The St. Petersburg Sailing Center

Getting Your Captain’s License

On the Beach of Great Guana Cay

SOUTHWINDSNews & Views for Southern Sailors

February 2007For Sailors — Free…It’s Priceless

Reinventing the wheel is one thing that makes Beneteau such an exceptional sailboat manufacturer.For over a century, we’ve been leading the industry with innovations like our patented pivoting wheelon the Beneteau 323.You’ll also find many other features and options on the Beneteau 323, including a retractable keel that allows you to sail into the most shallow gunkholing spots. Experience theexceptional. Visit your nearest Beneteau dealer to view the new sailing yachts for 2007.

http://www.masseyyacht.com

2 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 3

4 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 5

SOUTHWINDSNEWS & VIEWS FOR SOUTHERN SAILORS

From the Carolinas to Cuba…from Atlanta to the Abacos…SOUTHWINDS Covers Southern Sailing

Along the eastern shore of Great Guana Cay. Photo by Rebecca Burg. Page 42

Tips learned from a circumnavigator. Photo by Arthur Campbell. Page 40.

6 From the Helm: Insurance Crisis?By Steve Morrell

8 Letters

14 Preview of the Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show

15 Southern Regional Monthly Weather and Water Temperatures

16 Debate at The Blue Moon BarBy Morgan Stinemetz

18 Short Tacks: Sailing News and Events Around the South

26 Our Waterways: Misc. News on our Changing Waterways

32 Changes in Attitudes in the BVIsBy Mike Kirk

33 The 10-Step Method to Your Captain’s LicenseBy Capt. Mike Kirk

36 Autohelm Repair: Saved by GoogleBy Steve Morrell

40 Tips Learned from a CircumnavigatorBy Arthur Campbell

42 Travels With Angel: True TreasuresBy Rebecca Burg

46 History of the St. Petersburg Sailing CenterBy Dave Ellis

48 Southern Racing: Southern Race Reports and Upcoming RacesSouthern Regional Race Calendars

70 The Egrets of Coconut GroveThe Barnacle State Park

28-29 Marine Market Place58-59 Regional Sailing Services Directory -

Local boat services in your area. 69 Alphabetical Index of Advertisers69 Advertisers’ List by Category68 Subscription Form

COVER: Sailing in Tampa Bay towards Egmont Key.

Photo by Steve Morrell.

6 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

Insurance Crisis?No—not the home insurance crisis.The BOAT insurance crisis.

That’s right. We have anotherinsurance crisis, and it is anotherproblem exacerbated by the last fewyears’ hurricanes. But let’s not placeall the blame there. I am going to put alot of it on boat owners who do noth-ing to prepare their boats for a storm.And let’s not forget the insurancecompanies. They have reaped theprofits from many years of no storms.Now they want to forget those gains.

About the only people who areinnocent in all this are the boaters wholove their boats and take the time toprepare them for a storm. And this isthe group that is going to pay for this.

How many times have you gonedown to the marina and seen boatsthat have no preparations at all for animpending storm? With the canvasand sails still on as though it wasgoing to be a beautiful, calm day?With no extra dock lines or otherpreparations? How many times haveyou gone down to the docks after astorm and seen the boats with theirsails up—now destroyed—torn fromtheir slips and the docks and perhaps

having caused damage to anotherboat—maybe even yours?

How many people do you knowthat joke that their best storm protec-tion is making sure their insurance ispaid up? Who joke that they need anew sail, or even a new boat?

It’s not so funny now when I hearof sailors who can’t get insurancebecause of their older boats—eventhough they were the ones who caredfor and prepared them during the laststorm? For years, insurance compa-nies have reaped the benefits of highrates and no storms. (Compare themto home insurance cost-to-valueratios.) Now they want high rates asthough those storm-free years neverhappened. There is a bit of a monop-oly by insurance companies, so theycan pretty much tell us what theprices are.

Insurance companies were lax formany years in paying out, too. Howmany stories have I heard where theypaid out with no questions asked?How many boats were rebuilt thatwere falling apart before a storm?How many sails got replaced becauseno one prepared their boat by remov-

ing the sails for a storm? Did insur-ance companies give you better ratesif you prepared your boat? Not that Iever heard of.

If we don’t make some changes inthe boat insurance world, this will beanother way boaters will no longer beable to afford boats. Maybe laws willhave to be passed similar to autoinsurance to keep the rates down forall. An example is a law passed lastyear that allowed marinas to put intheir contracts that if a boat ownerdoesn’t prepare his boat for a storm,then the marina will, and they cancharge the owner for the work.

How about if insurance compa-nies don’t pay for a new roller furlingheadsail (or main) if it wasn’tremoved before a named storm? Orthey don’t pay for a new Bimini ordodger if it was left up? Or the insur-ance company doesn’t pay for theboat, left with no extra lines for thestorm, which destroyed your boat?

And they lower your ratesbecause you did all these things?

Steve MorrellEditor

FROM THE HELM

Articles and Photos WantedContact:

editor@southwindsmagazine.com

■ SAILING EXPERIENCES: Stories and photosabout experiences in places you’ve cruised,anchorages, marinas, or passages madethroughout the Southern cruising waters,including the Caribbean and the Bahamas.■ RACE REPORTING: Generally, we are alwayslooking for someone to send us race coveragethroughout the southern states, the Bahamasand the Caribbean. ■ CRUISING NOTES: Southern sailors cruisingon the high seas or cruising our waterways andcoasts: Send us word on where you’re at andwhat you’re doing. How the cruising life istreating you. ■ BAHAMAS: Trips, experiences, passages,anchorages, provisioning and other stories thatare of interest.■ HURRICANE STORIES: Hurricanes are a partof owning a boat in the Southern waters, andwe would like to hear how you and your boatmight have been affected by a storm or howyou prepare your boat for one, experiencesyou’ve had. Send us letters or articles.

■ OUR WATERWAYS: Information about thewaters we sail in: disappearing marinas, boat-yards and slips; mooring fields, anchoringrights, waterway access, etc.■ MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL ARTICLES:How you maintain your boat, or rebuilt a boat,technical articles on maintenance, repairs, etc.■ INDIVIDUALS IN THE SAILING INDUSTRY:Interesting stories about the world of sailorsout there, young, old, and some that are nolonger with us but have contributed to thesport or were just true lovers of sailing.■ THE CARIBBEAN: Stories about the warmtropical waters farther south of us. ■ CHARTER STORIES: Have an interestingCharter story? In our Southern waters, or per-haps in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or pointsbeyond in some far-off and far-out exotic place?■ FUN AND UNUSUAL STORIES: Got aninteresting story? Unusual, funny, tearjerkers,learning experiences and others wanted. Keepthem short for our last page, 700-1000 wordsroughly. Photos too, but not necessary.■ CUBA: Of course, there is always Cuba, andregardless of how our country’s elected officialstry to keep Americans out of the largest islandin the Caribbean, it will one day be open as acruising ground. Today American sailors canlegally go to Cuba and cruise if they follow theproper procedures. If you have a story aboutsuch a trip, let us look at it.

■ MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS: Photographsare always enjoyable, whether for their beauty,their humor, or for many other reasons, andwe take them alone. We would like photoswith every story, if possible.■ COVER PHOTOS: SOUTHWINDS is alwayslooking for nice cover shots, which are alwayspaid for. They generally need to be a verticalshot, but we can sometimes crop horizontalphotos for a nice cover picture. They need tobe of a high resolution. If digital, they need tobe taken at a very high resolution (and manysmaller digital cameras are not capable of tak-ing a large, high-resolution photo as is on acover). If a photograph, then we need itscanned at high resolution, or if you send it tous, we can do so.■ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: For those of youwho are not as ambitious to write stories, wealways want to hear from you about yourexperiences and opinions.

CONTACTeditor@southwindsmagazine.com

for more information and questions.

For more Technical guidelines about layout,grammar, etc., please visit our Web site,www.southwindsmagazine.com and go to“Writer/photographer Guidelines.”

SOUTHWINDSNews & Views For Southern Sailors

SOUTHWINDS Media, Inc.

P.O. Box 1175, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218-1175(941) 795-8704 (877) 372-7245 (941) 795-8705 Fax

www.southwindsmagazine.co

e-mail: editor@southwindsmagazine.com

Volume 15 Number 2 February 2007

Copyright 2007, Southwinds Media, Inc.

Founded in 1993 Doran Cushing, Publisher 1993-2002

Publisher/EditorSteve Morrell editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704

AdvertisingGo to www.southwindsmagazine.com for information about

the magazine, distribution and advertising rates.

Steve Morrell editor@southwindsmagazine.com (941) 795-8704

Regional Editors

EAST FLORIDARoy Laughlin mhw1@earthlink.net (321) 690-0137\

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA RACINGArt Perez miamiyachtracing@bellsouth.net (305) 380-0106

Production Proofreading ArtworkHeather Nicoll Kathy Elliott Rebecca Burg

angel@artoffshore.com

Contributing Writers Letters from our readers The Barnacle State Park Arthur CampbellDave Ellis Kim Kaminski Media Pro InternationalCapt. Mike Kirk Roy Laughlin Walt McFarlaneRon Mitchellette Art Perez Hone ScunookMorgan Stinemetz Rick White

Contributing Photographers/ArtThe Barnacle State Park Rebecca Burg (& Artwork) Arthur CampbellDave Ellis Gary Hufford Kim KaminskiCapt. Mike Kirk Roy Laughlin Rick WhiteBubba Whartz Photo Studios

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: ARTICLES & PHOTOGRAPHY:SOUTHWINDS encourages readers, writers, photographers, cartoonists, jok-ers, magicians, philosophers and whoever else is out there, includingsailors, to send in their material. Just make it about the water world andgenerally about sailing and about sailing in the South, the Bahamas or theCaribbean, or general sailing interest, or sailboats, or sailing in some far-off and far-out place.

SOUTHWINDS welcomes contributions in writing and photography, sto-ries about sailing, racing, cruising, maintenance and other technical arti-cles and other sailing-related topics. Please submit all articles electronical-ly by e-mail (mailed-in discs also accepted), and with photographs, if pos-sible. We also accept photographs alone, for cover shots, racing, cruisingand just funny entertaining shots. Please take them at a high resolution ifdigital, 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 $19.95/year, or $37/2years for third class, and $24/year for first class. Checks and credit card num-bers 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 onour Web site, www.southwindsmagazine.com. SOUTHWINDS is distributed toover 500 locations throughout 10 Southern states. If you would like to dis-tribute SOUTHWINDS at your location, please contact the editor.

Read SOUTHWINDS on our Web sitewww.southwindsmagazine.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 7

LIVE-ABOARD CRUISER IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, GETS HARASSED BY POLICEOn the morning of May 12, Jan and I were under way in ourCaribe dinghy from my boat, which was anchored north ofthe Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, FL, headed to thedinghy dock at the municipal marina nearby. As I passedunder the bridge, I noticed the St Augustine police boat fol-lowing me. As it did not have its blue lights on (OfficerEtheridge later claimed that his blue lights were on), I keptgoing. Before I arrived at the dinghy dock the police boatcaught up and stopped us. As we were talking, the currentcarried us to the dinghy dock itself.

Officer Etheridge stated he was stopping me because Iviolated a rule that states that within 500 feet of a construc-tion area, there is a “no wake” zone. The definition of “nowake” is very subjective. Since any boat moving relative tothe water at any speed—even one anchored in a tidal cur-rent—produces a wake, and there is no practical way tomeasure a wake as there is with speed, it is entirely a mat-ter of personal judgment and opinion as to what amount ofwake is unacceptable.

The construction zone in question consists of two high-way bridges and several large flattop spud barges with con-struction equipment and bridge parts on them weighingthousands of tons. In my opinion a 10-foot inflatable dinghycannot make, under any circumstances, a large enough waketo have any effect whatsoever on this heavy equipment. Inaddition, there were no workers visible, nor were there any“slow speed” or “no wake” signs or buoys displayed.

Officer Etheridge proceeded to examine my dinghy forthe required safety equipment. When he asked if I had a fireextinguisher on board, I told him I did not because it wasnot required. Since I was sure it was not a Coast Guardrequirement, I asked him if it was a local, county or staterequirement. He responded that it was a Coast Guardrequirement. I then stated flatly that that was not true. Hethen demanded to know if I was calling him a liar. I said Ithought he was misinformed. He then said, “I was going togive you a verbal warning about the no-wake zone, but youjust talked yourself into a $65 citation!” I then asked him towrite a citation for no fire extinguisher, but he refused to dothis, stating it was the prerogative of the officer, and hechose not to do so.

Somehow the $65 citation became a $113 citation after Irequested a court hearing. In court, I planned to claim that,according to Officer Etheridge, the citation he issued wasfor objecting to the accusation of violating a rule that didnot exist and therefore should not be honored.

We went to court with essentially the above statementand copies of the Coast Guard rules regarding carrying offire extinguishers. Officer Etheridge did not appear, so thejudge declared the case dismissed. We were disappointedthat Officer Etheridge’s actions did not becomeofficially acknowledged but declined to pursue his actions

LETTERS

“Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.”H.L. Mencken

In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDSinvites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com

See LETTERS continued on page 10

8 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 9

10 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS

any further, even though encouraged to do so by many ofour fellow live-aboards on the Live-Aboard List (a live-aboard e-mail exchange list).

Cruisers who wish to keep current on live-aboardissues should subscribe to the Live-Aboard List. It is like abulletin board. Actually, it’s an “e-mail exploder.” It sends acopy of your e-mail to everyone on the list. A question orreport is sent out and many people respond. It is free, thegift of Stefan Mochnacki, a Toronto astronomer, to whom weare all extremely grateful, and is an incredible source of thewisdom of experience on the water. (To join the Live-AboardList, send a “subscribe” or “unsubscribe” request in body ofmessage to live-aboard-request@crux.astro.utoronto.ca.

Although I was overwhelmingly supported by the folkson the Live-Aboard List, and many of them encouraged meto sue the police, etc., I declined to take this issue any fur-ther. I do understand that it is the responsibility of respon-sible citizens to stand up for what is right because nobodyelse will, but it was enough for me to prevail in this case.Perhaps that in itself will encourage Officer Etheridge to bea more professional policeman. I have no desire to punishhim, only to set things right.

This particular incident is not unique. In the past nineyears, since I retired from my career as a Merchant Marineofficer and cast off the dock lines for good, we have put over34,000 miles under the keel of Bandersnatch. Harassment bylaw enforcement officers is the rule, not theexception, not only in our experiences, but in those report-ed by many others.

My next cell phone will be capable of recording videowith sound and sending it to a secure site to provide a truerecord of future encounters such as the one described here.I have found the best way to deal with water cops is to haveyour vessel absolutely properly equipped and properlyoperated. When police approach, be polite and reserved,ignore your emotions (cops will often deliberately irritateyou to claim you had a hostile attitude), volunteer nothing,have a witness on your side if possible, and record all thefacts, including the cop’s name, as quickly as practical.

I have publicized this incident for the purpose of show-ing other people who are following in my wake what theywill have to deal with. Forewarned is forearmed.

Following winds,Norm Johnson

S/V BandersnatchLying 30 07.7N 081 39.6W, Julington Creek Estuary, FL

Norm: This is truly distressing, but consistent with what I havefound among many officers on land—not the majority, thankful-ly, but enough to get you pissed off. Fortunately, I have not had todeal with any marine patrol officers beyond their checking my lob-ster limit, and that was legal and years ago. It was easy. This isalso, so sadly, a trend we see in anti-boater feelings in communi-ties, and a few officers who go overboard (pun intended) like toshow off their power and beat their chests. Power corrupts.

I joined the Live-Aboard List after receiving your e-mail a fewmonths ago (and I apologize for waiting so long to publish this let-ter but I am backed up with letters). The list is valuable in moreways then just exchanging war stories about run-ins with thepolice. I have seen detailed and valuable advice go back and forthabout technical questions one boater might have and all the otherlive-aboards on the list gladly supply a wealth of information to

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 11

See LETTERS continued on page 13

those seeking it. This is just one small part of the great communi-ty of feelings and interchange of ideas I have observed on it.

Thanks for that and keep up the good fight.Editor

BOATS FOR FREEI read your magazine from cover to cover, but I wondered ifpicking up an idea from another magazine that I readwould appeal to you. That is a “Boats for Free” depart-ment. Wooden Boat magazine has such a section in whichI’ve both received a free boat and given one away. ( I gotabout 50 calls.) The ads cost nothing as well.

There must be a basket load of fiberglass (or wood)boats sitting under trees and in garages or backyards thatsomeone else would be able to use instead of having it endup in the landfill. For example, I’m trying to find an oldscow, an M-16 or M-20, for example. There were bunches ofthem in Florida where I sailed them that have passed theiruseful life for racing purposes and are headed for the dump.What do you think?

Gary GowansNew Bern, NC

Gary; A great idea and I am offering that beginning in this issue.This would help solve a lot of problems that marinas and commu-nities—and landfills—face daily. Plus it would give a greatopportunity to many who want to get a boat and have the time towork on them. At my marina, there is a 22-foot sailboat for sale for$700. I am not sure how long the boat has been for sale, but I ampretty sure he has paid more than $700 in slip rental since I firstsaw the sign. He would have profited if someone had taken it offhis hands for free.

So, this month we begin to offer a “Boats for Free” section inclassifieds.

Now, I need some listings.Editor

PROBLEMS ON GETTING BOAT INSURANCE GROWINGRecently, I experienced a dilemma that will be an issue forother boaters. As a boat owner for 17 years, I have alwayscarried marine insurance. During that time, I experiencedone insurance claim from Hurricane Charlie in 2004. Now Iam seeking boat insurance in Florida and have contacted 19companies (insurance brokers and underwriters). All ofthese companies have refused any coverage on a 33-foot,1980 sailboat. Each company offered one or more of the following rationales: 1)You experienced a hurricaneclaim. 2)Your boat is too old. 3) Your boat is too long.

Two brokerage offices indicated this is just the begin-ning of a trend in Florida. Underwriters are now turningtheir attention to boat insurance. Up to this time, theirresources were focused on house insurance alignments.Now they have the time to scour boat insurance monopo-lies. This broker further stated the shake-out (in coverage,cancellations and substantial premium increases) is juststarting in Florida. He said, “There is going to be a lot ofpain” during the next year (ownership moving toGeorgia/Alabama, significant increase in uninsured Floridaboats and reduction in our boat population with correspon-ding economic impact).

Any recommendations? Ted Boiman

Punta Gorda, FL

12 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

LETTERS

Ted: I have heard this from other sourcesthat insurance is becoming a problem,especially for older boats and for those whohave had a claim. I had one friend tell mehe had only a claim from a lightningstrike—hardly from his negligence—andthey still wouldn’t insure him.Fortunately, I now own a newer boat andhave a policy with a company that doesn’ttake on any new policies on boats inFlorida, but I had one before that change.

I see this as a new problem facingSouthern boaters and particularly inFlorida. Smaller powerboats can be put ininside storage, especially since new stor-age buildings are being built to be hurri-cane-proof. But sailboats still need to be atthe marina.

Unfortunately, we are also sufferingfrom the acts of irresponsible boaters, too.How many boats have I observed duringstorms where nothing was done to protect

the boat, not even using extra dock line orremoving the sails and canvas? Manyhave joked in the past that their best pro-tection during a storm is to make suretheir insurance is paid up. Many just fig-ured they’d get their boat fixed or evenclaim more than actually happened andget some improvements done. Those of uswho have protected our boats duringstorms because it is the right thing to doand want to save them are now being pun-ished for the actions of those who didn’t.

I think the insurance companies arepartly to blame, too. I have heard manystories where they paid boaters withoutasking questions, or at least not a lot ofquestions. Plus we have all been lumpedtogether in one group. We need a systemthat forces people to protect their boatsfrom storms—that separates out the irre-sponsible owner, or makes him pay for hisinactions. A new law, allowing marinas toset up requirements that boats be protect-ed or the marina operators will do some-thing themselves and can charge theowner, is appropriate, although such a lawwas designed to protect marinas from boatdamage.

Many boaters also let their boats dete-riorate, and when a storm comes, theythink it is an opportunity to soak aninsurance company, so they hope it getsdestroyed. I think there is going to have tobe a change in how boats are valued byinsurance companies for replacementvalue, too. Let’s face it. The insurancecompanies need protection, or those of uswho want to boat responsibly will sufferthe consequences.

Deductibles have been rising inrecent years, and that helps weed outthose who are trying to get a new sail, butit makes the rest of us suffer when the bigstorm hits. If you protect your boat, youcan save it from minor injuries in the non-major storms (up through Category 2hurricanes, for sure).

SOUTHWINDS has tried to educatepeople on hurricane protection, but it isalmost too late. Maybe we can all helppressure the insurance companies tochange their policies to help those whowill work at keeping their boats in goodcondition and protecting them fromstorms.

E-mail your letters to the Editor: editor@southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 13

14 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

One of the largest boat shows in the world, this eventcombines the main show at the Miami Convention

Center, the 22nd Annual Strictly Sail Miami Show at theMiamarina at Bayside Marketplace and the Yacht andBrokerage Show on the 5000 block of Collins Avenue within-water displays of powerboats at the Sea Isle Marinaand Yachting Center at 1633 North Bayshore Dr., Miami.

The Strictly Sail Miami Show is the largest catamaranshow in the world. Sailboats of all sizes, monohulls andmultihulls, are on display along with numerous vendorsand exhibitors. Boating and sailing seminars are held daily.

Discover Sailing will be offering free introductory les-sons and sailing on Miami’s Biscayne Bay.

Children ages six and older can take part in a free, fun-filled, hands-on boat-building supervised workshop fromnoon to 6 p.m. during the show. Participating kids receivea free T-shirt, while parents can walk the docks while theirkids are occupied with the workshop where they will par-ticipate in building small boats and other tasks.

Children 12 and under free. $16 for adults for a one-day pass, $26 for a two-day pass, Friday through Monday.Premier Thursday costs $28. 10-6 Thursday, 10-8 Fridaythrough Sunday, 10-6 Monday. In-water displays close at6 p.m. E-tickets can be purchased in advance atwww.miamiboatshow.com or www.strictlysail.com. Alltickets include entry to the convention center show andvice versa if you purchase the tickets at the center. If yougo to the convention center, a shuttle will take you to thesailboat show and vice versa.

Seminars (all are in the seminar tent)Seminar schedules may change, so please check withshow management to confirm.

THURSDAY, FEB. 1510:45 Free Energy From the Wind and Sun. John

Gambill 12:00 Cruising Catamarans. Charles Kanter 1:15 Offshore Spar Repair. Michael Hill 2:30 A Family Sails Around the World. Pam Wall 3:45 Hurricane Climatology. Christopher Burr 5:00 The Florida Keys - The Perfect Learning

Getaway. Suzanne PogellFRIDAY, FEB. 1610:45 Getting your Captain’s License - Fact vs. Fiction.

Captain Bob Figular 12:00 Single-Handed Spinnaker Sailing. Etienne

Giroire 1:15 Preparation for Offshore Passagemaking.

Captain Ed Mapes 2:30 Power Paradise. Paul Marcuzzo 3:45 Women in Cruising. Kathy Parsons, Pam Wall &

Gwen Hamlin 5:00 Marine SSB - The Basics. Capt. Marti BrownSATURDAY, FEB. 1710:45 Marine Electrical Design. John Zeitlin 12:00 Finding the Right Catamaran. Phillip Berman 1:15 Marine SSB - The Cruisers Multitool. Capt.

Marti Brown 2:30 Anchoring Techniques & Hurricane Moorings.

Charles Kanter 3:45 Cruising the Bahamas. Pam Wall 5:00 Interpreting Marine Weather. Lee ChesneauSUNDAY, FEB. 1810:45 Interpreting Marine Weather. Lee Chesneau 12:00 How to Become a Galley GURU. Corinne Kanter 1:15 Chartering 101. Kyle Houston 2:30 Women in Cruising. Kathy Parsons, Pam Wall &

Gwen Hamlin 3:45 Cruising the French and Spanish Caribbean.

Kathy Parsons 5:00 Talking Trash - Promoting Clean & Healthy

Waterways. Kathryn NovakMONDAY, FEB. 1910:45 Cruising Catamarans. Charles Kanter 12:00 Cruising the Bahamas. Pam Wall 1:15 Interpreting Marine Weather. Lee Chesneau 2:30 Outfitting for Bluewater Cruising. Pam Wall 3:45 Understanding Fractional Ownership. Thomas

E. Patterson

Directions to Strictly Sail Miami

Miamarina at Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami

From the North: I-95 South to exit 395/Miami BeachEast, exit at Biscayne Blvd. Turn right; follow Biscayneto Port Blvd. (NE 5th Street). Turn left; follow right-hand lane into the Bayside Garage.

From the South: I-95 North. Exit at Biscayne Blvd.Stay in left-hand lane until the stop sign at Biscayne.Turn left on NE 3rd Street. Follow the left side of theroad into the Bayside Garage.

Additional Parking if Bayside is Full New to thisyear’s show is the park-and-ride facility at theAmerican Airlines Arena, just two blocks fromBayside. The daily rate is $10 per day, and a shuttlebus will pick you up and transport you to the showlocation of your choice

66th Annual MiamiInternational Boat Show& Strictly Sail Miami, Feb. 15-19

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 15

NORTHERN GULF COAST Pensacola, FL 45º lo – 64º hiGulfport, MS 45º lo – 64º hiWater Temperature –58º

WEST FLORIDA St. Petersburg 55º lo – 71º hiNaples 54º lo – 76º hiWater TemperatureSt. Petersburg – 64ºNaples – 66º

FLORIDA KEYS Key West 66º lo – 76º hiWater Temperature Key West –70º Gulfstream Current – 1.8 knots

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Miami Beach – 63º lo – 73º hiStuart – 55º lo – 75º hiWater TemperatureMiami Beach – 73ºStuart – 66ºGulfstream Current – 2.4 knots

EAST FLORIDA Daytona Beach - 49º lo – 71º hiJacksonville Beach - 48º lo – 65º hiWater Temperature Daytona Beach – 59ºJacksonville Beach – 56ºGulfstream Current – 2.3 knots

CAROLINAS AND GEORGIACape Hatteras, NC 41º lo – 54º hiSavannah, GA 41º lo – 64º hiWater Temperature Cape Hatteras, NC – 46ºSavannah Beach, GA – 53º

Southeastern U.S. Air & Water Temperaturesand Gulf Stream Currents – FebruaryWeather Web Sites:Carolinas & Georgia www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Southeast.shtmlFlorida East Coast www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Florida.shtmlFlorida West Coast & Keys http://comps.marine.usf.eduNorthern Gulf Coast www.csc.noaa.gov/coos/

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

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

Debate at The Blue Moon BarBy Morgan Stinemetz

18 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

■ RACING EVENTSFor racing schedules, news and events seethe racing section.

■ UPCOMING SOUTHERN EVENTS

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING/SUMMER CAMPS

Lake Eustis Summer Sailing CampCheck the LESC Web site, www.Lakeeustissailingclub.org,for information on signing up for the summer sailing campsat LESC. Only 10 sailors per session.

Ongoing – Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs. St. Petersburg, FLTuesday nights, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Satisfies theFlorida boater safety education requirements. Eleven les-sons, every Tuesday. Boating skills and seamanship pro-grams, 7:30-9:30pm, 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg.Lessons include: which boat for you, equipment, trailering,lines and knots, boat handling, signs, weather, rules, intro-duction to navigation, inland boating and radio. (727) 823-3753. Don’t wait until next summer to have your childrenqualify for a State of Florida boater safety ID, possibly loweryour boaters insurance premium or just hone your safeboating skills.

Boating Safety Courses, St. Petersburg, FLSt. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron. Six-week Publicboating course begins every Monday. Includes safety infor-mation plus basic piloting; charts, course plotting, lati-tude/longitude and dead reckoning. Satisfies Florida’s

under age 21 boater requirements. (727) 867-3088. Other courses continuosly offered. (727)565-4453. www.boating-stpete.org.

Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 11-1) Public Boating Programs

GPS and Chart Reading: Feb. 12-15.Boating Skills and Seamanship (7 les-

sons): March 5-22 Clearwater SailingCenter, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key

(Clearwater). Open to adults andyouths. Seven lessons. Evenings.

For more information on upcoming education programs orto request a free vessel safety check, call (727) 469-8895 orvisit www.a0701101.uscgaux.info.

Ruskin , FL, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Offers Home Study Safe Boating CourseThe Ruskin flotilla each month offers a Boating Safetycourse in Ruskin, but has found that many boaters do nothave the time to attend the courses, so they are now alsooffering a home study course at $30. Additional familymembers will be charged $10 each for testing and certifi-cates. Tests will be held bi-monthly. Entry into the coursewill also allow participants to attend the classes. To apply,call (813) 677-2354.

North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NCOn-going adults sailing programs. Family sailing. 2-6 peo-ple; 2-6 hours. Traditional skiffs or 30’ keelboat. $50-$240.www.ncmm-friends.org, maritime@ncmail.net, (252) 728-7317. Reservations/information: call The Friends’ office(252) 728-1638

Basic Marine Electric, Jacksonville, FL, Feb. 14-16. American Boat & Yacht Council. (410) 956-2737.www.Abycinc.org.

US SAILING Judge Training and Certification Program. New Orleans, LA., February 24-25. See racing section for more information.

EVENTS & NEWS OF INTEREST TO SOUTHERN SAILORSTo 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.

CONTRIBUTE TO SOUTHWINDSWRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED

SOUTHWINDS is always looking for articles and photoson various subjects about sailing (cruising and racing),our Southern waters, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Formore information, go to our Web site, www.southwinds-magazine.com, and see the “Writers Guidelines” page, ore-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 19

20 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

■ BOAT SHOWS

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly SailMiami Boat Show. Feb. 15-19.For more information, see page 14.

Carolina Power & Sailboat Show. Feb. 16-18Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State Fairgrounds. www.ncboatshows.com/CurrentShows.

Central Carolina Boat Show. Feb. 23-25. Greensboro, NC,Greensboro Coliseum Complex. www.ncboatshows.com/CurrentShows.

Central Florida Boat Show, Olando, FL, March 1-4. OrangeCounty Convention Center, Orlando, FL. www.boatshowflorida.com.

Fort Myers Spring Boat Show. March 8-11. Lee CountyCivic Center, Fort Myers, FL. (954) 570-7785. www.swfmia.com.

Augusta Boat Show. March 9-11. Augusta, GA, CivicCenter, www.bkproductions.biz/augusta.htm

22nd Annual Palm Beach Boat Show, March 22-25.Flagler Drive on the water in downtown West PalmBeach and also at the County Convention Center, PalmBeach, FL. (800) 940-7642. www.showmanagement.com.

Savannah International Boat Show and SeafoodFestival. March 30- April 1. International Trade andConvention Center. Savannah, GA. (843) 364-8491.

www.savannahinternationalboatshow.com.

■ OTHER EVENTS

Everglades Seafood Festival, Feb. 3-5, Everglades City, FL,Free Admission. For more information, go to www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com. E-mail: info@evergladesseafoodfestival.com.

Washington’s Day Regatta, Feb. 24, The Barnacle HistoricState Park, Miami, FLSee the Egret story on page 70 for more information.

12th Annual Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market.February 25-26. Islamorada. Founders Park, mile marker 87.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 21

Free event with deals on marine equipment, boatsfor sale, fishing, diving, electronics, arts andmore. Sat. 8-5, Sun. 9-3. (305) 453-3802.www.giganticnauticalfleamarket.org.

SSCA SponsorsCruising Workshop withNigel Calder, Dania, FL,Feb. 24-25The Seven Seas Cruising Association is hosting a two-dayworkshop with famed cruiser/author Nigel Calder inDania, FL on Feb. 24-25.

The course will be taught by Nigel Calder and willinclude topics such as choosing a cruising boat, living witha diesel engine, how not to get into a mess when anchoringor docking, what to do if you run aground, and how to han-dle heavy weather. Also covered will be issues relating tosetting up the boat’s systems to operate in a trouble-freemanner, general safety and even crew morale.

The workshop will be held at the RTM STAR Center, 2West Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33304 (http://www.star-center.com/Dania.Home.htm). For a more detailedcourse description, go to http://ssca.org/calder07.pdf.

Cost is $250 per person for SSCA members, $300 fornon-members (it’s cheaper to join). The fee includes conti-nental breakfast and lunch both days. Registration onlinecan be done at www.ssca.org/eventind.htm or via e-mail tooffice@ssca.org, or call (954) 771-5660.

For information on the SSCA and to join, go towww.ssca.org. A contact for the SSCA is Nancy Birnbaum,editor, SSCA Commodores’ Bulletin. She can be reached at(954) 771-5660 or at editor@ssca.org/.

Marina HurricanePreparation Symposium,

Orlando, FL, March 1-2BoatUS, in conjunction with the MarineIndustries Association of Florida (MIAF)and the Marine Industries Association ofSouth Florida (MIASF), will be hosting

the Marina Hurricane PreparationSymposium in Orlando on March 1-2. The symposium

will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel at 9700 InternationalDrive, Orlando, FL 32819. Its purpose is “to minimize theimpact on business from the next inevitable hurricane.”Cost is $150 if registered before Feb. 1.

Attendees are expected to be businesses with docks,including marinas, boatyards and boat clubs. They will lookat the practical, political, and legal aspects of reducing theimpact of future hurricanes and saving docks, boats andbusinesses. Topics discussed will be:

• Learn from marina operators what works and what doesn’t.• Proven techniques to reduce damage to boats and docks.• Find out what you can and can’t do legally to prepare

boats.• Engineering guidelines to “harden” a facility. • Outline statewide hurricane preparation strategies and

potential legislation to reduce damage.• Discuss ideas and get questions answered. • Check out the latest state-of-the-art products.• Meet vendors with new technologies that make it happen.

For more information, to register and the schedule, go towww.boatus.com/hurricanes/symposium.

22 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

Hurricane Articles and Information WantedSOUTHWINDS is looking for ideas and real stories onhurricane experiences to pass on to others for ourupcoming hurricane section during the 2007 hurricaneseason. We are also looking for ideas and stories on pro-tecting docks during storms. Should boats be forced toleave a marina during a hurricane? Should boat ownersbe required to keep their boats from destroying a dockduring a storm? Should insurance companies give dis-counts to those who protect their boats during a storm?Send stories, letters and/or photos to editor@south-windsmagazine.com. Visit our hurricane pages atwww.southwindsmagazine.com.

■ NEWS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection(CBP) Pleasure Boating ClearanceProcedures for Boats Entering U.S. WatersIn a letter to the editor in the November issue, a Canadianboater wrote in (“Letters” November 2006) about problemsand confusion he confronted in entering the United States inSeptember 2005. He was told to report to regional offices ofthe U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and thatwhen he left the jurisdiction of one, he had to check into thejurisdiction of the next. He wrote in his letter that when heasked if there was a list of these offices and what their juris-dictions were, that officers of the CBP told him that no suchlist existed and that they had no map or other means ofshowing him the jurisdiction borders.

SOUTHWINDS received a letter from Marc Lang of PublicAffairs for the USCG Auxiliary. With the letter was printoutsfrom a U.S. CBP Web site of reporting requirements for ves-sels entering the United States, including special informationon boats entering at the Canadian border. To read theserequirements, go to http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trav-el/pleasure_boats/reporting_requirements_pleasure_boat.xml.

If you get to the CBP Web site at www.cbp.gov, you cando a search on “boaters entering,” or “boats at Canadianborder”—or similar such searches—and it will lead you tothe reporting requirements. The Web site has a fairly goodsearch engine.

Some of these revised procedures—far different fromwhat Mr. Guptill, the original Canadian letter writer toSOUTHWINDS experienced—were implemented effectiveMay 28, 2006—eight months after Guptill entered theUnited States. The procedures are set up so that a boater(with limitations) can enter only once and not have to con-stantly check in at each CBP jurisdiction office as they moveabout, although the information is so vast as to the require-ments, it is advised that they be studied closely to makesure one complies correctly.

Coast Guard LicensingFingerprinting Process Made Easier From Steve Craven, USCG Auxiliary, Jacksonville, FL, (904) 501-3037

I was given a copy of your November 2006 edition article in“Short Tacks,” titled “U.S. Coast Guard LicensingFingerprinting Available in Jacksonville,” which referred toa letter written by Eric West in the September 2006 edition.I would like to expand a little on that subject.

In January 2006, the mariner licensing process waschanged to require all mariners to make an in-personappearance at a REC for the purpose of having their identi-ty verified and to be fingerprinted. This requirement placeda burden on the mariners and the RECs. The RECs receivedno additional personnel or funding to support this require-ment. To help both the mariners and the RECs, the CoastGuard asked for assistance from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.Auxiliarists, civilian volunteers for the Coast Guard, arestepping forward to provide additional resources and assis-tance for this new requirement.

While some Auxiliarists are volunteering at their localRECs, others are working within their local sectors to pro-vide this service at “remote sites.” Since being approved byREC Miami in March 2006, my work in the Jacksonville areahas steadily increased. The Auxiliary, with the blessing ofREC Miami, is establishing a network of volunteersthroughout Florida to minimize the impact of this require-ment on the mariner. Other RECs, but not all, are doing thesame throughout the United States. These “remote sites” arenot full service for the licensing process but do meet therequirement for the in-person appearance. Auxiliaristsmanning a “remote site” are required to submit any paper-work generated in the mariner licensing process to the RECthat they support. Generally, the mariner’s license applica-tion does not have to be pending at that REC. I regularlyprocess mariners whose applications are pending at an RECother than Miami. When I submit their paperwork to RECMiami, Miami forwards that paperwork on to the appropri-ate REC. Before making an appointment at a “remote site,”it is very important to be sure to ask what documents you

5News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 23

24 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

will need to bring and to let themknow to which REC you havesubmitted your application. Theonly thing worse than drivingseveral hours for this appoint-ment is doing so without therequired documents and having to do it twice. Finally, as aretired law enforcement officer who worked identity theftcases before the problem became widely publicized, I canappreciate what the Coast Guard is trying to accomplish. Itis simply trying to reduce the opportunity for someone tosteal your mariner’s identity and enter into the maritimeindustry.

The 2007 45th Annual Atlanta BoatShow, Atlanta, GA, Jan. 10-15By R. J. Mitchellette

The annual Atlanta Boat Show is recognized byAtlanta/Lake Lanier boaters as the official beginning of theboating season in the region. For those who sail on LakeLanier—Atlanta’s main boating community—this is animportant event during the winter. Although they neverneed to go on the hard during the winter, it can get a bitchilly out there in Southern waters.

This year’s show featured more sailboats than previousyears, including a Beneteau 423, (which I dreamed aboutowning—it’s a look-and-don’t-touch mentality) suppliedby St. Bart’s Yachts. Also, one of the local brokers in theAtlanta/Lake Lanier area had reason to boast as SnugHarbor Yachts recently acquired the Catalina line, which,along with its Hunter line, means it represents two of thebig three sailboat manufacturers (third being Beneteau).Along with Dunbar Sales from St. Simons Island, GA, SnugHarbor displayed the 2007 Catalina line, including theCatalina 309, which made Cruising World’s Boat of the Yearin the small cruiser division.

The show is dominated by powerboat displays, whichis expected since powerboats out number sailboats aboutfive to one on Lake Lanier. Also, there were plenty of fish-ing boats and fishing gear. The houseboat display wasgigantic, including one with every amenity conceivable, lit-erally a floating mansion.

Along with a large number of exhibitors, there were reg-ularly scheduled seminars on fishing, boat handling, safety,navigation, rules of the road (water) and sailing skill enhance-ment, sponsored by Blackbeard School of Sailing and one ofLake Lanier’s sailing schools, Windsong Sailing Academy.

New Orleans Lighthouse SeeksRebuilding DonationsOriginally constructed in 1837 and then rebuilt in 1890, theNew Basin Lighthouse in New Orleans has always been amajor icon on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.Unfortunately, the twin punches of Hurricane’s Katrina andRita have nearly done her in, but a local non-profit, the Lake

Pontchartrain Basin Foundation,has teamed up with the NewOrleans sailing community totry to resurrect this piece of mar-itime history. But they need yourhelp. Please visit their Web site

www.saveourlake.org and make a cash donation to thisvery worthwhile effort.

Wooden Ship Discovery Gets Takento the DumpBy Kim Kaminski

Have you ever found something unusual and wonderedwhat in the world could this be? In the months followingthe upheaval left behind from two years of damaging hurri-cane winds, storm surges and torrential tropical rains, apossible historic segment of a Civil War shipwreck wasrecently uncovered.

A 40-foot-long hunk of wood was found in February byproperty owners Wayne and Alice Moore whose home,located on Dauphin Island in the southern part of MobileBay, was damaged by the storms. The couple had draggedthe piece out from under the foundation of their home andleft it lying along the roadside during their storm repairreconstruction efforts.

Glenn Forest, an archaeological diver, had found thepiece and persuaded the home repair crew working on thehouse not to cut it into pieces and dump it. With a handfulof volunteers, Forest used shovels and a backhoe to helpuncover the wreck where the homeowner’s constructioncrew had moved the 15-ton wooden mass to the roadside.

The piece was drying out under the hot sun for severalmonths as the homeowners awaited its removal.

Doug Ford, a local island restaurant owner and historybuff, had promised in March to help preserve the piece as anattraction at one of his hurricane-ravaged restaurants. Fordhad hired two different contractors to help remove the pieceof wreckage and to repair his restaurant, but both deals fellthrough. When his current contractors went to remove thewreckage, they found the wooden hulk was gone. The prop-erty owners had finally found someone to remove the poten-tial hazard away from their newly repaired home and take itto the north Mobile County landfill.

Forest, in his years as an archaeological diver, hasactively criticized the Alabama Historical Commission forits failures in making proper identifications and efforts topreserve artifacts that are washed up on shore. DauphinIsland and Mobile Bay were mapped as early as 1519 andhave had a colorful history over the past three centuries.Not only is its history filled with massacres, colonization,and fortifications, there is also the infamous naval Battle ofMobile Bay during the Civil War where Admiral DavidFarragut cried out, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

Forest doesn’t fault the property owners for getting ridof the wreckage, and he applauds Ford for his efforts. TheAlabama Historical Commission stated that the chances of

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 25

excavating items of historical value from the wreckage werelow, and the odds of losing the fragment to deteriorationfrom the sun were high. The agency doesn’t have the fundsto identify and preserve every boat fragment that washesup from the storm. It does not belong to the state. If it comesashore on private property, it becomes the owner’s respon-sibility. However, after the upheaval from the past year’sstorms, more and more historical treasures seem to be pop-ping up all over the Gulf Coast.

So, the next time you discover something unusual andwonder what in the world it might be…consider the possi-bility of an historical discovery and the wonders it mightuncover! And keep an eye on it.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Float Plans Available OnlineAfter many search and rescue operations looking for boatsand crew without knowing where the boat was planning togo, the Coast Guard Auxiliary wants all boaters, whetherthey kayak, operate a Jet Ski, a sailboat or a motorboat, to usea float plan each and every time they leave their launch point.

A float plan is a document you leave with a responsibleparty, such as a relative, a neighbor or your marina. It doesnot go to the police or Coast Guard. The float plan listsimportant information that the Coast Guard and other lawenforcement parties would use to ascertain the type of boat,its equipment, the skipper and crew and proposed itinerary,to better assist them in finding the vessel should it notappear at a pre-appointed location, per your float plan.

To aid the boating public, the Coast Guard Auxiliary hascreated Float Plan Central at www.floatplan.uscgaux.info.Float Plan Central provides comprehensive information forthe boating public in the collation and creation of a floatplan. A step-by-step flowchart with detailed explanationsof how to fill in the float plan (available as a PDF) is avail-able on the Web site.

If a float plan is available in the event of a missing vessel,and the itinerary, which was provided by the skipper was fol-lowed, the Coast Guard could limit the initial search area,increasing the chances of finding the missing vessel earlier.

Massey Launches Yacht ModelCenters in Palmetto and St.PetersburgMassey Yacht Sales & Service has launched two YachtModel Centers. They are essentially continuous boat showsthat the public is invited to for viewing new sail and powerboats. They are located at Regatta Pointe Marina inPalmetto and the Harborage Marina in St. Pete. Each YachtModel Center features new sail and power yachts. Pre-owned yachts are also featured at the Harborage in additionto new yachts. In-stock boats include new Catalina andHunter sailboats, Albin powerboats and Nordic Tugtrawlers. Sizes range from 26 thru 46 feet. There are over 30boats available. All yachts are displayed in proper boatshow style. They are decorated, signed and fly the appropri-

ate flags. The yachts are detailed each week and open to theyachting public seven days a week.

Massey is currently offering substantial purchase incen-tives and will consider all trades for new yacht buyers. TheMassey yacht financing department can obtain pre-pur-chase yacht financing approvals to help buyers obtain thebest financing packages. Call Massey or come to the newYacht Model Centers and enjoy a thorough review of yourfavorite yachts without any of the boat show pressure.

Call Massey in Palmetto at (941) 723-1610 or St. Pete at(727) 824-7262

BoatU.S. Foundation SeeksNominations For NewEnvironmental Leadership AwardThe BoatU.S. Foundation is looking to honor those whohave made a significant contribution toward advancingclean boating and educating boaters on minimizing theirenvironmental impact with a new EnvironmentalLeadership Award. Now is the time to submit your nomi-nation to recognize a group, organization, company, marinaor individual. The deadline for nominations is February 15,and the award includes $500 for the continued support ofthe winner’s environmental efforts.

“We are looking for creative, unique, and innovativenominees who have succeeded at building momentum forclean boating,” said Susan Shingledecker, environmental pro-gram manager with the BoatU.S. Foundation. “This award,for example, could go to a group that has cleaned up miles ofbeaches, a marina that has led the way in helping keep ourwaterways clean, or to honor a boater who has spearheaded alocal environmental education campaign,” she added.

The Foundation has a long history of working with localorganizations throughout the country to help bring environ-mental messages directly to boaters. This EnvironmentalLeadership Award aims to recognize those who complementour efforts by making a difference in promoting environmen-tally responsible boating in their community.

Applications and information about the award can befound online at available at www.BoatUS.com/foundation/EnviroAward, or contact Shingledecker at SShingle21deck-er@BoatUS.com, or telephone (703) 461-2878, ext. 8358.

Florida Boats Movingto Bahamas as FloridaSlips Become ScarceAs South Florida slips dwindle innumber and increase in cost, moreboaters are setting their sights on theBahamas as the place to keep theirboats, Trade Only magazine reportedrecently. Not only have slips slowlydisappeared with older marinas get-ting bought up and converted to con-dos or other uses, but the ones thatremain are becoming more expensiveas property taxes go up. The Bahamasis only an hour’s boat ride—viapowerboat—from southeast Florida,and land and marinas are plentiful inthe islands.

Boating companies see this as agood thing overall as they see it as away for boaters to stay in boating. It isexpected that many companies willslowly move to the Bahamas as thismove progresses in the coming years.

The Bahamian government andcommunity—along with the Floridaboating industry—see this as benefi-cial to both areas. In recent years, thebusiness environment in the Bahamashas become friendlier to U.S. business-es which have wanted to relocate tothe islands. This has made investorsfeel safer in putting their money there.

Water Access GettingMore Attention fromthe NMMABoating Industry magazine recentlyreported that the National MarineManufacturers Association (NMMA)is becoming more concerned aboutthe water access problem. It recentlyhired a full time counsel to fill a newposition created to work solely onwater access issues. The group hasalso initiated a system to monitor thechanges in water access across thecountry to see how access is changingand when and where, giving it thestatistical knowledge to be able topromote water access issues. TheNMMA has also established theWater Access Task Force as part of thegroup’s Grow Boating Initiative. Thetask force will work at ways to helpthose involved in increasing wateraccess, including help with permits,working with government agenciesand the impacts of marinas and otherwaterways issues.

The NMMA was involved inchanging Florida’s laws in 2006 tolimit what cities can do in restrictinganchoring rights of cruisers (reportedin SOUTHWINDS in the November2006 issue).

Number of UnattendedAnchored BoatsIncreases ThroughoutFlorida At the December meeting in KeyLargo, the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission stated thatunattended boats is the fastest grow-ing group of anchored vessels, andthey are more likely to break awayand cause damage when a stormcomes. Florida law limits what localcommunities can do in limitingboaters’ rights to anchor outsidemooring fields, whether the boats are

26 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

Our Waterways SectionSOUTHWINDS has created this section to inform our readers about changes inour waterways. We are all in the midst of great change—through the conver-sion of many boating properties to condominiums, restrictions on anchorages,and other economic forces at work.

Our coastal waters and our waterways belong to all of us, and all of ushave a right to use them. These waters are not just for those who live on thewater, and it is up to us boaters and lovers of these waters to protect that right.We hope that by helping to inform you of these changes, we will contribute todoing just that.

We are looking for news and information on changes, land sales, anchor-ages, boaters’ rights, new marinas, anchoring rights, disappearing marinas,boatyards and boat ramps, environmental concerns and other related news.Contact Steve Morrell, editor@southwindsmagazine.com, or call (941) 795-8704

Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, Florida Keys

OUR WATERWAYS

Anchoring Warnings in Florida: Contact Us to Publicize Warnings

Note from the Editor

A new state law went into effect onJuly 1 limiting communities’ powerto limit anchoring restrictions to non-liveaboard cruisers. Recently, I havereceived several e-mails and callsfrom cruisers who received warn-ings from local law enforcement offi-cials in Marco Island, Miami Beach,and Gulfport. In some cases, the offi-cers have been polite and in others,they have not been. Cruisers can con-tact the National Marine Manufa-cturers Association (NMMA)lawyers who will send a letter tothese communities telling themabout the state law. Go towww.southwindsmagazine.com fora copy of this letter and contact infor-mation—or call us at (877) 372-7245.This law has not yet been tested incourts and perhaps someone will,but we at least need to have the let-ters sent to every community thatignores this law.

liveaboards, transient cruisers or unat-tended boats anchoring for storage.

The problem has increased overrecent years since marinas have disap-peared as they have been bought upfor condominium development, taxincreases and increased costs. Lesssupply alone has driven costs up con-siderably. These forces along with thegrowing Florida population—many ofwhom are boaters—has caused many

to move out of marinas and into localwaters to anchor for boat storage.

The FWC has suggested that statelaw might have to change to help com-munities control the anchoring prob-lem. The Boating Advisory Council,which studies and proposes recom-mendations to the state legislature,will give more serious considerationto the issue at a meeting in Tallahasseeon April 13.

What is Slip Banking?Brevard County, FL,Tries New Procedureto Save SlipsBy Roy Laughlin

As the law now stands, the ManateePlan in Brevard County established acertain number of boat slips forBrevard County based on one slipevery 100 feet of waterfront. Marinasand boat launching facilities were anexception. But in either case, when aslip was lost—for example, throughmarina conversion—it became extinctas far as the plan was concerned. In itscontinuing efforts to establish a com-prehensive marine management plan,the Brevard County Department ofNatural Resources Management sub-mitted a plan for “slip banking” to theFlorida Department of CommunityAffairs in Tallahassee. Mandatory,because the “bank,” if implemented, isa modification of the county’sComprehensive Land Use Plan.

The proposal includes the follow-ing provisions:• It will “bank” both wet and dry slips.• There is no acquisition fee. The coun-

ty will not pay a developer convert-ing a marina to “acquire” the sitesthat existed before conversion.

• Slip “credits” will accrue from sliploss from any cause (conversion,abandonment, or irreparable dam-age).

• Credits could be used for publicaccess, which includes wet slips,dry slips or ramps.

When this proposal surfaced lastsummer during a meeting of theBrevard County Commission’s MarineAdvisory Board, the incubator for ges-

FREE BOATS SOUTHWINDS is starting a new sec-tion in our classifieds for free boats.If you have a boat that you want toget rid of, whether on land or in thewater, large or small, you can list itin this section. Maybe you are look-ing for a boat. You can find it in thissection. Southwinds is starting thissection to help rid the world ofunwanted boats. For more informa-tion, see the classifieds section.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 27

28 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

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30 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

tating the emerging Comprehensive Marine ManagementPlan, the use of the term “bank” aroused fears that anyonereceiving a slip “credit” would pay. An auction plan wasmentioned. Public comment on “selling” the “credits” madeit clear that it would undesirably be another cost tacked to aslip and borne by the public. In the proposal to be sent toDCA in January, the costs will be limited to a processing feeor other nominal administrative fee. According to ErnestBrown, director of the Brevard County EnvironmentalResource Management Department, the low cost is in placebecause “[We] do not want to thwart the receiving site.”

This proposal will certainly receive a lot of scrutiny evenif it does not arouse controversy. It will modify the ManateePlan’s accounting method for boat slips, a plan that wasspecifically intended to limit the number of boat slips.Proponents of slip limits believe that boat collisions are a pri-mary cause of low manatee population sizes. The limit onslips is an attempt to reduce these injuries. If the plan amend-ment becomes controversial, the resulting political brawl willshow who has the most political brawn: the manatee sup-porters or boaters among the public. This plan still has twosteps before it becomes law. First, DCA in Tallahassee has topass it; then it needs approval of the Brevard County Boardof County Commissioners. If it survives both to become law,it will become another component that will be included in theComprehensive Marine Management Plan when it finallygoes for a vote to the Brevard County Board of CountyCommissioners.

Atlantic Intracoastal WaterwayConference, Wrightsville Beach, NC,Nov. 15-16Boating Industry Looks to States for Dredging FundsAt the annual waterway conference in November, the boatingcommunity, industry representatives and the AtlanticIntracoastal Waterway Association, which sponsored theevent, expressed interest in seeking state funds to dredge andmaintain the ICW. This is because the ICW has not receivedthe needed funds from the federal government to maintainthe federal waterway in recent years. Not only have fundsnot increased, but they have actually been cut. The Bushadministration allocated $8.8-million last year while the boat-ing community estimates that at least $40-million is neededcurrently—and more will be needed in coming years. This isthe amount estimated to keep the entire waterway open.Consequently, there was general agreement at the conferencethat the alternative is to seek state funding.

Although the ICW is largely used for recreation, the fed-eral government only considers its commercial use in its eco-nomic assessments of the waterway’s benefits.

At the conference the report from the Army Corps ofEngineers was presented on the state of the ICW. It showedcontrolling depths at various segments of the canal versus the

OUR WATERWAYS

authorized depths. As an example, in the Dismal Swampwhere authorized depths are nine and 10 feet, the controllingdepths currently are, at four reported locations, 7.7, 2.9, 5.2,and 9.4 feet. In the Charleston, SC, district where all theauthorized depths are at 10 feet, the controlling depths, at theeight reported locations, range from 3.2 feet to 11.3 feet, withonly one being greater than 8.9 feet. In the Savannah, GA, dis-trict, where all authorized depths are at 12 feet, not one of thecurrent controlling depths was over seven feet, and themajority of eight reported on were less than five feet. Nodredging was scheduled in the Savannah district for 2007.

Manatee County Purchase ofPalmetto Boatyard at a StandstillFor months, Manatee County has been seriously consideringpurchasing Cut’s Edge Boatyard and Marina in Palmetto todevelop a public boat ramp. Purchase of the facility wouldprevent it from being bought by developers for condomini-um development, which was almost certain to happen. Itwould also help increase boater access to the water, which thecounty is trying to increase, and the location is almost ideal.Purchase of the property would also preserve the boatyardand marina portion, which would be leased back to the cur-rent owner.

The problem the county ran into was money. It was plan-ning to receive $5-million from the state of Florida to help inthe purchase, and the county found out, six months after the

purchase offer was made to the current landowner, that thosefunds were no longer available. The original offer made was$17-million, and the owner preferred to sell to the county, butthe owner now argues that property is worth even more thanthat amount as developers are hungry to get the land for con-dominiums. Consequently, even if the state funds camethrough, the original offer is now considered to be too low.

Fernandina Beach Municipal MarinaUpdateE-mailed in by Joe CoreyThe much anticipated dredging of the Fernandina BeachMunicipal Marina basin has been completed. According tothe local newspaper, some controversy remains. The contractcalled for the minimum depth to be six feet MLW and, evi-dently, there are some spots shallower (some spots are deep-er). Also, the area under the restaurant was not dredged, andsome believe this will lead to premature silting. As of thiswriting, the water, electric, and fire suppression systems arenot yet installed, and there are no boats in the basin. The facedock at this time has no electricity, so the dockmaster’s officeand fuel pumps are powered by a portable generator—but itshould be up and running on shore power by the time youread this.

Prices for slips will go up to $15/foot/month. Many ofthe boats that were in the basin appear to be wet-stored at theanchorage between R10 and R12. The dockmaster says thecity has plans to install 20 moorings in this anchorage, 10 fortransients and 10 for monthly rentals. He said anchoring inthe mooring field will be prohibited. He had no idea whenthis will be implemented.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 31

Writers and Ideas Wanted on Waterways IssuesSOUTHWINDS is seeking contributing writers on “OurWaterways” subjects. Must be familiar with boating,good at research, have computer skills, broadband andwork for little pay. You also must have an interest and pas-sion for the subject and want to bring about change inboaters rights, waterways access, and disappearing mari-nas and boatyards—plus have lots of ideas and energy.

We would also like to get an organization going to pro-mote these interests .editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

TROPICAL PIPELINE

Changes in Attitudes (and Other Quirks) in the BVIsBy Mike Kirk

For those planning a renewed visit—or first-time visit—to theVirgin Islands, here’s a motley collection of changes in recenttimes on the waters around the British Virgin Islands:

• International regulations and bureaucracy finally caughtup with the icon of party time, the William ThorntonRestaurant on Norman Island, affectionately known to allrevelers as the Willy “T.” New rules now apply that therewill be no more jumping off the top deck of the bar. Sincethe Willy T is a floating bar/boat, this has special meaning.Apparently some sea lawyer pointed out that internationalregulations do not allow jumping from pleasure craft, andthe owners were required to comply. It certainly is a pleas-ure craft!! Sidebar to this sad (but life-saving) decision isthat the price of the “I jumped...” T-shirts are reported to beselling in the three figures on E-Bay!

• Good news for Beans fans. After a frustrating attempt byMichael Beans to start his own bar in Trellis Bay on his(beached) old Island Sloop, Esperanza, Michael will be backfor the season in January at Marina Cay. But Esperanza is stillthere, and who knows, maybe his trade license will comethrough at the usual island pace…say by 2010? Arrrrrrrrrgh!In the meantime, enter the conch-blowing contest and listento Michael’s happy hour pirate cabaret at the Robb White Baron top of Marina Cay Monday through Friday, with free rumshots for a good toast from the audience.

• As the price of meals and moorings climb—particularlyin Virgin Gorda—dinghy over to a funky little place calledthe Fat Virgin Café in the southeast corner of NorthSound—on the right of Biras Creek. Sit on the deck and

32 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

enjoy the smallfamily atmos-phere and in-expensive foodaway from thehigh-end resorts.If you are the anchoring type, drop your hook by the man-groves under Prickly Pear Island over on the northeast side ofNorth Sound on a 14-foot shallow spot for a quiet anchorage,or take a Saba Rock mooring for free water and ice.

• WI FI hot spots are popping up everywhere, so if you mustbring your computer, you will get free service in West End,Road Town, Marina Cay, Trellis Bay and many other places.

• Dockage rates in the big marinas have all jumped to newhighs, but the cheapest deal is still HR Penn’s Marina nearthe Pub in Road Town. The owners have held their alreadybest-value rates at last year’s level. For daily or monthlyrates, Shirley will cut you a good deal.

• Mooring balls, which can offer a quiet change to the tradi-tional anchorages, continue to proliferate in new bays. Trythe east end of Jost van Dyke opposite Foxy’s new bar calledFoxy’s Taboo. Snorkel off Diamond Cay. There are alsobuoys in Great Harbour on Peter Island and in Benures Bayon the north side of Norman Island. Sadly, the national parkday buoys are limited to only three at The Dogs—so plan toget there early. However, there are two little-known buoystucked in close to Fallen Jerusalem and one off DeadChest— good lunch stops.

• Access to the Baths is made more difficult now, asdinghies must be moored off the beaches—with the onlyoption being a short swim in through the surf. For the lessagile, getting back into a dinghy is often not a choice. Addto this the spring north swells, and landing can be quite anadventure. So here’s an option: Pick up a mooring ball offSpanish Town and dink into Virgin Gorda Yacht harbor.Take a cab to the Top of the Baths restaurant and enjoy thewalk down to all parts of the Baths by land. Then return alittle before your taxi pick-up time and enjoy the freshwaterpool and a cool cocktail at the restaurant, with a wonderfulview over Tortola to the north.

Michael Beans holding court over the tradi-tional conch blowing contest at Marina Cay,British Virgin Islands.

I understand from old salts (like our esteemed editorand folks like Bubba) that getting your captain’slicense used to be a snap. Study the questions readily

available, take a test and, bingo, you were all set to takefishing charters or sanctify marriages on your 16-footrunabout.

NOT ANYMORE! With Homeland Security and cutbacks in Coast Guard

funding, it is now a much more complicated processbeyond the basics of boat handling. Without attempting toduplicate the excellent materials available in books fromWest Marine or from courses run by such outfits as SeaSchool, I thought a trekkie’s eye view of this final frontierwould help wanna-be Picards and Janeways.

I understand you can go it alone with books and fightthe good fight with the USCG bureaucracy yourself. I donot recommend this masochism and therefore suggest one

of the manypaid courses that are adver-tised in most yachting publications. Besidesthe formal education they will give you on the course mate-rial, a school/training facility will walk you through theapplication procedure and tell you what paperwork youwill need to make sure your application is complete andtechnically correct. Plus—you learn a lot. I went throughSea School for my training and here are some tips I learnedto help you understand the process.

Step 1: Getting ReadyDecide on your source of education. Decide if you canafford the cost. Ballpark: When the dust has settled, it willcost you about $800 plus any travel and accommodationyou might incur to the training and test sites.

Step 2: Are you really qualified?Review your “sea time” history. You need a minimum of360 days (a day is four hours on the boat). At least 90 daysmust be on the ocean or coastal waters. These can be veri-fied by many different (post facto) methods. But you needto have done the time. This will allow you to go for theOperator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)license and allow you to take up to six passengers for com-mercial gain—the so called “six-pack” license. If you’replanning to get the Master’s ticket given for 25, 50 and 10

The 10-StepMethod to YourCaptain’s License(Or the Great Coast Guard Paper Chase)By Capt. Mike Kirk

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 33

gross ton increments, then youmust have 720 days verified. Aseparate endorsement isrequired for sailing vessels.Assuming you are hale andhardy, free of drugs and canfind the bucks, then press on tostep three.

Step 3: Sign Up for trainingSign up for the captain’scourse. This will take four fulldays and five nights. At thetime you book the course, askabout the intended test datesavailable to you. (Usuallyabout two weeks after thecourse is optimum.) Then signup at your local Red Cross for a First Aid/CPU refresher–it’s one day and well worth it for everyone, regardless ofyour nautical ambitions. Schedule this course to be donebefore your test date as you will need the certificate beforethe test.

Step 4: Get PreparedFind your passport—is it up to date? Alternatively, dust offyour birth certificate as proof of citizenship. (It’s of notethat there is a law still on the books that goes back toRevolutionary times. It requires that no U.S.-.documentedvessel can be under the captainship of a non-U.S. citizen.The reason is that your 16-foot runabout must always beavailable to be drafted in the defense of the nation.Homeland Security, eat your heart out!) Find your SocialSecurity card and driver’s license. Buy simple navigationinstruments: dividers, parallel rule. You don’t need all thefancy charts, books and plastic do-dads that you will beoffered. Decide how you will verify your sea time. Get formSS 719S from the Department of Transportation or yourchosen training source. Entries are in number of days permonth per year. Certification is by two methods. First, ifyou own the vessel, you can self-certify and provide proofof ownership of the vessel. The USCG will accept almostany kind of documentable proof, but the certificate of doc-

umentation is by far the sim-plest single source. Falsificationof self-certification is, ofcourse, considered perjury andpunishable by jail time, so takethis step seriously. Second, fortime on other vessels, fill in thesame form and have the mas-ter of that vessel countersign.Strangely, proof of his owner-ship is not required, but it’s agood thing to get a copy of hisdocumentation certificate. Thisalso gives you all the boatdimensional details, whichyou will need for the form.Line up three friends for yourreferences—and not relatives.

Step 5: Select Training Method.If you are the self-study masochist, then start boning upfrom your books. If you are paying for the training, which isabout $400 of the $800 mentioned above, then mark yourcalendar and relax until “T” week. Explain to your signifi-cant other that you may be a little unavailable that week—or even a little cranky—as you progress through the inten-sive training. But don’t panic; the trainers know their stuffand will give you various methods and tools which, if fol-lowed, will assure your success.

Step 6: Other StuffA drug test is required, which can be administered by theAmerican Captain’s Association (800-468-7447)—or whoev-er your trainer recommends. This test is administered dur-ing the training week by Sea School—no sweat—actuallyjust a little bottle. The required routine physical can beadministered by your doctor with a form number CG-719Kthe trainer can supply. Again Sea School makes this easy byhaving the exam done during your training by a visitingdoctor.

Step 7: Self-TestingAfter the training you should walk away with a work planfor consolidating your knowledge. The exact exam ques-tions are available to you, and therefore, if you follow thepost-training recommendations and self-testing, your confi-dence will grow and the exam should not be feared. Allowabout 20 more hours before your exam to firm up your con-fidence.

Step 8: Form FillingGather up all the forms and check lists along with a nicebottle of wine and spend an evening getting your applica-tion packet organized. It will typically finish up at about 20to 25 pages. You will need the completed forms at the test.Don’t leave it to the last minute in case you need someinformation. If you did step four, this should just be form-filling, sipping and paper-shuffling. When finished, take atrip to Kinko’s and make two copies. File one in a safe placeas, by now, this document has a considerable financial value

Since the new Homeland Security rules, the Coast Guardprocess for the Captain’s license is slower and more involved.

34 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

to you. Take your working copy and the original to the test.(The Coast Guard will countersign page three of your copyat the test.). Sea School offers a service to review yourpaperwork and expedite any questions and issues thatmay arise after your application. This should tell yousomething about the efficacy of the subsequent USCGpaper system.

Step 9: It’s Show Time!The big day has arrived for your actual test. You have allyour forms and attachments including proof of citizenship,Social Security card, driver’s license and your fingers. Yourtrainer/school will give you the location for the test andadminister it. You may elect to attend other testing centerstypically held at USCG Auxiliary facilities.

The test is typically taken under the watchful eye of theCoast Guard Auxiliary, whose presence is required to dofingerprinting and to witness taking the oath, both of whichwill happen during the test. You will be pulled aside duringthe test to present all your paperwork and swear an oath infront of a USCG official, who will note this on your applica-tion and your copy. (Be sure to check if fingerprinting andthe oath will be done at the test as this process has changedseveral times and could be an inconvenient surprise if youhad to travel to Miami–just to lend them your fingers.)

The test is in four parts, which can be taken in anyorder and may be taken piecemeal. If you fail any part,

which is marked immediately, you may elect to retaketwice. If you fail three times, then a mandatory refreshercourse is required. (Check on this requirement for yourselfas this has also changed.) Between each part, you may leavethe exam room for a break, including checking your notesoutside if you are so inclined. The parts are as follows (withpassing grades): Rules of the Road (90%); Deck General andSafety (70%); Navigation General (70%), Chart Navigation(70%). All are multiple-choice questions with chart workbeing based on one of three pre-selected charts, which youwill have practiced on in your course. Clearly the “Rules ofthe Road” are your focus. This is where you MUST spendyour time ruthlessly drilling in step seven.

Step 10: CertificationIf you pass all parts—and you will know on that day—thetraining/testing authority will issue you their certificate inthe mail a few days later. This confirms you successfullycompleted their course, which allows you to put in yourapplication to the Coast Guard. You may do this yourself orhave the training/testing folks check it and process it foryou for a fee. This is gratifying as the waiting period for theUSCG to process your paperwork, match up your finger-prints, do background checks and whatever else it must do,is measured in months before issuance of your license. Indefense of its system, the latest word is that the CoastGuard is under a two-thirds reduction in force, so sevenpeople in Miami will now do the work of 20. The optionalservice is offered by Sea School now. But remember theoptional service offered by a school such as Sea School hasnew meaning if you consider your application might bedropped to the bottom of the pile if there is any small tech-nicality that promotes a question. Sea School will help min-imize the chance of that happening. In the end, you willreceive formal certification from the Coast Guard which—along with proof of your drug test—must be available onyour vessel.

Step 11: There is no Step 11Celebrate. Also consider what moniker you should use. Thewriter was informed by a close relative in no uncertainterms that he could only use Capt. Kirk if he were willing towear the black tights and red jammies. So Capt. Mike it is.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 35

AUTOHELMREPAIR: Saved by GoogleBy Steve Morrell

L ast year, I purchased a sailboat with a RaytheonAutohelm ST4000 + wheel self-steering unit. Duringuse, it meandered a bit, sometimes extremely.

Obviously, it was not working right.I have owned two other boats with wheel Autohelms.

One I had installed, and the other came with the boat.Both worked flawlessly, although the latter one requiredsome small, simple mechanical repairs. I was notinvolved with the setup on either, so I never really had todeal with anything but their operation, reading theowner’s manual only lightly. The Autohelm system,although not designed for heavy voyaging, is great formost boating, is very simple and you can learn how tooperate one in a matter of minutes.

I checked out the dockside setup procedure to be doneafter installation and found that the drive belt was slipping.One thing I learned from my two previous Autohelms wasthat Raytheon didn’t like you to open up their equipment.Everything was to be done by an authorized service rep.My first breakdown occurred a few years ago while underway, going down the ICW when the clutch mechanismbroke down. There wasn’t a service rep cruising by on anearby boat, so I anchored and took a closer look.

Since the owner’s manual doesn’t want you to open theunit up, it doesn’t tell you how. You have to figure it out for

yourself. It took some gentle forcing to realize that the blackplastic wheel separates in two by just sticking a flat screw-driver in between the two pieces and snapping them apart.(They easily snap back together.) I thought maybeAutohelm didn’t want you to know how easy it was to get

36 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

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The cover for the belt adjustment (indicated by arrow and paint-ed white here for photo).

The belt-adjusting cam (adjustment “screw” accessed on otherside) is to the right of the gear. To the left of the gear is the clutch.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 37

38 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

inside the guts, so they didn’t tellyou. Of course, all this service repstuff was for warranty protection,but after the warranty period isover, what difference does it make?Regardless, I managed a simpleclutch repair, which involved asmall pair of vise grips I hadonboard. It worked for months, till Iwas later able to send off and getthe new part.

My current problem was thebelt’s slipping. I separated the twoparts and opened up the unit asbefore. The belt, which is a flexibleplastic belt with teeth on one side,looked good enough, and the gearthat it connects with was in greatshape. I deduced the belt was slip-ping on the drum that it rotatesaround. When the clutch is disen-gaged, the plastic belt is looseenough that it just spins, or “slips”around this drum. (When you press“Standby,” the belt itself stops moving.) When the clutch isengaged and the unit put on “Auto,” the belt has enoughtension on it, and it grabs onto the plastic drum and turnsthe wheel. When I first saw this system years ago, I was sur-prised that there was no gear on the drum to mesh with thegears on the belt or any other positive way for the belt tograb and turn the wheel. But when you consider how anyreal resistance would tear up a belt or other parts of themechanism, it makes perfect sense. The belt would alwaysbe the cheapest and easiest thing to replace.

I assumed the belt was just oldand stretched. If I had another onehandy, I would have installed it.But I was more determined thanthat—plus I couldn’t believe thatthere was no adjustment for somestretching.

I also had another major prob-lem. A few years ago, Raytheonwas bought by another companyand renamed Raymarine, and theST 4000 was discontinued. Partsand tech support are unavailable.And my owner’s manual men-tioned nothing about this problem.It always said, “Contact an author-ized service dealer.” I wasn’t aboutto do that and spend 30, 40—maybe $50 an hour—if there wereany repairmen still working onthese units.

So I turned to Google. I started doing a search for

Autohelm ST 4000. (The currentRaymarine site doesn’t help.) I kept paging down: “next 10items,” etc., etc. I came upon many forums that discussedthe units and problems and solutions. I found out that theMK II has a belt adjustment accessible to the owner, but Ihad the MK I. I finally read one comment that said it wasadjustable with a special tool but with no explanation.Eventually I hit pay dirt. I found a service manual, in PDFformat, for the ST 4000 MK I. (If you need this, go towww.ganssle.com/jack/st4000.pdf. If you need theowner’s manual, go to www.raymarine.com.) In the manu-al is a diagram showing a cam for belt adjustment. The cammoves a wheel on it in and out to tighten or lessen the ten-sion on the belt. The clutch works the same way except ithas a greater “throw” and totally disengages and engagesthe belt. The cam is attached to a disc with two small holeson it—about 3/8 inch apart—and it is covered with a blackplastic cover (and no explanation on how to remove it.Instructions were poor on this procedure and gainingaccess). I managed to remove the small soft plastic cover,using a sharp point on an ice pick, slightly damaging thecover, but it made no difference.

Once exposed, you need to use the special tool to grabthe two holes. Then you stick an Allen wrench in the hole inthe spindle in the center of the disc between the two holesand unscrew the disc from the spindle slightly to loosen it.(Can you think of a more difficult arrangement?) Then byturning the spindle with the Allen wrench, the cam is rotat-ed to adjust the tension on the belt. Tighten the disc back upand it is done.

Not wanting to wait and try to get this tool, I immedi-ately starting thinking of how to carry this out without thespecial tool and came up with a simple solution (plus Ineeded a tool I could use in the future). I cut a small piece

The “screwhead” with the two holes. The center holebetween them is where the Allen wrench goes. Youneed to hold the two holes while tightening or loosen-ing the center one. Once it is loose, the center one isrotated to move the cam in and out, tightening thebelt. The round, soft plastic cover over the “screw-head” is laying next to the unit.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 39

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of 3/4-inch plywood that was essentially a 1x1 (3/4 inch by3/4 inch) about four inches long. I took two four-pennycommon galvanized nails (which I had and they were theperfect diameter for the holes) and drove them into the ply-wood (plywood that small doesn’t split like a 1x1 would)about as far apart as the two holes were. After driving themthrough, I cut the sharp ends off square and bent the nailsslightly so they were the perfect distance apart (nails driftthrough wood slightly). Then I drilled a hole between themthat I could loosely slide the Allen wrench through. I nowhad a tool that was essentially free.

The tool worked perfectly and it was all downhillfrom there. I adjusted my stretched belt to the extremecam point, put the unit back together, attached it to thewheel, and gave it the dockside setup test. It turned thewheel beautifully without any slipping. At my nextopportunity, I tested it on the water, and the whole unitworked great. (If you read the instructions in the servicemanual you are supposed to have two special tools andtest this for the right torque, but I adjusted to my gut feel-ing, and it is working fine.)

I next considered that I needed a new belt as backup. Inmy Google searches, I found forums where a belt companywas mentioned that would sell the belts cheap, but you hadto buy a minimum. This was supposedly still cheaper thanbuying one at a marine store! I read that many boaters keepseveral belts on board at all times. But Raytheon Autohelmwas no longer around and this unit is discontinued—plusthe forums were all several years old. I called anyway and—lo and behold! When I gave the service department personthe part number, he immediately recognized it, saying, “Ah!The self-steering belt.” He said they were very popular. Hegave me a price of $11, said I had to buy three minimum andplaced the order. They would build them right away andwould be shipped out within two days. The company isUrethane Steel Belt Corporation of America at (800) 235-0947. The part number is 9.5AT5-750.

Only problem is I really should have the new beltinstalled, so I will have to take the unit apart again, install itand readjust for a new belt.

No problem. Anyone know where I get the real tool?

The tool I built toadjust the cam. TheAllen wrench passesthrough a loose holebetween the two nails.

Iwas a crew member for the delivery of a 43-foot ketch (aSwan) from Fort Lauderdale, FL, to Chestertown, MD. JimHuber, the owner, was sailing his ketch home to the

Chesapeake Bay. This was an opportunity to sail outside toBeaufort, NC, see the Intracoastal Waterway up to Norfolk, VA,and sail on the Chesapeake. Jim was a two-time circumnaviga-tor, and I knew I had many lessons to learn from someone ofhis experience. The trip began with our departure from FortLauderdale on May 14, 2005, just prior to hurricane season.

Jim was a great captain. He was patient and answeredevery question about his past voyages, and why he did thingshis way on his ketch Champagne. I kept a notebook and loggedmost of the lessons learned. Onboard I made a few mistakes butdid no harm to myself, the crew, nor to Jim’s ketch. And I neverwent aground—easy to do on the ICW and the Chesapeake.

Below are some of the major lessons I learned from thetrip and sailing with Jim.

■ Electronic charts: If using electronic charts, go forward tothe next screen to see any hazards, and if using papercharts, study them prior to going on watch. Repeat thecommands of the person you are relieving on watch. TheU.S. Navy and U.S.C.G. do it for a reason! Do not rely onthe autopilot; it cannot see or hear.

■ Safety: As a crew member, it is best if you can furnish yourown safety equipment: life vest, safety harness, whistle,strobe light, flashlight, and signal mirror. I brought every-thing except my own life vest. I could have brought a lifevest from my steel cutter, but flying home without a lifevest made flying much easier. Use your harness connected

to jack lines when you go forward at sea. Lesson learned:It is your life; do not always depend on the vessel ownerto provide your safety equipment. My U.S.A.F. sea sur-vival training over 40 years ago was very helpful.

■ Crew briefing: Capt. Jim did a good job in briefing thecrew on safety procedures (man overboard), how to senda mayday over the radio, use of head (men sit down atsea), starting the diesel engine and water conservation.Lesson learned for my own boat: When I am the captain,I have a good role model to follow. Give the safety brief-ing at the dock and during the first part of the voyage.

■ Cooking: Capt. Jim uses skin-diving weights in the bot-tom of his Force 10 gimbaled stove to counterbalanceheavy pots on the top of the stove. Turn off the LPGswitch after using the stove for safety reasons. A pres-sure cooker uses less LPG, cooks quicker and safer inrough weather.

■ Docking: Loops in a dock line are difficult to releasewhile under tension. I learned this lesson while in a 15-sailboat raft-up. The first line on the dock is a spring line.This will hold the sailboat in place, and with the enginein gear you are held to the dock. You now have plenty oftime to rig your bow and stern lines.

■ Sleeping bag: Worked out great. Easy to stow, no sheetsto wash, and it was warm. It is a lot simpler if you canbring your own.

■ Towels and washcloths: Thin is better than thick. Theydry quicker, and take up less room.

■ Crew duties: An orderly sailboat is a happier sailboat.Everyone is part of the crew/team, and it works best

Tips from Crewing for a Two-Time CircumnavigatorBy Arthur Barlow Campbell Two-time circumnavigator Jim Huber in the navigation station

on board Champagne.

40 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

Managing the WaterwayHampton Roads, VA to Biscayne Bay, FLBy Mark and Diana Doyle. $24.95Shipping $2.95 Media or $4.95 Priority USPS

Managing the Waterway Florida KeysBiscayne Bay, FL to Dry Tortugas, FLBy Mark and Diana Doyle. $24.95Shipping $2.95 Media or $4.95 Priority USPS

Managing the Waterway Double DVD CollectionAll available NOAA Raster navigational charts – U.S NOAA Vector charts, USACE Vector inland charts. PC and Mac. By Mark and Diana Doyle. $39.95Shipping $2.95 Media or $4.95 Priority USPS

Southern Cruising Guides by Watermark Publishing Shipping $3.50 (chartbooks $5.50) Books usually ship within 24-48 hours,business days, USPS.

Guides by Claiborne S. YoungCruising Guide to

Eastern Florida (5th ed.) $29.95Western Florida (6th ed.) $29.95Northern Gulf Coast $29.95North Carolina 6th ed.) $26.95South Carolina and Georgia

$26.95

Cruising the Florida Keys (2nd ed. )By Morgan Stinemetz andClaiborne S. Young $34.00

NOAA Chartbooks for above guides:North Carolina $55.00The Florida Keys $55.00Western Florida $47.50Full set of all 3 Chartbooks $145.00

Cruising Guide to the Florida KeysBy Capt. Frank Papy. 12th edition $19.95$4.05 Priority USPS

A Gunkholer’s Cruising Guide to Florida’s West CoastBy Tom Lenfestey. 12th edition. $17.95$4.05 Priority USPS

Exploring Coastal Mississippi By Scott Williams. $22.00$4.05 Priority USPS

Florida Cruising Directory 2007By Waterways, Etc. 24th edition $16.00$4.05 Priority USPS. Available mid-February

■ Medical: Carry enough medicineto last the voyage and then some.Carry a copy of all your medica-tions, and a prescription for each.This is especially important if youare going outside the United States.If you wear glasses, use a safety lan-yard to prevent losing them, andcarry a prescription for your glasseswith you.

The above is basic to most sailors. Ihope some of the lessons learned andmy observations will be helpful toother crew members. I am now bet-

ter prepared to skipper my own steel cutter out of FortLauderdale.

Arthur Campbell is a marine insurance agent in Fort Lauderdale,FL. He is a past skipper of the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club anda member of the Port Everglades Propeller Club. He retired fromthe U.S.A.F. with the rank of CMSgt.

when duties are assigned, likewashing dishes, trash disposal,laundry, etc.

■ Crew dynamics: Even a 43-footsailboat can seem small living inclose quarters. You need to giveothers a lot of leeway. Serving inthe U.S.A.F made it much easierto overlook the faults in others.

■ Reefing: When you start tothink about it, do it! Reefinglater makes it more difficult andmore hazardous to the crew.Yes, we all understand this, butit’s difficult to put into practice.

■ Winches: Do not use large loops around the winches, andwatch your fingers. Use small wraps around the winches,and stay within four inches to the winch. Use one hand toprovide friction when releasing a sheet, the other to releasethe sheet. I was not used to sailing on such a powerful sail-boat. Imagine towing your sailboat through the water withyour sheet, which is what is happening with the sail.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 41

Author and crew Athur Campbell.

SOUTHWINDS MARINE STORESOUTHERN CRUISING GUIDES: For more information on these books, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com. Shippingprices are to Continental U.S. Books usually ship within 24-48 hours, business days. TO ORDER, CALL 877-372-7245

To order, call (941) 795-8704, or (877) 372-7245 with a credit card (or confirm the amount and to mail a check, or e-mailstore@southwindsmagazine.com. To all items and books shipped to Florida locations, add applicable state and countysales tax. Books may be picked up in Bradenton, FL to save shipping. TO ORDER, CALL 877-372-7245

TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

In the past, a few fortunate Bahamianshave found gold Spanish coins washed up onan out-island beach after a storm. After theSpanish raided Mexico in the 1500s, it wasn’tunusual for the occasional treasure-laden shipto be blown astray or sunk along the traderoute back to Spain. To date, more treasure liesin the sea than has ever been found. In the1600s-1700s, pirates and their secret stashes of

valuables frequented the Bahamas. These water-bound out-laws made Nassau their headquarters for a time, and theywere such a presence that an early 1700s Bahamian coat ofarms reads, “Expel the pirates and restore commerce.”Blackbeard hung out in Nassau and, unfortunately, took thelocation of his treasure hoard to his grave.

We didn’t come across any pirate treasure or Spanishgold coins, but it’s still fun to look. Other treasures werefound. Darnell and Morgan had a jar full of bright shellswhile Pat was content to be immersed in the exotic settingwith a mug of his favorite drink in hand. Along with the seaglass, Babette found a ball of colored rope and driftwood touse for a craft project. I found two attractive cone-shapedshells, but when they were held up in my palm to beadmired, they promptly rolled upright and marched off myhand. Their hermit crab occupants had other plans. Bewareof the shell that looks back at you.

Bill found the bottom half of an antique bottle that hadlayers of coral growth encrusted on it and Tom, of Escape,tried to get a photo of a red land crab. When the crab raisedits claws and threatened to twitch, Babette was ready to boltup the nearest palm tree. The idea of that wily critter skitter-ing across one’s feet or up a leg just didn’t generate a senseof comfort. We also came across more enigmatic finds along

42 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

True Treasures of the Bahamas:On Location on Great Guana Cay toMan-O-War Cay’s Atlantic-side BeachesBy Rebecca Burg

“Look what I found!” Darnellsaid, triumphantly holding up a sand dollar. “It was just sitting there on a rock.”

Escape’s crew Tom (right) and Babette on Great Guana Beach with Bill.

Capt. Pat and Darnell, on the sailing vessel IslandDream, came from Louisiana for a new adven-ture. Beachcombing with a group of other

boaters was just one of the activities they enjoyed.Darnell’s 15-year-old niece, Morgan, and her dad flewin to join the fun for a while. A cluster of cruisers wereanchored in the sandy bottom of Baker’s Bay, on thenorthwest end of Great Guana Cay, Abacos. The nearbyShell Island and the Atlantic side of the beach wereexplored.

Morgan hoped to find sea glass—stone-sized bits ofglass that have been tumbled smooth by reef, sand andsurf, then washed up on the beaches. Resembling piecesof sugared candy, sea glass comes in jewel-like tones ofemerald, white, pastel browns and the less common blueand violet colors. Sea glass with a delicate violet hue isoriginally from clear glassware that’s over 50 years old.This antique glass used to be made with a mineral addi-tive that turns purple after years of outdoor exposure.Babette from Escape was one of the lucky ones and stum-bled on a rare treasure of the purple kind. Bahamian arti-sans will incorporate antique sea glass into elegant, high-end jewelry, and cruisers enjoy making their own cre-ative works out of the gem-like pieces.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 43

these remote stretches of out-island beaches. Anabandoned surfer’s shack was found on GreatGuana’s beach. Signs of long-ago campouts, apile of plastic soda bottles and other odd debrissurrounded a wooden half-shelter. On Man-O-War’s beach, a large power yacht lies mostlyburied in the sand, a victim of the 2005 hurricaneseason. An unnerving sight, only its pulpit andan open hatch are visible.

For the hungry beachcomber, some of thetreasures found were edible. The popularcoconut palm bears fruit year-round, which canbe consumed at almost any stage. Some tropicalcultures will eat the coconut when they are merebuds about an inch or so in diameter. Thesebuds are pickled, and the outside, which tastesdry and plant-like, is consumed. Later in thegrowth stage, the large green nuts offer a mild-ly sweet water and a soft, edible coconut jelly. The moremature green-starting-to-turn-yellow nuts offer a sweeterwater and the more familiar firm white flesh. The chal-lenge is cutting through the fibrous husk to access thecoconut inside. Wild growing avocado, sapodilla and cit-rus trees were also spotted, and I solicited Bill to help picka sour orange for use in a cooking marinade. Just off thebeach, fishing and conching also provided the freshest

TRAVELS WITH ANGEL

treats around.By the sea, the traveling boaters found it easy to relate

to each other without the prejudices found on land. Cruiserstypically exchanged business-sized cards or contact infor-mation and people’s card collections grew. We discussed theusual topics; that last bad storm, anchoring, good harbors orwhere to fill the boat’s water tanks. Babette contemplatedthe ideal sun hat with a brim that doesn’t flop over your

Rebecca (with Angel in the background) at Marsh Harbour, Bahamas.

44 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 45

noticed it voyaging, unmanned, into the AbacoSea. Embarassed, it was purely my mistake, butthe others were understanding. The travelerknows how dinghies can have mischievousmoments of Houdini-like escapes.

On a remote beach, some may just see a plainstretch of sand and water. For the boater, it’s aday of social activity and a gathering place withnew opportunities. Right within reach is a freshcitrus marinated seafood grill-out, conch salador sweet coconut water mixers. Barefoot in thesand, people share their cruising philosophies,or just share anything, while sparkling sea glass,shells and driftwood wait to be discovered.Maybe a Spanish coin would be spotted in thefoamy surf. The cruisers quickly find that themost valuable treasure to be found at thesebeachside gatherings are the friendships formed

with other active boaters. These new bonds and the mem-ories of the day can’t be bought or sold, and unlike a fleet-ing material item, they stay with us always. These are thetrue treasures.

Rebecca Burg has been cruising the Bahamas recently on herBayfield 29, Angel. Accompanying her on his own boat is BillRobinson on Defiant, a Morgan OI 36.

eyes in a strong breeze, and Tom wondered about ice versusrefrigeration. Darnell searched for input on comfortablecockpit seating while Bill related sailing situations likegroundings and the jib that wraps around itself during agybe. Adding to the day’s amusement, I had to claim Angel’srunaway dinghy after it floated off the beach at high tidewithout its anchor attached. Capt. Ron and Terry from SilkPurse had kindly rescued the rubber miscreant after they

Some of the treasures found on the Guana and Man-O-War beaches: sea glass, shells, driftwood,string, coral-crusted wine bottle end.

46 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

T he St. Petersburg SailingCenter began in 1921 as the St.Petersburg Junior Yacht Club.

It was a way to get the kids out ofthe billiards room of the SPYC club-house.

Just south of the yacht club wasan island created by the railroad asthe end of the line and fish loadingdock. On the island was a WWIbuilding that had been used to traintank engine repair personnel. Therailroad leased the building to SPYCfor $1 a year. Kids had to break upthe concrete engine pad in the mid-dle of the building before use.

The wood building was “home” to generations of kids,many with stories to tell. There was the “mirror under thegirl’s room wall” incident, and the time that a young AllisonJolly tossed a younger Ed Baird in the drink.

By the 1950s the Junior Yacht Club had become thevenue for major regattas, such as the Thistle and LightningMidwinters. The sandspur-infested lot on each side of thetracks was used for parking and camping. In 1962 the FlyingDutchman Worlds opened the facility up to internationalscrutiny.

In the mid-’70s the railroad sold the island now knownas Demens Landing to the city of St. Petersburg. SPYC fig-ured that its venue for regattas and the junior program wasgone, so it bought the property now known as NE Marinaon Snell Isle two miles north.

Then the city surprised them by offering to build a sail-ing center that the Club would run under an agreementwith the city. Sailors got together and tried to think of every-thing that they could possibly want in a building andgrounds and presented it. To their amazement everythingwas approved,

The resulting St. Petersburg Sailing Center building wasat first covered with wood paneling. But the termites thatused to be audible in the older building were still aroundand chewed up the outer layer within a year. A plaster coat-ing was added instead.

Since 1977 SPSC has been operated according to the city’swritten agreement. Included were summer sailing lessons forthe public after joining the sailing center at an approved fee,a certain number and kinds of boats for the public to sail, and

History of the St. Petersburg Sailing CenterBy Dave Ellis

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 47

“to promote the sport of sail-ing.” The junior racing team isseparate from the agreementas are the regattas, comingunder the “promoting of thesport” wording.

There have only beenseven sailing masters/man-agers in all those years thatstayed more than five years onthe job: Bus Mabry (1920s),Del Jordan (1930s –early ’40s),Harvey Parke (’40s, and again in the ’60s), “Captain”Anderson (’50s), Harry Cantwell (’60s-’70s), Wilson Barnes(1976-1986) at the start of the new arrangement, and DaveEllis (1987-2000).

Harvey Parke (1903-1996) once said that the onlything he learned from the first sailing master was how todrink liquor. That changed in the 1950s with Ted Tolsontaking an active interest. Tolson ruled with an ironhand—but he set the course for a successful programboth on and off the water.

John Jennings coached kids when his own sons wereyoung. The first paid coach appears to be John Jennings Jr.starting about 1983. He coached the “racing team” afterschool and on weekends for years, ending up with theMendelblatt/Funsch/Fagen era.

Starting about 1990, professional coaches came invogue. Some were very good, some not so good. It becamea bidding battle among clubs to get good coaches. However,it did introduce many kids to sailboat racing.

In the mid-1990s, SPYC made the decision to purchase10 sloops for its members and to attract major events. Thedecision came down to Sonars or J/22s. But when the J/22had a problem with capsizing and not self-righting, theSonar won out.

At first the Sonars were not to be part of the mainte-nance responsibility of the sailing center. policy changed as

time went by, and theSonars took up significanttime.

The Sonar decision wasfortuitous when it was laternamed an official DisabledSailing boat for theParalympics. The city of St.Petersburg added twoaccessible restrooms, usinga former storage area.Serge Jorgensen of Sailing

Alternatives, with the help of Gene Hinkle, asked the sailingmaster to do some research and pricing for accessible docksand ramps. Later, money from CAPI (Committee toAdvocate for Persons with Impairments), a fund in the cityof St. Petersburg to make public buildings accessible, madeit possible to add floating platforms, an additional dock andlong ramps. It has become a destination for disabled sailorsworldwide.

The unique arrangement of a City Department ofLeisure Services facility being managed and the day-to-dayexpenses paid for by a yacht club has worked well. Someclub general managers were more kind than others to thebuilding down the road. In the mid-1980s there was a hugemound of discarded carpet, and the storage room wascrammed full of club Christmas lights and trees. A discreetcall to the fire department got them removed quickly. Oneclub manager removed all hired help for the sailing masterfor over a year, only sending in a part-time dishwasher tohelp occasionally.

The present management is highly supportive of thesailing center. Many sailing center members have gone on toyacht club membership, including a past commodore. Thecost to the club is high, over $250,000 a year for all opera-tions. The St. Petersburg Yacht Club considers it one of thereasons for its existence.

The future looks bright for this quality sailing facility.

Dave Ellis when he ran the St. Pete Sailing Center

48 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

UPCOMING SOUTHERN RACING EVENTS

■ SOUTHERN RACINGUPCOMING RACING EVENTS

2007 J/24 Midwinter Championship,Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa, FL,Feb 22-25Davis Island YC, the International J/24 Class, and J/24 Fleet86 will host this flagship event for the fifth time at their newKey West-style clubhouse. DIYC provides easy launchingand hauling at two hoists, instant access to racing areas onTampa Bay and world-class shoreside amenities.

Nine races are scheduled over three days. Previoussuperb race management prompted the IJCA to request thatDIYC host the event indefinitely. The NOR and registrationdetails are available at www.j24d10.org/midwinters.

The sailors and officers of J/24 Fleet 86, with the sup-port of the DIYC membership, will be coordinating shore-side events and activities and have made it their goal to hostthe finest in a long history of exemplary regattas. In addi-tion to the usual regatta social events, an impressive rangeof awards and prizes ranging from T-shirts to foul weathergear, new North sails and a vacation getaway to theBahamas are being offered.

This year the regatta is providing easy online registra-tion. This, along with the tradition of hospitality at DIYC,three days of world-class, warm weather racing, and a shotat some great trophies and prizes, makes for a regatta thatyou need to have on your racing schedule.

Visit www.J24d10.org/midwinters for complete details.

14th Annual Conquistadors Cup,Punta Gorda, FL, March 10-11Historically the largest regatta in Southwest Florida, thisevent is now run by the Punta Gorda Sailing Club. Many localhistorians agree that Ponce De Leon landed at Sanibel andCayo Costa, and not, as widely believed, near Tampa Bay.Locally, the Royal Order of Ponce De Leon Conquistadorsshare this belief and support this regatta every year.

The regatta will begin with registration and free beer onFriday, March 9, at Harpoon Harry’s at Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda. Two buoy races areplanned for Saturday, March 10. Divisions includeSpinnaker, Non-Spinnaker, True Cruising and Multihull. Abuffet and door prizes, which this event is famous for, willbe at Harry’s afterward. Sunday will be the all-boat, reversestart, Conquistadors Cup. This is your only chance to be onthe same course with spinnaker-flying and hull-flying mul-tihulls. First boat across the finish line wins the covetedConquistadors plumed steel helmet and the winner gets hisboat pictured on next year’s T-shirt.

The official NOR and entry forms are on the PuntaGorda Sailing Club Web site, www.pgscweb.com.

Lightning Class Southern CircuitGears Up—First Regatta March 11-12For nearly 40 years, the annual Lightning Southern Circuithas been sending a fleet of 50 or so boats on a combination

road rally and regatta that includes stops at Savannah, GA,and Miami, before finishing with an additional couple ofdozen of the 19-foot-long sloops in St. Petersburg, FL.

The series kicks off at the 51st annual Deep SouthRegatta, held March 11-12 at the Savannah YC. On March13-14, the Lightning Midwinter Regatta will be hosted at theCoral Reef YC in Miami. The 60th Anniversary LightningWinter Championship in St. Petersburg will take place onMarch 16-19. Competitors from South America, Europe, andNorth America will be on hand, as well as former and cur-rent world champions and Olympic sailors.

For more information, please contact Amy SmithLinton, VP of Southern Circuit, at aslinton@aol.com or tele-phone (813) 254-3455.

33rd 2007 Orange Peel Regatta, theFlorida Yacht Club, Jacksonville, FL,March 16-18The Florida Yacht Club will host the 33rd annual OrangePeel Thistle Regatta on March 16-18. There will be a clinicand coaching program on Friday beginning at noon withpractice starts and racing in the afternoon. Racing begins onSaturday at 1230 and continues Sunday at 0930.

In addition to the coaching, the regatta has much tooffer sailors and their families with a sunset cruise on motoryachts to dinner Friday evening, a great Southern buffetdinner and party on Saturday night, babysitting, free hous-ing, excellent facilities and much more.

The regatta attracts sailors from all over the country asit is the culmination of the Thistle Southern Circuit as well asthe first stop on the Southeast Spring Series. For further infor-mation on the activities scheduled for the Orange Peel and theNOR, go to www.thistlefleet133.com/orangepeel or contactRegatta Chairman Greg Griffin at thistle3746@comcast.net.

■ SOUTHERN RACING NEWSRacing and Sailing News and Articles WantedSOUTHWINDS is looking for race reports and sailing/cruis-ing/racing news in the southern states, particularly inSoutheast Florida, Florida Keys, Carolinas and Georgia.Contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

Regata del Sol al Sol RacersCustoms Update: Easier Return to the United States When retuning to the United States from a foreign country,boaters have several options for clearing customs. This usu-ally involves calling customs to report your arrival andincludes the customs sticker number for your vessel if youhave one. After 9-11, boaters have been required to person-ally go to a customs office within 24 hours and complete theclearing-in process

In 2007 there is a new program called a pre-departureregistration program. Boaters in Tampa, Miami, PuertoRico and the U.S. Virgin Islands now have a choice to regis-ter in advance with customs. This should eliminate therequirement to personally appear. To qualify for this,

boaters must complete a one-time registration with theirlocal customs office. This must be accomplished by everycrew member on the boat. Sailors who complete this regis-tration will get a registration number and should be able tobypass the personal appearance on their return.

For information on this program call (800) 432-1216 or(800) 451-0393. Keep in mind, there is no room for lastminute crew substitutions if you are planning to use thisprocedure.

(SOUTHWINDS printed more information on this proce-dure in the December 2006 issue, page 22, in “Short Tacks.”Available online at www.southwindsmagazine.com).

Gulf Yachting Association WinterMeeting, Mobile, AL, Jan. 6-7By Kim Kaminski

On January 6-7, the Gulf Yachting Association held its annu-al winter meeting in Mobile, AL.

Each January, the organization meets with newly elect-ed board members and officers of the GYA yacht clubs.Items discussed for the upcoming year are executive com-mittee meetings, race management, offshore council, one-design council, US Sailing championship committee, trophycommittee and, of course, the schedule committee, whichwill schedule upcoming events for the year using inputfrom the 33 member clubs.

On January 5, as a prelude to the winter meeting, theGYA and US Sailing race sponsored a race managementseminar instructed by Jim Tichenor, senior race officer andWalter Chamberlain, senior judge. The seminar wasdesigned for those with some race management experienceand provides an opportunity for the newly elected fleet cap-tains of the Gulf Coast yacht clubs to become certified inrace management.

Also held was the US Sailing (sponsored by Mount GayRum) speakers series with noted special guest speaker, DickRose, an international certified judge, who presented the“U.S. Sailing Rules Seminar.” Mr. Rose wants to help withthe re-growth of sailing in the northern Gulf Coast region.He donated all of his fees from his seminar program in sup-port of the GYA Foundation to the junior and college sailingprograms in the area.

The official awards presentation was also held for theprevious year’s GYA member winners whose accomplish-ments earned them special recognition. For instance, thePensacola Yacht Club earned the GYA Race ManagementAward for hosting the 2006 Challenge Cup Regatta.

For more information on the meeting, special awardsand the upcoming 2007 race schedule, go to www.gya.org.

East Coast Sailing Annual AwardsHighlight Sailing Prowess ofFlorida’s SailorsBy Roy Laughlin

The East Coast Sailing Association (ECSA) is associateddirectly or through reciprocal membership with most of the

sailing events in Brevard County and draws membershipfrom throughout central Florida. Each January, membersmeet at their annual awards banquet to socialize and recog-nize member accomplishments during the previous year.The range of ECSA-sponsored activities is broad.Membership is divided into three primary sections: racing,cruising and women’s sailing. The 2006 award list was bothnotable and long. Awards included a special citation forGerry Moores for his service as race committee in so manyregattas over the years (see story on Erben Award this sec-tion). ECSA also honored Joe Coleman for his decade ofcontinuous service as an officer of the ECSA.

For more information, go to the East Coast SailingAssociation Web site, www.ecsasail.com.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 49

The awards group at the East Sailing Annual Awards. Photo byRoy Laughlin.

AWARDS:Racing:Special Citation for service on the Race Committee; Gerry Moores:Fall Series–racing fleet: 1st John Harrison, Airborne; 2nd Jim Henry,Mouse; 3rd Gary Smith, Five Speed; Fall Series–cruising fleet; 1st JerryRoss, Sleighride: Double-Handed Race: 1st Neil Squires & Jim Yates,Bad Penny; 2nd Lachlan Smith & Will Watts, Five Speed; 3rd Larry &Connie Etheridge, Purr-fect: Single-Handed Race: 1st Jim Yates, BadPenny;2nd Greg Kowalski, Slot Machine; 3rd Neil Squires, Five Speed;Fun Race: Joe Coleman.Special Awards:Robert X Perry Award, for the best overall results in ECSA river rac-ing series: Jim Henry, Mouse: Jubilee Award for the lowest accumu-lated points during the winter series river races; Rhonda Delmater,Rendezvous:Gene King Award for most successful racing skipper inraces from all local yacht clubs, Jim Yates, Bad Penny:Edward S.Lazowska Award for best overall ocean racing, Jim Miller, Sea Turtle.Women’s Cruising:Fall Women’s Series: 1st Sherry Beckett, Fast Lane; 2nd Patti Massey,Sneaker; 3rd Rachele Ross, Sleighride; Special Awards: Dot HardensteenAward for Best Women’s Sailor, Sherry Beckett, Fast Lane.Cruising Awards:Blue Water Cruising: 1st Dave & Marci Hutson, Godiva. 975 nmthrough the Lesser Antilles; 2nd George & Terry Schorn, Serena, Nassauto Cape Canaveral nonstop; 3rd Sherry Beckett & Dave McCampbell,Soggy Paws, Marathon to Cape Canaveral; Bahamas Cruising: 1st Alex& Lisa Culjak, Night Wind, 8 weeks; 700 nm +; 2nd George & TerryCoffee, Hot Latte-Tudes. 6 wk, 700 nm; 3rd George & Terry Schorn,Serena, Exumas, Long Island, Nassau; Florida Water Cruising: 1st Neil& Sally Hodgson, Miss Faith, Harbortown to Marathon & return; 2ndJim & Donna Oyer. Satellite Beach to Marathon & return;3rd BobNorway & Bill Sweeting, Palmetto Florida to Patrick AFB. Indian RiverCruising: 1st Don & Joanne Theriault, Impulse;2nd Joe & KarenColeman, Alibi; 3rd Ken & Pam Windsor, Mystic Dream; Inland WaterCruising: Jack & Carole Snyder, Dolphin, 2580 nm. Jim Ross Memorial

Trophy for Motor Vessel Cruising: 1st Chip & Louise Worster, Chip-Ahoy 600 nm to Chesapeake and beyond. Honorable Mention: Jack &Carole Snyder for removing mast and motoring on their inland watercruising trip.

Gerry Moores Receives 2006 WalterErben Award, Melbourne YachtClub, Melbourne, FLBy Roy LaughlinGerry Moores was selected as the 2006 winner of the WalterErben Award.. Moores’ citation praises his activities as amember of the race committee for the East Coast SailingAssociation, Melbourne Yacht Club and the Port CanaveralYacht Club. In 2006 alone, he ran or assisted with no lessthan 11 race series or regattas. The regattas included theMelbourne Yacht Club’s spring and fall regattas and thePort Canaveral Yacht Club’s ocean regattas. His efforts werepraised for being motivated by “no personal reward orgain, but just to help others enjoy sailing.”

The award, established by Mary Ann Erben Wells inhonor of her father, is intended to acknowledge and honora person who by their actions and efforts, contributes signif-icantly to sailing in the Brevard County area. The perma-nent trophy is on display at the Port Canaveral Yacht Cluband includes each annual winner’s name. In 2006, 11 nomi-nees were considered for the award, the most since theaward’s inception in 2001.

Nominations for the award are accepted throughoutthe year. For more information about this award and a con-tact for proposing a nomination, go to http://sail-race.com/pcyc/werben.htm

2006 Rolex Yachtsman AndYachtswoman of the Year Named:Paige Railey of Clearwater, FL, From US Sailing

Jud Smith of Marblehead, MA, and Paige Railey ofClearwater, FL, were recently named US Sailing’s 2006Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year. From ashort list of nominees determined by the membership of USSailing, a panel of noted sailing journalists selected the twosailors for the distinction.

Nominated for the first time, Jud Smith was recognizedfor his victory at the Audi Etchells World Championship inAustralia. The five-time North American champion of theclass had previously been a four-time runner up at theworlds. Going into the final day of racing, Smith once againheld the all-too-familiar position of second overall, afterhaving led the standings in the 69-boat fleet for the first sixraces of the series. Fulfilling his prediction that the regattachampion would be determined by whoever got the beststart in the seventh and final race, Smith powered across thestarting line as the breeze climbed into the 20s and ultimate-ly clinched his first world championship as he led the fleetacross the finish line.

Since her first nomination in 2002, Paige Railey hasbeen short-listed for this award five years in a row. This is atestament to not only the early rise to the top of the sport by

RACING

50 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 51

this young sailor who will turn 20 years old in May but alsoher remarkable staying power over the subsequent years inthe Laser Radial. (The Laser Radial will make its Olympicdebut in 2008 as the chosen equipment for the women’s sin-gle-handed event.) She also rewrites the history books uponbecoming the youngest woman ever to receive the RolexYachtswoman of the Year award, breaking the 12-yearrecord held by Danielle Brennan, who also was 19 when shereceived the award (in 1994). Go to the US Sailing Web site,www.ussailing.org/pressreleases/2007/yofywinners.htmfor the full story.

■ RACE REPORTS

Big Seas and Wind For Key LargoSteeplechase, Key Largo, FL, Dec. 9-10By Rick White

Miami sailors won the top two spots of the 22nd AnnualKey Largo Steeplechase for beach catamarans. This is a racearound the islands. Kenny Pierce of Miami teamed up withJohn Casey of Orlando and won first to finish and first onhandicap rating.

Also from Miami were two youngsters that recentlywon the US Sailing Youth Championships. Michael Siauand Lindsay Young were sailing a Hobie 16 and held a 45-

minute lead after the first day of racing, but did not fare aswell on the second day and had to settle for second place.

Third place went to two brothers from Massachusetts,Chris and Nate Titcomb. Fourth place was Mike Krantz andDavid Lennard from South Carolina, and fifth was JakeKohl and Frank Moore, also from South Carolina.

The race begins in Barnes Sound at the mouth ofJewfish Creek, goes north to Angelfish Creek where the fleetcrosses over to the Atlantic side of the islands, then south to

John Casey and Kenny Pierce flew to a big lead on the second dayof the Steeplechase Regatta. Photo by Rick White.

52 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

RACING

J/24 Green Bench Regatta, St. Petersburg, FL, Dec. 9-10By Dave Ellis

The Tampa Bay J/24 fleet has had a resurgence of activity.The Green Bench Regatta held December 9-10 is a newannual event staged by St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Strong winds Friday caused a number of the local boatsto not brave the slog upwind from points south. But 10boats, including some from Vermont, Massachusetts andnorth Florida, enjoyed two days of perfect sailing condi-tions.

The sailors had high praise for the race committee,headed by Colin Park. Eight races were held, much to thedelight of those who were shoveling snow when theyreturned home.

There was a time when the J/24 class was known forhard-core racing that included aggressive use of the racingrules. This regatta had no incidents that were not settled onthe water. There were, however, a number of “generalrecalls” of starts.

Davis Island sailor Brian Malone won the event. Hiscrew was his wife Cat, James Nunn, Jeff DuVal and BeauPlessner.

Robby Brown and crew of St. Petersburg were second,with John Denman of Beverly, MA, third.

St. Petersburg was once known for its green benchesdowntown that seated the largely elderly population. Thebustling town today belies that memory.

Orange Bowl Open Regatta,Coconut Grove, FL, Dec. 28-30By Dave Ellis

The 2006 Coconut Grove Sailing Club Open Orange BowlRegatta took place December 28-30, the same time as thehuge junior event at the clubs up the Biscayne Bay coast.

CGSC member Art Auwaexter and his 20-person racecommittee presented fine racing for the 22 Lasers and fiveLightnings in the fleet. It was not easy to find a place to puta racecourse with over 600 boats in the Junior Orange Bowlspread all over the water. Winds ranged from 8 to 18 knotsover three days.

Visitors to the area won both fleets. Skip Dieball andcrew Mike Stark and Karl Felger sailing the Lightning hailfrom Toledo, Ohio. Skip is an accomplished racing sailorand well-known sailmaker.

The Laser winner was 22-year-old Clay Johnson ofTom’s River, NJ. Some may remember him as a winningOptimist dinghy sailor of a few years ago. He is a very talland fit fellow, as are all Laser sailors vying for the Olympicslot in the Laser for the 2008 Games.

In age groupings, Laser Apprentice Ernesto Rodriguezof Miami led, taking second in fleet. Miami’s Augie Diazwas first Master, Dave Ellis of St. Petersburg the GrandMaster winner and David Hartman of Vero Beach the GreatGrand Master champ.

Lake Lanier Sailing Club’s Warner Guedry deservescredit for finishing all seven races, placing second in GreatGrand Master, at age 71.

a beach near Caloosa Cove. The next day, the boats go southto Channel Five Bridge, then north back up the ICW to fin-ish off the beach at Key Largo Boating and Watersports atmile marker 104.

The race is a two-day, 110-mile trek around Key Largoand Islamorada that attracts racers from around the countryand the world. However, probably due to a cold front thatcrashed through the islands and the forecast of big windsand seas, the fleet was much smaller this year than normalwith only 18 boats registered. Usually this race draws wellover 40 boats.

On Saturday morning, there were a lot of sailors sittingaround listening intently to their weather radios…and notliking what they were hearing: northeast winds of 20-25knots and gusty. By starting time, only 10 boats departed. Ofthose, only seven made it to the finish line after the first day.

One boat broke its mast and had to drop out. One sailorfell off his boat and was separated from it. The crew wasunable to keep the boat upright to return for the skipper.Observers at Ocean Reef noticed the problem and dis-patched a boat to help the sailors. No one was injured.

The venue and host for the sailors was Key LargoBoating and Watersports at Mile Marker 104, where thesailors were greeted with sloppy Joes after their adventure.Trophies were provided by Caribbean Watersports locatedat the Key Largo Grande Resort, and drinks were suppliedby Calvert Sails of Islamorada. Chip Short of Key Largosupplied the starting boat.

Davis Island YC Commodore’s Cup,Tampa, FL, Jan. 6-7By Morgan Stinemetz

With more wind on Sunday than Saturday, the faster boatsnotched two races at the Davis Island Yacht Club’sCommodore’s Cup. The spinnaker boats sailed a wind-ward/leeward course off Davis Island proper.

Dr. John Jennings, driving Bob Dockery’s Melges 24,Barracuda, said they got an awful start in the first raceSunday, and the team pulled out a third place finish after astruggle. A first in Saturday’s sole race and another bullet inthe third race overall gave Barracuda a win in the eight-boatMelges 24 one-design class with a line score of 1-3-1.Barracuda sails out of Longboat Key.

Second in the Melges 24 class went to Juggling Act,which was skippered by Thomas Single of Lakeland. Inthird was Silver, Sam Johnson’s entry from the Gulf CoastSailing Club.

Overall, winds maxed at 10 knots in the gusts, but werefluky with holes present much of the day. “The right side ofthe course had more wind than the left side,” Jennings said.“So it was right side going upwind and left side goingdownwind.”

The J/24 one-design class was won by Preparation J, co-skippered by Brown/Klaus of St. Petersburg. Mischief, cap-tained by Holly Coger of Tampa was second, two points

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 53

Dave Ellis rounding the leeward mark in the Orange Bowl Regatta.Courtesy photo.

“Stars & Stripes” Smashes RaceRecord in Fort Lauderdale to KeyWest Race, Jan. 10-12From Media Pro International

Stars & Stripes, the Custom 60 multihull owned by Steveand Scott Liebel of Bradenton, FL, broke the multihull racerecord in the 2007 Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race.Reporting maximum boat speed at 32 knots during the race,Stars & Stripes crossed the finish line with an elapsed timeof 8 hours, 31 minutes, 4 seconds to take line honors, smash-ing the old record of 10 hours, 11 minutes established in2005 by Zephyr. This year’s running of the 160-nautical milerace, which began on January 10, was one of the fastest,with consistent wind of 20-plus-knots the entire night, giv-ing the fleet “a fast and fun experience,” as one crew mem-ber characterized it. In fact, this is the third time in the pastfive years that a race record has been broken. The overallIRC fleet winner, on corrected time, was Decision, the R/P 52owned by Stephen Murray Jr., (New Orleans, LA), whichalso won the seven-boat IRC A class. The overall winner inthe PHRF fleet, Dreadnought, was one of two entries fromthe U.S. Naval Academy and skippered by MidshipmanBurchett (Annapolis, MD).

“It was a sled ride in perfect conditions for our boat,”said Murray of the quick sprint. “It was close reaching for a

back. And third went to Long Shot, sailed by Jeff Siewart ofTampa.

Wired, a Farr 395 owned by Al Thomas of Tampa wonSpinnaker A. Second in class went to Danger Zone, RobertHobb’s Taylor 9.8. Hobbs is from Tampa and the boat has aminus 18 PHRF rating. Tack Tick, Mike Siedlecki’s radicalMartin 243, came in third. Siedlecki is from St. Petersburg.

Spinnaker B was taken by Renegade, Jamie Myers’sCarrera 29. Myers is from Tampa. In second it wasCelebration, Mike Kayusa’s Olson 29. Kayusa is from FortMyers. Third in class was Air Hammeranger. The boat is fromSeminole and is owned by Don Fretz.

In the racer/cruiser division (two races) Relativity, aBeneteau 53 owned by Hall Palmer of St. Petersburg, gottwo bullets and the class win. Cat’s Meow, a Jenneau 11.2skippered by Allen Saunders of St. Petersburg, won a three-way tie for second. Intrepid, a J/40 out of St. Pete and ownedby Jeff Russo, was also tied for second, but slipped to thirdon the tiebreaker.

Finally, Polyphonic, a Skye 51 belonging to JeffGrossman of Seminole won the three-boat true cruisingclass. Tied for second in class were Sonia Cate, a Catalina 40out of St. Petersburg, owned by Donald Miller, andOddagoingers, a Hunter 34 skippered by Mario Gutierre ofLutz. Sonia Cate won the tiebreaker.

There were 48 boats competing in the two-day, three-race series, though racer/cruisers and true cruisers sailedjust two races, one each day.

54 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

RACING

very short time, but most of the time it was pure runningwith a lot, a lot of pressure. We saw 20-25 knots for the mostpart, some 25-30, and a fair bit of sea, probably six-foot seasand pretty square waves.”

Four boats retired early from the race due to damage:Cheekee Monkee, a Corsair 31 owned by Ron White/BobLarsten (South Bend, IN), which capsized approximatelytwo miles after the start; Double O Seven, a Corsair owned byLawrence Geller and Brian Broad (Lighthouse Point, FL),which dismasted off Key Largo; Endorphine 3, owned byJohn and William Laughlin (Hollywood, FL), which brokeits rudder off Key Largo; and Caraluna, a C&C 9.9 owned byCai Svenson (Key Biscayne, FL.), which broke its rudder offKey Largo. No injuries were reported on any of these boats.

At the awards party held at Kelly’s Caribbean, the racecommittee awarded Best Overall Performance toDreadnought, one of two entries from the U.S. NavalAcademy, which was skippered by Midshipman Burchett.Dreadnought also won its PHRF class and was the overallPHRF winner.

The Storm Trysail Club and Lauderdale Yacht Club wereboth formed in the 1930s, with the Storm Trysail Club’s mainstation established in Larchmont, NY, and Lauderdale’s club-house established in Fort Lauderdale, site of this year’s raceheadquarters. The Turtle Kraals Restaurant Bar in Key Westserved as the finish headquarters.

For more information about the 32nd Fort Lauderdaleto Key West Race, including results, go to www.keywes-trace.org.

South Florida Sailors Do Well inNAMSA North Americans/Tradewinds Regatta, Founders Park,Islamorada, Florida. Jan. 13-14By Rick White

Local Keys and Miami sailors did well at the 2007 NAMSANorth Americans/Tradewinds Midwinter Catamaran

Championships held at Founders Park in Islamorada. Theevent attracts sailors from all over the United States andseveral foreign countries.

Miamians Kenny Pierce and John Casey won first placein a highly contested Formula 18 class by a tiebreaker.Settling for the second spot was Olli and Kelly Jason fromUpstate New York. This was also the Midwinter Nationalsfor this class of speedy boats

Teenager Sarah Newberry and her uncle, JamieLivingston of Miami, sailed the Olympic class Tornado boatto eke out a victory in the Portsmouth Handicap Class. Theyedged out the father-and-son team of Wick Smith and WickSmith III of North Carolina. And by only one point.

Another teenage team from Miami won first in theHobie 16 class. Michael Siau and Jake Budenz finished justtwo points ahead of Ken Hilk and Beverley Griffo fromDelaware. This was the largest class in the regatta, and thewinners of the largest class were awarded the CarltonTucker Memorial Trophy.

Dave and Leah White of Key Largo raced in the secondlargest class, the Hobie Wave. The boat is a 13-foot single-handed catamaran that has a very active fleet sailing at theUpper Keys Sailing Club weekly. All the sailing paid off.Dave finished in third, and Leah took fourth place.

The regatta is an annual event that has been held in theUpper Keys area for over 15 years. It initially was sailed offthe same beach when it was Plantation Yacht Harbor Resort.This is the first year of its return to the same beach atFounders Park.

With fabulous weather, moderate to strong winds, andlots of sunshine, the sailors all expressed their desire toreturn again next year. The regatta is always scheduled inmid-January during Martin Luther King weekend. Regattaorganizer Rick White of Key Largo said, “It is a great timeof the year for both the sailors and the local economy. Itgives the folks time away from the zero-degree weather upNorth, and it helps the motels, restaurants and shops local-ly during that little window of off-season that happens afterthe New Year.”

The race was sponsored by Catamaran Sailor magazineof Key Largo, CABB (Catamaran Association of BiscayneBay), www.OnLineMarineStore.com, the Founders ParkSailing Center and Rick White’s Sailing Seminars.

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 55

Stars & Stripes (file photo). Photo by Gary Hufford.

Mark Herendeen of Melbourne, FL, flew around the course in theTradewinds Regatta. Photo by Rick White.

56 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

■ REGIONAL RACING CALENDARS

Regattas & Club Racing—Open to Everyone Wanting to Race The races listed here are open to those who want to sail. Noindividual club membership is required, although a region-al PHRF rating, or membership in US SAILING or member-ship in a regional sailing association is often required. (Ifindividual club membership is required, please contact usand we will not list their races in the future.)

For publishing of your event, questions and informa-tion, send us your race schedule by the 5th of the month toeditor@southwindsmagazine.com. Send in the name of theevent, date, location, contacts (Web site, e-mail and/orphone), and, if you want a short description. Do not justsend a link in to this information.

Since race schedules and venues change, contact thesponsoring organization to confirm. For changes to be pub-lished, contact the editor. Changes can be put on our Website, if possible.

FEBRUARYLong Bay Sailing Assoc. www.longbaysailing.org3-4 Annual MeetingNeuse Yacht Racing Association www.nyra.org25 Commodores Ball Regatta. NYRA PHRF-NYRA BOTY.

New Bern, NC.Charleston Ocean Racing Assoc. www.charlestonoceanracing.org10,17 Frostbite seriesMARCHNeuse Yacht Racing Assoc. www.nyra.org25 First Citizens Cup 30+ miles. BSC. PHRF-NYRA BOTY.

New Bern, NC.Charleston Ocean Racing Assoc. www.charlestonoceanracing.org10 Community Sailing Fest17 Spring Harbor Race31 Spring Ocean Race

FEBRUARY3 First Saturday at Sebastian Inlet. Indian River Catamaran

Association2 Howl at the Moon. Halifax Sailing Association4,18 Spring Series #1,2. Titusville Sailing Center.2 - 4 Eighth annual National Wayfarer Regatta. Lake Eustis

Sailing Club10,24 Frost Bite Series #3,4. One Design. Rudder Club10,25 Winter Series #3,4. East Coast Sailing Association11,25 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club10-11, 21-22 Club Races. Lake Eustis Sailing Club10-11 Hagar’s Run Distance Regatta & Hagar The Horrible Fun

Regatta. Fleet 45 Space Coast Catamaran Association17 New Moon Merriment. Halifax Sailing Association

17-18 St. Johns Regatta. Florida Yacht Club18 St. Johns Regatta. Florida Yacht Club18 Spring Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club17-18 37th Annual George Washing Birthday Regatta. Lake

Eustis Sailing Club.24 C22 MidWinters, Sanford24 Frost Bite Series #4 One Design. Rudder Club24-25 Cocoa Village Cruise. East Coast Sailing Association25 Spring Women’s #2. East Coast Sailing AssociationMARCH2 Howl at the Moon. Halifax Sailing Association3-4 Trans-Monroe Regatta. Lake Monroe Sailing Association3-4 River City Regatta One Design & PHRF on Sunday.

Rudder Club4 Winter Race. Halifax River Yacht Club4,18 Winter #5,6. Indian River Yacht Club4,18 Spring Rum Race. Melbourne Yacht Club7-8 Zenda U “Melges 17” Racing Clinic by Andy Burdick.

Lake Eustis Sailing Association9-11 2nd Annual “Melges 17” Midwinter National

Championship Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Association9-11 8th Annual C Scow Midwinter National Championship

Regatta. Lake Eustis Sailing Association10 Commodore’s Ball Recovery Regatta. Melbourne Yacht Club10 Space Coast 45 Catamaran Distance Race. Fleet 45 Space

Coast Catamaran Association11,25 Spring Series #3,4. Titusville Sailing Center11 Small Boat Racing. Melbourne Yacht Club13-14 Zenda U MC Scow Clinic by Andy Burdick and Sam

Rogers. Lake Eustis Sailing Association15-17 35th Annual MC Scow Midwinter National Regatta. Lake

Eustis Sailing Association17 Marker 21 Cruise. East Coast Sailing Association17 New Moon Merriment. Halifax Sailing Association17 Spring River Race. North Florida Cruising Club24 Winter Series #4. East Coast Sailing Association25 Spring Women’s #3. East Coast Sailing Association26. Ocean Distance Race. Port Canaveral Yacht Club31 DuPont Cup Regatta. Epping Forest Yacht Club.31 Preseason Gary Gorden Memorial Regatta. Halifax River

Yacht Club.

FEBRUARY2-5 Women NA Keelboat Championship. US Sailing Center.2-5 49er NA Championship. US Sailing Center.3-4 Commodoro Rasco Snipe Regatta. CGSC – The 38th

annual two day snipe regatta.10 BBYRA One Design #2. BBYC - Second race of Series 1 for

One Design boats.10-11 Star Masters Regatta. CRYC – The 23rd annual two day

regatta for Stars.10 74rd Annual Miami to Nassau Race Week.1-13 KBYC Sonar Midwinters.16 Pineapple Cup – Montego Bay Race.17 J/24 Spring 2 Regatta. Flat Earth Racing. 24 Miami Yacht Club Annual Regatta/BBYRA One Design #3.24 MYC - Third race of Series 1 for One Design boats.25 Miami Yacht Racing Annual Regatta/BBYRA PHRF #3.25 MYC - Third race of Series 1 for One Design boats.MARCH1-3 Etchells Midwinters. BBYC. 18th annual event. This is

the last of a four-regatta series, part of the Jaguar Cup4-9 Bacardi Cup Stars. CRYC – 80th annual three-day regatta

REGIONAL RACE CALENDARS

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 57

for Star class.4 Coral Cup. CGSC 8-11 Miami Race Week. Premiere Racing. www.premiere-rac-

ing.org. 10 J/24 #3. Flat Earth Racing13-14 Lightning Mid-Winters. CRYC – 49th annual two-day

regatta for Lightning15-18 Shake-A-Leg Midwinters. Flat Earth Racing.16-18 Don Q Snipe Regatta. CGSC. 41st annual S.C.I.R.A. sanc-

tion regatta.24 BBYRA PHRF #4. CGSC. Fourth race of Series 1 for One-

design boats.25 BBYRA One Design #4. CRYC. Fourth race of Series 1 for

One-design boats.Legend BBYRA Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association. www.bbyra.netBBYC Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. www.bbyra.netCGSC Coconut Grove Sailing Club. www.cgsc.orgCRYC Coral Reef Yacht ClubMYC Miami Yacht Club. www.miamiyachtclub.net.

(Since Rebecca Burg took off for the good life and is cruisingaround, Southwinds is looking for someone to send us articles onsailing in the Keys; Racing, cruising, waterways and anchoringarticles, etc. editor@southwindsmagazine.com)

Feb. 25 & March 25. Key West Schooner Wharf Wreckers Race.Sailboats of any size and shape race from Key West to Sand Key(7 miles). First one back wins. No PHRF, no rules, no protests,no nothing. Just Race. Classes: Classic, Schooner, Multi-hull,Monohull over 30, and Monohull under 30 feet. (305) 292-3302.www.schoonerwharf.com. 1 p.m.

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

Upper Keys Sailing Club. www.upperkeyssailingclub.com.

West Florida Race CalendarThe 0nline West Florida Race Calendar which goes from Sept.1,2006 thru August 31, 2007 is available on the Southwinds Web sitewith hyperlinks to sponsoring clubs. It covers racing in WestFlorida from Marco Island in southwest Florida north, up to andincluding Clearwater. www.southwindsmagazine.com. Accessedon the racing pages from the home page.

Club Racing Bradenton YC. Winter Races starting in October until Daylightsavings starts. Races at 1:30 p.m. PHRF racing on Manatee River.

For info call Larry Lecuyer, (941) 729-5401. Edison Sailing Center, Fort. Myers. Sunfish and dinghy racingonce a month, year-round john@johnkremski.comPort Charlotte. Third Saturday of month, year-round.pbgvtrax@aol.com Venice Sailing Squadron. First Saturday of each month, PHRF rac-ing. Start at mouth of Venice Inlet. www.venice-sailing-squadron.orgFEBRUARY2-4 Lake Eustis Sailing Club. National Wayfarer Regatta.3 St. Petersburg Sailing Association. Races #8 and #9. PHRF3 Venice Sailing Squadron. Venice Yacht Club. Buoy Race,

PHRF 3 Sarasota Bay Yachting Association/Sarasota Sailing

Squadron. Cherry Pie Regatta. (SBBOTY)3-4 St. Petersburg Sailing Center. High School South Points

Regatta.3-4 Gulfport YC. Classic Moth Midwinters

rkoch57450@aol.com. UPDATED 11/27/20069 Caloosahatchee Marching & Chowder Society. Edison

Gulf, PHRF. (SWFBOTY)9-11 505 Midwinter Championship. Fort Desoto Park East

Beach. ethan@sales.northsails.com. 10 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Cherry Pie Regatta. (SBBOTY)10-11 St. Petersburg YC. Valentine’s Day Regatta, Juniors.10-11 Tampa Sailing Squadron. Gasparilla Regatta, PHRF.10-11 Port Charlotte. Valentines Massacre, Sunfish, Rick Pantall,

(941) 627-0826. pbgvtrax@comcast.net12-14 Davis Island YC. J/29 Midwinters. 16-18 St. Petersburg YC. Sailing World Noods. (National

Offshore One Design).15-19 Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show, Miamarina.

www.sailamerica.com.17-18 Clearwater Yacht Club. Laser Master Midwinters. 17-18 Lake Eustis Sailing Club. George Washington Birthday

Regatta. All-class, dinghies, Cats, Windsurfers.19-21 Davis Island YC. Pan Am Trials, Sunfish22-25 Davis Island YC. J/24 Midwinters. 25-Mar 2 St. Petersburg YC. Thistle Midwinters.MARCH2-4 Davis Island YC. Fireball & Friends Regatta. Windmill

Midwinters (now here & moved from SPYC Jan 26-28)3 St. Pete Sailing Assoc.Rich Gahn Memorial Race, PHRF. 3 Venice Sailing Squadron. Venice Yacht Club. Buoy Race,

PHRF 4 St. Pete Sailing Assoc. Women’s Rich Gahn Race, PHRF.4-8 St. Petersburg YC. Flying Scot Midwinters.8-11 Edison Sailing Center. Sunfish Midwinters.8-11 Acura Miami Race Week. Formerly SORC. Miami area.

www.premiere-racing.com. 9-11 Lake Eustis Sailing Club. Melges 17 & C Scow

Midwinters.10 Pass-A-Grille YC. Crown Regatta, PHRF. (SBOTY)10-11 Davis Island YC. Florida Sailing Assoc. Championship10-11 Punta Gorda SC. Conquistador Cup, PHRF. (SWFBOTY)

(CHBOTY)11 Davis Island YC. J/105 One Design Regatta10-11 St. Petersburg YC. Florida Sailing Assoc. Girl’s State

Championship.11-13 Clearwater Yacht Club. Snipe Midwinters and PanAm Trials.15-17 Lake Eustis Sailing Club. MC-Scow Midwinters.17 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Pot of Gold Race.17 St. Petersburg Sailing Association. Races #10 and #11. PHRF15-18 St. Petersburg YC. Lightning Midwinters. 16-18 Port Charlotte. International Sunfish Masters

Championship. Rick Pantall, 941-627-0826,pbgvtrax@comcast.net.

17-18 Marco Island YC. Spring Regatta, PHRF. (SWFBOTY)17-18 Tampa Bay Catamaran Society. St. Patty’s Day Regatta. 17-18 St. Petersburg Sailing Center. High School South Points

Regatta. www.saisa.org. 23-25 St. Petersburg YC. Disabled/Open Midwinters, Sonar, 2.4

58 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

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Meter, Martin 16. 24 St. Petersburg YC. Michelob Cup held at SPYC this year.

(SBOTY)24-25 Sarasota Sailing Squadron. One Design Midwinters Regatta. 30-4/1 Suncoast Raceweek, scrw.home.att.net/ (dedicated race

week web site), West Florida (WFPHRF).PHRF .(SBOTY)Friday, March 30, Saturday, March 31,

Sunday, April 1: To Be Announced Party on: To be announced

30-4/1 Mount Dora YC. 53rd Annual Mt. Dora Regatta. All ClassRegatta.

31-4/1 Gulf Coast SC 30th Annual SW Florida Charity Regatta.PHRF. (SWFBOTY)

FEBRUARY10 Valentine Regatta, Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola

RACING CONTINUED

SERVICES DIRECTORYCall (941) 795-8704 or e-mail editor@southwindsmagazine.com

RIGGING SERVICES

Bay RiggingTAMPA’S MOBILE RIGGING SERVICE Yacht Rigging • Furlers • Lifelines

Cell (727) 215-0704www.bayrigging.com

OCEAN RIGGING Full Service Mobile Rigging 30 yrs experience • Ft. Myers to Punta Gordaoceanrigging@earthlink.net .(239) 218-1127

SSMR. INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .727-823-4800Complete Rigging Services

On-Site Crane, Splicing & SwagingCommissioning Services

On Salt Creek at Salt Creek Boat WorksFax 727-823-3270 . . . . . . . . . .St. Petersburg

SAILING INSTRUCTION

YACHTING VACATIONS . . . .Punta Gorda, FL Sailboat Charters 22’-48’ ASA instructionLive-aboard/non-live-aboardwww.yachtingvacations.com (800) 447-0080

SEA TIME SAILING SCHOOL . . . . .Miami, FL Offshore trips/Sailing courseswww.seatimesailing.com . . . .(954) 636-9726

SAILMAKING, REPAIRING& CLEANING

ADVANCED SAILS . . . . . . . . .(727) 896-7245Quality Cruising Sails & Service

Closest Sailmaker to St. Petersburg MarinasKeith Donaldson . . . . . . . . . .(727) 896-7245

MASTHEAD USED SAIL . . . .(800) 783-6953www.mastheadsailinggear.comLargest Inventory in the South (727) 327-5361

PORPOISE SAILING SERVICES – Sarasota

*New/Used Sails * New Custom SailsRoller Furling Systems & Packages

(800) 507-0119www.porpoisesailing.com

Scuba Clean Yacht ServiceSee ad in Underwater Services

UNDERWATER SERVICES

Scuba Clean Yacht Service• Underwater Services • Canvas Shop • Sail Cleaning & Repair • Detailing

Serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota,Pasco & Manatee Counties.

(727) 327-2628

Advertise your services here

1" boxed-in ads for $240 a year

ADVERTISEIN THE

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Starting at $96 a year

editor@southwindsmagazine.com

(941) 795-8704

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICES DIRECTORY

STARTING AT $8/ MONTH(941) 795-8704

Beach, FL16-18 NOODs, St. Petersburg, FL17 Mardi Gras Regatta, Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FLMARCH3 Two Against the Lake. Tammany Yacht Club, Slidell, LA3 Maxine Sansom #1/Commodore’s Cup #1. Navy Yacht

Club, Pensacola, FL3-4 Schweppes Match Racing. New Orleans Yacht Club, New

Orleans, LA9-11 J22 Midwinter Championship. Southern Yacht Club, New

Orleans, LA10 Maxine Sansom #2/Rites of Spring Regatta. Pensacola

Beach Yacht Club, Pensacola Beach, FL

10-11 Mardi Gras Regatta. New Orleans Yacht Club, NewOrleans, LA

16-18 Dragon Midwinters. Buccaneer Yacht Club, Mobile, AL17-18 Leukemia Cup Finns Regatta. New Orleans Yacht Club,

New Orleans, LA18 Leukemia Regatta. Pontchartrain Yacht Club, New

Orleans, LA24 Maxine Sansom #3. Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL21-24 Finn North American Masters Championship. Southern

Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA31-1 Leukemia Cup. New Orleans Yacht Club, New Orleans, LA

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 59

60 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 61

62 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 63

DISPLAYCLASSIFIED ADS

STARTING AT$25/MONTH

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY_________________________________________

See this section at the end of classifiedsfor ads that came in too late to place intheir appropriate section.

BOATS & GEAR FOR FREE_________________________________________

Boats and Gear for Free Southwinds is starting this section for peo-ple who have boats they want to get rid of,whether on land or in the water. List yourboat for free with up to 50 words and a hor-izontal photo. Editor reserves the right tonot list or discontinue any boat or gear hechooses. “Boats wanted” only listed for non-profit organizations. Ads will run for threemonths and then are canceled if notrenewed. No businesses.

WANTED_________________________________________

CARTOONIST/ARTIST WANTED. Gary Larson style, to develop new character.Similar style of drawing and sense of humor asLarson. Low pay for small business develop-ing. But you could get famous. Need a fewdrawings created. editor@southwinds-magazine.com. (941) 795-8704

BOATS & DINGHIES_________________________________________

Windsurfing Boards and Gear for Sale. 3Boards, 5 sails, 3 masts, 2 booms and all gearand harness for several setups, etc. Bic 273 (4years old and like new), Hi Tech 8’11” (goodcondition), Custom Hi-per Tech board (goodcondition), 2 new sails (barely used), 3 oldersails. $1900/ BO. (941) 795-8704. Bradenton. _________________________________________

8’ Sailing Dinghy, “Trinka.” Perfect condi-tion, all factory options, like-new sails. Cost$4,000 new, sacrifice $1,125. (352) 597-4912. (2/07)_________________________________________

Dinghy Package Yankee Boatworks 9’3”fiberglass with cover $650, Kato heavy dutydavits $550, all for $1000 OBO. Photo avail-able (321) 431-4380. (3/07)_________________________________________

Bauer 10 Sailboat with trailer. Both new.Marconi rig. Many extras. Boats only $2250.With trailer $2600. (941) 966-3507. (4/07)_________________________________________

1993 MacGregor 19’. Powersailers with 40hpTohatsu, orginal manuals, sails, trailer etc.Excellent condition. Private head. Seehttp://www.ablboats.com/details.asp?ListingID=76263 for pictures and details. $10,000 inFL. grafxman@indrev.com. (4/07)

24’ Seawind Catamaran. Fast pocket cruiser.Sleeps 4. Safe, stable, 16’ beam. Great familyboat. 18” draft, beachable. 8hp Johnson.Hard decks. Demountable. Furling jib. Majorrefit 2006. $14,500. (941) 743-6322. (4/07)

1987 Hunter 26.5. Wing keel, new Hondaelectric start 8 hp, 4 stroke. New full battenmainsail, VHF radio, good bottom paint withtrailer included $8,000. OBO (813) 363-4685. (4/07)

2005 Albin 26 The Boat of your dreamsawaits. Never been in the water. LOADED.Volvo power. Volvo DP. Call for more informa-tion to Eastern Yachts at 561-844-1100

Ads Starting at 3 Months for $25Place them on the Internet now for $10! Open to all Brokers, Businesses and Boat Owners

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDSAdvertise your business in a display

ad in the classifieds section.1” $25/month . . . . . . . .12-month minimum

(paid in advance)2” $38/month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 months2” $44/month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 months2” $50/month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 months3” $57/month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 months3” $66/month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 months3” $75/month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 months

ADVERTISE YOUR BOATStarting at $25 for 3 mo

• Classified ads with text only for boats anditems are $25 for a three-month ad for up to30 words. $15 for each additional 10 wordsor $50 for 60 words, $75 for 90 words. Add$25 for a horizontal photo (total $50 for 30-word ad and horizontal photo).

• Add $15 if vertical photo. Boats and itemwanted ads included.

• All ads go on the SOUTHWINDS Web site onthe first of the month of publication. For$10, we will place your ad on the internetbefore going to press on the next issue. Norefunds on internet fee or cost of ad oncepayment is processed on placing order.

• All ads must be prepaid by credit card orcheck.

• To make changes (except for price, e-mailand phone numbers) for print or online, a$10 fee will apply each time for changes forthe next issue or online.

• The last month your ad runs will be inparenthesis, e.g., (10/07) is October 2007.

• Ad must be received by noon of the 2ndSaturday of each month. Contact us if laterto possibly get in the “Too Late to Classify”section.

PHOTOSPhotos must be sent in good resolution.SOUTHWINDS is not responsible for quality of

printed photo if received at low resolution. Ifmailed in, add a $5 scanning fee. Printed dig-ital photos will not scan as well as 35mm.

BROKERS & BUSINESSES (in addition to theabove requirements):• To change your ad for a different boat (oritem) and photo before the 3 months (3months in print), add a $10 fee each time. • For ad and photo, for $20 a month, withcredit card on file, we will allow you tochange your ad monthly and run ads regular-ly (no skipping months)—after the initial 3-month period.

TO PLACE AN AD1. On the Internet at www.southwinds-magazine.com . This applies only to the $25and $50 ads above with and without photo.Pay with Paypal and put your ad in the sub-ject line. If a photo, e-mail to editor@south-windssailing.com as a separate jpeg attach-ment.2. E-mail and Credit Card. E-mail your ad towww.southwindsmagazine.com. Text can beput in the e-mail. Send photos as a separatejpeg attachment to the e-mail. Pay by mail(see below) or credit card. Call with a creditcard number, expiration, billing address andname on card. (941) 795-8704.

3. Mail your ad in. Mail to Southwinds, POBox 1175, Holmes Beach, FL 34218-1175.Send a check or credit card number withinformation as listed in #2 above. Mail thephoto in (35mm best). Add a $5 scanningfee. If you want the photo back, enclose aSASE. 4. Telephone. Add $5 for a typing charge.Call (941) 795-8704 and give us your ad overthe phone. We can take your credit card, ormail a check.5. We will pick up your ad. Send the editor acheck for air flight, car rental, hotel, travel,eating and entertainment expenses, and hewill come to your location and pick up the ad.Any ads to be picked up will be free.editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

64 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

J29 Hull # 225 MHOB. For Sale. Fat Bottom Girl.All new rigging and running gear. Professionallyfared bottom and keel, new interlux whiteepoxy bottom. One-year-old racing #1, .60Quantum spinnaker, #3 and racing main. Also,heavy #1, 2 mains and .75 spinnaker. Boat hashad a refit in the last couple years, great condi-tion. Two spinnaker poles, (one carbon fiber), –much more. Trailer included. $26,500. Pleasecontact mogress@aol.com. (941) 376-9929.Rick. (2/07)

Catalina 30, 1988 Tall rig, wing keel, draft3’10”. New full canvas, new fridge, genoa,battery charger, auto pilot, windless. Toomany upgrades to list. Must see. $34,900.(352) 597-4912. (2/07)

1985 Catalina 30 with new Yanmar, full can-vas, Bimini, Dodger, sail covers, newRaymarine Auto Pilot, Depth, Speed, Windinstruments at the helm, Harken roller furling,new bottom paint, no blisters, 3 blade prop,Hot and cold pressure water, new stove top,ice box, lots of room and storage, new stereo,VHF, GPS and more. $24,900 for quick sale.Call Major Carter at Cortez Yacht Sales (941)792-9100.

Nonsuch 30 1984 Ultra Excellent condition.Recent upgrades include rebuilt Westerbeke33. North sail. Extensive refit in 2005.Currently in Florida Keys. Bahamas cruise-ready. $69,900. (305) 849-1929. (4/07)

Catalina 30 1991 MK II Ultimate CruiserStd rig, wing keel, full bimini/dodger, newspinnaker, 3.5kw Genset, A/C, electric fridge,watermaker, icemaker, microwave, inverter, 2battery chargers, Link 2000, Raymarine SL 70Radar, 425 Chartplotter, Tri-data, 4000STAutopilot with remote, Garmin 128 GPS,Loran, JVC CD/Stereo, 8.6’ dink with Nissan2.5OB, $49,900. Niceville, FL (850) 699-2717. (2/07)

Morgan 30 OI. Bottom Paint, Yanmarengine/transmission overhaul ’06, interior/plumbing/ electrical refitted ’03, auto pilot,depth, speed, GPS, two station VHF, refrigera-tion, inverter, 120-amp alternator,microwave, Origo stove, LaVac head, newinflatable, much more, cruise-ready. $29,800.(941) 730-9654. AquitaineO/I30@aol.com.(4/07)

Hunter 30 1980 Sail Yanmar 18hp diesel,sleeps 6, very clean, GPS, VHS, AM/FM, 4 ft.modified wing keel, PDFs, bottom paint one-year-old, need to sell, “moving.” (941) 697-6995. (2/07)

30’ Pearson, Racer/Cruiser Sloop, 1976 Red,Excellent cond., 2 mains, 3 jibs, 3 spinnakers,spinnaker pole. Tiller, marine radio, stove,new pot, sleeps 6, $12,900. Madeira Beach,FL terrycshan@aol.com. (727) 581-4708 or(727) 244-4708. (2/07)

1981 Cape Dory Cutter 30 Well-equippedcruising boat. Surveyed 2002 at $35K. Toughboat, no damages in Katrina. Volvo Diesel.New head and sailcovers in 2005. $28,000.John (228) 343-9546. (4/07)

2005 Albin 31. AC, 370 HP Engine. Must Go!.Call for more information at 561-844-1100

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

SEE CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

ON PAGE 64News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 65

32’ Westsail (1977) Perkins 4-107 diesel,Aries vane, Harken roller furling, S-L windlass,35CQR, 33 Bruce, cold plate refrigeration, airconditioning, Garmin chartplotter. Dodger &Bimini. Exceptional condition, little used.$55,000/OBO. Call (954) 560-3919. (2/07)

1983 Storebro Royal 33’ Center Cockpit.Elegant craftsmanship. African mahogany,dedicated nav station, designer upholstery,wooden wheel, marine air/heat, refrigeration,diesel engine. Represented by Snug HarborBoats, Atlanta, GA, (770) 831-0403 or (770)540-9796. (4/07)

1989 Caliber 33 Sloop. Excellent condition.Live-aboard/cruise-ready. Yanmar 20003.110 Genoa 2004. Solar panels, AC.Dodger/Bimini. Link 1000 BatteryManagement. $64,500 Contact Chuck at(813) 205-5006. (4/07)_________________________________________

Hunter 33, 1980. 4-foot draft sloop. Dinghywith OB, Yanmar 2QM15. Many upgrades,Autopilot, GPS, 10-amp autocharger. Newbottom paint. Good condition. New headsail.$17,000. Cape Coral. (239) 834-9004. (3/07)

1983 BABA 35’, Perry design for serious off-shore cruising. New bottom paint. Manyupgrades/spares. $85,000 (239) 410-2281.Bayside Yacht Sales & Brokerage. (4/07)

350 Island Packet 1998. Original Owner,Bahamas-ready, 4kw gen, 8gal/hr watermak-er, roller furling, autopilot, electronics, radar,ac/heat, refrig., full canvas, davits, EPIRB,more custom upgrades, reduced to$168,000. (727) 392-3162. (3/07)

1995 Hunter 35.5 Only 615 hrs on Yanmar27. New canvas, Navico autopilot, ST 60depth, ST 60 speed, Furuno GPS, SGC SSBradio, Apelco VHF, dinghy w/OB engine, rollerfurling, full batten main w/dutchman, solarpanel, S&L windlass, holding plate refrigera-tion, SS propane stove, 12000 BTU marine air,TV, stereo. Ready to sail with performance andpleasure. $59,900. www.cortezyachts.com.(941) 792-9100

Gozzard 36, 1987 Paradise had refit in ’06 atGozzard factory which included partialAwlgrip, new sails. Also, the bottom and theexterior wood stripped and redid ’06. Bob (314)487-4543, rgruener@earthlink.net. (2/07)_________________________________________

37’ Irwin 1976 Brand-new mainsail/cover,refrig., VHF, stereo. New central AC. 6 batter-ies/cables/switch/charger. 14 ports. Solarpanel, Water pump/heater, etc. $89,000.(305) 240-0303. Key West, FL. (2/07)

2005 Hunter 38. Call for huge savings on thisleftover stock! This boat is incredibly wellequipped. The price includes full commission-ing. Call Eastern Yachts at 561-844-1100

CT 41 Ketch. 1974. Custom WilliamGarden design. Ideal layout for live-aboard/cruiser. Large water/fuel capacity.Galley port side. Head w/separate shower.Superior teak craftsmanship. New dodger,thru-hulls, paint, and pumps. Includessailing skiff w/2HP outboard. Surveyed at$39K in 2006. Needs TLC. Sudden lossforces sale. $35,000. (941) 746-7079.

Moody 39, 1978. Need to get away? Need anew lifestyle? Try this 1978 Moody sloop.She’s 39- ft-long, has a 6 ft draft and 13 ft beam.She has three staterooms, a v-berth, over-underbunks and a double with loads of storage andtwo full heads with showers. There’s a nice gal-ley with huge pantry, fridge/freezer, propanestove/oven and double sink. The salon is cozyand there’s even a great chart table with largedrawers below. The center cockpit is huge!This boat has crossed the Atlantic Ocean safe-ly and been properly cared for for many years.In 1999 she was repainted, the standing stain-less rigging was replaced, a new roller furlingsystem added and we had a rebuilt Yanmardiesel engine installed. We cruised theCaribbean and Bahamas for 4 years on this lit-tle boat and she has taken us safely whereverwe asked her. We have not had time to enjoyher for several years now and she needs someTLC. Some new wiring, interior decorating,sails and someone to love her will make hernew. Check the Moody web site (www.moody-yachts.com/moodyyachts/index.htm) and you’ll see the quality and value ofthese vessels. We are asking $50k since sheneeds work but will consider offers. Please call727-867-6280 or e-mail: sailorfl@tampabay.rr.com for more information and location. (4/07)

Marine Trader TransWorld 41,1979 Proven full-keel blue water cruiser. Perkins 4-108 diesel. 46’LOA with bowsprit. Ketch-rigged Center cockpitwith walk-thru to aft cabin. Complete Awlgrippaint 2002. Custom stainless steel rails anddavits. 10’ 6” Caribe RIB with 15hp OB. Fullgalley. Beautiful teak interior with lots of stor-age. Maxwell electric windlass. Much more.Asking $99,000. (941) 792-9100 www.cortezy-achts.com

Bayfield 40 Hull # 34 full keel 5’ draft, cutterketch 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 $109,000 Call Major Carter orvisit www.Cortezyachts.com (941) 792-9100

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

1987 Gulfstar CSY 50’. 2006 NEW 75 hpYanmar. Phasar 7kw generator, a/c, 3stateroom layout, spacious decks andcomfortable center cockpit, aft swim plat-form. Well-maintained throughout.$139,000. (727) 259-3489.

66 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

50’ 1991 Beneteau M-500, refit in 2005, newpaint, canvas, chart plotters, radar, auto pilot,rebuilt transmission, new engine in ‘03. Goodcondition, documented, reduced for quicksale at $129,900. (541) 416-8956. Located inFt. Lauderdale, FL. (4/07)

BOAT GEAR & SUPPLIES_________________________________________

Martec folding prop 18x14x1-1/4 shaft$125. 22 lb. Danforth $35. Sealab SSB 7crystals $25. Plastic holding tank “V” 24 gal.$20. Plastic water tank 36 gal. $20. LocatedMelbourne, FL. Take it all for $175! (321)431-4380. (3/07)_________________________________________

Used Boat Gear for Sale Paratech 15 & 18—both with line and chain, stainless propanestoves, 10’ Dyer sailing dinghy, 8’ Walker Baysailing dinghy with inflatable tube, offshore

life vests, 6-man coastal life raft, 36’, 26’, 30’masts & booms, some with rigging. NauticalTrader, 110 E. Colonia Lane, Nokomis, FL,(941) 488-0766. Shop online at www.nauti-caltrader.net.85 LB Anchor. Danforth HighTensile. Unused, still in shipping crate. Only$450. (407) 967-2009. (2/07)_________________________________________

Sea Gripper Storm drogue. For boats toabout 54 feet. $75. (619) 277-0593. (4/07)_________________________________________

25hp Mercury Outboard four-stroke.Brand new. 2006. 0 hours. $2300. (239)728-9813. (4/07)_________________________________________

Watermaker, PUR PowerSurvivor 40E, perfectcondition, manufactured 2001 but run lessthan one hour! Needs new membrane due toprolonged storage. Includes unusedPreventative Maintenance Kit. Guaranteed towork. $1600 + shipping. (941) 625-3293._________________________________________

Backstay Adjuster Wheel type, 13.5 to 19.5inch adjustment, 1/2” pins, $125. BonitaSprings (239) 281-5051. (2/07)_________________________________________

Aluminum Whisker Pole Adjustable from 10to 18 feet, 2-3/8 inch dia. Latching ends.$125 Bonita Springs. (239) 281-5051. (2/07)_________________________________________

Roll-Up Dinghy 8.4 Ft West Marine Sport-boat, grey. $125 Bonita Springs. (239)281-5051. (2/07)

Two Montague folding, full-size bicycles;perfect for cruising. Like new, with manyextras, including soft carrying cases. “A bicyclethat folds, not a folding bicycle.” $350 each.(941)743-7156 or (941)504-3302. (4/07)

BOAT REGISTRATION_________________________________________

EASIEST, FASTEST MONTANA BOAT REGIS-TRATION Pay no sales tax-no attorney neces-sary. $$ Save Thousands on boat registration$$. 12 yrs experience – REGISTRATION IN 5DAYS! (877) 913-5100www.mtvehicles.com. (4/07)

BUSINESSES FOR SALE/INVESTMENTS

_________________________________________

FOR SALE: Florida East Coast Sail LoftEstablished 10 years. Well-equipped, extensiveinventory and client list. Walking distance toseveral marinas. New sail design, constructionand repairs. Custom canvas work, exterior/interior, and cushions. Strong used sail invento-ry. Respond to LOFT220@hotmail.com. (4/07)

CHARTS & BOOKS_________________________________________

Ocean Routing Jenifer Clark’s Gulf StreamBoat Routing/Ocean Charts by the “best inthe business.” (301) 952-0930, fax (301)574-0289 or www.erols.com/gulfstrm

CREW AVAILABLE/WANTED_________________________________________

Visit SOUTHWINDS “NEW” boat and crewlisting service at southwindsmagazine.com_________________________________________

Crewmate Wanted (male or female); FloridaKeys sailing vacation; February 2007; 27’Stiletto catamaran. No experience necessary.(850) 291-7465 Pensacola Beach. (4/07)

HELP WANTED_________________________________________

Looking for Marine Parts Counterperson.Experience with marine industry beneficial.Full time with great insurance benefits andpaid holidays. Parts dept. Not computerized.Snead island Boat Works – Attn: Gary (941)722-2400. (2/07)_________________________________________

Massey Yacht Sales Mobile Broker Do youprefer to sell yachts from your home office? Ifyou do and you are a proven, successful yachtsales professional, we have positions open forFlorida west and east coast. Take advantage ofthe Massey sales and marketing support, salesmanagement and administration while work-ing from your home selling brokerage sail andpower boats. Call Frank Hamilton at (941)723-1610 for interview appointment andposition details.

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 67

SOUTHWINDS is looking for someone to dopart time work from the home office in pro-moting ad sales, doing mailers and contactingpotential advertisers and other similar secre-tarial work for a few extra hours a month.Work your own schedule and hours on yourown computer. Must be real good with com-puters and have high-speed (broadband)internet access. Knowledge of Web site devel-opment a real plus to help build the Web site.Other work with the magazine possible as itgrows. Preferably someone in the GreaterTampa Bay, West Florida area. Southwinds islocated in Bradenton, FL, but it is possible towork from anywhere. A basic familiarity withsailing very helpful. Contact editor@south-windsmagazine.com._________________________________________Writers, Reporters, Articles, Photos Wanted.SOUTHWINDS is looking for articles on boating,racing, sailing in the Southern waters, theCaribbean and the Bahamas, and other articleson the following subjects: marinas, anchorages,mooring fields, disappearing marinas/boatyards,marinas/boatyards sold for condos, anchoringrights, sailing human interest stories, boatreviews, charter stories, waste disposal—andmore. Photos wanted, plus we want cover pho-tos (pay $65) of both race and non-race sub-jects, but about sailing. Cover photos must bevery high resolution and vertical format._________________________________________

Writers and Ideas Wanted on WaterwaysIssues. SOUTHWINDS is looking for writers, act-ing as independent subcontractors toresearch and write articles on subjects dis-cussed in the Our Waterways section. Mustbe familiar with boating, good at research,have computer skills, high-speed Internetaccess and work for little pay. Most impor-tant, must have a passion for the subject andwant to bring about change and improve-ment of boaters rights, waterways access,and disappearing marinas and boatyards—with lots of ideas and energy to help bringabout improvements through various means.We would also like to get an organizationgoing to promote these interests if you canhelp. Writers, photographers, cartoonists,jokers, magicians, philosophers and others ofquestionable professions may apply. Sendinfo to: editor@southwindsmagazine.com.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT_________________________________________

GULF SHORES, AL - Gated waterfront condoon ICW, view of Mobile Bay. Boat slip.First level, end unit, 3br/2ba furnished withwraparound deck, covered 2 car parking.Elevator, 2 pools, 2 tennis courts, clubhousew/party room, weight room, hot tub. LEASEOR PURCHASE. $1,500 mo or $515,000.(251) 968-6265. (2/07)

Deepwater Boat Slip Included! 3 bedroom,2 bath, 2-car garage townhome. MarinersPass, St. Petersburg, FL. $299k. Loads ofupdates. Call Bob Sackett, Realtor (727) 527-7373 ext. 112. Boat also available for sale. (4/07)

LODGING FOR SAILORS_________________________________________

Ponce de Leon HotelHistoric downtown hotel at the bay, acrossfrom St. Petersburg YC. 95 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 550-9300 FAX (727) 896-2287www.poncedeleonhotel.com

SAILING INSTRUCTION_________________________________________

SAILS & CANVAS_________________________________________

Racing Spinnaker. Neil Pryde Tri-radialSpinnaker. Nearly new. No patches or stains.Approximate dimensions: Foot 32’4”, Leech55’8”, Luff 64’. White, medium blue and lightblue. $1800 or best offer. (813) 685-8737.(4/07)

68 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

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News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS February 2007 69

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.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

■ SAILBOATS – NEW AND BROKERAGE . . . .American Marine & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . .9,20Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BCBoaters Exchange/Catalina Sailboats . . .20,45Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,20Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Eastern Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,62,BCEdwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . .61,65,66Gulf Island Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Massey Yacht Sales/Catalina//Hunter/

Albin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,11,31, IFC, IBCMasthead Yacht Sales/Catalina . . . .8,20,62,68Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . . .60, BCSarasota Youth Sailing Program

donated boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BCSuncoast Inflatables/ West Florida . . . . . . . . .15Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, St. Petersburg .30Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . . .25Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Watersports West/Windsurfing . . . . . . . . . . .28Weathermark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20■ GEAR, HARDWARE, ACCESSORIES,

CLOTHINGAnnapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . . . .51Boaters Exchange, boats, gear, etc.

Rockledge FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,45Bo’sun Supplies/Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7E-Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,67Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . . . .29Hurricane Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38JR Overseas/Moisture Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . .31JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Masthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . .8,20,62,68Mastmate Mast Climber . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,28

Nautical Trader/buy/sell/consign . . . . . . . . . .17NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Sailrite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Salty John Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Tackle Shack/Hobie/Sunfish, Precision . . . . .30Watersports West/wet suits, etc . . . . . . . . . .28■ SAILS (NEW & USED), RIGGING, SPARS,

RIGGING SERVICESAtlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Banks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/

West Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Cruising Direct/sails online by North . . . . . . .4Dwyer Mast/spars, hardware, rigging . . . . . .67JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Masthead/Used Sails and Service . . .8,20,62,68National Sail Supply, new&used online . . . .34NEW JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21North Sails, new and used . . . . . . . . . . . .33,68Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,37Quantum Sails and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Schurr Sails, Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,59UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Ullman Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29■ CANVASBanks Sails/new, used, repair & canvas/

West Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Quantum Sails and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3■ USED SAILING/BOATING SUPPLIESNautical Trader/buy/sell/consign, West FL . .17Scurvy Dog Marine/Used, Consign,

Pensacola FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40■ SAILING SCHOOLS/DELIVERIES/CAPTAINSAdventure Cruising and Sailing . . . . . . . . . . .28Capt. Jimmy Hendon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Full Sail Sailing Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Offshore Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Sea School/Captain’s License . . . . . . . . . . . .32St. Augustine Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Sunsail Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28■ MARINE ENGINES AND ACCESSORIESBeta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . . . .10■ REAL ESTATEPat Knoll, Sunstate Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Sunset Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44■ RESORTS, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS,

BOAT YARDSCrow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina . . . . . . . . .17Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Sailors Wharf Boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18■ FRACTIONAL SAILING/CHARTER

COMPANIESLex-Sea Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,49Sunsail Florida charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10■ MARINE SERVICES, SURVEYORS,

INSURANCE, TOWING, BOAT LETTERING, ETC.

Aqua Graphics/Boat Names/Tampa Bay or buy online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Beachmaster Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Forex, Foreign Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29■ MARINE ELECTRONICSDockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35JR Overseas/Moisture Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Sea Tech/Navigation/Communication . . .40,67■ BOOKS/CHARTS/VIDEOS/AWARDSNoble Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Southwinds Cruising Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . .41■ REGATTA ADVERTISEMENTS, BOAT SHOWSClearwater YC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Offshore Challenge Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Regata del Sol al Sol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22SailAmerica Strictly Sail Miami . . . . . . . . . . .19

Alphabetical Advertisers’ List . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Marine Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29Regional Sailing Services Directory . . . . .58,59Subscription Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Adventure Cruising & Sailing School . . . . . . . . .28American Marine & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,20Annapolis Performance Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51Aqua Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Atlantic Sail Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Banks Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Beachmaster Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Beneteau Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BCBeta Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Boaters Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,45Bo’sun Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Capt. Jimmy Hendon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Catalina Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,20Clearwater YC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Coral Reef Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Cortez Yacht Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Crow’s Nest Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Cruising Direct Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Defender Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Dockside Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Doyle Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Dunbar Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Dwyer mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67Eastern Yachts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,62, BCEdwards Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63E-marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,67Flying Scot Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Forex, Foreign Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Full Sail Yacht Delvieries/Capt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Garhauer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Glacier Bay Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Gulf Coast Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61,65,66Gulf Island Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Hanse Yachts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Hobie Cats/Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Hotwire/Fans & other products . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Hurricane Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38J/Boats - Murray Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .60,BCJR Overseas/Moisture Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31JSI - New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Leather Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Lex-Sea Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29,49Lighthouse Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Massey Yacht Sales . . . . . . . . . . .9,11,31, IFC, IBCMasthead Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,20,62,68Mastmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,28Mt. Dora YC Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Murray Yacht Sales/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . .60, BCNational Sail Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Nautical Trader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17New JSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Noble Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28North Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,68Offshore Challenge Regatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Offshore Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Patricia Knoll Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Porpoise Used Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,37Quantum Sarasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3RB Grove/Universal and Westerbeke . . . . . . . . . .10Regatta del Sol al Sol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Regatta Pointe Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Rparts Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36SailAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Sailors Wharf boatyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Sailrite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Salty John Marine Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Sarasota Youth Sailing Program donated boats .61Schurr Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Scurvy Dog Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Sea School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Sea Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40,67SSMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4St. Augustine Sailing School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68St. Barts/Beneteau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BCSuncoast Inflatables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Sunrise Sailing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,59Sunsail Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Sunset Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Tackle Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Tampa Sailing Squadron Youth Program . . . . . .25Turner Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9UK Halsey Sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Ullman sails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28,29Watersports West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Weathermark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Windcraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Yacht Sales Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Yachting Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Zarcor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45,67

When Ralph M. Munroe designed the Egret in themid-1880s, his purpose was to sail the shallowwaters of coastal Florida. He described it as a

modification of the New Haven sharpie. Built at A.C.Brown’s boatyard in Tottenville, Staten Island, NY, it wasstrong but lightly constructed. She was 28-foot, double-ended, and drew eight inches. Her first rig was a cat-yawl,which was soon re-placed by a regularsharpie rig, with sailsheaded by a short gaffand fitted with battensacross the full widthof the sail. In his biog-raphy, The Commodore’sStory, Ralph Munroeexplains that it washis only failure in rig-ging or sail plan.

Ralph Munroedesigned more than56 boats and seemedespecially proud ofthe Egret. She “servedme for several yearswithout mishap asdispatch boat betweenBiscayne Bay and Jupiter telegraph station, via the GulfStream, blow high or blow low, often making the tripcomfortably when no other boats would attempt eitherthe stream or the surf in the shoal inlets.”

Egret (II) was built by the Miami-Dade CommunityCollege’s Boat Building Center under the direction ofmaster boatbuilder Wit Ostrenko. Students under thedirection of Ostrenko began in September 1987 andcompleted it in 1988. To the extent possible, they usedthe same materials used in the original as listed inWooden Boat (No. 56). But where better or newer materi-als were available, they were substituted. It is cedar-planked like the original, but the frames, stern and stem

post, deck beams, rudder and centerboard aremahogany instead of the original oak. Ostrenko feltmahogany was more suitable to the Florida climate thanoak. The original Egret was built on Staten Island. Otherchanges were the boat’s fastening, which are stainlesssteel screws instead of galvanized nails. The deck bracesare stainless steel tubing, and the sails are Dacron

instead of the originalcotton. In 1991, theBarnacle Society pur-chased the Egret (II,)which is now mooredat the Barnacle HistoricState Park, in CoconutGrove, FL.

Wooden Boat re-drew Munroe’s plansas the originals havedisappeared. It wasthese plans which wereused to build the cur-rent Egret (II) as well asmany other woodenboats. Occasionally, vis-itors to the park men-tion that they have seenor heard of other Egret-

style boats, often built from the Wooden Boat plans. The parkis most interested in hearing from owners of these vessels.

The Barnacle was Munroe’s home, and there you willfind his boathouse, dock, and a marine railroad. TheWashington’s Day Regatta, which Munroe and his neigh-bor, Kirk Munroe (a distant relative) founded in 1887 isstill held and is sponsored by the Barnacle Society. Thisregatta is open to traditional style shoal-draft sailboats(fiberglass boats permitted). This year’s Washington’sBirthday Regatta takes place on February 24, and boatowners are encouraged to enter.

For further information, call (305) 442-6866, or visitthe Web site at www.FloridaStateParks.org/TheBarnacle.

70 February 2007 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com

The Egrets of Coconut Grove…and Elsewhere

From the Barnacle Historic State Park

The Barnacle Historic State Park

The Barnacle Historic State Park stands on the site of the home of Ralph Munroe, a pioneer of southeast Florida’searly boating days. Munroe first came to Biscayne Bay in 1877 and moved there from New York in 1881 becauseof his first wife’s failing health. He called his home, which had an octagonal-shaped main room, “The Barnacle.”It survived the hurricane of 1926 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

His passion in life was designing boats and he designed many yachts for sailors in the area, since sailing wasa popular sport at the time. He designed 56 boats in his lifetime. In 1887, local residents formed the BiscayneBay Yacht Club and elected Ralph Munroe the first commodore. He held that position for 22 years.

Munroe was also a wrecker and worked the salvage business along the southeast coast of Florida for many years. The Munroe site is located on a tropical hardwood hammock and is one of the last remnants of the once-

vast Miami hammock.

Egret II at The Barnacle Historic State Park. Courtesy photo.