chelsea Yacht Club seeks part time launch drivers to plug scheduling gaps and for emergencies during the sailing season. Qualified applicants will have a USCG Limited Masters, requisite safety training and a Transportation Workers Identification Certificate. Applicants should contact CYC at 845 831 SAIL (7245) , www. chelseayacht.org WindCheck Magazine

March 2017

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HELP WANTED

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE

Marine Technician - Port Milford Marina is seeking to hire a marine technician to service all makes and models of power and sailboats.

Join our busy, year-round service team. Please send your resume to sdavis@portmilford.com.

Voyage

Preparation Services

Sailing Instructor - We offer recreational and competitive sailing in 420’s, Cape Cod Mercurys, and JY15’s for sailors of all skill levels, ages 8-15 years old. Instructor will be responsible for lesson planning and implementation, assisting with rigging and maintaining sailboats, working with Instructor team to develop activities on and off the water for Junior Sailors.

CPR, First Aid, CT Safe Boating Certificate and US Sailing Level 1 needed before start of program (note: US Level 1 class fills quickly, don’t wait to sign up). Position dates: June 19 - Aug 11. Housatonic Boat Club, located in Stratford, CT. Please email Jessica Kirchoff HBCJuniorSailing@gmail.com. www.housatonicboatclub.com/jr-sailing

Offshore Race or Cruise Planning & Logistics Lee Reichart Mystic, Connecticut mysticvoyageprep@gmail.com

(614) 209-7579 VACATIONS Key Largo Cottages

Sailing Instructors – Mystic Seaport is looking for three instructors to teach beginning and intermediate sailing classes to youth, adults, and families. For an application or information visit our www.mysticseaport.org/employment or call Human Resources at 860-572-5346.

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WANTED STORAGE TRAILER STORAGE SAFE, SECURE AND DRY IN S TA M F O R D Your boat and trailer in one affordable location Call Today for Availability

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SailAhead Equipment – A nonprofit that takes PTSD and Depression suffering veterans sailing as a form of therapy – is looking for an inboard engine for their newly received donation, O’Day 30 called Cento Ani, donated by a two-time purple heart Vietnam veteran. Cento Ani previously had a Universal 16 hp Diesel.

They are also looking for a racing sailboat to expand their veteran racing team. It will be skippered by a veteran who was a Green Beret Captain.

If you can help in any way, please contact them at (631) 742-3138 or kilian@sailahead.org

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advertisers index.

Accredited Marine Surveyors 800-426-2825 ........................................44

The Maine Boatbuilders Show 207-774-1067 .......................................18 boatshow.portlandcompany.com

Aeroyacht Multihull 631-246-6448 aeroyacht.com ...............................29 Marion Bermuda Race marionbermuda.com .........................................23 Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor 732-291-1670 ahnj/harbor ........44 Marion Bermuda Safety at Sea Seminar marionbermuda.com/sas ..........18 Block Island Race Week 914-834-8857 blockislandraceweek.com .........17 Blue Water Sailing School 800-255-1840 bwss.com ..............................12

McMichael Yacht Brokers mcmichaelyachtbrokers.com .....................2, 63

Mamaroneck, NY 914-381-5900 Newport, RI 401-619-5813

Boat Talent boattalent.com ....................................................................62

Milford Landing 203-874-1610 ............................................................43

Brewer Yacht Yards and Marinas boatwithbrewer.com ...........................71

Miller Marine Canvas 203-878-9291 millermarinecanvas.com ..............43

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Nautical School 800-992-9951 nauticalschool.com ...............................31

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Noank Village Boatyard 860-536-1770 noankvillageboatyard.com .......33

Cooley Marine Management 203-873-6494 cooleymarine.com ............14

North Sails northsails.com ......................................................................7

Milford, CT 203-877-7621 Huntington, NY 631-421-7245

CT Spring Boat Show 203-332-7639 ctspringboatshow.com ................19 Custom Marine Canvas 800-528-9262 custommarinecanvas.com .........25 Defender 800-628-8225 defender.com ..................................................15 Destino Yachts 860-395-9682 destinoyachts.com ..................................49 Doyle Sails doylesails.com .......................................................................3

Bronx NY 800-237-4453 Huntington Station, NY 631-673-5055

East Greenwich, RI 800-238-0107

South Dartmouth, MA 508-992-6322 Salem, MA 978-740-5950

North U. northu.com .....................................................................42, 55 Norwalk Cove Marina 203-838-2326 norwalkcove.com .......................16 Ocean Link Inc 401-683-4434 oceanlinkinc.com .................................20 Offshore Passage Opportunities 800-472-7724 sailopo.com ..................58 Pettit Paint pettitpaint.com ................................................................. 4-5

Dream Yacht Charter 844-588-8451 dreamyachtcharter.com ................40

Prestige Yacht Sales, prestigeyachtsales.net .......................................13, 62

Norwalk, CT 203-353-0373 Essex, CT 860-767-0528

Mystic, CT 860-245-5551

Eastern CT Sailing Association northu.com 203-245-0727 ...................42

Sailcube (McLaughlin) 800-784-6478 optistuff.com .............................48

Fairhaven Shipyard 508-999-1600 fairhavenshipyard.com ....................36

Sparcraft America 704-597-1052 sparcraft-us.com ................................39

Hamilton 800-639-2715 hamiltonmarine.com ....................................37

Sperry Sails 508-748-2581 sperrysails.com ............................................28

Hands-on Safety at Sea Seminar stormtrysailfoundation.org ..................45

TGM Anchor Point Marina 203-363-0733 ...........................................41 tgmanchorpointmarina.com

Interlux 800-468-7589 yachtpaint.com................................................... 9 Joe Cooper Sailing 401-965-6006 joecoopersailing.com ........................62 Landfall 800-941-2219 landfallnav.com ................................................72

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Thames Yacht Club thamesyc.org ..........................................................10 Willis Marine Center 631-421-3400 willismarine.com ...................11, 63

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on watch.

Kate Wilson

Recently honored for her devotion to the future of sailing, Kate Wilson of North Kingstown, Rhode Island spends much of her time with youth sailors to keep them engaged and enthused about the sport.

At the 24th Annual Providence Boat Show, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association © Bill Shea (RIMTA) recognized Kate as the Rhode Island Boater of the Year. Named after the Ocean State’s 66th Governor, RIMTA’s John H. Chafee Boater of the Year award, a beautiful half hull with a plaque engraved with such names as Ted Hood, Halsey Herreshoff, Ken Read and Rome Kirby, acknowledges an individual who has contributed to the success of the recreational boating industry in Rhode Island or championed the cause of bringing recreational boating to the public.

Kate was acknowledged for the important grassroots work she has done to grow the sport by finding new ways of inspiring young people to go sailing. “This award is really for all the volunteers who are getting kids on the water,” she said in her acceptance speech. “To create lifelong sailors, we need to start with our youth.”

Growing up sailing in junior programs around the world, Kate was enthusiastic about getting on the water as much as possible. “I had the opportunity to move quite a lot growing up since my dad was in the Navy,” she explains. “I had many coaches, and all of them taught me a little bit more about what it is to be a good leader and coach.”

As a former sailing coach at Rogers High School in her hometown of Newport, Kate saw that many students with requisite skills and experience to join the school’s sailing team were choosing other sports instead. After years of competing, these young sailors were simply burnt out. “It was disheartening that a sailing mecca like Newport was not able to field a thriving high school sailing team,” says Kate, although she knew well the cause of their disinterest. Kate raced throughout high school and college and her teammates remain some of her closest friends, but took a break from racing after she graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. “I just wasn’t having fun anymore,” she recalls. “The competition had zapped it from me.”

However, Kate certainly didn’t leave sailing. “I worked for ORACLE TEAM USA from 2012 to 2013,” she says. “I assisted them in Newport during the America’s Cup World Series, then moved to San Francisco for the 34th America’s Cup. I was part of the Marketing and Communications Team and I wore a lot of hats from support boat driver and graphic designer to clothing manager and social media content creator, but the main goal of my job was to support the whole the team and our sponsors.”

After trailing the Finals series 8-1, ORACLE rallied to win the Cup, and Kate recalls a pivotal team meeting. “We were one

race away from losing it all (the first time), and Jimmy Spithill and Russell Coutts spoke to us about not giving up. Their determination set a tone that was uplifting and kept us all going.”

Offering advice for young job seekers, Kate says, “First, it never hurts to ask. Then, let your work ethic speak louder than your words. After I worked with OTUSA in Newport, I called them up and asked for a job in San Francisco and was told I could have it if I got there. I flew out, and showed up early and worked late every day. I was the newest member of the team with sometimes not the best duties, but I was part of a team. Knowing your place and working hard doesn’t go unrecognized.”

Kate is the Founder & Chief Designer of a marketing and web design company called risingT, and her clients include several marine companies and events. The company name derives from a phrase used by John F. Kennedy in a speech in 1963: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” In accepting her Boater of the Year award, Kate urged those in the marine industry to recall why they’d first gotten into boating. “Remember, boating is all about the fun,” she enthused, “and I guarantee that if you focus on that you will be successful.”

Kate puts her own advice into practice with much success. As a member of Newport Yacht Club, she led the effort to revitalize the club’s junior sailing program. The program was renamed the Marine Adventure Camp, larger boats were added to the fleet, and she placed an emphasis on fun adventures with friends. In just two summers, a program that had dwindled to about a dozen kids grew to 120. “We’d have the kids go out and set their anchor, or sail over to Jamestown to get ice cream…it was not about competition,” says Kate. “The simple recipe for success is allowing time to have just have fun. No matter the sailors’ skill level, just sailing across the bay or playing sponge tag is fun, yet they are still improving their skills.”

Enacting a similar plan with high school sailors, Kate created an event called Friday Night Lights in the spring of 2014.

“All the local schools were invited to do some fun round-robin racing,” she says. “We’d have cookouts, and parents could come and watch, too. It was like a Friday night football game! For me, the most gratifying part of what I do is seeing the huge smiles on the kids’ faces at the end of the day or watching one my high school sailor’s confidence grow.”

Noting that her approach is not meant to denigrate competitive sailing, but to give kids who are not motivated by racing other ways to develop a passion for the sport, Kate says, “Sailing is more than a sport or hobby. It’s a way of life, a community, a family, and teaches us skills that go beyond the water into our professional and personal lives.” ■ Special thanks to Cynthia Goss for her assistance with this article.

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