Southwindsdecember2008

SOUTHWINDS News & Views for Southern Sailors

15th Anniversary Issue Hunter Legend 37 Boat Review Stocking the Offshore Galley Wharram Catamaran

December 2008 For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS December 2008

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SOUTHWINDS NEWS & VIEWS 8

FOR

SOUTHERN SAILORS

Editorial: St. Pete Boat Show SOUTHWINDS —15-Years-Old

By Steve Morrell Letters Southern Regional Monthly Weather & Water Temperatures Bubba Gets Wired

By Morgan Stinemetz Short Tacks: Sailing News & Events Around the South St. Pete Boat Show and Strictly Sail, Dec. 4-7 Our Waterways: Sarasota Sailing Squadron Lease Increase, Misc. News From Around the South, Titusville Marina Gets Rebuilding Hunter Legend 37 Boat Review

By Del Weise Stocking the Offshore Galley

By Robbie Johnson Travels with Angel: Powell Cay, Bahamas

By Rebecca Burg Abaco: A Wharram Tiki 30 Built to Modern Yacht Standards

By Scott B. Williams The Global Ocean Observing System

By Ali Hudon and Chris Simoniello Carolina Sailing: Charleston Waterkeeper

By Dan Dickison Restored Cuban Refugee Boat Earns Honors

By Doug Calhoun Sailboat Sinks off Coast of Nicaragua

By Ina Moody Ladies Night at West Marine

By Marlene Sassaman and Rachel Lefebvre Southern Racing: News, Upcoming Races, Race Reports, Regional Race Calendars What a Sailor Really Needs For Christmas

By Rich Finzer

12 19 20 22 32 38

42 46 49 52

56 60 62 64 67 68 94

34-37 80 86 92 93

Marine Marketplace Boat Brokerage Section Classifieds Alphabetical Index of Advertisers Advertisers’ List by Category

Hunter Legend 37 boat review. Photo by Del Weise.

Page 42

Stocking the offshore galley. Photo by Robbie Johnson. Page 46.

COVER: Dick Chase, taking advantage of his 14-inch draft, sails his trimaran in the reef anchorage off Port Howe, one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas.

Mr. Chase named his vessel after his wife Lucile, and has sailed it since 2001.

Photo by Jim Austin.

Each issue of SOUTHWINDS (and back issues since 5/03) is available online at www.southwindsmagazine.com 6

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FROM THE HELM St. Pete Boat Show, Dec. 4-7 At long last, the new and improved St. Petersburg Boat Show will be in St. Pete on Dec. 4-7. After 17 years, sailboats and powerboats will once again be together at the show. It was back in November 1992 that the first Sail Expo St. Pete was held. Before that, the St. Petersburg Boat Show had both sail and powerboats—`till sailors went off on their own. This year, they are back together again at the Mahaffey Yacht Basin on the south side of downtown.

If anyone has been to the St. Pete Boat Show in these intervening years, they know that show producers Show Management puts on a great show—with lots of boats, exhibitors, on-site drinking and eating establishments, and other activities. They were only missing one thing in all those years: sailboats.

This year’s show should prove to be great as there will be a lot of in-the-water sailboats, both new and used. That’s right—used. Besides a wide selection of new sailboats—and this year you will see more than we’ve seen in St. Pete in many years—brokerage boats will be there, and I have word that there will an exciting number of them. Brokerage boats can be fun, since many are designs that are no longer in production, and some are custom boats that, unless you are looking for one of these, the average sailor doesn’t very often get a chance to see.

There will also be a complete selection of sailing and cruising seminars every day of the show, just like the seminars that were at the St. Pete Strictly Sail show—and the list is a great bunch of seminars from some great people. See

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STEVE MORRELL,

EDITOR

that list on page 33.

Another advantage is the air-conditioned tents at this show. Although rare, there are some hot days in December, and when it’s hot, the tents can be real hot. Not this time.

So, come to the show and check us all out. Costs only $10! Support your sailing businesses. SOUTHWINDS will be there sharing a double booth with the West Florida PHRF organization at booth number 174.

For more information on the show, with hours, entry fees, directions and more, go to page 32, or go to www.showmanagement.com.

SOUTHWINDS — 15-Years-Old It was one year after that first Sail Expo St. Pete that SOUTHWINDS was launched by Doran Cushing in November at the `93 show. That was the first issue. This year makes 15 years, although technically November is the 15th year, but I was thinking boat show issue and— being sometimes easily confused—I am off by one month since the boat show issue has always been in November.

The magazine is therefore in its teen years, explaining the confusion.

After 15 years, SOUTHWINDS is a healthy teenager.

Last season, the magazine experienced its strongest year ever, and this fall the magazine is doing as good as ever with this 96-page issue and many supporting advertisers.

Plus, last January, we went all pages color. It’s been a good year. We are looking forward to another great year.

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News & Views for Southern Sailors

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SOUTHWINDS

News & Views For Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175 (941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 866-7597 Fax www.southwindsmagazine.com e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com Volume 16 Number 12 December 2008 Copyright 2008, Southwinds Media, Inc. Founded in 1993

Doran Cushing, Publisher 11/1993-6/2002

Publisher/Editor 7/2002-Present editor@southwindsmagazine.com

Steve Morrell

(941) 795-8704

Assistant Editor Janet Verdeguer Advertising Janet@southwindsmagazine.com editor@southwindsmagazine.com

Janet Verdeguer Steve Morrell

(954) 732-1188 (941) 795-8704

Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com for information about the magazine, distribution and advertising rates.

Production Heather Nicoll

Proofreading Kathy Elliott

Artwork Rebecca Burg www.artoffshore.com

Printed by Sun Publications of Florida Robin Miller (863) 583-1202 ext 355 Contributing Writers Letters from our readers Doug Calhoun Dave Ellis Robbie Johnson Rachel Lefebvre Chris Simoniello Del Weise

Fred Anderson Julie B. Connerley Rich Finzer Kim Kaminski Ina Moody Marlene Sassaman Scott B. Williams

Rebecca Burg Dan Dickison Ali Hudon Roy Laughlin Hone Scunook Morgan Stinemetz

Contributing Photographers/Art Jim Austin Julie B. Connerley John Lynch Kim Kaminski Bert Rice

Boatsmith Dave Hoffman Ina Moody Roy Laughlin Chris Simoniello

Rebecca Burg (& Art) Dave Jefcoat Robbie Johnson Scunook Photography

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, the Bahamas or the Caribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some faroff and far-out place.

SOUTHWINDS welcomes contributions in writing and photography, stories about sailing, racing, cruising, maintenance and other technical articles and other sailing-related topics. Please submit all articles electronically by e-mail (mailed-in discs also accepted), and with photographs, if possible. We also accept photographs alone, for cover shots, racing, cruising and just funny entertaining shots. Please take them at a high resolution if digital, or scan at 300 dpi if photos, or mail them to us for scanning.

Contact the editor with questions.

Subscriptions to SOUTHWINDS are available at $24/year, and $30/year for first class. Checks and credit card numbers may be mailed with name and address to SOUTHWINDS Subscriptions, PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach FL, 34218-1175, or call (941) 795-8704. Subscriptions are also available with a credit card through a secure server on our Web site, www.southwindsmagazine.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed to over 500 locations throughout 8 Southern states. If you would like to distribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web site www.southwindsmagazine.com.

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SEE THE CATALINA DEALERS FOR BOAT SHOW SPECIALS AT THE ST PETE BOAT SHOW, DEC. 4-7

LETTERS “Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.”

H.L. Mencken In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.

E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com Is the Gulf of Mexico Florida’s Toilet?

Dude, Where’s My Feces?

Thanks for the article “Is the Gulf of Mexico Florida’s Toilet?” in the September issue. At the suggestion of the article, the report, “The Gulf of Mexico – Florida’s Toilet,” was located at www.cwn-se.org. The report’s author, Linda Young, put a lot of work into locating information that is all but concealed regarding sewage dumping, sewage seepage, and nutrient run-off.

The report was intended to bring awareness to what gets dumped into Florida’s Gulfside estuaries. However, as a recreational boater, my interest is how much is being dumped by recreational boaters versus everyone else.

Over the years, newspaper articles have reported, on a semi-regular basis, dumping in gargantuan amounts, oftentimes more than half-a-million gallons. The amount of nutrient run-off is a guess based on recurring, massive algal growth.

Let’s make a rough guess on a worst-case scenario of dumping by boaters on the Gulf side of Florida. On say “a nice weekend,” in round numbers, 1,000 boats go out on the water above Tampa Bay, 2,000 more around Tampa Bay, 500 around Sarasota-Bradenton, and 500 more from Charlotte Harbor to Marco Island—for a total of 4,000 boats. If during

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that weekend, the dumping from each boat was one bowel movement and four urinations, that might be the equivalent of around 2 gallons of untreated waste per boat, for a total of 8,000 gallons. Let’s say there are 40 of these types of weekends per year, which would make for a total dumping of 320,000 gallons.

It is likely that the numbers above are grossly exaggerated. But even if they weren’t, those numbers pale in contrast to what is being dumped by everyone else—including us—every time we flush our shoreside toilets, every time our yard guys fertilize our lawns and every time the rain washes our streets clean by depositing the toxic crud into the rivers.

Should recreational boaters dump untreated sewage?

Of course not. But that’s not the question, nor the reason for the response to this article. There is a hugely disproportionate amount of effort by enforcement on one level and regulators on another level regarding waste generated by boaters. There is pollution from boaters, but in the overall scheme of political neglect regarding dumping, I believe that, on a statistical basis, boaters contribute: ZERO. Political neglect seems to be the place to put blame.

See LETTERS continued on page 14

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Se eu sa tt he St .P et eB oa tS ho w,

De c.

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LETTERS Somewhere along the path between the U.S. Congress and the county—or municipal employee that actually opens and closes the valve—there is a breakdown. Here is a guess at how that plays-out: State and local politicians, during the budgeting process, decide to underfund waste and runoff treatment, including enforcement of their own standards, and state and federal laws. High standards? Yes!

Great laws? You bet! Vote for me!

Enforcement? Uh…wink, wink, nod, nod—It’s a shame. It’s a cryin’ shame.

They direct their public employee staff administrators to do the best they can.

If the objective is to do as little as possible until workable problems become insurmountable problems, their method is working famously.

It is well-known and well-documented that recreational boaters are

perpetually harassed by law enforcement on one level, and bureaucratic regulators on another level. The misplaced efforts of enforcers and regulators consumes resources without the slightest prospect for incremental improvement in the real problem, which is the dumping of sewage and nutrient run-off, as is documented so well in the report.

The reason for this letter is not to justify pollution by recreational boaters, but rather to thank the Clean Water Network for its work effort and its report. The report re-confirms my belief that while discharge is never a good thing, even if recreational boating ceased immediately, there would be almost no difference regarding the dumping of untreated sewage.

I would like to see the truth take the form of enforcers and regulators being re-aimed at the real problem. I hope that others do as well.

Jeff Butzer Fort Myers Beach, FL Jeff, You are absolutely correct, except it is even more extreme than you state, since most of the boats that are out on the water on those busy weekends are small powerboats that have no toilet, and if those people have to go, they jump in the water, whether it’s number one or number two. Then there are the millions of beach swimmers who do the same. But the real problem is this: If we add up the number of boats that house liveaboard boaters—who are put out there by the FWC, waterfront landowners and others as the big problem of human waste pollution in our waters—I would say these boats represent about .01 percent (a conservative estimate since it is estimated that on average, 170,000 gallons a day of sewage spills occur in Florida) of the untreated human waste that is put into our waters. Yet many waterfront landowners and the FWC go around touting these boats as the real problem. They don’t have a clue.

In the Florida Keys (and in all of Florida), beaches are closed from coliform bacteria (from human waste) NEVER because of boat waste but always from human waste on shore that seeps into the waters of the Keys through the soil and coral that make up the Keys geology. The Keys communities know this, and they have been trying to clean it up—and they are making great progress—but still the FWC and others target cruisers as the prob-

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lem. If their job is to stop human waste from being dumped in our waters, then they are using their resources poorly. This does not justify people dumping into waters from boats, but yes—let’s get some perspective.

For years, residents of Davis Island complained that the boaters who anchor in the Davis Island anchorage near Tampa, FL, were dumping untreated sewage in the basin and polluting it.

They forgot about the sewage pipe break—of several million gallons—in the Davis Island community, which left human turds on driveways and front lawns. Residents often complained that the anchorage was polluting the waters and you couldn’t swim there, even though the health department—which regularly tests waters for coliform bacteria—acknowledged that they have only closed beaches in the area because of land-based sewage leaks.

It’s all about where do we put our resources. Maybe these people who target boaters as the source of pollution do so because they don’t want to admit that it is the land-based people who cause it, and it would cost too much money to clean that up. So boaters become the scapegoats.

Editor LIGHTNING STRIKES I really enjoy your magazine. It is the only down-to-earth magazine that addresses the issues of sailing in Florida. It also happens to be very entertaining as well! Kudos.

I am writing in reference to the article in September’s issue “Lightning strikes Silver Crow on Sea Base Scout Trip.” I enjoyed the article, but I take exception to the final paragraph about whether or not to ground your boat for lightning. In the 1980s, I was researching this issue for myself and was able to come up with some answers indirectly. At the time, I had access to a U.S. Navy library and found a book that had a lot of statistics about the Navy. In this book was the following statistic about lightning deaths in the Navy. When the Navy had wooden ships, there were approximately 300 deaths from lightning per year. When they started grounding the masts of the wooden ships, the number of deaths from lightning dropped to three per year.

When they went to all steel ships, the number of deaths from lightning dropped to zero.

It has been a long time since I read that book and my numbers may be off, but the order of magnitude of the numbers stuck with me because I believe that this really ends the controversy about lightning grounding. For any captain, the safety of passengers, crew and vessel is paramount. Equipment can be replaced. The Navy statistics argue GROUND! Note that I found nothing about the difference between the frequency of strikes based on grounded or ungrounded vessels, but that becomes moot based on the dramatic decrease in deaths due to lightning that occurred when the ships were grounded.

Of course, the steel boats now in the Navy are one huge ground and don’t need grounding. If a wooden mast was struck by lightning, it would probably blow apart. It is possible that a number of deaths could have occurred due to masts exploding; however, what struck me was the huge reduction in deaths. If the difference had been less than it was, I would be willing to say that the question was still open to opinion. There is still a lot to learn about modern See LETTERS continued on page 16 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS boats and their response to lightning; however, lacking such data, the Navy statistics certainly convinced me that grounding was the way to go. On my boat, (fiberglass hull with aluminum mast) I had no convenient grounding surface, so I added a 10-foot long copper flat stock, 1/8 by 2 inches, one on each side of the keel, and grounded the shrouds and the mast to the strips using double ought copper wire. I will let you know the result if I ever get hit by lightning.

Ethan A. Romans Dunedin Fla. LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN The “Silver Crow” lightning strike article in your September 2008 issue of Southwinds brought back a stream of memories for me. During the early ’90s, I spent a season or two at Sea Base in the Coral Reef program with a then 10-year-old Gulfstar 47 Sailmaster, Southern Comfort.

Southern Comfort also suffered the misfortune of a lightning hit early one morning while anchored in New Found Harbor. On this trip, my friend and relief skipper, Capt.

Pete, was in command. I was taking a week off, and so the story I relate here is my recollection of how he described what occurred, combined with my own after-the-fact inspections of the boat. It was about 3:00 a.m., and except for the usual anchor watch detail, everyone was sacked out when a strong squall swept through the anchorage with heavy, gusty winds, pelting rain and, of course, copious lightning bolts.

The usual drill when one of these nightly showers pops up is a mad scramble for cover by the scouts, most of whom usually sleep in the open, on deck. During this melee, a literal fireball seemed to crash into the water next to the boat with an accompanying blast that stunned everyone on board. Once it was clear that everyone was safe and the boat still intact, an assessment of the damage revealed the VHF, Loran set, depth finder, and sailing instruments were all inoperable. An inspection of the bilges revealed no apparent damage to through hulls or the bonding system.

The 12V compressor on the dual voltage Norcold refrigerator was fried as well as one of the battery chargers. When the sun finally appeared, a further inspection of the deck and rigging showed that the bow light assembly, which had been mounted on the stainless steel anchor pulpit had apparently been blasted off the boat; a discolored mounting plate and wire ends were all that was left. The insurance adjuster later disputed that this was lightning damage in spite of written statements by the crew to the contrary. The rigging and spars all seemed undamaged, and there was no evidence of a direct strike on the masthead, other than a missing Windex vane, which could have been carried away by the gusty gale-force winds.

The total bill for this event was slightly more than $4,500. Since I had a two percent deductible on the hull at that time, I wound up writing a bigger check than the insurance company. Over the years, I’ve been involved with several sailing vessels that have suffered lightning strikes, and I can’t see any common elements other than that they all occurred in South Florida and the Keys. Some were at anchor, while others were tucked in a slip in a crowded marina. They seemed to be totally random events that gave no heed to preventive measures of any type. Damages 16

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caused by these strikes ranged from less than $1,000 to more than $30,000. By the way, Capt. Pete later told me that this was the second time he had been hit by lightning while on board a sailboat.

I guess a word about myself wouldn’t be out of order; I hold a USCG Master’s license 1600 tons, Oceans with Auxiliary Sail endorsement. Over the past 30 or so years, I’ve cruised my boat, done extensive charter work in addition to the Scout programs, some deliveries, skippered a few private yachts, worked tugs in Jacksonville, Port Everglades and the Bahamas, offshore supply vessels in the Gulf and gambling ships on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. I also publish a tourist information guide to the Space Coast area.

I enjoy your publication. Keep up the good work.

Richard Moore, Merritt Island, FL Richard and Ethan, Thanks for your information on lightning strikes as it is obvious that there is much to learn. In my former life as a custom homebuilder, I built several homes with lightning protection, but I believe statistics don’t show homes with or without protection get struck more, although Ben Franklin would disagree with me.

Boats are another matter, and I think a disproportionate number get struck compared to homes, as they are definitely a tall conducting object on a flat “landscape.” This is more true than ever with metal masts, and grounding does make more sense.

I am surprised that the insurance adjuster did not acknowledge the damage of the bow light was a lightning strike. He must not have had much experience with lightning, perhaps not knowing how specific strikes can be. I had a friend whose house was struck by lightning, and it was struck on the outside wall opposite an interior outlet. It blew the plastic cover off the outlet, which flew 30 feet down a hallway. That and a very small hole outside were the only physical damage to the house, although all the electronics in the house were lost—stereos, TV, computers, etc. The house was on a cul-de-sac, and all the nearby houses also lost their computers —just by being nearby from the electricity in the atmosphere. Makes you want to back up your data.

Editor REGISTRATION RENEWAL PROBLEM IN FLORIDA FINALLY RESOLVED In late June, I went to renew the registration on various vehicles and my sailboat. I was eager to get it completed before July 1 as the fees went up on that day. At the tax collector’s office, I was told they could not renew the registration on my boat. I asked why. The clerk left and returned a couple minutes later and said the boat was registered with another person (my son) whose driver’s license was suspended, and they could not renew the registration. I challenged this and was told to call the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles in Tampa. The man I talked to said basically the same thing and gave me a lot of additional information most of which was incorrect. I was challenging what a driver’s license has to do with a boat registration, as no license is required to operate a boat.

This set off a three-month quest with over two dozen phone calls to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee. I was told by one woman there that she would See LETTERS continued on page 18 News & Views for Southern Sailors

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LETTERS mail me a copy of the statute, which I did not receive, and after waiting a month, I contacted my state representative’s office. Even they had a problem getting the information from the Department of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee.

Finally, I was given the phone number of the supervisor and after explaining the problem, he acknowledged that I was given the wrong information by all of the people I talked to, and there is no connection between vehicle and boat registrations.

I am enclosing a copy of Florida state code 320.02, which covers the subject of withholding registrations on motor vehicles with no reference to vessels. This is being passed to you in the event any of your readers have a similar problem. It is amazing that so many people could have wrong information—and even when you challenge them and ask for a copy of the statute, no one knows what the law is or how to interpret it. Lastly, I did receive a refund from the Department of Motor Vehicles for the overcharge as a result of my paying the higher rate after July 1.

The only person who seems to know anything is the supervisor in Tallahassee in the Department of Motor Vehicles, Stephen Fielder at (850) 617-3195.

Also enclosed is a document showing that the law does not apply to mobile homes parking permits or vessels.

Paul Atkinson Plant City, FL Paul, This is valuable information, and if any reader needs a copy of this law, I will gladly supply it to them. I did a serious search to find the law online and this is about impossible—and I am pretty good at this, but I could not find it. It is the part that specifically says “This law does not apply to mobile homes, parking permits or vessels” that I found impossible to find, but the paper you sent is obviously an official document.

I think it is important that we frequently ask those in law enforcement and government to show us the law that they often say is the applicable one when we question it. We have several levels of laws and rules, one being statutes that are signed into law.

At a lower level, we have specific orders being made by people in administrative positions who must execute the law and therefore interpret it, as all are open to interpretation. But it must all be in writing, and if a police officer or bureaucrat cannot cite the specific law or order, then it is up to us to question it. If they can’t cite the law, then they are doing one of several things: They are either taking the law into their own hands, stating what they believe the law is (although they have no direct knowledge), guessing, lying, taking drugs, drinking—or they are just plain crazy.

Since they have most of us intimidated (a police officer has the gun and the bureaucrat has the power to levy a fine), we tend to believe them. I say be careful and question them if they cannot cite the specific law. With the Internet today, we can all verify these laws are actually the laws—and not just bullshit handed down by the bureaucrat or police officer.

Plus—we must remember: Power corrupts. It goes with the territory.

Editor

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Southeastern U.S. Air & Water Temperatures and Gulf Stream Currents – December

WIND ROSES: Each wind rose shows the strength and direction of the prevailing winds in the area and month. These have been recorded over a long period of time. In general, the lengths of the arrows indicate how often the winds came from that direction. The longer the arrow, the more often the winds came from that direction. When the arrow is too long to be printed in a practical manner, a number is indicated.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

The number in the center of the circle shows the percentage of the time that the winds were calm. The lengths of the arrows plus the calms number in the center add up to 100 percent. The number of feathers on the arrow indicates the strength of the wind on the Beaufort scale (one feather is Force 1, etc.). Wind Roses are taken from Pilot Charts.

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See BUBBA continued on page 92

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EVENTS & NEWS

OF INTEREST TO

SOUTHERN SAILORS

To have your news or event in this section, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Send us information by the 5th of the month preceding publication. Contact us if later.

Changes in Events Listed on SOUTHWINDS Web site Go to www.southwindsmagazine.com for changes and notices on upcoming events. Contact us to post event changes.

RACING EVENTS For racing schedules, news and events see the racing section.

UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS Go to the SOUTHWINDS Web site for our list of youth sailing programs in the southern coastal states, www.southwindsmagazine.com. The list was printed in the April 2006 issue.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING Monthly Boating Safety Courses 2008 Schedule in Fort Pierce, FL Boating Safety Course designed for the recreational boater, to encourage safety on the water. This one-day boating course emphasizes safety on the water to enhance the boating experience and to increase confidence on the water. The course is State of Florida approved for those 21 and under to obtain their Florida state boaters license. Dates in 2008 are Oct. 18, Nov. 15. Classes are usually very full, call and reserve space on the preferred program date. $36 (+ $10 for each additional family member).

Courses are held from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the

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Flotilla 58 Coast Guard Auxiliary building 1400 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce FL. (772) 579-3395 Stephanie, or (772) 321-3041 Gary, or e-mail stephcgaux@hotmail.com.

Coast Guard Auxilliary Boating Courses, Jacksonville, FL Safe Boating Saturdays. Captains Club, 13363 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. Nov. 15. Meets Florida legal requirements for boater education. Most insurance companies offer discounts to program graduates. Mike Christnacht. (904) 5029154. www.uscgajaxbeach.com/boatsafety.html.

Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs.

St. Petersburg, FL Tuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies the Florida boater safety education requirements. Eleven lessons, every Tuesday. Boating skills and seamanship programs, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg.

Lessons include: which boat for you, equipment, trailering, lines and knots, boat handling, signs, weather, rules, introduction to navigation, inland boating and radio. (727) 8233753. Don’t wait until next summer to have your children qualify for a State of Florida boater safety ID, possibly lower your boaters insurance premium or just hone your safe boating skills.

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FL St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Six-week Public Boating Course begins every Monday. Includes safety infor-

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mation plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, latitude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 867-3088. Other courses continuously offered. (727) 565-4453. www.boatingstpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs About Boating Safely. Two lessons.

Jan. 3-4. Another three-lesson course Jan. 19,20,22. No Skipper — Now What!! Jan 17.

For more information on upcoming education programs or to request a free vessel safety check call (727) 4698895 or visit www.a0701101.uscgaux.info. Click on Public Education Programs. America’s Boating Course and other courses regularly posted on the Web site.

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC Ongoing adults sailing programs. Family Sailing. 2-6 people; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30’ keelboat. $50-$240. www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 7287317. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office (252) 728-1638

See the Catalina Dealers for BOAT SHOW SPECIALS at the St Pete Boat Show, Dec. 4-7

Ruskin, FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating Course The Ruskin flotilla each month offers a boating safety course in Ruskin, but has found that many boaters do not have the time to attend the courses, so they are now also offering a home study course at $30. Additional family members will be charged $10 each for testing and certificates. Tests will be held bi-monthly. Entry into the course will also allow participants to attend the classes. To apply, call (813) 677-2354.

Advanced Marina Management Course West Palm Beach, Dec. 8-13 Seminars and training for marina staff. Association of Marina Industries/International Marina Institute. (401) 2470314. www.marinassociation.org.

US SAILING Small Boat Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course, Orange Park, FL, Dec. 27-30 The US SAILING Small Boat Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, is designed to teach sailing instructors on-the-water group management and instruction techniques for dinghies, multihull and small daysailing keelboats. It is a 40-hour course conducted in

four days.

For more information go to the US SAILING Web site at www.ussailing.org, then go to “Education” and then “Instructor Training.”

The course will be held at The Rudder Club of Jacksonville, Orange Park, FL. Contact Dick Allsopp at dallsopp@ussailing.net, or call (904) 278-0329.

Marine Systems Certification, Orlando, FL, Jan. 27-30.

American Boat and Yacht Council. www.abycinc.org. (410) 990-4460.

Stuart Boat Show. Jan 9-11. Waterway Marina, the Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group Marina. Stuart harbor. Stuart, FL. AllSports Productions. www.allsportsproductions.net/ boat_shows.html. (305) 868-9224.

Atlanta Boat Show. Jan 14-18. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. NMMA. www.atlantaboatshow.com.

BOAT SHOWS

Austin Boat Show. Jan. 15-18. Austin Convention Center.

Bring the whole family to the largest boating event of the year featuring over 200 vendors and boat dealers. Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 am-9 pm. Sunday, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Visit www.austinboatshow.com for more information.

St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail, Dec. 4-7 For show information and seminar schedule, see pages 32-33.

Charleston Boat Show. Jan. 23-25. Charleston Convention Center, Charleston, SC. (843) 364-8491. www.marinesource. com/Boat_Shows/charleston_boat_show.cfm.

Houston International Boat Show. Jan. 2-11. Reliant Center, Houston. www.houstonboatshows.com. (713) 526-6361

San Antonio Boat Show. Jan. 29- Feb. 1 at the Alamodome.

Bring the whole family to the largest boating event of the year featuring over 150 vendors and boat dealers. Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m.-9p.m. Friday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 am-9 pm. Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. Visit www.sanantonioboatshow.com for more information.

New Orleans Boat Show. Jan 7-11. Ernest Morial Convention Center. New Orleans. NMMA. (504) 780-1818. www.nmma.org.

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I OTHER EVENTS

Reef Relief Holiday Online Auction Nov 1–Dec. 15: Benefit to Coral Reefs Reef Relief, the nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to protecting coral reefs, is holding its second annual Reef Relief Holiday Online Auction from Nov.1 through Dec. 15, at www.reefrelief.org.

Seven Seas Cruising Association 33rd Annual Meeting in Melbourne, FL Dec. 5-7 The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) will again host its annual convention and general meeting (formerly called a “gam”) at the Eau Gallie Civic Center, 1551 Highland Ave, Melbourne, FL, Dec. 5-7. All SSCA events are open to both members and non-members alike.

Admission is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

This year, the schedule will be very different from pre-

News & Views for Southern Sailors

vious years due to member feedback.

There will be seminars starting on Friday starting at 9 a.m. and running all day Friday and Saturday. The full list of seminars is available at on the SSCA Web site. The vendors’ show and sale where businesses are offering their products and services will be on Friday and Saturday in the gymnasium.

There will be a Friday night cocktail party.

On Saturday evening, there will be the Island Buffet party with a steel band. The annual awards presentation will also be held Saturday evening.

The nautical flea market will be held on Sunday morning in the gymnasium.

Roundtables on cruising destinations and other topics will also be held on Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon, there will be the annual meeting and awards ceremony.

Cruisers who come by boat generally anchor off the Pineapple Pier near the event site. The Web site has more information including special hotel rates for SSCA members and a map of the area, including hotels, anchorages, restaurants and more.

For more information and for registration, go to the SSCA Web site, www.SSCA.org.

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2008 Wharram Catamaran Rendezvous, Dec. 5-7, Hobe Sound, FL The 2007 Florida Wharram Catamaran Rendezvous is scheduled for Dec. 5-7 on Peck Lake in Hobe Sound, FL. Hobe Sound is near Stuart on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Peck Lake is directly on the ICW and is easy to get to. Those coming by boat from the north are advised to be sure to leave #19 to port to avoid very shallow water. It has good holding and is a well-protected anchorage. A local park provides free and safe overnight parking. A dinghy service from the park to the boats will be provided. There is room to assemble and put in Wharrams at the local park ramp. Free overnight parking of cars and trailers is also available.

All Wharram catamaran owners are welcome as well as lovers of Wharram catamarans and others who would just like to show up and see them and talk about them. Bring your pictures if you can’t bring your boat. If you can’t bring a boat or pictures, then just bring yourself! We have even been known to welcome “half boats” (monohulls).

The Polynesian Catamaran Association (PCASeaPeople) is the event sponsor.

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For more information, call Gene Perry (Tiki 26) at home at (772) 545-9312 or on his cell at (561-427-8323, Dan Kunz (Tangaroa 36) at home at (305) 664-0190, or Ann and Neville Clements’ (Tiki 46) on their cell at (401) 261-7816. You can also send a note to this e-mail: floridawharramrendezvous@hotmail.com. E-mails will be monitored up to about Nov. 21. After that, use the phones.

I NEWS

Jewfish Creek Bridge in Florida Keys Now Permanently Up After decades of planning and discussion, the high bridge over Jewfish Creek has now replaced the opening bridge.

The new tall bridge was completed in May, but not then opened for traffic as construction continued. The drawbridge remained the vehicle traffic bridge until the higher span opened in October. Boaters will no longer have to wait for the bridge to open, and vehicles will no longer have to wait for the bridge to close.

The bridge was originally built during World War II to allow the military access to the Key West Naval Base. The

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construction of a new bridge and expansion of the road out of the Keys north to Florida City have been in discussion for many years. The goal was to make the “stretch” from Florida City to Key Largo safer and to create a better exit from the Keys during a threatening hurricane—when tens of thousands would drive north on the road out. The new high span will allow boats to pass through, where previously they had to wait or the bridge was permanently closed giving vehicular traffic higher priority. The bridge was kept open for boat traffic until the last possible time when vehicular traffic was allowed to pass through without waiting for the span to open. The new situation will be better, faster and safer for both vehicle and boat traffic.

Work on bridge demolition will take place in the coming months. It is not expected to interfere with boat traffic, but a Notice to Mariners will be sent out by U.S. Coast Guard if that becomes the case.

Anna Maria Island ICW Bridge Opens Early to Boating and Vehicle Traffic The Anna Maria Island Bridge on the ICW at MM 89 on the south side of Tampa Bay has been closed for repairs since

Sept. 29. The bridge was scheduled to be closed to vehicular traffic from Sept. 29 through Nov. 13—and opened for boats on a restricted schedule—but work was completed early and the bridge was opened on Nov. 8. The drawbridge has been under construction for upgrading since last spring. Boats can now pass through the bridge at the previous regularly scheduled times. From Jan. 15 to May 15, the bridge opens on the hour and halfhour, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. From May 16 to January 14, the bridge opens on the hour and every 20 minutes thereafter from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. At all other times, the bridge opens on demand.

Sailing Florida Charters of St. Petersburg Relocates to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club Sailing Florida Charters and Sailing School, Inc., a full service power and sailing yacht charter company and ASA-certified sailing school, has recently moved its fleet of 15 yachts back to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club.

Articles Wanted About Southern Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations and Youth Sailing Groups SOUTHWINDS magazine is looking for articles on individual yacht clubs, sailing associations and youth sailing groups throughout the Southern states (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX (east Texas).

Articles wanted are about a club’s history, facilities, major events and general information about the club. The clubs and associations must be well established and have been around for at least five years.

Contact editor@Southwindsmagazine.com for information about article length, photo requirements and other questions.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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Prior to Hurricane Dennis in 2005, Sailing Florida Charters operated at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina. The Vinoy marina was completely destroyed during the hurricane, and all the yachts had to be relocated. The marina has been totally rebuilt and offers upscale amenities and privileges to its guests. The amenities include all resort privileges to the legendary Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club and room service delivered directly to your yacht.

Based on Sailing Florida Charter’s 10 years of experience in providing superior yachting vacations, the move back to the Vinoy Marina provides the guests a perfect blend of yachting and luxury accommodations in the beautiful downtown St. Petersburg location.

Sailing Florida Charters has a fleet of both sail and powerboats. Its sailboats range in length from 29 feet to 46 feet. All are monohulls, except one 37-foot catamaran. It also has a Deerfoot 74 available for captained charters. The company also has a base at the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg.

The charter company will be offering special accommodations and rates for the Super Bowl, which is on Feb. 9. The company will also be renting boats out for the night at the marina for those who would prefer sleeping on a boat instead of in a hotel room.

For more information, go to www.sailingflorida.com.

Northern Gulf Coast Hurricane Update 2008

By Kim Kaminski This year’s hurricane season is over, and the northern Gulf Coast yacht clubs felt the effects from storms such as Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. After Hurricane Katrina three years ago, many of these coastal communities were beginning to get back to normal, but this season has changed all that.

This year will be remembered as the year of Ike. This category 2 storm struck the Texas coast heading right up Galveston Bay and delivered a wallop to all of those in its path. High storm surge arrived just at the time of coastal high tide, and the 100-mile an hour plus winds were fero-

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ciously battering the coast as far away from the storm’s eye wall as Pensacola, FL, almost 280 miles away. Even at the time of landfall, the storm hit with such intensity, it developed a second eye wall that smashed into the east side of the Houston area.

One of the most significant impacts was the rescheduling of the 2009 US Sailing Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship, which was to be held at the Houston Yacht Club. The event has now been moved to the Rochester Yacht Club in New York on Oct. 7-10, 2009.

The Houston Yacht Club, along with several other yacht clubs in the area, will rebuild, and one of its first efforts will be demolishing damaged piers and docks as the first step in building new docks.

WindPath Fractional Sailing Opens New Base in St. Petersburg, Open House, Dec. 13 WindPath Fractional Sailing, (www.windpath.com) announced a new operations base at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort-Marina Cove, 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane, St. Petersburg.

There will be an open house on Saturday, Dec 13, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy light refreshments and get a personal tour of its new Catalina 309. Visitors can enter to win a free half-day sailing charter. The event is co-sponsored by Review Your Boat SOUTHWINDS is looking for boaters to review their own boat. We found readers like to read reviews by boat owners. If you like to write, we want your review. It can be long or short (the boat, that is), a racer, a cruiser, new or old, on a trailer or in the water. Photos essential. If it’s a liveaboard, tell us how that works out. Or—is it fast? Have you made changes? What changes would you like? Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com for more specifics and specifications on photos needed.

Articles must be sent by e-mail or on disc. We pay for the reviews, too.

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the International Sailing School (www.intlsailsch.com).

Directions: Take I-275 to exit 16. The Holiday Inn is on Sunshine Skyway Lane on the east side of I-275.

The marina is around back. For more information, call Stew at (727) 415-0350.

BoatUS Captures Hurricane Ike Damage on Videotape— 15,000 Recreational Boats Damaged From BoatUS When Hurricane Ike roared ashore at Galveston, TX, in the early morning hours on Sept 13, thousands of recreational boats stood in harm’s way. Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) has captured the storm’s devastating impact on the recreational boating community with exclusive video shot at local marinas and boat clubs. This footage, captured with the assistance of the BoatUS Marine Insurance Catastrophe Team as it recovered boats and processed claims, is available for sharing and downloading at http://www.BoatUS.com/podcasts.

BoatUS estimates that nearly 15,000 boats in Texas were affected by the storm, totaling approximately $175-million in damage. Another $25-million in damage to recreational

News & Views for Southern Sailors

boats occurred in other states along the storm’s path.

“We hope that every boater and marine professional in the hurricane belt will view this footage so we can learn from Ike and always try to improve our hurricane plans,” said BoatUS Director of Public Affairs Scott Croft.

In addition, a collection of over 1000 poststorm photos and the catastrophe team blog is available online at the BoatUS. Hurricane Resource Center at http://www.BoatUS. com/hurricanes, which offers free planning materials including a hurricane preparation worksheet, an in-depth “Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes,” and checklists for what to do before and after a hurricane strikes. Sample hurricane plans for boat and yacht clubs as well as up-to-the-minute storm tracking tools with live satellite images are also offered.

Flagship Sailing and Cruising Club Opens St. Petersburg Base Flagship Sailing and Cruising Club, whose home base is in Clearwater Beach, recently opened another base at the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. Flagship sailing offers unlimited sailing on its boats, starting at $195 a month. It currently has a Bayfield 25, Catalina 27s and a Catalina 30 (available for captained charter), but are adding more boats

SOUTHWINDS

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29

to its fleet. It is also an ASA-certified sailing school and offers instruction/ASA certification in basic keelboat sailing, basic coastal cruising, coastal navigation, bareboat chartering and advanced coastal cruising.

For more information, call (727) 942-8958, e-mail to info@flagshipsailing.com or go to the Web site at www.flagshipsailing.com.

Moving is scheduled to begin during the second week of December. To expedite the move, the company is currently liquidating current stock at wholesale pricing.

Doyle Ploch Sails will also be moving to the new location to better serve its customers. The new address is 2233 3rd Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL. The phone number will remain the same, (727) 577-3220 and (800) 652-4914. The JSI Web site is www.newjsi.com.

JSI Moves to New Location Near Downtown St. Petersburg

Bruce Bingham joins JSI

JSI has been operating at the same location on Gandy Blvd. in St. Petersburg since 1982. The company’s beginnings reach back to its founder, Clint Johnson, an extraordinary sailmaker, racer/cruiser and waterfront icon who established his first sail loft in the early ’50s. By the ’70s, JSI had become the largest OEM producer of sails in the country, turning out product for such well-known boat manufacturers as Irwin, Hunter, Watkins, Sovereign, Endeavor, and others.

Over the years, JSI has expanded into other sailboat-oriented fields, such as rigging, boat hardware, canvas, yacht interiors, upholstery and Spars.

The company purchased a more modern facility in the 2300 block of Third Avenue South in St. Petersburg closer to downtown. The new facility will be more efficient for the manufacturing divisions and will allow the company to expand its showroom to better display its products.

Bruce Bingham, noted yacht designer, boating author, illustrator (the one that hides cats and mice in his sketches) and marine photographer has joined JSI (Johnson Sails, Inc.) in St. Petersburg, FL. His breadth of knowledge and experience in onshore and offshore cruising, racing, rigging systems and sailboat hardware will serve JSI’s customers well.

Bingham is known for creating detailed perspective drawings as a way of helping sailors solve their various problems and making sound choices. He will be at home in JSI’s mostly sailing-oriented environment.

Bingham brings the experience of hundreds of thousands of offshore sailing miles, ocean and round-the-marks racing, coastal cruising and boatbuilding to JSI. “I love working one-on-one with boating people,” says Bruce. “I’m really in my element around this place, and plan on staying around a while. I’m having too much fun to retire!”

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St. Petersburg Boat Show & Strictly Sail Dec. 4-7 Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin & Albert Whitted Park 400 First St. South, St. Petersburg A few blocks south of downtown St. Petersburg (Mahaffey Theater is located at what is formerly known as the Bayfront Center complex) DIRECTIONS

GENERAL SHOW INFORMATION

Take Interstate 275 into St. Petersburg. Exit on Interstate 175Exit 22 and continue to its end at the traffic light. Proceed forward four traffic lights. The fourth light is First Street. Turn left on First Street. The Mahaffey Theater and the show grounds will be on your right-hand side. Plenty of on-site parking is available at the municipal parking garages and airport surrounding show grounds. The parking fee is $5.

This year, the St. Petersburg Boat show and Strictly Sail merged to create one large show for all power and sailboats in downtown St. Petersburg. Show Management puts on this show and has been doing so for many years—along with many other boat shows throughout the South. There will be docks dedicated to sailboats only, and Latitudes and Attitudes magazine will be putting on their traditional Cruisers Bash on Saturday evening after the show at 7 p.m.

In-the-water sailboat displays will have dockage for 50plus boats. Brokerage sailboats will also be on display. This is besides the many on-land sailboat displays. Along with these boats will be over 200 in-water powerboats and more on land.

Over 200 exhibitors will be in the main tent, and one section will be devoted to sailing exhibitors, although many exhibitors have both sail and powerboaters as customers.

There will be a large section for outside exhibitors showing both sailing products and services and trailered boats. This is besides the dozens of trailered powerboats that will also be on display outside in the powerboat area.

Sailing seminars, run by Sail America, in the same format as the ones at the previous Strictly Boat shows, will be held in air-conditioned seminar tents. A seminar schedule (not available at SOUTHWINDS press time, but it will be in the December issue) will be available at www.strictlysail. com at the St. Pete Web page and through Show Management Web site, www.showmanagement.com. There will also be an authors tent area outside.

For kids, there will be free fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday with free fishing gear to be given away as long as supplies last.

Discover Sailing will also be offering free sailboat rides on a variety of boats in Tampa Bay.

Visitors can also ride the Downtown Looper Trolley with convenient stops on First Street alongside the Mahaffey Theater. Visit www.loopertrolley.com for schedules.

Visitors can also come by boat and dock for free at the show’s “Come by Boat Dock” Event Web site: www.showmanagement.com Thurs. Dec 4 — 12 noon-6 p.m.

Fri. Dec 5 — 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sat. Dec 6 — 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sun. Dec 7 — 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Adults $10 Children (6-15) $5 Under 6 FREE $2 off each ticket purchased online

SOUTHWINDS will be at the boat show and sharing a double booth with West Florida PHRF at booth #174-175 in the main tent.

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SEMINAR SCHEDULE (also available online at www.showmanagement.com - St. Pete Boat Show special events page) THURSDAY (A, B or C is seminar tent number) 1:00 A Galley Secrets A-Z, Corinne Kanter 1:00 B Two on a Boat - How to keep it Afloat, Capt. Josie Longo 1:00 C Safety at Sea with the Marine SSB -The Basics, Capt. Marti Brown 2:15 A Cruising Paradise Found, ICW (Entry Level), Charles Kanter 2:15 B Basic diesel engine maintenance and operation, Joe Joyce 2:15 C “Sea Realism” Author of Sailing Grace, lessons learned, John Otterbacher 3:30 A Collision Avoidance - Sound & Light Signals, David Horst 3:30 B How to: for Couples, for Cruising OffShore and More!, Liza Copeland 3:30 C Hurricane preparation while cruising, Pam Wall 4:45 A Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Coast, Capt. Rick Rhodes 4:45 B Reefs & Wrecks of Tampa Bay, Sergio Atanes 4:45 C The Cruising Computer, Mark & Diana Doyle 6:00 A Live Healthy - Cruise Longer, Kim Hess 6:00 B Power/GPS Navigation, Zach Conover 6:00 C Basic Celestial Navigation, Ken Gebhart FRIDAY 10:30 A 10:30 B 10:30 C 11:45 A 11:45 B 11:45 1:00 1:00 1:00 2:15

C A B C A

2:15 2:15 3:30 3:30

B C A B

3:30

C

4:45 4:45 4:45 6:00 6:00

A B C A B

6:00

C

Surveying Modern Sailboats, Charles Kanter (TBA) Basic diesel engine maintenance and operation, Joe Joyce Galley Secrets A-Z, Corinne Kanter Marine SSB Radio - The Cruisers Multitool, Capt. Marti Brown A Family Sails Around the World, Pam Wall Reefs & Wrecks of Tampa Bay, Sergio Atanes What’s in your toolbox?, Scott Sky Smith Power/GPS Navigation, Zach Conover Two on a Boat - How to keep it Afloat, Capt. Josie Longo Mediterranean Magic, Liza Copeland Offshore Galley Strategies, Robbie Johnson A sailor looks at Leadership, Randy Deering Sunk and Stranded: How Two Women Saved their Boat on a Remote Atoll, Leslie Brown Collision Avoidance - Sound & Light Signals, David Horst Live Healthy - Cruise Longer, Kim Hess Practical Celestial Navigation, Ken Gebhart (TBA) When, what and Why to do a survey, Scott Sky Smith “Sea Realism” Author of Sailing Grace shares 7 years of lessons learned, John Otterbacher Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Coast, Capt. Rick Rhodes

1:00 1:00

B C

2:15

A

2:15

B

2:15 3:30

C A

3:30 3:30 4:45

B C A

4:45 4:45 6:00

B C A

6:00 6:00

B C

SUNDAY 10:30 A 10:30 B 10:30 C 11:45 A 11:45 B 11:45 C 1:00

A

1:00 1:00 2:15

B C A

2:15

B

2:15

C

3:30 3:30 3:30

A B C

Offshore Galley Strategies, Robbie Johnson Good Ideas for Offshore Cruising Equipment, Pam Wall How to select the best boat for you, Scott Sky Smith Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Coast, Capt. Rick Rhodes Power/GPS Navigation, Zach Conover Two on a Boat - How to keep it Afloat, Capt. Josie Longo A sailor looks at LeadershipRandy Deering Cruising the Bahamas, Pam Wall “Sea Realism” Author of Sailing Grace shares 7 years of lessons learned, John Otterbacher (TBA) Basic Celestial Navigation, Ken Gebhart Sunk and Stranded: How Two Women Saved their Boat on a Remote Atoll, Leslie Brown Should you BUY or CHARTER?, Scott Sky Smith Collision Avoidance - Sound & Light Signals, David Horst Marine Weather Interpretation Skills, Lee Chesneau Galley Secrets A-Z, Corinne Kanter Basic diesel engine maintenance and operation, Joe Joyce Basic Boat Maintenance Projects, Scott Sky Smith Anchoring Techniques & Hurricane Moorings, Charles Kanter “Sea Realism” Author of Sailing Grace shares 7 years of lessons learned, John Otterbacher Two on a Boat - How to keep it Afloat, Capt. Josie Longo A sailor looks at Leadership, Randy Deering Live Healthy - Cruise Longer, Kim Hess Electrical Troubleshooting & Juggling, John Gambill Marine Weather Interpretation Skills, Lee Chesneau Sunk and Stranded: How Two Women Saved their Boat on a Remote Atoll, Leslie Brown Practical Celestial Navigation, Ken Gebhart Offshore Galley Strategies, Robbie Johnson The Cruising Computer, Mark & Diana Doyle

SATURDAY 10:30 A Choosing a Cruising Catamaran, Charles Kanter 10:30 B Basic diesel engine maintenance and operation, Joe Joyce 10:30 C Safety at Sea with the Marine SSB -The Basics, Capt. Marti Brown 11:45 A Galley Secrets A-Z, Corinne Kanter 11:45 B Cruising the Eastern Caribbean, Liza Copeland 11:45 C Live Healthy - Cruise Longer, Kim Hess 1:00 A Reefs & Wrecks of Tampa Bay, Sergio Atanes News & Views for Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS

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33

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37

OUR WATERWAYS Sarasota Sailing Squadron Survives Potential Property Lease Increase

By Steve Morrell The Sarasota Sailing Squadron, a bit of `Ol Florida. Photo by John Perkins.

T

he Sarasota Sailing Squadron, a not-for-profit 70-year-old organization, sits on the waterfront on Lido Key, across Sarasota Bay from downtown Sarasota. It is certain that the spot would be ideal for many condominium developers. Taxes from a condominium development would be substantial, considering that the location is one of the best in the area—on a point that has the Bay and the ICW on one side and the channel to New Pass on the other.

On land, it is next to Ken Thompson Park, a public waterfront park, where windsurfers come to sail when the wind is right and a boat show is held each year—besides the thousands who just come to visit each year. Next to the park sits Mote Marine Lab. At the other end of Lido Key is St. Armand’s Circle, an upscale commercial area of shops and restaurants. A public beach also sits on the Gulf side of the

key. This would truly be condo heaven and these condos would certainly be very upscale.

What is unique about the Squadron is that it’s `Ol Florida and it’s inexpensive, which means that even the poorest people can join and sail there. It is not a yacht club like most think of yacht clubs. Started by a group of local sailors after World War II, it is a loosely knit group of sailors who volunteer to keep the place alive. Every member must put in a certain number of hours per year to help maintain the grounds and buildings, work on regattas, in administration or another task that the Squadron needs. Plus it has the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program (SYSP) which has taught youth of all ages—from rich to poor—how to sail. The Squadron donates land and buildings and $20,000 a year to the YSP to help promote youth sailing. Over 600 youth a year partake in the programs.

The Squadron was formed decades ago and the city of Sarasota, in its efforts to promote sailing, leased the land— back when waterfront property was inexpensive and most cities didn’t think tax revenue was their main mission—for a nominal fee. The last lease was set up 20 years ago and current Sarasota city government is thinking that they should pay more—$90,000 more, tripling their current lease. Plus— the city only wants to give the Squadron a one-year lease.

Some Sarasota citizens have expressed the notion that sailors are a small group who use public lands and that they should have to pay market value. That seems to be the trend in America: Everyone pays for what they use. This could mean charging to get to the beach, the city parks, even use the city streets. Why should those who don’t own cars have to pay for the roads?

But the Squadron won this round. The lease increase did not pass, but they only allowed the lease to be extended for one more year, while some Squadron members, who were willing to accept the lease fee increase, wanted to have a long-term lease so the Squadron would know that it had a permanent home. They will have to wait another year to find out.

Tampa City Council Supports Tampa Bay Marina In the July issue, SOUTHWINDS reported on the fight that Tampa Bay Marina was having with a local residential group over the survival of the marina, one of the oldest 38

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marinas in the area. On Nov. 6, the Tampa City Council voted 5-2 in favor of keeping the marina open.

The marina management and boaters worked together to get public support in the forms of letters, e-mails and appearances at council meetings.

Marathon City Council Fails to Pass on Plan for Additional 90 Slips The Keynoter reported that the Marathon city council in November failed to pass a plan to add an additional 90 wet slips at the City of Marathon Marina. City Councilman Don Vasil had proposed the additional slips, but with one councilman missing, two voting for and two against, the proposal failed. The proposal was to begin the permitting process, and a plan was passed to begin the process only for an additional 20 slips.

Vasil is a strong believer that Boot Key Harbor and the marina are the city’s most valuable assets. He stated that the permitting process takes four years and that they should be prepared if they need the slips since the process is so slow.

His plan was only to begin the permitting process. There was no plan to actually start building the slips.

One of the council members who voted against Vasil’s plan asked about parking problems at the marina if it continues to grow. Vasil replied that he hopes that parking is the biggest problem they have, and that they could then build a

News & Views for Southern Sailors

parking garage if demand got that high.

Last spring, Vasil originally proposed an additional 190 slips to be completed in two phases, but the council would not agree to that. The council agreed to add slips in increments of 20. Vasil’s plan was to start the permitting process on 90, and they could still build the slips in increments of 20, but they would be ready with the permits as expansion continues.

Marathon Tables New Law On Leaving Your Boat in Boot Key Harbor

By Steve Morrell In the November issue, SOUTHWINDS reported on a new law the city of Marathon was considering on whether to impose stiff fines ($500) to boaters who left their boat unattended for more than 24 hours, or who went on an extended vacation without permission. The law was to come up before the city council the day after we went to press in October. The law was tabled and next came—in the words of one boater who contacted me—“a big shake-up in city council members as of the November 4th election. The new council members are a lot more rational.”

Let’s hope so.

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OUR WATERWAYS Amendment 6 Passes in Florida in Support of Marine Businesses On Nov. 4, 70.5 percent of Florida voters overwhelmingly voted to pass an amendment which will lower property taxes for marine business properties, such as marinas, boatyards and bait shops. The vote required a 60 percent vote in favor to pass.

The amendment will tax marine business properties based on their current use instead of potential use. Potential use would be how much the property could make if condominiums were built on it. Skyrocketing waterfront property taxes in the last few years have doubled or tripled for many waterfront marine businesses, forcing many to sell or shut down.

Support for the amendment was widespread, evidenced by the 70.5 percent who voted in favor of it. Even the Florida Association of Counties supported its passage, although the counties all knew they would be facing reduced income from lower taxes if it passed. Counties acknowledged that the disappearance of many businesses was not good for their communities, nor for the more than 220,000 people that the $18-billion a year marine industry employs around the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also endorsed the amendment.

BoatUS and the Marine Industries Association of Florida worked together to get the referendum on the ballot.

Titusville Marina. Photo by Roy Laughlin.

the stress of boats tied to them.

The pier replacement included some drama: The marine construction contractor’s barge sank, and as it did, a crane on that barge fell off into the marina. The marine construction company hired a local (land-based) crane company to remove both the barge and the barge’s crane from the marina’s bottom. The barge was retrieved without incident.

Then confusion as to whether the construction company’s insurance would pay for the work done caused the crane company to take a brief break until it was certain of payment. After a few days, payment details were clarified, and the retrieval finished. Removing the crane in particular was a delicate operation, because parts of the crane were caught

Changes in Titusville Waterways: Marina Overhaul, New Mooring Field and Riverfront Park

By Roy Laughlin Titusville Municipal Marina, the only city-owned marina in Brevard County, underwent a big facelift through the summer. The floating piers, damaged during the hurricanes of 2004-2005, have been replaced by traditional wooden piers.

The final pier replacement component, rewiring the electrical service on one pier, remains to be completed. According to Mark Leslie, dockmaster at the marina, the number of boat slips remains right at 200. These wooden piers are expected to be much more resistant to hurricane winds and

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up within the newly constructed pier. The goal was to get the crane and the barge out without damaging what had just been built.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration, FEMA, funded the lion’s share of the cost for marina renovation. In addition, the Florida Boating Improvement Program, administered by the Department of Fish and Game, and the Florida Inland Navigation District, FIND, also made financial contributions. The marina’s budget paid five percent of the cost of this project, according to Leslie.

Replacement of the piers is only one part of a much larger marina renovation plan. Replacing washrooms, toilets and the laundry with a modern facility are also expected. Before that facility can be built, the city needs to install a new lift station on the public wastewater collection system.

That will happen, but the work will perhaps be done a couple of years away.

The marina’s fuel supply system will also be upgraded soon. Leslie said that in January the marina’s insurance company would not insure the fuel system any longer because it included single-walled fiberglass fuel storage tanks. These are considered to be leak-prone. Without insurance, that fuel distribution system could not be used. The marina has an arrangement with a local fuel trucking company to supply fuel. Although reliable, it is not as convenient as getting fuel from a pump on the dock. Boaters should be advised that it sometimes takes as long as two hours for

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the fuel truck to arrive and begin pumping. Transients, particularly, should call ahead if they would like to obtain fuel at Titusville. The phone number is (321) 383-5600.

Brevard has been slowly planning mooring fields throughout the county. Titusville has always been the prime example of the perfect place for one because the marina has shoreside support facilities that boats on moorings would require. An initial plan was not approved because of concern that moorings would damage seagrass. Two-thirds of the area originally planned for fixed moorings is seagrass beds.

Marina management and state officials have just come to an understanding to allow 50 permanent moorings to be installed in areas that are not seagrass beds. In addition, 10 additional moorings will be put into seagrass areas as part of an experiment to determine if moorings and seagrass can coexist. Leslie noted that fixed moorings have been used in particular to protect reef resources. He said he was optimistic that fixed moorings will work in Titusville for both seagrass beds and boaters. He expects to have paperwork for the experimental plan and funding submitted in October, with approval of funding expected during the winter. Fixed mooring construction should be completed next year.

Riverfront Park, adjacent to the marina, is a separate facility operated by the city of Titusville. For the last four years, a continuous planning process has been under way to use already approved bond money to upgrade facilities.

Boat ramps and parking are two components of the upgrade plan. The improvement’s planning stages seem to be ending, and that may mean implementation will begin.

According to Leslie, ramp upgrades will include a portapotty dump for boaters who use such toilets on their boats.

This upgrade and others in the park will require a lift station upgrade for the sewer. The city is likely to finally get the sewer lift station completed because this year the federal government appropriated $3.5 million from the Clean Vessel Act to fund sanitary dumps such as the one planned at the boat ramps. Most people understand that this year, with respect to federal funding, they must use it or lose it.

If money grew on trees, the damage done to Titusville’s riverfront amenities could have been repaired and upgraded by now. Reality is otherwise, and recovery from a few nights of wind takes a while. The improvements following that destruction will likely last for a while, and will give future benefits worth the wait.

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BOAT REVIEW

The Hunter Legend 37

By Del Weis

I am the second owner of Chasing Rainbows, a 1989 Hunter Legend 37.

I’ve owned her for seven-and-ahalf years.

HUNTER LEGEND 37 LOA 37’ 6” LWL 31’ 4” Beam 12’ 10” Draft 4’ 9” Sail Area 704 sq. ft.

Displacement 14,900 pounds

SAILING PERFORMANCE Sailing performance is excellent.

The boat’s PHRF rating is 129 with spinnaker and 146 without. I race with a 135 roller-furled headsail unless it is blowing 20-plus knots, and then I use a 120. I usually cruise with the 120, as it is easier to furl. I also have a symmetrical spinnaker and an asymmetrical with a sock. I use either for racing depending on the wind speed/direction. For racing, I take the asymmetrical out of the sock, but use the sock when cruising. It makes raising and dousing the asymmetrical a piece of cake. The boat really moves well with the asymmet-

rical when the wind is about 90 degrees abeam. I have used the spinnaker pole on the tack of the asymmetrical when the wind moves further aft, but when downwind, the symmetrical works better.

The keel has a bulb with wings on it. I think this has a slight negative effect on upwind performance as opposed to a fin keel. But the 4’ 9” draft is better for Florida/Bahamas sailing, considering that a fin keel would probably draw more. The rig is fractional, and the mast is 59 feet above the water.

COMFORT ABOVE AND BELOW DECK The cockpit can seat six comfortably, but space to move around is limited. Going down below, you have to be careful not to step on toes. The decks are wide, making it easy to move forward. After losing both of the non-through-bolted hand rails on the cabin top, I replaced them with rails made of Starboard and through-bolted them with large washers to make them very secure. I also built a Starboard seat extension for the seating area behind the steering pedestal, which I think makes sitting in this area, including the helm posi-

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tion, much more comfortable.

All forward control lines are fed through line stoppers leading to two self-tailing winches on the cabin top.

Down below, first is the head, which is to starboard of the companionway and has a shower with the faucet in the sink pulling out and functioning as the showerhead. Hot water is supplied by a heater that runs off the engine or shore power.

There is a large navigation station to starboard opposite the galley and forward of the head. The desktop is a hinged cover for storage underneath. The AC and DC circuit breaker panels are in front of the navigation station. I just replaced all the indicator lights with LEDs. I sure wish Hunter had included longer service loops in the wiring, since it was a pain to work on the circuit breaker panels.

To port of the companionway and aft of the The galley galley is a large double berth under the cockpit.

While there are berths to sleep seven adults, she is much more comfortable for a couple or two couples for extended cruising. The main cabin has a table that lowers and forms a double berth. With the table raised, seven can sit around the table. For dining on deck, there is a cockpit table that attaches to the binnacle.

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The galley, to port of the companionway, is complete with a large 12-volt DC refrigerator, propane three-burner stove and oven. The boat originally had CNG but due to lack of availability, I added a propane locker and converted the stove/oven to propane. When cooking underway, it is convenient to steady yourself on the engine compartment.

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BOAT REVIEW In addition, there is a sturdy handrail on the front of the stove for further support. The deep double-bowl sink in the galley is a nice feature for washing and rinsing dishes.

Forward of the main cabin is a conventional V-berth with hanging locker and a sink.

The boat is air-conditioned and it works very well. We have a Honda 2000 generator that will provide air-conditioning at anchor when needed.

Engine access is excellent on all four sides but limited on top, because there is very little space between the top of the engine and the fixed top of the engine compartment. All four sides have removable panels. The stuffing box is easily accessed under a pull-up floor panel in front of the aft berth.

The fuel tank is located under the aft berth providing easy access if needed.

CRUISER AND/OR RACER The boat is definitely a racer/cruiser. She is a competitive racer, while also being comfortable and fast for cruising. I have fitted some plastic storage containers on the shelves next to the aft cabin berth, with straps to hold them in rough weather, and they provide considerable additional storage.

I try to carefully note what is in what container to prevent having to remove and inspect multiple containers when looking for a given item. There might be a better solution but I have not run across it yet.

The aft cabin double berth

We have cruised the Keys and Bahamas for up to two weeks with up to five adults on board. The most we have had on board is six adults, and that was only for a few nights.

With a large interior volume, the boat could be a good liveaboard. Especially if one could come up with a better way to use the space on the shelves in the aft cabin.

PERFORMANCE UNDER POWER The engine is a Yanmar 3-cylinder 35-hp diesel, freshwater cooled. I replaced the factory-fixed two-blade propeller with a 2-blade feathering model. In general, performance under power is excellent. The boat will do seven knots at 2800 rpm in flat water, and I have powered into a three-foot chop in 30 knots of headwind with only a couple knots of speed loss.

Fuel consumption is about 0.8 gallons per hour. The feathering propeller is great under sail, and backing performance is excellent. The propeller blades rotate so that the prop has the same “bite� as in forward. The boat will stop quickly and back without a lot of torque walk.

MODIFICATIONS I added an anchor windlass and ran battery cable from the battery box on top of the engine compartment to the bow.

I added an external spinnaker halyard, primarily for racing, to make it faster to get the spinnaker hoisted. I added a self-tailing winch for the jib furler line, making it easy to furl the jib in high winds or when single-handed. I am currently using a wire rope-to-line for the furler line, with wire rope around the drum, spliced to line for the winch.

I have added oil pressure, water temperature and fuel level gauges. The oil and water are in addition to the warning light/buzzer.

I added adjustable jib cars with winches to be able to adjust the jib car positions without releasing tension on the jib sheets. This has proved to be very effective, whether racing or cruising. I added a backstay tensioner, which necessi-

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with a gear on the shaft. A piece of chain runs over the gear and is connected to two wire ropes, which are routed over pulleys to the steering quadrant. It is an excellent system when installed and adjusted properly. One of the pulleys at the bottom of the pedestal was misadjusted, and the wire rope wore down the edge of the pulley, causing the wire rope to jump off the pulley, resulting in loss of steering. I don’t know whether the adjustment problem occurred at the factory or by the previous owner. The other problem resulted from one of the wire ropes being too short, and I think this was a factory problem. When you turned the wheel hard over, the rope-to-chain connection came in contact with the gear and, over time, caused the connection to break. I replaced the wire rope and have had no problems since. The boat has an emergency tiller, which is a big socket wrench that fits down into the rudderpost. The rudderpost is accessed via a removable cover. The emergency tiller is only about 30 inches long and if you are in big waves, steering can be a problem. The rudder quadrant is accessed by removing a panel in the walk-through transom area. It makes for convenient maintenance access to the entire steering system.

In summation, the boat is excellent to sail, well laid out and well-equipped. She has met all my expectations, and I don’t hesitate to recommend the Legend 37 to anyone. I really like the boat a lot.

The navigation station also has a swing-out seat (behind the trash can).

tated replacing the lower backstays with 7x19 wire rope.

I added dinghy davits, the kind with “sockets” mounted to the transom so you can remove the arms when not needed.

I added an extension to the hinge-down stern boarding ladder to make it easier to board the boat from the water. I have also fabricated a wood dinghy platform that hangs off the boarding ladder to make it more convenient getting in/out of the dinghy. The boat has a walk-through transom but does not have a dinghy platform near water level as on the newer Hunters.

One modification I would like to do is to replace the Vberth sink with a storage cabinet, or another hanging locker.

We never use the sink.

QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION Overall, the quality of construction is very good. I have drilled a number of holes to install equipment, and thicknesses have been what I would expect. The boat has been sailed under some pretty rough conditions, big waves and lots of water flowing over the deck, and experienced no problems whatsoever. I do not have any hesitation about taking the boat offshore. I had a backstay break during a race, but it was the fitting that broke, not the wire to fitting splice.

I have had several problems with the steering. The Edson steering consists of a shaft connected to the wheel News & Views for Southern Sailors

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COOKING

Stocking the Offshore Galley

By Robbie Johnson

John Hanna, designer of perhaps the most famous ocean-voyaging sailboat of all time, the Tahiti Ketch, once remarked, “Indigestion has wrecked more cruises than reefs and hurricanes.”

H

anna also said, “…the only interior detail (in a sailboat) that really matters is a full, man-sized, actual, practicable working of a galley.” His comments were duly recorded in Rudder Magazine over 60 years ago, and they are as righton today as they were when he first said them.

I am of the opinion that the joy of sailing and the pleasure of eating go hand-in-hand. I have learned the hard way that tasty meals are essential to the morale and performance of everyone aboard. It makes no difference how big—or how beautiful—your boat is, nor how lovely the weather and scenery. If the food coming out of the galley is bland, or if the crew is just plain hungry, no one is happy, and everyone just wants to get ashore.

The remedy is to give just as much attention to your

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galley and food preparation as you do to your sail inventory and choice of ground tackle, for as John Hanna warns, your cruise can be wrecked just as easily by the galley as a dragging anchor or blown mainsail.

Most of us have not had the benefit of formal training in the culinary arts. We bring aboard a few pots, pans and utensils that we have cobbled together from home or a garage sale, and we crank out replicas of meals we have eaten all of our lives without regard for the special conditions imposed when traveling on a sailboat. Even weekend sailors, who probably constitute the greater portion of boat owners, can benefit from an adjustment in their attitude toward the galley. Begin with this thought: A weekend of sailing is NOT camping out!

There is absolutely no reason why the meals prepared on your sailboat cannot be just as delicious, just as nutritious, and just as pleasurable in the preparation as when cooking in your shoreside kitchen. But it will take some planning. As Hanna pointed out, a man-sized, practicable galley is necessary, and here is where the first challenge starts: Most of the sailboats built over the last 40 years or so have miserably small galleys. So, you’re going to have to deal with space limitations that reduce stovetop area, food preparation surfaces, and storage area. And once you venture beyond weekend sailing, cruising for weeks or maybe months at a time, and shopping in native food markets along the way, there are the added challenges of avoiding the high cost of canned foods and extending the life of perishables.

The weekend sailor can begin by assembling the appropriate amount (depending upon number of crew) of the following: (1) dried beans; (2) a selection of pasta; (3) white and brown rice; (4) assorted basic beverages like coffee, tea and powdered mixes; (5) packaged bread and pancake mixes, or your own mixes that you’ve prepared yourself, and of course, cooking oil. To these must be added basic herbs such as basil, bay leaves, Chinese Five Spice, dill, marjoram, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme at a minimum. Then a small quantity of spices such as allspice, cumin, chili powder, cloves, nutmeg, paprika, ginger, saffron and curry powder. And finally, white and brown sugar, salt, black and white pepper, cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Any of these ingredients that are packaged in paper or cardboard should be repackaged in zippered plastic bags, or Tupperware/ Rubbermaid-type containers to keep out moisture. Eliminating square or rectangular store-shelf packaging will save storage space, too.

Step back for a minute now and consider your list. With www.southwindsmagazine.com

the above ingredients on hand, and enough fresh veggies for the weekend, you’re ready for whatever comes your way: beef, pork. chicken, lamb, or a freshly-caught fish.

And if you’ve followed the advice in my earlier article on how to equip your galley, you have four choices of cooking method: Chinese wok, skillet, pressure cooker, and grill. Now all you need are some simple, yet adventuresome, recipes that will have you in and out of the galley in less than 30 minutes! I believe my new cookbook, Gourmet Underway – A Sailor’s Cookbook, will fill the bill for that one.

Once a sailor begins to venture offshore, crossing large stretches of ocean, or meandering about islands for extended periods of time, there arises the issue of extending the storage life of perishables —without refrigeration. Refrigeration is great if you have it, and when it’s working, but remember John Hanna’s caution about the galley wrecking a cruise. If

News & Views for Southern Sailors

The two jars on the top step on the top row in the center are cheese (preserved in virgin olive oil). The rest of the jars on the top step are meats— chicken, pork and beef. On the middle step are bell peppers, cauliflower and bok choy. On the bottom step are broccoli, cucumbers and carrots. All will keep for months in their present state. The meats were prepared with the pressure cooker. The veggies were prepared using the water-and-vinegar technique.

you learn a few techniques and plan your galley well, a busted fridge won’t put a dent in your sailing dream. You can easily have fresh veggies, fruit, eggs, milk and cheese for weeks, if not months, without refrigeration.

The surfaces of fresh vegetables, no matter whether bought in the United States, or at a native market, are swarming with millions of bacteria. The slightest bruise, or even a microscopic cut in the surface that allows this bacteria inside, causes the vegetable to immediately begin to decay. In hot, moist, tropical climes, the rate of ruin is phenomenal, almost overnight. To extend the storage life of fruits and vegetables, place them in a bucket (5 gal.) with a couple of capfuls of Clorox bleach for 2 or 3 minutes, then remove and allow to dry in the sunlight. Never store fruits and veggies in the same container where they may touch. Use perforated plastic cartons that have been wiped and sanitized with a bleach solution, and place in the coolest places on the boat and out of direct sunlight.

Try this technique for having your favorite cheeses aboard without refrigeration: Using reclaimed glass bottles or Mason canning jars, sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes, pour out the water, stuff slices of cheese into the jars, pour and cover with extra virgin olive oil and screw on the lids. The cheese will keep easily for 6 months!

For uncooked veggies, sterilize pint- or quart-sized

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Preparing homemade beef stew using the pressure cooker “canning” method.

bottles and stuff each with your choice, broccoli, cauliflower, green (bell) peppers, carrots, or whatever, then pour a mixture of one part white distilled vinegar and two parts water (boiled first) over the veggies, then screw on caps. Veggies kept this way will keep for months. Most of the time you will eat them within 30 days, so when rinsed they will not have the taste of vinegar as in pickling and

can be cooked or even sliced for a salad.

Finally, don’t overlook the bonus feature of having a pressure cooker on board. You can preserve just about everything with a pressure cooker, from relishes, chutneys, jams and jellies, to pickles, sauces and salsas—all those wonderful tastes that when combined with a common entrée make a memorable meal. The pressure cooker is a real money-saver, too, when traveling among expensive touristy islands like those in the Caribbean. Buy cheap and in quantity on the native market, eat fresh, then pressure-preserve the rest for fine dining farther down-island.

That short list of basic ingredients for weekend sailors that appeared in the beginning of this article will naturally expand for the long-distance voyager. A sailor who really likes Chinese stir-fry will surely add bamboo shoots, shrimp paste and oyster sauce, sesame oil and water chestnuts. Vermouth is almost a necessity if you’re aiming for high cuisine, and of course, some red and white wine, and Burgundy will come in handy. Dried Chinese mushrooms are indispensable, too, and they store almost forever.

The overall idea behind stocking a galley is to always have on hand a foundation of basic ingredients so that you are independent of shoreside markets. Once you begin to sail foreign waters, you will quickly discover that native markets are not only expensive when buying imported canned and packaged goods, but that selection of fresh veggies is also limited. Hopefully you have learned to fish, use a shrimp net and a spear gun. If so, you will never go hungry. Many a time I’ve traded a freshly-caught mahi mahi or yellow fin tuna with a local native for a chicken or a chunk of pig. I’ll close with one final trick-of-the-trade: Make it a point to have some salt pork on hand. When cooking dried beans and green vegetables, like string beans, spinach, kale and collards, and also with many seafood dishes, like jambalaya, salt pork is essential to bringing out the taste. Here’s how to keep some on board with no refrigeration: Cut 5-10 pounds of salt pork (Southerners call it “fat back”) into 6inch cubes, then coat them with pickling salt, or sea salt, and pack tightly in a plastic bucket or pail and let stand overnight. The next day, mix up a brine of 1½ pounds salt, ½ ounce of saltpeter, and 4 quarts of boiling water. Let the brine cool to room temperature, then pour it over the cubes of fat back. Snap on the pail’s sealing lid and store low in the bilge. To use the fat back, just fry it out in a skillet, then slice into smaller pieces as called for in the recipe. Believe me; just a slight shift in attitude and a bit of planning in the stocking of your galley will go a long way in improving the sailing experience for you, your family and crew.

Robbie Johnson lives aboard a steel Tahiti Ketch and is the author of Gourmet Underway – A Sailor’s Cookbook. Order his book from the Web site: www.gourmetunderway.com.

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TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

The Curious Out Island of Powell Cay, Abacos Cays, Bahamas

By Rebecca Burg

W

ith the area’s prevailing southeasterly winds, heading south and transiting into the narrow north end of the Abaco Sea along the northeast side of Great Abaco Island is a long series of short tacks. An opposing ocean current can make this leg of the trip wearisome, especially for smaller vessels. Despite an additional boost from the diesel, Angel and I lagged behind companion cruiser, Defiant. Not as easily manhandled by the conditions, Defiant, Bill’s Morgan O/I ketch, strictly sailed toward our

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destination. Dodging the mile-wide shoal at Spanish Cay’s southern end, we tacked past this privately owned island.

Spanish Cay’s resort, marina and small airplane runway is open to visitors, but anchoring there isn’t suggested on the charts. Fellow cruiser Arame, her generator in need of repairs, took a slip here and had received exceptionally courteous, personal attention. Spanish Cay is also a port of entry. Just south of Spanish lay Powell Cay, an uninhabited rest stop. Aside from the shoals, the Abaco Sea narrows down to a two-and-a-half nautical-mile width, hence the frequent tacking. On our way to Powell, we saw Sea Urchin and then Walt and Amy on Vineyard Passage, friendly faces that we haven’t seen for nearly a year. Though our bows may infrequently cross in our maritime journeys, the bond established between cruising friends often has a familial depth.

Emboldened by soft surrounds and our shoal draft keels, Angel and Defiant swerved and circled in an empty area of the anchorage. It was reminiscent of two unleashed canines excitedly inspecting a new backyard. The generous cove offers a comfortable depth of 8-10 feet, but we sniffed our way closer to the beach and anchored in thin water. The seafloor is the typical out-island blend of grass, sand and crusty grit. If the weather’s questionable, it’s wise to snorkel on the anchor to assure that it has gained reasonable purchase through the pebbly patches. After we’d settled in and

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A sailboat wreck on the beach at Powell Cay.

the silt cleared, a tinkling chorus of birdsong enveloped the warm, serene bay. Uncrowded, only two other vessels were present on the far side of the anchorage. We spotted only one small, unoccupied cottage on the wild and verdant island. Here, we were sheltered from northerly to southeasterly winds. Should the weather shift and blow from the west, boats move to the new lee near Great Abaco Island. Note that this higher latitude is affected by the windy winter cold fronts that start rolling down from the north as early as November. The mainland Bahamian settlement of Coopers Town is directly across from Powell Cay’s anchorage. There’s a public dock at Coopers and modest provisions can be found, but there’s no marina or sheltered harbor.

Bill and I piled in Angel’s dinghy to explore Powell’s curious features. The first thing a new arrival notices is a miniature, rusted barge and crane partially sunken in the cove’s shallows. Weathered beyond utility, it is now a snorkeling attraction and fish habitat. We idled along the vertical limestone bluffs outside the northwestern edges of the anchorage. Collapsed in places, the stone walls were eroded by the elements and pocked with small caves. When I stood up and looked into one of the dark holes, a puffy, white face peered back. Startled, I tripped and fell across Bill, rocking the dinghy and splashing us both. Inquisitive, Bill just had to get a look for himself. “It’s just a bird!” He said, chuckling. “You ‘fraidy’ cat.” Tropic birds were roosting in the caves. We backed away to give these beautiful and wild creatures some space.

Around a corner, Bill spied another wreck. Out of morbid curiosity, we nosed around the ghastly sight that was strewn across the sand at the water’s edge. “It looks like half of a sailboat,” I said, pointing to what resembled a deck and cabin top with empty port-light holes. A rusted diesel

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engine, hoses and an icebox sat nearby. We found the sailboat’s bottom half a few feet away, just under the water’s surface. It was a metal hull with a jagged gash in its side.

The forces capable of inflicting such damage could’ve been from Hurricane Floyd or the more recent 2004 storm season.

Both events had greatly affected this area. The sailboat’s corporeal remains and violent demise could give the most stoic sailor the creeps.

Farther up the beach, a hand-painted sign pointed to a path that took visitors up a scenic bluff. Barefoot, we didn’t take the rugged, tree-fringed trail, but walked the main beach instead. Cruisers, who tend to be very conscientious about keeping their valued boating destinations as pristine as possible, will find themselves collecting trash washed up on shore. Some of the random items found on Powell’s beaches had been composed in an artsy structure.

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Bill walking on the beach at Powell Cay.

Driftwood, floats, buoys, ropes and even license plates dangled from the arrangement. Added to by visitors over the years, the flotsam montage gradually became a small monument. Powell Cay’s Atlantic side also provides a refreshing retreat when the weather’s fair and there’s a large, shallow bay between Powell and High Cay. Numerous limestone islets and pristine ocean side beaches offer hours of snorkeling, fishing, lounging and general escapism.

The next morning, we were rested and ready to sail onward. Before weighing Angel’s anchor, I watched Defiant with some puzzlement. The ketch’s hook had been raised and her sails were pulling in the gentle breeze, but she wasn’t moving forward. “I’m aground,” Bill reluctantly explained.

Artwork on the beach at Powell Cay.

“You didn’t see this.” Defiant had anchored so close to shore that the neap tide had stealthily placed her wide, full keel flat on the bottom. It was just a matter of inches, and as the sea returned, a sheepish Defiant sailed free within the hour.

Heading southeast, the Abaco Sea widens, allowing for longer tacks against the prevailing breezes. Soon, we would catch up with Arame, Sea Urchin, Vineyard Passage and other treasured cruising friends for a highly anticipated party near Green Turtle Cay’s active community. This is part of the attraction of Abaco’s out-islands. A traveler could go from solitude to welcomed socializing in just a matter of miles.

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ABACO: A Wharram Tiki 30 Built to Modern Yacht Standards

By Scott B. Williams

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t’s hard to imagine anything more exciting than to be building a small, seaworthy catamaran with the promise of over-the-horizon adventure waiting when the project is done. The only thing more exciting is the prospect of making a living building the boats that will make other people’s dreams come true, too. That’s exactly what David Halladay of Boatsmith, Inc., is doing, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to help him get started.

I first met David Halladay in 2001, shortly after arriving

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David Halladay and the Boatsmith crew getting the first hull set up. This photo illustrates the “stitch and glue” method of wiring plywood hull panels together prior to opening them up for inserting bulkheads.

in North Palm Beach as a liveaboard cruiser, running low on cash and looking for work as a carpenter—preferably a boat carpenter. I had been a cabinetmaker and trim carpenter, and had also built a few small wooden boats and restored the old Grampian I had sailed south from Mississippi. A business card in the marina office advertising Boatsmith Marine Carpentry led to a phone call and a short meeting, and the next day I was helping David install a new teak deck on a 70-foot sportfisherman.

One of the small boats I had built was a Wharram Hitia 17 catamaran, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that David had also long been fascinated with the somewhat eccentric designs of British multihull pioneer, James Wharram. It seemed an interest in these almost primitive plywood boats designed to be built in the backyard by amateurs was inconsistent with the state-of-the-art craftsmanship David applied to multimillion-dollar motor yachts in his day-to-day business. But his talk of building a Wharram design persisted over the years after I sailed back to Mississippi, lost my Grampian in Hurricane Katrina, and started building my own Wharram cruising cat, a Tiki 26.

David called me one day last January to discuss the Tiki 30, the next size up from the boat I was building, saying that he was thinking of building one on spec. We went over the numbers, based on the time and materials I was putting into my boat, and David ordered building plans. A couple days after they arrived, he was cutting out parts with his highly capable crew, and I was on the road to South Florida, eager to get in on the project, if only for a few days.

Wharram’s Tiki series of designs ranges from the Tiki 21 (which still holds the record as the smallest catamaran to circumnavigate the globe) to the Tiki 46. David chose the midsize Tiki 30 for the Boatsmith spec boat as it offers an ideal compromise between the larger and smaller designs. Perfect for Florida waters, this is a proven offshore-capable catamaran that draws only 2 feet and can go to weather well withwww.southwindsmagazine.com

Both hulls were built side-byside, braced to the shop floor and rafters to keep them aligned until they were rigid enough to be moved. Here you can see the forward deckbeams have been installed.

out any underwater appendages such as dagger boards that could be damaged in a grounding. Designed as a tropical cruiser, the Tiki 30 features a double bunk in each cabin, as well as immense deck and cockpit space, part of which can be converted to accommodations under an optional deck tent. There is a basic, but adequate galley in the port hull and a nav-station to starboard. Wharram designs boats that sail well, and above all are safe and seaworthy. He refuses to compromise these characteristics for comfort, so you won’t

News & Views for Southern Sailors

see ungainly, high houses on any of his designs built to plan.

As a result of this philosophy, you don’t get standing headroom in the Tiki range until you go to 38 feet. But the Tiki 30 has comfortable sitting headroom below in the cabins and over the bunks and so much deck space that you won’t need or want to spend much of your time below.

A big plus of the Tiki 30 and smaller sizes like the Tiki 26 and Tiki 21 is that they can be dismantled, the individual hulls narrow enough to fit side-by-side on a trailer without

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Here is the 32-foot mast after laminating but before final shaping to round. The first step in rounding a square mast is to cut it to 8 equal sides, then 16, then 32.

exceeding the legal width limit. While the Tiki 30 is not the kind of boat you can keep at home and quickly put together for an afternoon sail, it is quite feasible to dismantle it and trailer it to the Chesapeake or the Sea of Cortez. For Southeastern sailors, the ability to get it on a trailer to move inland or north in advance of a hurricane is something to consider.

Most of the Tiki 30s and smaller Wharram designs are built by amateurs in backyards, barns and makeshift sheds. James Wharram is one of the most successful boat

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plan salesmen around, having sold thousands of sets of plans around the world. But building a 30foot composite plywood and epoxy catamaran on your own and with limited tools and skills is no small project. Many builders spend years on a project this size, and homebuilt boats always have a way of costing far more than the builder anticipated in the planning stages.

Having worked with David Halladay and his Boatsmith crew on a number of challenging boat projects, I was well aware of the experience and skills he could bring to a Wharram catamaran build. With a huge array of serious shop tools at his disposal and a gang of motivated craftsmen willing to work six hard days a week, I had no doubt that this Tiki 30 would go together in record time.

For the Boatsmith Tiki 30, Abaco, no expense was spared in choosing top quality materials meeting professional marine standards. The Tiki designs are built of plywood in the “stitch and glue� method, which means the hull sides are first assembled with wire stitches at the keel and then spread open to insert the bulkheads, floors and bunks, which are held in place with epoxy fillets and fiberglass. All the plywood in Abaco is imported marine-grade Okoume, which is lightweight and free of interior voids and defects. West System epoxy was chosen for its proven qualities and strength properties. All structural solid wood in the hulls, beams and mast is lightweight but strong, vertical grain Douglas fir. Decks, coamings, interior trim, beam blocks and other solid wood parts requiring hardwood are all made of teak. All the wood parts inside the boat are coated with a minimum of two coats of epoxy, under finish coats of primer and Awlgrip paint. All exterior parts are not only coated with epoxy, primer and Awlgrip, but are sheathed with Xynole polyester fabric, which offers better abrasion and impact resistance than fiberglass.

During the course of construction, which stretched over a period of almost five months due to other ongoing Boatsmith projects, I twice made the 800-mile road trip to David’s shop in Jupiter to work on Abaco. On my first working trip down in February, we assembled both hulls up to the point of installing all the bulkheads and completing the interior keel fillets and fiberglassing. The second time I visited the shop I spent nine days building the mast and the mast tabernacle that goes on the central crossbeam, as well as many other small parts. Having recently completed the mast for my own Tiki 26, I was familiar with the process, and building the larger spar went just as smoothly. The Tiki mast is laminated from Douglas fir, hollow on the inside, first glued-up in a square box section, and then taken to the round by means of hand-held power planers and other tools. The hollow wooden mast is relatively lightweight and stiffer than aluminum, plus wood just feels right on a wooden boat. With epoxy and Awlgrip coatings, it should last indefinitely as long as the finish is maintained.

In addition to the actual hands-on work I participated in during the Abaco build, David also hired me to create and write an ongoing blog detailing the construction. I had been blogging about my own Tiki 26 project since its beginning, and seeing the worldwide interest this generated, David thought it would be an ideal way to get the word out about www.southwindsmagazine.com

From left to right: David Halladay, James Wharram and Hanneke Boone in the comfortable cockpit of Abaco at the Mystic Wooden Boat Show.

Abaco on display at the Mystic Wooden Boat Show. The 30-foot catamaran drew a steady stream of interested visitors.

what he and his crew could do if anyone wanted to commission him to build a Wharram cat of any size. The result was Pro-Built Tiki 30 (http://tiki30.blogspot.com), which has attracted a dedicated following of Wharram enthusiasts and generated other business for the Boatsmith shop.

Writing the blog kept me deeply involved in the project from start to finish, as David would call me almost every day to give me the details of the latest photos he uploaded so I could write the descriptions. I felt as if I were right there building, as I wrote the updates, and seeing the step-by-step details and the decisions made at each juncture, I can attest to the quality of work and attention to detail that went into each phase of the project.

In a final, frenzied push of long days near the end of May, David and the crew finished the boat just in time to have it ready to launch and display at the 2008 Wooden Boat Show in Mystic, CT. Abaco was loaded onto a trailer and trucked from Florida for this important show, because getting her there in time would mean David would have a rare opportunity to meet the designer himself, James Wharram.

Wharram was there with his co-designer, Hanneke Boone, for a special event honoring multihull pioneers including himself and other notable designers, such as Dick Newick and Jim Brown.

James and Hanneke were so impressed with Abaco and the quality of the Boatsmith construction, fit and finish, that they entered into a contract with David, making him the first and only official U.S. professional builder of James Wharram designs. Until now, if you wanted a professionally built Wharram catamaran, you had to contract with Wharram’s other approved yards in the Philippines or in Thailand. The only way to get one here in the United States was to build it yourself, as I am doing. Now, with James Wharram’s official approval, David Halladay and the Boatsmith crew are ready to turn your catamaran dreams into reality, whether you’re looking for a 21-foot daysailer or a 46-foot liveaboard cruiser. Best of all, the Boatsmith shop is located conveniently near Jupiter, FL, close enough for east coast and Gulf Coast sailors alike to drop in for a visit and discuss the design that best fits their needs. With all the warm shallow waters surrounding the Florida peninsula, the Keys, the northern Gulf Coast states and the Bahamas, what’s not to like about the Wharram cat?

David Halladay can be reached at www.boatsmithfl.com, or (561) 744-0855.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Abaco will be at the St. Petersburg Boat Show, Dec. 4-7.

Scott B. Williams is the author of three books on sea kayaking and sailing and is a frequent contributor to Sea Kayaker magazine.

He lives in south Mississippi and enjoys boatbuilding, sailing and paddling at every opportunity. Scott can be reached via his Web site: www.scottbwilliams.com

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The Global Ocean Observing System

By Ali Hudon and Chris Simoniello

To satisfy the growing need for accurate, reliable information about our coastal and open ocean, a global monitoring network, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), is emerging. The United States, along with more than 70 countries and the European Commission, is developing this integrated system that observes, predicts and protects the world’s ocean and coastal resources.

Scientist Eric Hoffmayer is studying the behavior of whale sharks, the largest living fish species, in the northern Gulf of Mexico and uses the voluntary observations of fishermen, workers on oil rigs and aircraft operators to help in the study. Photo courtesy Fred Anderson

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dictions of the ocean and atmosphere at the air-sea interface.

These data allow us to better understand and forecast marine conditions, something that is vital to the activities of many in the coastal zone. Here, we look at a reverse scenario…commercial and recreational boaters helping the development of ocean observing systems.

n the Ssoutheast, we are fortunate to be at a hub that benefits from three of 11 regional programs that contribute to the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS): the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) and the Caribbean Regional Association (CaRA).

Previously (June 2008 SOUTHWINDS article “PORTS: Motivated by Disaster”), the Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) was highlighted as a real-time coastal ocean observing system that benefits both commercial and recreational boaters in Tampa Bay, Florida. Readers learned that a variety of instruments on coastal stations, buoys, satellites, ships, and underwater vehicles, combined with computer models and high frequency (HF) radars, are used to make observations and pre-

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

lar system, developed by scienOCEAN OBSERVATIONS tists at the SeaKeeper Society, FROM SHIPS OF measures a suite of oceanographOPPORTUNITY ic and meteorological conditions To create a truly integrated ocean in near-real-time. To begin with, observing system, resources are data on sea surface temperature, needed beyond what currently salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, exist in federal, state and academnitrate, colored dissolved organic ic budgets. To that end, industry matter (CDOM), turbidity (water and private sector partnerships clarity) and phytoplankton levels are proving to be invaluable. are collected, stored and telemeVolunteer Observing Ships (VOS) tered (sent via satellite) approxiare one example of how citizens mately every minute. Factor in are stepping up to aid scientific meteorological measurements monitoring. The International such as wind speed and direcSeaKeepers Society is a leader in tion, barometric pressure, relathis effort, having equipped more than 55 commercial and private Red Tide along the Gulf Coast. Photo courtesy the tive humidity and air temperavessels and government buoys SeaWiFS Project, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and ture, and you begin to understand the volume and scale of with monitoring systems. ORBIMAGE. these measurements, all of which Adding to its growing list of will be gathered into the USF Coastal Ocean Monitoring and data-acquiring vessels in various locations around the Prediction System (COMPS) and handed to NOAA NDBC world, the organization has teamed up with GCOOS to for incorporation into the online GCOOS data portal where equip two vessels that routinely transit the Gulf of Mexico. it will become part of the U.S. IOOS data stream. Sound Partners in this regional effort include the University of complicated? It is, and it’s only part of the picture!

South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science, the Tampa Potential benefits of this joint venture include timelier Bay Pilots Association, the NOAA National Data Buoy and more accurate forecasts of severe weather in the region, Center (NDBC), the U.S. Coast Guard, SRI International and increased safety for oil and gas operations with refined the marine transportation company OSG America. observations of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current and eddy Currently, the plan is to instrument two petroleum positions, and calibration and validation of satellite remote product carriers that regularly operate between the Port of sensing data. The latter is particularly valuable because Houston and Tampa Bay, as well as one fixed structure in these bio-optical measurements (e.g., turbidity, chlorophyll Tampa Bay, with the SeaKeeper 1000TM system. This moduand CDOM) are used to track harmful algal blooms (HABs), such as red tide, and plumes of fresh water, nutrients, and pollutants from the Mississippi River.

Another industry partner has recently stepped forward to contribute much-needed data and resources. Earlier this year, Shell Oil Company signed a cooperative agreement with NOAA to place meteorological and oceanographic sensors on seven oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean current observations collected by the oil and gas industry in the northern Gulf have been recognized by the operational weather and scientific research communities as some of the most comprehensive, detailed real-time oceanographic data ever collected and made openly available worldwide.

Needless to say, this collaboration is a huge asset for everyone involved.

Like the VOS project, information from these platforms will become a vital component of the IOOS data stream,

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supporting tropical storm research, regional weather forecasting, and coastal resource management. For example, ocean heat measurements collected from the “Brutus” platform will help clarify the role of upper level thermoclines (the depths at which water temperature changes rapidly) in storm intensification. Information such as this is crucial to understanding the behavior of high-intensity hurricanes like Katrina and Rita that impact coastal economies and communities. Similarly, the installation of HF radar transmitters on a platform off the Texas coast will improve measurements of surface currents, which are important to the maritime transportation industry and search and rescue efforts. Already, because of these cooperative agreements, there are improvements to operational forecasts and new opportunities for researchers to study the Gulf of Mexico, with many projects anticipated to be completed by late 2009.

Mississippi and Louisiana.

Because whale sharks are highly migratory and regularly roam over many hundreds of miles, such studies require more resources than are available at a single institution.

To that end, Hoffmayer relies on the voluntary observations of fishermen, workers on oil rigs and aircraft operators. These individuals report the sizes and locations of sharks, greatly increasing the area of study. Supplementing these on-the-ground observations is information from satellite tracking tags, which provide insight into the daily movements of individual animals.

As IOOS grows to meet the diverse needs of its many user Shell’s deep water tension-leg platform “Brutus” in the recent IOOS partnership. Shell Oil Company signed a groups, such biological data are cooperative agreement with NOAA to place meteorological becoming increasingly valuable. and oceanographic sensors on seven oil platforms in the While scientists like Hoffmayer are studying marine megafauna, Gulf of Mexico. Photo courtesy www.energybulletin.net. others are focusing their efforts on smaller organisms, including those responsible for marine and freshwater HABs. Currently, Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL runs a Beach Conditions CITIZENS, SATELLITES, Reporting Service that provides AND SHARKS accurate, near-real-time data on Although physical and chemical the presence and abundance of red measurements form the backbone Volunteer Observing Ships (VOS) are one example of how tide organisms in coastal waters. of many coastal ocean observing citizens are stepping up to aid scientific monitoring. The Using optical sensors deployed on International SeaKeepers Society is a leader in this effort, systems, the importance of col- having equipped more than 55 commercial and private buoys and remotely operated lecting accurate biological data vessels and government buoys with monitoring systems. vehicles (ROVs), scientists are able continues to grow. Citizens are Photo by Chris Simoniello. to provide accurate data for resihelping to extend the role of dents and visitors online (see ocean observing data by acting as the “eyes and ears” of scihttp://coolgate.mote.org/beachconditions/) and by calling 941-BEACHES. Reports span 12 counties along Florida’s entists studying a variety of topics, including HABs and the West Coast and Panhandle and are updated daily at 10 a.m. biology/ecology of marine and estuarine organisms. One and 3 p.m. such scientist is Eric Hoffmayer, a researcher at the Beach-goers are also benefitting from the developUniversity of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research ment of handheld rapid-testing sensors that provide onLaboratory (GCRL) who is studying the behavior of whale the-spot assessment of red tide organisms. Researchers sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Hoffmayer is interand resource managers are working closely with state ested in what causes these animals—the largest of the health departments and other public health agencies to world’s shark species—to aggregate off the coasts of develop sensors that test for Karenia brevis, the microscopic dinoflagellate largely responsible for Florida’s red tides.

Tests for a variety of other water quality indicators, including E. coli, are in various stages of development.

Such portable sensor technologies have the potential to increase the role of citizen scientists in the collection and dissemination of much-needed data.

As communication and sensor technologies are developed and improved, our understanding of natural and human-influenced processes along coastal regions will continue to expand. It will take the types of cross-community collaborations described here to provide citizens, resource managers and policy-makers with the best science necessary to make informed decisions. Only with community involvement can we find ways to live and work in more economically and ecologically sustainable ways.

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www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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CAROLINA SAILING

The Charleston Waterkeeper: Keeping it Real

By Dan Dickison

C

yrus Buffum owes a small yet significant debt to Charleston, SC. But anyone concerned with settling accounts shouldn’t worry. He’s making plans to pay it back in a big way.

Until recently, this newly minted college grad (class of 2006) was a full-time sailing instructor who raced sailboats in his spare time. Though he has called Charleston home for almost a third of his life, Buffum’s introduction to the Carolina Low Country came unexpectedly. At the age of just 13, when he began learning to sail on his home waters of Barnstable, MA, his instructors were collegiate sailors taking time off from the College of Charleston. Over the course of several summers, their tutelage not only cemented his interest in the sport, but also in emulating their choice for college.

Buffum did wind up attending the College of Charleston, but his stint on the school’s renowned sailing team was short-lived because the work required of a physics major (with a math minor) proved hugely demanding.

Nonetheless, he found a way to feed his passion for the sport by racing as often as possible with the local recreational fleet. And that experience fed another of his interests, a science-based appreciation for the natural environs.

After graduating, Buffum explored the idea of attending graduate school, but his research led him instead to the writings of a well-known environmentalist—Robert Kennedy, Jr. And it was through the organization that Kennedy directed at the time, the Waterkeeper Alliance, that the young sailor found his calling.

Buffum knew he wanted to knit his three principal passions together—his love of the water, his keen interest in science, and a yearning for social activism. The work of the Waterkeeper Alliance appeared to encompass all three.

After nearly a year of diligent research and writing proposals, in mid-September, Buffum was approved by the organization as the Charleston Waterkeeper.

“Waterkeepers,” he explained recently, “are full-time advocates for our waterways, monitoring and protecting the quality of the environment. We’re effectively the eyes and ears of the community,” he said, in regard to identifying problems with pollution. And though Buffum uses the first person plural to describe his work, there is little “we” about it—at least not in Charleston. He operates entirely on his own, working out of a small office nook in his downtown apartment. In fact, this Waterkeeper doesn’t even have a boat—yet.

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Cyrus Buffum, Charleston Waterkeeper, on the marsh monitoring marsh life along the banks of the Cooper River on the Charleston peninsula.

and temperament, as well as abundant enthusiasm. He talks excitedly when describing the primary objectives for this initiative. “I’ve identified three essential areas that will make up the work. First, there’s the scientific side. We’ll be taking water samples and analyzing them. Second, there’s the educational and community involvement aspect. It’s important to educate citizens regarding their rights to clean waterways, so I’ll be going into primary and secondary schools and I’ll be partnering with other organizations striving to promote environmental stewardship and conservation, like the Low Country Environmental Education Program. We also want to give citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns, and that will happen through a citizen’s hotline, our Web site interaction and through openforum gatherings that we establish. And third, there’s the legal element. The Waterkeeper Alliance prides itself on enforcing environmental law, and a big part is enforcement based on the Clean Water Act of 1972.” Buffum explains that it’s not uncommon for waterkeepers to file suit against polluters, but also against government agencies that aren’t doing their given job of enforcing the law against those same polluters.

What excites him most about this new venture is the opportunity to get people engaged. “There are 182 sanctioned Waterkeepers around the world. It’s actually the fastest growing environmental movement on the planet.

And almost all the chapters are grassroots-style organizations that rely heavily on the involvement of citizens. When I drafted the plan for our chapter, I emphatically wanted this to operate as a bottom-up organization and focus on grass roots methodologies. From what I’ve seen of the other Waterkeeper organizations, the most successful ones are those that encourage citizens to take part, those that www.southwindsmagazine.com

Buffum teaches sailing part time for the Ocean Sailing Academy in Charleston.

empower them. There’s nothing stronger than citizen engagement: a community working together for a common cause. It’s a pretty intimidating thing to be at the other end of the table opposing a group like that.”

And that, says Buffum, is where sailors can play a vital role. “We’ve just launched our membership campaign, so we’re reaching out to everyone in this area who values these important waterways. As the membership grows, that will bring in seed money to support our operations, but more importantly, we’ll be pooling all these concerned citizens who care about and are invested in the quality of the environment in our waterways. Having a large membership is going to be very important because it’s the most effective way we can legitimately act on behalf of the community in the best interest of the waterways.”

Charleston’s new Waterkeeper says that he has officially established the territory of his program as stemming from the outer reaches of Charleston Harbor, up the three primary rivers (Wando, Cooper and Ashley) to their sources.

The program has a three- to five-year goal of including all of the waterways within the Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester counties. Realistically, he’s not certain just how much territory he can cover. Buffum says that question will be answered as the program matures and he spends more time patrolling the waters.

“Ultimately, I hope to have a lot of help,” he says. “It’s a little premature, but we plan to enact a program similar to the adopt-a-highway scheme so that anyone can get involved. If you live on a creek or a river or a marsh, you’ll have a chance to monitor that area and regularly upload images or commentary to our organization’s Web site.

Essentially, that’s a way for citizens to become engaged in protecting our waterways and regain ownership of our public trust. They can take pride in being proactive and in protecting it. All too often we simply dismiss certain issues that degrade our water quality as something we can’t do anything about, but it’s actually just the opposite.”

For Buffum, there are many reasons why this work is vital. “Our waterways are essential to life here, and to almost everything we do. Whether you sail or fish, or you’re part of the shipping industry or the tourism industry, or you’re involved in a restaurant that relies on locally caught fish, or you’re a member of the chamber of commerce that wants to tout the region’s beauty—we all benefit from protecting our water quality. We need clean waterways.”

As excited as Buffum is to be embarking on this new venture, he’s savvy enough to know that nothing changes overnight. And he knows it will take more than one person to make a difference. “The Waterkeeper movement got started a little over 40 years ago,” he recounts. “It began because sportsmen—fishermen really—took action to stop a power company from polluting the Hudson River and killing their News & Views for Southern Sailors

livelihood. So, my involvement is holding true to that tradition because my love of sailing and being on the water has motivated me to protect the water.” And that should be motivation enough for the rest of us as well.

To learn more about Charleston Waterkeeper, log on to www.charlestonwaterkeeper.org, call (843) 810-9785 or email charlestonwaterkeeper@gmail.com.

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Esperanza at it’s home at the Cortez Maritime Museum in Cortez, FL. Photo by Steve Morrell.

Restored Cuban Refugee Boat, Esperanza, Earns Honors at Small Craft Festivals

By Doug Calhoun, research associate at the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, FL

B

y now, the people of Cortez are pretty familiar with the story of the Cuban refugee boat that the volunteers at the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez restored. They saw it when it was first brought up from Windley Key in the Florida Keys—where the boat lay as lawn art in weeds and bushes for 16 years.

Bob Pitt, the boatbuilder at the museum, and Paul Thomas, president of the Florida Gulf Coast Traditional Small Craft Association, were looking at it. Bob’s cousin, who owned the boat, asked them if the museum at Cortez would want it. They said, “Sure, we want it,” even with enthusiasm. Bob recognized that the boat has a history— that it is Florida history. It was used by six Cubans to sail to America.

The 15-foot Cuban boat was found tangled in the grass flats on the Atlantic shore of Windley Key, FL, in 1990.

Residents of a nearby trailer park said that six Cubans had reached dry land on the boat. For the next 16 years, the boat rested on land as lawn art for a fishing cottage on Islamorada until the owner, Janice Rice-Carillo, decided to donate it to the museum.

Those years had taken such a toll on the boat that before trailering her back to Cortez from the Keys, Bob took several pictures of her. He and Paul worried about how much of her would survive the road trip, and they wanted to have at least an image of her original shape when they returned.

When Bob and Paul got the boat back to the museum, even the local Cortezians noticed it. Other museum volunteers wondered about the wisdom of trying to restore it.

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historic relic likely due to Bob’s own enthusiasm for both Florida boats and Florida history. The museum’s director, Roger Allen, went along with it when he was assured that little of the museum’s small budget would be used.

When the volunteers finally got the opportunity to examine what was left of the boat and saw what deterioration the boat suffered, they began to realize what a challenge they had to their skills and their will. Dry rot, termites and carpenter ants had attacked a great deal of it; many of them even rode her to the new location.

The mast and sails were long gone. Residue of a shower curtain or some similar material that was used to help keep water out of the boat in heavy weather remained. The entire bottom, the adjacent planks, most of the frames, along with what remained of the keelson, the centerboard trunk and the centerboard itself had to be removed.

As the volunteers worked on the boat—taking what was left apart and examining and measuring what was left—the boat began to tell the volunteers its own story. In rebuilding it, they have used and added to their basic boatbuilding skills. More than that, they have gained a great deal of admiration for the skills of the Cubans who built her.

Much of the wood appears to have been taken from other uses, perhaps other boats—perhaps docks or buildings. A couple of ways to tell this are by looking closely at the planks. Some of what looked like nail holes did not match frames and were filled with wooden pegs. Some planks were a bit short of reaching the next plank, so a small piece was added, one in an L shape, and then another frame was put on the inside of the boat and the piece was patched to it www.southwindsmagazine.com

Esperanza at its previous home of 16 years in a vacant lot in the Florida Keys. Photo courtesy Florida Maritime Museum.

as a kind of butt scarf.

Another act of ingenuity prompted by need is shown by the fasteners used. The frames and planks were held together with several types of fasteners. Some of the different-sized copper fasteners seem to have been cut and made from wires, maybe from house wiring, clenched in a vise and the top hammered to a head. Other copper fasteners looked as if they were cut from a sheet of copper. A few cut iron nails were used, too, which could have been made for the boat or adapted from a building or even furniture—and maybe even from a horse’s hoof.

The experience gained in taking the boat apart—simply because there was not a great amount that could be saved— convinced us to use a similar process in restoring the boat.

We used wood that had been left over from other projects, wood that was left after a tree fell on Bob’s chiki after a lightning storm and any suitable wood that we found. We used melaleuca trees from the museum property for the boom, and for the tiller just a branch. We used an old cypress fence to make the floorboards. The transom was made from stringers torn out of the old Cortez schoolhouse floor. We did buy some Cortez “teak”—pressure-treated pine—for the chines, keelson, centerboard, keel, and skeg. The inner stem was donated red cedar. We bought almost all the bronze fasteners used.

The mainsail and jib were donated and adapted. Bob said that the museum’s total investment may be as much as $300.

(Let me just add that no one in the neighborhood should attribute anything missing to our restoration project.)

We finished the project in time to launch the boat at our own Great Gulf Coast Small Craft Festival on April 19. That day, she won the Lee Hickok Award for Traditional Design and Traditional Construction.

After all this work, we began to feel pretty proud of this Cuban refugee boat and decided to take her to St Michael’s, MD, for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s 26th Annual Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival, October 4-5.

We were entered in the Restoration class, and by virtue of being entered in one class, we were entered in competition with all the other boats in a category called “The People’s Choice”—all 130 of the other boats. These boats ranged from kayaks and whitehalls, to a draketail launch, other launches, sharpies, etc.—all with beautifully finished paint and brightwork.

The boat was on display for both days of the festival, and people seemed to be drawn to her. There were so many people attracted to the boat that we were luckily joined in St. Michael’s by Jerry and Judy Biene from Erie, PA, who are wintertime volunteers at the boat shop. Jerry had worked on Esperanza and talked about the boat to the many people coming by. The first response when someone looking at the boat was told that she was a restored Cuban refugee boat was: “Really?”

News & Views for Southern Sailors

We brought along some of the original fasteners, pieces of the original aft deck, inner stem and transom. We also had a ring binder with a description of the restoration process, photos of it, and previously published articles written about the boat. This was the idea of D. Turner Matthews, a previous winner at St. Michael’s and occasional volunteer at the museum.

We were all very proud when we received the blue ribbon for Restoration, but dumbstruck when we were given the plaque for “The People’s Choice.” Both will be proudly displayed at the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, FL. Come and see her.

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Sailboat Sinks Off Coast of Nicaragua

By Ina Moody Tammi’s boat Fairwinds (not the boat that sank) in the Dry Tortugas

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y niece, Tammi, and her husband, John, are both professional captains. In the past, we have crewed for them delivering boats to boat shows and the like, or we have gone buddy-boating with them. Our last trip together was a fun trip that included the Dry Tortugas and Key West.

From there, they headed off for Costa Rica on their Down East 38, Fair Winds, and we headed back home on our Morgan OI 33, Eclipse. Therefore, it was a great surprise when I ran into Tammi in Bradenton, FL, a few months later.

“My gosh, I though you were some place in Central America?” I said.

“I’m through cruising,”Tammi said with a weak smile.

“What happened?” I was in disbelief. As a confirmed sailor, it is difficult for me to understand how anyone can turn one’s back on the sea.

Here is Tammi’s story: At Bocas del Toro in Panama, they met a fellow American, who was looking for someone to crew for him to help bring his boat, Endless Journey, back to the United States. The boat was a 65-foot CT, well-equipped with all kinds of electronics and comforts. There was a good seven-day weather forecast, and there was one other crewmember, which would make the watches a total of eight hours out of each 24. Tammi thought she would use the opportunity to go home and visit with her mother, who had just moved to Florida.

On a bright Friday morning, Tammi left aboard Endless Journey. The weather was ideal, the breeze was steady and after the normal maintenance chores, there wasn’t much to do but

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enjoy the sail. Two days later, they pulled in at Colombia’s Isla de Providencia, before heading out for Roatan in Honduras.

They were 10 hours out of Providencia. Tammi had just begun her watch and was having a cup of coffee in the cockpit when the high-water alarm went off. She frowned as she put down her cup. She wondered: Anything wrong with the automatic bilge pumps? Then the engine stopped. In the silence that followed, Tammi felt her brain switch into high gear, evaluating the situation. In a few seconds that seemed like an eternity, she sprang into action. In the companionway, she met the captain, who reported that the engine compartment was flooded.

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Isla de Providencia in Columbia, near where the boat sank.

Tammi was the designated radioman, so she sent out a mayday. As luck would have it, a boat, Street Legal, in whose company she and John had travelled earlier in their trip, was still in the area. Those on board Street Legal picked up the distress call and also contacted Tammi’s mother, husband and everyone else they could think of.

Meanwhile, the captain of Endless Journey established contact with the U.S. Coast Guard on the single sideband radio.

He informed them of their condition. The dispatcher first ensured all hands on board had life jackets. Then, he offered various suggestions as to where the leak might be after which a meticulous search of the boat began. There had to be a leak somewhere, but where?

While they searched, the water rose steadily. Once the sole in the cabin was covered, it seemed to rise even faster. At this point, the captain took to the SSB radio again to confirm

News & Views for Southern Sailors

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to the Coast Guard that they had checked darkness set in with the millions of stars all the suggested possibilities. Again, they that illuminate the sky so magnificently were told to stand by. When the dispatcher when you are away from the sky-glow of finally returned, he asked for their position. civilization.

They gave their long/lat, which placed “I have never before realized just how them just southeast of the tip of Nicaragua. lonely it gets out there when you don’t Again, they were told to stand by. A pause have a trusty hull beneath you,” Tammi followed that seemed like forever, then the observed. She had been surprised that the dispatcher came back with instructions that snort of a nearby dolphin should scare her, they get their ditch bags and abandon ship. a sound and sight she normally would have After the initial scrambling for essenwelcomed. She continued, “And then I tials, they all got in the life raft and cast off. began worrying about having drifted too In silence, they watched as the beautiful far from the position we had given the Endless Journey sank. First, the stern went Coast Guard; but I didn’t want to say anyunder, then the bow, and finally, the mast thing for we tried to keep each others’spirtops disappeared. Her Endless Journey had its up in the dark.” ended.

After six hours in the water, they finally There was a silence while I tried to heard it. At first, it was only a faint thuddigest her story. “Thank God, the weather thud-thud barely audible over the sound of was calm,” she finally said quietly. Then she Tammi on her boat, Fairwinds. water slapping against the pontoons. They added with emphasis, “and warm.“ looked at each other.

I agreed. I had recently seen the movie Titanic and I “Did you hear that?” remember seeing all the dead victims hanging in their life jackThey all listened as the sound grew louder. Then Tammi ets in the quiet sea while the great ship sank. “In a way, calm worried how they would see them in the darkness. She looked weather is eerier than if you are in a storm. Because when the at the captain and wondered if it was time to light a flare. But weather is rough, you are too busy doing what has to be done, she could have saved her worry. A bright beam of light began to notice anything else,” I offered. a methodical search of the water, and pretty soon it found the Tammi nodded. She went on telling how the late aftertiny raft in the vastness of the dark ocean. noon turned into evening. They were out of sight of land, so With the spotlight locked in on them, they were informed they had a magnificent sunset. She remembered watching to that the USCG ship Harriet Lane was standing by, and a rescue see if she could catch the elusive “green flash” as can be seen at dinghy was on the way to pick them up. What a relief it was to these latitudes, but there was no green flash, and soon the turn their fate over to the capable hands of the U.S. Coast Guard! They were picked up and brought safely aboard the Harriet Lane, where they were treated to dry jumpsuits, food and beds. The Coast Guard took them to Roatan, Honduras, where Tammi caught a commercial flight home to Bradenton, FL. I listened to her story in silence, wondering how I would have weathered similar conditions. I recalled when at a meeting of the Seven Seas Cruising Association, I met a woman who had spent three weeks on a life raft in the Pacific. She said that the first thing she and her husband did upon their return was to look for another boat. When queried how she could even consider another boat after the ordeal, she answered, “If your house burned down, wouldn’t you buy a new house?”

That’s one way of looking at it. Tammi, however, took a different tack.“You have a lot of time to think when you spend six or more hours in a little life raft, all alone on a big, dark ocean,” she observed. “I decided right then and there that I wanted my life to account for more than just pleasure cruising around the world.” She went on to tell how, while visiting undeveloped countries, she had learned some of the ways the natives managed their health care without modern facilities.

Having a degree in nursing, Tammi now spends her time working toward uniting some of these natural health remedies into the new science of integrative medicine that is gaining popularity in America. As for sailing, she is confining herself to some coastal cruising whenever she can find time away from her busy schedule.

After 40 years of sailing, Richard and Ina Moody switched from their Morgan 33 to their trawler, a Gulfstar 44, Seawind. Ina, a freelance writer, lives onboard with her husband in southwest Florida, where they cruise Florida’s west coast, the Keys and the Eastern Seaboard. Ina is a regular contributor to Southwinds. Visit Ina’s Web site at www.StressRelief-Tips.org, or www.Yogina.org.

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LADIES NIGHT AT WEST MARINE:

Gaining Confidence at the Helm

By Marlene Sassaman and Rachel Lefebvre

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nlike most sailing seminars, the one held at West Marine in Melbourne, FL, on Sept. 23, had little to do with rules, tactics and boat handling. Rather, Marlene Sassaman, Ed.D., and Rachel Lefebvre, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, explained the fears women harbor, which prevent them from being more assertive when taking the helm.

To understand the phenomena of fear’s dynamic, Rachel explained how our body and mind react to fears whether they are real or imagined. Fears can be described as “False Evidence of What Appears Real.” In other words, our thoughts can put us in a negative frame of mind. We think the worst, even when it is unlikely to occur. When fear strikes, we have an emotional response called flight or fight, where our whole metabolism increases and we start experiencing anxiety symptoms. Several women stated they succumb to the flight dynamic by avoiding helm time. Most of the ladies admitted that their thoughts turn to self-talk, such as, “I don’t know if I’m doing this right,” or “I can’t do this.”

This self-talk reinforces the fear factor.

A list was made of each woman’s fear when it comes to boating. The 13 women who were participating represented various experience levels, from a novice sailor to competitive skippers with coastal and Gulf Stream crossing experiences. Yet, there was a familiar theme among this diverse group of women. Fear of hitting another boat was the most common challenge faced. Yet the statistics regarding boating accidents in our area are negligible. One has a much greater chance of a car wreck than a collision at sea. Yet we don’t get in our car each morning afraid of hitting someone.

To counter the negative impact of “False Evidence of What Appears Real,” Rachel gave a more positive twist to dealing with fear. Using an acronym coined by Skip Weisman, private consultant for Weisman Success Resources, Rachel said, “Think of fear as ‘Focusing Entirely on the Actual Results.’ ” In other words, if you are afraid to drive the boat for “fear” of hitting an oncoming vessel, focus your attention on how to avoid the collision.

Sassaman added that, like educators who are designing a lesson for their students, you need to focus on the end result that you are trying to achieve. If you want to have a safe passage, then tell yourself which direction to steer and whether or not you need to slow up. Remind yourself with positive self-talk, such as, “I can do this!” and “Look where I want to go!” It may help to remember how you overcame your fear of driving a car. The key is to challenge yourself to take the helm for at least a few minutes each time you go boating while you “Focus Entirely on the Actual Results” you want.

Another dynamic part of this seminar was when each woman found an item in the store that she did not know what the heck it was used for or found something she had been putting off buying. It was fun to listen to the powerboat women and the sailors find common ground with the

News & Views for Southern Sailors

products selected. Among them were snubbers for dock lines, a wetsuit, a Columbian shirt and a whistle. The participants were reminded that our program was designed as an educational experience, and we did not expect anyone to make any purchases. Our goal was to open up the world of sailing to more women.

Lastly, Sassaman, speaking as a true educator, suggested the women do their homework and take time to read about the sailing adventures of other women. In particular, she contrasted two modern-day sailing heroines, Ellen MacArthur and Tania Aebi. Certainly, these two women, whether sailing alone in the Red Sea or chipping ice off the winches in the solitude of the Southern Ocean, provide inspiration for those afraid to take their own boat out for the day.

To summarize our discussion: Rachel emphasized the importance of understanding our individual strengths and weaknesses. “It is important to make good decisions.

Equally important is that when we talk about overcoming See LADIES NIGHT continued on page 80

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SOUTHERN RACING Regata del Sol al Sol (Race to Mexico) Gearing Up for 2009 and 100th Anniversary of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club Last year’s 40th anniversary of the Regata del Sol al Sol (St. Petersburg, FL, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico) had a record 44 boats entered. With the St. Petersburg Yacht Club celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, regatta organizers believe that 2009 should be even better, expecting to reach the 50boat maximum. Sign up before January 1 and receive $100 discount on the entry fee. Eight boats have already signed up. The first 20 boats entered will receive priority dockage at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club prior to the race. Convenient online and printable entry forms along with the notice of or race are available at www.regatadelsolalsol.org, www.mexicorace.com.

UBS/Ron Hersch was named as the title sponsor for this year’s regatta, which leaves on April 24.

Added this year is a first-time participation perpetual trophy sponsored by Christopher G. Nelson, Jr., M.D. This trophy for best first-time participant in corrected time, who does not otherwise receive a perpetual trophy, is in addition to the 17 other perpetual trophies annually awarded by the regatta.

The regatta will also be included as one of the five races for the newly developed St. Petersburg Ocean Racing Challenge (SPORC), sponsored by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Further information on this challenge will be available on the regatta Web site.

Non-sailing boats can also participate in the regatta and related festivities as a support vessel. These boats carry tracking transponders like the sailboats and motor along with the fleet to the Island.

For further information and to get on the regatta e-mail list, contact Regatta Chairman Dan Driscoll at chairman@regatadelsolalsol.org

soring a weekday sailing program designed to introduce kids to sailing on Biscayne Bay. The U. S. Sailing Center is a not-for-profit organization, and official Olympic Training Site, whose mission is to promote sailing and the sport of sailboat racing. They have been organizing Junior and Olympic level regattas from their Miami, Kennedy Park location since 1987. SailLaser is a division of LaserPerformance, the manufacturer of some of sailing’s most recognized brands including the Laser, Sunfish, 420, and the new SB3. In addition, SailLaser provides sailing and training opportunities out of the U. S. Sailing Center.

For more information, go towww.sail-laser.com, or call (305) 285-3442

Clearwater Community Sailing Center Race Series This is a low-key race series open to anyone and everyone.

There are usually Daysailers, Lasers, JY15 and Sunfish, but organizers are hoping to see some Getaways and Waves show up, too.

Race dates are always on a Saturday and/or Sunday.

Dates are: Nov. 8, 29; Dec. 13, 27; Jan. 10. There will be a noon skipper’s meeting followed by a 1:00 p.m. start.

Members sail free and non-members with their own boat pay $20; non-members who qualify on a CCSC boat pay $10 plus the boat rental fee.

For more information, go to www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org, call (727) 517-7776 or e-mail ccsa@tampabay.rr.com.

Centennial Series Winner Presented Century-Old Trophy

By Julie B. Connerley

US Sailing Center Partners with SailLaser to Introduce Youth to the Sport of Sailing The U.S. Sailing Center is partnering with SailLaser to promote sailing to Miami’s youth. Working with the city of Miami and the parks department, the Sailing Center is spon-

Mike Makarowski, left, Non-Spinnaker class winner and Hunter Riddle, Centennial Championship Series winner, proudly display the 1909 rededicated perpetual PYC Championship Trophy. Photo

by Dave Hoffman.

Many yacht clubs have an annual championship series.

Pensacola Yacht Club is no different, but for 2008, it was different. Renamed and with a refurbished trophy, this year’s club championship took on a new meaning.

Chartered in 1908, PYC has been honoring its centennial with special events throughout the year. The latest was PYC’s Centennial Championship Series. The four-race 68

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series began in June and ended Nov. 1. Both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes raced for the customary trophies awarded after each race. However, the overall Spinnaker series winner, Hunter Riddle, will have his name inscribed on a centennial trophy with a history as old as Pensacola Yacht Club.

James C. Watson was a founding member of the Pensacola Boat Club and member of the Pensacola and Gulf Yacht Club—predecessors to PYC. He, along with like-minded boating enthusiasts, organized the Pensacola Yacht and Motor Boat Club, now known as Pensacola Yacht Club in 1908. Watson was also PYC’s first commodore. Fast-forward several decades. Brent Watson, recognizing his grandfather’s love of yachting, chose to donate some treasured trophies to the care of former PYC Commodore Dr. Charles (Chuck) Smith. One was a 1909 sterling silver trophy presented to the club by James C. Watson. Dr. Smith, a member of PYC’s chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel and member of PYC’s centennial committee, worked with Blue Gavel chapter secretary-treasurer John Matthews to coordinate fundraising efforts to have the deteriorated trophy restored. Fittingly, one of the IOBG’s missions is to strive to preserve the proven traditions, customs and ethics of yachting so that they may not be lost to those yet to come.

Approximately $1,000 was spent and the trophy, with a newly added base for winners’ names, will be proudly displayed as a perpetual trophy at the yacht club founded one hundred years ago by its donor’s namesake.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

THE MELGES EXPERIENCE: Learn to Sail a Melges 24, Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa, FL, Dec. 13-14 Have you ever felt a twinge of envy while watching a 24foot boat blow by you on a plane? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be at the helm of a 24-foot boat doing 15, 20, 25 knots? You will have that opportunity Dec. 13-14 at Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa, FL, at the MELGES EXPERIENCE. You may do so for a $200 tax-deductible donation to Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation (DIYSF) (plus insurance deposit). To crew, you may do so for a $100 donation.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, there will be a demonstration of how easy it is to go from road-ready to sail-ready. You will be invited to a seminar featuring local experts showing you the proper way to sail a Melges 24. After lunch at the new DIYC clubhouse, you will have a chance to practice sail the Melges 24. There will be on-the-water coaching, videotaping, plus instruction from the owner seated next to you who will see that you don’t lose your $500 insurance deductible Sunday, Dec 14, will feature a three-race, four-leg windward/leeward regatta to show you what sailing the fastest monohull under 35 feet is all about.

Come join us. Help Melges Fleet 31 grow and make a donation to Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation. Contact

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SOUTHERN RACING King Purton at kpurton@verizon.net or (813) 760-0177 to get an application and secure a spot. Openings are limited.

Advanced 420 Race Clinic, SailLaser Miami, Dec. 20-23 In preparation for the Orange Bowl Regatta, Morgan Resser, 470 Olympic silver medalist and coach of the 2004 Olympic gold medal 470 woman’s team, and Larry Suter, coach of the 2004 European Championship gold medal 470 woman’s team, will help you fine-tune your racing techniques for the Orange Bowl Regatta and show you what it takes to become an Olympic sailor.

The clinic will consist of lectures and on-the-water drills with a focus on boat speed, spinnaker handling, and tactics.

The clinic is open to applicants 14 years and older. Registration, due by December 8, is $600. Includes continental breakfast and lunch each day, a SailLaser gift, and expert coaching. For registration or more information, call (305) 285-3442.

US SAILING Small Boat Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course, Orange Park, FL, Dec. 27-30 The US SAILING Small Boat Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, is designed to teach sailing instructors on-the-water group management

and instruction techniques for dinghies, multihull and small daysailing keelboats. It is a 40-hour course conducted in four days.

For more information go to the US SAILING Web site at www.ussailing.org, then go to “Education” and then “Instructor Training.”

The course will be held at The Rudder Club of Jacksonville, Orange Park, FL. Contact Dick Allsopp at dallsopp@ussailing.net, or call (904) 278-0329.

I UPCOMING MAJOR REGATTAS

52nd Annual Wirth M. Munroe Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach Race, Sailfish Club, Dec. 5

This year’s 52nd Annual Wirth M. Munroe Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach Race and celebration is scheduled for Friday, December 5. The race will begin at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale and finish just outside the Lake Worth inlet in Palm Beach. The Sailfish Offshore Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 with short offshore buoy races outside the Lake Worth inlet. For more information or to enter, contact Samantha Dover at the Sailfish Club at samanthadover@sailfishclub.com, or (561) 844-0206.

Additional information can also be found at www.sailfishclub.com.

7th Annual Kettle Cup Regatta, Lake Monroe Sailing Association, Sanford, FL, Dec. 5-7 Lake Monroe Sailing Association is hosting The 7th Annual Kettle Cup Regatta benefiting the Salvation Army.

Racing will be Saturday and Sunday. Registration will be held Friday night and Saturday morning with the skippers meeting following registration. Regatta activities include a chili dinner, a raffle and silent auction, Sanford’s Christmas Parade on Saturday evening and the awards ceremony after racing on Sunday. Boat ramps, trailer parking and accommodations are available. Proceeds from last year’s event enriched the holidays for 50 disadvantaged central Florida families. For more information, go to www.flalmsa.org or contact Andy Forrest at (407) 3028041. All sailors are welcome.

Santa Claus Regatta/Lighted Boat Parade, Pensacola Yacht Club, Dec. 13

By Kim Kaminski On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Pensacola Yacht Club will host the last race in its centennial year of 2008 with the annual Santa Claus Regatta. This fun racing event always invites the Gulf Coast sailors to join the holiday season by encouraging participants to dress up for the occasion. Santa Claus and his reindeer, Christmas elves and candy canes appear out on the water to race and have some “reindeer” fun.

Registration will be held the morning of the race, starting 70

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at 9:30 a.m. at the Pensacola Yacht Club with a skipper’s meeting at 10:45 a.m. The race will begin at 12 noon. Following the race, the fun will begin with Christmas-themed trophies given to the top three competitors in each class.

There are numerous seasonal events preceding the regatta along the Pensacola coastline. Starting on November 28 in downtown Pensacola, the Annual Elf Parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m. by the Winterfest tours, held throughout December.

On Dec. 12, there will be a lighted boat parade starting in Little Sabine Bay near the Pensacola Beach shoreline. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and journey through Little Sabine Bay on a short trip to the Quietwater Boardwalk Pier, which lies on the eastern side of the Pensacola Beach Bridge.

Captains will compete for prizes, which will be given to the top three decorated boats in the parade.

And finally, after the Santa Claus Regatta ends…the Downtown Pensacola Christmas Parade begins with lighted floats, bands and plenty of holiday music. For more information, go to www.pensacolayachtclub.org.

Acura Key West 2009, Jan. 19-23

By Rebecca Burg Sailboat racing’s hottest players will be back in Key West this January for the greatest saltwater showdown around.

This highly-anticipated event draws competitors from over 30 states and from about 20 different countries. The opportunity to race against the best in the sport, with the possi-

News & Views for Southern Sailors

bility of winning, makes Acura Key West especially alluring. The exotic location is also a notable draw. The afterrace parties at the Historic Sea Port and tours through a small island famed for its rich culture add to the appeal.

Local weather in January can be unpredictable, a contributing factor in the racing game’s many challenges. Temps average from 65º to 75º F and winds average about 10 to 15 knots from the southeast to the northeast. Winter cold fronts will bring increased wind speeds.

The exciting and aggressive one-design classes like the Swan 42, J/105, J/80, Farr 40 and M30 will be back in action. The PHRF National Championship title will once again be up for grabs in Key West. 2008 champion Robert Armstrong will return to defend this hard-won title. The IRC class is shaping up with a TP52 subclass. An encouraging number of Key West veterans are appearing on the entry list. Pete Hunter’s Wairere from North Carolina and Jon Halbert’s Swan 42, Vitesse, from Texas, are back in the game. Lynn Dell’s BH 36, Kali, from Florida, and David Eames with his S2 9.1, Lightning Rod, Florida, will be joining the competition for 2009.

If you’re considering being part of this rewarding challenge of skill and nerve, it’s not too late to sign up. This well-organized event divides classes into four large divisions just off shore of Key West. Monday through Friday.

Racing takes place in the mid-morning and finishes early afternoon. Points are calculated and the day’s winners are determined. The main party and awards tent becomes a beehive of social activity in the afternoon. There are com-

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SOUTHERN RACING plimentary refreshments with sponsor Mount Gay Rum, and videos of the racing are shown throughout the tent.

Booths offering quality gear and goods for sale inside the tent are also popular with sailors. Awards are announced and presented in the evening. Pump up the volume with the game’s greats and play a part in the most prestigious Key West event around. You just might end up in the winner’s circle and make history in the annals of yacht racing. Online registration is available at www.premiere-racing.com.

US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR, Coconut Grove, FL, Jan. 25-31 US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR is preparing for its 2009 debut as the second stop on the inaugural International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) Sailing World Cup 2008-2009 circuit. Already a long-time ISAF Grade 1 world-ranking event as well as a US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics qualifier and preferred winter training regatta for the world’s elite Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, the Rolex Miami OCR will also celebrate its 20th anniversary this year when it returns to Coconut Grove, FL, on January 25-31, 2009.

Established in 1990 by US SAILING, the Rolex Miami OCR annually draws elite sailors, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists and hopefuls from around the world.

In non-Olympic/Paralympic years, the regatta is especially important as a ranking regatta for sailors hoping to qualify for the US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics, which annually distinguishes the top three sailors in each Olympic and Paralympic class. The 2009 Rolex Miami OCR consists of five days of fleet racing from Monday, Jan. 26 through Friday, Jan. 30, and one day of top-10 medal racing (for Olympic classes only) on Saturday, Jan. 31. For complete and up-to-theminute regatta information and resources, including the notice of race, entry list, online registration, schedule, hosts and area information, go to www.RolexMiamiOCR.org.

Gasparilla Regatta, Tampa Sailing Squadron, Apollo Beach, FL, Feb. 21-22 Tampa Sailing Squadron will be the host for the annual Gasparilla Regatta on Feb. 21, sponsored by Lexus. This will be followed on Sunday, Feb. 22, by the Women’s Gasparilla Regatta. These racing events tie in with the annual Gasparilla celebrations, parades, and pirate festivals in the Tampa Bay area.

Racing will include both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes as well as True Cruising and Mother Lode. OneDesign fleets are encouraged to attend.

Go to www.tampasailing.org for more information.

RACE REPORTS

Some Surprises at 34th Annual WFORC, Pensacola, Oct. 10-12

By Julie B. Connerley Pensacola Yacht Club hosted the Gulf Yachting Association 34th Annual West Florida Ocean Racing Circuit the weekend 72

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Flying Tigers sailing with their colorful spinnakers in the WFORC. Photo by Julie Connerley.

of Oct. 10-12. It has done so for the past 26 years when the GYA voted to have PYC permanently host the race series.

PYC extended its Southern hospitality to more than 200 sailors and 33 vessels from Milwaukee, New Jersey, Kentucky and Texas, to Naples, FL. “Last year, PYC hosted 250 sailors competing on 44 boats,” said PYC fleet captain, Scott Harrell.

“The numbers were down somewhat this year.”

The regatta was the second of four titled events to Celebrate Pensacola 1559-2009, Discover Pensacola Bay Sailing Festival.

The non-GYA vessels were mostly one-design competitors including the Flying Tiger 10-meters, high performance sport boats that were introduced in the United States in 2006. WFORC was their first appearance along the northern Gulf Coast.

PYC’s race committee had conversations with FT class association members who expected about 10 FTs from Fleet Two (owners in the Eastern United States) to compete at WFORC. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong did.

One had a house closing. Another had trailer problems.

Between the economy, logistics, and timing, only four managed to make it to Pensacola Bay in time for the series. But when they did, surprised heads turned.

The first thing one notices is the Flying Tiger’s narrow beam—that is so it can fit in a container for shipping from China where it is built. Other differences are more subtle.

However, when the chutes are hoisted, the distinctive tiger face makes its own statement.

Another surprise was the lack of Melges 24 competitors. Due to its popularity, the one-design class was added to WFORC in 1999. This year, only three competitors, all from out of state, participated.

In the PHRF fleet, 25 boats sailed six races over three days. The 10-meters and Melges 24s sailed eight and seven races respectively, on a separate racecourse.

The nine boats of Class A including two Melges 32s, three www.southwindsmagazine.com

J-boats, and a Tripp 33, were bested by a new boat on the bay, a 1998 Bashford Howison 36 named Kali, which scored nine points overall, including three first-place finishes.

Co-owned by PYC’s Lynn Dell and Bob Patroni, Kali’s first race was WFORC. The crew is now tuning up to take the sleek, dark blue-hulled boat to Key West Race Week in January..

Dave Dunbar, of Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, sailing Tripp Tonite, came in second with 12 points, followed closely by Jeoffrey Tiurini, of New Jersey’s Raritan Yacht Club, in his recently purchased Melges 32, Shake Down.

Another surprise was a familiar boat with an unfamiliar skipper. Bob Arzbaecher, Milwaukee Yacht Club, recently purchased Finesse, a Beneteau 40.7 from PYC member, Alan McMillan. Arzbaecher decided to leave Finesse here until after WFORC so he could have an opportunity to race it on Pensacola Bay before moving it to Lake Michigan where it would be out of the water until springtime. He came in seventh in Class A. Ten boats competed in Class B, which included the winner of the coveted Dr. Lindsay Riddle Trophy. The perpetual trophy is awarded to the winner of the PHRF monohull class with the closest and most competitive racing during the regatta.

The formula is determined by adding the corrected time differential between first and third place in each class per race and dividing that total time by the total nautical miles raced. The class winner competing in the class with the lowest average time differential (in seconds per nautical mile) is awarded the Riddle Cup. Brian Harrison of Fort Walton Yacht Club, and his crew aboard Slumpbuster, a J/92, won the Riddle Cup and first overall in Class B. PYC boat owners Walt Wilde, Murt Guild and Dave Hoffman and crew aboard Antares took overall honors in Class C and tied with only two other boats in WFORC for having the same number of first-place wins.

For a complete listing of PHRF, Flying Tiger and Melges 24 results, visit www.pensacolayachtclub.org

SE Sunfish Regional Championship, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Oct. 11-12

By Charlie Clifton David Mendelblatt of St. Pete Yacht Club ran away with the 2008 Southeast Sunfish Regional Championship at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Oct. 11-12. The victory qualifies him for the 2009 World Championship in the Bahamas.

Twenty-one boats sailed in a light westerly seabreeze Saturday. Mendelblatt won all four races that day.

Sunday brought a puffy, shifty easterly. That opened the door for Fred Hutchinson to win race five when Mendelblatt got caught on the left side in a big righty. David then won the next three.

Joe Blouin of Davis Island Yacht Club sailed very consistently to lock up second.

Mendelblatt commented that he has been working on his downwind speed. That certainly paid off as he repeatedly made significant gains offwind.

Results: www.sarasotasailingsquadron.com/raceresults. org.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Twenty-Five Boats Race for the Cortez Cup in the Gulf of Mexico, Cortez, FL, Oct. 11

By Charlie Clifton

The crew of XS, winners of the Spinnaker class. From left to right is Bill Fisher, Paul Silvernail, Christine, Adam, Leslie Silvernail, Doug Fisher. Photo by John Lynch.

Cortez Yacht Club found a good home for the 2008 Cortez Cup at the Cortez Cove Marina, Oct.11. The races were sailed out in the Gulf of Mexico in a light northerly. The docks in the historic fishing village were overflowing with sailors as the local residents rolled out the welcome mat after the races. The awards were handed out in a gazebo over the bay on a beautiful moonlit night.

Doug Fisher put together a crew spanning three generations who sailed his Custom 41 XS to two straight bullets to win the Spinnaker class. The big yellow boat found the light air to her liking and moved into first place in the Sarasota Boat of the Year standings.

In Non-Spinnaker class, Rudy Reinecke on his Olson 30, Hot Tuna, ended Doug Dearden’s string of six straight Sarasota Bay Boat of the Year (SBBOTY) victories aboard In Tune. Sailing with brother-in-law Joe Duarte and Bill Predikoff, Reinecke fell victim to an unusually strong Gulf current when he hit the windward mark and executed a painful 360 in race one. Although Dearden won the first race, Reinecke came back to win the second, which gave him the overall win by virtue of the tie-breaker. Her good Cortez showing moves Hot Tuna into third place in the SBBOTY series.

The Cruisers made up the largest percentage of the 25boat fleet and were broken into two divisions. They sailed a 12-mile triangle while the Spin and Non-Spin classes sailed two five-mile windward leeward courses.

John Lynch on Summertime scored a whopper of a victory, correcting over both cruising divisions and winning True Cruiser by 14 minutes. The win moves Summertime into second place in the SBBOTY series. She is close behind Ron Greenberg’s Forever Young, which placed second at Cortez.

Bob Hindle found some extra gears on his Chrysler 22, TREO. He won the Pocket Cruiser class by over five minutes. Thirty-three-year-old TREO showed she still has some legs by placing second in the overall cruiser fleet.

Two Gemini 105s had a match race in the Multihull class. Charles Joswig on Catahullic bested Dan Wallace’s SOUTHWINDS

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SOUTHERN RACING Knotty Cat. The amalgamation of racing sailors and Cortez fishing folk was a big success. Next stop on the SBBOTY circuit is the Sarasota Yacht Club Regatta, Nov. 8.

Complete results can be found at www.sarasotabayyachting.org.

F-18 North American Championship Déjà Vu for Winners, Pensacola Beach, Oct. 13-17

By Julie B. Connerley

Holding the F-18 flag are Robbie Daniel, left, and Hunter Stunzi, while other F-18 winners display their trophies and awards in the “pirate ship” bow at Flounder’s Chowder House on Pensacola Beach. Photo by Julie Connerley.

For some, like the Canadians, Puerto Ricans, and Greg Goodall, Australian builder of the Capricorn F-18, it was their first visit to Pensacola Beach, home of the “world’s whitest beaches,” composed of 99 percent crystal quartz.

For others, like Robbie Daniel and Hunter Stunzi, the Formula 18 North American Championships, hosted by Pensacola Beach Yacht Club and Key Sailing on Santa Rosa Sound, it was more like déjà vu.

As reported in Southwinds, May 2008, Daniel and Stunzi first sailed as a team at the U.S. Multihull Championship at PBYC—and won. At the time, Daniel, the Olympic class sailor, paired up with US SAILING’s first Youth Multihull Champion, having won the event in 2001. They have been sailing together ever since. Besides winning multiple events since 2006, their teamwork and experience earned them a position on the U.S. Sailing Olympic Team at Beijing, China, earlier this year—and another title with the F-18 North American Championship in October.

Daniel, 46, is a member of the Gulfport Yacht Club, just south of St. Petersburg, FL. “Many people naturally think of Gulfport, MS,” he smiled. Stunzi, 25, lives in Charleston, SC, “but I do most of my sailing elsewhere,” he said.

Thirty-three teams enjoyed spectacular racing conditions and the chamber of commerce hospitality of the regatta hosts. Promoted as another title event of the Discover 74

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Pensacola Bay Sailing Festival, part of Celebrate Pensacola 1559-2009, Pensacola’s maritime history from discovery to trade to leisure and competition is being heralded in special events such as this.

“Conditions were perfect for this level of racing,” explained Kirk Newkirk, event coordinator and owner of Key Sailing. “We had great winds and beautiful weather.

Everyone said they wished the championship could be held on Pensacola Beach every year!’’

Principal Race Officer Bert Rice added, “The dynamics of race management at this level of competition is critical.

We were fortunate to have race officers from Pensacola Yacht Club, Canada and Clearwater, available to serve the Formula 18 Flying Family.”

Although originally scheduled for five days, the race committee abandoned the final day’s racing when it became obvious the winds were not cooperating. So after four days, 15 races and one throw-out, it all came down to the DanielStunzi’s runaway low 21-point total, including nine firstplace scores.

Second place, with 50 points, went to John Williams of California and skipper Greg Goodall, 54, builder of the Capricorn. “I met Greg a couple of years ago at a regatta on Lake Carlyle, MO,” began Williams, 40. “I was very impressed with him and the Capricorn. So much so, that I was the first to buy a Capricorn outside of Australia, hull #70.”

The first time the pair sailed together was at the F-18 Championship. “We had to work it all out in 18 knots of wind,” continued Williams grinning. “They use a completely different set of words down under. When we say we are on a beat (going to weather), they use ‘work’ instead of ‘beat.’ Aussies say ‘spring’ instead of ‘ease.’ I spent the first three days learning to understand what he wanted me to do! When I finally did, we got into the groove. I’ve never sailed with somebody so tweaky,” Williams beamed. And he meant it.

Recalling that comment later, John spoke in awe of the man who could look up at the sail and ask for just the slightest adjustment, and then another adjustment somewhere else. Something so minute that someone else might not even notice a change, but Goodall did, and it worked where it counted most, in the team’s finishes!

Third-place finishers, scoring 69 points, was the team of John Casey and Kenny Pierce. Ironically, Casey won last year’s U.S. Multihull Championship with John Williams.

Casey is currently racing the eXtreme 40 Grand Prix as part of the Volvo Ocean Race series. Six teams are racing 40-foot catamarans in four venues in Europe. His team, Alicante 2008, won the first race.

Williams and Goodall weren’t the only Capricorn sailors on the course. Others favored the Aussie version as well, including 2008 U.S. Olympic team members, twins Gary and Norman Chu. The brothers finished 12th in the fleet. Gary, from Wisconsin, said he enjoyed his return visit to Pensacola Beach, while his brother and skipper, who hails from Houston, busied himself with boat duties.

Young Taylor Reiss, 13, of Panama City, was back again after competing in the Gulf Yachting Association Multihull Championship earlier in October. Reiss and Matthew Whitehead, 15, didn’t compete in two of the races and still managed to place 28th in the fleet. Look for Reiss to be an www.southwindsmagazine.com

Olympian in our lifetime!

Special thanks were given to competitor Mike Krantz of Layline Yacht Racing Equipment. Krantz brought boxes of door prizes for competitors. Almost everyone got something, and impromptu Zhik fashion shows were the rage.

Gulfsailing.com also provided special trophies. Mark Ederer was awarded the Contenders Award, Taylor Reiss earned the Youth Champion, Sandra Tartaglino accepted the Women’s Champion, and Greg Goodall won the Masters Champion. Chief scorer Pierre Felteau was given a Sportsmanship Award.

For complete results visit www.gulfsailing.com

Youth Sailing Team wins Bob Buzzelli Memorial Regatta, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Oct. 17-19

By Charlie Clifton

Iguana, a Stilletto, on the left, tails Merlin, the boat previously owned by the regatta namesake Bob Buzelli in the Bob Buzzelli Memorial Regatta in Sarasota on Oct. 17-19. Merlin, sailed by Doug Fisher, took first in Spinnaker. Photo by John Lynch.

Bob Buzzelli’s spirit was ubiquitous at the regatta which bears his name and was sailed at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Oct. 17-19.

After his sudden death last year at the age of 45, his estate was found to contain generous bequests to the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program. In addition to a sizable cash endowment, Buzzelli left the Gulfstream 39, Merlin, and the Stiletto 27, Bob’s Legacy, to the youth program.

The YSP sold Merlin and then put a crew of youths aboard Bob’s Legacy to race in the combination Buzzelli Memorial/Stiletto National Championship.

Matt Dowd, Abby Featherstone, Max Famiglietti and Will Stocke teamed up with token adult, Ron Nichols, to sail the wheels off Bob’s Legacy on the way to winning the News & Views for Southern Sailors

Stiletto 27 class as well as overall regatta honors. It was a close battle that came down to a one-point difference between the youths and Matt’s dad, John Dowd, aboard his Stiletto 27, Iguana. They also had to deal with the formidable presence of the scratch boat, Merlin, sailed by Doug Fisher and crew.

On Friday, the regatta began with a distance race from New Pass to Venice and back in slowly building light air. The kids showed right away that they were serious contenders as they won that one by almost 10 corrected minutes.

Two other divisions began the regatta on Saturday. The 12-boat Division 3 consisted of a variety of Corsairs, Merlin, and an F30.

The five-boat Portsmouth division consisted of a Prindle, some Hobies, and a blazing fast High Tech 18 sailed

by Bob Buzzelli’s nephew, Charlie Barmonde. The little catrigged HT 18 was the fastest, boat for boat, on the course. The crew crossed the finish line first in 4 out of the 5 races sailed Saturday and Sunday, easily winning their division.

The breeze backed and built steadily Saturday. Iguana took the first race by two and a half minutes over Bob’s Legacy in the Stilettos, and Merlin won Division 3 by a similar margin over Bob Neff on the Corsair 24, Consensus.

Katherine Garlick pulled off a perfect pin-end start on her Corsair 28, Evolution, in the second race. She led start to finish, winning Division 3, and became the only one to beat the HT 18 across the line in any race. The youth sailors came back with a vengeance, beating Iguana by almost five minutes.

The third race was the pivot point of the regatta. Bob’s Legacy beat Iguana by four seconds. Although Merlin won, eventual division 3 winner, Valdek Kwasniewski on the Corsair 28 Hi Five, pulled off a second, his best showing so far.

A breezy, shifty easterly greeted the racers Sunday morning. Kwasniewski won his first race as Merlin struggled. The YSP youths pulled off another bullet.

Going into the last race, Bob’s Legacy had to beat Iguana, and Hi Five had to put a boat between her and Merlin to win respectively. That is exactly what happened as the YSP youths beat Matt’s dad by 10 seconds, and Evolution placed between Hi Five and Merlin.

It was a fitting end when the beneficiaries of Bob Buzzelli, sailing his donation, won the regatta named in his memory.

Complete results at www.sarasotasailingsquadron.com/raceresults.htm.

GYA Fish Class Championship, Mobile, AL, Oct. 25-26

By Kim Kaminski On October 25-26, the Buccaneer Yacht Club in Mobile, AL, invited nine Gulf Yachting Association member clubs to sail in the historic Fish class one-design boat—a boat that was originally created in 1919 to promote inter-club competition among GYA sailors.

Due to the limited number of boats available (10 total), the following yacht clubs were given and accepted the offer to sail in the championship race: Bay Waveland YC, Fairhope YC, Fort Walton YC, Long Beach YC, Mobile YC, Navy YC, Pensacola YC, Southern YC and the Point YC. Three races were scheduled, with a drawing for boats SOUTHWINDS

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by Doyle Ploch Sailmakers. The event chair was past Commodore Dick Boblenz. Past Commodore David Billing was the principal race officer of the windward/leeward course for the spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes. Principal race officer for the cruising classes was Tim Rumptz.

Saturday’s conditions were perfect with a north wind averaging 8-12 knots with 2-3 foot waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Once out on the race course, the wind was relatively steady and the races could be run with no course changes being necessary. It was a great day on the water.

Sunday’s conditions were much more moderate with a pleasant 6-10 knot north breeze and a light chop. The competitors and race committee had a much easier time and the racing was very close. On both courses, many of the competitors were overlapped at mark roundings. One protest was filed, but was dropped.

FIsh Class Championship in Mobile, AL. Photo by Dave Jefcoat

prior to each race. This year’s competition was historic in many ways: It was the 90th birthday for the Fish class boat, the 40th anniversary as a privately owned boat, and it is the also the first time in 47 years since this year’s winning yacht club earned the title of Fish Class Champion.

The weekend began with clear skies and warm weather, typical conditions for this time of year in Mobile. As for the winds, they were light and variable, oftentimes making the water in Mobile Bay smooth and quiet.

After the first race, the home yacht club, Buccaneer, finished in first place. Last year’s defending champions, the Pensacola Yacht Club, finished second, and the Fort Walton Yacht Club (which finished third overall in last year’s races) completed the first race in third place. The second race of the day, the Buccaneer YC earned another first-place win, with Fort Walton YC capturing second this time and the Southern YC coming in third.

Following the racing, a special reception was held at the Mobile Yacht Club honoring the anniversary of the Fish Class one-design and was sponsored by the Fish Class Association.

On Sunday, the final day of competition, the winds were light, once again making it challenging for the competitors.

The first-place winner in the final race was the Mobile YC. Second place once again was the Fort Walton YC, with the Fairhope YC taking third. After the points were tallied, the Fort Walton Yacht Club earned the historic Perpetual John C. Curren Fish Class Trophy, capturing the GYA Fish Class Championship. The team of Jeff Brown, Tom Garner and Jim Coulter won the GYA trophy for their club—the club’s first GYA Championship Regatta in 47 years.

Clearwater Challenge 2008, Clearwater Yacht Club, Nov. 1-2

Results (first-place. For complete results, go to www.clwyc.org): Spinnaker A; XS, Doug Fisher, Davis Island Yacht Club (Custom 41); Spinnaker B; Semper Fi, Ray Mannix, St. Pete Sailing Assoc. (J/29); Non-Spinnaker; Ooh-La La, Victor Gandoff, Scuttlebutt Sailing Center, (Beneteau First 35); Racer Cruiser; Relativity, Hall Palmer, St Pete Yacht Club (Beneteau First 53); True Cruiser; Cool Change, Martin Zonnenburg, Davis Island Yacht Club (Tartan 37-2).

Alter Cup Qualifier Sailed in Slow Motion, Pensacola Beach, Nov. 1-2

By Bert Rice

Taylor Reiss, 573, from Panama City, FL, pushes his elder Alter Cup F-18 qualifiers. Since the first weekend in October, the 13-year-old has sailed in five regattas. Taylor has been driving the NACRA F18 Infusion during the beach cat events for the Discover Pensacola Bay Sailing Festival and raced on a PHRF sloop during the WFORC. He sailed on a Flying Scot during the Schreck Regatta and appears to be enjoying the diversity. Can we pronounce “Olympic”? Photo

by Bert Rice.

By Dick Boblenz The Clearwater Yacht Club hosted the Clearwater Challenge regatta over the weekend of November 1-2.

Twenty-nine sailboats competed in this WFPHRF Suncoast Boat of the Year event. Cookouts and dancing were the attraction in the evenings. The skippers enjoyed a drawing with gifts from West Marine and JSI and a new sail donated 76

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Fifteen skippers and crews rolled the dice in the light air during the US SAILING Area D South eliminations and sailed out of Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, November 1 and 2.

Four races were completed in the light and shifty breeze. Staying in the wind lines with pressure paid off. The center lanes of the course presented most of the action. The www.southwindsmagazine.com

podium finishers included Bob Hodges on his “A” Cat for bronze. Mark Smith and Bubba Barberi aboard their NACRA 20 earned the silver and Bob Curry, riding his NF 17, claimed the gold. They are now eligible to compete in the US SAILING Catamaran Championships for the Alter Cup in 2009.

William Paden served as the principal race officer.

Means Davis was the jury chairman and Bert Rice was the mark set officer. Jo Dee Cattrell served on race committee and worked super hard to see the sailors had plenty of food after the racing each day.

Sarasota Yacht Club Invitational Regatta, Sarasota, Nov. 8

By Charlie Clifton

28 throughout the race.

Speth and Dearden continue to lead their divisions in the boat of the year series.

In the Cruising division of BOTY, Dave Wilson on Solitude is in hot pursuit of class leaders, Ron Greenberg on Forever Young and John Lynch on Summertime. Wilson closed the gap considerably at Sarasota when he won Class B and overall Cruising by more than ten minutes. Wilson has put a lot of effort into rejuvenating the old Hunter 30. The results are clear as he has become the boat to beat in the Cruising class.

In Cruiser C and D, Peter Kujanski on his Sabre 386 Graceous and Buzz Shaberg on his Catalina 470 Island Dancer came out on top of their respective classes.

The boldest move of the day came on the second reach after the wind had built. Nobody had managed to fly the chute through the whole leg. When Jay Meyer’s J/40 Joyride rounded the windward mark, the crew opined that it was not a carry. “Set the chute,” crew leader Tim Miller announced. Set it they did, and the big J/Boat barreled down the leg, sewing up first place in the Racer/Cruiser class.

The event was a fundraiser for The Wellness Community, a cancer victim support organization. Sarasota Yacht Club had over 20 RC and spectator boats out on the course. Anyone who wanted to watch the races was accommodated. Although the clubhouse is in the process of demolition, the tent was hopping with music, awards, and great food and drink.

Complete regatta results and SBOTY standings are at www.sarasotabayyachting.org.

REGIONAL RACING CALENDARS

Crew of the Catalina 350 Forever Young. The owner/skipper Ron Greenberg is at the far right. 2007 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Jeff Linton is at the lower left. Ron won Jeff’s services by winning an auction benefiting the Wellness Community charity. They were third in Cruiser C, medium displacement boats. Photo by John Lynch.

The Sarasota Yacht Club Invitational Regatta marked the halfway point of the 2008-2009 Sarasota Boat of the Year (SBOTY) series on November 8. Forty-six boats turned out for a 12-mile reverse handicap race in the Gulf of Mexico in a light to moderate northerly.

Doug Fisher started the race on his big, yellow XS one hour and thirteen minutes after the first boat. Then he passed 43 boats to win the Spinnaker class as well as overall. The victory consolidates his lead in the BOTY Spinnaker division.

The reverse handicap format produced close finishes in several classes. Doug Dearden on In Tune has been neck and neck with Rudy Reinecke on Hot Tuna in recent races. That is how they approached the finish line in Non Spinnaker class.

Dearden seized the bullet by seven seconds.

The multihull class had the closest finish of all. After 12 miles of sailing, Mike Speth on Swim Mart prevailed over Valdek Kwasniewski on Hi Five by six inches. 10-year-old Mya Kwasniewski switched off with Dad driving the Corsair News & Views for Southern Sailors

Regattas and Club Racing— Open to Everyone Wanting to Race For the races listed here, no individual club membership is required, although a regional PHRF rating, or membership in US SAILING or other sailing association is often required.

To list an event, contact to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. Send in the name of the event, date, location, contact info, possibly a short description. Do not just send a link to this information.

Since race schedules and venues change, contact the sponsoring organization to confirm.

DECEMBER Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org See Web site for local club races Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org Check Web site for club races.

Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) www.llsc.com See Web site for local club races 13 Fall race #4. LLSC hosts.

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SOUTHERN RACING South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com See Web site for local club races www.longbaysailing.com See Web site for local club races JANUARY Charleston Ocean Racing Association. www.charlestonoceanracing.org Local races 9/13 and 9/27, every other Saturday.

2009 Schedule not yet posted. See Web site.

Neuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org See Web site for local club races 1 Fred Latham Regatta. www.BlackbeardSailingclub.com 10,24 Winter Race #5, #6 Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier Sailing Club (LLSC) www.llsc.com See Web site for weekly local club races 1 Poker Run/Mad Hatter.Barefoot SC, Southern SC 10,18,31 Winter #1, #2, #3. Lanier Racing Committee 17,24 Ice Breaker #1, #2. Southern SC 25 Winter Gale #1. Barefoot SC South Atlantic Yacht Racing Assoc. www.sayra-sailing.com 1 New Year’s Day Regatta. Columbia Sailing Club 1 Ice Bucket Regatta. LNYC. Lake Norman Yacht Club.

10 Race Management Seminar. Columbia Sailing Club www.longbaysailing.com See Web site for local club races 1 Hangover Regatta.

DECEMBER 6 Single-Handed Race. East Coast SA – Racing 7,21 Winter Rum Race #3,4. Melbourne YC 7 Big Boy’s Race. Halifax SA 6-7 Club Races. Lake Eustis SA 6-7 Gator Bowl Regatta. Rudder Club 13-14 Catalina 22 Florida State Championships. Indian River YC 13 Grand Canal Parade East Coast SA 13 Cruise to Grand Canal Parade. East Coast SA –Cruising 13 Single Handed Regatta. Bull Bay Cruising Club 14 Women’s Fall Race #6. East Coast SA –Women’s 14,28 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne YC 20 Double-Handed Race. East Coast SA –Racing 20-21 Club Races. Lake Eustis SA JANUARY 2009 1 Blessing of the Fleet & Fun Run. Titusville Sailing Center 1 Small Boat Hangover Regatta. Melbourne YC 3-4 Club Races. Lake Eustis Sailing Association 6,20 Winter Rum Race #5,#6. Melbourne YC 12,26 Winter Series #1,#2. East Coast Sailing Association–Racing 13 Race of Champions. Indian River YC 13,27 Small Boat Sunday. Melbourne YC 26 - 27Florida Sunfish Masters Championship. Palm Beach SC 27 Womens’ Spring Race #1. East Coast Sailing Assoc.

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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACE CALENDAR Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net Go the Web site for local club races BBYC Biscayne Bay YC BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.net CGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.org CRYC Coral Reef YC. www.coralreefyachtclub.org.

KBYC Key Biscayne YC. www.kbyc.org.

MYC Miami YC. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

DECEMBER 5 Wirth Monroe Palm Beach Race. www.sailfishclub.com 6-7 Star Commodore Cup. CRYC 6 BBYRA OD. BBYC 7 BBYRA PHRF KBYC 13-14 Etchells Piana Cup. BBYC 20 J/24 Biscayne Bay Series. Flat Earth Racing 26-30 Orange Bowl Regatta. CGSC. CRYC. JANUARY 2 BBYRA Annual Meeting & Registration. CRYC 3 BBYRA OD #1. MYC 4 BBYRA PHRF #1. CGSC 10-11 Levin Memorial Stars. CRYC 10-11 Sidney Doren Memorial Etchells. BBYC 14-16 Ft.Lauderdale to Key West Race. LYC/STC 17-19 Alex Caviglia Bluewater Classic. SAL/Flat Earth 19-23 Premier Racing Key West Race Week 22-24 2.4Mr Midwinters.Flat Earth 24-25 Biscayne Trophy Stars. CRYC 26-30 Olympic Classes Regatta 31 BBYRA OD #2. MYC

Key West Sailing Club. Every Saturday – Open House at the Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (305) 292-5993. www.keywestsailingclub.org. Sailboat Lane off Palm Avenue in Key West. Come by the club to sail. Non-members and members welcome. Wednesday night racing has begun for the summer season. Skippers meet at the clubhouse by 5:00 p.m. and boats start racing at 6:00 p.m. in the seaplane basin near the mooring field.

Dinner and drinks afterward.

Upper Keys Sailing Club (UKSC). www.upperkeyssailingclub.com. Go to the Web site for regular club racing open to all.

DECEMBER 6-7 Key Largo Regatta. Melges 24. Oceanside 21 Flail and Sail. PHRF. Bayside 27 St. Nick’s All Comers. Bayside.

www.southwindsmagazine.com

JANUARY 2-4 Catalina 22 Fun-n-Sun Regatta. Bayside 16-18 Dead Dogs and Tin Whistles Buccs & Mutts Regatta.

Bayside 24 Fleet Captain’s Regatta. Portsmouth. Bayside 25 Fleet Captain’s Regatta. PHRF. Bayside

SOUTHWINDS Annual Online West Florida Race Calendar Posted Sept. 1 SOUTHWINDS magazine posts the annual race schedule/calendar (9/1/08 — 8/31/09) on its Web site for all racing in the central west Florida area from just north of Tampa Bay south to Marco Island. The calendar includes all scheduled races of the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org), plus club races in the area and any others that boaters in the area would like to post. The Boat of the Year races are listed for all the areas of the West Florida PHRF organization.

The race calendar can be accessed through the racing pages link at www.southwindsmagazine.com. It is also the race calendar link at the West Florida PHRF organization (www.westfloridaphrf.org) and many other sailing associations and yacht clubs in the area.

Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com to list your race, make corrections, or changes. Sorry, but we cannot list every single weekly club race.

Club Racing Boca Ciega YC. Gulfport. Third Sunday each month. 10 a.m., PHRF racing. (727) 321-7295 or www.sailbcyc.org. Onedesign, dinghy racing every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. May through September. (727) 458-7274.

Bradenton YC. Races April through October. Thursday evenings.

Races at 6:30 p.m. PHRF racing on Manatee River. For info, call Susan Tibbits at (941) 723-6560.

Clearwater Community Sailing Center. The center holds regular weekend club races. For dates and more information, go to www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.

Dunedin Boat Club. Monthly club racing. For more information, contact saraherb@aol.com.

Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racing once a month, year-round john@johnkremski.com Port Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round. pbgvtrax@aol.com.

Punta Gorda Sailing Club. Charlotte Harbor. Fall Series Sunday afternoon racing begins Sept. 9 through Nov. 18. www.pgscweb.com.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Friday evening races start in April. www.sarasotasailingsquad.com.

Venice Sailing Squadron. Saturdays. First Saturday of each month, PHRF racing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.org BOAT OF THE YEAR RACES (BOTY) — LEGEND Below are areas from Tampa Bay going south to greater Fort Myers area (Southwest Florida). For a list of the BOTY races for each area, go to the West Florida online race calendar at www.southwindsmagazine.com/westfloridaracecalendar.html.

Suncoast Boat of the Year Races (SuncoastBOTY) This is the Tampa Bay Area.

News & Views for Southern Sailors

Sarasota Bay Boat of the Year Races (SBBOTY) Sarasota Bay Motley Fleet Boat of the Year Races (MBOTY) Charlotte Harbor Boat of the Year Races (CHBOTY) Southwest Florida Boat of the Year Races (SWFBOTY) Ft. Myers/Marco Island area Caloosahatchee Boat of the Year Races (CBOTY) Ft. Myers/Cape Coral area DECEMBER 4-7 St. Pete Boat Show & Strictly Sail St. Pete. www.showmanagement.com.

6 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society Commodore’s Cup. (CBOTY) 6-7 Punta Gorda SC. Fall Regatta. (CHBOTY) 6-7 St. Petersburg YC, Green Bench J/24 Regatta 6-7 Edison Sailing Center. Sunfish Challenge Cup Regatta 6-7 Lake Monroe Sailing Assoc. Kettle Cup Regatta, PHRF 13 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. PHRF 13 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Commodores Cup, PHRF 13-14Davis Island YC. Melges 24 Training Sessions 14 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Motley Fleet Race. (MBOTY) 27 Davis Island YC. Winter Couples Race, PHRF JANUARY 1 Tampa Bay Catamarans. Hangover, Dunedin Causeway 1 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Hangover Regatta, PHRF 2-3 Davis Island YC. Egmont Key Race. (SuncoastBOTY) 3 Naples Sailing & YC. New Year’s Cup 9-11 St. Petersburg YC. Multiclass Regatta, One Designs 10-11 Platinum Point YC. Golden Conch Regatta. (CHBOTY) 10 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. PHRF 10 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Snowbird Regatta, PHRF 11 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Motley Fleet Race. (MBOTY) 17 Davis Island YC. Keelboat Regatta 17-18 St. Petersburg YC. Southeast Team Champs, Optimist Dinghies 19-24 Key West Race Week 24 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society Chili Cookoff Race 25 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Motley Fleet Race. (MBOTY) 31- 2/1 St. Petersburg YC. Master Driver Team Racing Invitational

For northern Gulf coast race calendars and more information, go the Gulf Yachting Association Web site, at www.gya.org.

PLEASE note the dates listed for various events may have been re-scheduled or changed due to damages from Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Check the yacht club or event websites for any updates or cancellations.

LEGEND BWYCBay Waveland YC, Bay St. Louis, MS FYC Fairhope YC Fairhope, AL JYC Jackson Yacht Club, Jackson, MS LPRC Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit, New Orleans, LA NOYCNew Orleans YC, LA PelYC Pelican Yacht Club, New Roads, LA (Baton Rouge) PYC Pensacola YC, FL PBYC Pensacola Beach YC, FL SYC Southern YC, New Orleans, LA SABYC St. Andrews Bay YC, Panama City FL TYC Lake Tammany YC, New Orleans, LA SOUTHWINDS

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79

NORTHERN GULF continued from page 79 DECEMBER 6 GMAC Regatta, FYC 6 PHRF #6, SABYC 7 2009 Frosty Nipple #3, FWYC 7 Sugar Bowl Regatta, SYC 13 Santa Claus Regatta, PYC 27 Race of Champions, SYC 27 Sugar Bowl Board Boats, SYC JANUARY 4,18 2009 Frosty Nipple #4, #5. FWYC 4 Frostbite Regatta, PBYC 10,24 Winter Series Race #2, #3. StABYC 11,25 Zevon Cup, FWYC 25 Super Bowl Regatta, PYC

LADIES NIGHT continued from page 67

2005 2000 2004 2001 1988 1994

Com-Pac Beneteau 311 Beneteau 311 Beneteau 36 CC J Boats 37 Beneteau O. 400

$20,500 $47,500 $86,500 $115,000 $85,000 $105,900

1990 Catalina 42 1970 Allied XL 42 2001 Catalina 42 MkII 2007 Catalina 470 1985 Wellington 47 1990 Taswell 49 CC

$128,000 $95,000 $179,500 $398,000 $225,000 $369,000

fear, we are not suggesting one make foolhardy decisions.

Take it one step at a time. Each time you get on a boat, ask the captain for a little tiller time or take lessons at one of the local sailing clubs.”

We reminded the women that the intent of the seminar was to encourage women to gain confidence at the helm, not to boost sales. Indeed, the store provided an excellent forum for discussion. Although initially, Richard Petramale, West Marine’s assistant store manager, offered to provide door prizes at the annual Melbourne Yacht Club’s Mermaid Regatta, we believed that hosting the event in the store would be our way of giving back to our community.

Richard and his staff did an excellent job of providing a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere for our Ladies Night.

If you would like more information about gaining confidence or hosting programs in a local retail outlet, please let us know. We will be glad to assist. Thank you and sail safely!

To contact Marlene Sassaman, e-mail her at Sass4sail@dantekinc.com, or sass4sail@blogspot.com

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CLASSIFIED ADS Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25 FREE ADS - All privately owned gear for sale up to $200 per item Place them on the Internet now for $10! Open to all Brokers, Businesses and Boat Owners • $25 for three months, 30 words. $40 for 40 words. $50 for 60 words.

• $50 for 30-word ad with horizontal photo. $65 with vertical photo.

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AD RENEWALS — $15 to $30 Sign up for automatic renewal to get the $30 (ads with photos) and $15 (text only ads) rate on renewals. Credit card on file required (or prepayment). Ad will be renewed automatically unless you cancel. No broker or dealer boats (see Broker Ad specials below).

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BROKERS: Photo and text ads only apply to this offer. $5 to change your ad first 3 months. After 3

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TO PLACE AN AD 1. On the Internet, go to www.southwinds magazine.com/classifieds. Paypal: Put your ad in the “Message to Seller” area that will come at the end when you process the payment, or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

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3. Mail your ad in. PO Box 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218. Check or credit card number (with name, expiration, address). Enclose a SASE if photo wanted back.

We advise you to list the boat type first followed by the length. For example: Catalina 30. Your boat is more likely to be found by Internet search engines in this format.

Boats Wanted Boats & Dinghies Powerboats Boat Gear & Supplies

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY _________________________________________

Businesses for Sale/Rent Engine Parts Help Wanted Lodging for Sailors

Real Estate for Sale or Rent Sails & Canvas Slips for Sale or Rent Too Late to Classify

BOATS & DINGHIES

_________________________________________

See this section at the end of classifieds for ads that came in too late to place in their appropriate section. Contact us if you have a last-minute ad to place—we still might have time in this section.

21’ Custom C/B sloop. Excellent sailing vessel in nice condition. Draft 8” w/board up, 3’ 6” w/board down. Lead bulb on C/B. Galvanized trailer, boat cover. Call for more pictures. $999. Jim in Daytona (386) 871-3494.

(12/08)

BOATS WANTED

_________________________________________ Sunfish and Sunfish Rigs Wanted. TSS Youth Sailing, Inc., Tampa Youth Sailing, an organization to which donations are tax deductible, is in great need of sailing rigs for Sunfish sailboats. If you have a Sunfish rig (mast, sail and spars.) which you are not using, please consider a gift to us. Go to www.tssyouthsailing.org and click on Contact Us. z

Subscribe to SOUTHWINDS $24/year • 3rd Class $30/year • 1st Class Subscribe on our secure Web site 86

December 2008

SOUTHWINDS

Chris White Discovery 20 trimaran. Rare opportunity, launched 1987, Lombardi Multihulls, refurbished 2004 by John Lombardi. 16+ knots, she’ll do 20+. Good condition. New Sunrise tramps, bottom repainted 2007. LOA: 20’, BOA 15’3”, (8’6” folded), Draft 11”/3’6” rotating aluminum mast, new Schaefer furler drum, original main, jib (both usable), symmetric spinnaker (good condition), demountable. Includes trailer, 4 cycle Honda 2 HP, anchor, closed-cell cockpit cushions. Eustis, FL. $22,500. Arlen (352) 357-6322. arlen211@yahoo.com.

(1/09a)

$50 – 3 mo. Ad & Photo 941-795-8704

1975 Catalina 22. Ready To Sail. Retrofit Summer (2006). Too Much New To list; email for brochure hytedin@hotmail.com, Trailer, NEW Tohatsu 6hp. Jacksonville, FL. (850) 443-7451. $3500 FIRM. (1/09)

See Classified Information Page 86 www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

1976 Cape Dory 25. 2005 Tohatsu 6 hp 4stroke. New batteries, porta-potty, halyards.

Roller furling. Newer sails. Good condition, ready to sail. Needs some TLC. $3,500 OBO. Must sell. In Sarasota (941) 345-2617.

(12/08a)

Catalina 28 MKII. 1998. Excellent condition. Dodger, bimini, huge cockpit & comfortable. Low hours on original diesel. Radar, GPS, chartplotter, VHF, depth. Cushions excellent down below & in cockpit. Rebuilt roller furling. Whisker pole. 135 & 155 headsails (both like new). 3’8” draft, autopilot. $49,900. Bradenton, FL. (941) 7958704. Craig100@tampabay.rr.com.

Catalina 30 sailboat, 1989, 3’10” draft, tall rig, new bottom paint and running gear, Engel refrigeration. Sails in excellent condition. Diesel rebuilt Oct 08. 10 amp solar, 8.5 Achilles and 3.5 Nissan, $22,000. Cruise Ready. South Florida. (305) 509-2834. (2/09)

WHARRAM TIKI 30 CATAMARAN FOR SALE Cape Dory 25-D. 1982. Classic Carl Alberg design with full keel and attached rudder.

Large cockpit with ample interior. Cape Dory’s sea-kind capabilities are well known and these vessels are sailing all oceans. St. Pete Municipal Marina slip transferable thru October. Reduced to $18,500. Stew (727) 415-0350, (727) 5600901. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com

MacGregor 1998 26X, 50 HP Honda 4-stroke OB. Unique water ballast system. Less than 1 foot draft when board is up. 7’ 10” beam and comes with a trailer. Enclosed head, aft sleeping cabin, galley, and dinette. CDI roller furling jib. VHF radio. Stereo with cockpit speakers.

Wheel steering, cockpit cushions and more. $13,500. Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100.

Oday 272 1987. Drafts 2’11”! 2003 Honda 9.9 four stroke engine, wheel steering, roller furling, autopilot, GPS, VHF, surround stereo, Bimini, dodger. $10,500. (321) 544-1733 Cocoa Beach, FL. (2/09)

Brand New — Professionally Built Lindenberg 28. 1983. Five speed. Proven winner. Extensive racing inventory. Ready to race now. Major upgrades and new bottom March 2006. Yours for $16,550. Contact Gary Smith (321) 674-0886. e-mail Fivespeed05@cfl.rr.com. (1/09a)

28’ Corsair F-28R Trimaran ‘97. ‘07 Carbon sails, ‘07 - 9.8 OB, overhauled trailer. Turn-key condition. $69,900. Palmetto, FL. Write for particulars to fmp28r@yahoo.com. (941) 538-8540. (2/09a)

1972 Columbia 30. 30hp Yanmar replaced in ’04. William Tripp design, sails good condition, AP tiller, GPS, AM,FM CD stereo, shoal draft. Many upgrades both interior and exterior. A must see! Great weekend cruiser or club racer sails well below the rating. $11,900 Tampa, FL call Rick@ 727-459-6525 or lintonr1@verizon.net. (12/08a)

Go to www.tiki30.blogspot.com to view an on-line journal documenting the step-bystep building of this boat. Built by Boatsmith, Inc., Jupiter, FL www.boatsmithFL.com. (561)744-0855

1987 Catalina 30 with Universal diesel, Harken RF, lazy jacks, Bruce and Danforth, Lemar STs, Bimini, Data Marine instruments, Grill, GPS, VHF, Stereo, TV, front door refrig, alcohol stove, swim ladder, marine air and more. A great boat at a fantastic offer. $21,000. www.Cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

32’ Watkins 1983 Ideal for cruising or liveaboard, well maintained. Hybrid refrigeration, 27HP Yanmar, A/C, autopilots, GPS, High output alternator. Pictures and list of equipment: www.kollmann-marine.com/Loreli.htm or call (954) 583-7215. (2/09a)

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December 2008 87

CLASSIFIED ADS

Beneteau 331, 2002, 27 hp Yanmar, perfect mid-size cruiser, exc. condition, new sails, cruising chute, Pro-Furl, 5’5” draft, fully equipped, 2 anchors, windlass, Garmin chartplotter, autopilot, VHF, stereo, $74,900. (954) 303-5310. jadams222@aol.com. (12/08)

1975 C&C 33. New Standing and running rigging, racing & cruising/delivery sails.

Good race record. Epoxy barrier coat bottom.

AM/FM CD and speed/depth. Asking $19,000 Call Mike at (727) 510-4167 or (727) 796-4260; (1/09)

1985 BABA 35 - full keel Blue Water cruiser.

Lots of gear with manuals and records. VHF, SSB, GPS, windlass, wind gen, life raft and more. Needs some exterior teak work and some blisters. On the hard for your inspection. A fantastic offer @ $59,000. Call Cortez Yacht Sales (941) 792-9100 or visit www.cortezyachts.com

1995 Hunter 35.5 loaded, Yanmar diesel, low hrs, Roller Furling 150% and 130, 2 mains, Dutchman, two GPSs, SSB radio, VHF, Auto Pilot, solar, like new dodger, Bimini, dinghy w/OB and crane, boom vang, new running rigging, manual windlass, full galley, head w/shower, Marine air. Must see. Asking $65,000. www.cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100.

2004 Catalina 34 MK II, loaded and ready.

This boat is equipped for the discriminating sailor for pure pleasure or the competitor for pure enjoyment. Everything you need in a boat. Two complete sets of sails, one to cruise, another to race. Everything is like new. $127,500. www.Cortezyachts.com for listing or call (941) 792-9100.

1968 Classic Morgan 34’ In process of refurbishing for past 2 years. Full Lead Keel added complete with CAD designs. New wiring. New Simrad electronics still in the box. Auto Pilot System and Radar (electronics cost 9K). Owner deceased widow wants out at $15K or BO. Located in St. Augustine. 727505-4247. (2/09a)

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December 2008

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1980 O’DAY 37’ Center Cockpit. New to market with Universal 37 HP diesel, 10/07 barrier coat bottom, Awlgrip mast & boom, rebuilt transmission, A/P, VHF depth, Wind gen, bimini, BBQ, roller furling. $28,500 (305)731-7464 (888)840-7937 www.gcyachts.com.

Jeanneau 37. 1978. Very fast center cockpit cruiser/racer. Lots of room below. Excellent offshore sailing vessel. Hawk’s Flight is a proven design. Built in France. Fast and safe passage making or very comfortable liveaboard. She is sound, large inventory of spare parts and recent improvements. Priced to sell, owner very motivated. $37,900. Stew (727) 415-0350 (727) 560-0901. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com

O’Day 37, 1984.. Center cockpit performance cruiser/racer offers speed, comfort & privacy.

Very well maintained and clean “in and out,” with long list of constant improvements and upgrades, shows pride of ownership. Maintenance records available. Well cruise-equipped. $44,900. Stew (727) 415-0350 (727) 5600901. www.sciyachtsalesinternational.com

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CLASSIFIED ADS

2003 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37. (New 2007: Yanmar engine, 3 Optima batteries, Garmin 440 at helm.) Interphase Chart Plotter at Navigation Station. 12 Volt Refrigeration System. Stereo w/4 speakers (2 cockpit), 25 AMP Battery Charger. New cruising spinnaker.

Custom hard dodger/bimini. Forward cabin w/optional sink and vanity. Master stateroom w/king-sized berth. Walk-through transom w/swim ladder. $136,900. (941) 365-9095.

(12/08a)

Tayana 37 Pilothouse Cutter. 1985. Magic Dragon Robert Perry’s best! Ready to cruise & makes a great liveaboard. New Yanmar 4JHE diesel engine. New sails. Full galley, A/C; watermaker; generator; navigation equipment & much more….Meticulously maintained and upgraded with quality. Hauled 12/07. Composting toilet or will replace with regular toilet. Berthed in St. Pete. $89,900 or Make an Offer. (305) 923-6556. (2/09a))

1984 Hans Christian 38 Cutter w/ Yanmar diesel, full keel double-ended, blue water cruiser known for its sea-keeping ability and sturdy construction. Owners completed Caribbean cruise and now offer you this unique opportunity. This is a chance of a lifetime to purchase a proven well-equipped and maintained sailing vessel just waiting to go again. $99,000 www.cortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

Privilege 39 1988 Cat. 4 cabin, 2 head.

Yanmar 27 hp. Major refit 2005. New UK sails, AC/heat, Onan genset 6.5 kw, Autohelm 7000, new interior, Corian counters, teak sole, Bimini/dodger $148,000. (321) 917-5863. palexy@cfl.rr.com. (12/08)

1998 CATALINA 40’ SLOOP. Twin helms, roomy cockpit, huge owners cabin, Air, custom refrigeration/freezer, wind gen, A/P, Radar, GPS, dinghy & OB, elect. windlass, BBQ grill, cockpit shower & more. $133,000 – offers! (727)560-0001 (888) 882-5516 www.gcyachts.com

1997 Catalina 40, Cruise ready, AC, 4K Generator, 10” color Garmin GPS, ST6000 AutoPilot, watermaker, TV/DVD/CD/Stereo, 10’ Zodiac w/9.9 4-stroke Yamaha, Davits, and much more. Longboat Key Moorings. $149,900. (407) 810-5621 (12/08a)

Bayfield 40 Hull # 34 full keel 5’ draft, cutter ketch designed by H.T.Gozzard built in 1984.

Exceptional condition with lots of new gear.

Harken roller furling on all sails. Marine air, WS, WD, depth, VHF w/remote, SSB, cd/radio, autopilot, chartplotter, radar, dinghy, life raft. $109,500 Call Major Carter or visit www.Cortezyachts.com.(941) 792-910

TransWorld CT 41. 1979. Proven full-keel blue water cruiser. Perkins 4-108 diesel. 46’ LOA with bowsprit. Ketch-rigged Center Cockpit with walk thru to aft cabin. Complete Awlgrip paint. Custom stainless steel rails and davits.

10’ 6” Caribe RIB with 15hp OB. Full galley.

Beautiful teak interior with lots of storage.

Maxwell electric windlass. Much more. New sails and rigging. As is - asking $69,000. North Carolina. (941) 792-9100

40’ Searunner Trimaran. Absolutely solid and complete with all you’ll need. Only, $69,000. OBO. Just get on board and sail the dream. All pics and full details at http://groups.msn.com/moscan. E-mail to davenaudrey2@yahoo.co.uk. (813) 3121029. Cruising Cuba, December-February.

(2/09)

$50 – 3 MO. AD & PHOTO

941-795-8704 News & Views for Southern Sailors

See Classified Information on page 86

50’ Hunter 2003. Hunter’s Child. This HC 50 is the ultimate offshore racing machine.

Custom built for Warren Luhrs and Steve Pettengill. This is a WINNER …Only $445,000. St Augustine Yacht Sales (866) 610-1703. www.sayachtsales.com SOUTHWINDS

December 2008 89

CLASSIFIED ADS POWERBOATS

Erickson & Jensen Marine Supply.

_________________________________________ Fort Myers Beach, FL. (239) 463-4050 ext. supply house. Ejs5@embarqmail.com.

Commercial supplies for yachtsman. Chain, shackles, rope, hardware and boat repair. In business for 50 years same location. (2/09)

2007 ALBIN 26‚ Diesel powered center consoles, never titled, from $79,000. Super economical Yanmar 315 hp & Volvo 350 hp diesels, 4.86 GPH at 2500 RPMs. T-Top, baitwell, tuna door, outriggers, fish boxes, cockpit coaming, rod holders. On display Marathon. (888) 882-5516 or (727) 4216662. www.gcyachts.com Sailing, scuba diving, and treasure hunting in the teal blue tropical waters of Florida. What could possibly go wrong? Free updates at www.southerncrosses.com. (1/09) _________________________________________

1979 Albin 33 Trawler. Traditional with no teak decks. 120hp Lehman diesel with excellent range. Navigate from either the fly bridge or below out of the elements. 16000 BTU Marine Air, fwd cabin with head, aft cabin w/head. Galley up with main salon. Swim platform. Recent bottom paint. $32,500 wwwcortezyachts.com. (941) 792-9100

Schucker 440. Safe harbor for shrinking dollars, a real liquid asset, the best motorsailer, trawler ever built and a floating tropical condo you can escape in. Cruise down island to South America, or do Cuba, Bahamas, the Great Loop, European canals. Complete information & photos on www.Luperon Cruising.com, or call (809) 821-8239. (1/09)

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES

_________________________________________

(2) Barlow Winches #28. Self Tailing, 2 Speed, base 8”. Compare with Lewmar 48/50 Size. Used but excellent condition. Sold as pair only. $1500 for both. Possible trade for smaller 2-Speed Self Tailing and cash.

Ewbus@Msn.Con, or (727) 492-4017. (2/09) _________________________________________ Navico Wheel Pilot (WP) 4000. Belt drive.

Excellent condition. Bradenton, FL. (941) 792-9100. (2/09) _________________________________________ Mainsail and Mast. 19’ 6” mast. Shortened off 18’ Catalina. Complete with Spreaders, lights, etc. Mainsail: 16’ luff. 8’ 4” foot.

Powerhead. 1 reef point. Will separate. $150 each or OBO. (352) 728-0098. (2/09) _________________________________________ Used Boat Gear for Sale. CQR 25 & 45#, Bruce 16 & 66#, Hookah by Airline, 55# Folding Fisherman anchor, Para-tech 15 w/Rode, Edson rack & pinion steering w/ wheel, new awning w/side curtains. Nautical Trader, 110 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL. Shop online at www.nauticaltrader.net. (941) 488-0766.

DONATE YOUR BOAT

_________________________________________ Donate your boat to the Safe Harbor Boys Home, Jacksonville, Fl. Setting young lives on a true path. Please consider donating your working vessel. http://boyshome.com/ or call (904) 757-7918, e-mail harbor@boyshome.com.

FREE ADS Free ads in boat gear for all gear under $200 per item. Privately owned items only.

Editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

(941-795-8704) Dinghy Davits. $299. Edson. Heavy duty.

Cast aluminum. Excellent condition.

Bradenton, FL. (941) 792-9100. (2/09) 90

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SOUTHWINDS

ENGINE PARTS

_________________________________________ Wanted - seawater pump. Part # 70558242700 for Yanmar Diesel SB8. (813) 8396032. (12/08) www.southwindsmagazine.com

CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED

_________________________________________ Waterfront Director Wanted The St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, located in Panama City, FL, is seeking a Sailing and Waterfront Director for fulltime employment. Qualifications include: U.S. Sailing certification; general seamanship knowledge; and the ability to plan, organize, and promote waterfront activities. Duties will include: managing year-round sailing programs to include the summer sailing program; planning/managing additional activities for member events; assisting with Regatta planning and Fleet maintenance; and overseeing the appearance and usability of the waterfront facilities. Competitive salary with benefits.

Drug-free work environment. Please submit resume to 218 Bunkers Cove Rd, P.C. Fl 32401 Attn: Jay M Wallace GM. Or e-mail resume to manager@stabyc.com. (1/09) _________________________________________ Sailing Instructors/Branch Managers. Offshore Sailing School is seeking skilled sailors with strong teaching experience, performance and cruising boat sailing experience, US SAILING certification (or skills to pass exam).

USCG license required, or experience to obtain appropriate level. Manager applicants must have organization & management skills.

Email resume to Doug Sparks at doug@off shoresailing.com, fax (239) 454-9201 visit www.offshoresailing.com/employment.

(1/09a) _________________________________________ Yacht Broker Wanted. Lots of Work. Growing company, with years of experience, in Tampa Bay looking for a team player. Great company support. Call (727) 823-7400, or Jacek at (727) 560-0901. _________________________________________

R EAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT _________________________________________

Sailor’s Paradise “Old Florida”. Lakefront mobile home cottage with dock on 20K acre Lake Crescent in Crescent City. Small, quiet, adult park with reasonable lot rent. $7500 (386) 698-3648 or www.LakeCrescentFlorida.com. (1/09a)

Protected Sailboat Canal. Port Charlotte.

Ship-shape 3/2/2 CBS. Split plan. Two screened porches. 30’ concrete dock w/davits, with two mooring pilings. Updated AC, roof, appliances. Screened porches. Fruit trees.

Boating neighborhood. $293k/Offers. (941) 753-7433. (12/08a)

Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do you prefer to sell yachts from your home office?

If you do and you are a proven, successful yacht sales professional, we have positions open for Florida west and east coast. Take advantage of the Massey sales and marketing support, sales management and administration while working from your home selling brokerage sail and powerboats. Call Frank Hamilton (941) 723-1610 for interview appointment and position details.

LODGING FOR SAILORS

_________________________________________ KEY LARGO BAY FRONT HIDEAWAY and 22 ft sailboat, $800-$1000wk. Snorkel/Dive, Private, Beautiful Sunsets. Studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom cottages. See Brochure on Web site. (305) 451-3438. www.floridasailing adventures.com/Photos.html. (12/08) 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 www.poncedeleon hotel.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors

SAILS & CANVAS

________________________________________

SLIPS FOR SALE OR RENT

________________________________________

3/2/2 Townhome with 40’ boat slip, in NE St Petersburg, FL. Updated Granite, appliances, cabinets, baths, windows, porcelain tile, 1392 sq ft, screened patio. Linda McIlroy (727) 432-1706, Exit Realty Suncoast. (2/09)

BROKERS: Advertise Your Boats for Sale.

Text & Photo Ads: $50 for 3-months.

Text only ads: $25 for 3 months

DOCK SPACE off SARASOTA BAY!! Slips start at $117 a Month on 6-Month Lease.

Sheltered Marina accommodates up to 28’ sail or power boats. Boat ramp. Utilities included. Call Office: (941) 755-1912. (2/09)

ADVERTISE YOUR BOAT $25 for up to 30 words for 3 months SOUTHWINDS

December 2008 91

BUBBA continued from page 21

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

OF

ADVERTISERS

Advanced Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . .69 Antigua Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3781 Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Bacon Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Barco - Magellan GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bay Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,36 Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Beta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Boaters’ Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 BoatNames.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Boatsmith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Bradenton yacht club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Capt. & First Mate Yacht Delivery . . . . . .35 Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,23 Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 CPT Autopilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57,90 Dancing With the Wind Video . . . . . . . .36 David McKie Surveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Davis Island YC Keelboat Regatta . . . . . .70 Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Doyle/Ploch Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,34,37 Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . .11,80,BC Edwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .82-83 Fairwinds Boat Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 First Coast Offshore Challenge . . . . . . . .30 First Patriot Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Flagship Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field . . . . . . . .47 Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Gasparilla Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Gourmet Underway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 92

December 2008

SOUTHWINDS

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN SOUTHWINDS! SOUTHWINDS provides these lists as a courtesy and asks our readers to support our advertisers. The lists includes all display advertising.

Harborage Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . .35,65 Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC Innovative Marine Services . . . . . . . .34,36 International sailing school . . . . . . . . . . .52 Island Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Island Packett Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Island Yachting Center Brokerage . . . . . .85 J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales . . . . . . .84,BC JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Key West Race Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Knighton Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Laurie Kimball realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Mack Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Magellan GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . .4,8,11,64 Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . .8,23,37,91 Mastmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Miami Boat Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . .84,BC National Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Nautical Trader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 North Sails Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 North Sails Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Online Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Pat Knoll, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Premiere Racing/Key West . . . . . . . . . . . .7 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . .17 Regata del Sol al Sol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Sailboats Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Sailing Florida Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Sailmonster.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Sailors Wharf boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Sarasota Yacht Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Scuba Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Scurvy Dog Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Sea Hagg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Shadetree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Snug Harbor Boat Works & Co. . . . . . . .23 Snug Harbor Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Speed Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Spintec furlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,55 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises . . . . . . .36 St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Stowmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Strictly Sail Boat Show Miami . . . . . . . . .31 Suncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . .34,37 Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Tampa Sailing Squadron Gasparilla Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program .50 Tideminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 U-Boat Yacht Management . . . . . . . . . . .10 UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34,37 US Spars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Wag Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 West Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Winchmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Windcraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Windpath Fractional Sailing . . . . . . . . . . .5 Yacht Authority.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .34,41 Yacht Boarding Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Yacht Sales Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Zarcor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

” www.southwindsmagazine.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

BY

CATEGORY

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN SOUTHWINDS! SOUTHWINDS provides these lists as a courtesy and asks our readers to support our advertisers. The lists includes all display advertising.

SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE Beneteau Sailboats...........................................................................BC Boaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats ...............................................23 Boatsmith.........................................................................................63 Catalina Yachts............................................................................11,23 Cortez Yacht Brokerage ....................................................................88 Dunbar Sales ....................................................................................11 Eastern Yachts ........................................................................11,80,BC Edwards Yacht Sales ....................................................................82-83 Flying Scot Sailboats.........................................................................89 Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack...................................................................43 Island Yachting Centre .....................................................................85 Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina/Hunter/Eastern/Mariner ............4,8,11,64 Masthead Yacht Sales/Catalina ............................................8,23,37,91 Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau ......................................................84,BC Sailboats Florida ...............................................................................80 Snug Harbor Boat Works & Co.........................................................23 St. Barts/Beneteau............................................................................BC Suncoast Inflatables/ West Florida ....................................................22 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg ......................................43 Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program ..........................................50 Turner Marine ..................................................................................BC Windcraft .........................................................................................27 Yacht Sales Florida............................................................................80 GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING Stowmate.........................................................................................41 Annapolis Performance Sailing .........................................................69 Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware ................................................................42 Coral Reef Sailing .............................................................................71 CPT Autopilot..............................................................................57,90 Dancing With the Wind Video..........................................................36 Defender Industries ..........................................................................27 Garhauer Hardware ..........................................................................59 Hotwire/Fans & other products ..................................................35,65 JSI ....................................................................................................19 Leather Wheel ..................................................................................35 Magellan GPS...................................................................................21 Masthead Enterprises ..........................................................8,23,37,91 Mastmate Mast Climber ...................................................................35 Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign ......................................................51 Online Marine ..................................................................................17 Rparts Refrigeration ..........................................................................56 Sea Hagg .........................................................................................34 Shadetree Awning Systems...............................................................18 Speed Tech ......................................................................................46 Spintec furlers ..................................................................................16 SSMR ..........................................................................................36,55 Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision ..............................................43 Tideminders .....................................................................................29 Wag Bags .........................................................................................40 West Marine.......................................................................................3 Winchmate.......................................................................................35 Yacht Boarding Services ...................................................................50 Zarcor ..............................................................................................49 SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS, RIGGING SERVICES Advanced Sails .................................................................................36 Atlantic Sail Traders ..........................................................................32 Bacon Sails .......................................................................................36 Bay Rigging.................................................................................18,36 Doyle Ploch............................................................................19,34,37 Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging...............................................90 Innovative Marine Services ..........................................................34,36 Knighton Sails ..................................................................................37 Mack Sails ........................................................................................16 Masthead/Used Sails and Service.........................................8,23,37,91 National Sail Supply, new&used online ............................................51 North Sails Direct/sails online by North............................................45 North Sails, new and used ...............................................................91 Porpoise Used Sails...........................................................................37 Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL .................................................................68 Spintec Furlers..................................................................................16 SSMR ..........................................................................................36,55 Sunrise Sailing Services ...............................................................34,37 UK Halsey Sails .................................................................................14 Ullman Sails.................................................................................34,37 US Spars...........................................................................................54 CANVAS Knighton Sails ..................................................................................37 Shadetree Awning Systems...............................................................18 USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIES Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West Florida .................................51 Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign, Pensacola FL .............................21 News & Views for Southern Sailors

SAILING SCHOOLS/DELIVERIES/CAPTAINS Capt. & First Mate Yacht Delivery ....................................................35 International sailing school...............................................................52 Sailing Florida Charters.....................................................................35 Sea School/Captain’s License ...........................................................57 St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises.......................................................36 MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES Beta Marine......................................................................................33 RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke .................................................17 MARINAS, MOORING FIELDS, BOAT YARDS Harborage Marina ............................................................................20 Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field.........................................................47 Regatta Pointe Marina......................................................................13 Sailors Wharf Boatyard .....................................................................64 Snug Harbor Boatyard......................................................................24 FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER COMPANIES Flagship Sailing ................................................................................12 Sailing Florida Charters.....................................................................35 Windpath Fractional Sailing................................................................5 Yachting Vacations ...........................................................................47 MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS, INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC. First Patriot Insurance .......................................................................39 Antigua Surveying .......................................................................37,81 Aqua Graphics..................................................................................34 BoatNames.net.................................................................................34 David McKie Surveyor ......................................................................49 Fairwinds Boat Repairs/Sales.............................................................36 Innovative Marine Services ..........................................................34,36 Island Detail ....................................................................................34 Sailmonster.com Web site ................................................................61 Scuba Clean Yacht Services ..............................................................34 MARINE ELECTRONICS Dockside Radio.................................................................................28 Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication ..............................................90 YACHT MANAGEMENT U-Boat Yacht Management ..............................................................10 REAL ESTATE Pat Knoll, Realtor..............................................................................38 Laurie Kimball realtor .......................................................................56 SAILING WEB SITES, VIDEOS, BOOKS Gourmet Underway .........................................................................67 BoatNames.net.................................................................................34 Dancing With the Wind Video..........................................................36 Sailmonster.com Web site ................................................................61 Yacht Authority.com....................................................................34,41 REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWS Bradenton Yacht Club ......................................................................15 Tampa SS Gasparilla Regatta ............................................................25 Strictly Sail Boat Show Miami...........................................................31 Sarasota Yacht Club..........................................................................26 Regata del Sol al Sol...........................................................................9 Premiere Racing/Key West Race Week ................................................7 First Coast Offshore Challenge .........................................................30 Davis Island YC Keelboat Regatta .....................................................70

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SOUTHWINDS

December 2008 93

What a Sailor Really Needs for Christmas

By Rich Finzer

T

o my friends and my family, thanks for the terrific Christmas gifts you gave to this old sailor. I probably don’t deserve such wonderful presents, but I always appreciate the generosity they embody. So I promise to use the tools carefully and never drop them overboard. I promise to read the books and keep learning. I promise to wear the T-shirts and hats until they are sun–faded and frayed from constant use. I will cherish them all, because they came from all of you.

And I promise to honor the faith and confidence you place in my skill as a sailor, navigator, and as a willing slave to my vessel. Come next fall, you’ll be asking yourselves, “What should we get him this year?” Well, here’s what I really need.

Get me an edge for my riggers knife that never dulls; one so keen that I can part a shot of ½-inch StaSet® with one easy swipe. Or, here’s another idea. If the store is out of razor-like edges, a can of tanglefree spray, so that never again will I face the tyranny of that Medusa’s head of rope that lurks in my lazarette.

If you think of it, a box of neverdrop screws, washers, nuts and bolts would also make an excellent present for this old salt. The fasteners that I desire will remain in my grasp, no matter how greasy and oily my fingers become, no matter how cramped the space I’m working in, and no matter how pitch black the night might be. Whenever I’m in the marine supply, I always ask for this brand, but they are always out of stock. So plan to shop early if this is going to be your 94 December 2008

SOUTHWINDS

gift to me next yuletide.

Find me a stretch of bottom where my anchor will set, dig right in and never drag. And if it isn’t being too picky, make that patch in Davy Jones’ locker a place where my hook retrieves clean and free from debris.

I’d rather not struggle just to find out I’ve been trying to haul up some other sailor’s anchor or old abandoned outboard.

If you happen to be at a convenience store, you could always buy me about 25 pounds of never-melt ice.

The ice I seem to end up with always turns back into water, just about the time when I’m trying to chill down a few frosty bottles of B.O.C. (beverage of choice). Several bags of never-melt would definitely be the cat’s patoot!

(Having never studied feline anatomy, I’m not really sure what a “patoot” is, but apparently, all cats have them.)

Unless it’s on back order, I could really use a nice, mild, sunny streak of perfect weather. A couple-a-three consecutive weeks would be just nifty. You know, with temps in the 75 degree-85 degree F range during the afternoon, easing down into the mid60s after the sun disappears. While you’re shopping around, see if “they” can throw in a half-dozen or so spectacular sunsets with plenty of extra pink. They don’t weigh much, in case you’re worried about the shipping.

If you’re surfing the Web and stumble onto one of those sites that has maps and charts, plot me the heading to a really decent dockside

waterhole. The place I’m envisioning is where the first round is always on the house, and after that first round is finished, sailors drink free! Plenty of Jimmy on the juke would be a nice touch, too.

Locate a set of tide tables where I can always leave on the falling water and where my old girl gets a real boost as I head back out to sea.

Speaking of seas, a nice easy rolling stretch of deep blue water with gentle swells would be fantastic to find under my Douglas fir.

If that proves too difficult to wrap, some steady wind off my aft starboard quarter would make a nice stocking stuffer. I’d like breezes blowing in the 12-15 knot range, so that I’m always on the favored tack and never the burdened boat, with nice following seas and not too much roll. And before I forget, a few clear moonlit nights with gust-free air would make a tremendous two- forone combo, now that I think of it.

An eager, tough set of crewbies who are ready on a moment’s notice to accompany me whenever I wish to go anyplace would be a handydandy addition to my vessel, too. I would think a six-pack consisting of two former NFL linemen, a pair of foredeck pixies, and a couple of Olympic medalists should be just the ticket.

Any of these gifts would be truly and eternally appreciated by me, or for that matter, any other sailor. Best of all, the things I want must be absolutely free, because they cannot be purchased at any price. www.southwindsmagazine.com