Annapolis Boat Shows

The 47th United States Powerboat Show is set to be the largest of the Annapolis Boat Shows.

In 2017, there were 570 boats, and for 2018, more than 650 are expected to show their best at the 47th Annual United States Powerboat Show. Luxury motor yachts, Downeast-style boats, offshore fishermen, and water toys of all types will be on display October 11-14 at the City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland.

Get a head start before the rest of the crowd and take advantage of VIP Preview Day on October 11th. Be the first to browse the new boats making their debut and the latest from established manufacturers as well as previously owned boats with a personal tour and the unique opportunity to talk with industry reps about opening day specials and all the aspects of boat ownership. VIP parking at the Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is included and a limited number of tickets are available.

Much to See

Don’t worry if you can’t make the VIP day because there are miles of docks to see boats of every style from 8 feet to 80 feet, including trawlers, express cruisers, power cats, trailerable tugs, center consoles, ski boats, pontoons, and inflatables. Another special aspect is the display of more than 150 fishing boats from 50 builders side by side. No other show offers the chance to compare boats so easily.

And then there are all the accessories and gear. “Visitors will explore acres of boating products and services, including the latest in navigational equipment, high-tech electronics, boating accessories, clothing, gear, and related services, such as boating clubs, charter companies, insurance firms, and lending institutions,” says Heather Ford, managing director of the Ford Group, who represents the Annapolis Boat Shows.

If you long for that VIP Experience, LH-Finance offers the Red Carpet VIP Lounge each day. Take a break from the show or discuss their innovative prequalification program for boat buying in a luxury space that includes comfortable seating, complimentary light fare and appetizers from top-tier restaurants and a happy hour that features Papa’s Pilar Rum. The $100 cost includes admission to the show on the day you attend.

Much to Do

But wait, there’s more! “Power cruisers might consider coming to Annapolis a day or two early and attend Cruisers University, which offers a comprehensive curriculum on cruising and boat preparedness,”

Ford adds. “The expert instructors help plan a cruise as well as equip and maintain a boat. There are more than 50 courses offered.” Speaking of cruising, be sure to stop by Aspen Power Catamarans’ Knot Wafflen’ to hear stories from the Jenkins’ 10,000 Mile Tour.

Want to try before you buy? Dealers and manufacturers will be offering demos and sea trials for visitors to see new models, engines and stabilizing systems. Over in Brokerage Cove, an easy, one-block walk (or ferry ride) from the show to a floating marina just past the Spa Creek Bridge, regional boat brokers have a plethora of previously owned boats available. The price of admission includes entry into Brokerage Cove. In addition, seminars on docking, Chesapeake Bay fishing and getting your captain’s license are held Friday and Saturday afternoons. Last but not least, one lucky boat show attendee will win an exotic seven-day, six-night Caribbean charter vacation on board a luxury MarineMax 362 Power Catamaran in the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

This year’s United States Powerboat Show is one not to miss. annapolisboatshows.com

Show Dates and Hours

Thursday, October 11 (VIP Day): 10 am to 5 pm
Friday, October 12: 10 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 13: 10 am to 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 14: 10 am to 5 pm

Admission

VIP Preview Day- $35
VIP Preview Day + Additional Day- $48
Adult One Day- $18 in Advance/ $20 at Gate
Adult Two Day Combo- $31
Children- $5 (6 and younger FREE)

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating September 2018

Hurricane Tips for Boaters

Ideally, you already have a hurricane plan in place for your vessel. But there are a few basic hurricane tips all boaters can use.

The most important tip for protecting your boat from hurricanes or any threatening severe weather is planning, preparation, and timely action.

Of course, each boat is different and requires a unique plan for weathering the storm, but keep in mind:

Before a hurricane threatens, plan to remove valuable equipment from the boat (GPS, radios, etc) and determine how long it will take.
Remove all movable equipment such as canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, biminis, or roller-furling, lifejackets, gear, etc.
Lash down everything you cannot remove, such as tillers, wheels, booms, etc.
Seal all openings (use duct tape or similar) to make the boat as watertight as possible.
Make sure the electrical system is off. However, if you plan to leave the boat in the water, leave the system on.
If removing the boat from water, remove the battery to eliminate the risk of fire.
If you are out of town during a hurricane, arrange for a reliable person to learn and carry out your hurricane plan.
Check your lease or rental agreement with the marina or storage area and make sure you know your responsibilities and liabilities as well as those of the marina or storage area.
Consolidate all pertinent documents including insurance policies, recent photos or video of your vessel, boat registration, equipment inventory, lease agreement with the marina or storage area.
Maintain an inventory list of both the items removed and those left on board. And remember, do not stay aboard any vessel during a hurricane. You should stay in a safe, protected place and ensure your family, home, pets, and other personal property is safe. Be sure to stay tuned to news broadcasts and weather advisories.

Stay safe out there, everyone.

Goodbye Summer. Hello, Gulf Festivals

It’s festival season all over again; Gulf Festivals, that is.

Barring any late-season tropical weather in the Gulf, Apalachicola has back-to-back weekends of waterfront festivities, including what is arguably the best Panhandle seafood festival. Get to some Gulf Festivals!

The Annual Autos & Oysters Auto Show on Saturday, October 28th, attracts equally intriguing vintage cars and their spirited owners. Here, the term “shuck and jive” can apply to the stories you hear or the oysters you enjoy at one of Apalachicola’s legendary seafood restaurants. More than a few yachtsmen stay the week enjoying a laid-back slice of historic homes, eco parks, museums, shopping, and more at this gulf festival. apalachicolabay.org

Musical headliners Jerrod Niemann and I AM THEY will create an entirely different experience the following weekend during the 54th Annual Florida Seafood Festival. Daytime activities focus on seafood, oyster eating and shucking contests, arts and crafts, and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet. floridaseafoodfestival.com

Marina reservations typically are hard to come by. Water Street Marina along the downtown waterfront—formerly operating as Deepwater Marina—has completed a stunning renovation, including 20 transient slips built by Bellingham Marine. The marina can handle vessels up to 55 feet. waterstreethotel.com/marina

Another favorite is Scipio Creek Marina, the largest marina in the area with direct access to the Gulf and a family-friendly atmosphere. scipiocreekmarina.com

By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating September 2017

Trash-Free Seas

If we want trash-free seas, that means cleanups, everybody, everywhere.

Join the ranks of more than 11 million people that have come together around the world each fall for the past 31 years to fight for trash-free seas and coastlines. Saturday, September 16th is this year’s Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), named one of the largest volunteer efforts in the world. Last year, the Ocean Conservancy organized more than half a million people in 112 countries to remove 18 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans and coastlines. Not only does the organization clean up our shorelines, it helps change behavior. In communities where coastal cleanups have been organized, less debris is generated locally following the event.

Last year, the Ocean Conservancy organized more than half a million people in 112 countries to remove 18 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans and coastlines. Not only does the organization clean up our shorelines, it helps change behavior. In communities where coastal cleanups have been organized, less debris is generated locally following the event.

An interactive map containing all of the details for planned events can be found at the Ocean Conservancy’s website: oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas.. ICC events planned in the Southeast include eight Southeast include eight locations in North Carolina, one in South Carolina, one in Georgia, and six in Florida.

By Bob Arrington Southern Boating, Setember 2017; Photo courtesy of the Ocean Conservancy.

Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point

September is my favorite month on the Chesapeake Bay and the Mid-Atlantic for several reasons: Most summer vacationers have departed; the weather is cooler and more comfortable and the fall colors make it a great time to cruise and to fish.

If you like seafood, you’ll love the Maryland Seafood Festival. The 50th annual seafood festival is September 9th and 10th at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. The tented beach event offers delicious seafood dishes, interactive cooking demonstrations, and cook-off competitions, along with maritime-related exhibits, contests and family fun. Local craft beer and wine will be available. Throw in the live music, sand soccer, and fireworks, and you have a very entertaining scene.

A portion of the festival’s proceeds goes toward local nonprofit organizations, including YMCA Camp Letts and the Foundation for Community Betterment. Tickets are available online and at the door. The park’s large marina has six finger piers for temporary day-use docking on a first come, first-served basis. visitmaryland.org

By Chris Knauss, Southern Boating, September 2017

North Carolina boat shows

North Carolina boat shows are tough to beat.

SEPTEMBER STARTS THE BIG BOAT SHOW SEASON in Newport, Rhode Island, but you don’t have to travel that far north to get your boat show fix. North Carolina will host the 2nd Annual Wilmington Boat Show September 8-10 in Wilmington, North Carolina. After a successful first run with more than 70 vendors and great attendance, everyone is excited about a bigger and better event this year. The show takes place in multiple locations, including the Wilmington Convention Center, Port City Marina and The Shell and Battleship North Carolina. For more information, including a list of vendors and advance ticket purchase, go to wilmingtonboatshow.com.

If your interests are specifically in wooden boats, there are more North Carolina boat shows for you. The 8th Annual Southport Wooden Boat Show will be held Saturday, September 30th at the Old Yacht Basin in Southport. A record number of attendees are expected at the show to view boats in and out of the water. For a unique experience, Duke Energy sponsors an Educational Pavilion that supports the show’s mission: “To promote interest in and disseminate knowledge of the craft and art of wooden boat construction, to support efforts to preserve wooden boat construction and skills, and to celebrate the region’s maritime and boatbuilding history.”

The North Carolina Aquarium and Fort Fisher Underwater Archeological Branch will also contribute interesting exhibits for attendees’ enjoyment. Don’t miss the “Taste of Cape Fear” and Ship’s Store tents featuring local seafood dishes and numerous vendors offering nautical-related products. Show details can be found at southportwoodenboatshow.com.

By Bob Arrington Southern Boating, September 2017, Photo by Chris Schnell

Horizon Rendezvous 2017

Thirty and Thriving

Horizon Yachts celebrates its 30th anniversary with a rendezvous that will long be remembered.

Most people celebrate birthdays in grand style, but I’ve always felt that anniversaries—especially ones of notable length—deserve to be celebrated with lavish affairs. Based on the extravagant and well-attended Bahamas Bash Owner Rendezvous held from April 26th to May 1st, which also commemorated the company’s 30th anniversary, Horizon Yachts is of the same mind-set.

Horizon Yachts’ four-day 2017 Owner Rendezvous in the Abacos, Bahamas, at the beautiful Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour, was the luxury yacht builder’s sixth such gathering and marked the largest turnout to date. More than 200 owners and guests attended, with 27 yachts ranging in size from 50 to 120 feet. The company’s ﬁrst rendezvous was also held in the Abacos, so it was a joyous return to this stunning location for Horizon yacht owners and guests, some of whom traveled from as far away as Australia.

The festivities kicked off with a welcome ﬂoating “docktail” reception on the Horizon RP120 followed by hors d’oeuvres at the Promenade on shore, and dinner and dancing in the Resort Marquee. The next day, late-night revelers were able to sleep in before a private ferry took the group to Nippers Beach Bar & Grill for a pig roast, beach fun and the restaurant’s popular drinks. The rest of the itinerary was packed with activities on land—golf cart excursions, games, happy hours, and dock parties—and in the gin-clear Bahamian waters for ﬁshing, snorkeling and sunning. Sunday’s Yacht Hop came with a twist—a “decorate your aft deck” contest that really brought out the owners’ creative sides.

The event’s Yacht Hop showed just how creative the owners can be! Decorations included Gilligan’s Island

Formation of Horizon Yachts ©Jim-Raycroft Photography

As guests “hopped” from one yacht to another enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, they were greeted with “President Trump” as a stowaway; Ginger and the whole Gilligan’s Island gang; disco fever at Studio 54, and much more. The Horizon USA team got into the spirit, too, transforming into mermaids, Captain Jack Sparrow, pirate wenches, and other island-inspired characters.

The evening’s farewell Bahamian beach bash included prizes for the best decorated aft deck and a Junkanoo band for an authentic island-style celebration. “Augmented by The Bahamas’ renowned island hospitality, delicious food and gorgeous weather, the Horizon Yachts Global Owner Rendezvous was a great success,” said Horizon Yachts CEO John Lu, who also attended the event. “But more importantly, this event emphasized that having fun in beautiful places and with wonderful people is truly what makes boating so enjoyable.”

Just like all Horizon rendezvous, new relationships were formed between owners, and partying ended much too soon. Veteran yacht photographer Jim Raycroft and videographer Suki Finnerty took advantage of the famous Bahamian blue water as a backdrop to capture the memories, including a Horizon powercat raft-up and a promotional shoot of the new RP120 superyacht, the recently launched E98 motoryacht Do It Now and E88 motoryacht.

horizonyachtusa.com

L.N. Evans Southern Boating August 2017

Caribbean Fishing Tournaments

You’ll find some royally good game fishing in these Caribbean fishing tournaments.

Be the first to fish these Caribbean Fishing Tournaments. The billfish are biting in the Caribbean year-round, but there are several nearly back-to-back tournaments in the spring.

In February, the Barbados Game Fishing Association will host its first Offshore Tournament of the year on February 16th followed by its second on March 9th.

North in La Romana, the Dominican Republic, the Casa de Campo Blue Marlin Classic kicks off April 10-13. It’s FAD fishing and numbers rather than size that is the real draw this time of year in the northern Caribbean. The month of May welcomes marlin tournaments galore. The Trinidad & Tobago Game Fishing Association’s Marlin Madness event is May 1-5, followed by the Guadeloupe Marlin Club’s Fishing Festival May 8-11 out of Marina Bas-Du-Fort.

Three days later, the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament happens in Charlottesville, Tobago, May 14-18. Back in 2013, angler Brendan Bernard reeled in a record 1,005-pound blue marlin on the third day of this tournament.

After that, the Antigua & Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament gets underway May 17-19, with the one day, marlin-only Mikie Pigott Jr. Memorial Classic on May 16th.

Both are held out of the historic Nelson’s Dockyard. Bring your own boat or charter locally, and it’s easy to fish them all. Plus, many are qualifiers for the Offshore World Championships held annually in Costa Rica.

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating February 2019

Underwater Music Festival

Did you know sound travels four times faster underwater than through air? The creators of the world’s only Underwater Music Festival knew, and they paired US 1 Radio with Lubell Labs’ underwater speakers to produce this one-of-a-kind event.

Looe Key Reed in the Lower Florida Keys is the only living coral reef in the U.S. On Saturday, July 7th, some 500 or so scuba and snorkel swimmers with musical instruments will dive below to make some noise about this special place. The divers only pretend to make music with their so-called guitars and horns; the real music comes from above. Dozens of vessels will lower Lubell waterproof speakers below the surface and divers will hear radio station WWUS broadcast appropriate pop artists like Jimmy Buffett singing Fins and the Beatles belting out Yellow Submarine.

The Underwater Music Festival is not to be missed.

The 35th Underwater Music Festival organized by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce entices both snorkel and scuba tourists from all around the world to come and see this and other reefs up close and personal.

As part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Looe Key Reef is about six miles south of Big Pine Key and slopes from about 6 feet to more than 100 feet deep. Coral formations and other natural structures host more marine species than any other reef in the northern hemisphere.

lowerkeyschamber.com

By Bill Aucoin, Southern Boating June 2018

More Gulf Coast Updates:

Fireworks in the Gulf

Summer Festivals in the Caribbean

Six summer festivals in St. Lucia

After a quarter century of successful jazz concerts that put St. Lucia on the map for great international entertainment, government officials have decided to spread the wealth by now offering visitors six festivals to enjoy from May through November. Soliel kicked off in May with the traditional jazz fest at Pigeon Island National Landmark. The party continues this month with Roots & Soul, June 16-18, featuring reggae, hip-hop and R&B. Then, it’s St. Lucia Carnival, a three-week extravaganza from mid-June to mid-July that revs up to the big Parade of the Bands July 17th and 18th. The tenor takes a notch down to a more laid-back pace from August 24-27 for the St. Lucia Food & Rum Festival. This taste-tempting event features culinary demonstrations, rum and wine tastings, and dining experiences that pay tribute to both St. Lucian and international dishes and drinks. The Country & Blues Festival occurs September 15-17, followed by the monthlong Arts & Heritage Festival in October. This means there’s plenty of fun on this Windward Island all summer long. Even better, summer is slow season in the Caribbean, so anchorages are not crowded.

Plus, it’s easy to find dockage at either of the island’s two big marinas: the 253-slip IGY’s Rodney Bay Marina to the north in Gros Islet and the 42-slip Capella Marigot Bay Marina to the south mid-island. Additionally, Rodney Bay has a full-service boatyard, so it’s possible to haul out and work by day and enjoy six festival’s worth of parties by night. stlucia.org/summerfestivalo.

Best-kept secret Caribbean beaches

What are some of the top off-the-beaten-track beaches in the Caribbean? Global charter yacht company, The Moorings, let the cat out of the bag earlier this year by naming its seven favorites. North to south, the first is Playa Tamarindo, a small coral-strewn beach on Puerto Rico’s offshore island Culebra, where “unspoiled” is truly defined. On the sandbar called Anegada, both Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach—two of the British Virgin Islands’ (B.V.I.) three beaches—offer a delightful mix of Robinson Crusoe seclusion combined with all the comforts of the tropics, like cold beer and hot grilled lobster. Neighboring Guana Island, home of the luxurious all-inclusive resort of the same name, features the haven known as White Bay. Further south, two islands off Anguilla and St. Martin make the list. One is the duo of Prickly Pear Cays, uninhabited except for a small beach bar manned by day, where the sand is as soft as powdered sugar. The other is Tintamarre, nestled within the St. Martin Nature Reserve. The red clay-like mud here is said to have healing as well as beautifying powers. Finally, there’s Anse du Gouverneur on St. Bart’s—pristine, private and picturesque. Moorings bases in the B.V.I. and St. Martin make this septuplet of best-kept secret beaches easily paradise found. moorings.com

OPTIMIST REGATTA CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY

More than 100 junior sailors, ages 8 to 15, from over a dozen nations will set sail in the 25th International Optimist Regatta hosted in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., June 12-18. This family-friendly sailing event features a clinic, team race, and three-day fleet race. Beach parties, fire dancers, and costumed Carnival entertainers put a signature spin on the shoreside activities. Former sailors have gone on to collegiate All-America, World Champion, and Olympic sailing careers.

For more information on happenings in the Caribbean, take a look at these Anguilla Villas!

by Carol Bareuther Southern Boating Magazine June 2017

America’s Cup Preview

America’s Cup
“Your Majesty, there is no second place.”

Bermuda is abuzz. After all, not many venues get to host yachting’s holy grail. It’s time once again for the 166-year-old America’s Cup (AC) to eclipse the world of sailing and light up the imaginations of sailors and landlubbers alike.

In its 35^th running, the often-controversial event has been dubbed the race of millionaires and draws a crowd of enthusiasts and critics alike, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the action and a photo of the silver. Love it or hate it, you certainly won’t be able to ignore it this summer as the defender Oracle Team USA takes on the winner of the 2017 Louis Vuitton Challenger Playoffs.

The action will take place in America’s Cup Class (ACC) catamarans, which are a little larger (nearly 50 feet LOA) than the AC45F yachts (45-foot, one-design, foiling, fixed wing cats) used in the Louis Vuitton World Series. An overhaul of the rules stipulates that the next AC, already set for 2019, will be raced only in ACC boats while the AC45Fs will be retired.

The venue is Great Sound near the city of Hamilton in Bermuda. This summer, Oracle helmsman, Jimmy Spithill, will defend the trophy for the Golden Gate Yacht Club against challenging clubs that hail from seven countries: Italy, Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Great Britain, France, and Japan.

U.S. enthusiasts can watch the action remotely during waking hours and without much risk of spoiler alerts because Bermuda’s time zone isn’t off by much from the U.S. east coast. The World Series will be raced in late May and early June, followed by the playoffs in the second week of June. The 35^th defense will be the best of 13 (or the first to reach seven points) and is expected to take place June 17-27, although these dates are provisional.

Events beyond the qualifiers and the AC races are also planned. The first is the Youth America’s Cup that will consist of up to 16 teams of sailors aged 19-24 years. Another will be the attendance of eight classic J Class yachts, mostly replicas of the refined vessels that raced in the 1930s. Finally, superyachts of 80-plus feet will compete in an invitational just before the AC final matches begin.

Bermuda (BER), Arrival of the America’s Cup Trophy in the island

Hamilton (BDA) – 35th America’s Cup Bermuda 2017 – ORACLE TEAM USA – America’s Cup Class training (ACC)

Portsmouth (UK) – Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth – Practice Day – Day 0

San Francisco (USA) – 34th America’s Cup – The America’s Cup Trophy in San Francisco Bay

Part of the bay has already been staked out for spectating superyachts to enjoy front-row seats. Who among us would pass up the chance to sit on the aft deck behind celebrity-sized sunglasses, sipping a glass of chilled white and cheering on helmeted racers who look more like SWAT team members than sailors?

If you don’t breathe this rarified air, you may still be able to get in on the action in a few ways. Tickets are sold via the official website (americascup.com) and are available for grandstand seating, VIP spectator boats and the America’s Cup village. The Moorings is offering all-inclusive crewed charters on some of their 4800 and 5800 catamarans. A lucky few will enjoy luxury accommodations, the services of a gourmet chef and a fully stocked bar along with a great on-the-water vacation. The Moorings will also be selling tickets to grandstand seating, the village and Gosling’s Dark and Stormy Island Bar. It’s the next best thing to wine on that superyacht deck.

In case all this sounds too crowded and harried, the AC will also be televised. NBC Sports will provide live coverage of the Louis Vuitton qualifiers and NBC National will cover the final match races. The AC marketing team is also active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, or you can download the AC app for the latest news and results.

Ever since the upstart schooner America dared to challenge Aurora of the English Royal Yacht Squadron to a race around the Isle of Wight, the Cup has represented the pursuit of sailing excellence. The trophy, known as “Auld Mug”, was displayed at the New York Yacht Club from just after the first race in 1851 until Australia II of the Royal Perth Yacht Club broke the streak and snatched it away in 1983.

Many of the races weren’t as friendly as the first one watched by Queen Victoria, and subsequent courtroom drama shaped much of AC history. But it has always been a spectacle, and every few years this contentious competition momentarily blocks out the sun, grabs the world by the collar and demands attention like few other grand prix events can. Winner takes all. And as was famously explained to the queen herself, “There is no second place.”

By Zuzana Prochazka Southern Boating May 2017

Enter our Summer Photo Contest!

Southern Boating and Airhead Sports Group have teamed up to give away a state-of-the-art tow package.

One lucky winner will take home the ultimate summer prize. Creativity and originality are highly encouraged. Send us an epic tubing wipeout, some spectacular wakeboard tricks, or just a smile on a SUP. Anything goes! Just be sure to send all photos to marketing@southernboating.com

Hurry, the contest ends June 30th!

Use the arrows to see the submitted photos and send us yours!

Full Jet Ski

Little trees fall hard

Smile Pile

The Face

Get Some Air

Wipeout!

Hiking Out

Oh, Hello

The happiest dog

The 3 Best Friends that Anyone Could Have

All Smiles on the Kneeboard

THANKS DAD

Catching Some Air

BIG ups

Say Knees!

A Summer Well Spent

Three’s a Crowd

Greenland Skurfing

Three’s a Crowd

Royal Views

Strictly Sail

Up, Up and Up!

Fishin’ with my best bud

Here fishy, fishy!

Tow-less Tubing

Uh-oh

Double Uh-oh

Hot Dog Dance?

Skurf City

Sunset Salsa

Paddleboard Views

SeaKeepers Bermuda 2017

The International SeaKeepers Society will host SeaKeepers Bermuda 2017 on Thursday, June 22nd at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) and Harbourfront Restaurant in Hamilton, Bermuda. The event will honor Wendy Schmidt as the 2017 SeaKeeper of the Year for her outstanding leadership and support of the environment and ocean conservation.

Also recognized as part of the evening’s program will be the SeaKeepers of Bermuda: Philippe Max Rouja, Judy Clee, Chris Flook, and John Paul Skinner as a part of the SeaKeepers of the World Program. This effort identifies individuals who demonstrate a commitment to ocean research and conservation in their local communities.

The event chair is Dr. Stefano Tositti, CEO of BWA Yachting, and the reception sponsor is Caroline Bay Bermuda. The evening will highlight the work of the International SeaKeepers Society in partnership with the yachting community through the DISCOVERY Yachts Program.

Wendy Schmidt is President of The Schmidt Family Foundation, which works to advance the wiser use of energy and natural resources and to support efforts worldwide that empower communities to build resilient systems for water, food, and human resources. The foundation houses its grant-making operation in The 11th Hour Project, which supports more than 150 non-profit organizations in areas including climate and energy, human rights, ecological agriculture, environmentally conscious sailing, and the vitality of the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Schmidt is also Founder and Vice President of the Schmidt Ocean Institute – established in 2009 to advance oceanographic research, knowledge, and discovery, and catalyze sharing of information about the oceans. The Institute is devoted to the inspiring vision of its Founders on how the advancement of technology and open sharing of information is vital to expanding the understanding of the world’s oceans.

To extend her commitment on ocean health issues, Schmidt partnered with XPRIZE in 2010 to sponsor the Wendy Schmidt Oil Cleanup XCHALLENGE, a $1.4 million competition designed to identify effective and innovative resolutions to address oil spillage from ocean tankers, platforms, and other sources. The 18-month-long competition was prompted by The Deepwater Horizon disaster and resulted in a solution that produced a fourfold improvement over existing cleanup capabilities.

Schmidt partnered again with XPRIZE In 2012 to create the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE, a prize that responds to the global need for better information about the process of ocean acidification, one of the indicators of climate change.

Schmidt serves on the boards of The Natural Resources Defense Council, The California Academy of Sciences, Climate Central, XPRIZE, The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, GRIST, Maiyet, The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation, and The America’s Cup Organizing Committee.

Wendy Schmidt joins an elite and influential group of leaders in marine conservation including: Jean-Michel Cousteau; Monaco’s own H.S.H. Prince Rainier III and H.S.H. Prince Albert II; Canadian film director/producer and deep-sea explorer, James Cameron; American marine biologist, author, lecturer and National Geographic explorer-in-residence, Dr. Sylvia Earle; French fashion tycoon, agnès b.; Sargasso Sea Alliance (SSA), a partnership to protect the Sargasso Sea, led by SSA Board Chair, David Shaw and the Government of Bermuda; Fabien Cousteau; and yachting community pioneer, Alexander W. Dreyfoos.

SeaKeepers would like to thank our generous event sponsors: BWA Yachting, Caroline Bay Bermuda, Insetta Boatworks, Isotropic Networks, and MetOcean Telematics. We would also like to thank our annual sponsors: World Fuel Services | Yacht Solutions, and BWA Yachting. Event media partners are: Charterworld.com, ECO Magazine, MACO Magazine, MegayachtNews.com, SailBrasil Miami, SEVENSEAS Magazine, SoFlaNights.com, South Florida Luxury Guide, Southern Boating Magazine, SuperYacht Industry, Venü Magazine, and Yachts International.

For more information visit http://www.seakeepers.org.

Crossing for a Cure

Four paddleboards. 50 miles. 15 ½ hours.

This was the scene in the summer of 2013 when Travis Suit and three friends began their stand-up paddleboard journey from The Bahamas to Florida to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Battling rough seas, a moonless night and exhaustion, the quartet completed the arduous 50 mile journey in less than 16 hours.

Suit’s daughter, Piper, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) when she was just four years old. CF is a genetic disorder that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs.

Photo credit: Lori Griffith of Chasin’ a Dream Photography

Crossing For A Cure is the flagship event for Piper’s Angels, whose mission is to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research, provide support for families living with the disease, and to share what they have experienced about the scientifically proven link between CF and the healing powers of the ocean.

According to researchers, the inhalation of a salt-water mist has a therapeutic effect on the lung problems associated with the disease. Salt water helps to clear the mucus that traps bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles.

“When we heard about the effects that salt water has on the lungs, we knew we had to get her in the ocean immediately,” said Suit. “It doesn’t cure the disease, but she doesn’t suffer nearly as much, and we’re hoping that instilling a lifelong love for the ocean will keep her alive as long as possible”.

And now, this dedicated father is kicking off the official 2017 Crossing for a Cure.

Fittingly, the event will take place Father’s Day weekend (June 17^th). Paddlers will start in Bimini and finish in Dania Beach. Once again, all proceeds will benefit families impacted by the disease and research toward a cure for CF.

This year there are more than 30 paddlers signed up—each with a fundraising goal of $1,000. Teams are also an option if there are groups that would like to split the mileage. Groups can swap out participants to complete the event together.

Fun and safety are the two important pillars of this event. Support vessels will be on hand during the event to guide paddlers and provide participants with food, water or a respite if needed. The Coast Guard will also be on call in case of an emergency.

For more information or to find out how to donate to this incredible cause, visit crossingforacure.com.

Palm Beach Preview

Don’t miss the 32^nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show!

The show starts Thursday, March 23rd and runs through March 26th. The Palm Beach International Boat Show is located along the charming downtown area of Flagler Drive. The Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach Island will provide spectacular views while you stroll the docks and tents.

This year will feature the largest superyacht lineup in its 32-year history and will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories.

From mega-yachts to tenders, magazine subscriptions to outboards, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is sure to have all the products for your boating and cruising needs.

This year’s show will also include a variety of educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics, IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars, long-range cruising clinics and on-the-water boat handling classes—making the Palm Beach International Boat Show a fun and educational event for the whole family.

Show entrances are located at Evernia St./Flagler Dr. and North Clematis St./Flagler Dr. This year, a new VIP entrance and VIP Lounge will be located at Palm Harbor Marina.

This year’s show will feature roughly 400 exhibitors, more than 700 boats in-water, and a few hundred boats on land. It’s sure to be an exciting weekend!

2017 SHOW SCHEDULE:

12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, March 24

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, March 26

TIP: Want to take advantage of Palm Beach’s beautiful water and weather? Come to the show by boat! Cruisers are welcome to aie-up to the convenient Come-by-Boat docks– located south of the in-water displays near Fern Street.

Don’t forget to stop by Southern Boating! Booth 612, right on the corner!

For more information, visit the Palm Beach Boat Show site or if you want to do some window-shopping, take a look at YATCO’s PROBOOK – the official MLS of Yachting.