Gas for sailors at Roseau dock, Dominica
As visitors increasingly plan to stop at Dominica, the enterprising Hubert J. Winston has obtained gas caddy containers to transport gas/diesel fuels with a pump to service boats off the dock in Roseau at the Dominica Marine Center. “This will be the first step before getting a fixed fuel line operation,” Winston said in October. “This will be ready before the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, the OECS sponsored Rally, and the ARC. The GPS coordinates for the pier and moorings are: N 15′ 17.590, W 61′ 23.003 degrees.”
Tournament organizers note: IGFA observer training available
The International Game Fish Association’s Certified Observer Program (COP) training class is scheduled for February 18, 2007 at the Miami Boat Show. Instructors train and certify experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held around the world. The course includes species Identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules & regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette. Pre-registration required, fee $150. Contact Ms. Michele Sedge at 954-924-4317 email: [email protected]
Anchor holding power test results: HydroBubble wins
In a recent independent survey of 14 different types of anchors, a HydroBubble anchor tested best, according to its manufacturers. During three days of controlled testing in waters off the California coast using a 52’ research vessel and measuring instruments provided by West Marine, the 16 pound anchor achieved greater overall holding power than any other. Tests were conducted and observed by representatives of several boating magazines and West Marine. Used in the tests was one of Anchor Concepts’ lightweight EasyStow Standard series, available at selected dealers.
Third Annual St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition, December 2 to 5
This month’s SCYE 2006 features a wide range of yachts from the world famous classic 110′ Moonbeam III to the show stopping 201′ Phoenix and a slew of social events, including a fashion show and “A Taste of St. Maarten” for foodies. A special interest seminar schedule is posted on www.scye.com. Topics include an update on U.S. Immigration Regulations, a security seminar, and—likely to be the hottest ticket—the scoop on Cuba from Commodore Escrich, complete with Mojitos and a cigar making demonstration.
Classic yachts compete in January
Organizers of the St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta say that yachts will arrive from Simpson Bay into Marigot during the first regatta leg mid day on Friday January 19, 2007. A Friday Night party will be held at the Marina Fort Louis parking lot with a live band on stage, entertainment, food and drinks and a VIP tent. The classics will depart Marigot again on Saturday morning for the second leg to Philipsburg and the regatta will finish Sunday in Simpson Bay.
In October, a Fife yacht build in 1924 signed up—the classic ketch Adventuress, normally based in Newport, Rhode Island. She has teak decks, a raised panel mahogany interior, gleaming brightwork, and plush tufted upholstery and is slated for charters and day sails at the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda, BVI. www.ClassicRegatta.com
HIHO adds open class racing
To broaden its appeal, the Highland Spring HIHO windsurfing event will include Open class racing in 2007 in addition to the Techno class. Racers in the Open division will start in St. Maarten on June 30 and join the rest of the Highland Spring fleet in Virgin Gorda on July 2. The Open fleet will cover over 250 miles of racing in eight days of competition.
Organizers also will present a new trophy award, the HIHO Cup, at its 2007 event to the fastest catamaran to sail from Anegada to The Baths, a 15-16 mile broad reach. www.go-hiho.com.
Brief Notes
Awlgrip Appointments
Sales Manager for the Eastern Region, Awlgrip North America, Stephen Smith recently announced that Andy Colloton and Tim Taylor have joined the company as Technical Sales Representatives. Both have worked within the marine industry for over 20 years.
Lagoon Marina opens at Cole Bay, St. Maarten
A new marina has slips for up to 45 boats with up to 9-ft of draft and is located in walking distance of Budget Marine and other marine suppliers. Docks are now wired and plumbed, restrooms are functioning, and a waterfront restaurant is under construction.
Boat-shopping?
Titan XII , the 75’ Reichel/Pugh designed racing yacht is for sale—after placing first the past couple of years at Antigua Race Week, the Heineken Regatta, the BVI Spring Regatta, and the International Rolex at St. Thomas, to name a few. Not to mention landing the prestigious All at Sea cover at least twice. Pull out your plastic and contact Bill Jenkins at Thoroughbred Yacht Sales, [email protected].
And in Yacht Club News:
Club Náutico de San Juan has announced the Sixth International Regatta to take place February 2 to 4, 2007 for Optimist, Laser, 420 and Snipe Classes. www.nauticodesanjuan.com.
The Royal BVI Yacht Club held its 4th Annual Pro Am Speakers Dinner in late October to help raise funds for the BVI Sailing Teams who represent the BVI in regattas abroad. Speaker was Dave Perry, currently the rules advisor and afterguard coach for Victory Challenge, the Swedish America’s Cup team, who presented “Postcards from Valencia" on the upcoming Americas Cup.
Forty-one sailors representing all three U.S. Virgin Islands and Tortola sailed in the annual Columbus Day Regatta, held October 8 to 9 out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club, U.S. Virgin Islands. Sailors competed in Optimists, Lasers and 420 under sunny conditions with winds blowing 15 to 18 knots both days. First place finishers were: Optimists overall, Challis Diaz, St. Croix; Laser 4.7, Rian Bareuther, St. Thomas; Laser Radial, Jae Tonachel, St. Croix; Laser Standard, Hugo Roller, St. Thomas; and 420, Canfield/Nickbarg, St. Thomas.
