Abandoned boat found
Bill Bailey from Caribbean Marine Surveyors on Tortola, BVI reports that Alegria, a 44’ sloop abandoned 120 miles off Martinique on the 22nd December, was found and towed to safety Aruba on the 10th of January. The boat was first spotted by the Curacao Coast Guard about 50 miles north of Curacao, dismasted but afloat, then found again by Aruba’s Coast Guard Air patrol. The owner, who is safe, reportedly had been sailing alone and was struck during the night by an unlit cargo vessel which did not stop. The boat is now secure on land, Bailey reports. “There is some topside damage to the starboard side from the mast and rigging, and the top 15′ of the bow is broken off and still attached to the forestay! It will probably be shipped back to the UK for repair.”
Yacht Moorings in Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica
Portsmouth Association of Yacht Security (P.A.Y.S) reminds boaters that moorings are available in the Prince Rupert Bay Harbour. The cost is US$10 per night, $50 per week, and $170 per month. Fees should only be paid to collection agents Eddison Tours or Providence (Martin), and each collector will be carrying ID and will provide you with a receipt. All fees will go to both maintenance of the moorings and supporting the night security provided by P.A.Y.S. Those not wishing to use the moorings are asked to moor your boat to either side of the mooring designated area. P.A.Y.S. is a registered non-profit association established in 2007 to run security patrols every night from November through May in the main yacht anchorage of Portsmouth. The organization currently includes 18 members from the yacht tourism sector in Portsmouth. Donations are welcome.
Marina at Marigot Bay welcomes largest mega to date
In January, St. Lucia visitors and locals watched as a 241 ft private yacht entered to top the list of luxury liners that have berthed in Marigot Bay. The second largest to date is Sherakhan, at 229 ft. The name of the yacht was not disclosed. “We not only handle the big cruisers,” said marina manager, Bob Hathaway, “but we handle their need for privacy and the ability to maintain a low profile.” www.marigotbay.com
NARC’s on the house for 10th anniversary
This year’s North American Rally to the Caribbean from Newport, Virginia to St. Maarten is scheduled to depart on November 1, depending on weather. “For the 10th Anniversary I am going to make the rally free for anyone to join,” reports organizer Hank Schmitt of Offshore Passage Opportunities. “There will be a per-head fee for the socials but everything else will be included and there will be no rally fee.” www.sailopo.com
St. Maarten welcomes big boys to MYBA Charter Show
Forty large Charter yachts, at an average size of 40 meters (131 feet), gathered in December 2008 to meet charter agents, and outdid themselves in throwing theme parties on board that varied from a circus to a nightclub to an undersea adventure. Voted by the attending charter agents at the show, the trophy for “Best in Show over 140” was awarded to Captain Keith Moore and his crew from Lady Sheradin and “Best in Show under 140” was awarded to Captain Mark Delstanche and his crew from Ilona. This year’s dates: December 6 to 9, 2009. www.mybacaribbeanshow.com
Business opportunities at Errol Flynn Marina and Boatyard
Looking for a new location? Dale Westin reports that excellent opportunities exist within the Port Antonio, Jamaica marina complex, including a deli-provision shop, pool bar and formal restaurant and other marine related activities. For details and specifics, contact Dale B. Westin, marina general manager, [email protected].
BVI to Bermuda Rally Departs May 3
All good things must come to an end, and the Cruising Rally Association’s Atlantic Cup Rally will take cruisers north at the end of winter season, departing from Tortola’s Nanny Cay Marina and finishing in Bermuda four to five days later. The Atlantic Cup is the companion rally to November’s Caribbean 1500 (slated this year to start November 2) and is open to sailors with well founded offshore boats at least 38 feet long and crews of two or more. www.carib1500.com
Moorings adds second location in Turkey
Thinking of a summer season getaway overseas? The Moorings announced in January the opening of a new base in Orhaniye, Turkey for the 2009 sailing season with a range of monohulls and catamarans from 40 to 44 ft. Orhaniye is on the west coast of the Hisanoru peninsula which stretches for 30 miles into the Aegean Sea between the Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes. Expect late morning winds building to 25 knots and deep blue seas with secluded coves, rugged mountains as a backdrop, tranquil villages and historic ruins. www.moorings.com
Boat shows will continue at Annapolis City Dock
United States Yacht Shows, Inc. announced in January that the City of Annapolis has approved use, by the company, of the City Dock and adjacent Susan Campbell Park to conduct the annual fall in-water United States Sailboat Show and United States Powerboat Show through 2014. Members of the All at Sea team attended the sailboat show again this year and distributed thousands of copies of the October issue to some of the 50,000+ people who attended.
New book by Julian Putley
All at Sea humor columnist Julian Putley has a new book, available at island shops, called “Sunfun Gospel,” which chronicles the adventures of residents of fictional Eastern Caribbean island of Dominada.
Megas arrive at Port Louis Grenada
As of early January, 20 yachts of one hundred feet or over had visited and another fifteen were expected to visit by the end of month at Port Louis Grenada, now owned by Camper & Nicholsons. “We are delighted that the season is going so well,” said General Manager Clyde Rawls. Marina representatives have been promoting internationally, and the company sponsored both the Grenada Sailing Festival and the Spice Isle Billfish Tournament this year.
This month: International La Guaira Billfish Shootout
Tournament activities begin on Monday March 9th and conclude on Saturday March 14th with the Awards Banquet. “Because it is our 15th Anniversary Edition we are making every effort to make this an even better event than the fourteen previous ones,” said tournament director Rick Alvarez. For team registration: www.intlbillfishtourns.com
