David Hunt

davidhunt 253x300 David HuntPresident of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association

David Hunt is a native of Seabrook, with a love of the water and passion for boats. That love was born early on at his father’s dealership, Gulf States Yachts, and nearly 30 years later, David is proud to continue the legacy at Texas Power Yachts.

He began his career as a yacht broker in 2007 with Lauderdale Yacht Sales, after a successful stint in real estate. He then joined Lone Star Yacht Sales as sales director, under the famed international yacht broker James Hedges and excelled in the international yacht market as the Gulf Coast dealer for Azimut Yachts and Bertram Yachts.

Also representing Benetti Yachts and Atlantis Yachts as an official international agent, David had the opportunity to perfect the art of luxury yacht sales. With his intimate knowledge of the global luxury yacht market, his clients praise him for his honesty, attention to detail and his desire to always act in their best interest.

Now in his role at Texas Power Yachts, he tries to match the right boat to the desired yachting experience. His knowledge and experience with brokerage and new boats makes him an excellent partner in finding the perfect boat.

Passionate, patient and driven, he is an Eagle Scout, president of The Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association and an active third-generation member of Lakewood Yacht Club. When he isn’t at the office, he is on the water in his Boston Whaler with his beautiful fiancé, Lindsey, or enjoying spending time with his family and friends at Lakewood.

How long has the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association been in the area?

Since the early 1980s.

As the president of that organization, what are your duties and responsibilities?

As president, I am responsible for presiding over all or the meetings of the GCYBA, as well as planning all of the meetings and special events. There are also specific committees, and duties placed by the board of directors. I also spend time promoting our organization in the Bay Area, as well as the state of Texas.

If you could own any boat what would it be?

Bertram 64 Convertible. My father had several Bertram and Hatteras yachts when I was growing up.
To many people buying a new boat can be a daunting process; could you walk us through the steps of purchasing a boat?
It can be a daunting process and the first step is to find a broker you can trust. The broker members of the GCYBA are all held to an ethical standard, as well as many being Certified Professional Yacht Brokers.

Brokers have resources available to them that most buyers do not have. We have access to multiple listing services, as well as boat information and knowledge that can save time in narrowing the search to meet the buyer’s needs. We can also assist the buyer by helping them define what vessel they want as well as defining vessels that will fit their needs.

Once the boat is selected, the broker will assist them with presenting an offer to the seller and negotiating a price, and terms.
A broker can assist the buyer in finding a qualified marine surveyor to survey the vessel and give an expert opinion of the condition and value of the vessel.

Once the survey is competed, the broker will assist the buyer in the closing phase of the process, helping with titles, documentation and closing documents. This will help make sure that everything flows smoothly, resulting in a happy experience for all parties.

What’s your favorite movie?

Pulp Fiction

What changes do you see for the boating industry in the next 3 to 5 years?

In our Texas market the industry would be greatly changed with the adoption of a sales tax cap on boats. Florida passed a bill in 2010 that limits the sales/use tax on boat sales to $18,000. By capping the sales tax on boat priced more than $300,000, Florida saw a dramatic increase in sales, as well as direct revenues to marine businesses such as marinas, shipyards, etc.

Currently sales tax in Texas is 6.25 percent on boats under 65 feet and 8.25 percent on vessels over 65 feet. A sales tax cap in Texas would increase the number of boats in the area, as well as much larger boats entering the state. The local economy of our area would see dramatic increases in marine related jobs, as well as the other businesses that profit from the marine industry, such as restraints, marina’s and yacht clubs.

We are also seeing some great new designs in both sail and power yachts, and many new advances in performance, clean engines, and hybrid technology.

How many yacht brokers are in the area? 

Around 60

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?

I spend a lot of time on the water in my Boston Whaler with my fiancé and friends. I also enjoy spending time at Lakewood Yacht Club with my family and friends.

EPIRB vs. PLB

PLB 210x300 EPIRB vs. PLB

Ocean Signal PLB-1

Which is right for you?

Hello everybody! My name is Ken, and I am affiliated with a marine electronics company that has been serving the Clear Lake area for 23 years. The folks at Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine invited me to pen some content relating specifically to marine electronics – I hope you find this, and future columns, to be useful. I look forward to sharing our experience with you!

Our customers continually ask us about the difference between EPRIBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons). EPIRBs have been around since the early 1980s and were designed specifically to address the needs of the commercial maritime market. PLBs arrived on the scene in 2003, and were designed for personal use. Here are the differences and similarities between the two:

Activation – EPIRBs can be purchased for either automatic or manual deployment, while PLBs can only be activated manually.
Registration – EPIRBs are registered to a vessel, while PLBs are registered to an individual.
GPS – Both EPIRBs and PLBs can be purchased with or without an internal GPS. Having internal GPS is a benefit in that rescue resources are focused in a smaller area.
Flotation – All EPIRBs float. Most PLBs will not float unless fitted with a flotation sleeve.
Operational Battery Life – EPIRBs are required to function for 48 hours continuously, while PLBs are only required to operate for 24 hours.
Strobe Lights – All EPIRBs are required to have strobe lights. PLBs are not required to have a strobe light, but many of them do.

“So”, you ask “what’s best for my application?” That of course, depends on you.

otherlocator EPIRB vs. PLB

Ocean Signal E100 EPIRB

If your vessel falls under SOLAS regulations, or is any type of commercial vessel (fishing or passenger), then the law dictates that you must have an automatically deployable EPIRB. However for pleasure craft, it is simply a matter of personal choice.

Both products bring unique qualities to the table. The ideal installation would have both an EPIRB in a “ditch bag,” and PLBs affixed to the PFDs (personal flotation device). In this way, all the options are covered. Remember that the EPIRB is registered to the vessel, so when a distress activation is received, the rescue assets are looking for a boat. However the PLBs are registered to an individual, so rescue assets are aware that they are looking for a person.

As a multi-purpose device, PLBs offer the most “bang for the buck.” You can take your PLB along with you on a canoe trip down the Comel River, hiking in the Colorado back country, or simply keep it in your vehicle’s glove box. Carry it during any outdoor activity for which you desire that extra margin of safety. Because of this mutli-tasking capability and their lower cost, many customers are opting to rely exclusively on PLBs.

Neil Akkerman’s New Boat

ackermanandgrandkids 300x211 Neil Akkerman’s New BoatNeil Akkerman likes to build things. He is an engineer by training, and when he couldn’t find a good boat to teach his granddaughters how to sail, he decided to build one of his own. He launched his new boat with fun and fanfare to the delight of everyone around him. This is a great story, we hope you enjoy the interview.

When did you get the idea to build this boat?

When I was commodore of the Houston Yacht Club in 1995, the Optimist International sailing dinghy had recently become popular on Galveston Bay. The Optimist soon displaced the Sunfish as the youth sailing boat. Though there seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm among boys, I noticed that there seemed to be fewer girls sailing. All of the emphasis was on racing and almost none on simple fun sailing.

The Optimist International is a wonderful single handed youth racing boat. It is stable, responsive and not overpowered. At regattas the experienced youth sail in 20+ knots of wind.

Teaching kids to sail in an Optimist is much different that in a Sunfish. I taught my two daughters to sail on a Sunfish. We would go out sailing and I would, very casually, request help sailing the boat. They soon knew all the parts of the boat and how they worked. Before long “lazy” dad was a passenger and the girls were sailing the boat.

I noticed that it was very difficult for an adult to get onboard an Optimist with a child. I could not have used my “fun sail” teaching technique on an Optimist.

The most common teaching method with an Optimist seems to be to put the child in a boat and shout instructions. Inevitably in an emergency, shouts become even louder.

It seems that no matter how diplomatically a child is told that the instructor is speaking loudly because the wind makes it hard to hear and that the instructor is not mad at the child, the child’s first reaction is to cower down and want to go home.

Back then I knew a “coach boat” that was large enough for an adult to fun sail with a child was needed; a comfortable boat with all the same strings and foibles of the Optimist.

Are you pleased with the final product?

Yes, very much. Recently my granddaughters — with their mother, their aunt and granddad — all went out together on the boat. Later the sailing coach took out 10 beginner sailors in groups of five at a time for their first ever sail. By the way, the boat is named the EL&EM for my granddaughters.

The response from coaches is very encouraging. One of the sailing instructors said, “You have changed sailing forever. Some beginners go all the way through sailing camp and refuse to go out on a sailboat. The entire group just went out on the first day of camp.” That sounds like success to me.

It is a little early to call it a product as only one has been built. Another is under construction now. The plan is to have one for the sailing instructors to use at Texas Corinthian Yacht Club and the other at Houston Yacht Club. The young sailors swarm all over the boat. The in-your-face demand “How quickly can I buy one” from one grandmother was unanticipated. The ladies’ sailing director reserving the boat for ladies’ sailing camp was a pleasant surprise. When a friend and I took an 80-year-old gentleman for a fun sail and he commented “it has been a long time since I last boarded a dinghy, this boat is more comfortable than any dinghy I know of and many larger sailboats.”

Do you have any plans to build more boats?

Having a production mold makes it possible and practical to build more boats. I have brand named the boat “GO” which has no formal meaning but is derived from “go sailing” bumper stickers; though some guess the moniker comes from granddads obsession or grand opti or whatever….

The short answer is yes; if people want one, it will be built in much less time than the first one.

Carson Crain

crain Carson Crain

Local sailor Carson Crain is trying to make the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team and we will be covering his progress. Crain is going to need support to reach his dream; we have plans to help him and we hope you will also.

 carsoncrain Carson CrainWhere did you grow up and how did you get introduced to the sport of sailing? I grew up in Houston, Texas.  My family has vacationed in Northeast Harbor, Maine every summer, so when I was 8, I started taking sailing classes at the Northeast Harbor Sailing School. At age 9, I began competing on the Texas Sailing Association (TSA) youth circuit in the Optimist fleet.  From there, I continued competing year round with the goal of representing the United States at international Optimist events.When and where will the next summer Olympic Games be held?

The next Summer Olympics will be held in August of 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The sailing competition will take place inside the Rio harbor, with most of the courses being sailed on the south side of Guanabara Bay.

How many hours a week do you practice?

My practice schedule is set up in training blocks of multiple days.  The intensity of each block will vary depending on conditions, recovery time, schedule, and focus.  When on the water training is the primary focus, we will train 4 or 5 days on and then 1 or 2 days off.  Each on the water training session will be very intense and last for 2-4 hours.  Along with the on the water training, I will be doing my gym work, recovery/flexibility training, and aerobic training.  Together these add another 1 or 2 hours a day to our daily training days.

Is there one move in windsurfing that gives people trouble? 

At this level,  I would not say there is one move that windsurfers struggle with.  Many windsurfers come from a windsurfing only background and therefore some struggle to fully grasp the concepts of racing tactics and positioning.  This is a skill that takes time to develop and is one of the defining areas that separates the best in the world from the rest of the fleet.  Coming from a sailing background, I find myself in the fortunate situation of having lots of experience with racing tactics and only having to adjust these tactics to the high speed racing of the RS:X.

What other activities do you like to do when you’re not windsurfing?

I like to stay very physically active, so if I am not windsurfing I can usually be found surfing, kite boarding, or playing Ultimate Frisbee with friends.  When possible we like to use activities like these to cross train or recover from our windsurfing sessions.

Do you have a girlfriend and does she like to sail?   

I do not currently have a girlfriend.  Since my training and competition is rather demanding and hectic, it is a struggle to maintain that type of relationship.  For my social life, I try to spend as much time as possible with my close friends from Houston during breaks in my training.

The US sailing program didn’t win a single metal in the last Olympics, what can we all do to get the US program back in the money?

As far a getting the US Olympic Sailing Team back on the right path, it is important for us to look long term.  Developing Olympic Medalists takes time and so it is important for us to continue to encourage the development of youth sailors and provide them with a clear pathway for Olympic Sailing.  This quad, the US Sailing Team has put a heavier focus on domestic training and brought in expert coaches with Olympic experience.

Do you have a site where people can go and get the latest info on your campaign and also make a contribution?

Yes.  Followers of my campaign get the latest information about my travels through several avenues.  My website www.crainsailing.com allows followers to read blog posts, see videos and photos, and donate to my campaign.  I also use my Facebook page “Crainsailing Olympic Campaign”, Twitter @Crainsailing, Instagram @Crainsailing to keep people informed about my campaign.  Contributions to my campaign are always welcome. You will find information about campaign sponsorship opportunities, how to make tax deductible donations, and how to purchase Crainsailing campaign t-shirts under the Support Me page of my website, www.crainsailing.com.

People talk about the Olympic experience. What would it mean to you to represent your country?

Representing my country in the Olympics is something I have dreamed about since I was 11 years old.  Along the way, I realized that to compete at the highest level you have to devote 100% of your efforts towards achieving your goal.  At this moment, I can see how far I have come and the hard work needed to make my dream to reality.

Tell me a little about your practice sessions.

My coach, Kevin Stittle, and I like to plan our practice sessions around a specific focus.  This ensures that we are maximizing our time on the water and always striving to get better.  Before we leave the beach we will lay out a brief plan on what our goals for the session will be and why these skills will be important to future competitions.  During the session this plan will always be changing and adjusting depending on the conditions and how I progress through certain maneuvers.  Sometimes we have the opportunity to train with other windsurfers and this allows us to work on specific racing skills, such as congested starts and practice races.  For me the most important thing about each practice session is knowing why you are training a certain skill and ensuring you devote yourself completely during the training.  It is more important to have a high quality day on the water than a long day in which you accomplish very little.

If you could meet one person from the sailing community who would it be?

Although I have met him before, I would love to spend more time talking to Nathan Outteridge.  He is an extremely successful Olympic sailor, winning Gold at the 2012 Olympics in the 49er class, and also was the skipper for 34th America’s Cup Team, Artemis Racing.  I would be interested to hear more about the 34th America’s Cup and how he was able to make the transition from Olympic Sailing to the America’s Cup.

ESPN’s Gary Jobson

gary ESPNs Gary Jobson

Gary Jobson is a husband, a father, a cancer survivor, a really good guy and did I mention he is a world class sailor?

By Charles Milby

I’m sure he has an ego, no one could get to where he is in his profession without the drive to succeed, but you wouldn’t know it by talking with him. He cares about our sport and he cares about the people around him.

Gary got his big break in 1977 when Ted Turner picked him to be his tactician aboard Courageous, one of three, twelve-meter sailboats vying for a chance to represent the U.S. in the 23rd America’s Cup competition. Courageous, a seasoned twelve meter with surprising speed for an older boat and a young crew, battled all summer long. Underdogs from the start, these guys came together in defeating two other teams and earned the right to sail for their country in the Americas Cup Regatta.

Courageous defeated Australia 4-0 and retained the cup for the U.S. The longest winning streak in history was safe for another couple of years. Gary Jobson, along with Ted Turner, would usher in the sport of sailing for a modern television audience; this would change the sport and his life forever.

Since 1985 Gary has been ESPN’s sailing analyst. He is the voice of sailing in America and a great ambassador for the sport. In 1978 he started Jobson Sailing Inc., which promotes the sport of sailing at all levels through lecture tours, personal appearances, event advertising, as well as broadcast, print, and electronic media.

I caught up with him at this year’s Leukemia Cup kick- off party. He was kind enough to do this interview with us, we hope you like it.

Have you ever raced on Galveston Bay and do you remember the first time you came to Texas?

The first time I raced in Texas was the College Nationals on an inland lake.   I won the Singlehanded Championship, and crewed for the winning Sloop team.  I think our team finished 4th in the Co-ed Nationals. This took place on Eagle Mountain Lake, outside Fort Worth.

I have raced in the Leukemia Cup out of the Houston YC.

Community Sailing Centers can make a difference in a young person’s life. The city of Galveston along with the Sea Scouts, are thinking about building a center. What advice would you give them?

One of the biggest challenges for the sport of sailing is providing access to the water. Community sailing centers, and yacht clubs should make providing that access a high priority. There are many sailing centers around the USA.  Impressively, there is a big push to expand many the existing facilities, and build new ones. My advice is to begin by getting people on the water in similar boats. The sailing center and building can be the second wave of activity. Once you have young people on the water you build your credibility with local government and leaders. I have found that yacht club memberships are very supportive of community sailing centers because they eventually lead to new members.

Sails are made in China, boats are made in China along with foul weather gear. Are there any Chinese sailors making a name for themselves these days and will China dominate the sport of sailing anytime soon?    

Sailing in China has grown dramatically. In fact, in 2012 China won a Gold Medal in the Women’s Laser Radial Class. Quingdao has hosted the Volvo Ocean Race. China will become more engaged in sailing as they build marinas and sailing centers.

I know you like going to movies, did you see the Robert Redford movie All is Lost and what have you been too lately?

I enjoyed All is Lost. It was a well acted and shot film. It made you wonder how you might handle a tough situation on the water.

The Americans didn’t win a medal in the last Olympics, what should we do to get back on top of that sailing medal stand?

The USA has had a long run of winning medals in the sailing in the Olympics until 2012. The job going forward to develop coaches as well as sailors. There needs to be more emphasis on generating more boat speed. The US Olympic Sailing Committee is working hard to develop more young sailors from a wider base.  I think the USA can return to winning medals. We should all support our Olympic athletes.

I know you have sailed all over the world. When you get some free time where do you like to go cruising?

I have taken many cruises with my family to Maine, Nova Scotia and around New England. I have also done two Expeditions to Antarctica, one to Cape Horn and another to Spitsbergen (80 degrees North). I like long passages.  I have crossed the Atlantic 6 times on a variety of vessels, both sail and ships.

Have you read any good sailing books lately?

Roger Vaughan just wrote a great book about Harry Anderson called A Strenuous Life published by Mystic Seaport. Harry is going strong at the age of 92, and has experience every level of sailing.

 The other day I was watching the Golf Channel, do you think US Sailing will ever have a Sailing Channel?

Sailing will be a popular sport on the internet. Occasionally, we can get it to attract large viewership. The America’s Cup is probably our best event for television.  I have now covered nine America’s Cups. The 2013 conclusion was exciting thanks to the amazing comeback by Oracle Team USA. But, the biggest viewership was Dennis Conner’s victory in Australia in 1987. It was a huge patriotic story.

I read something about Bruce Kirby and Laser in a big lawsuit, can you shed any light on recent developments in that story?

Bruce Kirby is in litigation with Laser Performance. I hope the two parties can settle the dispute. The Laser is wonder boat, that I have raced for over 40 years. I wish it was in the Olympics when I was in my twenties. Bruce is a great sailor and person.

What can the clubs on Galveston Bay do to attract world class Match Racing and Team Racing? Chicago has a great program would those teams come to Texas and compete?

You can sail on the Gulf Coast year around. It is up to club in the region to bid on major regattas. I think every club should host a signature event. If we hosted more Olympic class world championships in the USA we might have stronger competitors for the Olympic Games.

Creola

creolapic Creola

tonysmythe Creola

Tony Smythe next to the models of Creola and Salerosa that hang up in the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club.

The Grand Dame of the Gulf Coast

Long time yacht broker Tony Smythe loves being around boats. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on why he rescued this classic wooden boat. She is a beauty and if you want to get a closer look be sure to check her out at this year’s Keels and Wheels Classic Car and Boat Show May 3 and 4 at Lakewood Yacht Club.

GCM: When did you first see Creola?

When living in New Orleans I had a Grand Banks 32 that I took to Lafitte, south of the city on Bayou Barataria where she was our hunting camp during duck season. Although Creola lay wilting in a covered shed in the same marina where I first saw her, it was love at first sight. Even then I saw lots of potential.

GCM: Tell us about the boat’s history.

She is the creation of Emil “Bill” Dufrene, a true bayou Cajun who was the originator of the Lafitte Skiff. He hand crafted a boat that revolutionized commercial fishing in Louisiana. Prior to his Lafitte skiffs, fisherman spent days shrimping on their 5-7 knot “Luggers”, plying the bayous far from home. Then came Dufrene who in the late 40’s put more speed into his boats that brought their fishing grounds within a day’s run.

GCM: What is it you really like about the Lafitte skiffs?

In Louisiana, Dufrene’s skiffs are legendary. I became aware of him from several friends at Southern who owned his boats. They were all built of hand-picked, aged cypress and were butt-planked using no caulking. Dufrene was ahead of his time. Most production boats, like Chris Craft and Mathews in that era were narrow-beamed and round-chined. Dufrene built his with hard chines and beamy, providing more room and stability. She also has wide side decks unlike the production boats.

 GCM: How and why did you end up with her?

In December of 1992, during a return trip to Southern, a friend told me the 37 foot I knew in Lafitte was for sale. I don’t really know why I bought her as I was happy with Salerosa, our Grand Banks 42. Paint was peeling off but structurally she was as sound as the day she rolled off the “ways” on the bayou. She was a damsel in distress and I was just too smitten with her.

GCM: Tell us about the restoration of Creola.

I repowered her in New Orleans with new diesels and we ran her back on her own bottoms to HYC. The restoration took nine months with a deadline of taking her to the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival. Bernt Womack was the main man to tackle the project with my old friend Tim Strong as his able assistant and Len Kirkham as shipwright. I knew immediately the interior layout would not work, so we gutted her inside and I laid her out to my own design with input from Bernt and Tim.

GCM: How have you used Creola?

Creola has given me the opportunity to run the waterways, bayous and bays with more speed than the Grand Banks 42, so I’ve covered more cruising and fishing grounds in shorter time. I’ve cruised her extensively in Texas and Louisiana, especially gathering research for THE TEXAS/LOUISIANA COASTAL CRUISING GUIDE. We have even trucked her to Hinckley’s yard in Maine. In 2001 we cruised from Maine to Long Island Sound and then trucked her back home. She has played the perfect committee boat for local regattas as well as many national championships hosted by TCYC and HYC.

With the Lafitte trademark being the overhanging fantail, the curious northern yachtsmen asked me what exactly she was. My reply was simple, she’s a Coon-ass lobster boat. That must have made Dufrene smile.

Catalina Yachts 445

catalina Catalina Yachts 445

This Isn’t Your Parent’s Catalina

cat445image Catalina Yachts 445With over 96 hulls built in less than four years, the Catalina Yachts 445 has proven to be one of the best blue water cruisers to come out in the last decade. Many of the reasons why were born out of the last financial crisis.

In 2008 after the largest economic crisis in most people’s lifetimes, the norm for most builders was to stop building or go out of business. At the time Catalina Yachts, which has been in business now under the same ownership for over 45 years, was building over ten models of boats from 28 to 47 foot. Always known as a robust and rugged boat capable of offshore passaging but built at a modest cost, Catalina had a choice to go the way of most builders and stop production and wait this crisis out or they could scale back and shrink down the models to a more useful size range – all the while improving the product for the end consumer.

Catalina chose the latter solution and the Five Series was born. The current Catalina models, 315, 355, 385, 445 have all the attributes of the Five Series.

One of the biggest features of the Catalina 445 is the Flex Cabin. Think of it as a walk-in cockpit locker or the third guest stateroom for the grand kids. The door to the flex cabin is to port in the galley area. This area features upper and lower berths that can be folded up. There is also a filter cabinet that allows you to check the main engine’s fuel and water filters. Also, there is a cabinet that can be left as storage or customized. A washer dryer, icemaker or third refrigeration system can be added. The possibilities are endless. Plus when you need a place to put gear, like cockpit cushions, you can also access the flex cabin from the starboard cockpit locker. Unlike a lot of boats being built today, the Catalina 445 is loaded with storage. There are large oversized hanging lockers in each cabin as well as drawers.

There are 12 large drawers in the 445, plus over 30 places for storage including custom storage for pots, pans and dishes. In addition to the flex cabin, which has an unlimited amount of uses, there are two large stern lazarettes.

On deck the 445 is all business. From the traveler to the winches to the standing rigging, the hardware is massive. The primary winches on most boats are the size of the halyard winches on the 445. Even the bow rollers are set up for two real anchors and the chain locker is divided. Even though there is a collision safe forward “strike zone,” there is room to carry 300’ of chain and not offset the balance of the boat.

Listed below are the main design features that distinguish the new 5 Series models:

  • Collision-safe forward Strike Zone™ bulkheads and impact absorbing chamber.
  • Deep Defense™ rudder systems with stainless rudder posts.
  • T-Beam Mast Step™ system structure providing all the benefits of a deck-stepped mast and the strength of a keel-stepped mast.
  • Secure Socket™ mast support/chainplate system.
  • Knitted fabrics used for a stronger laminate and stiffer structure.
  • Dramatically styled teak interiors and laminates finished with a satin varnish for durability and beauty.
  • Five-part structural construction, insuring a stronger boat and more rigid structure.
  • Offshore internally Banged hull to deck joint capped with a slotted toe rail.
  • Navigation AC/DC panel with additional circuits  for added options, plus a built in amp draw meter  to monitor electrical usage.
  • Wide, clear weather decks designed with inboard shrouds for moving forward with ease, and a diamond non-skid pattern for safety and durability. In addition, the low profile cabin design provides for a sleek appearance, great  visibility forward.
  • Comfortable, ergonomically correct cockpits with seats long enough to stretch out on.
  • Lead keels for durability, and impact shock absorption for safety of the crew and structure.
  • Oversized travelers, winches and lines for ease of sail handling in all conditions.

More more information on the Catalina 445,  contact Little Yacht Sales at 281-334-6500.

 

Youth Sailing: Howdy Hughes

howdyhughes Youth Sailing: Howdy Hughes
hugheskids Youth Sailing: Howdy Hughes

Hannah Hughes, Dane Byerly, Howdy Hughes, Collin Scoville in Chicago last May for the High School Mallory Fleet Racing National Championship.

Howdy Hughes started sailing in 2006 with Optis. In 2009, he switched over to Laser 4.7, and now sails Radial and Full Rig. Hughes also sails double-handed boats and on his family’s Beneteau 411.

 Accomplishments

  • Winner of Area F Sears Cup Qualifier, 4th at US Championship 2013
  • Laser 4.7 Worlds – Buenos Aires 2012, San Francisco 2011
  • National One-Design Champs, V15 skipper – 4th place 2011
  • Day Sailer Youth Nationals, skipper – 3rd place 2011
  • LYC Jr. Flag Vice Commodore 2013, Rear Commodore 2012, Secretary 2011
  • LYC International Commodore Award – 2012, 2011
  • Finished 2nd in TSA Laser 4.7 – 2010
  • Lakewood Yacht Club Seahorse Sailing Team 2006 – present
  • Laser 4.7 District 15 Champion 2010, 3rd place 2011
  • Good Sportsmanship Award, TSA Port Arthur 2010
  • LYC Most Improved Sailor 2007
  • Orange Bowl 2012, 6th in 2011, 2010

Background

Hughes has sailed in National and International Regattas including 4.7 Worlds, Laser North Americans, Gulf Coast Champs, and Orange Bowl.

He sails TSA regattas and enjoys sailing in the Wednesday Night Lake Races as much as his schedule allows. Hughes has done some district Laser racing including the Wurstfest and Easter regattas, and has sailed in the Harvest Moon Regatta five times.

Howdy is active at school and is currently the team captain for the Clear Falls High School Sailing Team. He qualified for the Mallory and Baker National Championships in 2013, coming in at 14 out of 20 in Chicago’s fleet racing. Hughes has been to Opti camp two years and was a counselor one of the years. He has seven years of Seahorse camp under his belt and has been a counselor since 2011. In his spare time he enjoys kite boarding.

Sailing Key West

keyswater Sailing Key West

Sailing Key West from North Palm Beach

By Charles Milby

floridamap Sailing Key WestWinter sailing in Florida can be fun. The water is turquoise and the weather is usually warm.  Over the Thanksgiving Holidays, Suzanne and I were invited to help our friends Dave and Kris Popken move their sailboat from North Palm Beach to Key West. We had a great time. Most of the coast of Florida is developed, but when you travel by boat you get to see the best parts and avoid the snow birds. Key Largo and Marathon were two of the most delightful stops on our trip. I didn’t make it to Sloppy Joe’s Bar, which is where Hemingway hung out, but I did go to the Schooner Wharf Bar and the Island Dog Bar. Suzanne liked Grunts, a very nice dinner spot off Duval Street. You will have to explore and find your own little place in Key West; it’s filled with friendly watering holes where everyone is welcome.

Dave Popken aboard Orion, a Sabre 38

Dave Popken aboard Orion, a Sabre 38

As we were walking down the pier at our marina one day we saw a manatee. He was so big. I thought it was a rock on the bottom until he moved. I’m not sure what he was looking for as he posed for pictures, to the delight of our party, but he was fun to watch. Having been to Key West I would definitely go back, so check it out. If you like to fish and sail then make some plans soon. I’m sorry to say Southwest Airlines will no longer be flying into Key West. You can still get there is by car or by boat. I preferred the boat.

The manatee at the marina was not shy.

The manatee at the marina was not shy.

 

Chickens were brought into Key West by Cuban immigrants in the 1800s for the purpose of cockfighting. This was outlawed in the 1970s and now these birds roam the streets freely.

Chickens were brought into Key West by Cuban immigrants in the 1800s for the purpose of cockfighting. This was outlawed in the 1970s and now these birds roam the streets freely.

Youth Sailing: The Byerly Brothers

byerlybros Youth Sailing: The Byerly Brothers

We recently caught up with a band of sailing brothers who have had the opportunity to sail around the world competitively. These up-and-comers are active here at home with high school sailing and also with Lakewood Yacht Club.

Dane Byerly – age 15

GCM: What got you started in sailing?  

Dane: I read about winning a scholarship to go to Sailing Camp at Lakewood Yacht Club through Bay Access.  My dad is a sailor and I really wanted to learn how to sail.

GCM: Who was instrumental in helping you learn how to sail?  

Dane: My first coach, Mattia d’Errico, taught me how to sail.  He introduced me to Scott Lindley, another coach, who taught me how to race.

GCM: Why and what do you like about sailing?  

Dane: I really like the competition in sailing and also getting to hang out with my friends.  I have met kids around the country and around the world.

GCM: How do you apply what you learn in sailing to everyday life?  

Dane: Sailing has taught me how to be more organized and how to plan ahead.

GCM: How many years have you been sailing?  

Dane: Seven years.

GCM: What are your future goals?  

Dane: If there was a chance, my dream would be to represent the United States on the Olympic Sailing Team.  Of course, sailing in the America’s Cup would be awesome too.  I would love to attend and sail for the U.S. Naval Academy or Boston College.

 

Dougie Byerly – age 14

GCM: What got you started in sailing?  

Dougie: My brother Dane started sailing at Lakewood and I wanted to learn too.

GCM: Who was instrumental in helping you learn how to sail?  

Dougie: Coach Mattia – he was my first coach.

GCM: Why and what do you like about sailing?  

Dougie: I like having fun on the water with my friends.

GCM: How do you apply what you learn in sailing to everyday life?  

Dougie: I have dyslexia and sailing helps me learn to focus.  I am also able to use what I have learned about weather in my everyday life.

GCM: How many years have you been sailing?  

Dougie: Six years.

GCM: What are your future goals?  

Dougie: I would like to continue sailing, especially high school sailing.  I don’t know what I want to study but would like to attend Texas A&M.  I hope to use what I have learned in sailing in big boats when I am older.

 

Dutch Byerly – age 12

GCM: What got you started in sailing?  

Dutch: My older brothers, especially Dane.  I was also having fun hanging around the sailing kids.

GCM: Who was instrumental in helping you learn how to sail?  

Dutch: Coach Mattia, then my brother, Dane. Then Coach Scott taught me a ton about racing.  He taught me how to team race and I got to qualify with our team who were able to attend the Volvo Open Ocean Race Academy in Miami.  We represented Team Abu Dhabi and got to see the boats and met some of the team members.  They trained us in the special team boats.  It was really fun.

GCM: Why and what do you like about sailing?  

Dutch: I like being competitive and it helps me stay in shape.  I like being active.

GCM: How do you apply what you learn to everyday life?  

Dutch: It helps me when I have to think quickly and notice my surroundings because of what I have to do on the water with wind and race course conditions.

GCM: How many years have you been sailing?  

Dutch: About four years but I have been in the boats with my dad and brothers since I was tiny.

GCM: What are your future goals?  

Dutch: I want to sail in the Olympics for the U.S.  I also want to be on the U.S. National Team for Optimist Sailors like my brother, Dane.  I want to team race a lot and compete in bigger boats, especially in high school sailing and travel to sail.  I am going on my first international trip to Argentina in February to sail in a regatta.

Marvin Beckmann

A Conversation With 2013-2014 Etchells World Champion Marvin Beckmann

GCM: How old were you when you first started sailing? 

Beckmann: About 10. My dad pushed me off on a sailfish with my mom. Not knowing much, it took me some time to make it back. I remember doing races with my sister on that same sailfish at the Seabrook Sailing Club and not doing so well.

GCM: Who was the biggest influence in your early sailing career?

Beckmann: As a youngster I enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and members of the Seabrook Sailing Club. The biggest influences on my sailing were Martin Bludworth, Earl Gerloff and my father. Each of these individuals taught me how to be competitive, what makes a sailboat go and what to look for in the wind.

 GCM: One design racing on a club level seems to be on the decline, what can clubs do to get more people involved with the sport?

Beckmann: That is a tough one. Sailboat racing takes time which people don’t seem to have a lot of these days. The ironic thing is that if you don’t take the time to race locally or on the road as the pros do, your results won’t be good. The local clubs schedule and run series races, but the turnout usually isn’t there. The turnout is better for key local events, but that also has fallen off. It takes the effort of a few people to improve fleet turnout to races. I watched Ian Edwards do it for the Lighting class in 2012 where he organized half day events in preparation for the Worlds. It was a low turnout initially but ended up having enough boats to support the participation.  We set up a short course Saturday afternoon and held numerous starts and mini races. This was followed by a great get together at the club or my bay house.

GCM: Did you ever crew for Martin Bludworth?

Beckmann: I sailed against him and must have crewed with him a time or two. I remember that he could be difficult on the boat, something I may have acquired from him. He was a great inspiration for the sport of sailing.

GCM: Now that you’re a world champion are you going to sail as much as you did last year?

Beckmann: We are gearing up for the Etchells Worlds next year in Newport, RI. I have already participated in several sailing events and will continue in preparation. To win a Worlds you have to be at the top of your game and have a few things fall your way.

GCM: Big money always seems to drive the sport, what’s your take on the Americas Cup?

Beckmann: This year’s final event was exciting to watch but seemed a little one sided, first for NZ and then for the US. I would like to see the countries represented by their own countrymen. The US boat was controlled by a Brit and Aussies and the office by NZ. I don’t think the cheating represented our country very well. I also think the race track was short and predictable, minimizing passing opportunities.

GCM: I know you have sailed a bunch of different kinds of boats in your career, what was it about the Etchells that attracted you to the class?

Beckmann: I got started in the Etchells because of the local fleet with notable locals of Don Genitempo, Don Harbin, Tom McCulloch, Mike Little, Johnny Maudlin, Mike McCann, Tom Meeh and Tony Smythe. We were getting ready for the 1999 North Americans where Ash Beatty, John Wilson, and I finished 2nd. The Etchells is a tactical boat that rewards boat speed and good decisions, a lot like a Soling which I sailed for years before the Etchells.

GCM: In 1977 you won the Clifford D. Mallory Cup. In 1978 and in 1979 you won the Prince of Wales match racing trophy and now you’re a world champion. Which of the three trophies do you savor the most?

Beckmann: The one-on-one game of anticipating and controlling your opponent was very rewarding and fun. Winning the Worlds in the highly competitive Etchells class is my best achievement. We had a great team and did a lot of prep for the Etchells Worlds with a lot of good results leading to the Etchells Worlds, which included winning the Jaguar Cup ( a series of 4 regattas in Miami), the Etchells Nationals and the Italian Nationals.

GCM: What is it about racing sailboats that keeps you coming back year after year?

Beckmann: I think it’s my competitive nature and I like a challenge. I do it as a hobby, so finding the time is sometimes difficult. In my younger years it was the turnout and camaraderie. Sailing J-24s  with 40-60+ boats at weekend circuit stops was a blast. Over the last few years the larger events (NAs, Worlds, etc.) draw the competition and challenge in preparing to give it your best shot at doing well. It feels good to get the results against all the pros.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469

sailjen Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469

Little sister to the Sun Odyssey 509, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 is a solid performer that is both attractive and comfortable at a very competitive price.

sailinterior Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469As another Philippe Briand design, the Sun Odyssey 469 is a “big” boat for its size, with a wealth of interior volume and deck space enclosed within its 14ft 9in beam. The hull is all fiberglass, hand-laid in a two-part mold, and the injection-molded deck is attached with a combination of adhesives, bolts and screws on an inward-turning flange. The “Prisma Process” Jeanneau uses to create its molded decks allows the com- pany to carefully regulate the amount of resin in the mix in the interest of minimizing weight. It also creates a finished surface on the deckhead that doesn’t have to be hidden from view.

The keel is an iron fin with a bulb, the double- spreader mast is aluminum, and there is a glassed-in structural grid inside the hull to absorb the loads generated when the boat is under sail. Overall, the build quality and trim is attractive and well executed. Jeanneau continues to up its game with every passing year!

On  deck  just  a  smart  practical  layout that works well, looks good, and serves as further testament to the fact that Jeanneau knows how boats are used out on the water.

The boat has wide unobstructed sidedecks, which run well aft outboard of the cockpit coaming, making it easy to scurry toward the stern cleat in tricky docking situations. Beefy toerails provide extra security, and no gymnastics are needed to get around the in- board shroud bases when making your way forward. Twin helm stations provide comfortable seating well outboard for playing the shifts to windward, and there are well-placed foot cleats for use sitting inboard or steering downwind.

While the cockpit is not as massive, the benches are plenty big enough to accom- modate a crowd, and the sturdy centerline table provides a good place to brace your feet. There’s also a wealth of space aboard the Sun Odyssey’s 469 drop-down swim platform, which is huge. The 469 is a good- looking boat, with its nearly plumb bow, aggressively sculpted cabintrunk, cleverly integrated hull windows, composite helms and hard chine aft.

TCY Left page (Page 1)The look is fresh and modern, and the saloon cabins are flooded with light, thanks to the large saloon ports, multiple overhead hatches and the previously mentioned hull windows. There are nice touches, including track  lighting  along  the  cabin  sole  and a nav table that slides down to create an uninterrupted settee and sea berth along the starboard side of the saloon. The Sun Odyssey is available in a variety of layouts to accommodate any sailor ’s wish list.

There are not a lot of things to complain about under sail. Upwind the Sun Odyssey

469 powers into the swells on a close reach as if it were the most natural thing in the world.  The  boat  easily  tacks  through the chop, and maintains a light, sensitive helm sailing at a 40-degree apparent wind angle. Downwind the boat is equally easy to handle. Overall motion is easy and comfortable.

Under power the nice big rudder and the boat’s 54hp Yanmar saildrive also make the Sun Odyssey 469 easy to maneuver under power. Motoring in the 7 to 9 knot range at 2,000 to 2,500 rpm’s is a reasonable expectation depending on the winds and currents of the day. Jeanneau’s 360 docking system is an option, but hardly a necessity aboard the Sun Odyssey 469.

Whether you are entertaining at the dock or  racing  in  next  year ’s  Harvest  Moon Regatta the Sun Odyssey 469 is a racer cruiser which won’t disappoint. Plenty of room and style for those with refined tastes and a powerful, fast sailboat which holds its line in any weather and eagerly powers its way to the finish line to capture the cup.

For more information on the Sun Odyssey 469, please contact Texas Coast Yachts in Clear Lake Shores by phone at 281-957-9046, via email at sales@texascoastyachts.com or visit their website  Texas Coast Yachts

 

* Reference source : Sail Magazine article by Adam Cort (Posted: Sep 20, 2013) and Jeanneau America

Moon Palace

jefferson65outside Moon Palace

One of a kind 65′ Jefferson Monticello Yacht

This 65’ Jefferson Monticello yacht was designed by Hershine Yachts for the Mossberg firearms family. It is now owned by Moonboat LLC, a partnership of Doris Richeson and James Malone and sign-named Moon Palace.

Gulf Coast Mariner: How did you get started in this restoration project?

Doris Richeson: James Malone and I also own a 50’ Chris Craft yacht (the IRS says that if the vessel is more than 29,’ it’s a yacht) also named Moon Palace, but when we saw the 65’ Jefferson Monticello — the only one ever made — and its potential, we were smitten. Adding to our ferver was the fact that we were advised that the owner was quite anxious to make a deal to sell the vessel.

We learned that the owner was Bill Janklow, former governor of South Dakota, who had a brain cancer which was soon to claim his life. He wanted to sell the vessel and looked for a hasty sale, one in which the sale would be “as is where is.”

However, when we had our pre-purchase inspection, we were advised that the big twin diesel engines were essentially trashed, thus we amended our offer to Janklow to allow for the replacement of the engines. The sale was closed on December 7, 2011.

Little did we know what a money monster the yacht would become. First we ordered the new Caterpillar C-18 1150 hp turbo diesel engines, and then realized the dual transmissions would not tolerate the strength of the new engines, hence the transmissions were upgraded to ZF transmissions large enough for even big C32 Caterpillar engines. When the 4-blade brass propellers did not challenge the new engines adequately, we had ZF design and build new 35” 5-blade props. Moon Palace can now achieve a respectable 24 knots. Wanting the extra safety of a bow thruster, we added this to take us into unaccommodating spaces.

wheelhouse Moon Palace

GCM: When and where did you buy the boat?

DR: We first saw the yacht moored at another marina in Seabrook. It was then named Rock ‘n Roll. This vessel had three previous owners, beginning with the Mossberg firearms family, who had apparently selected the original Tre Kronor decor, featuring bright yellows and blues and eponymous with its original name.

 

jeffersontableGCM: What are some of the recent changes you are making (have made) to the boat?

DR: The vessel has four bedrooms and four “heads,” aka bathrooms, both fly bridge and interior helm stations, main deck salon, formal dining room and buffet, full kitchen, aft deck hospitality station and 10 air conditioning units. as well as a hallway with full-view engine compartments, and Malone’s proudest achievement, four wet bars.

Malone thinks the giant engines are works of art; I think they are works of necessity, but James won the argument: We have big hallway windows so all can see the roaring monsters.”

Being rather Texas proud, James and I converted step by step from Tre Kronor’s bright colors to our favorite antique African and primitive decor, all the while, repairing, varnishing, replacing, and generally restoring the craft to our personal preferences, even as the major mechanical works were in progress, all done by local contractors.

Michael Raach, a very talented wood artist, has labored for over a year building unique cabinetry and features such as the aft-deck drop-down TV cabinet and the aft-deck ceiling done in 2” wide book-matched teakwood strips.

 

GCM: Does the boat have any special feature you can tell us about?

DR: Moon Palace is moored at Galveston Yacht Basin A47, the only covered slip at the Basin which is large enough to house the 65’ Jefferson. A47 is the slip built for the original Galveston Yacht Basin owners, Robert Everett “Bob” and Vivian Smith, and has space for vehicle parking as well as a hospitality area and room enough for a “genuine” Rolls Royce golf cart the partners love to drive on our Galveston sightseeing tours.

I am working with Capt. Rob Robertson, who was captain on the 65’ Jefferson for a substantial period of time, and hope to get some information as to what I have been told is his very interesting story.

 

GCM: Do you plan to go cruising any time soon?

DR: As we’ve repaired, renovated and redecorated, we have made Gulf of Mexico cruises, hosting family and friends, living on board when James and I are in Galveston.

With the renovation and repairs completed and having passed Sea Trials in the open seas, Moon Palace’s opportunity for longer cruises has finally arrived.

jeffersonbed

GCM: What is the best thing you enjoy about Moon Palace?

DR: Even if Moon Palace is resting up for her next cruise, the best thing we enjoy is seeing  a very favorite view of the world from our own private slip A47 at newly-revived Galveston Yacht Basin.

 

About the owners:

Most of James Malone’s family is deceased, but friends from North Texas and Galveston are sometimes aboard. Malone lives in Fort Worth and is owner of After-Dark Lightscaping.

Doris Richeson is a multi-unit restaurant owner and has a very close-knit family of three grandchildren — all of whom are in her business — and their spouses and children. All have enjoyed being aboard Moon Palace, as have Doris’s friends from her hometown of Graham, Texas; Doris’s full-time residence is on Possum Kingdom Lake, 18 miles south of Graham.

What’s in Your Bag?

sailbag Whats in Your Bag?By Laura Snow

Beach bag, duffle bag, tote bag, ditty bag, shopping bag, tool bag, rigging bag or bag of ideas—whatever your bag, you’ll find some good ideas here.

fleece Whats in Your Bag?

The cool way to stay warm . . .

…with fleece! Polyester fleece. Pullovers, zip-ups, vests, pants. The hands-down best choice for layering under foul weather gear, wearing all by itself, or over or under just about anything! Here’s the deal: it’s very lightweight and soft, the “loft” of the fleece provides insulation just like fur on animals, dries amazingly fast unlike cotton and other natural fibers.

For all who are green-conscious and favoring domestic products, take note. Polyester fleece is made almost entirely of recycled plastic beverage bottles, and most of it is made in the USA. A ton of pluses, and no minuses I can think of – it doesn’t get any better than this.

 

fishing1

Fish-ing and Sail-ing

These little books, by Henry Beard, are perfect gifts for the holidays. Wry, dry, and funny as all get out, written as “dictionaries” with terms and situations familiar to us all. An example:

“Bar. Long, low-lying navigational hazard, usually awash, found at river mouths and harbor entrances, where it is composed of sand or mud, and ashore, where it is made of mahogany or some other dark wood. Sailors can be found in large numbers around both.” 

Give a lot of laughing out loud to your fisherman or sailor. These books also have great illustrations sprinkled throughout. (P.S. Beard has also written books about Golf-ing, Gar-den-ing and Ski-ing.) Check them all out at amazon.com.

 

sailorjerryYo ho ho…

…and a bottle of rum. Sailor Jerry. This spiced rum is so-o-o smooth, with vanilla and hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and buttery toffee. Described as “a straight up, no nonsense high quality, old-school spiced rum.” This rum, named for Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, first a sailor and then a talented tattoo artist, is distilled in the Caribbean, heart of the rum world. Straight, on the rocks or mixed, you’re gonna love it. Ho ho ho, a fine item in Santa’s bag.

 

Cozy up with this onethrow

On your boat or by the fire, West Marine’s Sarasota Throw can’t be beat. Lovely, light weight and softer than a silky kitten, everyone on your gift list will love this one, including you. And if it never gets cold enough to cuddle up in it, you can put it in your lap and pet it. It’s that soft. These throws are available in-store only at the Kemah location on Marina Bay Drive.

 

yachtinterior

Do something different this year and have Thanksgiving on the water!

Gobble gobble

Ever thought of spending turkey day, Thanksgiving, on your boat? But how? Well, there are many ways. Deep fry or roast the bird at home and bring it to the boat. Heat up your galley and fill it with humidity, not to mention the clean up later. Or, grill it! Most of us have a barbecue grill on board, and a grilled turkey is to die for. The taste had no peer. A whole turkey, though, won’t fit on the barby, so get a small frozen or fresh turkey and have your butcher saw it in half lengthwise. Voila! Grill on low to medium heat only until juices run clear. Let rest a few minutes, carve it up, and enjoy. It’s a beautiful thing!

Cheers!

Comments or suggestions? I’d like to hear from you at whatsinyourbag.laura@aol.com

How to Energize and Feed Your Racing Crew

by Betha Merit

galleyyeah How to Energize and Feed Your Racing Crew

The crew of the Sea-quell takes a moment to sit and eat.

thegalley How to Energize and Feed Your Racing CrewThere is a balance in planning the meals for your racing crew.  The competitor in you wants to make sure everyone is fueled up and ready for duty.  The host in you wants the food to be appetizing and as fresh as possible.  The medic in you knows that certain foods may contribute to seasickness.  So we went to Bay Area Houston boat owner and race champion, Susan Setters, and asked for her tips and tools of the trade.

In 2009 and 2011, Susan and her husband, Audie Setters, raced their 46 foot 2007 Beneteau sailboat in the “Race to the Border” that sails from Galveston to South Padre Island, www.racetotheborder.com.  “We learned a lot on these races, and had a variety of crew members both times,” says Susan.  They sailed the “Regatta de Amigos” in 2008, and came in First Place in 2010, “Cruising Non-Spinnaker” class.

“The very first requirement in choosing your Chief steward/Chief cook for a race is to choose someone who doesn’t get seasick, ” says Susan.  “Thank God I don’t get seasick, so it’s always been my job.  Cooking becomes entertainment during a race where you don’t see land for days,” says Susan. Not everyone can take the hot, swaying kitchen, so Susan hands up food that needs to be chopped or peeled so the crew can help on deck.  A meal for seven is prepped by direction, completed in the galley, and passed around up on deck, usually in bowls because food flies off your plate in the wind.

“Plan meals for seven days, if you are out for a five day race,” says Susan, “you might have days of no wind.”  Hot meals at night are important.  Susan gives several ideas for main dish meals you can buy pre-cooked and frozen. “Guys like meat, so frozen packages of pre-cooked fajita meat from Costco can be added to onions and peppers cooked on the stove and served on tortillas,” says Susan.  “Sam’s Club has a barbeque roast that is outstanding, and chicken spaghetti is another great choice, just stay away from very spicy foods.”

Sandwiches, chips, and fruit make up lunch, and are easy prep and handling.  For breakfast, a favorite is Jimmy Dean Breakfast Skillet bought pre-made at Walmart and cooked with eggs.  Susan has a creative way to make coffee as the boat sways, and that’s by putting the drip coffeemaker on the stove which can be unlocked, to rock with the boat, and not spill or go flying off the counter.  Brownies and cookies are fun to bake on board, smell good, and are a good way to break up the long days at sea.  The only alcoholic beverage is champagne to be consumed upon finishing the race at your final destination.

Susan talks about assigning colored water bottles to each crew member to cut down on waste, stacking used paper plates and all trash densely.  Food is planned to eat in order, fresh food first, eating foods as they thaw, limiting the crew on what they can bring due to space and weight.  Power bars are invaluable as are ginger cookies and ginger ale.

Susan and Audie currently live between Singapore and their Bay Area Houston residence at the Endeavour with a three-sided view of Clear Lake and Kemah.  Their sailboat is currently for sale, and can be viewed at www.littleyachtsales.com, click on Sailboats, View Inventory, 46 ‘ Beneteau.  Their next boat will be a catamaran, perhaps on the Caribbean.

 

Texas Corinthian Yacht Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary

History of Racing Sailboats on Galveston Bay

5 5156 Texas Corinthian Yacht Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The 5.5 Meter sailboat.

If one word captures the essence of the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club, it has to be family. The founders knew this, and if you ask anyone who has spent some time around the club, everyone would say they got it right.  A small yacht club by most standards, the TCYC membership hovers  around 125 stock holding members. It’s personal and that’s the way they want it.

Racing sailboats on an International stage and, more importantly, on a club level is what the TCYC has done for 75 years. From its beginning, three essential goals were stressed.

  • Promote the art of sailing, seamanship, boat handling and the idea of Corinthian spirit.
  • Provide and maintain a clubhouse, pier, and facilities for members.
  • Support and encourage National and International Yacht Racing.
HYC00594 Texas Corinthian Yacht Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The Soling class of boat.

Famed naval architect Olin Stephens was commissioned to design a new sailboat for Galveston Bay. The final product was a 21ft sailboat that resembled a Lightning with a 500 pound keel. The new boat was named Corinthian.  The first boats were made of wood and many of them were built at the Seabrook Shipyard, which the Fay family still owns. The Corinthian class continued to grow with every year. The Houston Yacht Club had a fleet of Corinthians and the two clubs would hold regattas throughout the summer. The competition on the race course was refreshing. More and more people were getting into the sport of sailing and the new yacht club would soon start to gain recognition on the global stage.

In the early fifties the new International 5.5 Meter Class of sailboats would attract Kings, Crown Princes, and Texas oilmen. Even though Europe and the East Coast were leading the way in this new class, the men and woman from a small club in Texas were proving they could hold their own in regattas all over the world. The Fay brothers would make the cover of Sports Illustrated to the delight of members and the TCYC would continue to set the standard for one design sailboat racing on Galveston Bay.

The Corinthian and the International 5.5 Meter class may have been the best boats for racing on Galveston Bay after World War II but new changes in building materials were being developed and in the late sixties a new trend of fiberglass design hulls were attracting some attention from the global sailing community.

Pete Masterson, Ernie Fay, winner of the 1962 Scandinavian Gold Cup, and his niece, Marion Fay.

Pete Masterson, Ernie Fay, winner of the 1962 Scandinavian Gold Cup, and his niece, Marion Fay.

The Soling is a class of open keelboat designed by Jan Linge of Norway. In 1968 it was chosen from among many other boats to be the men’s triple handed boat for the 1972 Olympics. The new boats were affordable, easy to trailer and built to last. Fleets were started all over the world. In the US the TCYC would be fleet # 1. For the next twenty years the Soling would be the boat of choice for most of the members as one design racing became a way of life at the TCYC. Big regattas were held on Galveston Bay, the club wanted to show off our bay and give the traveling crews a little bit of that Texas hospitality. Traveling to new venues and racing sailboats was catching on and the idea of representing the TCYC in this country and around the world was always something the members were proud of.

It’s a terrible feeling to lose your fleet in one day but that’s what happened to the TCYC. A freakish storm hit the bay and destroyed the pier, the boats and the any hope of continuing the Soling class as a club boat. The members decided to go with a new boat, a Sonar designed by Bruce Kirby who was known for designing the Laser.  In 2000 the first three Sonars were purchased. The fleet was new to the bay and the competition with other fleets kept the number of boats low at first. After the first summer of racing, three more boats were added to the fleet and this trend would continue for a number of years.  Now the club has sixteen boats, which is the largest one design fleet on Galveston Bay.

The Sonar sailboat, which is still in use today.

The Sonar sailboat, which is still in use today.

Team racing is a popular form of yacht racing. Teams of 2,3, or 4 boats compete together in a team race, with results being combined as opposed to fleet racing where boats are scored on individual basis. The races are very short usually 5-12 minutes. This type of racing puts a premium on boat handling, tactics, and the rules of racing. The TCYC got into this type of racing about six years ago. It’s an inexpensive way of getting new people into the sport and it builds the fleet. The club teams travel to regattas all over the country. Programs for new members will ensure the sport of sailing grows and it continues to be a way to have fun on the water, which is what the founders had in mind. The Gulf Coast Mariner magazine salutes the men and women of the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club. Your legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of members who love sailing and the Galveston Bay lifestyle.

Newport Summer Fun

Sails and celebrations at this historic New England city by the sea

By Charles Milby

IMG 6543 Newport Summer Fun

I love to go to Newport, Rhode Island in the summer. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, this historical New England town will charm you forever. www.gonewport.com

This natural harbor is home to many impressive international yachts. Many of them come north in the summertime to escape the hurricanes that plague the Caribbean. On a good day you will see 300 boats of all shapes and sizes coming and going as this modern day harbor comes alive. Throw in the Newport Folk Festival and you have one heck of a party town. www.newportfolkfest.net

One of my favorite places in Newport is the International Yacht Restoration School. Take a walk through their facilities and you really get the feel of how boats were built 75 to a 100 years ago. Crafting and restoring wooden boats is what they do best. www.iyrs.edu

Even though the Newport sailing season only lasts for three months in the summer, there is a regatta going on almost every weekend.  The club house at the prestigious New York Yacht Club is home to many of our country’s best sailors. If you can swing an invitation, then jump at the chance to visit. It’s well worth it.  www.nyyc.org

From stately mansions and yacht clubs to lobster rolls and surfing, Newport has something for everyone. Be sure to pack a sweater, if you can remember what that feels like and say goodbye to our Texas heat for just a little while.

The Good Life with John Kolius

HOO The Good Life with John Kolius

The Kolius clan with a sweet trio of Wahoo.

Olympic Silver medalist and former America’s Cup skipper John Kolius and his wife Joanne are living the good life on their 45ft Viking Express in Florida. The following interview has been shortened for our print copy.  For the full interview, please go to www.gulfcoastmariner.com

GCM: Why did you leave Texas?

JK: We can’t really say which came first, deciding to cruise the Bahamas or wanting to fish more. All we know is that we both love the ocean and we both enjoy the feeling of being offshore.

GCM: What type of boat do you own?

JK: We have a 2006 45ft Viking Express Sportfish. The engines are 900 Common Rail Mans. She cruises comfortably at 24 knots. We have three AC units, two refrigerators, two freezers and two live bait wells.

GCM: What kind of fish do you like to fish for?

JK: Really big fish. There is nothing more exciting than a BIG fish behind the boat. The marlins, both blue and white, arrive in the Bahamas sometime in late April and when they do, we have a great time.

GCM: Who does most of the cooking on board?

JK: It’s about even. We have a small outdoor grill that travels with us and I usually do the grilling. Joanne prepares most of the sashimi along with any pan cooking that requires the stove.

GCM: Do you have any special recipes you can share with us?

JK: Sure! We eat fish a lot and we keep our recipes pretty simple. Bacon wrapped Wahoo: Take a loin and slice it open down the middle so that it opens up like a hot dog bun. Inside the loin use a mixture of paste wasabi and cream cheese. Close the loin. Wrap the loin in uncooked bacon. Place on the grill and cook until the bacon is done. Cut into medallions and serve with some rice.

GCM: Do you have any special places you like to go?

JK: We like to go to Hawk’s Nest on Cat Island. It just has a special charm we like. It’s a small hurricane hole with a good marina and the fishing is good.

ADVICE FROM THE PROS: Head Sail Trim Tips

By Terry Flynn

trim for control 16 ADVICE FROM THE PROS: Head Sail Trim Tips

Head Sails come in many shapes and sizes, from overlapping genoas to smaller efficient 100% jibs. Though headsails differ, some basic principles will help you understand how to trim your sails for maximum efficiency.

Headsail: Primary Controls

Halyard Tension.  The key to proper tension is looking at the luff.  You want to apply enough to keep the horizontal wrinkles from appearing but not enough to have a ridge behind the headstay.  The halyard should be adjusted as the wind speeds go up and down.  More for heavier wind and less for lighter winds.  Try adjusting it while watching the sail. You should be able to see the draft move forward with more halyard tension.

Lead Car Position.  This is one of the most important settings on the boat.  This controls the depth of the genoa or jib from top to bottom.  If the lead is too far forward, the top is closed up and the foot too round.  If the lead is too far aft, the foot gets round and the leach opens up and depowers the top making the sail less powerful.  A good rule of thumb is, when trimming the sail with the correct lead position, the foot of the jib will touch the upper shroud at the same time as the sail touches the spreader.  When looking at the sail, it should look like the middle of the sail is parallel to the upper shroud.  You will also notice that, when the lead is correct, most of the telltales will be break evenly from top to bottom

Genoa Jib Sheet. Now that you have the proper lead placement you need to know how much you can trim the sail.  This is usually judged by how close to the spreader you can get or how far inside the side of the boat you can go.  Today’s race boats are designed to carry the genoas almost touching the spreaders.  Cruising boats should keep the sail from 5” to 10” away from the spreaders.  Trimming it in too far will just stall the boat out and slow the boat down.

Back Stay.  For most boats this is a fixed turnbuckle.  If you have a purchase system or hydraulic adjuster, you have an advantage.  Like the halyard tension, this will be adjusted as the wind goes up and down.  Ideally, on the average cruising boat, you will see 6” to 12” of sag from top to bottom.  As you add backstay tension your genoa will get flatter so there will be less heeling.  In the lighter winds, the more sag will make the genoa fuller with more power.

The Lady – Tommy Dickey’s 1970 Grand Banks 32’

by Charles Milby

lady The Lady Tommy Dickey’s 1970 Grand Banks 32’

The Lady

Tommy Dickey was born into a boating family. His parents had a house on Galveston Bay and he spent his summers sailing and boating at the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club.

Tommy has cruised and raced sailboats all over the world. In 1971 Tommy, along with Bob Mosbacher and Thad Hutcheson, won the Soling World Championship on Long Island sound in Oyster Bay New York. I’ve known him all of my life, he crewed for my parents Mary Nell and Charlie early in his sailing career and he still turned out okay.  There is no place he would rather be than on his boat in the middle of Galveston Bay.

The Lady is a 1970 Grand Banks 32, hull # 198. She was built in Singapore by American Marine, LTD. Tommy bought her in January of 1985 from his good friend George Francisco. She is of all wood construction.

The following is part of an interview I did with Tommy earlier this year.

GCM: Why buy a wooden boat and not fiberglass?

TD: For me it was economics. When I bought her in 1985 I couldn’t afford a new boat and the older ones were made of wood. I wasn’t afraid of wood. I built my first boat, a Sailfish kit, at age 16 and had worked on other “woodies.” I was, however, naïve about how much upkeep is required, especially in our warm and damp climate.

GCM: I know you like working with wood, when did this hobby start for you?

TD: My dad gave me a wood lathe when I was 15. I loved looking at the grain of the wood. I always figured out how to put wood stuff together.

GCM: How long will an old woody like you last?

TD: Needless to say she will be around a whole lot longer than me. A judicious use of the tough finish products available now will actually make an old boat more resistant to the ravages of water, sun, and movement than when they were new. The Lady has had every inch of her exterior except the teak decks covered with epoxy and all the horizontal surfaces have been glassed and epoxied. All of those surfaces have been painted with Awlgrip and that is an amazingly tough finish.

GCM: How did you come up with the name?

TD: She was Singapore Lady when I bought her. It was logical to shorten the name so I could remember it. I also have Babe, Mother, Babycakes, Chica, and my son and I built Hussy.

GCM: What’s the likely future of her?

TD: She’s 43 years old now and is in better shape than ever. I keep thinking I should sell her as I have too many boats now but we shall see.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine