Though I’ve been on boats before, this was my first boating event on staff as the Assistant Editor here at Southern Boating Magazine. That was the day I maintained an element of excitement that stayed constant from the moment I parked my car at Bahia Mar Marina until the luncheon cruise came to an end on Sunday, August 14th. Captain Andrew Cilla, an FWF board member and the owner of Luke Brown Yachts of Fort Lauderdale, donated his boat, the Rachel Ann for a good cause. 

Thanks to Freedom Waters Foundation (FWF) – Weller Days (named after co-founder John Weller), a sweet family of five boys and their mother were able to cruise around on the waters in Fort Lauderdale for a few hours of respite. They weren’t just there as passengers, but also as (first-time) captains. Each of the boys, all under age 12, took turns at the helm. (And I got to have my first time at the helm!)

This wasn’t just another pleasant day on the water (though it was that, too) but was a day dedicated to one of the young boys who is suffering from cancer. That’s what FWF – Weller Days does; they take families of kids with cancer out of the hospital and give them the chance to enjoy being on the water for a few hours.

Freedom Waters Foundation

FWF founder and Executive Director, Debra Frenkel, said, “I believe that water has a therapeutic effect for anyone, even those afraid of it.” She went on to say that most of the people talk about their situation when they are on these outings. “Some have the need to talk a great deal and others will tell you a bit and then get lost in the boating experience. Even those who feel the need to talk a lot – by the end of the trip are feeling far more relaxed.”

Photo courtesy of Freedom Waters Foundation

Freedom Waters caters to children with cancer as well as people with disabilities. They also reach out to all age groups with a variety of special needs, including children with autism, deafness or blindness; blind veterans; seniors at assisted living facilities; at-risk youth; and those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Since it began in March 2006, FWF’s mission has been to “enhance lives by providing boating opportunities and marine related activities for people with disabilities, life threatening diseases, youth at risk and others with special needs.” Their ultimate vision is to become the national leader in therapeutic boating and marine related activities for these folks.

FWF Co-Founder, John Weller

Weller Days originated shortly after John, a yacht broker for 30 years, was undergoing his first round of cancer treatments. “About six years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I was treated at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, when I met the families out there who have children with cancer. I said, ‘These people would enjoy a boat ride,’ so that’s when the idea came into my brain,” he told me. “But I enjoy doing these kinds of things. I think that if you put back into the community, you’re doing the right thing and that makes you feel good.” John is a five-time cancer survivor.

Why They Do It

Debra and John, photo courtesy of Freedom Waters Foundation

Debra said that she enjoys all different kinds of people coming together for a few hours on the water. “[The most fun part is] seeing people come together who may not otherwise ever meet one another and form a meaningful bond and understanding. It appears that we get together because of the person with the illness or special need, but the participation touches everyone involved in the day/activity, and at the same time, all the day to day cares fall away.”

It’s true; I don’t see how I would have ever met that (smiley) family, nor the captains who donated their boat and time. But I’m so glad I did.

I was very moved by the boys’ mother who endured hundreds of pictures that our Managing Editor, Nancy and I took throughout those three hours on the Rachel Ann. When I complimented her on her easy smile and photogenic abilities at the end of the day, she laughed and told me that she actually doesn’t like pictures. She knew if she didn’t set an example for her sons, they wouldn’t have enjoyed that aspect of the cruise but would have instead shied away from the camera. This took on a lot of meaning for me because it was clear that these well-behaved boys looked to their mom for a lot of things.

In the five and a half years since they started this program, Debra said she has gotten a lot of wonderful feedback from the people they have gotten to know on these outings. She said she consistently hears things like, “Thank you so much. I haven’t seen my child smile this much in a very long time,” or “I can’t remember when I felt this relaxed. Thank you!”

How They Do It

FWF thrives because of support from their board members, partners, volunteers and the media. “I can’t thank them all enough. I am still amazed that FWF has done so much and served so many in a five and a half year time period and have remained in the black financially the whole time. We have our moments of being close, but we have managed to squeeze through, even in these toughest times, so we are, together, doing something right,” Debra said.

For more information or to make a donation to FWF, go to their website or call them at 239-248-1120.

Fort Lauderdale, ‘The Venice of America’, is arguably the boating and yachting capital of the world, so it’s befitting that the city plays host to the world’s largest in-water marine industry event. But Fort Lauderdale is also a beautiful, diverse, dynamic and internationally-flavored destination, offering literally thousands of things to do, places to visit and sights to see, both on and off the water. So in the days and evenings before, as well as after, you should spend some time getting to know Fort Lauderdale beyond the show.

Where to Dine

Fort Lauderdale is home to a large variety of great eateries. Whether you opt for dining al fresco by the water or want to partake of our local fare, you can’t go wrong.

• Experience the best barbeque at historic Ernie’s on Federal Hwy. St. Louis style sauce with shaved pork; Manhattan style conch chowder with Bimini Bread legendary.
• A Fort Lauderdale mainstay–The Floridian on east Las Olas, for a unique old-school diner experience.
• Locals in search of an oceanside sandwich any time of day or night flock to Primanti Brothers, a Pittsburgh import with world-famous French fry stacked sandwiches, located not too far from the show up on the corner of A1A and Sunrise Boulevard. Years back, the owners literally threw the keys into the ocean so the place is open 24 hours (no table service 6-8AM, take-out only).
• M Bar, the restaurant, focuses on small plates, modern cuisine and burgers paired with custom cocktails, wine and craft beer. Just opened in June, it has a sleek, industrial atmosphere, a pretty big departure from the classic Mediterranean feel of the original Mancini’s. The restaurant also offers up specialty cocktails from “shotologists” and “master cocktailians.” mbarlasolas.com
• B Ocean Fort Lauderdale is the first property of the newly-launched, upper-upscale lifestyle hotel brand, B Hotels & Resorts. The hotel’s “B’Stro” offers “Wine Down” from 5:30-7PM, five samples of wines from around the world with a complimentary artisanal cheese platter for just $5. The perfectly sophisticated way to start any evening. bhotelsandresorts.com
• Watch “Marina” swim and enjoy happy hour specials at the Wreck Bar at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel.  Underwater dancing Mermaids have been a popular attraction for years, and the Wreck Bar is an icon bar in Fort Lauderdale once featured in such films as Analyze This with Robert Dinero. Mermaids perform on Fridays at 6:30pm. starwoodhotels.com

And if you do plan on dining out, make reservations well ahead of time, as restaurants tend to fill up as soon as the show closes.

Destinations and Excursions

• For several blocks, the Shoppes of Los Olas Boulevard offer an elegant, tropical, yet cozy stroll through what many refer to as the Rodeo Drive of the east coast. Many unique boutiques and galleries can be found along this chic thoroughfare, from Zola Keller’s fabulous couture dresses to Herringbone and Hound’s designer fashions for men, women and of course, that loveable pooch in your life. Visitors can make a day of their shopping extravaganza by indulging in the dozens of nearby cafés and restaurants (most with porch or sidewalk tables) and spas which line the impeccably landscaped street.
• The IGFA (International Game Association) Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in nearby Dania Beach is a “reel screaming, mind boggling” must-do visit for angling enthusiasts.
• Speaking of museums, for the historic and culturally inclined there’s the Stranahan House Museum, built in 1901 by Ohio native, Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale’s first Postmaster. It’s the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and has served as a trading post, post office, town hall, and home to the Stranahans. With it’s wood-frame vernacular structure, wide porches, Virginia English gardens and stunning views of the New River, it has stood at the center of Fort Lauderdale’s growth since it was built and has played a significant role in the economic and social life of this community. A tour is like a journey through time and a link to back when Seminole Indians made friends with a young Ohioan who settled in the frontier town now known as Fort Lauderdale. stranahanhouse.org
• Ever wanted to tour beautiful South Florida by water? Be your own captain in a pontoon boat. You can start your morning off with a Coffee Cruise; or end your day on a Sunset Cruise; or take advantage of a full day or half day cruise. Whether you take the boat down the Intracoastal and dock for a bite to eat, anchor at a sandbar for a swim, or simply admire the mansions of the rich and famous, this will be an experience you will never forget. Boats can accommodate up to 13 people, and bring nothing else but YOU. Everything is provided: drinks, snacks, towels and even sunscreen. They have you covered. reevescoastalcruises.com
• Finally, for the more adventurous souls, take a drive westward to Weston where you’ll find Sawgrass Recreation Park. Feel the excitement and learn the history of Florida’s most remarkable treasure¾the Everglades. This massive and unique ecosystem holds spectacular mysteries. Renew your spirit as you board an airboat and glide across miles of river at speeds up to 35 mph, getting up-close and personal with native wildlife, many of which who are endangered in this fragile environment. With numerous coastal birds, alligators, rare Florida panthers and black leopards, armadillos, bobcats and foxes, it’s always a kid-pleasing good time. evergladestours.com

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) recently announced this year’s judges for the 2011 International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) Innovation Awards taking place Oct 17-19 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Among them, two contributor to Southern Boating Magazine, Roger McAfee and Frank Lanier.

The NMMA and BWI will recognize up to 13 new products at IBEX 2011, plus one Environmental Award. Exhibiting companies must have their products submitted by Sept. 20 for consideration.

The judges’ committee is made up of BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have expertise in marine OEM and equipment. This year’s judges include:

• Committee Chair Alan Wendt, past editor of Marine; CEO, Getaways!, and Adventures magazines; contributor to TalkoftheDock.com.
• Zuzana Prochazka, editor, TalkoftheDock.com; technical editor, Latitudes and Attitudes; freelance for publications including Sea, Sail, and Yachtworld, Lakeland Boating, and DIY Boatowner; president, BWI
• Frank Lanier, accredited Maine surveyor; public speaker; and contributor to numerous publications including Sea, Practical Sailor, Lakeland Boating, and Southern Boating
• Susan Canfield, accredited marine surveyor; technical writer; and Wooden Boat School Instructor
• Roger McAfee, former lawyer; contributor to Pacific Yachting, Sea Magazine, Southern Boating, Lakeland Boating, ShowBoats International and Dockwalk; past president of the Metal Boat Society
• Brady Kay, editor, Pontoon & Deckboat Magazine and Houseboat Magazine
• Patricia Kearns, former ABYC technical assistant; contributor to DIY Magazine; founder and CEO of Marine Experts Group; maritime consultant; and frequent speaker at IBEX

IBEX runs from Oct. 17-19 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky., and will host more than 500 OEM and aftermarket exhibitors. Innovation award winners will be recognized during the annual IBEX industry breakfast Monday, Oct. 17, from 7:30-9:30 AM.

Be sure to look for Roger’s review of the new Horizon EP69 Trawler and read Frank’s article—Warranty Traps to learn about new boat warranties in the October issue of Southern Boating Magazine.

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A Guest Blog Post by Martha (MJ) Warner

“We may be a little rusty on our observational skills after being boatless for over a year. Here’s a look at what I can get into when I didn’t look at the details before leaving Beaufort inlet, headed to Lookout Cape.

I was in it before I had time to think about it and that was probably the best , since there was no turning back, no pause button and no way to extract myself or the boat from the situation.

The rage. It’s been described in cruising guides and magazines; wind against current creating steep, sharp waves, combined with deep troughs, clumped close together, all seeming to conspire together to make one really work at keeping the boat on course and under control.

Ever watch Deadliest Catch? You know the scenes where they show the boats plunging down into the large seas, green water being thrown over the foredeck, spray going across most of the boat? The boat hurls down into the sea and then races up sharply into the sky as it sheds the sea from its decks, only to plunge headlong back down into the next deep trough.

As we exited the Beaufort, N.C. inlet, there were the usual large number of small boats along the edges of the channel, fishing and buzzing about. I also noticed the rather large barge being short towed into the inlet by the tug. There was another large freighter that I was watching further out in the channel, well beyond everything else. Was it even moving, and if so, was it getting ready to head into the channel and towards me?

I focused my immediate attention on the small boats as well as the barge/tug combo, while trying to keep an eye to the channel markers and making sure I was still inside it. The water runs deep here if you stay inside the channel, not so much near either shore located not far outside the channel. I would have to keep to the right of the channel and give the tow/barge plenty of room as I went out. I needed to make a turn out of the channel after the second red nun (they were on the left) to make Cape Lookout, and was gauging where he and I would pass. I noticed that the barge seemed quite skewed in relation to its tow, and I wondered briefly about that.

Then the waves started to demand my attention. I mean, surely I had noticed them before; well yes I had, thank you very much. It’s just that they really hadn’t registered, until now.

And they should have, because I have run the rage in this inlet several years ago, in little Journey. With her 13HP engine, it was more of a crap shoot – will we survive? We had, obviously, but it had been an Oh S**t! moment for both of us.

I can be thick about not noticing the rage when it’s right in front of me. Kinda like me to be wondering about a freighter over five miles distant instead.

Beaufort Inlet is a great inlet with plenty of water and room to maneuver. The deep water of the inlet makes a rapid funnel for the tide receding from the inland waters. This causes waves and turbulence at the narrowest part of the inlet and just beyond, where the water rushes out to meet the ocean. This flow is to the east, into the Atlantic. The waters of the Atlantic meanwhile have been flowing west towards the eastern US shore. This causes the normal chop and waves that are found at the inlet.

Now throw in an east wind, that is to say wind that originates from the east and is headed west, and things start to get interesting. The winds help push the waves toward shore at the same time the tide is creating waves flowing out of the inlet. These all collide and the wind helps create a chaotic condition of tall, quick seas known as “The Rage.” These large square-peaked waves are everywhere, packed close in on top of each other, and the waves and current conspire to make controlling the rudder difficult, much like in a storm at sea.

S/V Journey

Into this we found ourselves, where just moment before, visions of gentle sailing through broad reaches were forming, now replaced by an action much like riding mechanical bulls. The boat began demanding my full attention, which was a shame, since I was still in a ‘duh’ moment concerning this new development, and was just starting to comprehend the skewing of the barge behind the tug. Then it all came together with a bang – rage on! The tug was having major problems keeping his tow in check, due to the rage we were in. I needed to keep well away from him, keep an eye ON him, stay in the channel, avoid hitting the next green marker (and believe me, this was a major concern now, given conditions and the way the helm was fighting me) oh yeah, and keep the boat from floundering sideways to all this mess.

As soon as my brain caught up, I was fine. Sure it was work, and keeping myself behind the wheel was a constant battle, sort of a combination of mid-auto wreck that never ends, and free-fall space walking…at random. In the midst of it all, was the job of reassuring my grandson Caleb. He is ten and has great sea legs, but I was at fault for not preparing him for an eventuality like “The Rage,” and he needed constant verbal reassuring. He rode it out best pressed into my right side at the helm, so that’s how we did it, side by side through the rage and around the tug and it’s barge. After that, I began to breathe a bit, and it got sorta fun watching the green water throw itself up over the front of the boat.

Al was quiet, letting me concentrate on the task at hand, both of us ignoring the things rolling around below, falling to the floor, crashing. Suddenly Al raced below and stayed below for several minutes. Busy as I was, I couldn’t focus on him, but thought perhaps he was picking up, and I remember thinking that was probably a bit premature.

And then he was back on deck, and we worked our way across the channel and out into the Atlantic. After around ten minutes more, we were beyond the reach of the rage and things began to settle down a bit. We were still rolling a bit, even with the sails to damper the roll, and most important, Caleb lost much of his fear, and visibly relaxed.

We were on our way finally, to Cape Lookout.

It was only after anchoring that I found out that Al had rushed below to close all the forward portholes. We spent most of the afternoon drying the mattresses sheets and Al’s and Caleb’s clothes.

Sometimes. we are so dense, it’s a wonder we float.

But thankfully, we still have adventures to fill a page.”

MJ & Al on their Journey

MJ, with her husband, cruised to the Bahamas in 2009/10 aboard her elderly 28 ft. sailboat to test the cruising waters. She enjoyed the lifestyle so much that she has just purchased  a Morgan Classic 41 and plans to cruise aboard full time.  MJ writes about her adventures on the water on her blog http://sv-journey.blogspot.com.

This blog post appeared first on the Journey Blogspot in July of 2011.

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The People of Bimini

If you have read the April 2011 issue of Southern Boating—our annual Swimsuit Issue—you have heard me rhapsodize about the incredible water around the Bahamian island of Bimini, our setting for this year’s Swimsuit Shoot. But in addition to the beaches, the boating, the diving and the fantastic fishing, a big part of what makes Bimini great are the people you find there, including native “Biminites”,  “seaweed” (Bahamians born on other islands who have “floated to Bimini with the tide”), and American ex-patriots.

In the latter category are Frank Cooney, Sr. and his son, Frank Cooney, Jr., who have spent the past 15 years building the Bimini Sands Resort on South Bimini into the top-notch cruising destination it is today. The Cooneys are not absentee landlords—

far from it. They and their wife and mother Bridget Cooney are convivial hosts who are in residence 24/7, making sure that their guests are having a great time.

Their energy is matched by their employees, who also understand the true meaning of hospitality. Take Katie Grudecki and Grant Johnson, leaders of Bimini Sands’ Activities Department. They will go the extra mile to be sure the guests whom they take on snorkeling, kayaking, shark-feeding and other adventures are having a wonderful time – while remaining respectful of Bimini’s beautiful natural environment.

Francis, the sushi chef at Bimini Sands’ restaurant The Beach Club, serves a smile with every hand roll. A native Bahamian, he trained under sushi chefs in Nassau before bringing his magic hands to Bimini. Another smiling face at Bimini Sands is Oral, one of the bartenders at Mackey’s Sand Bar, who never hesitates to grab the mike on Karaoke Night.

The regular patrons at Mackey’s and The Beach Club are interesting characters in their own right. Geoffrey, owner of Dolphin Expeditions, keeps his 91-foot motor yacht Indigo docked right outside the bar/restaurant complex.  He leads week-long trips during which his guests swim and interact with wild dolphins in the crystal-clear Bahamas waters, a life-changing experience.

Over on North Bimini, the Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost—the other beautiful backdrop for our Swimsuit Issue—is also home to a great cast of characters. Guy Harvey himself, the famous marine artist and conservationist, makes regular visits to the resort. Neal Watson, head of the Outpost’s new Dive Bimini scuba operation, is an old Bahamas hand who has run dive centers throughout the islands. He is excited about getting back to the island where he first established his reputation as an outstanding scuba outfitter and guide.

If you book a slip at the marina, be sure to introduce yourself to the two resident offshore charter captains, Billy Black and Skipper Gentry. Capt. Skipper is currently filming a video, “Bonefish to Billfish”, from his 38-foot Hatteras Carolina Gentleman. Capt. Billy, who runs El Viejo, a 53-foot vintage Rybovich, has invented a series of lures and a patented “de-hooker” that aids him in releasing gamefish hooked by his guests.

Another legendary angler you can “hook up” with at the Bimini Big Game Club is Ansil Saunders, a Biminite who is famous for his record-setting 16-pound billfish catch of 40 years ago. He is still guiding guests through Bimini’s back waters in search of the elusive bones today—and building beautiful fishing skiffs in his “spare time”. We’ll have more on Bonefish Ansil in Southern Boating’s May issue, our annual Bahamas Special.

The 2011 Swimsuit Shoot team, including Paige Conlan, producer; Scott Pearson, photographer; and Jenilee Pharo, a Southern Boating staff member who acted as Paige’s assistant for the shoot, all thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the people of Bimini during the three days they spent in the islands. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone mentioned in this blog and all the other Biminites, by birth or avocation, who helped us during the shoot.

Photos, from upper left. 1. Captain Skipper Gentry. 2. Swimsuit Shoot team leaders Paige Conlan, Scott Pearson and Jenilee Pharo at Bimini Big Game Club. 3. Mackey’s Sand Bar bartender Oral. 4. Katie Grudecki and Grant Johnson on the Bimini Sands Twin Vee. 5. Bimini Sands Resort & Marina operators Frank Cooney, Sr., and Frank Cooney, Jr. 6. Francis, the Beach Club sushi chef. 7. Capt. Billy Black and his vintage Rybo. 8. Bonefish legend Ansil Saunders at Bimini Big Game Club. (All photos except #2 by Gary Beckett.)

Right now, our February issue is in subscribers’ hands and on newsstands. Our annual Miami Boat Show Preview issue, it includes a guide to the two huge shows that will open in Miami and on Miami Beach on February 17^th: the Miami International Boat Show and the Yacht & Brokerage Show.  In addition to show information such as dates, hours, and locations, our Preview gives you a sneak peak at 30 new boats, most of which will make their U.S. or North American debuts at one of these two shows. Ranging from 21 to 135 feet, they include new models from well-established brands such as Marlow, Sea Ray and Viking, as well as new entries to the North American marine marketplace like Cutwater Boats and VanDutch.  Our e-mail and “snail mail” inboxes have been flooded over the past couple of weeks with invitations to see these new launches, as well as to demo new electronics gear; my dance card for the boat shows is already quite full!

I believe that the variety, innovation and R&D investment represented by these new boats and accessories is an encouraging sign that America is finally coming out of the economic doldrums.

If you are coming to the Miami International Boat Show, please stop by Southern Boating’s display at booth M54 in the Miami Beach Convention Center and say hi.

We always miss the Daytona 500 each year because it’s held at the same time as the Miami boat shows. But I’ll have to get to a TV set on February 20^th to cheer for Juan Pablo Montoya. The subject of our People profile in the February issue, the NASCAR driver is the proud owner of an Azimut 86S, which he enjoys with his family on Miami’s Biscayne Bay and points south.

This issue is also chockablock with other features, including a cruiser’s guide to Antigua and a look at the compact VSAT antennas on the market that are bringing broadband to boats in the under-100-foot range. Our Engine Room column gives you an update on the E15 fuel controversy and ways to combat the deleterious effects of ethanol on your marine engine.

We welcome your feedback on this issue, cruising anecdotes, and news about boating events coming up in your area. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at Louisa@southernboating.com

See you in Miami!

Slip-on shoes (and a pedicure) are a must for a hard-working editor at the the world’s biggest in-water boat show (familiarly known as FLIBS). I had the pleasure and privilege of boarding (barefoot) and touring a number  of brand new boats during the course of the four-day show, each outstanding in its own way.

The biggest “wow”  was reserved for the the queen of the show, the 281-foot CAKEWALK recently launched by Derecktor Shipyards, which caused whiplash on the 17th Street Causeway and the ICW in both directions as motorists craned their necks to see her at the Hilton face dock. Our tour of the yacht on Sunday afternoon took a good hour and a half as we worked our way through all six decks from top to bottom. This highly traditional yet highly technical yacht was a marvel throughout, making us proud to be Americans as we saw what a U.S. shipyard could achieve. The tour finishes up in boat tender bay — the reason CAKEWALK is as long as she is, so her owner has room for all his toys — which was like a mini-boat show in itself. There, behind massive hull doors, was the owner’s Riva Aquariva Cento, one of only 10 built of this limited edition series, a leather-lined jewel box. In the water was the custom Vikal limo tender, painted to match CAKEWALK, where her guests can run from yacht to shore in stylish, air-conditioned comfort.

You’d might think a 91-foot sportfishing yacht would bring us back down to Earth, but Sea Force IX’s  91.5 Series yacht Flamingo Daze also soared. Every detail of the Luis de Basto interior, from the lower deck’s bamboo floors to the luxurious enclosed flybridge with its enormous “glass bridge” helm station was masterfully crafted. The boat’s “business end” — its huge cockpit — is also impressive.

Stay tuned for more on the fabulous boats we saw at FLIBS….