Happy Independence Day!

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-Your Cruising Editor - Nancy Birnbaum

Cruising Shot of the Week

Taken by Rafael Caviedes, Laguna San Rafael, Patagonia, Chile. A beautiful day in Summer. Yacht Vikingo, Nauticat 38.

Dock Talk

Happy National Boating Day!

The U.S. Senate passed S. Res. 199, introduced by Senators Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), declaring yesterday, July 1, 2009 National Boating Day. The resolution recognizes the important role recreational boating and the boating industry play in the lives of the nation’s 70 million boaters and the U.S. economy. MORE: www.nmma.org/news/news.asp?id=17682&sid=3.



Long Beach Race Week – A blast!

The last anybody checked, fun had not been outlawed during a recession, after all, wind is free and there was plenty of it Friday, and a thousand or so mostly working class sailors are making the most of it as Acura presents Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week this weekend.

"Today was about as much fun in sailboat racing as I've ever had," Geoffrey Longenecker of San Diego said after the first of three days of racing. "Everybody's competitive and sailing good boats. It was just a blast."

Longenecker's view may have been influenced by racing his Melges 30, Nemesis, to wins in both races in PHRF-1 class, which had a smorgasbord of 10 different kinds of boats with a fair range of handicaps. But few complaints about the weather conditions were heard from the 135 boats competing in 18 classes on three race courses inside and outside the Long Beach outer harbor. The regatta is the climactic event of the Ullman Sails Inshore Championship Series, following Ahmanson Cup at Newport Beach, Yachting Cup at San Diego and Cal Race Week at Marina del Rey. Photo: 'Day 1/Acura presents Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week' / Rich Roberts.

Richardson is the Rolex Farr 40 World Champion 2009

With three world champions sitting in the top four of the 25-strong fleet at the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship 2009, the final day of racing for the championship crown had all the necessary elements for a spectacular finale. All was set for a naval duel to the death between two time world champion (1998, 2004) Jim Richardson (Boston, Mass./Newport, R.I.) on Barking Mad and 2003 world champion Massimo Mezzaroma on his Nerone (ITA). Neron defended her honor with a win of the first race of the day, but when all was said and done, Barking Mad, with 2008 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Terry Hutchinson (Annapolis, Md.) calling tactics, had gained her satisfaction comfortably defending the lead she had held since day one of the series and clinching the title for the third time. Nerone took second place with Giovanni Maspero’s Joe Fly in third. Vincenzo Onorato, the winner of the three most recent Rolex Farr 40 World Championships (2006, 2007, 2008), was fourth on Mascalzone Latino. MORE: www.farr40worldchampionship.com.

It's Official - Dee Caffari – Fastest Woman on the Water



The World Speed Sailing Record Council announced the ratification of a new crewed monohull and women's record for sailing around Britain and Ireland by Dee Caffari (GBR) and crew onboard the Open 60 Aviva. The record was set on June 15-22, 2009 for an elapsed time of 6 days, 11 hours, 30 minutes, and 53 seconds for the 1,787 nm distance (avg. speed: 11.5 kts). Photo: "Dee Caffari celebrates completing the solo Vendee Globe race earlier this year." / Getty Images. MORE: www.sailspeedrecords.com.



BoatU.S. Guide to the Boatiest Colleges in America

A new online resource, the BoatU.S. Guide to the Boatiest Colleges in America, helps students find the top marine programs and extracurricular boating activities offered by four-year schools. MORE: www.bwsailing.com/BWS_newsandnotes_Guide-to-Boatiest-Colleges-in-America-in-America.html.

Dolphins under siege in the Gulf



An unfair fight is raging between angry anglers armed with guns and bombs and bottlenose dolphins looking for food in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing boat captains say dolphins are growing increasingly aggressive in their quest for food, with some taking fish right off the hook — something that rarely happened just a few years ago. In response, fishermen are pulling out everything from pipe bombs to .357-caliber Magnum pistols to fend them off — and breaking a federal law against harming the sea mammals. The captain of a Florida-based fishing boat is serving two years in prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to making pipe bombs and tossing them at dolphins, which are protected by federal law. Forty-six of the animals are known to have died along the Florida coast since 2005 after either swallowing recreational fishing gear or becoming entangled in lines, according to NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. From: AP. Photo by Nancy Birnbaum.

The Moorings Opens Far East Location in Phuket, Thailand

The Moorings announced this week the opening of a new base in Phuket, Thailand for the 2009 sailing season. The Moorings base will offer three different ways to enjoy this exotic location from bareboat (captain yourself) sailing and power yacht charters, to their luxury crewed yacht product which is an all-inclusive vacation with your own professional captain and chef. The fleet will consist of the award winning Moorings 4600 catamaran, and new generation powercats The Moorings 474PC and 372PC. This new base in Phuket is ideally located on the west coast of the Thailand peninsula and provides immediate access to some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. There are over 50 islands and countless anchorages to choose from in this diverse cruising ground. The Moorings will also offer the option of one-way charters from Phuket to Langkawi, Malaysia for an additional fee. This will open up a cruising ground extending 140 miles south of Phuket and will include the 104 islands that make up the Langkawi group. Arrangements must be made in advance to allow this itinerary. MORE: www.moorings.com.

Sunreef Brings New Charter Yacht to the Cannes International Boat Show 2009



Sunreef Yachts announced its increased presence at this year's edition of the Cannes International Boat Show in September. The company will exhibit three yachts both sail and power, two of which are new yacht models.

Three exclusive, modern and extravagant design yachts will be on display in the Multihulls section in the Vieux Port: the 70 Sunreef Power Sea Bass Exclusive version, the Sunreef 70 Sailing Seazen II and the Sunreef 62 Tahaa II.



The Sunreef 70 Sailing Seazen II – European Premiere - is the first hull of the new sailing yacht model launched in late October 2008. Her exterior profile by Sunreef’s own in-house design team is smooth and elegant while being highly aerodynamic and streamlined with purpose-built recreational space perfect for chartering. The yacht is laid out in semi-owner luxury charter version with four double cabins and separate crew quarters. Seazen II is beautifully fitted out in a Japanese style below with typical simplicity and minimalism. Structural geometry is enhanced in this these luxurious yet minimalistic interiors with Tatami mats and decorative elements imitating Shoji screens and sliding doors, all accentuated by the horizontal arrangement of low-level tables and bar, surrounded by cushions in wooden frames and simple platform beds. MORE: http://www.sunreef-yachts.com/.

Survey Says. . .



We asked Cruising Compass readers to take our poll on whether they would be buying a boat this year. Now that half the year has sailed away, we thought you might like to see the results.

Take our current poll at www.cruisingcompass.com.

Tech Talk

IMTRA announces PowerLED Sales Growth Despite Economic Downturn

“Our marine PowerLED sales are defying all expectations and experiencing dramatic growth despite a decline in the market’s boat building and aftermarket product sales,” said Nat Bishop, president, Imtra. “Consumers recognize that LEDs are more energy efficient, create less excess heat and reduce their carbon footprint. We believe our increased LED sales are a result of boaters’ desire for better lighting solutions, greater long-term value and minimized environmental impact.”

For more information on Imtra’s PowerLEDs, Imtra or its entire marine product line, please contact 508-995-7000 or visit www.imtra.com. And Look for our article about a lighting makeover on our Managing Editors' boat in the August "Clean Wake" issue of Blue Water Sailing Magazine.

Cool Things To Do

BoatU.S. offers Wave of Fortune Sweepstakes, but you must play to win!

The nation’s largest recreational boat owners group and advocate says go ahead, have some fun on your computer - it’s okay for grown-ups to play video games at work. The boss isn’t looking. Logging onto BoatUS.com and playing the online "DockIt!" game of skill now could make you 25 big ones, and improve your boating knowledge. Every time you play and complete one level of the game, you’ll earn one entry into BoatUS’ “Wave of Fortune,” a year-long sweepstakes with a $25,000 grand prize. But you only have until November 30 to play. The grand prizewinner will be drawn in December. MORE: www.boatus.com/news/PR_Full.asp?ID=410.

July 18, Aug 15, and Sept 12 - Westbrook Connecticut sail boat rides for those with special needs

Sail Connecticut is a volunteer group that was founded in 1989 to offer persons with special needs the opportunity to enjoy sailing - not only as passengers, but as skippers - and to encourage people with and without special needs to share the experience.

Their most popular feature is an open house sailing day. These are held on Saturdays and where everybody comes down to the marina and parties on the main deck. Members, guests, and those interested in learning more about the program are all welcome.

Activities start at 9:30 AM. The last sail is at 2:00 PM. The program ends at 4:00 PM. Sailing instructors, volunteer skippers, and mates will take everybody sailing in their program boats. MORE: http://sailctaccess.org/index.htm.

Women can sign up for ISAF match racing in Rolex Osprey Cup

The Notice of Race for the 2009 Rolex Osprey Cup has been posted online by organizers St. Petersburg Yacht Club (St. Petersburg, Fla.), and women interested in competing should apply for an invitation online through the event website by July 15. The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Grade 1 match racing regatta - scheduled for October 20-24 - annually attracts the top ranked racers, and was won by Giulia Conti (ITA) in 2008. MORE: www.rolexwomensmatch.org.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Boat Rat's Tip of the Week

Prevent engine flooding

It is common among displacement boats to find the engines installed slightly below the waterline where they might be prone to flooding from the raw water cooling system should the anti-siphon valve installed in the above-waterline loop fail. Failure of the anti-siphon valve will be rare among coastal cruisers or those who sail in cold or fresh water. But those who sail in warmer waters or the tropics where salt can build up in the cooling line, anti-siphon failures are more commonplace.

There is a simple fix to this problem. The anti-siphon value is designed to allow air into the top of the raw water loop so the down force of the water on the engine side of the loop doesn’t create a siphon that draws water over the loop and allows it to flow into the engine manifold, cylinders and oil sump. Such a flooding can be catastrophic.

The solution is to leave the loop in the system but remove the valve. In its place you can run a length of reinforced tubing that is hose clamped to the nib on top of the loop that once held the valve. The other end of the loop should lead to either a cockpit scupper or it can lead to a seacock that drains a galley or head sink. A simple way to make this connection is to have a metal shop fabricate a stainless steel tube that will fit neatly inside the drain hose so it can be hose clamped securely. On this tube, weld in a small Y-section that will accept the end of the hose running from the raw water loop. This hose also needs to be securely hose clamped in place.

You have now created a water overflow for the raw water engine cooling circuit that will allow air to flow back into the loop when the engine is not running and thus will prevent an engine flood. Also, you will always be able to see that your raw water pump is working since a small amount of raw water will be diverted to the new hose and exit where you will see and hear water trickling while the engine is running. Problem solved.

Cruising Community

Chef onboard schooner AJ Meerwald, killed in car wreck

Tanya Orme, daughter of Mary Orme Elllis, with Affinity Marketing and Communications, died Sunday night in a tragic auto wreck. Orme was described as the ship's cook, "morale officer," band leader and resident artist. Although she had been with the Meerwald crew for less than a year, Project Executive Director Meghan Wren characterized her service as "truly remarkable. MORE: www.bwsailing.com/BWS_newsandnotes_Chef-onboard-schooner-AJMeerwald-killed-in-wreck.html.

Wealth of information available online on the Yahoo Southbound Group

S/V Jacaranda wants us all to know that you can find lots of great cruising information in the Files section of the Yahoo Southbound Group, including Cruising Guides with information on Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru and more; Mexican Fishing License – Directions for obtaining one online; Sailmail – Information on a terrific tool called "Relay" allowing one relay address to send to all your friends for trip reports, etc. Search and Rescue phone numbers and email contacts; Weather related section; SSB and Ham nets; Vessel Contact info – vessel names, direction headed and contact info; Business and Services – List of Cruiser businesses (water maker repair, sailmakers, etc.). Go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbound_group/ and look for the files link on the left side of the page.

Cruising Green

Are you prepared for a "Garbage Boarding?"



Our friend Dave over at the Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club wrote to tell us of a recent boarding by the Coast Guard. "During the inspection they were told that they were required to have a MARPOL solid waste plan (signed by the captain) and a MARPOL waste management placard on board." Dave attached the required Solid Waste Management Plan form as well as a copy of the placard that can be printed. We've put these documents (provided by BoatU.S.), up on the BWS website for your convenience. To download, go to www.bwsailing.com/waste management regulations. Be prepared.

"Sea Change" Coming with Passing of Climate Change Bill by Congress

The House passed legislation on Friday intended to address global warming and transform the way the nation produces and uses energy. The vote was the first time either house of Congress had approved a bill meant to curb the heat-trapping gases scientists have linked to climate change. The legislation, which passed despite deep divisions among Democrats, could lead to profound changes in many sectors of the economy, including electric power generation, agriculture, manufacturing and construction. President Obama hailed the House passage of the bill as “a bold and necessary step.” He said in a statement that he looked forward to Senate action that would send a bill to his desk “so that we can say, at long last, that this was the moment when we decided to confront America’s energy challenge and reclaim America’s future.” After meeting with Mr. Obama, German chancellor, Angela Merkel said she had seen a “sea change” in the United States on climate policy that she could not have imagined a year ago when President George W. Bush was in office. Mrs. Merkel, longtime advocate of strong curbs on emissions, has been pushing the United States to take a leading role before the climate negotiations, set for December in Copenhagen. From: nytimes.com.

Silent Running for New Hybrid Yacht in ICW

Mastervolt is sponsoring Endeavour Green Electric Hybrid Yacht's 250-mile passage of silent cruising through Florida's inland waterways.

Equipped with a Mastervolt Whisper generator for clean electric propulsion, Endeavour will cruise for less than $2 a day, according to Mastervolt.

"Mastervolt is a company that innovates, looks to new solutions and believes in green products like our lithium-ion batteries. This project is a great opportunity for us to support a company that is developing creative, green alternatives," said Menno Ligterink, of Amsterdam-based Mastervolt, in a statement. From: Tradeonlytoday.com.

Wind Farms at sea

We wanted to share this great photo of an ocean-based wind farm in the UK.



"Tall Ships to Merseyside as it sails past the Burbo Bank windfarm on the approach to the Port of Liverpool on July 18, 2008, Liverpool, England." (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images). From The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009.

Website of the Week

http://www.bluemapia.com/



Web and Mobile Social Mapping for Boaters

Join Bluemapia to socialize with other sailors and share on the map your sailing trips, videos, photos and comments about the places you've visited by boat.

For the Hungry Crew...

Recipes from the Tallship Resolution: Mixed Greens Sauteed with Olives and Feta

• 5 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp pine nuts
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Salt
• 1 pound escarole, cored and cut into 3 inch pieces
• 1 pound spinach
• 1 / 4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1 Tbsp capers
• Ground black pepper
• 3 ounces feta, diced
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet. Add pine nuts, and cook about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook until golden; season with salt and pepper. Add escarole, spinach, olives, capers, and lemon juice. Cook until soft. Transfer to salad plate, and top with feta. Serves 4.

Captain Tamara Spieler, in her twenty-five years as a professional charter yacht chef, has cooked for Johnny Depp during the six weeks he was aboard ship while filming the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" and for Mariah Carey for her birthday week get-away. Her two cookbooks "Megayacht Cooking" and "Ship’s Bounty" are available on CD. You can order one by emailing: tnbcaptains@aol.com. Photo: Tall Ship Resolution courtesy of Tamara Spieler.

Mindbender

More Transpac Trivia

Which yacht raced in the more Transpac races than any other?

The answer to this as well as many other Transpac Trivia questions is available courtest of Seahorse International Sailing magazine and World Regattas, who have teamed up with Transpac 09 to offer Transpac Trivia to www.TranspacRace.com, the official website of the 2009 Transpacific Yacht Race. Learn more at: www.transpacrace.com/.

Send your answers to comments@cruisingcompass.com. A winner—who will receive a Blue Water Sailing hat—will be selected at random from all of the correct answers.

• Congrats to Doug Matthews of Lafayette IN, who correctly answered last week's Mindbender: "The largest yacht to race theTranspac was Goodwill at 161 feet in 1953 and 1959."

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