Alabama may have only 53 miles of Gulf shoreline, but offshore, it has thousands of artificial reefs that have earned it a reputation as the red snapper capital of the Gulf of Mexico.
Average size? 10 pounds. These artificial reefs are also helping Alabama strengthen its
reputation as a saltwater scuba diving destination. Divers often prefer sites that are not so far and not so deep. Alabama has those too. One is a 271-foot coastal freighter scuttled in about 100 feet of water 20 miles south of Orange Beach.
Nicknamed Lulu (aka freighter Youkamu), it rests upright so scuba divers can start exploring just 50 feet below the surface. Another is Poseidon’s Playground that is three miles offshore in just 38 feet of water. It features statues of Greek gods Poseidon, Apollo, and Venus. It is even promoted as a wedding site, although reciting vows and kissing your new spouse while wearing goggles could be a bit awkward.
Reef Foundation President Vince Lucido said the new diving reef was the brainchild of local scuba instructor Lila Harris, who wanted to establish something closer to shore that’s accessible for younger divers and other beginners. The reef’s depth is about 38 feet, and 40 is the limit for novice divers.
The foundation aims to involve local artists, schools, organizations, and others. A reef could celebrate someone’s life.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Reef and Restoration Foundation played a major role in securing both sites and others. Another popular spot, especially for snorkeling, is Whiskey Wreck, an old steel-hulled vessel just 150 feet from Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Café in Gulf Shores.
There are more artificial reefs in deeper water, and their hard surface ecosystems support
abundant marine life, including Alabama’s big red snapper. By the way, Alabama’s 2019 red snapper season starts June 1st.
For more information and coordinates of most inshore and offshore reefs, go to outdooralabama.com/sites
Rallies are a popular way to cruise with company when transiting from the U.S. East Coast to the Caribbean in the fall. For eight years now, the Salty Dawg Sailing Association (SDSA) has offered a similar trip for those headed back north after wintering in the islands.
This year, the SDSA’s Spring Rally will launch on May 4th and for the first time, from 99-slip Crown Bay Marina in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
“We have found that cruisers planning to return to the States in the spring have generally worked their way up the island chain by late April or early May, which makes the Virgin Islands a great departure point for us,” says Rick Palm, the SDSA’s director of rally management.
“Crown Bay offers several advantages that make this site selection a good one: onsite boat repair facilities are helpful to those completing last minute boat projects, provisioning is within walking distance and our captain’s briefing/weather routing meetings and social events can be held at the marina’s pub.”
The SDSA will also host a Happy Hour and Safe Arrival Party in the arrival destination of Hampton, Virginia. The dates will be posted on the SDSA’s website closer to the time, according to whether the weather favors a direct sail by the fleet to Hampton or stopover along the way in Bermuda. For those nearby in Hampton, visit the Salty Dawgs to learn more about the organization and its many cruising rallies, including its 2019 Fall Rally back to the Caribbean.
Everyone who loves recreational boating is painfully aware of the demographics of the average boat owner. Boating needs young people. Can Optis fix that?
It’s interesting that Major Clifford McKay of the Clearwater Florida Optimist Club had the same intent in 1947 when he requested a local gentleman by the name of Clark
Mills to design a low-cost, easily built sailing dinghy that children could race as an on-water version of the then-popular Soap Box Derby.
Mills’ plans of an economical sailing program were donated to the Optimist Club. THe design would go on to become one of the most popular boats ever built. More than 150,000 boats have been registered within sailboat racing’s One-Design category. The Optimist Pram is the biggest youth racing class in the world. Opti programs have introduced countless children to boating.
This spring, yacht clubs and summer camps throughout the Southeast will continue the tradition when they begin accepting registrations for programs dedicated to teaching young sailors in what has become lovingly referred to as Optis.
Bow to Stern Boating in Oriental, North Carolina, is a great example of a successful youth sailing program. Its Youth Sailing Camp offers a kid-friendly, yet intensive sailing experience to students ages 7 to 16.
The program combines on-the-water experience with classroom activities for beginner, intermediate and advanced sailors. Young sailors are able to progress through the different levels at their own pace. Registration opens in May with programs running
from June 17th-August 23rd.
Additionally, Bow to Stern Boating offers a fleet of over 60 boats available for charter such as sailboats from 8′ to 45′ or power vessels perfect for cruising local creeks or for taking a Neuse River voyage. They also provide group programs for Scouts, Church Groups, Military Groups and even Corporate Training teams.
For boaters, May is breakout month across the Northeast.
While some serious anglers have probably had their vessels in the water for several weeks by this point, especially along the southern New Jersey coast where stripers are already hot on the bunker schools, it’s now when most pleasure boaters make a splash and get their seasons underway.
Bundle Up
One point that sticks out in my mind about early season boating along the New England coast is that it can still be quite chilly. With water temperatures hovering somewhere around the 50-degree mark, it’s still too cold to take a serious dip or enjoy water sports without slipping into a wetsuit until after Memorial Day. Further, air temperatures on the water can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than inland, so don’t be fooled by a sunny day. Winter is behind us, at least on the calendar, so there’s nothing wrong with dipping in your toes or trudging through calf-deep water to do a little hiking or exploring along a quiet stretch of beach.
If cruising this breakout month, you’ll want to pack along some extra clothes including a heavy sweatshirt, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt. It’s also a good idea to carry a knit hat and pair of gloves if you boat in Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Maine. The extra clothing is especially important should you count youngsters amongst your crew. Right now, before the season gets rolling, is also a good time to place an extra pair or two of sunglasses in the glove box along with a spare tube or squeeze bottle of sunblock rated SPF 30 or higher.
First Up
Where to head first? My wife, Felicia, and I always enjoy checking out new boats in their slips, getting out to do a little beach combing, and trying a new dock-and-dine experience. We’ve noticed over the years that early spring generally finds some of the more popular waterfront eateries uncrowded at lunchtime with the service especially upbeat since the staffs aren’t burned out from summer’s inevitable waterfront crush.
Fishing, of course, is always an option, and May can be a barn burner. The better catches early in the month tend to come from the most southern ports. Stripers, blues, porgy, and fluke, for example, work their way up the Jersey Coast, spread along Long Island’s South Shore and wrap back into Long Island Sound around Memorial Day.
By early June, action will have spread to Rhode Island, Cape Cod and beyond. Often, the first fish of the new year are big ones because they are better able to withstand cool water temperatures than smaller fish. That’s not a hard and fast rule, of course, but it’s one more justification for getting your boat in the water as soon as possible.
Shallow Water Blackout and Electric Shock Drowning
As the weather warms, it’s time for many of us to get back in the water. There are, however, risks. Two of the lesser known but very dangerous situations are shallow water blackout (SWB) and electric shock drowning (ESD).
Shallow Water Blackout
SWB is when a person blacks out while underwater due to breathing irregularities, such as hyperventilating before you go under and holding your breath too long while under. SWB
can quickly lead to drowning. SWB can affect any swimmer, even highly trained and
fit athletes. In fact, it’s often the better swimmers who can succumb. Besides competitive swimmers who limit breathing to increase speed, those who hold their breath to go underwater, such as snorkelers, spear fishermen and free divers, should be aware of SWB. Hyperventilation, before you go under, can hasten the effect. Even breath-holding games can be dangerous.
See how SWB occurs in swimmers and divers.
What causes SWB? When you hold your breath, a lack of oxygen to the brain, officially known as hypoxia, can result. This may cause a blackout. At the same time, elevated levels of carbon dioxide will make you take a breath which can lead to drowning if you take in water and it infiltrates the lungs. Just the lack of oxygen itself can result in significant brain damage and even death. Hyperventilation and repetitive breath-holding
increase the risk.
SWB can happen in any situation when you’re in the water. The term shallow water was a reference to incidents that occurred when free divers were ascending from deep dives. SWB is particularly dangerous because it can strike a victim without any warning or precursory signs. Rapid unconsciousness not only prevents you from taking action, but there will also be little sign of your distress to others unless they are close to you.
Because brain cells have already been deprived of oxygen due to the breath-holding, brain damage can occur within a few minutes—much faster than with typical drowning
incidents. Swimming in warm water will also hasten these effects. To prevent SWB, avoid hyperventilating and prolonged breath-holding and never swim alone. Even if a lifeguard is on duty, SWB can strike too quickly for them to help.
Electric Shock Drowning
Like SWB, ESD is a little known but very real danger for swimmers. Even a low-level AC current permeating the water can cause muscular paralysis and an inability to use your arms and legs. Drowning can occur quickly, and a stronger current may induce electrocution.
There is no way of telling if this situation is happening because there are no visible signs. Numerous cases involved people who had been swimming for some time but became
victims when an electrical charge was initiated. The simple flicking of a switch can instantaneously turn the water from safe to deadly.
Anywhere an electrical outlet is near water, ESD is possible. Most often, this occurs near docks and marinas. Usually, a cable is connected from the dock to a moored boat. If a piece of equipment has an AC ground fault, a dangerous electrical charge can enter the water.
Be careful in marinas!
Most ESDs have taken place in fresh water. It’s believed that the increased conductivity of salt water would prevent this from happening; however, there can be an exception. If the saltwater swimming area is close to a freshwater outlet, such as a stream or river, problems can occur. Significant runoff from a heavy rain event can produce a layer of fresh water on top of the salt water (fresh water is less dense). This freshwater layer can be several feet deep and could support an ESD situation.
In ESD cases, it is typically impossible for someone to come to your rescue because they would also succumb to the electrical force. The only solution is to disconnect the source
of electricity and then save the victim. To be completely safe from ESD, never swim around marinas, docks or anywhere electrical outlets are near the water.
What can you do?
Boat owners should have their boat inspected by a qualified electrician to make sure the electrical system will not leak current into the water. Marina owners and managers should be encouraged to install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all shore power pedestals and marina wiring circuits. Prohibiting swimming near marinas and docks should also be enforced. There are devices on the market which can detect electrical current in the water. If none is present, there is a “Green Light for Swimming.”
However, as mentioned above, the water can become deadly in a fraction of a second when before it was deemed safe. Regulation on electrical apparatus on docks and marinas is coming, though slowly.
For both SWB and ESD, it’s impossible to know how many cases have actually occurred. Unless someone witnesses the event, any fatalities will likely be attributed to more common causes of drowning (cramps, intoxication, etc.).
Experts assume that SWB and ESD claim many more victims than officially noted. For both SWB and ESD, the key is education. Swimmers should be aware of both situations and how to avoid them.
Brunswick Corporation is the Godfather of smart boating.
Back in 2008, Brunswick Corporation introduced the world’s first fully intuitive joystick piloting system with MerCruiser’s Axius and Zeus systems. It set new standards for power and performance in marine propulsion.
The company knocked down its last bowling pin in 2014 and started expanding its marine business in earnest. The acquisition of Power Products-Global Marine & Mobile in 2018 took Brunswick to the next level, not only to provide more options for the boat owner but also to create technology that can control a boat’s electronic, electrical and power
systems with a touch of a button.
Integration Nation
“Systems integration is critical to the boating experience,” says Lee Gordon, Brunswick’s director of marine communications and public relations. “We have four distinct pillars to our Parts and Accessories division strategy—Mercury engines, electrical systems, and integration services with Power Products and all of its brands, Attwood and the more than
four million parts on boats, and our distribution channels with Land ‘N’ Sea, Kellogg and Seachoice, among others. With all of this connectivity, Brunswick is able to offer the boater a range of products and services that others can’t offer.”
Mercury Marine demonstrated the integration technology during their Lake X event and at the Miami International Boat Show on a Harris 250 Grand Mariner pontoon boat. Mercury outboards and Fell Marine’s wireless man overboard (MOB) system were all controlled by Power Products’ CZone Digital Switching system…through a display, a fob or a smartphone. Automobiles have keyfobs that unlock the car, set up the seats, radio, and heating or air conditioning controls.
Fob for MOB
The same now happens with your boat. CZone’s wireless keyfob can turn on the batteries, the lights and start up the pumps. The system has mode settings, so before you even
step on board, the boat can fire up the generator, the watermaker, the air conditioning, and the helm instruments so they’re ready to go. No more hopping aboard and spending time turning on the various switches and controls required to leave the dock or tuck it away for the night. Now THAT is smart boating.
Fell Marine also has a fob that connects to the CZone and Mercury’s Smartcraft network and can clip to a lifejacket or be worn on a wristband or as a necklace. Through a hub that attaches under the dash that connects with the boat’s gauges and instruments via the NMEA 2000 busbar, if a passenger falls overboard and the fob is under water or more than 50 feet from the boat, the engines will immediately stop. This gives time to locate the person. After six seconds, the engines are able to restart in order to retrieve the victim.
“The integration level with Smartcraft allows us to be a little smarter because we now know the state of the engine,” says Daniel Clarkson, general manager of Power Products Integrated Solutions. “We don’t have to trigger an emergency stop or SOS if the boat is sitting still and the engines are not running and not in gear. Based on that data we see on the Smartcraft bus, we can now smartly decide if we want to initiate a MOB.”
The alarm setup on the pontoon was based on the engines and whether they were running and in gear or not in gear. If the engines were running in neutral and someone went back and dropped the swim ladder, an alarm would go off. The system is configurable for any desired setup. In addition, the Fell Marine MOB app can also control the systems, such as turning on the engines, controlling the lights, etc., through CZone, and whatever was adjusted would also appear on the helm display.
Coming to smart world near you
The FELL Marine/CZone integrated technology for smart boating is not yet commercially available, but the demonstration showed proof of concept and the power of integrating different technologies into a common system. “We are in the middle of a development program to offer the next generation MOB device that will be Smartcraft compatible and have features beyond MOB, including up to seven-passenger FOBs,” says Dave Maryanov, Power Products marketing manager. “They’ll also be able to notify an MOB event via AIS, EPIRB, VHF, and cell phone notification, identify the MOB location via dropping a pin on an MFD or cell phone, and have theft deterrent capability requiring passcode or FOB to start
the engine.” The projected release of the system is near the end of 2019.
“Add in Vessel View, Nautic-On and our other partners, and you have the ultimate systems integration, which allows boaters to have the same amenities that they have in their home or their car,” says Gordon. “Our ultimate goal is to elevate the entire experience. Providing innovation and inspiration out on the water will keep boaters engaged and happy, ultimately providing an experience that will make boating easier than ever before.”
You might not know it yet, but summer is just around the corner. It’s high time to start planning your summer cruising itinerary, and high time to start gearing up on those water toys for summer fun.
Here are five water toys to get you started!
Haven Kayak by Oru
The world’s first tandem origami kayak by Oru is the only one designed for one person to carry. The Haven Kayak weighs 40 pounds and features a universal rail system to accommodate a variety of mounts, such as fishing equipment, GPS units, and cameras. It can also convert to a single seat kayak to allow more space for gear, dogs and more.
When you find yourself kayaking or paddleboarding downwind, take a break and let the wind push you along. The Foldable Kayak Wind Paddle is lightweight and designed for kayaks and boards up to 15 feet. It works best with winds between 4-13 knots. The kite measures 42×42 inches and is cut for a stable, easy-to-handle sail.
Torqeedo and Zodiac Nautic have joined forces to develop the Avon eJet 450, a stylish tender with a 55kW electric engine powered by the Torqeedo Deep Blue 80 electric motor and the BMW i3 battery source. The 14-foot, 6-foot wide tender carries six, comes in a variety of configurations and reaches 30+ knots quietly. Designed for yachts 75 feet and larger, the tender delivers in May.
Navatics MITO remotely operated underwater vehicle allows users a comfortable way to explore underwater locations without being in the water. The drone has a state-of-the-art stabilization system and a 165-foot tether that goes down 130 feet. The camera takes 4K video and 8MP stills and is piloted by a remote controller with a smartphone. Available in March.
Sublue’s Whiteshark Mix Underwater Scooter has powerful dual motors to propel you more than three miles per hour. The lightweight scooter runs on a chargeable 1,100 mAh battery. It runs for 30 minutes and is depth-rated to 131 feet. A GoPro mount is included. Propellers are protected to ensure the swimmer’s safety.
The JETSURF ADVENTURE DFI introduces new features for 2019, including a specially
designed rack on the front of the board that carries a compatible duffle for any adventure or the attachable fuel container to enjoy cruising for up to 3 hours. Equipped with a DFI low emission impact, two-stroke engine, the board has a top speed of 35 mph.
Bontona Peninsula provides luxury waterfront living with a dock to match. Tom and Katia Bates made sure of that.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is home to 165 miles of navigable waterways. Aside from the New River that winds through the downtown area and into the Atlantic Ocean, the multitude of canals that make Fort Lauderdale the “Venice of America” are man-made,
including parts of the Intracoastal Waterway. Developers began dredging and clearing the swampland in 1920 to create the island subdivisions surrounding the downtown area.
In 1928, the Port Everglades channel opened, and the “Boating Capital of the World” was never the same. The canals are now lined with beautiful homes, many with boats docked
alongside…the best of both worlds.
Bontona Penninsula
For Tom and Katia Bates, it’s the location that made them decide to purchase Bontona Peninsula, one of the few pieces of property in Fort Lauderdale that is surrounded on three sides by water. “We look at how many feet you have on the water, closeness to the ocean and southeast exposure,” says Katia.
The property is only minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean by boat, which ups the property value. Another key location feature is its proximity to the downtown area. The home is a block off the famed Las Olas Boulevard and less than a mile from the eclectic shops, galleries, and restaurants to one side and the beaches to the other, yet the home offers a secure, private setting.
Tom was born and raised in South Florida. His father is dad bought him a JU-class hydro-powerboat at age nine. He continued to race through his teens with offshore and
superboats and was throttle man for Spirit of America, Bandit and Caliente. He refit boats before he focused on home construction and worked with Herb Postma who had the Hatteras of Fort Lauderdale dealership before starting Westship Yachts. Through his career, Tom has become an award-winning builder with expertise in project planning and management, remodeling and designing custom coffee tables made with high-powered engines.
Eye for Design
Katia is the designer of the family, born in Italy and a second-generation member in the interior design industry. She has an in-depth knowledge of Italian and European styles as well as contemporary and transitional designs and is recognized for her work on Casa Casuarina, the former Versace Mansion.
She’s particular about her work and her unique trait is that no two locations are designed the same. “You’re not paying me to do something I’ve already done,” she says. “You’re paying for my ideas that are new….For me, it has to be authenticity. The market that I work with can’t repeat itself. My clients pay the price of their interiors, not so much my fees, my fees are equal to everyone else. It is the money they invest in the material that
they buy that is superior to other standard projects….When you get into that type of quality of work, there is not just an artisanship at the level of an artist; you can’t do what you did for the other guy because you don’t give exclusivity to this one, and you rob from that one, so I never repeat myself.”
The same goes for yachts. She recently designed the interior of the 145-foot Westship Tanzanite, but her passion is with homes. She gutted the original Bontona Peninsula estate, but the 14-inch thick, solid concrete exterior walls remained. The Bates’ wanted an open feel full of light that took advantage of the water views. “When you enter properties in this price range, you need to take advantage of the things that surround
you, not just inside,” she says.
The Home
The design starts from the moment you walk in the front door—the eyes are led straight through the entry to the living room, through the large windows and door to the pool framed by the palm trees, and out to the river. The living room’s high ceiling makes you catch your breath as the open space surrounds you. The 10,565-square-foot home has five bedrooms and nine and a half baths, including the 3,000-square-foot master bedroom
suite.
Four VIP bedrooms vaunt ensuite baths and closets and private balconies. The entire outdoor area, designed for entertaining contains a pool and infinity hot tub. Both are surrounded by an enormous stone and marble patio. Five power pedestals on the dockside provide power for yachts up to 275 feet using either European or U.S. power supplies. A magnificent lawn surrounds the estate-like driveway in front, and the garage houses six to eight cars.
Learn More
The .85-acre Bontona Peninsula estate has been carefully designed with the highest quality materials, from custom marble flooring to semiprecious stone countertops and is
available for $32 million. floridaluxurious.com
A savvy and experienced owner sets his sights on just the right kind of cruising yacht, and the Horizon PC65 delivers.
Richard Alexander knows all about the new Horizon PC65—he owns one. “I bought my first yacht in 2004 and didn’t know anything except that I wanted one,” he says, as a bit of a smile complements the sparkle in his eyes. “I picked it up in Fort Lauderdale, hired a captain and drove the boat to Texas where my wife and I lived. That’s how I learned a couple of things and very quickly after that, a lot more.”
Boat Life
The Alexanders (and their pooch) aboard their Horizon PC65.
With retirement coming some four years later, the Alexanders divested everything terrestrial, moved on board and began cruising. “The family was grown, out of the house and taken care of, and we wanted this time for ourselves,” he says. “We were so committed; we were able to flip boats every year for the next three years. The travel and lifestyle were as good as it gets.”
When they decided to put their then-owned 84-footer on the market, these sufferers of terminal wanderlust began to look for something really special and the right vessel that would fit their particular needs. That’s when they found Horizon Power Catamarans.
Innovation on the Horizon
Since 1987, and under the visionary tutelage of co-founder and naval architect John Lu, Horizon has consistently pioneered innovative advances throughout the industry and garnered a well-deserved reputation for its sophisticated craftsmanship and building techniques across its wide-ranging model lineup. The design and development of the
PC Series (PC for Powercat Company) is the successful and impressive collaboration between Horizon Yachts, designer J.C. Espinosa, naval architect and catamaran specialist Angelo Lavranos of Lavranos Marine Design, and Stuart Hegerstrom and Richard Ford of The Powercat Company.
Alexander, an engineer by profession, including an eye for design, knew he had found something special when he first toured a Horizon PC. After several trips to Taiwan and
building the PC52 hull number two followed by a PC60 Skylounge, it wasn’t long before the noted builder’s PC65 came into sharp focus.
The ability to interface directly with the yard was a big plus for Alexander and enabled him to not only get what he wanted but also what he needed. “As far as I am concerned, the level of detail Horizon goes to is unprecedented,” he says. “My boat, as with all the others they build, is a shared effort, and it shows all during the build. They even paid special attention to the fact that we travel with our dog.”
The Design
The hull of the PC65 is a new design and not just a lengthened 60 or dammed up 74. It is engineered and designed to handle the weight. At 52 tons, she upgraded from the CAT 850-hp offering to a pair of 985-hp CAT C12.9 diesels with two Onan 21.5kW generators. The design also achieves the necessary and efficient cruising speed for their needs (24 knots at 80-percent load with less than 3.5 gpm, according to Alexander) and provides abundant storage, entertainment, dining, and food preparation space as well as everything else the wide-range cruising Alexanders require. The Alexanders enjoy extended time at sea, so the boat is designed to run efficiently at half load.
The hull is hand laid and then bagged, after which it is resin-infused for optimum strength-to-weight ratios. The bows are reinforced with carbon fiber to the keels and the stringers are bonded and foam-encapsulated. As with everything on this boat, strict attention to quality control and detail starts from day one, through launch and continues long afterward.
There are 750-gallon fuel tanks in each hull and a 300-gallon water tank on the port side. “When it came to my port side water tank, I am about a half inch low when full and when empty, high for the same value,” Alexander explains, meaning that Horizon engineered the boat to have the hulls balanced whether the tank is full or empty.
The Exterior
The PC65 is a big boat and given her 24-foot, 6-inch beam, she shows much bigger than her measured 65-foot length and offers an opportunity for the owner to customize her interior and maximize use of her exterior space.
A pair of wide stairways from the swim platform offer access aboard. The aft main deck features a spacious dining and entertainment area that takes full advantage of the yacht’s
wide beam. Walkways on either side lead to the bow, and there is an easy-to-navigate staircase from the aft deck up to the bridge deck. With the Alexander’s skylounge upper deck option, there is also an interior stairway starboard that leads directly to the galley/salon area. Two separate steering stations to port and starboard on the aft deck provide close-quarters docking. A pair of large hatches in the deck allows access to the engine room space that has plenty of room for all critical engine checks and maintenance.
Topsides, the enclosed Skylounge model (the Flybridge model is open on each side) creates its own separate room and given Alexander’s cruising lifestyle, suits them well. Fully air-conditioned and comfortably outfitted with an impressive and fully laid-out centerline helm with Stidd pedestal seats, it features an entertainment center with galley and bar, refrigerator, and day head, the kind of space that adds an important dimension to the yacht’s mission.
“When we’re running, I can get her on autopilot, turn on a football game and watch it on my Garmin screen and with the dog curled up on the couch, either of us can cook a light meal and be really relaxed by the time we get to where we’re going for that day,” says Alexander. Outside on the large aft deck is a cabinet for an electric smoker, storage space, seating, and room for the tender and ES1500 Steelhead davit.
The Accommodations
“We had so much room to work within the salon, we were able to move the aft glass sliding door inward some two feet and still create the kind of space we wanted in both places,” says Alexander. “My wife and I like to dance while dining alfresco.” The couple wanted a personal statement for the interior and worked closely with the Horizon team. Dramatic curves highlight a fabric headliner and balance a full galley to port, curved counter for informal dining and seating to starboard.
There is ample interior entertaining space.
Dine alfresco, if you wish.
A seriously appealing master suite.
The upper skylounge of the Horizon PC65.
The Horizon PC65 contains a well-appointed saloon.
The attention to detail in the high-gloss walnut woodwork and décor typifies the builder’s abilities. In fact, once entering the salon, your eye is encouraged to naturally follow the
design forward to where the main deck master suite is located. The centerline, full-beam master suite offers spacious and elegant quarters dressed with beautiful cabinetry, plentiful storage, separate toilet with basin and cabinets, separate walk-in shower, and a portrait of their dog adorning a bulkhead.
Living accommodations in each hull are accessed via stairways to either side. The port stateroom offers large quarters, ensuite head and, as with everywhere aboard this yacht, more than enough storage for extended times away from home. Equally sized staterooms, each with ensuite heads, are on the starboard side. Both sides are extremely well-appointed and surrounded by expert woodwork, tasteful décor and the kind of presentation one would expect from Horizon.
Happy Customers
“Our boat is truly a custom Horizon,” says Alexander. “When Richard and Stuart offered us the chance to be a part of the inaugural build for the new PC65, my wife and I jumped
on the opportunity, and we have no regrets. This PC65 version of POMBOO is our seventh large motor yacht, and the family at The Powercat Company and the Horizon Yacht Company in Taiwan did not disappoint. We had requests above and beyond that pushed installations of equipment to places that another builder might not have been able to do, but as you can readily see, they not only achieved it but did it right.”
The Alexanders plan to live on board and spend time in The Bahamas before heading up to Maine for the summer. Eventually, they’ll ship her to Sydney Harbor, Australia, for a year’s travel before returning to the U.S.—the goal to stay water-bound for 5 to 10 years before they are ready to return to terra firma, but who knows? Perhaps there’s a larger yacht on the horizon from this prominent builder.
The Horizon PC65 features a cutting-edge power catamaran hull design ensuring a comfortable, efficient ride in all conditions. Built with state-of-the-art construction techniques, the P65 design shows a modern clean line with large panoramic windows.
A large aft deck with lounging sofa and dining table seats eight comfortably. The interior is fully custom-built to owner’s specifications. The full-beam ensuite master stateroom features a king bed, and layout options include either three or four ensuite cabins down below and an open flybridge or sky lounge.
All living areas are very spacious and comfortable and finished to Horizon Yachts’ highest customary quality. Powered by twin Caterpillar 850-hp engines, she hits a top speed of 25 knots and cruises 480 nm at 20 knots.
A solid family legacy, a passion for the craft, and a commitment to hard work are how you can find yourself at the top of your industry.
That’s what happened for Gary Sands, one of the youngest leaders in the beverage industry in the world.
The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company Ltd. broke barriers in 2017 when Gary took the helm as General Manager at just 27. Since then, he’s overseen increased production of the company’s locally-made brands and brews. Additionally, he’s overseen the growth of the company’s distribution portfolio including Anheuser-Busch and most recently, Philip Morris International.
Gary Sands
“I feel such a great sense of pride as I walk through our office every day knowing that we, Bahamians, are changing the beer industry in The Bahamas,” says Sands. “We’re bringing the industry back to Bahamian hands and proving that, yes, Bahamians have what it takes to compete on a global level.”
With a recent multimillion-dollar expansion of the brewery facility in Grand Bahama and a staff of over 150, Sands is poised to reach that global level. Sand’s father, the company visionary James “Jimmy” Sands remains as President, but several industry veterans who joined the company with him along the way have now retired. This paved the way for Gary and a new generation of bright, young leaders.
“One of the greatest feelings working at Bahamian Brewery and Beverage is doing what people said was the impossible,” Gary says, “By going against the second largest multi-national brewery in the world which produces competing beers in The Bahamas.”
A Family’s Dynasty
The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company has discovered the key components to maintaining a successful business for decades to come. It starts with the Sands dynasty – generations of entrepreneurs making their mark in The Bahamas since 1648.
Gary’s grandfather Everette Sands, the patriarch of Bahamian Brewery passed away this year at the age of 94, but he left a great legacy in the beverage industry for his descendants. A hard-working young man with a dream, Everette competed against the largest liquor business in The Bahamas, which was owned by a powerful politician in the country. Everette, like many an entrepreneur, created his first shipment in a garage. His sons John and James (Jimmy) helped their dad in his stores from a very young age, learning how to do everything from sweeping the floors to packing boxes.
When Jimmy launched Sands beer, he applied all of the life lessons his father had taught him. He, too, had to come up against a top-selling beer in The Bahamas. Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits liquor stores continue to grow, and now the Sands Beer family line includes Sands Regular, Sands Light, High Rock Lager, Sands Pink Radler, Strong Back Stout, Bush Crack, 66 Steps Ale, and Triple B malt drink.
“I love my new role in the company as General Manager,” says Gary, who, like his father, learned the business from the ground up. “The fast pace and ever-changing industry complements my constantly moving lifestyle.”
The Sands family has proven that a solid legacy built on hard work and sheer determination, along with a commitment to product value, staff and customer satisfaction, are the right ingredients to brew up a business that will stand the test of time.
Tried & Tested is a series of reviews from users outside of Southern Boating.
Tunes that glow: TikiTunes
There are three essential elements to a successful camping trip:
an expertly executed campfire
enough beer to last the night
excellent speakers.
As a former “adventure travel pro”, I have the first two on lock. I can throw together a roaring fire, complete with smores, and I’ve got a YETI capable of keeping everyone in happy-camper mode all night. It’s number three that’s the loose cannon, so to speak. I’ve had portable speakers in the past that are too small to project sound in the great outdoors or look too much like a chew toy to be left outside (don’t ask). Hence, I’m always looking to upgrade my speaker game.
I recently took a quick camping trip to the Florida Keys to do some snorkeling, SUP-ing, and sitting. I brought along TikiTunes, a 5-watt speaker from Limitless Innovations. The speaker is water-resistant, a plus for me because a majority of my trips are based near or on the water. This, I would assume, would also be ideal for boaters.
The box claimed 6-hours of continuous playtime after it was fully charged via USB cord. However, the speaker did not come charged and did not include a wall plug, just a USB cord. Luckily, I was able to charge in my car before arrival. While I was not inclined to take a stopwatch to the thing, it certainly lasted until the bugs came out at nightfall.
The real highlight of TikiTunes? The warm LED ambient light that emits a flickering, atmospheric glow. When I finally closed the cooler and extinguished the fire to escape said bugs, the ambient light on the speaker was the right amount of glow inside my tent.
A caveat: the speaker would only be advisable to retired adventure travel pros– while not a flimsy piece, I can’t imagine that it would handle being tossed around the back of a van with other gear very well or thrown into the bottom of a travel bag if on the go.
However, for a mid-priced Bluetooth speaker, TikiTunes will satisfy campers and boaters alike.
By Kelly Carmichael, April 2019
Kelly Carmichael is an outdoor enthusiast based in South Florida. He currently holds a desk job, but in a past life, he spent two years leading camping trips and excursions across the Southwestern US. He likes to imagine that no, he did not peak early, thank you very much.
He enjoys camping, running, and standup paddleboarding with his dog, King.
I think we should make this Bahama Mama cocktail recipe Southern Boating’s signature cocktail.
Here’s why we love this drink: it is physically impossible to mess it up. Too sweet? Add some club soda. Too strong? Add some orange juice. Too little? Throw together another pitcher! The measurements for this Bahama Mama cocktail are truly suggestive– the only real requirement is rum and some various juices.
Word to the wise: be careful with this recipe. It’s compulsively drinkable.
True story: during a stint as a yacht stew, I made a similar cocktail pitcher (read: three pitchers) for the owners and a group of their friends during an early afternoon cruise from Elbow Cay back to home base. They loved it and I had never seen the owners laugh so hard on any trip. However, only two of the six made it to dinner that evening. The rest were fast asleep in their staterooms (expect Judy, who was fast asleep on the flybridge). So exercise some restraint, people!
Ingredients:
16 oz. orange juice
16 oz. pineapple juice
2 Tbsp. grenadine
1 cup rum of choice (coconut is preferred)
1 orange, sliced thin
Directions:
In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Stir well. Pour into 4 tall glasses over crushed ice. Garnish with orange slices.
Summertime, and the boatin’s easy. But it will be even easier with these five gadgets for summer cruising.
Warm weather, longer days, and cool nights make summer cruising a treat. But these five gadgets will make summer cruising even more enjoyable. From long range cruisers to casual SUP enthusiasts, we’ve got the gadgets you’ll need this summer.
Trib Outdoors Tech Aircap
The gadget you didn’t know you needed, especially as the inflatables come out for summer. Trib Outdoors Tech has launched the first ever pressure gauge cap for inflatable SUPs, RIBs, and whitewater rafts. The Aircap is designed to make it easy for people to know the precise pressure in their inflatable at all times and accurately measures up to 20 PSI. The device is solar-powered, and a headlamp will provide enough light to power the gauge at night.
Treat your tootsies! Designed to reduce the stress that one’s back, legs, and feet endure after standing on a hard deck for countless hours during summer cruising, the Helm Cushion from Taylor Made provides a comfortable ride on all waters.
The soft, thick pad is made of both closed-cell foam and a vinyl-coated skin with an organic, textured pattern. It is weather-resistant in both freshwater and saltwater. There are snaps in each corner that can secure the cushion to the deck.
Turn everyday summer spirits into top-notch cocktails to serve your guests on deck with Regatta Craft Mixers. These refreshing, citrusy, premium mixers are made from all-natural ingredients, use natural flavors, have no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, and are gluten-free.
Raise a glass to toast that these award-winning mixers are also non-GMO, BPA-free, California Prop 64-compliant, and made in the U.S.
Pure Watercraft offers electric propulsion with Pure Outboard. Matched with their new energy-dense battery pack, the low-profile outboard has a 25-hp equivalent with one battery and 40 horsepower with two. The outboard is quiet, maintenance-free and produces zero emissions, perfect for fishing secluded coves or quiet conversations on a cocktail cruise.
TACO Marine’s GS-1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount
Fishing just got a whole lot easier. TACO Marine’s GS-1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount made its debut at the Miami International Boat Show. The NMMA Innovation Award-nominated product can safely lift and rotate poles from the comfort of the helm with the simple push of a button.
The electro-hydraulic design and microprocessor-controlled system adjusts the angle of lift from 0 to 75 degrees with incremental stops at 30, 45 and 60 degrees.
Summer’s about to get LIT. The new Aqualuma Gen5 Thru-Hull Underwater Lights were designed to increase performance output. Additionally, these are the brightest range of Aqualuma underwater lights ever. Also, the lights are fully customizable and controlled through a smartphone.
The lights are available in the 9, 18 and 24 Series and because they’re engineered as a one-piece, corrosion-proof polymer housing, existing systems can upgrade without hauling the boat.
While most marinas must prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms, and other weather hazards, Marigot Bay Marina in St. Lucia does not.
Bob Hathaway, marina manager for 6 years, says not even “Christmas winds” affect them at Marigot Bay. “The level of wind shelter is extraordinary regardless of wind direction.” It is a natural harbor that has never been dredged. In fact, Marigot Bay dredges itself. “The main entrance channel and berth approach have never been dredged,” Hathaway explains. “And it maintains its depth even clearing away silt after heavy rainfall.”
The reefs on either side of the marina’s entrance—as well as the sand spit that protects the inner lagoon—protect it from swells and surges. “While other southern Caribbean marinas may have to clear out large boats if there is a storm warning, we do not,” Hathaway says.
The Marina at Marigot Bay has deeper water than most other Caribbean marinas, with about 700 feet (218 meters) of the stern to dock. There are also some finger piers at the eastern end. The berthing allowances are as follows:
Max LOA: 250’
Max Draft: 15’
Max Beam: 44’
Marigot is said to be the original yachting base in Saint Lucia. The Canadian schooner, Captain Walter Boudreau, brought his 140-foot craft to Marigot in the late 1950s, which is when the industry started, according to Hathaway.
Hurricane Hole Restaurant at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina
Easter and Passover occur the third week of April and make a doubly good reason to
cruise south for a spring break holiday.
No Caribbean marina may be more delicious to dock at than the Marigot Bay Resort & Marina in St. Lucia. Every yacht 80-foot LOA or larger is greeted with a bouquet of flowers, local Piton beer, and freshly baked cookies compliments of the resort’s executive chef.
What’s more, the year-old Hurricane Hole restaurant offers farm-to-fork dining. Start your day with a US$15 Creole breakfast that features stewed codfish or smoked herring, St. Lucian bakes with banana jam, pickled local cucumber, and cocoa tea made with island-grown cocoa.
The 42-slip Marigot Bay Marina handles yachts up to 280-feet LOA and makes a great jumping off point to explore St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the south or the French island of Martinique to the north. The Marina Village oers several shops, including a full provisioning service by advance order, so it’s possible to leave with as good a taste as on arrival.
They are located only yards away from the Discover Hotel, which has their own dedicated entrance to the Hurricane Hole Bar, pools, spa, gym, and the Boudreau Restaurant, named after the Canadian schooner. (Marina guests have access to these facilities.) The Marina has its own dedicated Marina Village with a variety of shopping options, including a supermarket, bank and crew café. “Marigot Bay has all the facilities that any yacht can need. The setting, especially as viewed from the yacht, is completely unspoiled and is more reminiscent of a Pacific Island than the Caribbean,” says Hathaway.
Provisions:
• Complimentary WiFi and high-speed Internet connection
• High-speed fueling: diesel and gasoline
• Garbage disposal
• Liquor and food provisioning supermarket in The Marina Village
• Floral arrangements
• High-end boutiques for shopping in The Marina Village
• Bank and ATM
• Business Centre: FedEx, car rental, travel agency
• Chandlery Shop
• CCTV surveillance and 24-hour security
• Airport transfers (Vigie – 25 mins & Hewanorra Int’l – 1 hour)
Shore Power:
Berths are supplied with single and three phase electricity:
• 380V 3 Phase (50Hz) (100, 125 or 200 amps per outlet)
• 220V / 110V Single Phase electricity (50/60 Hz) (30, 50 or 100 amps per outlet)
This relatively simple cake is simple enough to bake in the galley. Naturally sweetened and light, you’ll feel like you’ve indulged in a meal fit for an olive oil tycoon. Enjoy this Greek Honey Cake while cruising!
Ingredients:
½ cup butter
¾ cup honey
½ cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. cinnamon
2 cups self-rising flour
½ tsp. baking soda
½ cup sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
GLAZE:
½ cup butter
½ tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place butter in a pan over high heat and stir until brown. Remove from heat. In a bowl, mix honey, milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, then add browned butter, flour, baking soda, sugar, and nuts. Pour into an 8×8-inch greased cake pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
For glaze, melt butter until browned, add thyme and lemon peel, and spoon evenly over cake.
Recipe from Lori Ross, Southern Boating, April 2019
