Southwindsaugust2003 by SOUTHWINDS Magazine

10 Y! st RR ugu

HU ds A en

LE SA

BIGGEST

SALE OF THE YEAR! July 22nd–August 10th BIG SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE STORE!

• Props • Bilge Pumps • Trailer Parts & Accessories • Batteries & Chargers • Rod & Reel Combos

OFF!

• Bikes • Coolers • Brass & Galley • Inflatable PFDs • Apparel & Footware • Handheld Spotlights and Flashlights

OFF!

• Paint • Tackle Boxes • Foul Weather Gear • Shakespeare Antennas • Stereos and Speakers (excluding Bose products) • Freshwater Pumps, Hoses & Clamps • Towables, Wakeboards, Kneeboards & Kayaks

OFF!

Plus 50 up to

OFF

Selected Clearance Items Item marked as clearance only. Selection varies by store. While supplies last.

MORE THAN 260 STORES • 1-800-BOATING • westmarine.com Selection varies by store. All offers are limited to stock on hand.

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

SINCE 1977

FLORIDA’S OLDEST & LARGEST CATALINA, MORGAN & CALIBER DEALERSHIP Save over $10,000

2003 Jeanneau SO 37 – New in the water and ready to sail away. Loaded with factory and dealer options, hard dodger/bimini combo, electronics, autopilot and much more. Regular Sailaway Price $155,047. Call Massey and save over $10,000.

2003 Catalina 400 MKII Save over $10,000 – Inmast furling main, electric sail handling winch, ST6001 A/P, and Lippencott hard dodger. Regular Sailaway Price $224,203. Call Massey today for special Model Year-End Price.

Save over $25,000

New 2002 Catalina 42 MKII – hull #793 – Wing keel-2 stateroom model with centerline owners berth and heads in suite. Loaded with factory installed electronics, factory hard dodger, custom bimini and muchmore. Regular Sailaway Price $226,559. Call Massey and save over $25,000.

1995 44’ Beneteau Oceanis 440 – "Innocent Dream" is 2-stateroom yacht, lightly used and never chartered. Equipment list includes Genset, Air, Radar, Plotter, Autopilot, etc. $185,000.

1990 Morgan 44 CC – Equally at ease island hopping or offshore, she is well equipped with many recent upgrades. $174,900.

MONOHULLS 45 ft. to 65 ft.

48 Tayana ‘00 . . . . . . . . . $449,000 48 Soverel ‘75 . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 470 Catalina ‘04 . . Call for TurboQuote 47 CaliberLRC ‘04. . Call for TurboQuote 470 Catalina ‘00 . . . . . . . . $345,000 47 CaliberLRC ‘97 . . . . . . . $295,000 46 Beneteau ‘01 . . . . . . . . $279,500 46 Beneteau ‘97 . . . . . . . . $199,000 46 Bavaria ‘99 . . . . . . . . . $199,000 45 Morgan ‘95 . . . . . . . . . $249,000 40 ft. to 44 ft.

44 Morgan ‘90 . . . . . . . . . $174,900 44 Beneteau ‘95 . . . . . . . . $185,000 42s7 Beneteau ‘96 . . . . . . . $179,000 42 Catalina ‘02 . . . Call for TurboQuote 42 Catalina ‘01 . . . . . . . . $189,500 42 Catalina ‘96 . . . . . . . . $119,000 42 Catalina ‘89 . . . . . . . . $109,000 42 Beneteau ‘83. . . . . . . . . $89,500 41 Morgan ‘89 . . . . . . . . . $127,000 41 Morgan ‘89 . . . . . . . . . $124,900 41 Morgan ‘87. . . . . . . . . . $92,500

41 Morgan ‘73. . . . . . . . . . $64,900 400 Catalina ‘03 . . Call for TurboQuote 400 Catalina ‘01 . . . . . . . . $194,900 400 Catalina ‘96 . . . . . . . . $144,900 400 Catalina ‘95 . . . . . . . . $149,000 40 CaliberLRC ‘04. . Call for TurboQuote 40 CaliberLRC ‘97 . . . . . . . $249,000 40 Beneteau CC ‘97 . . . . . . $120,000 35 ft. to 39 ft.

39 O’Day ‘84 . . . . . . . . . . $83,700 387 Catalina ‘04 . . . . . New Model-Call 383 Morgan ‘82 . . . . . . . . . $72,500 38 Morgan CC ‘93 . . . . . . . $137,500 38 Island Packet ‘99. . . . . . $245,000 38 Hans Christian ‘83 . . . . . $149,000 38 Beneteau ‘01 . . . . . . . . $147,000 37 Jeanneau ‘03 . . Call for TurboQuote 37 Hunter ‘97 . . . . . . . . . $118,900 37 Gulfstar ‘76 . . . . . . . . . $49,900 37 Endeavour ‘82 . . . . . . . . $65,000 36 Westerly Corsair ‘86 . . . . . $79,000 36 Pearson ‘80 . . . . . . . . . $56,000 36 Catalina ‘03 . . Call for Turbo Quote 36MKII Catalina ‘99 . . . . . . $125,000

36 Catalina ‘94 . . . . . . . . . $89,000 36 Catalina ‘94 . . . . . . . . . $82,500 351 Beneteau ‘96 . . . . . . . . $77,500 350 Catalina ‘04 . . Call for TurboQuote 35 CaliberLRC ‘04. . Call for TurboQuote 30 ft. to 34 ft.

34 Ericson ‘87. . . . . . . . . . $64,900 34 Catalina ‘03 . . . Call for TurboQuote 34 Catalina ‘98 . . . . . . . . . $89,500 34 Catalina ‘87 . . . . . . . . . $54,000 33 Hallberg Mistral ‘72 . . . . . $55,000 320 Catalina ‘00 . . . . . . . . $99,500 320 Catalina ‘04 . . Call for TurboQuote 320 Catalina’99 . . . . . . . . . $97,500 310 Catalina ‘04 . . Call for TurboQuote 310 Catalina ‘01 . . . . . . . . $89,900 30 Hunter ‘88 . . . . . . . . . . $38,500 CATAMARANS 44 Dean Catamaran ‘99 . . . . $285,000 35 Prout-Catamaran ‘72 . . . . $59,000 35 Island Packet Catamaran ‘94. $159,900 34 Prout Catamaran ‘90. . . . $110,000

We have a large assortment of Sunsail, Sun Yacht and Stardust phased-out charter yachts available at favorable prices. Call for details.

The Massey Team of Yachting Specialists – experienced sailors one and all – are dedicated to helping other sailors make sound, knowledgeable decisions relative to yacht selection, ownership and custom outfitting. TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU ON FLORIDA’S WEST COAST – IN THE HEART OF AMERICA’S FINEST CRUISING AREA.

Palmetto, FL 941-723-1610 • TOLL-FREE 800-375-0130

Brad Crabtree

Scott Pursell

Frank Hamilton

Mike Fauser

St. Pete, FL 727-828-0090 • TOLL-FREE 877-552-0525

Edward Massey

Bill Wiard

Mary Beth Singh

Jack Burke

YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MEASURE OF SUCCESS

www.masseyyacht.com • E-mail:

yachtsales@masseyyacht.com

Al Pollak

2790 45th St. So., Gulfport, FL 33711

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

ADVERTISER INDEX BY CATEGORY

(See page 53 for alphabetical list)

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats Back Cover Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats 9 Carson Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Colgate 26 41 Eastern Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Finish Line Multihulls/ F-Boats & Used Multihulls 41 Flying Scot Sailboats 51 Hunter Sailboats 16 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Jeanneau IBC,20,23,27 Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina 37,44 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau Back Cover Performance Sail & Sport/Hunter/Hobie/Windrider 32 Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District/St. Pete. 6 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats 48 Snug Harbor Boats/Compac/Elliot 3 St. Barts/Beneteau Back Cover Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida 35 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg 13 Ullman Sails/Hunter Sailboats, West Florida 19 Windcraft, Trimarans and Catamarans, Sail or Power 41 Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie 25,45 39 9 31 39 8 53 52 22 8 12 25 50 21 45 50 37,44 11 32 34 29 13 6 15 13 25,45 IFC

SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Atlantic Sails/new, used, repair West Florida Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida Bluewater Sailing Supply, www.bluewaterss.com/ Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com Cruising Direct/sails online by North Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging Hong Kong Sailmakers Masthead/Used Sails and Service National Sail Supply, new&used online North Sails Sabre Sails/ Ft. Walton Beach, FL, & Mandeville, LA Sail Exchange/www.sailexchange.com Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, St. Pete. Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL Snoop Sails & Canvas, Sarasota, FL Steve Smith Mobile Rigging & Chandlery UK Sails, www.uksailmakers.com Ullman Sails/West Florida Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie

29 50 39 39 18 52 11 37,44 8 14 12 30 6 37 12 9 3 19 25,45

CANVAS Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/ West Florida Sail Covers & More, buy online, www.sailcovers.net Snoop Sails & Canvas, Sarasota FL

50 53 12

USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Don’s Salvage, Clearwater FL 4

August 2003

Southwinds

11 3 9

SAILING SCHOOLS Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District/ St. Pete. Sea School/Captain’s License www.seaschool.com Smooooth Sailing, private instruction, Tampa Bay area Capt. Josie Sailing School for Women

6 24 9 49

MARINE ENGINES Beta Marine RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, St. Pete.

39 13 6

RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS, BOAT YARDS Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina Isla Del Sol Resort & Marina Pasadena Marina, on the ICW, St. Petersburg FL Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District/Tampa Bay FL Daufuskie Island Resort

11 30 28 6 21

CHARTER COMPANIES

GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES Bluewater Sailing Supply, www.bluewaterss.com/ Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc. Rockledge FL BoatUS Bo’sun Supplies/Hrdwre/Rigging www.bosunsupplies.com CDI Propellers/Perfectpitchprop Chutescoop, Spinnaker Control Defender Industries, www.defender.com Garhauer Hardware/www.garhauermarine.com Glacier Bay Refrigeration/ www.glacierbay.com Grin Designs/Scully/Dinghy sail & More Harken Gear Hotwire/Fans & other products Island Marine Products/Davits,motorlocks,etc. JR Overseas/Moisture Meter Martek Dinghy Davits Masthead Ent. www.mastheadsailinggear.com Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign Performance Sail & Sport, www.perfsail.com Plastimo USA, www.plastimousa.com Quantum Pure-Aire Filters for Boats Rparts Refrigeration, www.rparts.com Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, St. Pete Rolls Batteries/Surrette, www.rollsbattery.com Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie West Marine

Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL Steve Smith Mobile Rigging/Consignment/St. Pete

Flagship Sailing, Tampa Bay Area Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District, Sunsail Yachting Vacations, West Florida

6 6 15

MARINE SERVICES,MARINE SURVEYORS, MARINE INSURANCE Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online Bluewater Insurance/ West Florida Davis Maritime Surveying Mobile Marine Services/ West Florida Weathermark Sailing/Catalina/Vanguard/Hobie

49 10 3 13 25,45

MARINE ELECTRONICS Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication

BOOKS Bubba Stories Book

REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS 4th Annual Open Regatta benefits Special Olympics Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta Bradenton Yacht Club Fall Kick-Off Regatta Melbourne Yacht Club Mermaid Regatta Subscription Information Alphabetical Advertisers’ List

36 23 38 33 This Page, 7 53

SUBSCRIBE TO Southwinds 1 YEAR / 12 ISSUES / 3RD CLASS

$20 for 2 years (3st Class) (941) 795-8704 • www.southwindssailing.com P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175 Name _________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City/St./ZIP ____________________________________ ENCLOSED $ ________ Check ___ Money Order ___ Visa/MC

#__________________________________

Name on Card __________________________________ Ex. Date _______ Signature ______________________ New — Subscribe On-line on our Web site — a secure site — using your credit card: www.southwindssailing.com www.southwindssailing.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Helm ............................................................... 7 Letters ............................................................................ 8 Bubba: Hot Stuff on Right Guard .................................. 17 By Morgan Stinemetz Racing Calendar ........................................................... 18 Southwinds Maintenance Tips .................................... 19 By Stephen Fishman Boatek: Really Bad Batteries Cause Really Mysterious Problems .................................................... 20 By Stephen Sommer Naples: A City of Contrasts ........................................... 22 By Barbara and Bruce Pierce TowBoatU.S. Rescues Sailboat from Bahamian Rocky Shoal .................................................................. 24 BoatU.S. Boot Key Harbor, Florida Keys, Update ......................... 26

The Railroad Station in Havana.

Page 28

Three Days in Havana and One in Pinar del Rio: Part I ............................................................................ 28 By Elena Pimiento, s/v Habanero III Southern Sailing: Light Winds ....................................... 32 By Dave Ellis Racing and Regattas ..................................................... 34 Gulf Coast: Mobile Bay Marathon Regatta, Gulfport To Pensacola, Navy Cup, Challenge Cup West Florida: Corinthian Regatta Carolinas: Governor’s Cup, NC State Championship Regatta, Lightning Southeastern Circuit, Black Seal Cup The Spanish Virgin Islands ............................................ 42 By Carol Bareuther Short Tacks Business Briefs, West Marine Seminars .......................... 45 Classifieds ..................................................................... 49 The Green Flash: It is for Real ........................................ 54 By Morgan Steinmetz Alphabetical Index of Advertisers .................................. 53 Advertisers’ List by Category ........................................... 4 Subscription Form .......................................................... 4 COVER: Patrick Crump of Tampa, FL, shakes the mainsheet out, rounding the windward mark as Ned Gross gets ready for the set. The Crump/Gross effort won the Fireball class of NC Governor’s Cup and the Fireball Districts. Photo by Jim Kransberger

Sail the Web with Southwinds: southwindssailing.com See many of the current features on the Web, along with past issues, Cuba articles and more. Send your letters to the editor on the Web. Stay tuned, this Web site is evolving. LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Island Hotel: Isleta marina floats just off the town of Fajardo in the Spanish Virgins. Dean Barnes photo. Page 42 Southwinds

August 2003

Southwinds

NEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS ■

VOLUME 11

NUMBER 8

Steve Morrell Heather Nicoll Kathleen Elliott

AUGUST 2003

Publisher & Editor Design/Graphic Production Proofreading

ADVERTISING SALES Gary Hufford (727) 585-2814 Steve Morrell (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 toll free Southwinds Media, Inc. PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 • (941) 795-8705 Fax Carol Bareuther Dick de Grasse Fred Forbes Peter Goldsmith Jim Kransberger E. Pimiento

CONTRIBUTORS Dean Barnes Dave Ellis Rona Garm Mary Gregg Barbara Pierce Stephen Sommer

Ian Cannon Stephen Fishman Michele Geslin Kim Kaminski Bruce Pierce Morgan Stinemetz

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY: Southwinds encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jokers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, including sailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world and generally about sailing and about sailing in the South, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some far off and far out place. Keep them 1500 to 2000 words maximum (and we also like shorter stuff), and we might sometimes take something up to 3000 words. You can send it typed, double-spaced, with all your contact info or by e-mail or on a disc. We’d much rather receive it on disc or by e-mail, as that saves us lots of work. In that case, it’s better single-spaced. If you want the stuff returned, then enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and give us a good 6-8 weeks to get back to you, although sometimes we move faster. Keep in mind we might be sailing or trying to meet the next deadline. PHOTOS: We like photos with just about every story, so send us some of those. We’ll take photos of interest alone without stories, too. We also like funny ones of the water world. We’ll take them via e-mail, on disc, slide, or prints, black and white or color. If they’re comin’ electronically, then make them high resolution – like 300dpi, but a little less will work if needed. Send to the address below or e-mail to editor@southwindssailing.com. Southwinds is published monthly by Southwinds Media, Inc., copyright 2003. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIBE TO SOUTHWINDS: One-year subscriptions third class $12, first class $24. Mail in check, e-mail or phone to contacts listed below. Charge cards accepted.

P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 Toll Free (877) 372-7245 Fax (941) 795-8705 Reach Southwinds online at: www.southwindssailing.com or editor@southwindssailing.com

From the Carolinas to Cuba…From Atlanta to the Abacos…Southwinds Covers Southern Sailing 6

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

FROM THE HELM

The Importance of Letters to the Editor

raditionally, letters to publications have been titled “Letters to the Editor,” but in reality, they are essentially letters written to be read by the general public, and perhaps “Letters From Our Readers” would be more to the point. It is, at the least, a forum that gives credence to the following quote that appears at the beginning of our letters section: “Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.” H.L. Mencken This month many readers have decided to take advantage of our presses and expressed their views about several important subjects. Although having writers and reporters out there covering the world is important, it is the everyday experiences of the sailors that tell the stories at their most important levels. And these are the letters we receive. The response to our coverage about Cuba last month was extensive, and we do not have room to print them all in this month’s issue (we will next month), as we received other letters about other issues that deserve coverage. The Cuba letters speak for themselves. As for the other topics, please read on. Last month we published a letter about the changes going on for cruisers transiting the Panama Canal. Not only were we contacted by another magazine editor who read about this problem in Southwinds (and wanted to help spread the word), but we have received a couple of letters (more printed next month) discussing the issue. If what they say is true, it will have a major impact on cruisers transiting the canal. (For those who missed that important letter, visit July’s issue on our Web site, www.southwindssailing.com/.)

Another issue brought to our attention by one of our readers in the letters section is the “ghost radio” checks that I so commonly hear on the VHF. Thanks to Bonnie and David Juall for bringing this subject up as I, too, was under the impression that the towing companies were doing these checks, and I found them quite annoying and wondered about the use of Channel 16 as the proper place for them. And thanks to Capt. Bruce Pierce (who I asked to respond) for clearing some of this up and shedding light on some towing issues. Although not a letter, but in the same vein, we do have a short article written by a cruiser updating what is happening at Boot Key Harbor in Marathon in the Florida Keys. Another letter from a writer came in (too late for this month) also bringing this issue up and discussing the increased costs for liveaboards anchored in that harbor. It seems that many municipalities continue to make it more and more difficult, and more expensive, for cruisers and liveaboards to exist in these Southern waters. These letters from cruisers are helping to spread the word about such important issues affecting sailors. On all issues affecting the sailing community, we again invite our readers to send us in their reports, opinions and experiences. Southwinds is widely read in the Southern boating community, and we offer our press for you to use in the interests of that community. And don’t forget, with August brings the opening of the lobster season in Florida and the Bahamas. Long live all lobsters—until they are ready for our table! Editor

S U B S C R I B E T O Southwinds $12/YEAR

$20/2 YEARS

NEW SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIRD CLASS MAIL ONLY. Fill in & mail coupon to Southwinds Subscriptions, P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175. OR Subscribe online at out secure site - www.southwindssailing.com. OR Call (941) 795-8704. Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City/St./ZIP _______________________________________________________________________ Enclosed $ ___________ Check _______ Money Order _________ #_______________________________________________ Name on Card _________________________________________________Ex. Date __________

New – Subscribe On-line on our secure site using your credit card! LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

LETTERS “Freedom of the press is limited to those H.L. Mencken who own one.” In its continuing endeavor to share its press, Southwinds invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.

COMMENTS ON THE PEDRO MIGUEL BOAT CLUB AT THE PANAMA CANAL My husband and I spent several months on our sailboat at the Pedro Miguel Boat Club (PCMB) in the Panama Canal during the hurricane season in 2000. Before arriving in the Canal Zone from the Pacific side, we had no idea what to expect. What we would have done without a place like the PCMB I cannot imagine. It sickens us to think that its existence is threatened! The Boat Club is a meeting ground for small sailboat cruisers from all over the world as they make the transit from east to west and west to east. At a relatively low cost and in a simple, rustic setting they provide all the services needed to prepare for not only transiting the canal, but major ocean passages. Services include boat hauling and repair facilities, workshop, satellite TV, Internet services, laundry, community kitchen and showers. It is a live-aboard cruiser’s dream come true in the middle of the Panama Canal! It would be a real tragedy to the worldwide network of cruisers to lose this unique facility. Hats off to Craig Owings, who certainly helped us and has been of valuable assistance to hundreds of other boats passing through over the years. Bruce and Ginny Hilton s/v Orinoco Flow now in Sarasota, FL Southwinds has requested the Commodore of the PCMB to keep us posted on updates on the problems the club is facing and restrictions private vessels might have in transiting the Canal. For those interested, if you want to help the Pedro Miguel Boat Club, or want to read a more technical, detailed history on the subject, or want to know who the parties are, you can visit the PCMB Web site, http://www.pmbc.ws, or send an e-mail of support to helpus@pmbc.ws, and this will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities and posted on the Web site. For the whole story on the fight for the club, go to: www.pmbc.ws/htmls/acp/whole_story.html Editor

CUBAN “POLICY.” OBSOLETE AND ILLEGAL I read with interest and disgust the article about the abuses the U.S. government continues to use to harass sailors who venture to Cuban waters in the effort to enforce an obsolete and illegal “policy” of Americans not spending any money in Cuba. This whole thing goes to a bigger issue...the abuse of power that the U.S. government exercises each day on its citizens. They are now collecting information about EVERYTHING we do in the name of national security: credit card transactions, financial transactions, phone records, etc. Our government is slowly eating our freedoms away until we have none. Our founding fathers gave the right of freedom to the people, who in turn gave it to the government. Our government ought to remember that before the masses say “enough” and clean house. The Cuban embargo needs to be ended, and the U.S. government needs to keep its nose the hell out of the lives of the citizens and legal residents of the United States of America. Respectfully, David Meyer Tampa 8

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

OPEN CUBA UP By chance, I picked up a copy of your little magazine and discovered the editorial on Cuba. We were in Cuba for about two weeks in February with the Duke Alumni group on an authorized visit. We would completely agree with your recommendations. We believe that our present policy to Cuba is idiotic. It is, of course, true that it is a communist dictatorship with relatively little personal freedom, but the best answer is to open up, not isolate, the Cubans. It reminded us in some ways of our visit to East Germany before the Berlin wall came down. Opening up the contacts ultimately helped bring down the communist state there. Best wishes, Rhett P. Walker Southwinds has requested a response from the press officer at the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement about the government窶冱 treatment of returning sailors in the Conch Republic Cup. So far, no response has been received. Editor

WRITER FEARS RETRIBUTION FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT ON CUBA OPINION Please do not print our name or e-mail address in this article as we fear retribution from the government. We have made many trips to Cuba, frequently with the regatta. When we have returned, we have several timescontacted our senators and r epresentatives to request that the embargo be lifted and that travel to Cuba be permitted for those who wish to go. We have been unsuccessful thus far. We believe the true purpose of the embargo was lost years ago. The intent initially was to hurt the Castro regime, which it has not done.Now it appears the intent is to get votes fromMiami Cubans and keep inter ested Americans from seeing this beautiful country. When President Bush gave his Cuba speech in May 2003, we were staying at Marina Hemingway.The Cubans fear ed he would declare war against them.As Americans, this was distressing and disheartening to see. It is har d to understand the Presidentﾃ不 motives, as we trade freely with China and Vietnam. It is our hope that sailors will join us in opposing this policy and in defeating politicians who support the embargo. Specifically we should target the undersecretary of the Treasury Departmentﾃ不 Office of Foreign Asset Control, who on a whim changes the travel rules and supported the issue of warrants for the arrest of participants in the Conch Republic Cup prior to their leaving the United States. Writer withheld name

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AGAINST CUBA: CRUEL, NARROW-MINDED, OUTDATED AND SILLY I sail a 23-foot sloop mostly here in the home waters off North Carolina, but I have sailed south of the Keys and greatly enjoy that area. To me the trade sanctions and travel restrictions againstCuba ar e cruel, narrow-minded, outdated and silly. You would think by now we would have learned that starving people to death does not endear them to our way of thinking or stimulate political reform. Also, here at home, where moneyocracy instead of democracy prevails, and99 per cent ofthe public media is corporate contr olled, it seems we have enough reform work to do ourselves that we donﾃ付 need to be so quick to condemn and punish others for their faulty political systems. Alan Wolfe LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Salt Creek Marine District Southwinds

August 2003

LETTERS Continued from page 9 BOATS AND GEAR CONFISCATED IN ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO: MORE ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES IN ISLA MUJERES I was interested in two of your articles in the June 2003 Southwinds: “The Regatta Del Sol Al Sol” and “Florida Boat Goes on the Rocks in Mexico.” I crewed on Pete Barton’s 38-foot Hunter, Ooh la la, in that regatta, and in reading the article relived the two storms described with their 40-50 knot winds. The last storm hit us when we were only 40 or 50 miles from Isla Mujeres, and we exhausted our diesel. The Mexican navy had to come to our rescue with enough fuel to get us into port. Needless to say, we weren’t among the “winners,” but we were rewarded with a great time in port. Brandi Bell’s article described it well. I had two reasons for going on the regatta—I love to sail (started sailing at age 68), and I was hoping to retrieve about $3,000 of gear that had been stored since February 2000 at Marina Paraiso in Isla Mujeres. It’s a long, sad story, but here it is in synopsis. In November of 1999, a friend and I stopped at Isla Mujeres en route to Belize. Because of some minor engine trouble, for which we could not find the replacement part, we could not go on, so I paid the Marina Paraiso dock fees for three months, planning to return in the spring and sail our boat, Quittin’ Time, on to Belize. In January 2000 Miguel Magana, manager of Marina Paraiso called to inform us of a “raid”—13 boats had been impounded because they did not have a “temporary import permit.” Most captains were nearby and could take care of the problem, but I was in Tallahassee, FL, being treated for throat cancer. The sore throat I had when I came back from Isla Mujeres was diagnosed soon after my return. We did not realize our boat was in danger of confiscation—we had our minds on the cancer. I had been in and out of this port several times, and have published some research work done on Isla Contoy (a government-managed wildlife sanctuary north of Isla Mujeres). I had come on my first trip with an experienced captain, and had always checked in with the proper authorities. No one had ever informed us of such a required permit. We were told later that this was a “resurrected law” (had not been enforced for over 20 years). We made numerous calls, and about a month after hearing of the impoundment, my wife went to Cancun. She had been told by a customs official she could come and resolve the problem, but on her arrival she was told the matter had gone to a “higher authority.” In spite of many appeals to congressmen, senators, American consuls, and Mexican officials, and “resolutions” presented by lawyers we hired, our boat was confiscated and eventually sold. Two other boats, Rodney Mundale’s and Joseph Brueggler’s –(a new $70,000 twin hull) were also sold because the owners were unable to meet the time deadline of 10 days. On her visit, my wife and Sr. Magana had removed much of the gear–outboard engine, dinghy, generator, spare sails, etc.— for “safe-keeping.” I found out when I arrived in April 2003 with the regatta that my gear was gone—sold or otherwise disposed of by Magana. Neither the marina owner, Sr. Manuel Guitterez from Merida, nor Sr. Magana, the manager of the Marina Paraiso, assumed responsibility for our loss. So beware! Even though you do all that immigration, customs, port captain, etc., tell you to do, an unused law can be revived and rip you off. Also, choose your marina carefully. The moral of this story: tenga cuidado, but enjoy the wonderful people and places of Quintana Roo and Southern Mexico. Lynn Coultas Havana, FL 10

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

As mentioned above, Lynn Coultas started sailing when he was 68. He is now 75 years old. This is, to say the least, an unfortunate incident. There are a lot of laws visitors are often unaware of when visiting a foreign country, and sailors should be careful in gathering as much information as possible before entering one, and especially if they are planning to leave their boat there. If anyone has any good sources of information to help cruisers to Mexico, please let us know at Southwinds so that we can pass information along. editor@southwindssailing.com Editor

COMMERCIAL TOWING COMPANIES: THE STORY OF “GHOST RADIO” CHECKS (The following letter originally mentioned the exact names of the towing companies involved in the incidents described below, but because there is a lot of misunderstanding on the following subject, and in the interest of fair play, Southwinds has replaced the names of the towboat companies involved to Towboat Alpha and Towboat Bravo. Vessel Assist was never mentioned in any of these instances.) Bonnie and I, and our two cats, Jezabelle and Sparky, just completed the first leg of a two-year cruise aboard our Island Packet sailing catamaran, The Brac Cat. The first leg brought us from our homeport of Rock Hall, MD, down the ICW, through Florida, into the Florida Keys, out to the Dry Tortugas, Marquesas and Boca Grande, back through the Keys, north into the Everglades, up the West Coast of Florida, around the Big Bend, Panhandle and eventually to New Orleans. The total trip was approximately 2700 miles. During our travels we had opportunity to explore and witness various types of activity surrounding boating, camaraderie, exploring and adventures. This letter is about one facet of the adventures, the commercial towboat companies. Every port of call has services of commercial towboat operators. Since the U.S. Coast Guard stopped responding to nonemergency calls several years ago, the commercial towboat operating business has blossomed. In the forefront of the commercial business are TowBoatU.S., owned by the membership organization BoatU.S., and Sea Tow. There is also a third popular commercial tower, Vessel Assist, run by Vessel Assist Association of America (VAAA) whose services are mainly sold through West Marine. The services provided by the commercial towers are competitive in both price and range, depending upon each individual boater’s needs, cruising territory and/or towing requirements. It is also apparent that TowBoatU.S. and Sea Tow operate on a license-type basis, licensing specific areas to its operators. Other than the color and paint schematic of the vessels, it appears that there are no requirements as to the type, quality and functionability of the tow vessels themselves. As a matter of fact, on several occasions we have viewed not only good seaworthy commercial vessels operating. With the commercialization of the boat towing industry, the market has become very competitive. As a result of this competition, each of the towers has started using the VHF to promote its business. Commercialization on the VHF, especially Channel 16, is prohibited by laws of the Federal Communication Commission and practice of the U.S. Coast Guard. As we entered the more popular boating areas, it was common to hear the Towboat Alpha operators make what we describe as “ghost” radio checks. This is where the Towboat Alpha operator, on Channel 16, will announce, “Towboat Alpha, Towboat Alpha is available for a radio check, switch to Channel 10, Towboat Alpha, Towboat Alpha.” On many occasions we would be monitoring Channel 16 in the same location as the Towboat Alpha operators and would not hear any station requesting a radio check, although LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

LETTERS Continued from page 11 Towboat Alpha would continually, up to every 3 to 5 minutes, issue ghost radio checks. Towboat Alpha is not the only violator, as we have heard the other commercial operators also do the ghost radio checks. On occasion the Coast Guard does reply with its coined response: “…Channel 16 is a hailing and distress frequency only, move your commercial traffic to a working channel.” Sometimes this will temporarily stop the ghost radio checks but with no permanency. Also, there have been several occasions where I contacted Towboat Alpha requesting, politely, that they transfer their traffic to a working station and terminate the ghost radio checks. There were several times when other boaters, not nearly as polite as I, asked Towboat Alpha to terminate the practice. They didn’t. It was not until we reached Panama City, FL, which is at the start of Florida’s Panhandle, where the ghost radio checks stopped. Apparently, the Coast Guard stations in this area are more active in responding to the ghost radio checks, but more particularly in their candid reply state that “…Channel 16 is a hailing and distress frequency only. Move traffic to a working station. The United States Coast Guard monitors and records the traffic on Channel 16…” The “and records” statement is enough to keep the commercial towers from the continued and disruptive advertising on Channel 16. The Towboat Alpha verses Towboat Bravo analysis of commercial towers continues with some real-life situations we observed throughout our travels. The first occurred as we were anchored behind Miami Beach just south of Venetian Causeway, when, during one night a gale was through (of course, gales blow only at night). A boat anchored off the yacht club, which was a few miles away, contacted the Coast Guard advising them that an unoccupied cruising sailboat had broken its mooring and was bearing down on the anchored cruisers. The cruisers asked for the Coast Guard’s assistance and direction as to how to handle the drifting boat. The Coast Guard was assisting the cruiser when the cruiser stated, “Here comes a Towboat Alpha towing vessel to help us.” The Coast Guard’s immediate response, to my surprise, was, “Towboat Alpha will not assist.” I felt that the Coast Guard was mistaken in that as we all know, boaters regularly assist other boaters in need. As an attorney, I can understand the liabilities in attempting to assist boaters in need, although as an attorney, I can also envision the liability of Towboat Alpha if an accident, or worse, an injury, should occur as they were standing by watching the cruisers attempt to stabilize the vessel. Later on that same night, a smaller unoccupied sailboat broke anchor not far from our anchorage. We saw the vessel drifting by, made a security call on Channel 16, then went up on the deck in an attempt to get the vessel’s registration numbers to call it into the Coast Guard. As we were on the deck with the spotlight and binoculars, Towboat Alpha once again appeared, offering no assistance whatsoever and stood by and watched as the drifting vessel rammed private docks. Next was the time at Newfound Harbor, a popular cruising anchorage off Big Pine Key, where late one afternoon cruisers were entering the harbor to anchor. An unusually low tide occurred, shoaling an area that is marked as deep water. As Towboat Alpha continued its ghost radio checks and advertisements waiting for unsuspecting cruisers to run aground on the shoal, Towboat Bravo sent a boat out to the shoaling area and directed cruisers around the shoal to avoid running aground. The next occasion was when we were on a mooring in Naples Harbor on Florida’s west coast where a large dredge that had been transported to the area to dredge Naples Inlet had anchored directly in the channel. A 70-foot Hatteras sportfisher had left 12

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

LETTERS Continued from page 12 Naples earlier in the day for a trip to Key West and had returned due to engine troubles. While returning, he contacted Towboat Bravo requesting any information pertaining to the location of the dredge in the channel and to the depth of the water and size of the channel on either side of the dredge. The Towboat Bravo operator informed the captain that he was unaware of the dredge’s exact position since it had just anchored there, although he would travel to the area and take soundings on both sides of the anchored dredge to advise the safer passage. The captain also had requested that, due to an engine out, Towboat Bravo stand by just in case he needed directional assistance. While the disabled Hatteras was making its way through the inlet, Towboat Bravo stood by making certainthe Hatteraskept fr om harms’ way. The last incident occurred at the Clearwater Inlet. The Clearwater Inlet is an inlet which is difficult to navigate due to constant shoaling; also the inlet divides into a north and south channel just before the bridge. The Coast Guard had been contacted by a 36-foot sailboat with four people on board who requested assistance in making the passage. The Coast Guard advised that they cannot render that type of non-emergency assistance and would make a request for a Good Samaritan to assist the sailboat in its entry. As Towboat Alpha was making its ghost radio checks attempting to drum up additional business; the Coast Guard made the Good Samaritan request on Channel 16. It was not Towboat Alpha that responded but the local Towboat Bravo operator who offered the free assistance, went out to meet the sailboat, and brought it to safe harbor. All commercial operators are competitive in the services that they advertise to perform, although we like to see the real-life responses to determine our choice. Towboat Alpha versus Towboat Bravo, we again renewed our agreement with Towboat Bravo. Bonnie and David Juall The Brac Cat; thebrac@hotmail.com

RESPONSE TO “GHOST RADIO” CHECKS LETTER Southwinds requested a response from an operator of one of the two commercial towing companies mentioned in the above letter. That response follows. Thank you for asking for my input on the letter regarding “ghost” radio checks. As a licensed captain who has worked for two Towboat Alpha franchises on the west coast of Florida, I am pleased to respond. It is very biased towards a particular company. Obviously, this is one couple’s opinion, and they have the right to their opinion. But for everyone with the opinion that Towboat Bravo is better, there is another with the opinion that Towboat Alpha is better. Just like in any business. There are several inaccuracies/incorrect assumptions in the information: First, “ghost” radio checks. Most commercial towing companies use antennas at high sites, usually on the top of a tall building or large tower. The average height of their antennas is around 250 feet. As a VHF signal is line-of-sight, the taller the antennae, the further away you can hear. So it is very common for a commercial towing company to hear requests for radio checks that vessels in the area cannot hear, simply because of the height of their antennas. Commercial towing companies probably have the most sophisticated radio equipment available today; they spend tens of thousands of dollars on sensitive listening equipment. For the Jualls to assume that they can hear what we can hear is grossly in error. After spending a lot of time myself operating radios for com14

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

mercial towers, I do not believe there are many “ghost” radio checks going on. I am not a fan of radio checks. It clutters up the air waves and is obnoxious to hear. But it is the vessels that initiate the calls and create the clutter. It is up to the Coast Guard and the FCC to enforce proper radio etiquette. It is up to boaters to learn proper radio etiquette. If a vessel hails a commercial towing company, the commercial towing company moves the vessel to their working channel. This is a completely legal way of doing a radio check. If the boater hails “radio check,” that is an illegal use of channel 16. The problem is, if no one responds to the hailer, he will continue to hail. So just to get him off the air, most of the time a commercial towboat operator will respond to him, and often several towboat operators will respond at the same time, stepping on each other. Other inaccuracies: Sea Tows are independently owned and operated franchises. Each area owns and markets its own memberships. TowBoatU.S. is a giant corporation which subcontracts to independent towers. The Jualls must understand that as a commercial towing company, we tow and salvage vessels for a fee. If an unoccupied boat breaks its moorings, rescuing it, with no owner aboard, and when we haven’t been invited, we would be doing that for free. And often, we do. But we cannot be expected to do this. Once a commercial tower hooks his line onto a vessel, he is now responsible for that vessel. In gale force winds, this is very risky. Now he is responsible to anchor or find shelter for the drifting vessel. There are liabilities every time we hook up to a boat. Sometimes the liability is just too great. To take a risk for no pay is not wise. Do not expect commercial towing companies to protect your anchorages. I’m sure that Mr. Juall as a lawyer does not take on a lot of clients because of feeling warm and fuzzy. He expects to make a living in his business. So does a commercial towing company. Yet all of the captains that I know, whether it be Towboat Alpha or Towboat Bravo, have put our lives in jeopardy to rescue boaters and help save lives without knowing anything about the method of payment. I am familiar with the incident referred to in Naples Harbor, where Towboat Bravo directed the sportfisher around the dredge. The captain was servicing a member and was paid for this. I’m glad the Jualls are happy with their towing company. I do not feel they are totally aware of everything going on inside this industry. And I feel their article is totally misinformed and biased. There are many people very satisfied with Towboat Alpha, and there are many very satisfied with Towboat Bravo. There are some people unhappy with Towboat Alpha, and there are some unhappy with Towboat Bravo. That’s why we have a choice. I am captain of a 42-foot sailboat with over 32,000 miles of cruising experience. When I joined a commercial towing company, I checked them all out and joined Towboat Alpha because they have an unlimited miles coverage. As I regularly sail many miles off shore, this is an advantage to me. Also, they have more boats nationally to assist me as I travel. Capt. Bruce Pierce Naples, FL Capt. Bruce has a Masters License, with a towing and sailing endorsement. He has worked four years as a captain for Sea Tow in Sarasota, and is now working for them in Naples. He has logged over 32,000 miles in his sailboat Crossroads. SHARE YOUR OPINIONS WITH THE EDITOR: PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL 34218 Fax: (941) 795-8705 E-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com Web site: southwindssailing.com LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

Hunter 356

ACP Trailerables 9'-21'

Water-Ballast Trailerables 24'-26'

Mid-Size Cruisers 30'-35'

Center Cockpit Cruisers 42'-45'

Discover the Difference at a Hunter Dealer Near You! Dealer

Location

Telephone

Product Line

Whitneys Marine Esserman Yacht Sales Florida Yacht Charters & Sales National Boat Owners Association Ullman Sails Performance Sail & Sport Select Yachts Sayre Sailing Ship & Sail M.G. Mayer Yacht Sales Orange Beach Sailing Ctr. Mid South Sailing and Charters

Orange Park, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Miami, FL Sarasota, FL Sarasota, FL Melbourne, FL Denver, NC Charleston, SC Kemah, TX New Orleans, LA Orange Beach, AL Gulfport, MS

(904)269-0027 (954)456-2883 (305)532-8600 (800)248-3512 (941)951-0189 (321)253-3737 (704)483-6656 (843)534-0560 (281)334-0573 (504)282-1700 (251)986-7245 (228)863-6969

Full Line Xcite® – 386 426 – 466 Xcite® – 170 216, 240, 260 Xcite® – 260 Xcite® – 356 Xcite® – 356 306 – 466 306 – 466 Xcite® – 260 306 – 466

Aft Cockpit Cruisers 38'-46'

For over thirty years, Hunter Marine has been the innovation leader of the sailing industry. Our focus continues to be providing you with the safest, strongest, easy to sail and most comfortable boats on the water. From 9 to 50 feet, Hunter has one for you. Come Discover the Difference aboard a Hunter.

800.771.5556 • www.huntermarine.com Hunter Marine reserves the right to modify or change, without notice, any materials, specifications, equipment and/or accessories. All measurements are approximate. Standard equipment may vary for products sold outside the United States.

Hot Stuff on Right Guard By Morgan Stinemetz

Bubba stories are not available on the Internet because Southwinds does not have the electronic rights to the stories.

Any comments or thoughts about this article or the subject matter, Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor at editor@southwindssailing.com LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

August 2003

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR We’d like to encourage all sailing associations, yacht clubs and regatta sponsors to notify us of upcoming events in your area. Simply fax or e-mail us by the 10th of each month to ensure that your racing and regatta schedule will be included.

Send to calendar@southwindssailing.com or fax to 941-778-5579. Southwinds Magazine also offers reduced advertising rates for non-profit organizations. FLORIDA EAST COAST & KEYS Local club’s evening racing continues AUGUST 16 Double Handed Race Coconut Grove Sailing Club cgsc.org AUGUST 23 Conch Cup Miami Yacht Club Miami Yachtclub.net SEPTEMBER 19-21 25th Anniv. Mermaid Regatta Melbourne YC www.sail-race.com FLORIDA WEST COAST & INLAND THURSDAY evening racing Davis Island Yacht Club diyc.org Bradenton Yacht Club (941) 865-0345 FRIDAY evening racing Clearwater Yacht Club (727) 447-6000 St. Petersburg YC spyc.org Sarasota Sailing Squadron (941) 388-2355 Treasure Island YC (727) 367-4511 AUGUST 29 Davis Island to Pass-a-Grille PHRF diyc.org AUGUST 30 - 31 Summerset Regatta Distance and Buoys Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society (941) 482-6280 AUGUST 30 - 31 Labor Day Regatta All-class Sarasota Sailing Squadron (941) 388-2355 SEPTEMBER 13 Tampa Bay YRA Davis Island Yacht Club diyc.org SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Wildcat Multihull Regatta Lake Eustis Sailing Center Mbpz@aol.com

SEPTEMBER 26 - 28 PHRF Invitational Fall Regatta Bradenton Yacht Club (941) 748-7930 OCTOBER 1 - 4 27th Annual Crow’s Nest Steve Harner (941) 484-9551 NORTHERN GULF (AL, FL,LA,MS,TX) Friday evening racing Southern Yacht Club syc.org AUGUST 2 - 3 J-22 Angus Invite. Gulfport Yacht Club (233) 863-2263 AUGUST 2 - 8 Thistle Nationals Fort Walton YC fwyc.org AUGUST 10 PHRF Single Handed Corinthian Sailing Assoc. gya.org AUGUST 16 - 17 Laser GYA Champ’s Sunfish GYA Champ’s Gulfport Yacht Club (233) 863-2263 AUGUST 17 Junior Handicap Southern Yacht Club syc.org AUGUST 23 - 24 J-22 Summer Swelter Pontchartrain Yacht Club (985) 626-3192 AUGUST 30 - 31 Flying Scot - Lipton Pass Christian Yacht Club (228) 452-2571 SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 J-22 Coco Seemann Regatta Southern Yacht Club syc.org SEPTEMBER 19 - 21 NOOD Regatta (National Offshore One-Design) Houston Yacht Club sailingworld.com OCTOBER 9 - 11 17th Annual Harvest Moon Lakewood Yacht Club Seabrook, TX harvestmoonregatta.com

SOUTHERN STATES (AK, GA, NC, SC,TN) Local club’s evening racing AUGUST 2 - 3 Open One Design Regatta Lake Lanier Sailing Club (770) 967-9323 AUGUST 16 Too Hot to Trot Regatta Birmingham Sailing Club (205) 655-2121 AUGUST 16 Dog Days Regatta PHRF & One Design Privateer Yacht Club Chattanooga, TN privateeryachtclub.org AUGUST 16 Ladies Race PHRF Kentucky Lake SC hiyc.org AUGUST 22 - 24 Melges 24 Atlantic Coast Charleston Yacht Club (843) 766-0261 AUGUST 23 - 24 Sinclair Open Regatta Oconee Sailing & YC (912) 453-0412 AUGUST 30 - 31 Vice Commodore’s Regatta Muscle Shoals Sailing Club (205) 726-2803 SEPTEMBER 2 Jr. Commodore’s Cup Lake Lanier Sailing Club (770) 967-9323 SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Dorton Cup Barefoot Sailing Club (770) 813-8948 SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Thistle Old Goat Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com SEPTEMBER 12 - 15 Lightning class Jr., Women and Masters North Americans Harbor Island YC Nashville, TN hiyc.org SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Special Olympics Regatta Southern Sailing Club (770) 447-8047

SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Melgees 24 Regatta Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Windmill Districts Percy Priest YC (615) 892-9002 SEPTEMBER 20 Watkins Cup PHRF Kentucky Lake SC tkraft@ieee.org SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 PHRF Championship Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Catalina 22 Gone With the Wind Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com SEPTEMBER 27 Around Parris Island Long Distance Race Sunfish Beaufort Yacht @ SC (843) 522-3320 SEPTEMBER 28 - 29 C15 Hunter Cup Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com SEPTEMBER 28 - 29 Snipe Battle of Atlanta Lake Lanier Sailing Club llsc.com JUNIOR REGATTAS AUGUST 16 End of Summer Junior Laser, Optimist Harbor Island YC Nashville, TN hiyc.org SEPTEMBER 6 - 7 Back to School Optimist Dinghies Pontchartrain YC (985) 626-3192 SEPTEMBER 13 - 14 Lousiana State Opti Southern Yacht Club syc.org SEPTEMBER 20 - 21 Neubauer Regatta Optimist Dinghies Treasure Island Yacht Club tityc.com

SAILING CLUB DIRECTORY IS NOW ON THE INTERNET

For a list of yacht clubs and sailing associations in Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, visit our Web site southwindssailing.com. Their addresses and Web sites will also be listed. We are asking all these organizations to e-mail us your Web site address and we will put a link to it. Yacht Clubs and Sailing Associations: Please update your phone numbers by e-mailing yachtclubs@southwindssailing.com and give us your Web site address also.

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Mainsail Flaking Control In-mast and in-boom mainsail furling systems are wonderful and, the larger the vessel, the more sense it makes to install this type of gear. The cost can often be difficult to justify on smaller sailboats, but it doesn’t diminish the need. An easy and inexpensive way of keeping the mainsail off the deck after dropping it is a necessity in high winds, especially if you’re a single-handed sailor. There are many products available that provide this function, but all of them require a fair expenditure and add another control line or two. Well, if your sailboat is under about 35 feet or so, there is a slick way to take care of this that is inexpensive, doesn’t require that climb up the mast to install it, or a pull on a line to make it work. You’ll need a 1/2 inch leather hole punch, six 1/2 inch stainless steel grommets, a grommet setting tool, six 1 inch stainless steel rings, a hammer and a hank of light (1/8) line. 1. Drop the mainsail, and punch six holes spaced about a foot apart. The holes should be set in 3 or 4 inches from the edge of the mainsail. Begin about a foot or so above the boom so as not to interfere with the first reef point. 2. Set the grommets and hoist the mainsail. 3. Disconnect the topping lift from the boom, slide on the stainless rings, and reattach the topping lift. 4. Using 1/8 inch nylon line, tie one bowline through the lowest grommet in the sail and another through the lowest stainless ring on the topping lift. Cut the excess and repeat this step for the other five rings. The lines between the grommets and the rings should be fairly taut to keep the lower portion of the sail from drooping from the boom. While under way, slack the topping lift as usual to release the tension between the rings and the edge of the mainsail. When the mainsail is raised, the lines and rings have no effect on sail shape. When the sail is lowered, the lower portion of the sail will remain on the boom. LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

By Stephen Fishman

Silicone Gasket There are many types of sealants that can be used to rebed a deck fitting, including caulk, adhesive sealants, and silicone. Each material requires a different method of application and your degree of success depends to a great extent on how well these differences are understood. All available sealants will do a fine job in the short term, but it’s often many months later before you find out just how well you did the repair. Silicone is my favorite material for almost any project that does not involve a permanent fitting, such as a hatch. The key to handling silicone is to understand that you can’t finish the job all in one day. Silicone is a latex-based sealant and, as such, has a lot of elasticity. Try this the next time you have a fitting that needs to be rebedded. Remove the fitting and thoroughly clean away the old material. Apply masking tape to the area, trace around the tape and then lift off the part that will be covered by the hardware. Apply a liberal quantity of silicone to the area and insert the fasteners, but leave them loose enough to create a space of approximately 1/2 inch beneath the fitting. After the silicone has had 24 hours to cure, it will be quite thick and fairly solid. Now it’s time to tighten down the fasteners. The elasticity of the silicone allows it to create a much better—and thicker—seal than would have been possible if pressure had been applied before it cured. The repair should last for many years.

Southwinds

August 2003

BOATEK SOLUTIONS TO ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION AND OTHER YACHT SYSTEMS

Really Bad Batteries Cause Really Mysterious Problems Steve: I just returned to my boat after a long time away from it, and now I have problems with several of my instruments. The radar and the fish finder have “wavy” displays. The GPS and the weather fax don’t work at all. How can so many things be wrong at the same time? I suspected a power supply problem, so I checked the voltage; it’s 13.5 volts.

ou are right to question so many things going wrong at the same time. Except in the case of a sinking, a fire, or a lightning strike, I don’t believe in multiple failures at the same time. Checking the power is a good idea, but you aren’t done checking it yet. If your battery charger maintains voltage that is too high for a long time, your batteries will lose all their water, and even be damaged if the water is maintained. I suspect that the “wavy” displays of your radar and fish finder are due to excessive “ripple” on the power supply. “Ripple” is natural output of a battery charger. It is caused by the fact that the input power of the battery charger is AC, alternating current. 120-volt al-

August 2003

Southwinds

ternating current is called that because it alternates between positive 170 volts and negative 170 volts, 60 times per second. The average usable voltage is 120 volts. During a significant portion of the time the voltage is too low to be useful to a battery charger. During these short periods of no useful input power, the battery charger doesn’t put out any power. During these periods the batteries have to supply power, even though they are being charged. If your batteries are boiled dry, or are otherwise very badly damaged, they won’t be able to provide this smoothing function, and your instruments will not have the steady power that you need. Various 12-volt devices have drastically

different tolerance to “ripple” on the power input. Some loads, like light bulbs, have no problem with ripple. Other microprocessor-based equipment may “re-boot” many times per second, never really getting started. A very quick check for this problem is simply to turn off your battery charger and see if the batteries are good enough to operate the equipment. The voltage should stay between 12 and 13 volts, and the ripple will be completely eliminated. Once you have replaced your batteries and paid the bill, you will probably ask, “How do I avoid this in the future?” The answer is simple for avoiding drastic early failures, but more complicated for optimized long lifetime. The

www.southwindssailing.com

BY STEPHEN SOMMER Stephen Sommer is a degreed electrical engineer with extensive experience in electrical, mechanical, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and holds a USCG Masters license. He consults in all areas of yacht systems, which include all the equipment on board yachts beyond a basic hull and motor or sails. Have a systems problem or question? Ask Stephen Sommer. E-mail: boatek@southwindssailing.com. simple answer is to keep them fully charged and don’t overcharge them. If you are using an old-fashioned ferroresonant charger, your only hope is to disconnect all loads (except bilge pumps) and get someone to run the charger when the voltage gets down under around 12.5 volts and charge them until the voltage gets up near 14 volts. This usually boils down to running the charger one day per month. The better answer is to convert the old charger into a boat anchor and get a modern charger. Some of the old ferro-resonant chargers have simple voltage sensors that turn the charger on at a predetermined voltage and then turn it off when another higher predetermined voltage is reached. Properly adjusted, this kind of a charger is effective at maintaining a battery with no significant loads. These kinds of chargers are almost never effective at maintaining batteries that are heavily used, because they do not aggressively replace charge, and they will cycle con-

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

tinuously, because they don’t throttle the charge rate according to the level of the loads. All they can do is turn off and on. Modern chargers change modes to optimize fast recharge and to maintain batteries. If you decide to invest in one, consider getting an inverter/charger combination unit. They are far cheaper than a separate inverter plus a charger. They also provide a “transfer” function that automatically switches loads to and from inverter power and other sources of power. If you are one of those people that have a VCR at home that always has the display blinking due to a lack of programming, be warned that you MUST take the time to read the manual and properly set up your new charger or inverter/charger. You have to set the proper battery types and check to make sure that the algorithm (and settings) used by the unit results in the unit shifting to a maintenance voltage unit of around 13 volts. Without proper setup, some chargers will never switch to main-

tenance (float) mode due to other loads on the boat that make the charger believe that the batteries are not yet charged. Charger problems have even caused some poorly informed battery vendors to consider their warranties invalid if the battery charger is left on. This is an unreasonable position because maintaining batteries in a low state of charge is even more damaging than moderate overcharging. One of my clients leaves his battery charger off until he notices the lights getting very dim and then runs the charger for a couple of hours. He is convinced that this is the way to maintain his battery warranty. He and his battery vendor are going to be very unhappy with the short battery lifetime that this will result in. If your battery vendor wants you to leave the charger off, find a new vendor that can provide you with a detailed data sheet that shows the recommended “float” voltage for your batteries, considering the prevailing temperature.

Southwinds

August 2003

GET AWAY

Naples: A City of Contrasts by Barbara and Bruce Pierce

here can you spend the morning on a “jungle cruise” through the mangroves, the afternoon anchored off an island beach, and the evening in a sophisticated city restaurant? All this and more—that’s Naples! We’re cruisers-we can live anywhere: we call Naples home. What’s so great about Naples? It’s easy to get to by boat, has plenty of services for boaters, has world-class shopping, the best beaches, wonderful restaurants, spectacular sunsets over the Gulf, beautiful tree-lined residential areas, and the Everglades. Not long ago, Naples was a sleepy fishing village, reached only by water, until the Tamiami Trail was built in the 1920s. Now it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Everything is new, clean, attractive. It still has a small town feel about it.

August 2003

Southwinds

To get into Naples Bay, enter at Gordon Pass, which is easy to get into. Don’t worry about your draft; it’s just been dredged. Just before you enter, go from Green Marker #1 to Red Flasher #4 (bypass #2, as it’s been knocked out of place). Coming into the entrance, hug the breakwall on the south side. Watch the currents as the tide can move rapidly. It’s best to transit on a slack tide. Keep Green Marker #7 and #7a to your port, as they guar d a shoal. As you come down the waterway, keep between the

www.southwindssailing.com

sticks and you won’t have a problem. The anchorage in Champney Bay is about 1/2 mile from the entrance. A large bay surrounded by beautiful homes, spreading banyan trees, palm trees leaning out over the water, it is calm, peaceful, and totally protected. You’re sure to have dolphins sharing the bay. (The anchorage is not recommended for vessels which draw over six feet.) To get into the anchorage, turn left at Green Flasher #13. To go ashore, dinghy up the channel to Naples city dock. Let the office there know you’re leaving your dinghy. We’ve seen many areas of beautiful homes, but nothing like Naples Bay. A stately elegant mansion next to a colonial plantation, next to a peaceful Japanese-style home nestled under a huge banyan tree, each more impressive than the last. It’s worth a dinghy ride to explore all the canals. As you continue up the channel, Red Marker #20 is the junction of the ICW and the Gordon River. Take the left (Gordon River) to get to Naples city dock. You’ll have plenty of water up the river. Naples city dock, about three miles up, is a popular place for transients. It’s well maintained, with new docks, new showers, washers and dryers, and friendly smiles. Rates are $1.75 a foot ($1.50 if you’re a SeaTow or BoatU.S. member). Dockmaster Mike Klein advises that advance reservations are needed. Contact him on VHF 16 or at (239) 213-3070. Nine feet is the prevailing depth; the shallowest is five. Or, pick up a mooring, located just south of the city dock, for $10 per night. Call the city dock. Afterhours pick up a mooring and check in in the morning. Right next to the Naples city dock are several stores and

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Venetian Bay in the Naples area. Bruce Pierce photo.

restaurants. The Naples Ship Store has a great selection of nautical gear; any boater will love it! Napoli Restaurant has great pizza and home-cooked Italian food. They’ll even deliver to your boat! With its casual atmosphere, the Dock Restaurant is popular. The Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe deserves its reputation as serving the #1 breakfast in Naples. For world-class shopping, walk west (or take a cab) five blocks to Third Street, which has elegant specialty shops, art galleries, and sophisticated restaurants. Tommy Bahama’s is always busy. Old Naples Pub reportedly has good food. Tin City, on Sixth Avenue South, once an oyster-processing plant, is now home to funky tourist shops and restaurants. A few blocks from Tin City is Fifth Avenue, also great shopping, elegant stores and restaurants. Or dinghy over to the Waterfront Cafe on the ICW, a favorite for its atmosphere on the water. If you’re a member of a yacht club, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club on the left side of the river is an option for a transient slip. The dockmaster can be reached on VHF 16 or at (239) 774-2649. For a change of pace, Keewaydin (on Key Island) is a nature preserve, reachable only by boat. It’s popular on weekends, isolated on weekdays. On a calm day, anchor outside on the

Southwinds

August 2003

CARIBBEAN

TowBoatU.S. Rescues Sailboat from Bahamian Rocky Shoal Photos courtesy TowBoatU.S.

ffshore Marine Towing, Inc., TowBoatU.S., a Broward County-based company, successfully completed another vessel rescue from the Bahamas. This time a Beneteau 41 found itself hard aground on a shallow, rocky shoal at the southern tip of Cat Cay. Called to rescue the vessel, the TowBoatU.S. salvage team loaded their gear and traveled to the Bahamas. “This type of call is becoming more common for us,” states Larry Acheson, president and salvage master. “More and more boaters are finding themselves in distress situations in the Bahamas.” The sailboat was found to be facing west, listing at 30 degrees with the mast pointing north. “She was lying on a rocky outcrop with numerous boulders under her and to her north. She was about three-quarters full of water,” reports Capt. Acheson. Using divers, dewatering pumps and lift bags, the sailboat was successfully extracted from the rocks. However, the team now had a different problem; the rudder, which was lost during the previous night on the rocks, was going to be

sorely missed. “The boat was veering wildly without a rudder requiring that it be placed in hip or ‘alongside’ tow,” explains Capt. Acheson. “Going was very slow at this rate and even with six fenders placed between the vessels, the ocean swell was causing them to surge together, making the lines go loose to slack in a millisecond… a very dangerous condition.” Years of experience and a skilled crew overcame the obstacles, and the sailboat was towed safely back to the States. Offshore Marine Towing, TowBoatU.S., has performed thousands of vessel salvages since its inception in 1989. One of the most recent jobs that captured the attention of the media was the Ferreti that grounded on Dania Beach. Great care was taken during that job so as not to disturb the beach and the nesting turtles. Capt. Acheson enjoys the challenge of his work. He has been known to say, “It’s only exciting if something

GET AWAY

goes wrong.” For more information, contact Offshore Marine Towing, TowBoatU.S., at (954) 783-7821.

Continued from page 23

Gulf. Wade or dinghy to the beach; you’ll find awesome shelling. You’ll see dolphins, egrets, eagles, maybe sea turtles or manatees. Prevailing depth is seven to eight feet. Key Island is just south of Gordon Pass. Or take a jungle ride through the mangroves of the ICW to the south beach of Keewaydin. It’s about seven miles, best done by boats with a draft of five feet or less. Come to Naples —-take a jungle ride, anchor at Keewaydin, dine in a top restaurant! Any comments or thoughts — Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor at editor@southwindssailing.com 24

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

CRUISING

Boot Key Harbor By Dick de Grasse

oot Key Harbor lying between Boot Key and Vaca Key in Marathon, FL, is the best harbor in the Florida Keys. It’s an all-weather harbor that can hold more than 200 anchored and moored boats. Harbor depth varies from shoal grassy spots to about 10 feet. The holding is very good in marl. Boot Key Harbor was City dinghy dock at Boot Key Harbor. Rick de Grasse photo. created when marl was Florida Keys property values continue dredged in the 1920s and 1930s to proto skyrocket and businesses proliferate, vide cement-like material for roadbeds in a fragile, restricted area with limited in the Keys. amount of land, the need for affordable As a result of recent efforts by the housing is extremely acute. Hence many state of Florida and the city of Marathon, small boats anchored in the harbor the harbor water is cleaner than in years house the staff of many local businesses. past with more than 50 wrecks having Along comes the city of Marathon been removed with 38 more to go. In all with attendant political pressures from the times we have been in and out of the harborside condominiums, private deharbor, we have never had a problem velopers and a variety of other interests finding a place to anchor even at the to “clean up the harbor.” In response, the height of the winter season. Boot Key city assumed control over a first-rate Harbor is the most important staging dock facility and dinghy dock, all at no area in the Florida Keys for vessels voycost to the city. In 2002 the city installed aging to Cuba, the eastern and western 24 screw-type moorings in the east end Caribbean and the Bahamas because of the harbor designed to hold boats of many name brand stores such as Home less than 40 feet. Plans call for a total of Depot, Radio Shack, West Marine, 231 moorings and a 24-acre anchorage Publix and Winn Dixie supermarkets, as at the west end of the harbor. Thirty-one well as other marine support services, new moorings adjacent to the existing are all within walking distance of the 24 are scheduled to go out for bid within dinghy docks. a month or so. For the city to show a At this point in history, Boot Key “profit” from marina operations, all of Harbor is owned by the state of Florida the moorings have to be in place and ocwith control over a portion of the harcupied. At this time no firm schedule has bor waters granted to the city of Marabeen established to set additional moorthon. Like many cities recently gaining ings mainly because many local control over good harbors, Marathon is liveaboard boaters who work in the area struggling to balance the need to serve oppose being displaced and required to both local and transient boaters with an go on moorings at a cost of $150-200/ eye toward showing a “profit” from city month plus the $50/month to use the marina operations. Meanwhile the state city dinghy dock. Today many of Florida has declared all the waters up liveaboard locals anchor, at no cost, on to three miles offshore in the Florida the fringes of the existing mooring field. Keys as a no-discharge zone. For years, Short-term, transient boaters pay $15/ Boot Key Harbor has been used by local day for a mooring plus $5/day for use workers as affordable housing. As

August 2003

Southwinds

of the city dinghy dock. The city has begun to realize that transient cruisers use the harbor as a staging area and contribute significantly to the local economy. On the other hand boaters electing to use city moorings are required to sign a ninepage, 51-clause contract, which has already been modified in response to existing maritime law and cruising reality. In compliance with the Florida nodischarge law the city operates a pumpout boat that serves both the boats moored and anchored in the harbor, as well as local marinas. The subsidized $5 per weekly visit pump-out boat is modern and efficient. A second boat is being built to handle increasing demand. Both liveaboard boaters and transient cruisers are learning to comply with the Florida no-discharge law. City of Marathon management of beautiful Boot Key Harbor is evolving. The struggle between various interests in Marathon over control of the harbor is intense, like many good harbors all over the world. Transient cruisers should recognize that local liveaboard boaters are their best defense against overregulation by local authorities. Dick de Grasse holds a USCG Masters License. He cruises Southern waters on his sailboat Endeavour in the winter and Maine in the summer. Any comments or thoughts about this article or the subject matter, Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor at editor@southwindssailing.com www.southwindssailing.com

SINCE 1977

SERVING CATALINA OWNERS, BUYERS AND SELLERS FROM MARCO ISLAND TO TARPON SPRINGS

Purchase your new 2002 or 2003 in stock Catalina yacht from Massey and save thousands and thousands of dollars. Full factory and dealer warranties, free sailing lessons, trades considered. Call today for details and an inspection appointment. Save Over $25,000

2002 Catalina 42 MKII New 2 cabin centerline owners stateroom model, VHF/ram mic, ST6001 A/P, ST60 Tridata depth, knot/log, wind, Ultra Leather interior cushions, full batten mainsail w/Dutchman, factory hard dodger w/hard windows, Lippincott bimini w/connector, TV/VCR, Alpine stereo and CD, and much more. Regular Sailaway Price $226,559. Call Massey today for special Model Year-End Price.

Save Over $10,000 2003 Catalina 42 MKII New 3 cabin Pullman berth owners stateroom model, VHF w/ram mic, Ultra leather interior cushions, cockpit teak grate, varnished teak cockpit table leaves, ST60 depth, knot/log, wind, choose from full batten or inmast furling main sail plan, and much more. Regular Sailaway Price $213,884 (with full batten mainsail). Call Massey today for special Model Year-End Price. Save Over $10,000

Save Over $7,000

2003 Catalina 34 MKII Inmast furling main, ST4000 autopilot, ST60 Tridate depth & knot, ST60 wind, navstation repeater, microwave, single lever shifter, VHF w/ram mic, Ultra leather interior cushions and much more. Regular Sailaway Price $127,058. Call Massey today for special Model Year-End Price.

2003 Catalina 400 MKII Inmast Save Over $10,000 furling main, electric sail handling winch, ST6001 A/P, VHF w/ram mic, ST60 depth, knot/log, wind, nav station repeater, TV/VCR, Alpine stereo w/CD, Lippencott hard dodger w/hard windows and bimini, Ultraleather interior upholstery and much more. Regular Sailaway Price $224,203. Call Massey today for special Model Year-End Price.

2003 Catalina 42 MKII Centerline

Save Thousands

2004 Catalina 504

berth, single lever shifter, inmast furling

Custom order a new 2004 Catalina 504

main, basic equipment, Regular Sailaway

and take advantage of very special pricing.

Price $209,019. Call Massey today for

Call Massey for full details.

special Model Year-End Price.

Save Over $7,000 2003 Catalina 36 MKII New 2 cabin model, VHF/ram mic, ST60 depth, knot/log, wind, TV/VCR, Stereo radio w/cassette, microwave, bimini/dodger combo, fiberglass cockpit table, Evening Blue interior fabrics, inmast furling main, and much more. Regular Sailaway Price $142,930. Call Massey today for special Model Year-End Price.

Palmetto, FL 941-723-1610 • TOLL-FREE 800-375-0130

Brad Crabtree

Scott Pursell

Frank Hamilton

Mike Fauser

St. Pete, FL 727-828-0090 • TOLL-FREE 877-552-0525

Edward Massey

Bill Wiard

Mary Beth Singh

Jack Burke

YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MEASURE OF SUCCESS

www.masseyyacht.com • E-mail:

yachtsales@masseyyacht.com

Al Pollak

CUBA

Three Days in Havana & One in Pinar del Rio: Part I By Elena Pimiento, s/v Habanero III

s citizens of the United States, my husband Tony and I were concerned about cruising Cuba, but we really wanted to go there. We read the “trading with the enemy” articles and heard friends’ warnings. We read the Lonely Planet Guide to Cuba and two well-known cruising guides. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and takes up a lot of space between Florida and Mexico. It is impossible to ignore. Since our plans were to continue to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, making returning to the United States by boat a moot issue, we provisioned the boat and went to Cuba... and we’re glad. We left Key West with a U.S Customs department “courtesy clearance” to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, but nothing from the Coast Guard. Our boat insurance evaporates at Cuba’s 12-mile limit, so we prayed to the gods of the sea and hoped for the best. It took 24 hours to sail from Key West to Marina Hemingway. It will take forever to forget Cuba, a land of contrasts. We stayed on our boat, Habanero III, docked at Marina Hemingway for two weeks and cruised the western end of the island for another two. Linda, a friend from the United States, joined us for the month. Rather than repeat all the guidebook information, which we found to be reasonably accurate, what follows is what we did and saw on four inland day trips in this unique country.

Wednesday, February 5 - Habana Vieja The free shuttle bus from the marina complex to Old Havana takes 20 minutes in light traffic. We pass through neighborhoods of old estates, once fashionable homes, a few wretched hovels, some factories, modern hotels and many government buildings, schools and hospitals. Founded in 1514, Havana is now the larg-

August 2003

Southwinds

est city in the Caribbean, the urban center of Cuba. Aside from a few political slogans, we see no outdoor advertising. The bus takes us along the malecón (sea wall em- Railroad Station bankment) and around to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the castle of the Royal Force, built in 1558-1582. To our left is the harbor entrance, guarded on the far side by the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, another fort. Tony is completely enthralled by the number and variety of classic (really old) American automobiles. He notices most are in better condition than many of the much newer vehicles one sees every day on the streets of the United States. We cross the Plaza de Armas, where booksellers have set up racks of used books for sale. Many paperbacks feature the familiar posterized face of Che Guevara on the cover. Since the revolution, Cuba has brought its literacy rate to 95.7 percent according to UNESCO, higher than that in the United States. University education is available and free to all, and math and language skills are higher in Cuba than the rest of Latin America. In the doorways of the surrounding buildings sit old women in colorful “traditional” garb and garish make-up. They nod their flowered, bandana-wrapped heads, smiling coyly around fat cigar stubs. Obispo is the main tourism street, and the buildings are in much better condition than on most other streets. Castro’s mandated renovations of Old Havana have only just gotten started in other parts of the city, as his focus has been on reviving the countryside first. On this street are some of the many places frequented by Ernest Hemingway: Hotel Ambos Mundos, where he stayed, the restored El Floridita bar, where he drank

www.southwindssailing.com

Plaza San Francisco

Obispo Street

daiquiris and ran a tab, and the Restaurant La Zaragozana on Av. Bélgica, where he ate and ran a tab. No auto traffic is allowed on Obispo, as it is narrow and overrun with tourists and those who wish to sell to or beg from them. We are offered cigars, a 3-peso bill featuring Che Guevara’s picture, crafts, coins, newspapers, and never mind what else. Tony comments on the number of women with “so little in front and so much behind.” The guidebook says the Casa de Escabiche offers good, cheap ceviche on the corner of Obispo and Villegas streets, but when we ask for some, the waiter says that the entire kitchen is out of order. There are five tables, a large wait staff, and a sixmember band in the tiny corner bar. The band takes up more space than two tables. We drink our beer and enjoy the Cuban music. The drummer comes to our table with a CD and a dollar bill in a small basket. Tony chases him away, though Linda and I each give him a dollar later. When the beer is finished, Tony asks the waiter to recommend a place to eat lunch. A man leads us to a restaurant upstairs around the corner on Villegas. One look at the menu tells us we’ve been sent to the wrong place. The lowest priced entrée is $10 US, and a lobster plate is $28 US. We leave and walk back down Obispo to La Lluvia de Oro, the Golden Rain Restaurant, where the menu posted on the door promises a lunch of pork slices, black beans with rice, and fried potatoes for three dollars. The band is staged at the far end of the large, high-ceilinged room and shows some younger faces, if not more talent than at the Casa de Escabiche. Linda and I again each tip a dollar. Fed but not full, we continue up Obispo. Tony stops at a Case de Cambio to buy some pesos, though the cashier says that $40 US is too much for us (tourists) to use. Few establish-

ments take pesos from tourists. We turn left at the Parque Central and walk past the Hotel Ingleterra and Gran Teatro, to the Capitol. The building is similar to the Capitol in Washington, D.C., accommodating two houses of legislators, but it is much more ornate. Built between 1926 and 1929, it is quite grand, sporting colonnades and a 61.75-meter cupola. At the entrance, we are met by a 17.5-meter tall Statue of the Republic, a 49-ton woman of bronze with a large shield, the third largest indoor statue in the world after Buddha and Lincoln. At her feet is a 24-carat diamond, or rather, its replica, set in the floor, marking kilometer 0, the starting point for the country’s highways. A $3 US entrance fee allows us into both legislative chambers and the long galleries leading from the vestibule. The meeting rooms and libraries have been restored to their former Florentine, French or rococo magnificence, though bookshelves and display cases stand empty. The of-

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

CUBA fices of the Speaker of the House and the President fallen into sad disrepair; shops and restaurants of the Senate are well preserved and opulent. The are closed; grand old pharmacies have antiques building was built for democracy, but is no longer on some of their ceiling-high mahogany shelves used for Cuba’s government. It became the headand very few jars and bottles on others. Bikes, quarters for the Academy of Sciences in 1960. scooters, and motorcycles dart between tourists, A camper is parked at the foot of the massive trucks, ancient American and newer Russian, Capitol steps. It rents for $155/day for touring Asian and European cars. People bustle about, Cuba, but there aren’t many campgrounds and eating pizza or ice cream as they walk. As in all gasoline is expensive. We board a horse-drawn carof the Caribbean cities we have visited, many riage for a 45-minute tour. Tony negotiates with the women walk around in skin-tight clothing lookdriver to pay in Cuban pesos, not a common thing ing as though they are selling their bodies to anyfor tourists to do. The tired horse and run-down one who can’t spell cellulite. Only a few would. carriage take us around the Capitol, through the Other women dress in the modest uniforms of Parque Central, past the García Lorca theater, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza their employer. The women of Caracas or San presidential palace, Plaza 13 de Mayo, the Bacardi Juan dress far more stylishly than anyone I see building, birthplace and residence of José Marti, Plaza San Franin Havana, young or old, if they can. Those who can’t, dress cisco (birthplace of Havana), the railroad station, the commerin tatters. We see no one in tatters, though many ask for money, cial docks, the cruise ship dock, national archives, the Partegas soap, candy, a job. Cigar factory and the Parque de la Fraternidad. After the carHaving walked through Latin American cities such as riage ride, we walk to the Parque de la Fraternidad to see the Mexico City, San Juan, Puerto La Cruz, Port of Spain and bust of Abraham Lincoln and the huge ceiba (kapok) tree planted Caracas, I see many similarities and some differences. There in soil brought from each of the nations of the Americas in 1928 is a marked absence of street vendors. Very little trash and no to cement goodwill between them. ripe garbage litter the street. We see no one asleep on a cardWe walk through Chinatown and back to the Castillo de la board box anywhere. While things seem dusty, nothing looks Real Fuerza, getting a close view of Havana and the Habaneros. filthy. Some empty buildings appear to be getting renovated; The buildings are at once grand and decrepit. Large residences others have just a single window or door open to the street now house more people in each room than once lived in the enthrough which something is sold. A few tourist-oriented shops tire building. There is little furniture; some of it is classic, some appear in eye-jarring normalcy and do not accept pesos for contemporary and tacky. Former hotels and office buildings have even a postcard. No loud music blasts our ears, though several corner bars have live acoustic music playing. In a subtropical climate, a city with tree-lined avenues and plazas allows its occupants places to cool off. Havana’s plazas have people with brooms to collect litter from animals, trees or humans. It is the dry season so the grass is brown, but many flowers still bloom, and the royal palms, native to Cuba, tower grandly over all. With an hour until catching the return bus to Marina Hemingway, we stroll through the crafts market area. Several rows of kiosks enable artists and others to sell to the tourists. Displayed are paintings, sculptures, cigar humidors, carvings, papier-mâché creations, leather, straw, beads, crocheted garments, and a variety of trinkets and trash. Later, I read it is illegal to export art from Cuba without plenty of documentation. The bus arrives on time, returning us to the marina for a $2 US chicken dinner upstairs at La Fiesta restaurant. Part II will continue in the next issue.

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

CRUISING

Southern Sailing By Dave Ellis

ugust is not the best time for exciting sailing, unless one counts the excitement of the lightning roulette. Winds throughout most of the Southeast are very light in midsummer. The coasts may get a sea breeze in the afternoon or evening. An occasional dry front dips down to the Piedmont lake region. Most of the time, however, we are sailing in the very light stuff. Some of us still need to get out on the water. So how do we make the most of the little? Get out of the shifts mindset. Yes, it is true that a ten-degree windshift makes one boat ahead by 25 percent of the lateral distance between them and another boat previously equal. But if neither are moving, what difference does it make? It is velocity that is important in light air. Any breeze beats no breeze. Two knots of wind is four times more powerful than one knot. A boat can easily double its speed or more with just a little more wind. Local knowledge may tell you where the wind usually is on your body of water. As a generalization, nearer shore will have more wind than the middle of a lake or bay. Often on a hot day there will be puffy cumulus clouds all around a lake or bay. The water itself will have few, if any, clouds above it. The air above the water is actually descending toward

August 2003

Southwinds

the surface, fanning out to the sides of the body of water and then heating up over land and rising, making those clouds. Since there is more cumulative effect near shore, there is more on-shore breeze there. In effect there is a sea breeze all around the lake. Some lakes, like Alatoona in north Georgia, are so narrow as to not have that effect. But wind may channel, going from a cooler area to a warmer. In that case it very well may be the middle that has more wind. Envision a flowing stream with the water flowing around bends. The wind will do the same, so sail accordingly. As for the sails, for generations it had been taught that the lighter the air the fuller the sails need to be. Up to a point, that may be the case and certainly is on reaches. Don’t overdo it, even on reaches, however. The main, if loose-footed, can be given so much draft that the projected area suffers, and the puny wind just cannot get around that bend without breaking loose. Upwind, slide the jib fairlead forward more than the normal upwind setting, and then don’t pull the jib in as far as usual. If you don’t move the fairlead, the block that turns the jib sheet, forward, the entire top of the jib will luff while the bottom looks good. You will look like half of the cruising sailing craft out there with the top of the genny luffing. The mainsail should not be pulled to the middle of the boat. Let the boom down so that the batten at the leach about a third of the way up from the boom aims straight aft. Usually this batten and the lower part of the sail kicks to windward. Not in very light air. When the wind becomes what we fondly call a “drifter,” the mainsail actually has to be made flatter. Don’t make the sail flatter with the backstay if you have one. That also tightens the jib stay, making the jib too flat up front. Don’t use the cunningham, either, as you want the draft aft, not forward near the mast. Using the boom vang to bend the mast probably will tighten the leach too much. Small craft like the Snipe have a mast ram that bends the mast. That takes the luff curve out of the mainsail without tightening the jibstay. The outhaul should be quite tight in a drifter. The wind will be able to stay attached on a flatter sail, and you might as well use that extra few inches of sail area when you stretch out the sail down there. Because the jib is not pulled in tightly and the main is out perhaps eight degrees farther than usual, you will not be able to point as high into the wind. Pointing high in a drifter won’t work anyhow, because there is not enough water flow across the keel or center/daggerboard to let you go that direction. While following boats in a small powerboat taking videos for St. Petersburg Yacht Club during their many regattas, we would observe boats in light air trying to point high but going sideways in the same direction as other boats that had borne off a bit. The high-pointing boats were going much slower. Contrary to other conditions, it may be faster to use smaller headsails in a drifter. Some may remember Conner’s America’s www.southwindssailing.com

Cup boat in a San Diego race trying to make the windward mark in a drifter. They removed the overlapping jib and raised a smaller, non-overlapping sail. The boat actually went faster, nearly making the corner before the time expired. That smaller sail kept its shape, whereas the size of the larger one made it sag uselessly. This is an advantage of a smaller, asymmetrical spinnaker over a big conventional chute. In very light stuff the jibing angles are about 45 degrees, just like upwind. Get some flow going and the asymmetrical flies. A large conventional spinnaker has too much curve at the leach. In more wind that leach flies. Not in a drifter. A big jib is faster, even on a broad reach. Finally, the boat itself usually should have the weight centrally located and bunched up. But not in a drifter. Where there are lumpy seas, usually due to powerboat wakes, spread the crew weight fore and aft and side to side. If the boat and rig is chopping up and down and back and forth, there is no way for the wind to have any attached flow. When the boat is steadier, the very light air has more chance to get the boat moving. Yes, there is more drag. But if you are stopped, what difference does it make? Keep movement in the boat at a minimum. I once saw two Lightnings sail side by side for some distance on a drifter

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

reach. One skipper had his crew go forward and fiddle with something. Upon sitting back to leeward, that boat stopped, and the other kept right on drifting forward. In a drifter, if you get a lift upwind, don’t steer up. Let the sails out a bit while slowly heading up. Pull the sails in as you are able to turn. Turning costs speed. Often the lift is not a lift at all, but slightly more wind. Once the boat picks up speed, you will find you have to pull the sails in again while going in the original direction. If you had headed up, you would have to head back down again, two turns, if, indeed, the boat ever does speed up. Go for speed. Conversely, if the jib luffs, don’t immediately head off. It may be that there is temporarily less wind. You would luff no matter which way you head. So why not go straight until the boat slows until the speed matches the new wind? Or hedge your bet by also slowly turning down a bit, in case it really is a change in direction. Chances are it will go right back, and you’ve lost distance to windward. Light air can be frustrating, maddening, unfair. But it is part of our game. On the other hand, if you want to go cruising, just turn on the “iron genny” and motor to the next idyllic anchorage and enjoy those puffy clouds in the sunset.

Southwinds

August 2003

RACING & REGATTAS GULFCOAST RACING MOBILE BAY MARATHON REGATTA SATURDAY, JUNE 14 FAIRHOPE YACHT CLUB FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA By Mary Gregg In defiance of weather reports, near perfect winds prevailed for the 3rd Annual Mobile Bay Marathon Regatta,accor ding to Harry Gregg, the regatta principal race officer.This 27-nm sailboat race was completed by all boats in under seven hours. The fastest boat averaged 5.5 knots. It was an absolutely glorious day for sailing on Mobile Bay. All 17 starting boats from Fairhope, Racing in the Gulfport to Pensacola race 2003. Photo by Ian Cannon. Mobile, and Buccaneer Yacht Clubs finished the race. The race is sponsored by the Fairhope Yacht 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Trophies were given for: st Club. The course is from a point near the middle of the Bay PHRF Spinnaker : Class A, 1 , Pocket Rocket, Jim Foster, BucYC, 2nd , Hubba Hubba, Michael Metzger, FYC, 3rd, Patriot, Rick Matteis, FYC; PHRF Spinnaker, Class B: 1st, between Fairhope Yacht Club and Dog River, and goes to the Gypsy Wind, Jack Ardrey , FYC, 2nd , Easy Rider, Percy Perkins, FYC, 3rd Solo, Charlie mouth of Fowl River, then past Middle Bay Light to Mullet Livaudais FYC; PHRF Non-Spinnaker, Class A: 1st, Free Spirit, Tom Stokes, MYC, 2nd,Lee Point, then back north past Point Clear Light and back to the Ann, Patty Johnson, FYC, 3rd, Second Wind, Hank Jordan, FYC, Portsmouth Non-Spinnaker, Class A: 1st, Hunter 27, David Johnson, FYC, 2nd, DuetII,Bob Hasewinkle FYC, 3rd, starting point to finish. Beneteau 36, Steve Adams, FYC

The next regatta for the Fairhope Yacht Club will be the 3rd Annual Caring Cup Charity Regatta on Sept. 6. This annual event is sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore and the Fairhope Yacht Club.

GULFPORT TO PENSACOLA SAILBOAT RACE By Kim Kaminski On Friday, June 27th, over 500 sailors gathered at the Gulfport Yacht Club to prepare for a race across the Gulf of Mexico in the annual Gulfport, MS to Pensacola, FL sailboat race. This annual event sends race participants on a 100.2-nm journey along the southern coastline of the United States navigating through the temperate waters of the Gulf as well as avoiding various oil rigs along the way. This year a total of 91 sailboats along with six multi-hull competitors registered to compete in this long distance event. The sailboat competitors were placed in 10 different class divisions ranging from Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker, Cruiser Racer, Cruiser Spinnaker and Multi-hull classes. At the start of the race, weather conditions on the course had winds 8 to 10 knots out of the west-southwest. The racecourse began in the coastal waters just south of the city of Gulfport; out to the sea buoy past Ship Island and then east towards the #1 sea buoy of the Pensacola Pass. (Making note to avoid the oil rigs along the way and passing to the south of the Mobile Bay sea Buoy marker.) It would take the competitors anywhere from 13 to 22 hours to complete the race. The weather predictions for the duration of the race expected winds from 10 to 15 knots out the west-southwest with an 80 percent chance of rain. A stationary low-pressure sys34

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

pleted the race in 13 hours, 43 minutes and 34 seconds to capture the First in Fleet trophy. Steve Murray and his crew on Decision earned First in Fleet in the Masters division and with their finish time of 14 hours, 8 minutes and 38 seconds also placed second in the overall fleet. 2003 Gulfport to Pensacola Race SPINNAKER A 1ST - Decision - Steve Murray14:08:38 2ND Tiburon - John F. Dane / Dan Killeen Jr. 14:18:003RD Java - Burt Benrud / Merlin Wilson14:29:45 4TH - No Fear - Marcus Eagan14:41:58 SPINNAKER B1ST - Tiare - Bill Provensal 13:43:34 2ND - Sudpack - Scott Sonnier 14:20:53 3RD - ManO-War - Tom Beery 14:23:164TH - Atlantic Union - Paul & Rachael Gillette 14:51:59 SPINNAKER C 1ST - Moxie - Brad Broadus 14:40:12 2ND - Manhattan Magic - Jeffrey Guice 14:43:36 3RD - Whistler II - Cran Fraser 15:54:51 4TH - CC3 Allen Borne, Jr. 16:08:46 SPINNAKER D 1ST - Infinity - Duane Butcher 16:55:26 2ND - Gritz - George Hero 17:28:58 3RD L’Estimatee’ II - Sam & George Hopkins 17:36:01 4TH - Frequent Flyers- Spratt/Stentz/Adams/Reynolds 18:15:38 SPINNAKER E 1ST - Easterly IV - Buzzy Brennan 17:41:47 2ND - Nereid Steve Murray and crew on Decision won first place in the Master’s Division and second place in the - Joey Brennan 18:25:18 3RD - New Trial - Weston Stanley overall fleet. Photo by Kim Kaminski 18:52:49 4TH - Applejack - Dan Owczarczak 19:20:08 CRUISER / RACER 1ST - Touche’ - Dennis Cheuvront 15:41:52 2ND Whistling Wind II - Bill Marchal & Bill Wright 18:24:17 3RD - Blown Circuit - Ken Charboneau tem funneled varying degrees of rain and wind directly over 21:06:48 4TH - Roka Dobi - Ron Bray 21:32:56 CRUISER SPINNAKER A 1ST - Hagia Sophia the entire race area throughout the day and night continuing Michael LeBrun 18:39:34 2ND - Gigi - THBubby Hartson & Bobby Normann 19:41:18 3RD - Richard Harris 20:06:20 4 - XTC - Thomas Glew 21:05:50 CRUISER SPINNAinto the middle of the next day. Thankfully, no one was in- Ragamuffin KER B 1ST - Free Spirit - Thomas Stokes 18:35:56 CRUISER NON - SPINNAKER 1ST - Windsome jured, and all of the competitors made it safely to shore. Out - Bill Jobst 18:45:32 2ND - Zig-Zag IV - Larry Stewart 19:47:59 3RD - Avalon - Bernie Knight of the 91 sailboats, 62 sailboats (57 sailboats and 5 multi-hulls) 20:15:44 MULTIHULL 1ST - Tribology - Paul Horton 13:04:28 2ND - Mark Twain - Bert Rice completed the race. Bill Provensal and his crew on Tiare com- 14:51:33 3RD - Nami Whammy - Warren Anderson 15:04:04 FLEET 1ST - Tiare - Bill Provensal - SYC 13:43:34 2ND - Decision - Stephan Murray – SYC 14:08:38 3RD - Tiburon - John F. Dane / Dan Killeen Jr. PCYC 14:18:00 4TH - Sudpack - Scott Sonnier – SYC 14:20:53 5TH - Man-O-War - Tom Beery – SRYC 14:23:16 6TH - Java - Burt Benrud / Merlin Wilson – SYC 14:29:45 7TH - Moxie - Brad Broadas – BuccYC 14:40:12 MASTERS (Age 60 years and older) 1ST - Decision - Steven Murray – SYC 14:03:37 2ND - Man-O-War - Tom Beery – SRYC 14:18:15 3RD - L’Estimatee’ II - Sam & George Hopkins – GYC 17:07:38 4TH - Whistling Wind II - Bill Marchal & Bill Wright - SYC 18:22:37 5TH -Windsome - Bill Jobst – TYC 18:45:32 6TH - Applejack - Dan Owczarczak – PYC 19:01:46 7TH - Gigi - Bubby Hartson & Bobby Normann – SYC 19:19:36

Congratulations to all of those who enjoyed and endured the 2003 Gulfport to Pensacola Race! For complete results check the Southern Yacht Club Web site at www.southernyachtclub.org

42ND ANNUAL NAVY CUP REGATTA MAY 17-18, PENSACOLA, FL The 42nd Annual Navy Cup Regatta was held on May 17 and 18, by the members of the Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola, FL. The Navy Cup is among the oldest and most prestigious sailboat regattas held along the Gulf Coast. (This regatta was first held in June of 1962 shortly after the Navy Yacht Club’s reorganization following World War II and the Korean War.) LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

RACING & REGATTAS On Saturday, May 17, 2003, 33 sailboats and their crews prepared to defend their yacht club against other area yacht clubs in the battle for the coveted Navy Cup. Over 130 sailors joined in the effort to sail against each other in the friendly competition. Seven Spinnaker, nine Non-Spinnaker and eight Cruiser class boats along with six Sunfish and three Hunter 17s sailed in various class courses either in the waters of Pensacola Bay or in the inlet waterways of Bayou Grande as they vied for the silver trophy. Both Spinna- Crew Members from the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club accept the silver Navy Cup Trophy for their performance ker class A and B competed in during the 2003 Navy Cup Regatta held in Pensacola, FL. Photo by Kim Kaminski. two short windward/leeward races (1-mile leg — three times around the course) while the fore determining if the remaining races would continue that Non-Spinnaker classes and the Cruiser classes sailed a “Tour day. After a two-hour delay with intermittent storms, the comof the Bay” 12.28 mile course. As the racers began, the strong mittee received word from the weather station located on the southwesterly winds were steady at 15 knots making for a Naval base that strong winds, lightning and torrential rains great day for a sailing competition. As the day progressed, were moving into our area and would affect the weather conthe winds increased, gusting as high as 20 knots and making ditions for the rest of the day. Many of the competitors, as well as the race committee members and support boat crews, were the day’s competition even more challenging. On Sunday, May 18, the race committee had to wait and not prepared to take a second day of beating against the winds watch how a storm front that had parked itself over Mobile, and rough seas along with exposure to the frequent lightning AL, and the surrounding vicinity was going to proceed be- and rainy weather. There were enough races completed dur-

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

ing the previous day to qualify the standings for the Navy Cup competition, and so the decision was made to cancel the remaining races. Last year, after a 20-year absence, the Navy Cup Trophy had finally returned to its home club — Pensacola’s Navy Yacht Club (NYCP). However, after the close of racing competition for this year (where several of the races were determined by a difference of a few seconds), only one yacht club rose above the rest to capture the coveted Silver Trophy (and it wasn’t the defending champions!) Congratulations to the members of the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club (PBYC) on a job well done. Their efforts and support helped this team of sailors bring the “silver” back to Pensacola Beach. Here are the results of the 42nd Annual Navy Cup Regatta: Results; Place, Boat (or skipper), Yacht Club Spinnaker - 6 mile course:1, Forerunner, PYC; 2, Awesome,PBYC; 3, Joe,PYC; 4, Phaedra, PBYC; 5, Katsey II,PYC; 6, Chiquita, PBYC; 7, Applejack, PYC,Non-Spinnaker - 12.28 mile course: 1, Delphina, PBYC, Sundance, NYC; 3, EZ-DUZ-IT, PBYC; 4, Roka Dobi, PYC; 5, Wh. Lightning, NYC: 6, Heather, NYC: 7, Vigilance,PBYC: 8 (DNF), Intrepid,NYC: DNS Foray,PBYC: Cruising:1, Kanaloa,PBYC: 2, Caddy Wamp,PBYC: 3, Miss Teak,NYC: 4, Don”t Worry, PBYC: 5, Two La Dums, NYC: 6, Sea Crest, NYC: 7, La Bodega,NYC: 8, Liberty, NYC: Sunfish: 1, Adam Brewer, PYC: 2, Susan McKinnin, PYC: 3, Lauren Whitehurst, PBYC: 4, Lou Toth, NYC: 5, Allison Fontenot, PBYC: 6, Jessica Horner, NYC: Hunter 17: 1, Stuart McMillan, PYC: 2, Ted Germann, NYC: 3, Joe Weeks, PBYCOverall Navy Cup Standings (total points): Pensacola Beach Yacht Club (P.B.Y.C.), 142: Navy Cup Winner, Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola (N.Y.C.P.), 118: Pensacola Yacht Club (P.Y.C.)

Congratulations to the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, winner of the Navy Cup, and to all of those who participated in this time-honored tradition.

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

2003 GULF YACHTING ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP REGATTA, JUNE 20-22 By Kim Kaminski The 25th Annual G.Y.A. (Gulf Yachting Association) Challenge Cup Regatta was held on June 20, 21 and 22, in Gulfport, MS. Approximately 250 sailors entered the competition where the various member clubs of the Gulf Yachting Association pitted yacht club against yacht club out on the water of the Mississippi Sound. Thirty-nine sailboats represented 11 out of 32 G.Y.A. member clubs during this year’s event. On the first day of the Challenge Cup competition — Friday, June 20, — two races were scheduled to be completed. Light to moderate winds (5 to 10 knots) out of the west greeted the competitors out on the racecourse. The skies were overcast and rain threatened the racers throughout the day. For the first race, the winds were shifty, making the racing challenging. On the second race of the day, the rains finally made their way into the race area, and the winds faded away, changing the standings in the race once again. Saturday’s schedule included two races as well. The third race of the regatta was started in less than 5 knots of wind as the breeze slowly began to shift toward the southwest. Again the skies were cloudy and rain threatened the competitors, which stirred the competition standings up even more. On day three — Sunday — the fifth and final race was not sailed due to the light winds. Overall, the racing competition was close. One point determined first, second and third place in the overall standings. First place went to the New Orleans Yacht Club, second to Fairhope Yacht Club and third place to Pontchartrain Yacht

Southwinds

August 2003

RACING & REGATTAS Club. A special award — The Mobile Yacht Club Trophy for the best 3-boat team club — went to Buccaneer Yacht Club. First, second and third place individual awards in all four classes were presented to the individual club teams.

2003 GYA OFFSHORE CHALLENGE CUP RESULTS Team Standings (Club, points, position): NOYC, 31, 1; FYC, 32, 2; PontYC, 32, 2;SYC, 34, 4; MYC, 55, 5; BucYC, 61, 6; PYC, 61, 6;PBYC, 77, 8;TYC, 91, 9; SRYC, 107, 10; GYC, 112, 11; Results by Class (Boat, Yacht Club,Place) Class A: No Fear, SYC,1;Fine Line, FYC,2;Magic Tripp, PontYC,2;White Trash, GYC,4;Atlantic Union, PYC,5;Tiburon, NOYC,6;Sapphire, TYC,6;Man-O-War, SRYC,8;Awesome, PBYC,9; Class B: Final Finale II, NOYC,1;Manhattan M a g i c , F Y C , 2 ; T G V, S Y C , 3 ; P h a e d r a , PBYC,4;Frigate, PontYC,4;Larrikin, BucYC,6;Redline, MYC,6;Insight, TYC,8;White Horse, GYC,9;Joe, PYC,10; Class C; Zephyr, NOYC,1;New Trial, PontYC,2;Ambush, F Y C , 3 ; Wo l f P a c , B u c Y C , 4 ; Q u i x o t i c , MYC,5;Gritz, SYC,6; Roka Dobi, PBYC,7;Apple Jack, PYC,8;Blown Circuit, TYC,9; Chaos, GYC,10;Heart of Gold, SRYC,11; Class D; Fair American, NOYC,1;Katsy II, PYC,2;Carnival No Fear, winner of the Class A Race, Challenge Cup 2003. Photo by Kim Kaminski. Time, SYC,2;The Bear, PontYC,4;Class Act, FYC,5;Absolut, BucYC,6;Trailer Trash, MYC,7;Avalanche, SRYC,8;Outtasight, GYC,9

WEST FLORIDA RACING 2003 TAMPA BAY TO KEY WEST CORINTHIAN REGATTA By Bob Miller Nine vessels signed on for the first annual Bradenton Yacht Club-sponsored Tampa Bay to Key West Corinthian Regatta.

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

Some of the racing rules were new to this area and were wellreceived by all skippers. The course: 180 nautical miles. The direction: 180 d e g re e s . T h e wind: 180 degrees (wind speed much of the time was 1528 knots with thunderboomers and brief squalls). After a 0930 start, all participating skippers were in the vicinity of Venice after ten Seraphim, a Mason 53 with Capt. Tom Rose crosses the starting line under full sail. Starwake, a freedom 20 is close on her heels. or so hours of Photo by Fred Forbes. very hard and wet beating into the wind. The waves and the wind at the start cast storm cells to other nearby competitors during the night. destroyed a 40-pound Danforth anchor used by our 40-foot Boats were allowed to motor as much as necessary if they starting powerboat. A required six-hour check-in was very were unable to average four knots of speed. There was a penwell-received, and several of the entries had radar that broad- alty of time and distance that balanced out the finishes. Five

www.nuclearsailmakers.com

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

RACING & REGATTAS of our nine entries eventually got to Key West. Two others opted for Naples, and one went in at Fort Myers. All competitors were given adjusted finishes, and awards were distributed accordingly. Spinnaker: 1Special “K”,37 Hunter Legend,B. Klement; 2,Seraphim,53 Mason,T. Rose NonSpinnaker: 1,Jib/Main, Starwake,30 Freedom, P. Pratley;2. Remedy,37 O’day,M. Card; 3, Spring Fever,37 Endeavour, P. Roberts; 4,Windrifter,43 Bruce/Roberts, D. Hagge; 5, Miller Time, 36 Catalina, Bob Miller; DNF, Gooney Bird,31 Southern Cross, D. Peck; Multihull: 1, Nanchas, 33 Performance Cat, C. Feldschau.

CAROLINAS NC STATE CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA By Rona Garm A Memorial Day tradition for over two decades, the North Carolina State Championship Regatta was again held in Beaufort, NC. Sponsored by NCYRA (NC Yacht Racing Association) with support from area clubs and individuals, the event was again a great success. With storms, heavy rains and predictions of high winds, many boats elected not to make the trip to Beaufort via the Wilmington Group Offshore Cup. Those who did experienced a wide range of weather conditions. Sunshine and light winds gave way to squalls and gusty winds. Weather beating or reaching, the main condition of the day (and night) was rain. Frog Lips McGruder, the Cape Fear 38 skippered by Bruce Marek, took first in the Monohull fleet and received the perpetual trophy (aka The Wachovia Cup). During the weekend, light winds on Saturday allowed only one race, leading race organizers to schedule additional races on Sunday. Luckily, Sunday brought picture-perfect conditions, and three highly competitive races were run. Sailors were very appreciative of the efforts of race committee members Sam Barfield, Paul Rhinehardt, Cindee Wolf, Janelle Lewey, and Eric and Joleen Rasmussen. Lewey and Barfield, along with boatpix.com provided photographic services for the event. Parties catered by Beaufort Grocery Company and sponsored by Mount Gay Rum, Bacardi Silver, Bacardi 03, Michelob Ultra, Cape Fear Yacht Works, JSouth and others were held on the rooftop decks at the Harbourside Suites. The addition of a J105 One Design fleet was a welcome one to competitors and regatta organizers, who would like to see the event added to the Southeast schedule for the growing class. The J24s also competing as a One Design class elected to forgo the final race on Sunday so everyone could get on the road toward home. While first place honors in the J24 class again went to Durham’s Ron Medlin and the crew of Bash (2,2,1), second place Dennis Miller (1,1,5) didn’t do so badly in that he won the John McCray print and thus was entered in the Mount Gay Rum drawing for a trip to Barbados. Always competitive, the decision for the J105 fleet came down to the last race as Joe Highsmith’s Dead on Arrival took first (1,1,2,1) over the Worth Harris/Walt Brown/Ben Baggett/ Jay Cole/Joe Baggett entry, NoJo (2,2,1,2) – thus named for this regatta as Joe was home with his wife and new son. The team fr om Cape Fear Yacht Works proved that the new regatta version is as fast as promised. Up against serious competition against another Marek-designed boat, the Hadley 40, Cash Flow, the CF38 Any Questions? match-raced the Griffin clan all weekend as both boats share a 48 rating. Some races were decided in the hundredths of a second between 40

August 2003

Southwinds

these two boats. Taking 1,1,1,2, Any Questions? went home with first place honors with the Griffins’ Cash Flow in second with 2,2,2,1 finishes. Sailmaker Paul Lockwood’s modified Soverel 33, EZ, took third (3,5,4,3). Due to a wide rating range, the PHRF B fleet was divided into a B & C fleet. With straight bullets, Don Gray’s B25, Devil Dog, went home with first while second went to the Capri 23.5, Little Bitch, owned by Whiley Price (2,2,2,2). The Edge (Baldridge) went 4,4,4,3 for third, proving that consistency is key! Traveling from Southport, Gwen and Jamie Deale’s Elite 30, Mr. Dog took first in PHRF C, sporting a solid row of firsts. Beaufort-based SASU, a wooden boat owned by David DuBuisson, took home second.

GOVERNOR’S CUP By Jim Kransberger See cover photo by Jim Kransberger: Patrick Crump, of Tampa, FL, shakes the mainsheet out, rounding the windward mark as Ned Gross gets ready for the set. The Crump/Gross effort won the Fireball class of NC Governor’s Cup and the Fireball Districts. It may be improbable (and a cause of angst to the brick and mortar, larger and somewhat historic yacht and sailing clubs) but the nearly homeless, somewhat gypsy Carolina Sailing Club of North Carolina throws a very substantial Governor’s Cup Regatta. So successful is the event, it garners magazine coverage in Southern Living’s June 2003 issue; the CSC event took the cover and lead story in a special section entitled “Carolina Living.” This year’s regatta only confirms that the wellexecuted 46th Annual Governor’s Cup Regatta was not a fluke. Normally, CSC holds the event in their home waters (without fixed quarters) in a state park at Kerr Lake, north of Durham and Raleigh, at the Virginia border. The long-absent rain gods have revisited the Southeast, and last year’s drought is gone. Docks and launch ramps are now inundated, and access is not possible at many lakes, including Kerr. The CSC Race Committee merely portaged to another lake and undaunted, moved on with the regatta. They worked with the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and moved the event something on the order of 50 miles (lock, stock and boat) to Point Vista State Park at Jordan Lake, just southwest of Raleigh. While sailors might be accustomed to moving to different sites, seldom does a race committee move its service fleet from pond to pond, a feat accomplished with the grace and perfection of a traveling Ringling Brothers circus. With all the effort, the first gun was merely five minutes late. Winds were calm to brisk; the line was as square as square can be in oscillating air, and 90 plus boats participated in eight divisions. Those divisions were: Fireball (seven boats), Flying Scot (13), Isotope (17), Lightning (17), Open Monohull (six), Open Multihull (one), Tanzer 16 (15), Thistle (10), and Vanguard 15 (six). The Lightning and Fireball boats added a race and scored their competition as district events. Joleen Rasmussen, PRO of the Governor’s Cup, looks forward to next year and a fleet of well over 100 boats. That would not come as a surprise to those who participated this year. Governor’s Cup Divisional Winners: Governor’s Cup: Pierce Bardon (By finishing ahead of the most boats in fleet), Lightning: Pierce Bardon; Isotope: Alan Wolf; Flying Scots:Larry Lewis; Tanzer 16: Herb Bodman; Thistle:John Norton; Fireball: George McKim (and district winner);Vanguard 15: Michael LanMania; Open Monohull: Robert Bouknight; Open Multihull: Paul Sadowski SELD (Lightning District) Winner: Lenny Krawcheck www.southwindssailing.com

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Southwinds

August 2003

THE CARRIBBEAN

Mofongo. Island Hotel: Isleta Marina floats just off the town of Fajardo.

The Spanish Virgin Islands Make for Good Sailing — Regatta or Relaxation Time By Carol Bareuther Photos by Dean Barnes

tepping-stones. That’s a fairly apt description of the way it feels to sail anywhere along the Caribbean island chain. True, you do get those blue water passages, like the jump-off from the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas through the Anegada Passage to St. Maarten. But one of the best line of sight sails is from St. Thomas to Puerto Rico’s east coast town of Fajardo. We cruised over to this Spanishspeaking U.S. territory mid-March for the Puerto Rico International Regatta, taking just short of 8-hours motor sailing past the “Spanish Virgin Islands” of Culebra and Vieques. The nice thing about regattas is that we felt as if we were making a caravan cruise since the sails on the horizon belonged to fellow friends and competitors from the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin of St. Croix to the south. The feeling of party only intensified dockside at the Puerto Del Rey Marina, just south of Fajardo. Now 1,000 slips in size, this is the largest marina in the Caribbean. 42

August 2003

Southwinds

Once a sleepy fishing village back in the 17th century, Fajardo today has awakened to become a metropolis of five marinas—not counting the boat launch dock at Puerto Real and guest marina at El Conquistador Resort with a combined slip space of over 1400. Boating services from marine supplies and haul-out facilities to communications, provisioning, fine dining and shoreside accommodations are all self-contained in the Fajardo area. We spent the next three days after our arrival focused on the racing competition. “We have a perfect wind, called the Alisios, that will make you fly over the sea. It’s a fun weekend on the ocean and the earth,” regatta director Angel Ayala told us. He was right. The winds picked up from 8 to 10 knots to nearly 30 knots as the 58 boats competing—from the unbeatable local Hobie 16s to a hot Farr 40 with former Stars & Stripes tactician, Terry Hutchinson, serving as both teacher and tactician to Chicago owner, Mark Ewing, raced for their class lead. One trend we did see

was an increase in one-design racing. Six of 11 regatta classes featured J/24s, J/29s, J/105s, Olson 30s, Melges 24s and Hobie 16s. Our 12-year-old son Rian crewed aboard the Olson 30 winner, Antigua’s James Dobbs’ Lost Horizon, so the weekend was all rainbows and smiles for us. While Rian was out acing it on the seas, we went to check out the lay of the land. As far as boaters go, the latest big news is the expansion of the West Marine store on Highway #3, about a 5 to 10-minute drive from Puerto del Rey. The addition of just over 2,500 square feet to bring the store size to just under 10,000 square feet made space for “an enlarged dinghy display and more soft goods like clothes,” said assistant store director, Patricia Mustafa. West Marine is expanding to a second Puerto Rico location in the Plaza Las Americas Shopping Center, just outside of San Juan, with a May 31, 2003, grand opening planned. This locale takes advantage of the proximity to the San Juan International Airport, which is a 10www.southwindssailing.com

minute drive away, if you should want to pick up a part and fly it to where your boat is docked when down-island. To visit Fajardo, or anywhere in Puerto Rico, and not sample the food is to miss the essence of the island completely. My tip — try mofongo. Pronounced Ma-FON-go, this dish is made out of cooked plantains that are traditionally mashed in a mortar and pestle along with seasonings like loads of garlic, salt and black pepper, and most often pork cracklings (crisp fried pork fat) to give the mixture a robust flavor. Though mofongo is a side dish, it can also be the base for an upscale entrée. At Rosa’s Seafood, a landmark on the dining scene in Fajardo, we had mofongo mounded with sumptuous shrimp. Eating, plus beaching, shopping and relaxing in a beautiful anchorage,

is something you can equally enjoy on Culebra. That’s what we did on the way back, when a break from beating upwind back to St. Thomas seemed ideal. Eighteen miles east of Puerto del Rey, this seven-mile-long, threemile-wide island has lots of unspoiled ambiance with a few essentials for sailors—grocery stores, marine supplies and of course, bars and restaurants. Culebra’s only town is Dewey, known by locals as “Pueblo” or the “Town of Culebra.” The whole island is a nature preserve, home to rare species of birds, turtles and fish. Flamenco Beach is the prettiest in the area. However, northerly winds and large swells do make it uncomfortable as an overnight anchorage. If we hadn’t wanted to be well on our way home to St. Thomas before a shore break, we could have stopped at Vieques to the south. Six miles east of Fajardo, this 21-milelong by four-mile-wide island was once the cruising grounds of 17th century buccaneers. In 2004, control of the southwestern end of Vieques reverts to Puerto Rico from the U.S. Navy, which used it for over 40 years as an artillery range. Until then, do check first with the harbormaster at Puerto del Rey, who has an up-todate schedule of the Navy activities. Most of the activities on Vieques are LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Rian on the Rails: Olson 30 Class Winner, Lost Horizon II, with Antigua’s James Dobbs on the helm.

centered at Isabel Segunda and Esperanza. At Isabel Segunda, there is a fort that was the last started by Spain in the New World and a centuries-old lighthouse—both of which contain restored museums. Provisioning facilities are also available in Isabel Segunda. Esperanza was once a center for the sugar cane industry and is now a fishing village and dive center. The Esperanza Museum highlights archaeological exhibits and natural history. Nearby Esperanza is Sun Bay where picnic tables

and camping are located. To the east, pristine Mosquito Bay glows in phosphorescence on moonless nights. Regatta over, again back home, our thoughts drift back over our journey. The nice part is that Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands are close enough for a “manana, mon” cruise from the U.S. or British Virgin Islands any time of the year. Just bring your own boat, or jump on a bareboat in Tortola, and be sure to stop and explore the islands along the way as you leapfrog west.

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION: Arriving from the U.S. mainland or U.S. Virgin Islands, clear in to Puerto Rico providing: name of the vessel, nationality, name of master, place of docking, and arrival time. U.S. residents should carry proof of citizenship: passport or birth certificate. U.S. registered boats not carrying foreigners can clear customs by phone – cellular or by pay phones at any marina. There are no customs fees. Telephone reports taken Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: (787) 863-0950/4075. All other times call: (787) 253-4533/34 at the San Juan customs office. MARINAS: Puerto Del Rey: Tel: (787) 860-1000 Puerto Chico: Tel: (787) 863-0834 Sea Lovers Marina: Tel: (787) 863-3762 Isleta Marina: Tel: (787) 384-9032 Villa Marina Yacht Harbor: Tel: (787) 728-2450 CRUISING GUIDES: A Cruising Guide To Puerto Rico, Stephen J. Pavlidis, 1st ed, 2003. Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands, Nancy and Simon Scott, 11th ed, 2003. Street’s Cruising Guide to Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands, 2001. Spanish for Cruisers, Kathy Parsons, 1st ed, 2000. Available through Bluewater Books, Tel. (800) 942-BLUE; Fax: (954) 522-2228. Web site: http://www.bluewaterweb.com Southwinds

August 2003

RACING & REGATTAS LIGHTNING SOUTHEASTERN CIRCUIT COTTONWOOD REGATTA VOODOO REGATTA WILMINGTON REGATTA By Rona Garm W ith three regattas already completed, the Southeast Lightning District Fleets are only a third of the way through their busy season. The Southeastern circuit consists of nine regattas endorsed by SELD (Southeast Lighting District) and SAYRA (South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association). The first of these regattas, the 2003 Cottonwood Regatta, was held April 26-27 on Lake Wylie (SC) and hosted by the Catawba Yacht Club. Of the nine competitors, three were racing in their first SELD Regatta. Congratulations and welcome to Jill Zakerski, Len Little and Dennis Apperson. Conditions the first day ranged from drifter to thunderstorm and all conditions in between. Boats found themselves uncertain if they were beating or running…or beating again. Luckily, Mother Nature took pity on the racers on day two, providing sailing conditions that could only be described as perfect. Winds from the north, consistently 7-10 knots with temperatures hovering at a pleasant 70 degrees. With seven races run, Wilmington’s (NC) Pierce Barden took five bullets, garnering him a first for the regatta. Peter Marriott showed a strong finish on day two to take home second while another Wilmington skipper, Richard Waldkirch, went home with third place honors. Just two weeks later, a dozen boats showed up on the line at the Lake Norman Yacht Club in Charlotte, NC, for the second regatta of the series, the 2003 Voodoo Regatta. With a different mix of boats, Pete Marriott was the only returning “win, place, or show” boat taking home another second (1,2,1,2,6,2) while Bob Harkrider prevailed for first in a tie breaker (2,1,3,6,1,1), and John Pelosi took third (4,4,2,1,3,3). The weekend after Memorial Day, May 31 and June 1, saw 17 boats participate in the Wilmington Regatta, hosted by the Carolina Yacht Club and Lightning Fleet #511 in Wrightsville Beach. Mother Nature again played a big part in the regatta as winds on Saturday were run in 15-25 knots of breeze with higher gusts causing the seas just offshore to generate some

significant swells. When wind gusts on Sunday were clocked at over 40k, it was decided to abandon racing for the day and just score the event based on Saturday’s two races. With the tie breaker going in his favor this time, Pete Marriott took first (3,1) over Bob Harkrider’s second (2,2) with Pierce Barden and crew in third (1,7).

BLACK SEAL CUP: NORTH CAROLINA BOATS TRAVEL TO CHESAPEAKE By Rona Garm Originally a five-day r egatta with the best keelboat crews on the southern Chesapeake Bay, the Black Seal Cup/Southern Bay Race Week has been condensed into three days, includes dinghies and keelboats, and now attracts sailors from as far away as the Carolinas. Event organizer Martin Holland says they’ve taken a “hometown regatta” and turned it into a “competitive and fun” event. In the nine-boat J24 Class, Durham (NC) based Bash, owned by Ron Medlin, went home with two day trophies and an overall third (3,4,3,4,6). Traveling from Charlotte, NC, Jim Bost and the crew of Huntin’ Tripp went home with three day trophies and second overall (5,1,2,4,2) against the bay’s best in the Tripp 26 class. In PHRF C, two Lindenberg 26s traveled from the Pamlico Sound area of eastern North Carolina. Greg Miller’s Esso Bee had a better weekend than Leon Turkevich’s Hummer as Esso Bee took first (2,3,1,1,2). The PHRF A Keelboat fleet had two NC competitors from the same hometown–Wilmington-based Outrageous, an SR33 owned by Mike and Robin Jones, and the CF38 Any Questions? owned by Cape Fear Yacht Works. With the top three boats rumored to have professional crews, Outrageous went home with two day trophies and an overall fourth (7,8,3,2,4). Not quite keeping up with the Joneses, Any Questions? was unable to overcome a 12s/m rating drop, going home with one day trophy, a boat of the day award, and an overall ninth (10,15,6,8,3) in the 14-boat fleet.

SUBSCRIBE TO

Southwinds $12/YEAR $20/2 YEARS SEE PAGE 4

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

SHORT TACKS STUDENT SAILBOAT REFINISHING PROJECT SEEKS PARTS DONATIONS FOR REBUILDING SUNFISH Royal Palm Exceptional Center is a special educational facility serving students with severe emotional disabilities. The school, on Indian Street in the southwest Florida city of Fort Myers, is only a few short blocks from the Caloosahatchee River, yet many of the students have had no experience with recreational boating. (The Caloosahatchee is a scenic waterway connecting Lake Okeechobee on the state’s east coast with the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast.) Although Royal Palm’s students learn to read, write, and make mathematical calculations, the delivery of this instruction is in a nontraditional fashion. Students visit Royal Palm’s Career lab where they become “workers” and their teachers become “supervisors.” Each year projects are selected where the students can participate in hands-on activities. Many of the Royal Palm students had never even seen a sailboat! Their previous experiences consisted of being afraid of the water and having little contact with the tens of thousands of boaters who enjoy the waters of Lee County each year. Teacher Brian Moore contacted boating organizations and aficionados across the state of Florida for assistance. The local sailing club, Edison Sailing Center, kindly agreed to donate a second-hand Sunfish hull. A sailor in Miami contributed a used dagger board while two Cape Coral boaters donated a spare rudder, boom, spar, and mast to the project! Throughout the summer, parts have been arriving at Royal Palm Exceptional School. The generosity of Florida’s boating community at large has been overwhelming.

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Editor Steve Morrell of Southwinds magazine kindly agreed to help spread the word about our project. Royal Palm has accumulated almost all of the parts necessary to get the older model Sunfish off the scrap heap and back into the water with the exception of perhaps the most important part. The sailboat is without a sail! That is where you, the readers of Southwinds magazine can help. Royal Palm is in desperate need of a Sunfish sail, in good repair. Perhaps you have a sail rolled up in the rafters of the garage that you would consider donating or have a contact at a local sailing facility or sailmaking shop who would be willing to donate a sail. If this is the case, please contact Mr. Moore via e-mail at BrianM3@lee.k12.fl.us or Steve Morrell, editor of S o u t h w i n d s magazine at editor@southwindssailing.com. Your donation will be tax deductible, but more important, your contribution to the Royal Palm students will be greatly appreciated. Brian Moore, teacher Royal Palm Exceptional Center 3050 Indian Street Fort Myers, Florida 33916

KIDS GET A TASTE OF SAILING By Jen French On June 14, BlazeSports and Sailing Alternatives partnered to offer a discover sailing opportunity to youth with disabilities. The event took place at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center while the group took advantage of the renovated accessible facility. Youth with a wide range of disabilities joined in the

Southwinds

August 2003

SHORT TACKS day’s event. They used Rhodes 19s and Ideal 18s with various adaptations to meet each child’s individual needs. Volunteers knowledgeable about sailing were teamed up on each boat to offer advice and safety. Once the kids got a taste of the sailing experience, they were sailing the boat. BlazeSports is a non-profit organization offering recreational experiences to Tampa Bay area youths with disabilities from those with cerebral palsy to amputees. Sailing Alternatives, which hosted the event, is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering people of all abilities the thrill of sailing. For more BlazeSports participants in St. Petersburg on June 14. information regarding Sailing Alternatives or if you would like to volunteer, please visit our Web site at www.sailingalternatives.org, and how to protect them. Many boaters have stopped in to or e-mail jfrench@sailingalternatives.org learn about the reef mooring buoy program and to use the marine radio. Reef Relief, in cooperation with the Architectural PreserREEF RELIEF OPENS CAPTAIN ROLAND ROBERTS vation Foundation of Green Turtle Cay, held the opening reHOUSE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER IN NEW ception for the Captain Roland Roberts House Environmental PLYMOUTH, GREEN TURTLE CAY, BAHAMAS Center in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, on March 28. Major support for the project was provided by the Disney Conservation Fund. “We are grateful for the opportunity to increase coral reef awareness on the part of boaters, residents, visitors, students and educators in the Bahamas. The Captain Roland Roberts House provides an ideal base for our marine projects in the area, and we can accommodate visiting researchers as well,” noted Reef Relief’s Executive Director DeeVon Quirolo. The center features a video/classroom, children’s activity room, library, offices and facilities for visiting researchers and speakers.It supports Reef Relief’s marine projects in the area that include maintaining 18 reef mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage to the reef, a coral photo-monitoring survey to document change on the reef, and a coral nursery to salvage The Captain Roland Roberts House Environmental Center re- storm-damaged corals. cently marked its second month of operations, and already The newly-restored building is circa 1840, and it has been hundreds of visitors and many school groups have toured meticulously and historically restored during the past two the new environmental center in New Plymouth. Reef Relief years thanks to the efforts of the Architectural Preservation is operating the center as a public educational facility to in- Foundation of Green Turtle Cay.The house r epresents classic crease awareness and support for protecting coral reefs in this Bahamian architecture with full upstairs and downstairs, front fast growing area of Abaco. The Center is now open to the and rear porches, sash windows, Abaco pine construction, and public daily Monday through Saturday, and all are welcome storm shutters on all windows. to visit it to tour the historic house and learn about coral reefs During the opening reception, guests included keynote 46

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

speaker Mr. George Mackey and Ms. Andrea Major from the National Museum of the Bahamas, and Wynsome Ferguson and others from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.Guests also included Drs. James and Karen Porter of the Reef Relief Scientific Advisory Board and the University of Georgia, Sir Peter Anderson of the Conch Republic, Dink Bruce, Joyce Stahl, and others who flew over from New PlymouthÕs sister city of Key West for the opening.Scott Roberts, of the Architectural Preservation Foundation, delivered the opening remarks at the grand opening. A docent program has been set up so that volunteers can help visitors tour the center and learn about coral reefs, the mooring buoy program, endangered sea turtles, and more. ChildrenÕs activities are available; educational programs are being designed for school students, and a native landscaping project is under way for the large yard. For further information or to help volunteer or donate to this important effort, please contact Reef Relief at the Captain Roland Roberts House, by telephone at (242) 365-4014 or by e-mail to Reef Relief at reef@bellsouth.net. Photos of the opening reception are online at www.reefrelief.org/.

SAILOR SIMONE BIANCHETTI DIES Simone Bianchetti, 35-year-old skipper of Tiscali, who finished third in the 2002/2003 Around Alone race, died on a boat in Savona, Italy, in the early hours of Saturday morning, June 28, after suffering what is believed to be a stroke

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

His wife Inbar called for medical assistance, and an ambulance arrived within minutes. However, it was too late for the Italian sailor. Bianchetti, who had over the last decade become one of ItalyÕs most experienced offshore racers, started his marine career in the Italian navy. His first around-the-world entry was in the 1994 B.O.C. Challenge in the Open 50 Town of Cervia, but he suffered equipment failure in the second leg and was forced to retire. In 1995, he was the first Italian in the 6.5m Mini Transat race, finishing 10th. In 1996, he finished second in class in the Europe 1 Star event. The VendŽe Globe 2000/2001 was SimoneÕs first major Open 60 race. The first Italian to complete this non-stop roundthe-world race, Simone sailed Aquarelle.com into 12th place overall completing his circumnavigation in 121 days. He then went on to a third place in the Open 60 division of the 2002/2003 Around Alone race aboard Tiscali

TOWN HALL MEETINGS SET TO COMMENT ON FUTURE OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY: FIRST TWO DATES ANNOUNCED: JULY 16, CHARLESTON, SC JULY 30, WILMINGTON, NC The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association are sponsoring a series of town hall-style meetings this summer to invite public comment on future plans for the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard have been invited to speak and answer questions. The first meeting will be held at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, SC, on Wednesday, July 16 from 9:00 am-12:00 am, and a second will be held July 30 in Wilmington NC, from 9:00 am-12:00 am, at the Wilmington Hilton. ÒThe ICW is at a crossroads,Ó says BoatU.S. Assistant Vice President Ryck Lydecker. ÒItÕs a vital artery for recreational and commercial vessel traffic, and many waterfront communities rely on it for their livelihood, yet waterway maintenance falls further behind each year as budgets are cut for dredging and repairs. Anyone who uses the ICW knows the situation is deplorable,Ó he said, adding, Òbut we want to get beyond todayÕs problems to develop a vision for the future of the waterway from the perspective of those who use it, those who depend on it.Ó Federally maintained, the authorized depth of the 1,100mile ICW is between 10 and 12 feet. However, shoaling and silting have reduced controlling depths in some spots to as little as five feet. Tow boats and barges touch bottom or run aground almost daily while recreational boaters report frequent damage from navigation hazards since nautical charts canÕt keep up with actual conditions. Both types of vessels are increasingly apt to run offshore in the open ocean rather than chance damage using the inland route. To generate support at the grassroots level, Lydecker said the public is invited to take part in the discussions. ÒItÕs very important that stakeholders such as recreational boaters, commercial vessel operators and other waterway users have their voices heard,Ó he noted. Other ICW town hall meetings will be held on August 14 in Miami, FL, at a soon-to-be-announced location. The date and location of a fourth meeting in August in Savannah, GA, will be posted on http://www.atlintracoastal.org. Southwinds

August 2003

BUSINESS BRIEFS CROW’S NEST MARINA IN VENICE BUILDS NEW DOCKMASTER OFFICE AND SHIP’S STORE Crow’s Nest Marina in Venice, FL, recently built a new dockmaster’s office and ship’s store outside at the docks. Marina showers/restrooms and laundry facilities have also been renovated. Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Marina offers deep water access right off the Intracoastal Waterway at the Venice Inlet. Courtesty bikes and a convenient location to downtown Venice make the marina a good stopover for boaters. You can make reservations on their Web site at www.crowsnestvenice.com

SAILING FLORIDA CHARTERS AND SAILING SCHOOL PURCHASES SUNSAIL TAMPA BAY CHARTERS Sailing Florida Charters and Sailing School has purchased Sunsail Tampa Bay Charters fleet effective July 15. The combined fleet will consist of 18 yachts located at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. Sailing Florida Charters and Sailing School, Inc. is now the largest charter company on the west coast of Florida,” said Capt. Dave Amann, president. “St. Petersburg has been very supportive of our corporate team-building programs, convention services, and daily sunset cruises on Tampa Bay.” Sailing Florida will expand its staff of ASA certified instructors, which has earned the company, a “Gold Star Distinction” from the American Sailing Association. St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterfront has been home to Sailing Florida for over six years. “We believe the current downtown development has been essential in our rapid growth and look forward to continuing our personalized service through the Tampa Bay area with romantic getaways, family sails to Egmont Key, and weekly bareboat charters, “ said Capt. Dave. For further information, please view the Web site at www.sailing florida.com/or contact (727) 894-SAIL (7245).

WEST MARINE SEMINARS ST. PETERSBURG STORE NORTH 2000 34th Street North (727) 327-0072 What: GENERAL BOATING SEMINAR SERIES When: Every Thursday 7-9 pm. Call the store for topics FORT LAUDERDALE STORE 2300 South Federal Highway (954) 527-5540 What: All Wednesday night seminars are FREE & begin promptly at 7:00 pm at our FlagShip Store. Please feel welcome to call us for more information anytime. Tues. Aug. 6: EXPECT BIG THINGS FROM YOUR SMALL DIESEL, w/the Diesel Doctor - Sherry Ouellette Tues. Aug. 13: To Be Announced. Please Call. Tues. Aug. 20: To Be Announced. Please Call. Tues. Aug. 27: BE PREPARED — NOT SCARED! Hurricane Prep w/our very own Pam Wall SARASOTA STORE 3979 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL (941) 924-6777 Sat. Aug. 16, 11 a.m.: SAFETY DEMO DAY; Kelton Kenney of ACR will be demonstrating Switlik life rafts and the proper use of an EPIRB.The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be on-site providing free vessel safety checks. 48

August 2003

Southwinds

www.southwindssailing.com

C L A S S I F I E D

A D S

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS FREE CLASSIFIED ADS UNDER 30 WORDS FOR ALL PRIVATELY-OWNED BOATS, GEAR AND PRIVATELY-OWNED DOCK/SLIPS FOR RENT.

All photos must be sent electronically or the actual photo — no photocopies. All ad text e-mailed must be in upper and lower case, not all caps.

Every ad w/photo goes on the Web. Ad is cancelled after 3 months unless renewed. The last month your ad runs is in parentheses at the end of the ad. You must call by the 15th of that month to renew for another 3 months.

Call (941) 795-8704, e-mail to editor@southwindssailing.com, or mail to PO Box 1175 Holmes Beach FL 34218-1175. All other classified ads are $20 for up to 20 words and $5 for each additional 10 words, $5 for a photo. All ads go on the internet and your Web site or e-mail address in the ad will be linked by clicking on it.

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS

Hunter 260 – New. Take the helm and plan your cruise. This boat is ready to GO! Enclosed full head, complete galley, 2 double berths. Own your second home on the water. Ullman Sails/Sarasota Sailboats (941) 951-0189 or ULLFL@mindspring.com

Advertise your business in a display ad in the classifieds section. Sold by the column inch. 2 inches minimum. (3 column inches is 1/8 page) Monthly Cost Ads Per Inch

12 6 3 1 Hunter 240 – New. EZ mast-raising system and a shallow draft make this centerboard boat simple to trailer and rig. Daysail or cruise. Large cockpit for entertaining and sleeping space for six. See it at Ullman Sails/Sarasota Sailboats (941) 9510189 or ULLFL@mindspring.com

■

$17 $20 $23 $27

Minimum Inches

Total Cost

2" 2" 2" 2"

$34 $40 $46 $54

■ ■

29' Norwalk Island Sharpie Ketch, 1994 Luzier Custom- built , Kirby Design, shown in April 1998 Southwinds, Excellent Thin Water Performance, Bronze Ports, A/C, Many Extras, Reduced $29,900 Call (941) 764 8904 (11/03)

formance designed for Florida’s shallow water. Ullman Sails/Sarasota Sailboats (941) 951-0189 or ULLFL@mindspring.com Hunter 1983 22.5 New paint bottom-top, 7 sails, 8hp Honda new, tandem trailer with brakes. All new rigging, AutoHelm D/S plus more $12,000. (352) 867-5841 (7/03) ’80 Buccaneer 22’ 4hp outboard, main, working jib, 150% Genny. Chemical toilet. Very clean. Comes with slip. (727) 638-2339 (8/03)

Precision 15’ - 28’ – Daysailer or cruiser, we have the boat for you! Call for a brochure or stop by and inspect these well-built boats. Comfort and per-

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

1968 Morgan 25 - recent sails, new opening ports, freshwater use, trailer available, recent paint, 8hp mariner, in the family 26 yrs, no blisters, shallow draft/CB, $5,800 obo Dave (404) 819-5656 (8/03)

Southwinds

August 2003

C L A S S I F I E D

A D S

Bravura Sportster 29 Very Late (November 1999) Model, Was raced three times with excellent finishes. #1 in Spinnaker class/Leukemia Cup 2000, Only in the water for the 2000 season. Mint condition, loaded, looks brand new. Must sacrifice immediately. Will deliver as far South as Key West on its own double axle Custom Trailer. $63,000. Boat’s original price was over $100,000. Must Sell NOW !!! YOU SAVE BIG. ulalena@comcast.net or (609) 841-6356 (11/03) O’DAY 32, twin cabin, 2 heads, shower, low hours diesel, new mainsail, 2 jibs, 2 anchors and rode, Avon dinghy, cruise ready. $19,995 OBO, will deliver up to 500 miles from Pensacola. 850-455-8830 or satorito@bellsouth.net (9/03)

1984 Irwin Citation 34 Recent major refit, new interior, new electronics, reconditioned sails, bimini, dodger, fresh bottom paint, Yanmar 3GM, wheel steering. OWNER FINANCING $33,900. (252) 2297245 bombashac@msn.com (9/03)

23' Kirby 1986. Super PHRF racer (180 swfl) or daysailer. 9 sails, GPS, fluxgate compass, Nexus CPU, boat speed-depth. Faired hull,keel. Details, pix avail. $8000 dixonwj@comcast.net (8/03) C&C 24 Built 1975. New Main, Old Main, 4 jibs & one Spinnaker. 5hp Mercury OB. $6000 OBO. Located near Gulfport MS (228) 452-7380 (11/03) Hunter 31 1986, Shoal Draft, second owner,great Bahamas cruiser, ready to go again, lots of recent work, includes dinghy and outboard, $29,900. Located North Florida (404) 236-0511 (8/03) 35' Island Packet 350 1997 Proven liveaboard cruiser. Well maintained. Setup for extended cruising. More info and photos at:: http:// home.mindspring.com/~pehler or (252) 671-0358 Imagine@Springmail.com (11/03)

1984 Cal 35-MarkII (5' draft) 32hp diesel, fully cruise and liveaboard equipped with A/C/heat, microwave, stall shower, etc. Numerous recent upgrades and parts replaced. e.g.genoa vasmith1@yahoo.com or (941) 505-1558. NO BROKERS PLEASE. (11/03) ’98 Hobie 13 Wave Excellent condition. $2,700 includes trailer, beach wheels, and extras. (941) 758-7276 (Bradenton,FL) (11/03) Cape Dory 25, New Honda 9.9, Seven sails, Two anchors, new wiring, auto pilot, fish finder, electronics, pressure water, new trinidad bottom, dingy, cruise ready, much more! $6,500, (305) 296-5490 (9/03)

Brewer 12.8 1986. Excellent cruiser/ live-aboard yacht. A Ted Brewer design to cruise around the world, fast. Has been well maintained and is in impressive condition. Gen set, reefer/freezer, 4 1/ 2' draft, recent bottom job. More photos at seacoastcharters.com. (727) 943-9364 johnw.burney@verizon.net. (9/03 1973 Albin Vega, 3’ 10” draft. Volvo 10 hp diesel. R.F. Jib, full batten main w/lazy jacks. dodger, UHF, GPS, DF, knotmeter, excellent condition. Great sailor. $10,500, (239) 337-4977 (10/03)

1984 Aloha 32, Mark Ellis design. Performance cruiser. 35’ LOA, 32’ LOD,11’beam 4’9” draft. 25hp Westerbeke. Hood Furling, bowsprit, autopilot, 2 headsails, davits, 2 speed winches, marine ac, supercruising layout, 2000 survey 48K. asking $42,500. Will consider trades. (239) 218-8680 or (800) 443-8908 ext. 4313. (11/03) J/27 (1989) VG Condition, Sobstad genoa & mainsail, 2002 UK spinnaker, 2002 Sobstad jib, Evinrude 4HP, sailcomp, knotmeter, triad trailer, keel/rudder faired, bottom painted 11/2002, Titusville, Florida. $20,500. (407) 323-5459. (9/03) Wavelength 24. Very good condition. Dry sailed. North main, 155, 3/4 spin, float-on trailer. Outboard. Near Atlanta. $7500. (404) 872-1934 (9/03)

August 2003

Southwinds

28' Ranger 1976, immaculate, fresh-water maintained racer/cruiser with $16,000 in recent improvements, 12 sails, new Yanmar. $18,000 Call (770) 619-4002 or captain_ron@comcast.net (9/03) 79 Irwin 21' (Mini-Ton) Racer/Cruiser 2001 sails & trailer, lots of extras, great rating $5744.00 Sanford, FL (407) 474-9336 (10/03) 38’ Island Packet 1990 Turn key ready to cruise anywhere. One of the best equipped cruising boats you’ll find. Beautiful condition. Call for details. By Owner. Ft. Lauderdale. $155,000. (251) 458-9109. (10/03)

www.southwindssailing.com

Davis Maritime - Professional Accredited Surveys– see display ad in the index of advertisers. (727) 323-9788; e-mail: cgoebel1@tampabay.rr.com

BOATS WANTED Wanted, Mirage 5.5. Rigging, sails and trailer unimportant, must have sound hull. Under 1K call John (772) 913-1045 (9/03)

Beneteau 38 1990 model new genoa,Icom SSB, compass, inverter and more. Laying Tortola, BVI. $62,000. (305)-310-4653 or sloopm38@hotmail.com (10/03) Catalina 36 1987 Freshwater til fall ’02. All new equipment to include A/P, wind, speed, wind,VHF, NEW batten main & 155 RF genoa, Electric windlass, dodger & bimini,etc. AP7878@aol.com, (850) 785-9211 (10/03)

Colorful Books About Sailing the Bahamas and Caribbean. The Virgin islands Illustrated; Sailing Through Paradise (covering the Bahamas thru the Virgins); Wreck and Resurrection (sailboat repair); Alphabet Sea (ages 3-8). Package deals. Tortuga Books. (800) 345-6665. Ocean Routing – Jenifer Clark’s Gulf Stream Boat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best in the business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301) 574-0289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm Day (813) 988-6870, Ext. 213, or Evenings (813) 645-4423. (10/03)

2000 Elliott 770, 25' Excellent condition. Sportboat with little use and an interior for weekending. Full Race equipped. Triad trailer. Bottom by Waterline Systems. VC Offshore bottom. Sobstad mainsail, non-overlapping jib. Assymetrical spinnaker. $27,900. (678) 947-8875 or email: stle32@aol.com (11/03) Ericson 38 1981 Good condition. Recently surveyed. Autohelm, refrigeration, dinghy w/ob, dodger, bimini, gps, 2 VHFs, roller furling just rebuilt, Nice interior, very fast comfortable cruiser/racer. West Florida, $57,900 (941) 795-8711 (10/03) Ericson 39 1978 Rebuild 2002 Cost $31,000. Surveyed. All new 38 hp diesel, electrics, windlass, plumbing, Autohelm, canvas, plus dinghy, O/board etc. etc. $55,000. Andrew (954) 524-4765 or brandtwo@bellsouth.net (10/03) FLYING SCOT Very attractively priced new boats used only for the Adams Cup finals. Race-rigged and professionally tuned. Includes North Sails main, jib,spinnaker, and galvanized trailer Available in late October at Lake Norman, NC. For details Call (800)-864-7208 (12/03)

Soverel 33 1985 Excellent condition, Dry stored & sailed since 1986. Totally upgraded & refurbished inside and out. Extremely fast race winner. w/ trailer. $46,000 invested asking $36,000 (704) 489-0596 (10/03) Tayana 37 1986, Superb Condition, 106K USD, New rig, sails, furler, etc. Check www.camirand.net (10/03) 8’ Wooden Dinghy Excellent Condition. Oars & Oarlocks included. Sail, Tow or Row. $425 Tampa (813) 251 –5328 (10/03) US 21 1983 Excellent as racer (PHRF 194) or daysailer with trailer, main, working jib, 150 genoa. Fresh water sailed in Georgia. (770) 377-5141 (10/03)

1986 Ranger 22, completely refurbished, wew mast and standing/running rigging, custom keel, custom interior, porta potti, new instruments, 6 excellent sails, new spinnaker, fresh bottom paint, new hull paint, pocket cruiser/racer. Call Matt –

LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Sabre Sails is expanding its dealer network. If you are interested in a rewarding business with a fun side, call (850) 244-0001 or e-mail sabre@sabresails.com

Visit Southwinds new boat and crewlisting service at southwindssailing.com

THIS SPACE FOR SALE FOR $34/MONTH WITH A 12-MONTH AGREEMENT (shorter terms available) 20’ Montego, sleeps 4, sink, bimini, roller furling 155% Genny, 110% Jib, main, and 6hp Yamaha, swing keel (weight 470 lead), trailer, depthfinder, compass, battery, “This boat sails like a 30-foot boat.” $2850. (727) 784-5482. (10/03)

Pier 17 Charts & Publications DMA-NOAA-TOPOS-NTM-Textbooks. South’s largest nautical store at 4619 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210. (904) 387-4669 (800) 332-1072 Fax (904) 389-1161

CONTACT EDITOR: (941) 795-8704 E-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com

Best Prices – Solar panels, wind generators, charge controllers, deep cycle batteries, solar panel and wind generator mounting hardware. Authorized dealer for Siemens, Kyocera, Solarex, and Uni-Solar solar panels, Air Marine wind generator, Deka, Trojan, and Surrette deep cycle batteries.™ Toll free (877) 432-2221 www.e-marine-inc.com SeaTech Systems – Computerized navigation & communication. Call for free Cruiser’s Guide to the Digital Nav Station and CAPN demo disk. (800) 444-2581 or (281) 334-1174, navcom@sea-tech.com, www.sea-tech.com

Southwinds

August 2003

CLASSIFIEDS liveries by USCG licensed captain, free estimates – no job too large or too small — reasonable and reliable - Ron Butler (727) 582-9335

• Masts • Booms • Hardware • Rigging

g Laro()

NEW & USED SSMR INC., Our Rigging Shop introduces the new State-of-the-Art HOOD 808 Furler! Fits 5/16”-3/ 8” dia.headstay wire up to 56’. Hundreds le$$ than the competition for comparable units, only $1650! Including free sail installation! We are the standing and running rigging specialists for all your cruising and racing needs. Licensed and insured. Call (727) 823-4800 or fax (727) 823-3270 “a cruiser friendly shop” Ibeearigger@juno.com (12/03) Dinghy davits, OB motor lock, and other gear. Island Marine Products. See display ad in Index of Advertisers (727) 698-3938 Writers, photographers, personal sailing experiencers (sic). Southwinds is looking for contributors – send your stuff in and let’s look at it: editor@southwindssailing.com

Moisture meters for fiberglass or wood. JR Overseas. (860) 927-3808 See display ad in Index of Advertisers

Sailmakers/assistant sailmakers wanted Fastest growing sail loft in the Southeast is expanding and needs more sailmakers/assistant sailmakers. Call (850) 244-0001 or e-mail sabre@sabresails.com

Carry-on Portable air conditioner Model 5000 capacity 4800 BTU including air deflector. Excellent condition $375.00 Located Ft. Lauderdale phone (954) 525 0058. (8/03)

Regional Sales Representatives wanted to sell advertising space for Southwinds magazine in all areas of Florida and the South. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com. Sales experience a must. Experienced Sailmakers Wanted – UK Sailmakers Palm Beach, FL, location is expanding and needs skilled sailmakers. Candidates must have strong “gogetter” attitude and be highly capable in Dacron and laminate construction and repair. Canvas experience a plus. Call (561) 844-3884 or e-mail ukpalmbeaches@uksailmakers.com If you are under 35 and cruising the Caribbean, we’d like to hear your story. We are working on stories about those out there cruising and why they went. Contact Cherie at supercherie@hotmail.com Have an interesting charter story? Southwinds magazine is looking for people to send in articles about their charters – in the South, the Caribbean, or wherever. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com

INVESTOR WANTED Responsible, honest, licensed contractor, well-experienced in high-quality homes, seeks like-minded investor to finance and partake in build/remodel projects in Manatee County or nearby . Must be interested in doing something for fun, interesting projects & making money. (941)795-8711 (12/03)

MARINE SERVICES Steve Smith Marine Rigging Services Used gear and chandlery. See display ad in Index of Advertisers. (727) 823-4800 Sailing Yacht Services Repairs, maintenance, equipment installed, marine consulting, yacht de-

August 2003

Southwinds

dwyermast.com

Wheels Custom Leathered – Satisfaction guaranteed, 1 year warranty. Free turks head. Over 100 satisfied customers last year. Contact Ray Glover at Sunrise Sails Plus (941) 721-4471 or sunrisesailsplus@msn.com SSMR INC., Chandlery, If we don’t have it, we’ll find it! Every manufacturer represented at the most competitive prices! We are growing, fair, and pay attention to detail. Blocks, vangs, fasteners, insulators, ports, etc., on-site swaging and splicing, we can fill all your needs. Stop by and meet Stink and Ollie. Insured and a member of the BBB of West Florida. Call (727) 823-4800 or fax (727) 823-3270 “a cruiser friendly shop” Ibeearigger@juno.com (12/03) Yanmar,YSE-12 Engine for rebuild or parts $500. Includes transmission, alternator, starter, extra & new injectors, gaskets, manual. (727) 415-6513 or captct@hotmail.com. (10/03) Dripless Packing Proven high-tech propeller and rudder packing that outlasts all other packings and is virtually dripless. Easy to install. Bilges stay dry. Won’t damage shafts. Economical. Dealer inquiries welcome. Toll Free (877) 432-2221 or www.e-marine-inc.com Whisker Pole. AMOC Marine.15' extends to 25'. 3" tube,2 1/2" line control inner tube.For up to 40' boats. $500 OBO. L.Miniati (813) 932-3720. glminiati@juno.com (10/03)

DWYER Aluminum Mast Co. 203-484-0419 Don’s Salvage Yard in Clearwater. Huge assortment of gear. (727) 576-8577. See Display ad in Index of Advertisers

TIRALO floating deck chair - a beach chair that floats in water and rolls easily on the sand. Looks great. Folds and fits on your boat or inside your car. More info: www.oasisllc.com or swti@oasisllc.com SSMR INC., Visit our Consignment Shop, check out our pre-owned life rafts! $1700VIKING 6 man valise, cert 2000; $1300 AVON 6 man valise w/RORC rated pack; $1350 WINSLOW 6 man, current 2003 cert SOLAS approved. Come see us for lots of other marine consignment needs or empty your lockers and add to the cruising fund! Call (727) 823-4800 or fax (727) 823-3270 “a cruiser friendly shop” Ibearigger@juno.com (12/03) Nautical Trader. Buy and Sell, consignment. Venice/Sarasota Area. (941) 488-0766. See Display ad in Index of Advertisers Scurvy Dog, Marine Equipment Resale. Pensacola. (850) 434-1770. See Display ad in Index of Advertisers 25 HP Diesel Engine for Sailboat. 105 total hours since new from factory. $2,500 Call (727) 457-8746 or e-mail: Beallsouth@att.net for details. See more info on the internet at: http://beallsouth.home.att.net (8/03)

THIS SPACE FOR SALE FOR $34/MONTH WITH A 12-MONTH AGREEMENT (shorter terms available) CONTACT EDITOR: (941) 795-8704 E-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com www.southwindssailing.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Sail Covers & More! Best Prices Ever for Custom-Made Canvas Buy Online or by Phone & Save $$ Highest Quality & Satisfaction Guaranteed Family Owned & Operated

For more information and to see our products & pricing go to

www.sailcovers.net (800) 213-5167

Single male seeks double-jointed supermodel who owns a bewery and knows how to hydroponically grow cannibas sativa in small spaces. Access to free concert tickets a plus, as is have an open-minded twin sister. If the above attributes are all in order, knowing how to sail is not necessary. Reply to rightguard@southwindssailing.com.

REGATTA PHOTOS Order regatta photos online. Thistle Midwinter Regatta 2003 St. Petersburg www.digiproofs.com password thistle Sailfest Sarasota 2003 www.digiproofs.com password sailfest (O)

USED SAILS SAVE $$$ 1000s of headsails, mains & spinnakers. We ship everywhere, satisfaction guaranteed. We also buy sails. Sail Exchange. (800) 628-8152. 407 Fullerton Ave. Newport Beach CA 92663 www.sailexchange.com See Display ad in Index of Advertisers Hong Kong Sail Makers Cruising Sail Specialists Top Quality, Best Price Delivery 2 - 3 Weeks (852) 2789 1938 (852) 2789 3155 (FAX) E-mail: uoil@hkstar.com

Ponce de Leon Hotel Historic downtown hotel at the bay, across from St. Petersburg YC. 95 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 550-9300 FAX (727) 826-1774 www.poncedeleonhotel.com

2" - 1 COLUMN AD SPACE $34/MONTH WITH A 12-MONTH AGREEMENT (shorter terms available) CONTACT EDITOR: (941) 795-8704 E-mail: editor@southwindssailing.com

NOW SUBSCRIBE ON-LINE THROUGH A SECURE SERVER AT www.southwindssailing.com $12/YR or $20/2 YR – 3RD CLASS Third class mail only. Fill in & mail coupon, or send us your name and address with a check or credit card number to Southwinds Subscriptions, P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175. You may also call (941) 795-8704. Name ______________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ City/St./ZIP _________________________________________________________ ENCLOSED $ _______ Check ______ Money Order ____VISA ____MC #_______________________________Ex. Date ___________ Name on Card ___________________________________________________ LOCAL NEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

Aqua Graphics 49 4th Annual Open Regatta 36 Atlantic Sails 29 Banks Sails 50 Beneteau Sailboats BC Beta Marine 39 Bluewater Insurance 10 Bluewater Sailing Supply 39 Boaters Exchange 9 BoatUS 31 Bo’sun Supplies 39 Bradenton YC Kick-off Regatta 38 Bubba Book 47 Capt. Josie Sailing School 49 Carson/Beneteau BC CDI/Perfect Pitch 8 Chute Scoop 53 Colgate 26 41 Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina 11 Cruising Direct 18 Daufuskie Island Resort 21 Davis Maritime Surveying 3 Defender Industries 52 Don’s Salvage 38 Dwyer mast 52 Eastern/Beneteau BC Finish Line Multihulls 41 Flagship Sailing Charters 6 Flying Scot Sailboats 51 Garhauer Hardware 22 Glacier Bay Refrigeration 8 Grin Designs/Scully 12 Harken Gear 25 Hong Kong Sailmakers 11 Hotwire/Fans and other products 50 Hunter Sailboats 16 Isla Del Sol Resort & Marina 30 Island Marine Products 21 JR Overseas/Moisture Meter 45 Martek Davits 50 Massey Yacht Sales IBC,20,23,27 Masthead Enterprises 37,44 Melbourne YC Mermaid Regatta 33 Mobile Marine Services 13 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau BC National Sail Supply 8 Nautical Trader 11 North Sails 14 Pasadena Marina 28 Performance Sail & Sport 32 Plastimo USA 34 Quantum Pure-Aire 29 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke 13 Rparts Refrigeration 13 Sabre Sails 12 Sail Covers & More 53 Sail Exchange/Used Sails 30 Sailboat Row/Salt Creek Marine District 6 Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta23 Sarasota Youth Sailing Program 48 Schurr Sails 37 Scurvy Dog Marine 3 Sea School 24 Sea Tech 45 Smooooth Sailing School 9 Snoop Sails & Canvas 12 Snug Harbor Boats 3 St. Barts/Beneteau BC Steve Smith Mobile Rigging 9 Suncoast Inflatables 35 Surrette (Rolls) batteries 15 Tackle Shack 13 UK Sails 3 Ullman sails 19 Weathermark sailing 25,45 West Marine IFC Windcraft Catamarans 41 Yachting Vacations 15 Southwinds

August 2003

The Green Flash… It is for Real By Morgan Stinemetz

Sometimes, just sometimes, you get a prescient feeling about things. It happened to me on May 1, the Thursday evening that my loyal sailing partner, Norm Hale, and I were sailing in Tampa Bay. The sun was setting out there on a cloudless horizon between Egmont Key and Mullet Key. We were sailing in the ship channel.

“T

his looks like a good time to see the Green Flash,” I said to Norm. I had seen it once before, while standing on the beach on Captiva Island, but that was back in the 1980s. Norm had never seen it. Anyway, we carefully watched the sun set, and just as the sun slipped below the horizon we saw the Green Flash. It was a quickie, lasting about a half second, and it wasn’t very bright. But witness we did. We did the usual things that guys do at such times. High fives and that kind of stuff. Maybe even a “far out.” That night, when Norm got home, he told his wife Laurel about seeing the Green Flash for the first time. Her response? “What kind of drugs were you guys on?” Which begs the question: If a tree falls in the forest and your wife is not there to hear it, does it make a noise? Fast forward one week. Norm and I were again sailing in Tampa Bay. Sunset was nigh. The horizon was cloudless. “Wouldn’t it be cool if we saw the Green Flash again?” I posited to Norm. And we did. The flash this time was a brighter green and of longer duration, about a second, than the one we had seen before. Two Green Flashes on two successive Thursday nights? I don’t know what the odds are, but they 54

June 2003

Southwinds

are extremely high. Norm and I were not the only ones to see it that night. A mutual friend, Steve Huntington, saw it also. He was on the beach on Anna Maria Island. Cathy Willard saw it, too. She was on a sailboat in the Manatee River. So what is this thing, the Green Flash? It’s a phenomenon that has to do with the refraction of light. As the sun sets (or rises), our atmosphere bends light rays. The actual bending is called dispersion, and the time when dispersion occurs happens to be at sunrise or sunset when sunlight passes through the thickest part of our atmosphere. The light rays are broken up into different colors, and this bending of sunlight results in colored arcs both above and below the sun. At sunset, when it is visible and conditions are right, the last thing you’ll see is the Green Flash. Conversely, were you on Florida’s east coast, the first thing you would see at sunrise would be the Green Flash if it happened to be that kind of a day. More people see the Green Flash at sunset than at sunrise simply because more people are up that time of day. I think that were I in the Gulf of Mexico waterfront bar business, I would declare a round of drinks on the house, were someone who was totally sober-and

employed by the bar as the official Green Flash judge — to see the Green Flash. It doesn’t happen very often. It happens rarely enough so that the economics of having a bunch of eager sunset watchers around all the rest of the time would well offset the economic impact of a free round of drinks. Or maybe two. What does it look like? How much green is there? In the three times I have seen it, the first and third were nearly identical. The effect lasted a second, I think. The green was intense both of those times, kind of like something with trace copper in it burning up in a campfire. The middle occurrence, the one that took place on May 1, was more subdued and lasted for less time. I’d say the green was about half as vivid as the first and third. But it was there. There are people who have been on the water most of their lives and have not seen the Green Flash. It exists, though. Look for it. It may take you a while, but the day you see it is a day to remember. Any comments or thoughts about this article or the subject matter, Southwinds would like to hear from you. E-mail letters to the editor at editor@southwindssailing.com www.southwindssailing.com