Great Lakes Boating Magazine Nov/Dec 2008 by GL Boating

Freshwater Seas & Inland Waterways

greatlakesboating.com

Dec 2008

BAYLINER’S BEST

IRRESISTIBLE ISTANBUL BOATING’S CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Display until January 15, 2009 $4.95US $4.95CAN

25274 56691

DIVE FOR SHIPWRECKS WINTER JIG

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

To keep it that way—to keep defending and improving our pastime—boaters will need to band together. The Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF) has been on

Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen

top of all of these issues, and look at the success. We may have accomplished a

Managing Editor Karen Malonis

lot, but there’s still much to be done.

Assistant Editor Ted McDermott

One of the Federation’s new projects is

Fellow readers, Christmas came early to boaters this year. After a string of legislation and legal rulings, we can go down our wish list and start checking things off. The Clean Water Act of 2008 was passed, thereby eliminating the threat that the government would start overregulating the ballast discharge of recreational boats. The Great Lakes Compact was passed, thereby preserving the future health of our cruising grounds. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008

developing an affinity card, which will and marinas and on marine insurance and boats. The GLBF has a proven track record of affecting policy decisions. With this newest effort, the Federation will do the same in the financial arena. Graphic Design Steve Jones

In this new issue of the magazine, we travel to Istanbul, one of the world’s

Web Design Justin Hoffman

burgeoning boating meccas. It has miles of beautiful coastline, modern marinas

Advertising | Sales Inquiries p 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470 e info@greatlakesboating.com

and all the amenities of a world-class city, plus a wonderful sense of history.

increased regulation of commercial

With our boat feature, we look at

shipping, thereby reducing the likelihood

Bayliner’s 2009 lineup. Bayliner has

that more invasive species will enter

accumulated over 50 years of boat

the lakes and wreck our fisheries. The

building knowledge that goes into

Great Lakes Legacy Act gave more

every model produced. The results are

than a half-billion dollars to remediation

impressive. Fun and family friendly, they

efforts, thereby helping to rid our waters

are the perfect vessels for those who

of contaminants.

like to keep their boating hassle-free,

With all of this, boating will remain

Contributing William D. Anderson Writers Joan Forsberg Nicole Gorsuch Thomas Ludens Jennifer McKay Luke Pineo

give boaters discounts at marine stores

affordable and, above all, easy.

Michigan | Ohio M2Media Company Mark Moyer • p 248.840.0749 e m2mediaco@sbcglobal.net

GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) ©

2008 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago

Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher 1032 N. LaSalle

healthy and free of government

Elsewhere in this issue, we go to the

interference. In a time when it seems

bottom of Lake Michigan to look at

Washington can’t get out of our business

shipwrecks, look at a fishing technique

Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610.

and everything we do entails navigating

that will help you reel them in all winter

p 312.266.8400 or e kmalonis@greatlakesboating.com

a whole roll of red tape, this freedom is

long and look at a range of gifts perfect

perhaps the greatest gift of all.

for the boater in your life.

Boaters should be glad for all of this

As fall turns into winter, boaters are

goodwill. It’s a nice reminder that boating

either braving the cold or taking their

offers what we can’t get anywhere else: a

boats out of the water for the last time

chance to get away from our day-to-day

this year. I hope this issue reminds you of

lives without hassle or interference.

all that boating brings you and helps tide

Maybe if enough non-boaters knew

you over until the warm weather returns.

Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610. For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating

Online subscription rates are $18/year, $30/two years or $36/three years and are available at greatlakesboating.com. Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available at any of the distribution centers and newsstands in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine, 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610. All manuscripts should be accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope. Great Lakes Boating

about this, we’d be able to swell our

Magazine is not responsible and will not be liable for

ranks a bit and counteract some of

non-solicited manuscripts, including photographs.

the difficult financial struggles that are

Great Lakes Boating Magazine does not assume liability

bearing down on the industry. With so

F. Ned Dikmen

much negativity in the news, the bright spot is boating.

ATTENTION! Marina Owners and Yacht Club Managers: To continue receiving complimentary Great Lakes Boating magazines visit greatlakesboating.com/complimentary

IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND, YOU MAY NOT CONTINUE TO RECEIVE COPIES. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS APPRECIATED.

04 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

or ensure accuracy of the content contained in its articles, editorials, new product releases and advertising. Inquiries may be directed to the authors through the editorial office. Products, services and advertisements appearing in Great Lakes Boating Magazine do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of their safety by Great Lakes Boating Magazine. Material in the publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Great Lakes Boating Magazine editorial and executive staff. Past copies may be purchased by sending a written request to the offices of Great Lakes Boating Magazine. For reprints contact: FosteReprints, p 800.382.0808 or f 219.879.8366.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OTC

25’1” 8’6” DRAFT UP: 1’10” DRAFT UP: 3’3” FUEL CAPACITY: 70 GALS LENGTH: BEAM:

FEATURES FEATURES • BAYLINER • Port of Call: ISTANBUL • WHAT LIES BENEATH • FREE & CLEAN • VERTICAL JIGGING

12 18 26 34 40

BAYLINER 245 SUNBRIDGE

SPOTLIGHTS

SPOTLIGHTS • BOAT AFLOAT • GIFT GUIDE • NAME GAME • BOTTLE SHIPS

24 30 38 44

24 33

06 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

And with their 2009 line up, Bayliner has enhanced the visual appeal, function, style and performance of their boats. The boat on this issue’s cover, the 245 Sunbridge, is the perfect example of this continued improvement. This popular cruiser has been redesigned from the waterline up with a larger swim platform that leads to an enormous single level cockpit. The interior has had a makeover of its own with gorgeous new fabrics and more storage space under the aft double berth, in a large hanging locker, in the galley and under the forward berth seating.

DEPARTMENTS DEPARTMENTS

IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS • GREAT LAKES • FISHING • YACHT CLUBS • MARINAS • CRUISING • NATIONAL • SAILING

Bayliner has accumulated more than 50 years of boat building knowledge that goes into every model produced. This vast boat building experience has helped to set the company apart from competitors, with industry leading designs that fit boaters’ needs.

46 50 52 54 56 58 62

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE • EDITORIALS • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR • NEW BOATS • NEW PRODUCTS • BOAT CARE & FEEDING • PORTSIDE READING • BOATKEEPER • MARINE MART • EVENTS CALENDAR • ADVERTISERS INDEX

04 08 10 64 68 70 72 74 78 80 80

No matter which model you choose, owning a Bayliner is fun because it is easy to get in and enjoy the host of practical, functional features designed into every boat. Easy to buy, easy to own and easy to enjoy, the only hard thing about Bayliner’s boats is not wanting one of your own.

BAYLINER 800 South Gay Street Suite 1700 Knoxville, Tennessee 37929 bayliner.com (865) 582-2200

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EDITORIALS

BOATING’S BEST CHRISTM S By F. Ned Dikmen, Chairman, Great Lakes Boating Federation Late this summer, the ballast tank discharge issue that had come to threaten boating’s freedom was fi nally put to rest. Th is relief was not won in court. It came from a much higher source: the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives and President Bush all agreed that recreational boating was worthy of a clean bill of health. The bill they passed—the Clean Water Act of 2008—reamended the original Clean Water Act to state that recreational boats are sufficiently clean to navigate freely in freshwater seas and waterways without submitt ing to discharge regulation. A federal judge’s order that had called for strict regulation of recreational boating was muted, and boating was once again exempt from harsh regulation that would have stifled its freedom. No government agency will be sticking its nose in boating business anytime soon. Boating is free again at last. But this epic news came and left without a whimper. Evidently, it was not resounding enough to get the hype it deserved. If there was a celebration to commemorate this major victory for boating, it certainly lacked the luster it deserved. At a time when our industry is scrambling to fi nd good boating causes to rally for, no one reached out to take this opportunity. Did Grow Boating notice it? What better message could be aired to lure new boaters into the freedom of boating, which can add much to one’s pleasure and the quality of one’s family life? Very few hobbies can compete with recreational boating for a better quality and value to spend the spare time we have available. There used to be time spent on home improvement that gave value to enriching the family. Now has come the Internet and the e-mail craze that eats much of our free time, leaving very litt le to ourselves and our families. To attain a maximum benefit for the quality time spent solo or with friends, family and loved ones, no better venues can compete with boating for providing unregulated freedom to be enjoyed. As we prepare to enter the holiday season—and the many splendid things it has come to symbolize—we wish to pause for a moment and reflect on this win and cherish it. Where would we be without it? Boating has been given a sled-full of Christmas gifts this year. Along with this celebrated win, we also received the Great

08 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

Lakes Compact, with its foresighted plans now locked in place to safeguard our waters and their health for generations to come. Our waters have been preserved in the face of threats of siphoning. With the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008, new regulations have improved the treatment of commercial shipping ballast, thus shutt ing the gates on invasive species to the relief of 73 percent of our boating readers who like to fish. The Legacy Act that also became law comes armed with strong legislation reauthorizing a federal program, for two years at $54 million annually, to clean up toxic contaminants from rivers and harbors that feed into the Great Lakes. Boaters should recognize the importance of all this new legislation. It seems that boaters have come a long way toward fi nally being recognized, at long last, and being counted as one of the stakeholders of the Great Lakes. For too long recreational boats were seen as a polluting nuisance, as the enemy of the freshwater seas, as motorized vehicles that must be tolerated by the hardcore environmentalists, and were accused of playing a part in importing aquatic nuisances into the Great Lakes and other freshwater seas. Now all that bad rap has been fi nally swept aside. As many ports on the Great Lakes say goodbye to commercial navigation replacing it with the clean recreational boating alternative, perception is starting to shift , especially with the revelation that the annual recreational boating impact on the Great Lakes economy is topping $16 billion. With other stakeholders fi nally recognizing this value, it’s important that boaters do not become careless. Boaters have long been some of the most important stewards of our nation’s and Canada’s waterways. In the wake of this new recognition of boaters as integral to the health of our waters, it’s important that boaters meet the expectation that they will act as stewards for cleaner lakes. There are some things to worry about this year, but boating should not be one of them. As winter approaches, boaters should be glad for all the gifts Congress, our Santa Claus, has given us this year, not to mention the tumbling gas prices that could turn the fuel blues of 2008 into the happiest melodies of 2009. You may not have heard much about this from the industry or the mainstream boating media, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

NMMA DROPS THE BALL AGAIN New fi ndings show that boat shows remain “crucial” in influencing consumers to purchase boats, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is touting this as evidence of the shows’ strength. A closer look, however, reveals that the NMMA has missed the mark—yet again. According to the study, which was conducted by the NMMA and the Recreational Marine Research Center at Michigan State University, “55 percent of boat buyers attended a boat show within six months prior to their purchase. And, of survey respondents, 65 percent agreed that attending a boat show actually increased their desire to purchase a boat.”

revenue stream. As the revenue stream dries up, so does the entire boating industry. At a time when existing boaters are beginning to fear the swift erosion of their monetary resources, what effort is the NMMA making to comfort these people and encourage them to stick by boating and keep coming to boat shows? The answer, unfortunately, is not much. The NMMA is not doing enough to counteract declining boat show attendance. If the NMMA is serious about saving boating, they should diversify their marketing strategy and focus more on the tried and true: the longtime boaters.

Th is may sound good, but it hides the most important—and alarming—trend found by the study: boat show attendance is down. So, while the fi ndings may reveal some positive trends in the boating sector, the focus should be on what’s going wrong. And what’s going wrong is the NMMA’s Grow Boating initiative. Th is program was meant to drive boating sales and show attendance, but there’s very litt le convincing evidence that it has done so. While it has emphasized the recruitment of new boaters, it has ignored the boating faithful. It might be comforting to be reminded that boat shows are successful tools for turning prospective buyers into actual consumers, but it is not sufficient. Boat show attendance is the bread and butter of the NMMA. The shows generate the revenue supply that the industry needs to flourish and continue providing the nourishment for the sustainability of the rest of the marine industry. As attendance declines, so does that

Agree? Disagree? Want to Comment?

Share your thoughts on the

redesigned greatlakesboating.com greatlakesboating.com | 09

LET TERS TO THE EDITOR

L E T T H E S U N S E T YO U F R E E

THE ISLAND

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Bayliner.com By Thomas Ludens hen Orin Edson bought the Bayliner name in 1961, it cost him 100 dollars. Forty-seven years later, the company is the best-selling fiberglass runabout brand around—and has been for the past eight years in a row. Not a bad investment.

Today, Bayliner builds a variety of boats, from bowriders to cuddies to deckboats to cruisers, in sizes that range from 16 to 35 feet. Though the company now falls under the big Brunswick umbrella, the boats they build haven’t lost any of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Edson made a hallmark of the Bayliner name so many years ago. Through the Bayliner Smooth Ride System, complex curved hulls are performancematched by in-house naval architects to the Mercury engines. Computer-aided design enables an exceptional level of precision and a high-quality fit and finish for every boat. The tools and technology may have changed, but the bottom line hasn’t: Bayliner boats still offer outstanding quality and tons of storage in one easy-to-own, affordable package. The 2009 line-up meets—and then exceeds—the high expectations of Bayliner’s hard-won tradition. The five boats featured here range in size and style, but they don’t waver on quality, affordability or, perhaps most importantly, fun.

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Length Overall: Beam: Draft (hull): Draft (max.): Fuel Capacity:

25’1” 8’6” 1’10” 3’3” 70 gals.

For 2009, Bayliner is launching a new design phenomenon:

access to all the essentials as well as a great view. The 245 is

the 245 Sunbridge, a supermodel of the trailerable, single-

engineered for optimum performance on the standard 5.7-liter,

engine cruiser set. Not only did Bayliner’s designers and

250-hp MerCruiser Bravo III engine, or owners can power up

engineers create a sheer look with flowing deck lines and

to the optional 300 hp 350 MAG MPI Bravo III for an even more

a spacious single-level cockpit, they also created a more

muscular ride.

functional cabin with ample headroom and natural light thanks to frameless, bonded-in side windows. And the best part is the new 245 is affordable and trailerable.

The 245’s cabin is as impressive as the cockpit. When the locking fiberglass door with molded-in access steps slides open, two things immediately stand out: the six-feet-two-

This popular cruiser has been redesigned from the waterline

inches of headroom and the natural light streaming in from

up with a larger swim platform that leads to an enormous

the large side deck windows and three overhead hatches.

single-level cockpit. This allows for better traffic flow and configurable seating to suit every purpose from sunbathing to dining. The generous U-shaped seating area provides plenty of leg and elbowroom. When the adjustable back on the double helm seat is folded forward and the standard removable cockpit table is installed, up to six adults have the

The interior has had a makeover of its own with gorgeous new fabrics and more storage space. The dinette table provides plenty of room for eating or playing a friendly game of cards by day and converts to a comfortable sleeping space for two by night.

perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner. Afterward, position the

The large full-service galley offers all the features available

optional filler cushion in place and the entire area becomes

on more expensive cruisers including a single-burner electric

a haven for sun worshippers. At day’s end, just pack the

stove, refrigerator and microwave—but Bayliner’s designers

cushions and table back into their dedicated storage niche in

added in a cool extra, a flip-up counter extension. The cabin

the transom seat and head for home.

also features a stand-up head and shower with just as much

At the helm, a new dash design puts the focus on electronics

headroom as the cabin.

and navigation by allowing room for a large-screen display.

So for an entry-level sports cruiser that’s striking on the

The straightforward instrumentation layout, side-mounted

outside, comfortable on the inside and affordable all the way

controls and well-placed switches mean the captain has easy

around, the new 245 Sunbridge is looking better than ever.

greatlakesboating.com | 13

Length Overall: Beam: Draft (hull): Draft (max.): Fuel Capacity:

32’6” 11’0” 2’2” 3’2” 160 gals.

Length Overall: Beam: Draft (hull): Draft (max.): Fuel Capacity:

30’6” 10’0” 2’1” 3’4” 120 gals.

With its new 300 and 320 models, Bayliner offers a pair of

The functional galley comes equipped with a stainless steel

smart cruisers that will let you break free on the water without

sink and solid surface countertops. Owners can choose teak

breaking the bank.

or holly flooring, a nice touch that gives this space some extra

The all-new 300 is Bayliner’s most affordable twin engine cruiser. Loaded with features, including an available rotating

warmth. There’s a shower in the head and a port light that lets the space breathe.

helm seat and a no-hassle lifting engine cover, the 300 is

Above, the expansive cockpit is easy to navigate with an

perfect for longer-range cruising. Compact and efficient, it

open floorplan that can be personalized with either a divided-

features sleeping accommodations for six. The private aft

lounge or open-lounge layout. Equipped with a rotating

cabin has stand-up room for changing, and there is more

helm seat, there’s also an optional port lounge bolster that

than six-feet-two-inches of headroom throughout the cabin.

provides seating options, including an aft L-shaped lounger

A bit longer and wider than the 300, the 320 is a powerful, comfortable cruiser that gives boaters what few boats of this size and value can offer: complete versatility. Whether you are looking for a standard fixed berth for long-distance voyages or an open lounge configuration for social day cruises, this

that converts to a sunlounger. The table is removable, and there are filler cushions for added flexibility. The cockpit entertainment center is a great convenience on this size cruiser. Rather than having to descend to the galley, you can stay on deck to prepare drinks and snacks.

vessel lets you have fun on your own terms by allowing you

Both of these cruisers have twin fuel-injected Mercruiser

to choose from multiple layouts.

Bravo III engines to ensure that you can take the fun wherever

The private aft berth in the cabin can be complemented with massive convertible wraparound seating for entertaining, or a fixed forward berth option if nights aboard for a second couple are a priority. Whichever option you choose, Bayliner’s

you want to go. The average cruising speed with the 300’s 220-hp engine is 31.6 mph, and it features a 151-mile range. The 320 rides on 220 horses, cruises at 29.5 mph and has a bit longer range of 191 miles.

emphasis below deck is on comfort. The unique side deck

This power and performance gives a kick to the comfort

windows fill the space with light and atmosphere, imbuing the

that is everywhere onboard these two cruisers.

cabin with an airy feel. New to 2009, the satellite-ready stereo system can be paired with a TV/DVD package that includes a 15-inch flat screen LCD. 14 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

Length Overall: Beam: Draft (hull): Draft (max.): Fuel Capacity:

18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;0â&#x20AC;? 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;? 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;9â&#x20AC;? 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1â&#x20AC;? 28 gals.

When you already build the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular

and a huge aft bench and sun lounger. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ideal layout for

bowriders, the constant challenge is to keep improving

spectators and water sports fanatics alike with easy access

them. To do that, Bayliner went straight to the best idea

to, and interaction with, the transom.

bank available: their customers.

In the cockpit, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a key difference that sets the 185 apart

Baylinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designers and engineers spent a lot of

in its class. Thanks to new recessed engine vents, everyone

time talking to owners to find out what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to

can enjoy a quieter ride, unless of course the gang chooses

see in their next runabout. The new 185 Bowrider reflects

to crank up the standard waterproof stereo with directional

those insights with its big cockpit and innovative storage

speakers and iPod storage niche.

planâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and there are plenty of options that allow boaters to tailor this flexible bowrider to suit their seating preferences and favorite activities. With Baylinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beam-forward design, the widest point of the beam is pushed forward to create more usable storage and cockpit space, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room for up to eight people and their gear. The new 185 features standard family seating with two removable aft jump seats for easy access to the transom, a portside back-to-back sleeper seat that converts easily into a sun lounger and a new, super comfortable 180-degree swivel bucket helm seat with two-position bolster and easy slide adjustment. The bucket helm seat can also be exchanged for an optional sleeper seat. For those who prefer a more sports-oriented cockpit design,

The 2009 185 Bowrider also received a redesigned dash with great ergonomics, excellent visibility and race-car inspired stylingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which coordinates nicely with the awesome new graphics available in three color choices. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly remarkable about the new 185 Bowrider is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to operate, easy to own and even easier to enjoy. It comes with its own painted single-axle trailer. It features marine-grade, stain-resistant carpeting and durable, KidClean protected vinyl upholstery, so maintenance is simple. A deep cockpit, easy-to-reach handrails, grip-textured surfaces and a wraparound windshield system make the new 185 the safe choice for family boating. And with some of the best warranties in the industry, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a safe investment in nonstop fun, too.

the sport seating option provides two swivel bucket seats

greatlakesboating.com | 15

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Length Overall: Beam: Draft (hull): Draft (max.): Fuel Capacity:

18’7” 8’1” 1’4” 2’8” 35 gals.

When you first take a look at Bayliner’s 197 Deck Boat, you’ll

an aft sun lounge, hold-downs for inflatables, an ample

note its functionality. But when you turn it on and take it out on

swim platform, a stainless steel ladder and “fun zone”

the water, you’ll be shocked by how cagey, quick and powerful

storage lockers for all your gear.

this boat can be.

And you can up the ante with the Flight Series Option, which

This isn’t a well-behaved little skiff meant for puttering around

equips the boat with a Sunbrella aft bimini canvas top, gives

the lake. It’s a fast-paced, high-performing vessel crammed

you a color choice (black, blue or red), upgrades the steering

into an admittedly small package. And that’s with the

wheel, extends the swim platform and adds a wakeboard

standard, 135-hp, 3.0-liter Mercruiser Alpha I engine. When

tower, among other perks.

you add the optional 4.3-liter 190- or even 220-hp engines, the 197 really gets going. It cruises in mid-30-mph range, and can get peak performance in the upper 40s. That’s not bad for a boat that’s not even 19 feet long. Before you go disparaging the 197’s size, though, consider what Bayliner’s done with it. The thoughtful layout includes an innovative seating layout that allows for up to an impressive 10 passengers. Bench seats wrap around almost the entire

Though it is packed with features, the compact design of

cockpit and the helm is set back in the starboard corner,

the 197 offers a number of advantages. Its shallow draft

leaving an open center for comfortable riding and relaxing.

makes it great for getting in close to shore. Its length, which

Anglers will appreciate the Fish Pack Option, which adds a casting platform with a seat and a fish finder at the bow, a livewell at the helm and a rod storage rack starboard. Taking advantage of the boat’s speed, handling and deck space, Bayliner has equipped the 197 with everything you need for water-sport excitement. The transom design features

16 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

is just less than 19 feet, means that it’s easily trailerable and convenient to store. Functional, fast, fun: what’s not to like about the 197 Deck Boat? Like the rest of Bayliner’s 2009 lineup, this boat doesn’t just give you what you need—it gives you what you want, and more, at an affordable price.

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Fox Lake Harbor has been a full service marina

a boating Mecca on the Chesapeake. Committed to

since 1952. With its full parts, accessory and service

selling, servicing and storing family pleasure boats with

departments, Fox Lake Harbor both sells and maintains

maximum customer satisfaction, Lynnhaven carries a

boats. Located outside Chicago, it is the place for

broad, up-to-date range of Bayliner boats.

boaters on the western Great Lakes to find a Bayliner.

Lynnhaven Marine has two locations in Virginia Beach,

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Since it opened in 1992, Islander Boat Center has

the East Coast for Bayliner, and Bayliner’s third largest

experienced record-breaking growth to become one

dealer in the world. With four dealerships across the

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Since 1991, Riverside has been the largest dealer on

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+XOO\ *XOO\ Hully Gully’s Ultimate Toy Store is one of Canada’s largest Bayliner dealers. Rated one of the top 100 dealers in North America by Dealernews, Hully Gully is conveniently located near Detroit and Windsor. London, Ontario // hullygully.com // (888) 253-2320

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greatlakesboating.com | 17

ÂŠistockphoto.com/exclusive

By Ned Dikmen & Karen Malonis

It has been known by a number of names. It has been called Byzantium, New Rome, Constantinople and Stamboul, depending upon who ruled it. Then, in 1930, it was given its newest name.

Kalamis Marina

oday, Istanbul is a modern city with a long and

Those who arrive in Istanbul by boat can sail along the

varied history that ranges across continents and

Bosphorus themselves. Or if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come with your

civilizations, that spans cultures and religions, that

vessel but still want to get out on the water, you can take a

joins East and West. And with its population of more than

ferry cruise on the Bosphorus all the way up to Sariyer, which

11 million people and its access to beautiful waterways all

sits close to the end of the Bosphorus near the Black Sea.

around it, Istanbul is becoming something brand new: a world-class yachting destination. The Bosphorus Strait, a narrow strip of water that separates Europe and Asia, divides Istanbul, thus making it the Asian city nearest Europe and the European city closest to Asia. To the north, it reaches the Black Sea and the numerous bays and sheltered harbors that dot its coastline. To the south lies the Sea of Marmara.

Another point of interest is the famous Maiden Tower of Istanbul, which is located in the middle of the sea near the entrance of the Bosphorus. Legend has it that one day a king had a daughter. The kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seers prophesized that she would die on her eighteenth birthday. To avoid this unfortunate fate, the king ordered his architects to build this tower in the middle of the sea and placed his daughter in it in order to protect her from all evil. On her eighteenth birthday, however,

A stay in Istanbul should include a tour of the Bosphorus

the princess received a box full of grapes from her father.

by boat. Its shores are a combination of the past and

Unknown to the king and his daughter, there was also a

present, of manmade and natural beauty. Modern hotels

snake hidden in the box. It bit the princess and killed her.

stand next to simple, wooden houses, marble palaces are

Ever since, this tower has been called the Maiden Tower.

situated alongside ancient stone citadels and trendy districts

The tower has recently been renovated, and visitors can take

neighbor small fishing villages. During the journey, the boat

a boat ride to the small island of the tower, where a restaurant

passes beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, which is one of the

is also located.

worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest suspension bridges and which joins the European and Asian sides of the city.

20 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

The Golden Horn, named after the color of the setting sun reflecting off its water, is a horn-shaped natural harbor that

divides European Istanbul. The Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping centers were based here. Now, parks and walkways line its shores. Midway up the Golden Horn is a neighborhood with entire streets of old wooden houses and churches dating from Byzantine times. Boaters also can voyage to the Princess Islands, an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. The name of the islands comes from the Byzantine period, when princes and empresses were exiled here. During the Ottoman period, especially around the 19th century, when steamboats were in use, these islands became popular resorts for Istanbul’s elite. Jewish, Greek and Armenian communities then made up a large part of the population of the islands. Today, the islands are popular tourist destinations during the summer. You can either sail to the islands with your own boat and anchor behind one of the islands where you can enjoy the beautiful weather and the sea, or you can take a ship to get to the islands. These islands are free of motor vehicles, so taking a horse drawn carriage tour is a good way to view the surroundings. After navigating the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn or the Princess Islands, boaters can return to one of the large marinas in the area. There are two main private marinas in Istanbul. On the European side, there is the Atakoy Marina, which can harbor up to 700 boats, including yachts and sailboats. The second private marina, Kalamis Marina, is located on the Asian side and has a capacity of 1,069 boats. Located about 17 miles from Ataturk Airport, it offers cleaning services, parking, telephone, security, internet access, car rental, banking, market, laundry and health and beauty services. There are also four restaurants on the site. Also on the Asian side is Fenerbahçe Marina. Both of these Asian-side marinas offer 24-hour service. On a trip to Istanbul, tourists will have their days and nights filled with places of interest to visit. A good place to start is in Sirkeci, which is very close to the historic downtown area of Istanbul and is the point of departure for the Bosphorus ferries. This area is called Sultanahmet and includes many of Istanbul’s important historic sites. The Blue Mosque, the famous Hagia Sophia, the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome, the Sunken Palace Cistern, as well as the famous German Fountain—all are located just steps from each other.

greatlakesboating.com | 21

Atakoy Marina

Blue Mosque Formally known as the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Blue Mosque has the largest courtyard of any Ottoman mosque and is the only mosque in the world with six minarets. A blend of proportion and elegance, there are tens of thousands of interior blue tiles that give the building its unofficial name. Completed in 1616, the mosque is located just opposite the Church of Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque is a working mosque, so non-worshipping tourists are not permitted to enter during prayer times, which occur five times daily for 30 minutes each. The building is nearly a square and is covered with a dome 77 feet in diameter and almost 142 feet high. The mosque has 260 windows which let the sunlight radiate into the building.

Hagia Sofi a Hagia Sophia Church is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It played an important role in the Byzantine Empire, as well as in the Ottoman Empire as a mosque. The church was initially completed in 360 A.D. during the reign of Constantinus. The church was burned in 404, and rebuilt by emperor Theodosius in 405. This church was also destroyed in a fire. The last church was completed in 537 by Emperor Justinian I and was the site of all coronation and major baptism ceremonies. When Turks conquered Istanbul in 1453, Mehmed “the Conqueror” ordered the conversion of the church into a mosque. Four minarets were added in

22 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

different periods and the mosaics on the walls were covered with plaster because they were forbidden in Islam. Oddly, this actually helped preserve the mosaics and frescoes. Hagia Sophia served as a mosque until Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ordered the conversion of the mosque into a museum. He believed that it was a world heritage and people should come and see it. Beginning in 1929, the plaster was removed; and in the 1940s, it was reopened as a museum.

Basilica Cistern Basilica Cistern is a Byzantine structure with 336 columns and a high, vaulted ceiling that was primarily used to store water for the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. During the Ottoman period, the water was used for Topkapi Palace and its gardens. Of special interest are two columns that are supported by upside-down Medusa heads and a column near the center that features a teardrop design.

Grand Bazaar & Egyptian Spice Bazaar Kapali Çarsi (Grand Bazaar) is the ultimate medieval shopping center with 4,400 shops. Here you can buy jewelry, rugs, kilims, souvenirs, leather, antique items and much more. It’s a huge, complex and totally frenetic shopping experience. Shoppers should be prepared to haggle. It is impossible to talk about Istanbul without mentioning another famous market located near the ferry docks. The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a colorful market where you can buy all sorts of Turkish delights and various spices at reasonable prices.

Topkapi Palace Topkapi Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1853 and was also the historical home of the sultans and their famous harems.

government cars, passes through the area. Here one can find several exclusive boutiques, brand-name clothing stores, music stores, bookstores, theaters, continental restaurants, bars, bakeries and street vendors selling roasted ears of corn and chestnuts. Street performers play music for passersby.

Completed in 1465, the palace is located on the Seraglio

Head down one of the narrow side streets to find bohemian-

Point between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.

style cafes and bars.

It consists of many smaller buildings built together and surrounded by four courts. Tourists can view the harem quarters, kitchens, mint and rooms of the concubines, the sultan, the sultan’s mother and the Audience Chamber where resolutions were presented to the sultan for ratification. The palace also has a large collection of porcelain, jewelry, robes, weapons, shields, Ottoman miniatures and calligraphic manuscripts. While on the palace grounds, do not forget the Istanbul Archeology Museum. It was established in 1891. You should, however, carefully plan your trip to this area, since it takes at least half a day to tour the Topkapi Palace alone. Established

Or you could just skip all this and quickly “visit” all the important tourist attractions in Turkey at once. Located near the Golden Horn, the MiniaTurk is an open-air park that contains 105 models done at 1/25 scale. Forty-fi ve of the structures are from Istanbul, 45 are from Anatolia and 15 are from the Ottoman territories that today lie outside of Turkey. Ancient and modern, foreign and friendly, Istanbul is a feast for the senses. Indeed there’s so much to see, it’s hard to do it all in one trip. Don’t worry, though: Istanbul will undoubtedly call you back to discover more of its timeless— and nearly limitless—treasures.

in 1891, it houses works of art belonging to various civilizations from the Balkans, Africa, Anatolia, Afghanistan, Mesopotamia and the Arab Peninsula. After a day of sightseeing, spend an evening on Taksim Square, a paved thoroughfare that is the center of action for throngs of locals who are out and about. A red streetcar, the only vehicle allowed on the square besides police and

greatlakesboating.com | 23

As the boating season comes to a close, many boaters are preparing their vessels for winter storage. Boat insurer Progressive wants to remind boat owners about a number of steps they can take to make sure their boats are properly protected during the offseason. “Taking the right steps now to protect your boat will not only provide you with peace of mind through the long, cold winter months, but can help you avoid a hefty maintenance bill in the spring,” says Dominic Mediate, Progressive’s boat product manager. Some slip-proof tips for winterizing your boat include: Get your engine winter-ready – First drain the water from the engine completely and fill the cooling system with environmentally safe antifreeze. Remove spark plugs and fog cylinders, and wipe down engine with fogging oil or similar moisture displacing lubricant. Check your fluids – Change the oil and filter, and ensure fuel tanks contain stabilizer and are filled to the desired level. And don’t forget the lower unit! If there is any water left in the lower unit, it can freeze and cause the unit to crack. Keep your boat sufficiently covered – If you are using a standard canvas or plastic cover make sure it is properly secured and sturdy enough to handle any snow build-up. For added protection against the winter wind and snow, look no further than trusty shrink wrap, which can be used to cover exposed areas of the boat. If possible, apply shrink wrap or other covering to the tongue, trailer jack and winch. Don’t forget the trailer – To be sure your trailer is ready to roll when spring comes back around, put it up on blocks, grease the bearings and oil the rollers, trailer jack and winch.

Remove the battery – Maintain the charge and keep the battery conditioned through the winter by removing it from the boat and storing it properly. Keep your boat from “going condo” – To keep birds, rodents or other vermin from using your boat as their winter residence, make sure there are no possible entrances and spread a deterrent like mothballs through the vessel. Show your love – Check on your boat periodically during the winter months. Check your insurance policy – Make sure you’re properly protected in case your boat is stolen or damaged in the off-season. A stand-alone boat insurance policy can give you that protection. “Having specialized boat insurance can make a big difference in the event you need to file a claim,” explains Mediate. “Some boaters might think it’s more convenient to just add a boat endorsement to their homeowners policy, believing it offers more protection than it actually does.” Progressive’s specialized boat insurance offers coverage options critical during the winter months including: Total Loss Replacement – Replacement of your boat with a brand new model if the lost boat is within the first five model years. Fishing Equipment and/or Personal Effects Replacement Cost Coverage – The loss of, or damage to, fishing equipment or personal items on your boat will be covered…even in the off-season. 24/7 Claims Service – Boaters can report a claim any time of the day or night and receive knowledgeable service from Progressive’s boat claims representatives, who receive intensive specialized claims training at its claims training center. watercraft.progressive.com

24 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

#RUISING FOR A 'REAT 4IME 6ISIT 4HE #HICAGO (ARBORS

4HE #HICAGO 0ARK $ISTRICTgS LAKEFRONT HARBORS STRETCH FROM ,INCOLN 0ARK IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE CITY TO *ACKSON "ELMONT (ARBOR

"URNHAM (ARBOR

0ARK IN THE SOUTH 7ITH ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MORE THAN BOATS THE #HICAGO 0ARK $ISTRICT (ARBORS CONSTITUTE THE NATIONgS LARGEST MUNICIPAL HARBOR SYSTEM AND FEATURE STATE OF THE ART mOATING DOCKS MOORINGS STAR DOCKS FUEL FACILITIES AND OTHER AMENITIES FOR #HICAGO BOATERS AND THEIR GUESTS 3INCE THE 0ARK $ISTRICT HAS INVESTED MORE THAN MILLION DOLLARS TO RENOVATE AND

$U3ABLE (ARBOR

-ONROE (ARBOR

MODERNIZE HARBOR F ACILITIES

4HE HARBORS ARE VERY POPULAR WITH AREA BOATER S AND HAVE ENJOYED OCCUPANCIES IN EXCESS OF FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS

$IVERSEY (ARBOR

-ONTROSE (ARBOR

. & A I R B A N K S # T s # H I C A GO ) , s 0 , ! 9 0 L E A S E V I S I T U S O N T H E WE B A T W W W # H I C A G O 0 A R K $ I S T R I C T C O M

City of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, Mayor Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District, Timothy J. Mitchell, General Superintendent & CEO

By Joan Forsberg Photos by Cris Kohl

An amazing amount of material history lies on the floor of Lake Michigan just off Chicago, and a group of dedicated volunteer, professional and amateur archaeologists, historians and photographers is doing everything possible to inform the world about what these items can teach us. The mission of the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago (UASC) is the study and preservation of the shipwrecks and other submerged cultural resources in the local waters.

t best, the mention of “Chicago shipwrecks”

The steamship Louisville is one of the oldest

stirs vague recollections regarding the 1915

shipwrecks off Chicago. Built in Buffalo, New York,

Eastland disaster, in which more than 800 people

in 1853, this 137-foot-long wooden vessel burned

died in the Chicago River when that crowded

and sank with the loss of one life on September

excursion steamer tipped over onto its side in

29, 1857. Its remains—notably a steam engine still

shallow water just a few feet offshore. It remains

sitting atop eight spindly, steel legs towering 15

the worst (and most senseless) disaster in

feet above the bottom of the lake; an unusually

Chicago’s history, as well as the worst Great Lakes

shaped boiler; a four-bladed propeller; and a

maritime disaster ever. However, that ship was

large mound of anchor chain at the bow—lie in 58

recovered, repaired and returned to service,

feet of water. In the early 1990s, members of the

and nothing original remains at the site of this

Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago

tragic shipwreck.

made an extensive survey of this shipwreck,

Because massive maritime activities occurred in Chicago during the city’s first 100 years, many vessels met unfortunate fates. The bustling harbor hosted 70 or more vessel arrivals and departures a

producing a detailed line drawing of this site which became part of a series of plastic slates that scuba divers could take with them while exploring Chicago’s shipwrecks.

day. Today, the sites of dozens of shipwrecks from

The 142-foot-long schooner Wings of the Wind

that early era are known, albeit hidden from view

sank with a coal cargo, though no lives were

beneath Lake Michigan’s waves.

lost, after colliding with another sailing ship on May 12, 1866. The subsequent salvage of the

26 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

cargo destroyed the vessel’s stern area, but the

These are but a few of the more than 200 ships that

sank off the coast of ChicagoPOWERFUL since the early 1800s, STABLE, COMFORTABLE, EFFICIENT, bow half remains in very good condition. Originally constructed in Buffalo in 1855, the Wings of the

only about three dozen of which have been located

Wind shipwreck was surveyed, complete with a site

to date. We are now in a “golden age” of modern

map, by the Underwater Archaeological Society of

shipwreck discovery and exploration here in the

Chicago in 1991.

Great Lakes. The number of wrecks still awaiting

One of the area’s most popular shipwreck scuba dive sites, the incredibly preserved schooner named the Wells Burt, lies in only 40 feet of water five miles

discovery would surprise the many people who are totally unaware of the massive maritime history contained in these inland seas.

northeast of Chicago. Built in Detroit in 1873, this

Meanwhile, the UASC is moving forward in its work

huge, 201-foot-long, three-masted sailing ship sank

of publicizing Chicago’s maritime history. Members

in a violent storm on May 20, 1883, with the tragic

are currently hard at work on the photography,

loss of all 11 people onboard. The anchors, masts

videography, artwork and historical research that is needed to complete the survey of the railroad

and most of the

car ferry Barge No. 2, which was lost on September

coal cargo were

29, 1906, and Material Service, a unique motorized

salvaged by hardhat divers not long after the sinking. Despite their removal, much of historic interest remains at this site, including the enormous wooden hull that sits embedded several feet into the clay bottom. Onboard are two capstans, a huge

barge that sank off the Calumet River with the tragic loss of 15 lives on July 29, 1936. Not all of the UASC’s focus is on existing shipwreck sites. By purposely sinking the Holly Barge in 2000 and the 196-foot-long steel ferry The Straits of Mackinac in 2003, the UASC created two new “shipwreck” dive sites and fish habitats off Chicago.

windlass with much anchor chain still in place, a pump, several open hatches and many large, oak deadeyes, which were used as part of the running rigging to tighten the position of the masts, lining the rails. The Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago did a detailed survey and report of this shipwreck site in 1990. When rogue divers stole 10 of the unique and irreplaceable deadeyes in 1991, members of UASC chained the remaining deadeyes together in an attempt to deter their theft. To this day, those deadeyes, and their chains, remain on the shipwreck, while a $2,000 reward is still offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who took the missing deadeyes. A more recent shipwreck is that of the wooden steamer Rotarian, which was scuttled off Chicago in 1931 due to old age. Built in 1889 in Sandusky, Ohio, as a 147-foot-long passenger excursion ship, this vessel spent its final years tied up at a dock along the Chicago River, where it was used as a dance hall and a speakeasy that the mobster Al Capone purportedly frequented. Old Prohibition beer bottles can still be seen between the Rotarian’s wooden frames as it lies about eight miles off Chicago in 83 feet of water. The UASC is working on a survey and history of this significant shipwreck.

greatlakesboating.com | 27

These new sites have removed the dangers of diver over-visitation of the “natural” fragile shipwrecks in the area. In fact, The Straits of Mackinac has become the most frequently visited shipwreck not only off Chicago, but in all of Lake Michigan. UASC members are presently assisting the “Buccaneer Project” in its endeavors to create another scuba attraction off Chicago. The Buccaneer, a Chicago passenger excursion ship from 1961 until 2002, was originally launched as The Dexter in 1925 at Bay City, Michigan, as a Coast Guard ship used to chase rumrunners during Prohibition. Its illustrious history includes sinking a Canadian rumrunning schooner in international waters in 1929 (an event that led to years of litigation) and helping chase down U-boats along the Atlantic coast during World War II. The hope is to turn this historic vessel into an underwater attraction off Chicago rather than have it disappear entirely by being scrapped for its steel hull. Because Chicago, the largest city on the Great Lakes, owes its existence to ships and sailors, it is a glaring oversight that it has no maritime museum to share this significant part of its history with residents and visitors alike. Other cities on the Great Lakes, such as Detroit, and much smaller places, like Manitowoc and Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin and South Haven and Whitefish Point in Michigan, all have proudly produced enticing maritime museums displaying their community’s involvement in the Great Lakes. The continuing work of organizations such as the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago and the Chicago Maritime Society, to name only two, are part of the effort to correct this oversight in Chicago. uaschicago.org // (630) 293-4020

Joan Forsberg, author and Great Lakes maritime historian, is president of the Under water Archaeological Societ y of Chicago. Her husband, Cris Kohl, author and prize-winning shipwreck photographer, is a past president of the UASC.

28 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

Want to get here?

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For tickets, hours, information & schedules, go to

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Caring for your eyes is a must—that means protection

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Nerve sunglasses feature many other technologies to

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hard-pressed to unearth the globe’s most exotic coffees

Polycarbonate lens resin makes the lenses nearly shatterproof. Tactilite rubber keeps your glasses from slipping,

all by himself, so this year he’s getting a little help from his elves at Explorer’s Bounty.

even after sprays of sea water. TR90 grilamid nylon resin

Culled from some of the hardest-to-reach locations, their

allows the frames to bend and has a memory feature so

premium coffees are available in ground and whole bean

the sunglasses always fit like new. Adjustable bridge rests

varieties and are USDA certified organic. Discerning

and adjustable wire-core temples allow each pair to be

coffee drinkers will savor such choices as Expedition

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El Dorado from Colombia, Expedition Blue Nile from

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30 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

Buy Your Favorite Lighthouse

Galleyware Christening Bottle

In Lighthouse-opoly, players buy famous sentinels from

For thousands of years ships have

coast to coast, acquire keeper’s cottages and trade those

been christened before entering the

in for lighthouses. Restoration fees and failed inspections

water. Once thought to protect sailors

make the game more challenging and fun; but avoid being

from the gods, the ritual today serves

locked away in Alcatraz Island.

to bring good luck. Over time there have been many different offerings

Each deed back

made, but the preferred choice today

contains fun facts about

is champagne.

its lighthouse: Did you know that Michigan’s

You can continue this time-honored

Old Presque Isle Light

good luck tradition with the

is haunted?

Galleyware Christening Bottle. The

Even though the

bottle is scored along the bottom

lantern room is empty folks swear a light still shines form the tower. Or that an image of Maine’s Nubble Light is on the spacecraft Voyager?

to make it easily breakable, and it comes in a fine mesh bag to ensure no pieces of broken glass end up in the water. Available at West Marine for a retail price of $16.99. galley ware.com // westmarine.com

For two to six players, ages eight and up. The retail price is $24.99. latefor thesk y.com

Fun for the Whole Family

Candle Protection The Iron Dive Helmet Candle Lantern is the perfect way to show off your candle, and keep it out of the spray. It is cast iron, weighs more than seven pounds and measures 10.5 inches tall with handle and 5.5 inches wide. Change the candle through the front grill, which swings open, or through the twist off bottom plug.

Think it is impossible to get the perfect gift for the entire family? Well, that was before MasterCraft’s newest luxury

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rustic look is full of character

Similar to high-end, luxury cars, the MariStar 255 can

that will compliment anyone’s boat, deck, patio, dock,

be customized and ordered on their website. Change

driveway, front door or any room. It also can easily be

the exterior or interior colors, add or remove options and

converted into an electric fixture, giving it many more

select the engine type to create your, or the whole family’s,

places to be used.

dream boat. The MariStar 255 retails between $85,000 and $100,000,

Retails for $34.95. seasidetreasures.com

depending on the features. mastercraft.com/home/dab

greatlakesboating.com | 31

Give the Gift of

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By Jennifer McKay

The recreational boating community achieved a great victory when, in July of this year, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 was signed into law. This new act amends the Clean Water Act to provide a statutory exemption for recreational vessels from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program.

WAIT A MINUTE. Statutory exemption? Pollutant discharge? WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN? In simplest terms, it means boating will remain the free, unencumbered pastime it’s always been. But to fully understand this act and what it means for boaters, we need to start at the beginning. The Clean Water Act, administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was originally passed in 1972 and its objective was “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters.” Under the Clean Water Act, any discharges of pollutants from a point source (such as a water treatment plant, for example) to the surface waters of the United States require a permit under the NPDES program. A year after the Clean Water Act was enacted, the EPA issued a rule exempting certain marine discharges from the Clean Water Act and specifically the NPDES permitting process. As a result, the ballast of both recreational boats and commercial ships was exempt from this strict regulation and permitting. Photo by Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea Grant

34 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

This exemption remained the status quo for decades.

would have come along with the EPA’s proposed permit.

Meantime, concerns about the impacts associated with

More importantly though, enactment of this legislation is

ballast water discharges were growing. Concern about the

an indication that recreational boaters finally have been

devastating effects of aquatic invasive species introductions

recognized as a key stakeholder in the lakes and that boaters

via ballast water discharge culminated in the filing of a lawsuit

can have a significant role to play in the management of our

against the EPA.

water resources.

The lawsuit was a challenge to the 1973 exemption for certain

There are approximately 18 million recreational boaters in

marine discharges. Environmental organizations filed suit

the United States; 4.3 million of those registered boaters are

on the basis that ballast water discharges have led to the

in the Great Lakes. Given the large number of boaters in the

introduction of numerous aquatic invasive species resulting

Great Lakes and the importance of the recreational boating

in extensive damage to the biological integrity of the waters

community to the economic vitality of the region, boaters

of the United States, just the type of injury the Clean Water

should have been recognized as a key stakeholder long

Act was meant to address.

ago. However, the community has failed to capitalize on its

In March of 2005, a California court ruled in favor of the environmental groups and the six states that joined the

numbers and potential voice, and has subsequently been largely ignored. Hopefully, this will now change.

suit, including the Great Lakes states of New York, Illinois,

The momentum from this substantial victory can continue

Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. The court concluded

and even be built upon. In particular, boaters and anglers

that the EPA had exceeded its authority under the Clean

who are dependent upon the health and abundance of our

Water Act in exempting ballast water discharges from

natural resources should be on the forefront advocating for

permitting requirements. The court ordered the EPA to

protections. For us in the Great Lakes region, this means

develop an operational discharge permit for vessels to be

utilizing this collective voice to join in the efforts to restore

effective by September 30, 2008.

and protect our magnificent waters.

The ruling in and of itself is a huge victory—after all, invasive species are the number two threat to biodiversity worldwide, second only to habitat loss. They have crippled many marine and freshwater ecosystems, especially the Great Lakes. Unlike many conventional pollutants, the introduction of invasive species often has irreversible consequences. The federal government had failed throughout the years to propose effective solutions to deal with ballast water discharges, and this ruling provided the grounds to begin that much needed process. While the focus of the litigation was on commercial vessels discharging ballast water that contain invasive species, the court’s ruling applied to millions of recreational boats as well. The court decision basically required the EPA to develop a permit system that regulates discharge for all boats, even recreational boats that do not carry ballast water. As a result of the court ruling, the EPA proposed two vessel discharge permits under the NPDES program. Together, they would regulate all discharges from all vessels, including everything from engine cooling water to deck runoff, from gray water to ballast water. In response to this proposed permit, Congress introduced, and eventually passed, the Clean Boating Act, which states that a permit is not required for discharges incidental to the normal operation of recreational vessels. The significance of this bill goes far beyond the actual language of the law. On the surface, this is a huge win as recreational boaters will be spared the confusion and headaches—as well as the potential expenses—that Photo by Todd Marsee, Michigan Sea Grant

greatlakesboating.com | 35

Recently, there have been many successful Great Lakes

freshwater systems through organisms inadvertently retained

initiatives that are building toward Great Lakes restoration.

in live wells, bait wells, bilge pumps, motors and on boat

However, the ultimate goal of achieving large-scale

hulls, trailers and equipment. Routine boating practices have

comprehensive restoration has not been met. Congress now

spread invasive species over a broad geographic range

has the opportunity to increase its effort by committing to

before the invader is even recognized and acknowledged as

restoring the Great Lakes for the benefit of the entire nation.

a problem. While the focus of regulatory action should be

Recreational boaters, who have the most to gain (and the

on ballast water discharges, boaters who use and rely on

most to lose) in regards to Great Lakes restoration and

the waters should take every precaution possible to prevent

protection, should learn a valuable lesson from passage

further exacerbation of the problem. Therefore, we must

of the Clean Boating Act: we can work together through a

voluntarily adopt guidelines and take extra steps to ensure

collective voice to be a powerful force that can be used to

that our precious waterways are not overrun by aquatic

protect the very lifeblood of our boating experiences.

nuisance species.

However, in order for the recreational boating community to maintain recognition as a key stakeholder and have an effective voice, boaters must prove they were worthy of the exemption provided by the Clean Boating Act. It is incumbent upon us to show everyone we deserved it by voluntarily taking additional actions to be good stewards of our water resources. While the intention of the lawsuit that led to passage of the Clean Boating Act was to target ballast water discharges, it does not mean that recreational boaters do not play a part in the spread of invasive species. Recreational vessels can play a critical role in the spread of invasive species in

Photo by Todd Marsee, Michigan Sea Grant

Recreational boaters can help to control the spread of

which could lead to

invasive species by taking simple actions every time their

regulation in the future.

boats are removed from the water.

The Clean Boating Act

•

Remove visible mud, plants, fish or animals from your boat, trailer or other equipment (anchor, centerboards, props, etc.) before leaving the water body.

•

• •

determine if there are management practices that could be utilized by recreational vessels to mitigate adverse impacts associated with discharges. If boaters fail

Drain all water from live wells, bilges,

to acknowledge the potential negative impacts recreational

motor, transom and other containers

boating can impose on our waters, we could destroy the very

before leaving launch area.

thing that sustains our enjoyment.

Do not release live bait or aquarium pets

If we voluntarily adopt best management practices in an

into any waters.

effort to protect our waterways and fisheries, there will be no

Wash your boat, trailer and equipment thoroughly with hot tap water (104 degrees or higher) to remove plants and organisms.

•

requires that the EPA

Allow your boat to dry for a minimum of five days in a sunny location before transferring into a new body of water.

need for future regulation of recreational boaters. It should be the people who are out there enjoying the region’s waters who appreciate the need to protect them to continue their family tradition. We now need to prove to Congress and the country that we deserve the exemption provided by the Clean Boating Act. We can do this by being good stewards of our precious water

While there is certainly reason for recreational boaters to

resources and making the small, extra effort to ensure the

celebrate, the Clean Boating Act is not necessarily the end of

health of our waters and our boating legacy are preserved for

this issue. Although recreational vessels are currently exempt

generations to come.

from the NPDES program, the EPA is required to take action

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TOP THREE

WINNERS

WHAT’S IN A NAME When it comes to selecting the perfect moniker for your classic wooden boat, the answer is “plenty.” Winners have been selected in Hagerty Classic Boat Insurance’s “What’s In A Name?” contest, though the job wasn’t easy for the panel of judges. They began with more than 150 entries and narrowed the field to 30 before finally determining the top three winners.

Covert and Beth Murphy

MURHPY’S LAW Many years ago my husband’s brother, Dix Murphy, bought a used 1964 Chris-Craft named Darbo and renamed the boat Murphy’s Law, but why he tempted fate, no one knows. Combine the notorious law with a bit of nautical lore

“It was extremely difficult for us to choose the top 30 and even tougher to select the final three,” said Carla Gernhofer, vice president of Hagerty Marine. “We were overwhelmed not only by the great response but by the high quality. They were witty, humorous, heartwarming, interesting, ironic and very well-written.”

that says it is not wise to change the name of a boat, and

As the entries began to pour in, an obvious trend emerged. While descriptions of newer fiberglass boats often center on recreation and speed, wooden boats elicit talk of family history. And for those boats that have had more than one owner, or that have undergone restoration, the history unfolds in layers—sometimes with amazing coincidences.

that it was time to redo the lettering of Murphy’s Law on

you have a recipe for trouble. Sure enough, one summer the renamed boat sank in Donner Lake. Fortunately, Murphy’s Law was saved and still wends its way around Lake Tahoe. Dix died in 1994 and my husband inherited the boat. In the spring of 2000, he did a lot of work on it and decided the stern. By then, the infamous name had become loved by the family. The two of us selected bright white classic lettering and had it professionally done at a local sign shop. When the proofs were ready, we approved the letters and together we applied them, making sure they were perfect. We were so pleased with the effect, we admired how wonderful the boat looked, all spiffed up, and we took several pictures.

“A lot of blood, sweat and tears go into refurbishing and maintaining classic wooden boats,” Gernhofer said. “It’s no wonder that so much thought goes into naming them.” Hagerty’s panel of judges selected Covert and Beth Murphy’s Murhpy’s Law as the overall winner, followed by Lee Henderson’s TNT and Scott and Beth Alexander’s Boomerang. The Murphys win a custom painting of their transom, while Henderson will receive foul weather gear worth $500 and the Alexanders will recieve a $300 gift certificate from West Marine.

38 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

In June, we launched the boat on Lake Tahoe and enjoyed cruising around. Two months later, in August, my husband’s mother, Midge, died. On the day of her funeral, I showed some recent photos to our son, who had come home to be with the family. As we looked at pictures of the boat, I noticed that the name on the stern was misspelled as Murhpy’s Law! How we missed it all that time is a mystery, and it’s such a good cosmic joke that we have left it that way. Quite frankly, I think that once Midge got to Heaven, she and Dix plotted the whole thing!

Lee Henderson

Scott and Sue Alexander

TNT

BOOMERANG

July of 1996 marked a major turning point in the life

I grew up with boats, and naming them was something

of my 1957 Chris-Craft Sportsman, its new owner and

that just fell into place as we spent time together. This was

assorted friends. Starting with a hull filled with the

not the case with my 1960 Chris-Craft Capri. I bought her

sediment of time, a makeshift trailer and an engine that

from a warehouse on Lake Minnetonka (Minnesota). She’d

had been relegated to orange crates and peach baskets,

come from Lake Vermilion, sunk at the bottom in an old

the no-name boat began a restoration process that

boathouse. Despite the fact that she looked rough and

would span six-and-a-half years.

needed some attention—OK, a lot of attention—I proudly

The realities and necessities of life slowly set in,

towed her home.

however, and weeks went by without any significant

After restoration she was beautiful, although oddly enough,

progress. Then the idea to set aside one night per

never really had a name. My wife, Sue, and I had pondered

week as “boat night” was put into place, and a loyal

a couple of names over the years, but nothing had ever

group of neighbors and friends began spending their

stuck. One year we took her to an antique boat show on

Tuesday evenings together working on the boat. While

Lake Vermilion. I brought pre-restoration photos to show

some came and participated only once, others came

the locals, hoping to get some history.

week after week. A small group has successfully passed through their “mid-life crisis,” including battles with health issues and business upheavals while participating in this weekly event. Thus, the name: TNT—Tuesday Night Therapy. The restoration work was all done with amateur hands with the exception of the Hercules 131-hp dual carburetor, the flathead six-cylinder engine and the upholstery. The wood in the front deck is original, as is the wood in the hull, with the only exception being a plank in the transom and the rear deck. The real beauty here is not in the color or the finish of the wood or the flowing lines of the design. It is in the hearts of a small group of formerly middle-aged men and very special, very patient and understanding women who are gracefully passing into the final stage of life working together and sharing a special experience one night per week.

One man said, “That was Max Putnam’s boat. He lived behind that island,” as he pointed way off into the distance. Not having time that day to investigate any further, I left the boat show feeling that I had at least made a connection. Years later, we purchased a place on Lake Vermilion. I walked over to meet our next-door neighbor; he asked me if I had a boat. I told him yes and asked if he knew of a man named Max Putnam? “Yes,” he said, “he lived right there.” As he pointed to the place on the other side of his property, I realized that my Woody had come from only two doors down from our new cabin! Now, considering that Minnesota has 10,000 lakes and Lake Vermilion has over 1,200 miles of shoreline, I could only wonder, what are the odds of that? Hence, Boomerang was born. She had been thrown out, only to come back, and once again she was home. hager t ymarine.com

greatlakesboating.com | 39

By William D. Anderson

Vertical jigging is a great technique that can be used any time of the year, but it is particularly useful in winter. When the water gets cold, it is often the best way to entice fish into biting. Perch, walleye and other species tend to school up into tight groups in deep water during the winter months and if you can find them, you can sit right above them and catch quite a few with very little effort.

took me some time to get proficient enough at this

the future to put more fish in the boat. As I adjusted and

technique to start landing fish.

improved my technique, I went from knowing nothing about

My first season vertical jigging for walleye and sauger

vertical jigging to catching fish every trip.

introduced me to a totally different type of fishing than I had

The first thing I realized was that I would have to adjust my

been used to. But over the course of a few more vertical

jigging technique if I wanted to catch fish. Because I saw

jigging trips, I saw other people catching fish while I was not

fish caught by others in nearby boats and because I knew

catching very many. I knew I was doing something wrong.

they were fishing the same jig heads, stinger hooks and

The task was to identify my error and then figure out what I

fatheads as I was, I felt certain that my bait was not the

had to do to correct it. That was not as easy as I thought.

problem. That left jigging technique and boat control as

I spent a lot of time reflecting on the trips I made. I thought about what I had done and what I would do differently in

40 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

potential items to work on.

]

S HE WIND AT BAY IS KEEPING TH K M. THE SECRET TO STAYING WARM TH Before I could try out my new ideas and tactics, though, I had to find the fish. And that, it turned out, was the hard part. A quality fish finder will help you locate your potential catch. On color models, bottom hardness shows up as different colors. A rock will be one color, while clay or sand will be another. Fish that are holding tight to the bottom are difficult to spot and many times show up as nothing more than a different shade or color on the bottom of your screen. Many boats will pass right over these spots, leaving an entire school of fi sh for you. The best way to tell if you are over a school of fish is to drop a line down and see what bites. The most common method of vertical jigging is to use a simple jig head with a stinger hook and a minnow. A stinger hook is a small treble hook attached to the jig head with 1.5 to 2 inches of line. Without a stinger hook, you will miss a lot of the light bites. Fathead minnows are the most common bait to use with a jig head, but shiners are preferred in many places. To rig the minnow, run the hook under the bottom jaw and out the tip of the nose. Place the stinger hook near the back of the minnow and you are all set. When minnows are not available, plastic minnow imitators will often work. However, the more scent the bait releases into the water, the better it will work. There are many shadflavored spray-on products that will add scent to artificial baits. There are a couple of advantages to artificial baits: not only are they inexpensive, but they can also be reused until they become too damaged to stay on the hook. To properly fish the bait, lower the jig/minnow straight down over the side of the boat until you hit the bottom. Choose the lightest jig and line you can use and still feel the bottom. A quality fluorocarbon or braided line will transmit vibration much better and will make it easier for you to feel the bottom and detect a bite than a standard monofilament line. When it is windy or you are in current, you will have to use a heavier jig in order to maintain contact with the bottom. Ideally your line should always be 100 percent vertical, which makes boat control a big part of vertical jigging. Wind and current can move your boat and also make it difficult to keep

All photos cour tesy of William D. Anderson

your line vertical. When this happens, you will lose contact with the bottom and the bait will generally lift out of the strike zone. To maintain contact with the bottom, position the nose of the boat into the wind or current and use a trolling motor to compensate for wind and current. The goal is to keep the line from moving ahead of or behind the boat.

greatlakesboating.com | 41

Jigging technique is very important. Most of the time, the fish will respond to a very subtle movement of the jig. This mimics a minnow foraging along the bottom. Lifting the jig too fast or too high will often spook the fish because this does not resemble anything they are used to. Start out being as subtle as possible and gradually experiment with speed and height. In general, you should never have to lift the tip of the rod more than an inch to entice a strike. Many times the fish will hit the jig as it is falling, which is why it is important to keep as much slack out of your line as possible. It is almost impossible to feel a bite if you have slack in your line. Once you feel a slight tap, set the hook. In winter, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another consideration to take into account: clothing. I learned very quickly that many layers of light clothes are better than a few heavy layers, especially when vertical jigging. Since you are not constantly casting, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need the freedom of movement that you would normally require. Also, because you are sitting still, you want clothes that will keep the wind off of you. Keeping the wind at bay is the secret to staying warm. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothes as it gets warmer during the day. Some people will use chemical heaters or even bring portable gas heaters into their boats to keep warm. No matter what, your hands are going to get wet. You have to handle live minnows and if you are lucky, some fish as well. A few dry rags to wipe your hands will go a long way towards helping you keep warm. Also, having a spare pair of

photos: William Anderson

WENT FROM KNOWING NOTHING BOUT VERTICAL JIGGING

gloves can be a big help. It is very tough to put a minnow on a jig in 20-degree weather when your hands are cold and wet, so keeping them warm and dry is very important. The last thing I have found is that wearing your life jacket helps keep you that much warmer. As I said earlier, you do not need the same level of comfort when vertical jigging, so why not wear your personal flotation device (PFD)? If you do fall in while wearing a lot of clothes, you will not be able to swim. So having that PFD on might not save you from the cold, but it may save your life by keeping you at the surface long enough for a nearby boater to rescue you. If you can stay relatively warm and relatively comfortable, vertical jigging can keep you fi shing through the winter. And when the fish do start biting, this technique will help you hook them. Once a fish is on the line, it is a simple matter of standing up, reeling in the fish and then netting it. Keeping a net handy is a good idea, because the water will often be too cold to reach down and grab a fish. Another reason to use a net is that lighter line is often used for jigging and trying to hoist a fish into the boat will generally result in the line breaking and another â&#x20AC;&#x153;one that got awayâ&#x20AC;? story.

greatlakesboating.com | 43

By Luke Pinneo, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class

Long retired, Coast Guard veteran Maurice Poulin relaxes at a small workbench in his home in Nahant, Massachusetts, building ships in bottles. His hands are steady for an 85-year-old man. stamps to buy everything—gas, sugar,

He went to Colorado, to help

even butter.”

build dams.

The stamps were dated and included

“It was like a kid playing with mud,”

the quantity people were allowed to

he said.

buy, and were required in addition to

And a kid he was. He said to get

the monetary price.

into the CCC, boys had to be 17

He said the government donated bags

years old. He was only 16 so he

of food and clothes, including pants

forged his birth certificate to make

that could be identified as government-

him a year older.

issued by the stitching.

“There was nothing else to do,”

“It was easy to tell all the kids who had

he said.

no dough by the line on their pants,” he

The CCC paid him $30 a month. He

said. “It was embarrassing.”

kept five dollars and the remaining

Jobs were also scarce.

$25 was sent home to his parents in

Just outside the window, waves from

“For a young kid, there was nothing to

Boston Bay slap the shore and a sea

do but hang around,” he said.

breeze fills the room.

In 1939, he found a ticket out of his

“The older you get, the more relaxed

depressed community. He joined

you want to be,” he said.

the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group devoted to dams, roads

But he remembers a time when life was not so peaceful. Born in 1922, he recalls growing up in hard times when nearly everything was in short supply. “The Depression formed our generation,” he said. “We had to have

44 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

and reforestation projects and that founded many of the national and state parks in America today.

Lowell, Massachusetts. “It was more to help the family,” he said.

He said back then there was no

Despite the barrage of new

welfare and people would grab any

conveniences, he found himself

job available. “They’d do anything to

in the middle of a world war.

make a buck—sweep streets, pick up

The Leonard Wood carried landing

garbage.” He said when he was 10

craft that were loaded with tanks,

years old, he and his friends walked

trucks and troops and sent to shore

the gutters and collected tobacco from

during invasions. During battle, Coast

cigarette butts to sell to teenagers

Guardsmen aboard the Leonard Wood

for pennies.

were deployed as crew inside the

Even now, more than half a century

“After the Depression, anything

landing craft or as gunners on the

later, he still seems to have luck on his

would have been better,” he said.

ship. In the three years aboard, Poulin

side. Of the nearly 400 ships in bottles

did it all, narrowly escaping death

he’s made, he has given most away as

several times.

gifts to friends and family, to admirals

aboard the Leonard Wood, a 535-foot

“We would be blinded by bombs going

and local museums. Recently, one

transport ship.

off right off our quarter,” he said.

he made of the Coast Guard Cutter

He said for him and his fellow

He recalled one battle when a group of

servicemen, the military supplied a

enemy airplanes swooped in to attack.

steady flow of camaraderie, food and

One plane approached Leonard Wood

paychecks that were once scant.

low and fast.

He joined the Coast Guard in 1941. Between 1942 and 1945 he served

Eagle was selected by a Smithsonian Institution museum in Washington D.C., to be exhibited until August 2010. “He’s done so many of those models

With two leathery fingers pointed square at his face he said, “I swore it was going to hit me in the eyes.” Instead, he said it buzzed over his head, attacked the ship next to the Leonard Wood, and killed every

of famous ships and he incorporates some personal touch into them,” said Calantha Sears, Poulin’s neighbor and curator of the Nahant Historical Society, where three of Poulin’s ships are on display. “I think we’re very lucky that he chose

man aboard. “War is very strange like that,” he said. “I think it’s all about luck.”

Nahant, and I say that as a third generation, lifelong resident,” she said. “He’s an amazing man and we’re lucky to have him.”

greatlakesboating.com | 45

Great Lakes

MILWAUKEE WATERWAYS PROJECT COLLECTS 1,000 PHOTOS collection includes pictures of the harbor and of ships from around the world loading and unloading materials, as well as photographs showing the rivers’ importance in the development of the city and aerial views of the harbor, rivers and lakefront. The photographs are from three collections. The majority is from the Port of Milwaukee’s extensive collection of historic photos of the port and the vessels and people Photo by Robert Dumke, © Milwaukee Public Library

The Wisconsin Marine Historical Society recently completed the Milwaukee Waterways project, which collects a database of over 1,000 photographs that illustrate the role Lake Michigan

connected with it. The Milwaukee Public Library also contributed a

Photo by H.H. Bennett Studio, © Milwaukee Public Library

number of photos from its Historic Photo Collection. Other photos

Library and the Port of Milwaukee

are from the Great Lakes Marine

received a matching grant

Collection of Milwaukee Public

from the Wisconsin Coastal

Library and the Wisconsin Marine

Management Program to preserve

Historical Society.

these photographs and make them

and Milwaukee’s rivers played

The Wisconsin Marine Historical

in the history of Milwaukee. The

Society, Milwaukee Public

available online. mpl.org/file/digital_waterways_index.htm

GREAT LAKES RESEARCH LAB COMING TO MICHIGAN TECH

Michigan Technological University has long been a leader

coastal wetlands and habitats along tributaries that feed the

in research related to the Great Lakes. Now that research

Great Lakes; historical contamination from mining and the

is going to have a new home, on the campus waterfront,

impact of toxic contaminants that persist; and the effects of

thanks to a capital outlay bill authorizing $25 million to build

population and pollution on coastal biodiversity.

a Great Lakes research center along the Portage Canal on the university’s campus.

As a hub for Great Lakes research and education, the waterfront center will also house facilities to expand

The project will include construction of a three-story

educational outreach programs and include a boathouse

research building and enhancement of Michigan Tech’s

and water-level access for the University’s research

waterfront, said W. Charles Kerfoot, professor of biological

vessels, the Agassiz and Polar.

sciences and director of the Lake Superior Ecosystem Research Center. The new building will house eight research labs, and the new center will focus on a number of pressing issues in upper Great Lakes coastal research, including research into the effects of global climate change; the impact of invasive plant and animal species, overfishing and the reproductive failure of native fi sh; loss of

46 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

Future plans for the project envision a waterfront activities center that would include boat launching ramps, storage for water craft of all kinds, decks and docks, a shoreline boardwalk, a walking trail, improvements to Prince’s Point Beach and mooring and staging facilities for large ships. mtu.edu

LAKE ERIE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION PLAN RELEASED The Ohio Lake Erie Commission’s recently released Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan 2008 (LEPR) outlines actions the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and its member agencies will take towards restoration of Lake Erie and its watershed. The Commission previously spelled out what needed to be done in the Lake Erie Photos courtesy of ODNR Coastal Management

Protection & Restoration Plan released in 2000. After eight years, the 2000 Plan needed to be significantly updated to reflect newly emerging issues, the changing Lake Erie ecosystem, as well as the unified Great Lakes approach embodied in the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration. The LEPR 2008 communicates what is being done and coordinates its action through the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. The LEPR 2008 is organized into 10 Ohio priorities that include reducing pollution, minimizing invasive species, improving coastal health, reducing toxins, protecting and restoring native species, practicing sustainable development and understanding and reducing climate change. The Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan 2008 should provide a road map for Ohio’s efforts related to Lake Erie until 2014.

2008 GREAT LAKES PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS The other finalists were Stacy Niedzwiecki of Rockford, Michigan, and Lester Graham of Clinton, Michigan, in the professional category, and Cathy Havedink of Hamilton, Michigan, and Frank Koshere of Superior, Wisconsin, in the amateur category. In addition to printing the winning photographs on the 2008 beer coasters, Huyser-Honig and Jones will receive Budweiser merchandise. All of the photos by the six finalists will be placed Photo by Brenda Jones

on the 2008 Great Lakes Forever/

Sometimes a picture can say a thousand

raise public awareness about improving

Budweiser Great Lakes Poster that

words—and such is the case for photos

the health of the Great Lakes. More

will be available through participating

taken by Steven Huyser-Honig and

than 85 amateur and professional

Anheuser-Busch wholesalers, as well as

Brenda Jones that showcase the beauty

photographers entered more than 220

receive recognition on the Great Lakes

and majesty of the Great Lakes.

photos this summer, and photos by

Forever website.

Huyser-Honig, a professional photographer from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Jones, an amateur photographer from Bartlett, Illinois, were voted grand-prize winners in the Great

Huyser-Honig (titled “November Gale”) and Jones (“Glowing Rocks—Lake Superior”) were chosen as the best by in August. The grand-prize winners in both

by the Biodiversity Project’s Great Lakes

categories will have their original

Forever program and Budweiser beer.

photographs printed on the 2008 Great

the best professional and amateur photographs of the Great Lakes and to

Photo by Steven Huyser-Honig

more than 550 people who voted online

Lakes Forever photo contest conducted

The contest was designed to select

greatlakesforever.org

Lakes Forever/Budweiser beer coasters, to be distributed to bars and restaurants in eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces.

greatlakesboating.com | 47

Great Lakes

NEW, INNOVATIVE MACKINAC ISLAND ART MUSEUM United States Indian Agency. Eight

“The theme of the art museum will be

years later, it was converted into a

how Mackinac Island inspired artistic

schoolhouse for island children. During

creation throughout history beginning

the early 1940s, the school building

with Native American objects and

served as the Mackinac Island Summer

including 18th, 19th and 20th century

School of Art. Although successful,

maps, paintings, drawings, ceramics,

the program was suspended during

glassware, hand-tinted black-and-

WWII and not revived. In 1965 and

white photographs and other Mackinac

1966, the Mackinac Island State Park

Island art objects,” Porter said. “The

Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP)

Commission completely restored

exhibition will also include works from

has recently begun the development

the building to its 1838 appearance.

modern day artists whose narratives

of an innovative art museum and

Exhibits were installed and it was

will explain how Mackinac Island

learning center in the 1830s-era Indian

opened each summer to the public

inspired their artistic creation.”

Dormitory on Mackinac Island. It is

from 1966 until 2002.

due to open in the summer of 2010.

Plans for the ground level include an

A year ago, MSHP staff began outlining

art learning studio. An art educator

a proposal to convert the unused

and a 500-square-foot learning studio

historic structure into an art museum.

will provide a hands-on art learning

The next stage of the project, which

experience for visitors. Guests will

begins this fall, requires a major

have the option of taking a MSHP-

restoration of the building. Once

provided easel into Marquette Park to

completed, the first floor will contain

paint lilacs, weave Native American-

the permanent collection exhibit, with

style baskets or create hand-tinted

The 1838 Indian Dormitory was

the second floor housing changing

photographs as William Gardiner did in

built on Mackinac Island as part of

exhibits and work from contemporary

the early 20th century.

improvements to the Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island artists.

Generously funded by the Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation, the museum will focus on fine and decorative arts inspired by Mackinac Island through the ages, from Native American baskets to present day paintings of the island.

MackinacParks.com // (231) 436-4100

NEW BOAT SHOWROOM Belleville, Michigan’s new I-94 Marine & Watersports has

The Geragosians signed a dealership agreement earlier

announced the opening of a new boat showroom at their

in the year with Sylvan pontoon and fishing boats and

location on the I-94 North Service Drive between Haggerty

SunChaser pontoon boats, making them the only dealer for

and Belleville roads.

these premium brands for at least 65 miles around. They’re

Gary and Greg Geragosian purchased the new I-94 Marine & Watersports in the late winter of 2007 and have been growing the business ever since with capable employees and full service. They now have the largest pontoon boat selection in the area as well.

an authorized Mercury dealer, and they’ve since added Tahoe pontoons to their line as well as Genesis trailers. They’ve also added Pasun electric outboards to serve the non-gas lakes with clean, efficient electric pontoon and utility boats. I-94 Marine & Watersports’ new family-friendly indoor showroom gives area boaters a chance to compare all of these brands year-round, Monday through Saturday. (734) 697-3650

48 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

LAKE ERIE COASTAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS Applications for $250,000 in grants are being accepted for projects that preserve, protect and enhance Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal resources, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Office of Coastal Management. Coastal Management Assistance Grants are available to communities, local governments, non-profi t organizations, state agencies, planning commissions and educational institutions. Applicants must provide at least 50 percent of the project’s total funding. Applications and guidelines are available on the “Grants” link at ohiodnr.com/coastal or by contacting the Office of Coastal Management at (419) 626-7980. Grant applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., November 14. The grants, which are awarded on a competitive basis, will be announced in the spring of 2009.

Photos courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

COTTON PARK BOAT ACCESS REOPENS WITH MAJOR UPGRADES After being closed for

The project design prevents

the shoreland plantings has

several weeks for major

runoff into the lake in several

been a reduction in goose

upgrades, the Cotton Park

ways, said Bob Moore, DNR

problems. Large numbers

boat access on Trout Lake

Grand Rapids area trails and

of geese had become a

in Coleraine, Minnesota, has

waterways manager. Much

nuisance at the access. The

reopened with significant

of the rainwater runoff is

plantings discourage them

improvements to ramps and

diverted to a holding pond

from visiting the area.

docks, added parking spots

where it seeps into the soil

and enhancements to the

instead of the lake.

shoreline

With the addition of a split rail fence to help

Shoreline vegetation to the

protect the plantings, the

The city of Coleraine, the

west of the public access

project will be complete. The

Cotton Park Restoration

was planted several years

park has been a city treasure

Committee and the MDNR

ago with funds from the DNR

for decades, and is often

worked together to make the

shoreline restoration grant

referred to as “The Beach.”

upgraded access a reality.

program. An added benefit of

GREAT LAKES COMPACT ENACTED With the enactment of the Great Lakes Compact after

forces. By preventing ill-advised diversions of water

years of negotiation, boaters can at last breathe a sigh

outside our drainage basin, the Compact averts the

of relief: the lakes are finally protected from siphoning,

potentially ruinous effect diversion could have had on

diversions and tampering.

the lakes, on the economy and on boaters, a group that

Any water diversion from the Great Lakes would imperil boating. With lake levels marginal already, removing water

contributes millions of dollars to the region and makes an untold difference in maintaining the lakes’ sustainability.

from the lakes would tip the balance and make boat access

Time and time again, efforts to protect the lakes have been

impossible. The consequences would be ruinous for boaters,

undermined by a lack of regional consensus. The Compact,

and for the entire region. Now, boaters can revel in the fact

an interstate agreement that was absolutely essential to

that that won’t happen and that our water will remain where it

preventing one bad actor from ruining the lakes for everyone,

is—in the lakes and underneath the hulls of our boats.

represents a bold step forward.

Seven years in the making, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence

Billions of dollars are at stake in the health of our lakes,

River Basin Water Resources Compact, as it is formally

but more than money hangs in the balance. While the Great

known, will regulate water use and preserve the lakes for the

Lakes sustain much of our economy, they also provide us with

foreseeable future. It has been passed by each of the Great

an endless and largely unspoiled playground shared by all.

Lakes states and provinces, the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate and, now, President Bush. The Great Lakes are a trillion-dollar asset, an irreplaceable environmental habitat and an unparalleled recreational

The Compact won’t just sustain the health of our waters, it will also preserve the future of our most cherished pastime—boating. greatlakesboating.org

resource. But, they have long been threatened by a variety of

greatlakesboating.com | 49

Fishing

SURVEY REVEALS MOST INFLUENTIAL FISHING PRODUCTS products they feel have been most

instrumental in shaping the sport over the past seven and a half decades. The final top 10 list spans six categories, including accessories, electronics, lines, lures, reels and rods. Winners were the Original Floater Minnow (1936), the spring-

A new survey from the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) reveals what America’s most avid

loaded Bobber (1947), the Mitchell 300 (1949)

anglers think were the 10 most influential fishing

spinning reel, Crème Plastic Worm (1949), the

products created over the past 75 years.

Closed Face Spincast Reel (1949), the Lowrance

ASA partnered with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation to survey thousands of the foundation’s Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors, the country’s most avid anglers, who voted for the

Fish Lo-K-Tor (1957), Monofilament Line (1958), the Minn Kota Trolling Motor (1958), the Fenwick High Modulus Graphite Rod (1972) and the Shakespeare Ugly Stick (1976). asafishing.com

COAST GUARD REMINDS BOATERS NOT TO ANCHOR IN NAVIGATIONAL CHANNELS With salmon season underway, the

channels to weigh anchor and move.

to navigation, the Coast Guard might

U.S. Coast Guard reminds operators

While there is no hard and fast rule for

consider the prevailing visibility,

of small vessels that anchoring

what constitutes a narrow channel, one

the distance to the nearest bend or

in a narrow navigation channel is

must look at the physical dimensions

obstruction and type of fishing gear

dangerous and may impede the

of the area and the character of use to

deployed by the fishing vessel before

movement of large vessels, which is

which the water is put.

asking the operator to relocate.

covered by federal navigation rules.

Rule 9 also states that “a vessel of

There are deep draft harbors (14

Rule Nine of the Navigation Rules

less than 20 meters in length or a

feet) in western lower Michigan,

states that “every vessel shall, if the

sailing vessel shall not impede the

including those in St. Joseph, Holland,

circumstances of the case admit, avoid

passage of a vessel that can safely

Grand Haven, Muskegon, Ludington,

anchoring in a narrow channel.” Coast

navigate only within a narrow channel

Manistee, Frankfort and Charlevoix, but

Guard boarding teams may ask any

or fairway.” To determine whether a

the rule protects safety in any narrow

small vessels anchored in navigation

small vessel represents an impediment

navigation channel.

NEW CHAIN O’ LAKES ONLINE FISHING FORUM LAUNCHED Fishermen on Illinois’ Chain

The forum isn’t just for fishing either. There are topics on the

O’ Lakes have a new place

forum that deal with camping, hunting, boating and just about

to brag about the one that

every outdoor activity that exists.

got away. It’s not on a lake, though, but on the Internet. Fox Lake, Illinois, resident Paul Jones has launched a website, foxlakefishing.com, which pertains to fishing in the Chain O’ Lakes and Fox Lake area. It’s an online community where local fishermen can share fishing stories, fishing reports, photos and even jokes. Just about anything that concerns a fisherman can be found on the site. And the website recently started a fishing forum, significantly increasing the number of hits it receives a day, Jones said.

50 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

JD, the professional fishing guide from jdspinners.com, regularly writes about what lures and bait fish are hitting on his local Fox Lake fishing charters. Jones said there are more than 60 members of the website who regularly post fishing information. You have to register to be a member, but there is no fee. Nonmembers can view everything on the website, including recipes for cooking fish, and even get a chuckle from the collection of funny fishing jokes. foxlakefishing.com

PARTNERSHIP TO SPREAD “ETHICAL ANGLER” MESSAGE BoatUS and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have joined forces to reinforce the values of sport fishing through a public information campaign called The Ethical Angler. The campaign is built around a simple code of responsible fishing practices developed by BoatUS that both organizations will promote. BoatUS Chairman and Founder Richard Schwartz and US Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to utilize the code as a public outreach reminder that recreational anglers are partners in fishery conservation. BoatUS plans to make The Ethical Angler the conservation centerpiece for its BoatUS Angler membership program, which offers services, supports safe boating efforts and helps protect the interests of boat-owning anglers. The Ethical Angler campaign’s seven-point code of responsible fishing practices is based on the word “A-N-G-L-E-R-S”:

A void spilling and never dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants—on land or in the water. N ever leave trash behind, including worn line, old hooks and bait, and practice recycling. G ain knowledge about aquatic nuisance species and how to help prevent their spread. L earn and abide by all fishing regulations and boating laws. E ducate fellow anglers and especially new participants about fishing ethics. R espect private property and the rights of other anglers and outdoor recreationists. S ave fish for tomorrow by practicing conservation and learning proper catch-and-release techniques. USFWS’s Hall said, “Anglers and boaters are some of our nation’s most avid conservationists, and the principles of The Ethical Angler creed are values that they live by everyday. By joining with BoatUS in this effort, the Service will help spread the word about the ways young and old alike can enjoy nature while helping conserve our fi sheries and aquatic resources for future generations.” BoatUSAngler.com // (866) 906-0013

FISHING PIER OPENS AT MCQUADE SMALL CRAFT HARBOR With the addition of an accessible fishing pier, McQuade Small Craft Harbor now offers opportunities for everyone to fish Lake Superior,

Photos courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The harbor facility, located nine miles north of the Duluth Harbor entry, is fully accessible and includes parking, paved walkways, a pedestrian tunnel, docks, benches, drinking water and restrooms. The fishing pier has protective railings and is built out from the breakwater to provide for lake fishing. Access to fishing on Lake Superior is limited for many Minnesotans and visitors who do not have the type of boat necessary to navigate the big lake. Opportunities for shorefishing are limited as well, especially for people with disabilities. The McQuade Small Craft Harbor was completed this summer. Besides fishing piers, the facility offers a three-plus acre harbor where small craft can find shelter from storms, three ramps for boat launching and retrieval, a kayak launch, make-ready docks and a public space. mndnr.gov

greatlakesboating.com | 51

Yacht Clubs

YACHT CLUB PROFILE: MEMPHIS YACHT CLUB place in May, when both the Beale

if you call ahead and give notice at

Street Music Festival and the World

least 24 hours prior to arrival. An

Championship Barbecue Cooking

independent mechanic works on-site

Contest take place. Throughout

to service vessels that require repair.

June is the Carnival Memphis, and

There is also a dry dock for boats up to

in September there’s Cooper-Young

100-feet long.

Festival, an arts festival. But this is only

The marina store offers convenience items and shower facilities, and is open every day of the week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Transients may enjoy many other services; packages can even be received and held ahead of dockage. You can also get your boat washed with the pressure washers. The MYC doesn’t even charge a docking fee for boats without motors.

The Memphis Yacht Club (MYC) was

For anyone cruising down the

founded in 1906 as the Memphis

a small sample of the many events take

Mississippi, the MYC is a welcoming

Canoe Club. Since then, it has grown

place throughout the year.

club with ample amenities and

to have more than 100 members, some of whom are sons of the founding members. The club is a small affair with no restaurant or bar, but members make up for it with warm Southern hospitality and the club’s close proximity to the Memphis downtown. Very close to the yacht club is a monorail that goes to downtown Memphis, where you can enjoy a wide variety of events, shopping, hotels and restaurants. During the summer months, Memphis hosts many parties and festivals. Two highlights take

Each October members of the MYC cruise with boats from neighboring marinas 75 miles to Helena, Arkansas,

with easy access to anything that isn’t on-site. memphisyachtclub.com

for the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, where they enjoy a weekend of good music. The club also holds a fishing tournament each fall. The MYC offers the only fuel service for nearly 200 miles in either direction on the Mississippi River that caters to larger vessels up to 150 feet in length. Both gasoline and diesel are offered for tanks up to 1,500 gallons. Tanks even larger can be accommodated

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER Each year, the First Mates of Wisconsin’s Appleton Yacht

Last year, lists were compiled from the Jefferson

Club sponsor as many as a dozen families for Christmas,

Elementary School in Appleton. Each family member

sharing with the less fortunate.

made a list of items they wanted, needed or wished for.

The gift giving begins with a white elephant party held for the First Mates. At the end of the game, the First Mates start a donation pool. After the party, the chairperson selects needy families from any local organization. A giving tree is also set up in the clubhouse so any yacht club member can select items to purchase for the families. The gifts that aren’t chosen are then bought with the money from the white elephant party donations.

52 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

Mostly the lists were comprised of basic needs, such as notebooks, pencils, boots and mittens. The yacht club was able to fulfill every request, including those for computers. A full-sized pickup truck was overflowing with presents when loaded for delivery. This year, the club hopes for the same level of success. appletonyachtclub.com

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP DINNER The annual Christmas Tree Dinner will be held December 11, 2008 at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. Enjoy food and a talk about the Great Lakes’ shipping past. The guest speaker this year is Fred Neuschel, author of Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ship. The book is based upon the famed ship Rouse Simmons, which sunk in 1912 during a Thanksgiving storm carrying more than 5,000 Christmas trees bound for Chicago. The ship was last spotted flying a distress flag and its sails tattered, but it sunk before a rescue ship could reach it. It was not found until a diver discovered it near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in 1971. This historical tale tells of the captain, crew and affected communities surrounding the ship’s journeys. It also delves into the lives of sailors of the time period. Captured in vivid detail are the everyday lives of the blossoming immigrant communities and the rapid growth of industrialization along the banks of Lake Michigan. These people often depended wholly on the shipping industry to bring them goods and remove their products. The anchor from the Rouse Simmons is on display outside the Milwaukee Yacht Club. milwaukeeyc.com // wmhs.org

KAMIKAZE REGATTA The perfect way to remember Pearl Harbor is with a regatta, the Kamikaze Regatta. Nashville’s Percy Priest Yacht Club (PPYC) hosts the regatta each year on the Sunday closest to Pearl Harbor Day. The race is held to remind us of that infamous day. This year’s warning signal for the race will be at 1:00 p.m. on December 7. The one-day affair is open to boats based on the Portsmouth class ratings. All regatta activities will be based out of Hamilton Creek Sailboat Marina, where the yacht club holds their socials and meetings. The marina is located just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, on J. Percy Priest Lake. Cruiser classes: Spinnaker A, Spinnaker B and NonThe regatta format will be one distance race with each class

Spinnaker. All PPYC boat owners, racers and non-racers,

having its own start, and with finish times corrected using

are encouraged to sail in this regatta.

the Portsmouth handicapping system to determine the top

ppyc.org

three finishers in each class. There will be three Portsmouth

greatlakesboating.com | 53

PORT EARNS TOP GREEN RATING

Marinas

The city of Orillia,

developing a natural habitat on the breakwater, using

Ontario, is located

biodegradable products, conserving water and recycling

on the shores of two

garbage. The 200-slip marina also credits its many boaters as

connected lakes, Lake

integral to the success of its efforts at cleanliness.

Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. The city’s chamber of commerce operates the popular Port of Orillia, which was recently given

Despite the accolades, the port isn’t resting on its laurels: next summer, it will evaluate the feasibility of installing solar panels on the roof of the port office to help heat water.

a top environmental rating by the Ontario Marine Operators

To mark its achievement, the Port of Orillia will fly the OMOA

Association (OMOA).

environmental flag, as do all of the Clean Marine Program

The five-anchor rating reflects a range of “green” efforts,

Eco-Rated Marinas. orillia.com/visitors/port.html

including mowing underwater weeds to avoid herbicides,

LAND SWAP WOULD EXPAND KNIFE RIVER MARINA Located in the historic fishing village of Knife River,

separate the public boat landing from the marina operations.

Minnesota, only 15 miles north of Duluth on Lake Superior’s

The channel would be changed and dredged. The number of

scenic North Shore, Knife River Marina is looking to expand

slips would increase. Floating docks would be added, and a

onto seven-and-a-half acres of land adjacent to its current

new administration building would be erected.

100-slip facility. The growth, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), would increase revenue and fund needed improvements. From out-dated plumbing to a leaning retaining wall, a number of problems require immediate attention.

The expansion is contingent on the state acquiring the necessary land, which is currently owned by the county. According to the Lake County News Chronicle, the county is open to a land swap to make the project possible. A public hearing will be scheduled to get inputs from residents.

Expansion would entail a total overhaul of the current facility.

knife-river-marina.com

The marina access and parking lot would be reconfigured to

Photos by Rick Lahmann

LELAND HARBOR PROJECT DOWNSIZED

The Leland Township Harbor and

water service. All of this will be added,

docks, the price declined by $1.25

Marina on Michigan’s Leelanau

but one thing notably will not: new

million and became affordable.

Peninsula is going to see a lot of

docks. Leland Township had planned to

improvements. New utility pedestals

add 26 slips to the marina’s current 62,

will be added to the docks. A new

but the cost of doing so has turned out

boat ramp area will feature a cast-in-

to be prohibitive.

place ramp. There will be new shower and restroom facilities, a new harbor complex and improved electric and

54 GLB | Nov/ De c 08

It is estimated the downsized project will be substantially complete by May 15, 2009 and fully complete by the end of that month. In the meantime, the

The lowest bid for the dock

harbor parking and launch facilities will

expansion project was for more

be closed.

than $4 million. By cutting the new

FORMER LAKE ONTARIO MARINA SITE WILL ENHANCE ACCESS The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has purchased, and plans to redevelop, the former Bachy’s Marina in the Jefferson County, New York hamlet of Three Mile Bay. The site contains approximately 1.1 acres of land and 300 feet of shoreline along Lake Ontario in the Town of Lyme and will provide important lake access and fishing opportunities for the public. The property already has a boat launch, and DEC intends to further improve it by demolishing the marina building to provide additional parking. DEC will also be improving the boat launch to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The specifics of the improvements are currently under design by DEC

Improvements to this site are among the Lake Ontario

staff. In addition, the State Department of Transportation

projects that will be paid for through natural resource damage

(DOT) is designing an approximately $2.5 million highway

(NRD) funding made available from a 2006 settlement with

reconstruction project along six-tenths of a mile of Route

Occidental Chemical Corporation. The $12 million settlement

12E in Three Mile Bay, which provides access to the marina.

is one of the largest NRD settlements in the country for lost

Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2009.

recreational fishing use.

There is strong local support for this project because it will provide year-round access for the public to Lake Ontario and Chaumont Bay. The boat launch would be the first public boating access site to Three Mile Bay and will also provide needed access in the winter for ice fisherman.

The settlement will be used to restore, replace or acquire resources comparable to the injured natural resources.

MUSKEGON LAKE MARINA TO BE USED FOR STORAGE A new marina is coming to Muskegon Lake, but it won’t be used as such. Instead, Kirksey’s Waterfront Storage will use Center Point Bay Marina for the staging of incoming and outgoing boats for service and storage. This unlikely scenario, in which a marina permit is sought without any intention of operating a marina, has arisen in response to controversy surrounding Kirksey’s use of the public launch ramp at the nearby Hatshorn Marina. In 2006, the company was accused of damaging the Lakeshore Trail bike path by filling the launch ramp area with crushed stone. With the new marina, Kirksey will avoid use of the public launch. The marine development will entail a 100-yard-long main pier that will be shared with Michigan Steel, as well as eight finger piers, a 90-foot bulkhead and a 22-by-55-foot boatwell. Due to the shallowness of the bay on which the marina will located, 7,944 cubic yards of material will have to be dredged from the navigation channel and marina basin in Muskegon Lake. Currently, the company has a 45,000-square-foot warehouse. With these improvements, Kirksey hopes to increase its indoor storage capacity from 60 to 100 boats and provide room for 300 boats in outdoor storage. Once the final stages of approval are completed, as is expected, the dredging could begin this fall and marina construction could start in 2009.

TO ADVERTISE IN GLB please email: ads@greatlakesboating.com

greatlakesboating.com | 55

Cruising

FLORIDA BENETEAU RENDEZVOUS 2009

The 2009 Florida Beneteau Rendezvous will be held from March 6 to 8, 2009 at the Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club at

Treasure Island, Florida. Come meet fellow Beneteau owners, and show off your boat, either sail or power. There will be many scheduled activities, seminars, awards and give-aways that will help make for a fun-filled weekend. (727) 214-1590

ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS As the largest trans-ocean sailing event in the world, ARC brings together more than 170 competitors from around the globe. The 2,700-nautical mile passage on the tradewind route should take between 14 and 21 days to complete. Position reports will be displayed for the fleet on the World Cruising Club website, allowing family and friends to follow the progress of the yachts. Prior to the start of the rally, numerous lectures, safety demonstrations, rally briefings and parties will be held. In Richard Langdon Ocean Images ÂŠ World Cruising Club 2007

Launched in 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is

St. Lucia, events and parties are scheduled almost daily from the arrival of the first boat to the final prize-giving four weeks after the start.

a regular event on the international sailing calendar. This

The ARC aims to make the Atlantic crossing safer, more

year, the transantlantic rally will start on November 23 in Las

enjoyable and more manageable for the typical offshore

Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain and will conclude at Rodney

cruising sailor, but it is also an opportunity to enjoy the drama

Bay Marina on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.

of the race and party.

worldcruising.com

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS SPRING REGATTA Presented by Nanny Cay each

Virgin Gorda. Once at Bitter End, guests

year, the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

are entertained with cocktail parties, limbo

Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

contests, dinner and, of course, awards.

is a highlight of the Caribbean racing

bvispringregatta.org

season, drawing about 160 boats ranging in size from 14 to 75 feet and Photo taken by BVI Yacht Shots

sailors from almost every continent. The week-long event will begin on March 30 with the BVI Sailing Festival registration for those who want to enjoy the BVI in a leisurely fashion. This low-pressure precursor to the BVI Spring Regatta starts in Nanny Cay and goes to the Bitter End Yacht Club on

WOMEN-ONLY CRUISE IN BVI Join the National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sailing

The cruise will be aboard a Moorings

will have a fully equipped galley, BBQ

Association (NWSA) for their third

yacht in the 43- to 46-foot range. All

grill, snorkeling gear, housekeeping

women-only cruise in the British Virgin

amenities will be provided, including

supplies and more.

Islands from February 21 to 28, 2009.

linens and towels. In addition, the boat

womensailing.org

National

NEWLY MERGED GULF COAST BOATING SUPER SHOW St. Petersburg, Florida. A

Logistically,

crowd of 25,000 is expected

the new and

to attend the event, which is

expanded show