Kids and Boating

Are you teaching your kids how to operate and maintain the boat? Start now with these ideas for every age group.

Kids and boating can go hand in hand.

Kids, especially siblings, squabble. It happens with toys, clothes, you name it. But squabbling over a responsibility?

That’s the reality aboard Glen Ader’s and his wife’s boat. Their boys, ages 11 and 8, are typically happy to tackle different tasks on the 32-foot Grand Banks. But when it comes to handling dock lines, each wants to be the only one to do it. Ader laughs in relating how he and his wife gently remind the boys to take turns: “It’s like, ‘C’mon, dudes, share.’”

The couple may be unusual in some respects—they held part of their wedding ceremony on the back of their then-boat, a Trophy. But they’re no different than hundreds of other parents who are also passionate boat owners. The Aders have been raising their boys to become cruisers since they were in their car seats. Car seats that got carried from the family automobile to the boat, naturally. So, as their sons are growing up, the Aders encourage them to learn more about the responsibilities of operating and owning a boat. They know that kids and boating is the best combination.

Ader is a firm believer that kids are never too young for parents to start this education process. “Kids love to learn, and love to learn with their hands,” he avers. He grew up boating and recalls that by his teens, he took the family boat out more than his dad, a tugboat captain who regularly enjoys the lifestyle to this day.

Ader’s experience as a child and his own children’s ongoing experiences underscore the findings of the 2013 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, published by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. It reveals that nearly 8 out of 10 adults who boated that year had also done so as children. Furthermore, the report found that people who enjoyed the lifestyle as children were more likely to do so as adults, too.

If you’re a parent or grandparent and haven’t yet thought about teaching your young ones the ropes (no pun intended), here are some general age-oriented tips to get you started.

Elementary School

Five- to 10-year-olds can learn a variety of things, some of which depend on their dexterity:

• Knot tying. If your kids can tie their shoelaces, they can learn a few simple knots. Imagine your child’s pride when you use his or her handiwork the next time on board.

• Wind and current. No need to go into detailed dissertations on the Beaufort scale or sea states; the Ader boys were each around five or six when they began learning the basics on how wind and current affect a boat.

• Handling dock lines. Let your kids practice when the water is calm and there aren’t a lot of other boats around to get comfortable. “It’s something they can do where there’s not really a lot of risk of them getting injured,” Ader says.

• Simple maintenance. If you do your own maintenance, show your kids what good vs. dirty oil looks like. They can stand by with tools for other tasks and even pitch in while you supervise. Ader says his 8-year-old has likely used a wrench in the bilge more times than his 11-year-old.

• Washdowns. When you’re finished hosing down the boat, hand your child a chamois and turn ‘em loose on rails or brightwork. Consider making a game out of who can dry off the boat the fastest (and safest).

Middle School

All of the above responsibilities can be taught to 11- to 14-year-olds if not done so previously. These additional tasks are appropriate as well:

• Using a boat hook. Practice tossing items into the water for your kids to retrieve using the hook. Depending on your child’s abilities, he or should may even be able to try this at an earlier age.

• Reading helm instruments. By now, your kids can better understand how an autopilot works, what a GPS displays, and more. Consider teaching plotting, too

• Taking the boat out of gear. While none of us wants to dwell on “what if” scenarios, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. Show your children how to shut things down if for some reason you can’t get to the helm. Consider teaching this if your kids are nearing middle school, too.

Most parents find that the lessons their children learn on boats transfer to other areas of life, including in the classroom.

Teenagers

• Boat handling. Just as teens can’t wait to get their hands on the car keys, many want to take the wheel of the family boat. Depending on your state’s regulations, your teens may have to be a specific age to handle the helm and have passed a proficiency exam. There’s no minimum age in Florida, for example. However, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who wants to operate a vessel with a 10-hp or higher motor in state waters must have a boating education ID card and photo ID. The boating education ID proves he or she has completed a course given by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, or an equivalency.

• Emergency drills. Explain what to do in a man-overboard situation, and show your teen how to properly circle back and pick the person up. Even though the Ader boys are still pre-teens, Glen Ader and his wife have already discussed between themselves how they’ll eventually simulate a man-overboard situation by tossing something in the water.

Resources

Admittedly, all of the advice so far is geared toward those of you who are experienced boaters. If you’re a relative newcomer, the Discover Boating initiative, overseen by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, can help. The Discover Boating website includes a new directory of youth boating programs. More than 3,000 local and national programs are listed so far.

Many of these offer first-timers lessons on how to handle a boat, sometimes aboard boats in the program’s fleet or ones chartered for the purpose. Enter your zip code, select the type of activity your kids are interested in (powerboating, sailing, etc.), and the radius you’re willing to travel (10 to 100 miles). Most programs include details on age requirements.

Furthermore, kids as young as four years old can be enrolled in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boating Fun class. Among other things, the hour-long program provides them with an activity and coloring book that further teaches safe-boating lessons.

Whatever your kids’ ages , and no matter your experience level, it’s vital to put kids and boating together. “The phenomenon, I think, that’s going on now with the younger generations is the need to disconnect and spend more time together,” says Frank Peterson, president and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. That’s a nonprofit organization focused on increasing participation in fishing, boating, and aquatic stewardship.

“We call it ‘togethering,’ and I think fishing and boating allow people to spend more of that ‘together time.’ Our sports really appeal to the younger generations. What we have to do is break down some perceived barriers to entry that they may have.”

hookthefuture.com
discoverboating.com
takemefishing.org

By Diane Byrne, Southern Boating Magazine June 2015

Seared Tuna with Balsamic-Ginger Glaze

Seared Tuna with Balsamic-Ginger Glaze
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

2 lbs. tuna steaks
6 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
1½ tbsp. lite sodium soy sauce
4 tbsp. olive oil
6 tbsp. sesame seeds

Combine vinegar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl. Add tuna steaks and coat with the mixture. Marinate for 30 minutes. Remove tuna from marinade and coat each steak with sesame seeds, about 1 tablespoon per steak. Heat remaining oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks about 2-3 minutes per side based on your preference. Set aside on a plate and keep warm. Add marinade to hot skillet and bring to a boil. Simmer until slightly reduced about 5 minutes. Serve over tuna.

Fresh Corn & Tomato Salad
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6

4 ears corn, steamed
1 c. grape tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, pitted, cubed
4 c. romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped
½ c. feta cheese, crumbled
½ c. fresh basil, chopped
3 c. baguette, cubed
½ c. olive oil
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. lemon
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp. honey

Place bread in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on cookie sheet and bake in 350-degree oven 8-10 minutes. Carve corn off cob. Place in a large bowl and add next 5 ingredients. Whisk remaining olive oil with vinegar, lemon, garlic, and honey. Toss greens with dressing and add croutons.

Twice-Baked Potatoes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 6

6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed & halved lengthwise
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. kosher salt
Fresh pepper
½ c. sour cream
¼ c. plain Greek yogurt
4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp. fresh chives, chopped
1 c. shredded Gruyere cheese

Place potatoes on a cookie sheet, brush with oil and season with 1 tablespoon salt. Bake in 425-degree oven 50-55 minutes. Set aside and cool 20 minutes. Scoop out center of potatoes and place in a large bowl. Stir in sour cream, yogurt, goat cheese, and butter, mixing well. Fold in chives and season with salt and pepper. Spoon potato mixture back into hollowed out skins (there will be extra filling). Top with Gruyere cheese and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Bourbon Glazed Nectarines over Grilled Pound Cake
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

6 nectarines, halved and pitted
1 stick unsalted butter
6 tbsp. brown sugar
½ c. bourbon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pound cake cut into 1-inch slices
1 quart vanilla ice cream

Heat a grill over medium low. In a small skillet melt 4 tablespoons butter. Brush nectarines with butter and grill over medium heat about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside. Brush pound cake with remaining melted butter. Grill over medium heat about 2 minutes per side until lightly charred. In a medium skillet melt remaining butter with sugar, stirring until smooth. Add bourbon and vanilla and stir until liquor is reduced and mixture is slightly thickened. Add nectarines and coat with glaze. Serve over pound cake with vanilla ice cream.

Carrie Hanna is the author of Florida’s Backyard, a collection of original recipes. To order the book, call (800) 839-8640.

By Carrie Hanna, Southern Boating June 2015

Southern Exposure’s Q & A: Mike Schenk, GM of Rattlesnake Marine Center

SB: What sets Rattlesnake Marine Center apart from other competitors? How has it accomplished this and how will it continue to do so?
MS: Rattlesnake Marine Center has an 80-ton and 165-ton Travellift to be able to haul yachts up to 120 feet in length. We are a one-stop shop from oil changes to entire interior and exterior refits and full vessel paint jobs. We can manufacture interior components with on-site mill shop and CNC equipment.

SB: How has it developed and changed over the years?
MS: The property was purchased by two yachtsmen from a yacht-building company late last year. Both owners want to bring their values and dedication of dependable service to the market.

SB: What are you most proud of accomplishing in your position of General Manager?
MS: Putting a team of former yacht builders and service techs together to be able to offer any and all services to the client.

SB: What do you love most about what you do?
MS: Having a 500-ton captain’s license, I have always enjoyed all activities involving water and deliveries of medium and large motor yachts on all oceans. I have been employed in the yacht building industry for the last 30 years and worked in the past for prestigious yacht builders like Lazzara, Magnum, Chris Craft, and others, which gave me a unique view of how vessels are manufactured and how to efficiently repair or restore them to their original beauty.

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SB: What should we expect from Rattlesnake Marine Center for 2015?
MS: Rapid growth in the yacht repair and restoration business, being able to offer excellent turnaround times, reasonable labor rates, onsite Wi-Fi service and office space for crew and/or owners.

SB: Are you involved in any outside marine organizations? If so, what are some of your responsibilities and what do you enjoy most about them?
MS: I have assisted the local Auxiliary Coast Guard to conduct safe boating courses and participated in some search and rescue operations.

SB: How involved in the boating and marine community are you? Do you own a boat yourself? What do you love most about boating?
MS: Having owned vessels from 11′ to 48′, I presently enjoy a well-preserved twin engine 23′ Aquasport that I use on the weekends with my family and my three Great Danes. Spending time on the water makes the stress of everyday life disappear and easy to manage.

By Ana-Christine Cook, Southern Exposure June 2015

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6
1 lb. large shrimp (approx. 21-24), peeled, deveined
1 tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
2 heads butter lettuce, rinsed, patted dry
2 Hass or 1 large Florida avocado, peeled, pitted, sliced
1 navel orange, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ c. goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
2 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. rice or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/4 c. orange juice, fresh squeezed preferable
1 tsp. orange zest
1/2 c. olive oil

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add shrimp and Old Bay seasoning and boil 5-6 minutes until shrimp are pink; cool and cover with ice until chilled. Whisk dressing ingredients until well blended. Divide lettuce onto 6 plates and top with shrimp, avocado, oranges, and goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing. Season with salt and pepper.

Coconut-Crusted Mahi with Apricot Horseradish Sauce
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Serves: 6

6 4-oz. mahi filets
2 c. panko breadcrumbs
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. egg whites
1/2 c. olive oil or peanut oil
Additional kosher salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. apricot preserves
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. horseradish
1 tbsp. lemon juice

Combine panko, coconut, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk egg whites. Dip mahi in egg then roll in crumbs, pressing to adhere. Heat oil in large deep skillet. Pan-sear the filets until golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 375-degree oven 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Combine apricot preserves, horseradish, honey and lemon. Whisk together and serve on the side with fish.

Bahamian Peas and Rice
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

1/4 lb. bacon, about 4-5 strips, chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green or red pepper, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 tbsp. fresh thyme, or 1 tsp. dried
2 c. white rice
3 c. water
1/2 c. tomato paste
3/4 c. canned pigeon peas, rinsed and drained
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan cook bacon over medium-high heat until just starting to crisp. Add olive oil, onion, pepper, celery and cook 5 minutes. Add fresh thyme and rice; stir to coat. Add water and tomato paste, stir well, cover, and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is just cooked. Add in pigeon peas, cook an additional 5 minutes on lowest heat. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Tripletail Punch
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

2 c. mango nectar
1 c. strawberries, gently muddled
1/4 c. apricot brandy
1/2 c. dark rum
Juice of 2 limes

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice and stir. Serve in glasses with lime wedge or strawberry as a garnish.

Carrie Hanna is the author of Florida’s Backyard, a collection of original recipes. To order the book, call (800) 839-8640.

By Carrie Hanna, Southern Boating May 2015

Ryan Finn successfully completed over 20,000 miles

Ryan Finn

Ryan Finn grew up sailing with his family on the northern Gulf Coast, but while undergoing treatments for cancer as a teenager he became fascinated and read everything he could get his hands on regarding solo sailing. Now at 36, Finn has successfully completed over 20,000 miles of solo offshore experience as well as three Trans-Atlantic and three Trans-Pacific crossings on boats ranging from Open 60s to Mini Transat designs. Fresh off the European racing circuit, Finn is now attempting his greatest challenge yet and needs your help grabbing the solo nonstop sailing record from New York to San Francisco on the old clipper ship sailing route around Cape Horn.

Finn has teamed with a leading America’s Cup boat designer to build a 32-foot Polynesian-style Proa in New Orleans. The unusual sailboat with only one outrigger off the hull is incredibly fast, especially going upwind, and the team expects the boat and the lone skipper would complete the 13,000-mile journey in less than 70 days using current weather models. While lining up corporate sponsors for the attempt, Finn is also crowdsourcing funding in what may be the first ever Kickstarter campaign used for a serious world record sailing attempt. Racing against himself, the weather, the notorious Cape Horn crossing, and time, Finn is sailing under the 2Oceans1Rock.org banner and if successful, could well join the boating history books alongside the legions of legendary sailors from the Gulf Coast.

A giant new species?

The Cajuns of South Louisiana are known to have an affinity for almost any tasty waterborne creature from crawfish to alligator, but their natural seafood diets failed to extend into the deepwater of the Gulf of Mexico where a curious pod of whales has been recently discovered. Whales are slightly unusual in the Gulf of Mexico although there are approximately 19 species, including humpback and sperm whales, that will range into the warm waters to feed, but marine biologists have located what may become an entirely new species of whale that calls one deep trench off the Northern Gulf Coast their permanent home.

Numbering only 50, these giants are baleen or great whales-—originally classified as Bryde’s whales—which can grow as long as 55 feet and weigh over 90,000 pounds. Feeding primarily on large amounts of small fish, the northern Gulf of Mexico is an especially productive fishing ground with the giant Loop Current interacting with the large bays and estuaries along the coast. A research expedition located them in the deepwater DeSoto canyon almost due south of Pensacola, and DNA and other testing have revealed that they may be their own species of whale. If so, this unique pod would immediately become the most endangered whale species in the world.

By Troy Gilbert, Southern Boating May, 2015

Southern Exposure’s Q & A: Roger Moore, CEO of Nautical Ventures

SB: Tell us about Nautical Ventures and when it was founded. What was the inspiration behind its beginning?
RM: Nautical Ventures was founded 31 years ago as a Hobie Kayak and Sailboat dealer, whose focus was on wholesale and export sales to resorts. In 2010 we purchased Nautical Ventures with the belief that water sports equipment would work synergistically with our brokerage business, QPS Marine, which was providing yacht brokerage, yacht management and yacht refit services. Since the acquisition of Nautical Ventures, sales have grown from $1 million to nearly $5 million in 2014. This growth can be attributed to the expansion of our product lines to include Yacht Tenders and a broad offering of yacht-related toys and equipment.

SB: How has the company developed and changed since its inception?
RM: With the increase in the number of products offered we have been able to attract experienced staff that run each “division” of products allowing us to be knowledgeable in each department: kayaks, sailboats, yacht tenders, yacht toys, etc. In 2013 we expanded to include new boat sales via Nautical Ventures Marine, and we are now leading dealers for Century Boats, Buddy Davis Boats, Key Largo, Avalon Pontoon, Caravel, Action Craft, Chapman Transition, Carbon Craft, Novurania, Ribcraft, and Rib Jet. Of paramount note, we built a new 30,000 square-foot state-of-the-art retail and service facility located on the water and designed to provide customers and the marine community, with a pleasurable buying and service experience.

SB: What are you most proud of accomplishing and what’s your favorite part of your company and position?
RM: Our vision was to have several companies that are all marine related, that work together to refer business to each other, and to be a leader in each category. In yacht tenders we have become the largest distributor and dealer in the country for our flagship line, Novurania. We added LukFuel to our list of companies, which gave us the ability to offer diesel and RAC 90 fuel to the marine and construction communities. Nautical Ventures Service gave us the ability to service the boats we sell, and the addition of River Bend Marine Center gave us the ability to service larger yachts and perform major refits.

SB: How has your company made a difference in the marine industry? Provide examples.
RM: With the recent development of our AquaZone^TMwe have brought a new dimension to the store and to key boat shows. Our 40,000-gallon mobile aboveground pool allows us to demonstrate interesting fun products and provide excitement to our Demo Days and the Boat Shows with user engagement. Attendees can witness the X-Jet Blades soaring 30 feet above the pool, and watch our Hovercraft transition from land, up a ramp and spinning donuts in the pool. They can also see our gas-powered Jet Surf Board racing and jumping to the delight of all who view it. The AquaZone^TM allows for the hands-on demonstrations of the Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks, SUP and Yoga Sup lessons, kayak fishing clinics, and much more.

SB: Which top three products do you recommend for cruisers and why?
RM: Every cruiser needs 1) a reliable tender for both ship-to-shore transport and water sports activities; 2) yacht and land toys to play with at their destination and, 3) a folding electric bike to get around town while visiting ports of call. Our new GoCycle is a great example of a lightweight, collapsible, corrosion proof, powder-coated magnesium electric bike that is fun to ride, fast and gets many hours on a single charge.

SB: Are you involved in any outside marine organizations? Which ones and why?
RM: With growth of nearly 80 percent per year over the past 5 years, there has been little time and manpower to dedicate to become properly involved in any marine organization. We are a main sponsor for the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournaments. We’ve also formed an association with the Maritime Professional Training Team (MPT) of Fort Lauderdale who provide training to professional mariners on small craft deployment of life-saving crafts from larger vessels. Together with MPT we will also offer on-site training and safety classes, including introductory and intermediate boating courses. I am hopeful to become more active in outside marine organizations as things settle down and specifically the MIASF has been on our radar for some time.

SB: Do you currently own a boat? If so, what is the make and model, and how extensively have you cruised?
RM: We currently own an 84′ Northern Marine Expedition vessel that has been my pride and joy. Samantha, my wife of 44 years, and I have been living aboard boats for the past 28 years. After selling our business in San Francisco, we decided to buy a boat and take several months off to cruise the California coast. That initial cruise led us to Mexico and then we crossed the Pacific Ocean to the Marquesas. We enjoyed it so much that we continued the journey and ended up traveling 45,000 nm over 13 years, visited some 435 ports around the world, and eventually ended up here in Fort Lauderdale where we permanently dropped anchor. It was here that we met our business partner, Jeff Garcia, who sold the 63′ Cheoy Lee Motor Sailor that was our traveling home for 13 years.

SB: What else do you want people to know about you and your company?
RM: My joy comes from the growth of the company and the people we have attracted to it. We started with about 15 employees and now have close to 75. Watching them grow personally and professionally to meet the challenges of our rapid growth has been most rewarding. In addition, we have developed a culture of trust and respect for each other as well as with the customers who come here. Yes, we need to sell products, but we want to sell the right product to meet the customers’ needs. There are no hidden fees and no pressure sales tactics. We want to win customers for the long haul and build a repeat customer base that is happy with our service, staff and dedication. When you think of us, we want to be known as the GO-TO PEOPLE FOR FUN ON THE WATER!

Off-Line is an 84′ Northern Marine Expedition vessel that is the pride and joy of Samantha and Roger Moore.

By Liz Pasch, Southern Exposure May 2015

Celebrate the arrival of spring with ingredients that capture the flavor of the season.

Seared Scallops over Pesto Pasta
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

2 lbs. sea scallops, rinsed, patted dry
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. olive oil
2 c. fresh parsley
1/4 c. pine nuts
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
Zest of one lemon
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 lb. linguine or fettuccine
1-1/2 c. peas
1 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1″ pieces (discard ends)

Season scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Heat butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy skillet and sear scallops over medium-high heat about 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Set aside. In a blender or processor, combine parsley, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; blend until lightly chopped. Add oil and blend until smooth. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus and peas for 1 minute in boiling water. Drain. Toss pasta with pesto, asparagus and peas, and serve on plate with scallops on top. Season with fresh pepper.

Mushroom and Gorgonzola Salad
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6

4 c. baby portabella mushrooms, halved
1 c. button mushrooms
1 tbsp. fresh thyme
1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 c. Kalamata olives, pitted
2/3 c. marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1/4 c. sundried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
6 c. fresh arugula or spinach
4 oz. Gorgonzola cheese
Pepper to taste

Combine mushrooms and fresh thyme in a large baking pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Roast in 400-degree oven for 15 minutes or until browned. Cool slightly. Combine mushrooms, olives, artichokes, and sundried tomatoes in a bowl. Whisk together remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss mushrooms and vegetables with dressing. Place arugula on a large platter. Spoon mushrooms over arugula and crumbled cheese. Season with pepper.

Balsamic-Glazed Strawberries on Pound Cake
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6

3 c. strawberries, quartered
5 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
5 tbsp. brown sugar
1 pound cake, sliced into 1″ slices
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Fresh mint to garnish (optional)

Heat vinegar and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add strawberries, tossing to coat. Spoon berries over pound cake and top with scoop of cream.

Lemon Gingerade
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6

3/4 c. fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
2 c. fresh lemon juice
12 oz. vodka
2 c. club soda

In a small saucepan, combine ginger, water and sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmer 30 minutes. Cool and strain into a container. In a large pitcher, combine lemonade, vodka and syrup. Stir and serve over ice. Top with splash of club soda. Garnish with lemon slice.

Carrie Hanna is the author of Florida’s Backyard, a collection of original recipes. To order the book, call (800) 839-8640.

Southern Exposure Spotlights Nautique Boat Company

As part of its Nautique Cares initiative Nautique Boat Company employees recently served in two separate projects; one in their home community of Central Florida and another in Haiti.

In Orlando, Nautique employees volunteered March 7^th to help build a Habitat for Humanity home that the Nautique Boat Company is funding. This is the second Habitat for Humanity home in the past three years that Nautique has funded. Nautique’s sister company, Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC), funded another for a total of three homes. Nautique and OWC employees also volunteered time to help build each of these three homes.

Another group of Nautique employees traveled March 13-14 to Haiti to distribute 3,400 pounds of food to hungry Haitian families. The Nautique team flew into the Haitian countryside with a plane full of the food and worked with various organizations to hand out the food to the Haitian families. The Nautique team also had the opportunity to review work done by several charitable organizations in Haiti.

Bill Yeargin, Nautique’s President and CEO, stated, “I am thrilled at the wonderful spirit of our employees who are always willing to serve as part of our various Nautique Cares initiatives. Both the home building in Central Florida and food distribution in Haiti helped people who really need it.” Yeargin added, “Over the past eight years our Nautique team has traveled the globe serving others. We want to build the world’s best boats but we also want to use our time and resources to help those who need it.”

To ready Bill Yeargin’s Nautique Insider blog about these Nautique Cares initiatives click here.

Southern Exposure April 2015

Breaking Physical Boundaries

Individuals with disabilities stay active on the water through products, boat designs and organizations.

Individuals with disabilities make up the nation’s largest minority group, which is also the only minority group that one can become a part of at any time in their life. In the last two years more than 20 million families in the U.S. have reported at least one family member with a disability, and nearly 40 percent of disabled individuals live in the South. When someone close to you is affected, that statistic becomes very personal and passion to spread awareness ignites. Thankfully, there are many companies, organizations and individuals in the marine industry that strive to enhance on-the-water accessibility for people with varying degrees of physical disability.

Twenty-seven-year-old Rob Murphy—an avid spearfisherman, diver, snowboarder, angler, and wakeboarder based in Palm Beach County, Florida—was spearfishing on a routine dive with five friends, just as he had done dozens of times before, when his life drastically changed. While surfacing, Rob was run over by a 36-foot sportfishing boat that negligently sped towards him despite his proper dive flags and warning yells. The propellers struck his oxygen tank—which saved his life—but his legs were severed just below the knees. Just two months after his accident, the diving and boating community celebrated Rob’s return to the water with custom prosthetic swim legs made by Matthew Bailey of Palm Beach Prosthetic Services, part of Florida O&P Services.

“Since Rob not only wanted to be out on the water on a boat but actively in the water, we had to make sure his dive prosthetics were completely saltwater-resistant, so we removed all the metal we could,” explains Bailey. Rob’s dive legs are exoskeletal, which means all the strength is in the outer shell. They are hollow with holes in the shell to allow water to flow through freely while swimming and ensure they aren’t buoyant. They also allow drainage once back in the boat. “His dive prosthetics are shaped just like regular legs, so they have the same hydrodynamics and allow him to swim normally,” Bailey says. “We ordered special dive ankles and beachcomber feet to allow Rob’s ankles to lock in a 70-degree swimming position or 90-degree walking position, so he can walk in the boat without changing his legs.” Bailey located a fly-fishing shirt company that had an “underwater camouflage” water pattern that he laminated onto the legs with clear resin per Rob’s design request.

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Rob not only survived against the odds in a sudden tragic accident, but today—almost six years later—he is thriving both in and out of the water. When not hunting big fish for both recreation and spearfishing tournaments onboard his 31-foot Contender that he custom-designed for spearfishing, you can find him advocating for increased diver safety and building his growing business. “I will always love scuba diving, but I love how natural and pure freediving is—the freedom of diving down on a single breath of air is unlike anything else,” Murphy says. As an active young professional, he continues to inspire both disabled and able-bodied individuals to pursue their passions despite any obstacles. palmbeachprosthetics.com

Dr. Stanley Seidman, a successful psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, had an accident at six years old and when a doctor made a mistake, Stanley’s left arm required amputatation. Despite his physical setback Dr. Seidman began boating in 1974 and he and his wife Carol have cruised on their 63-foot Neptunus Pan-a-sea-a since 2001. When Carol cannot join her husband on the water, however, docking the large vessel single-handedly is a challenge. Around three years ago Dr. Seidman began using Yacht Controller, a battery-operated wireless device that allows him to remotely control his bow thrusters, stern thrusters, anchor, and engines in and out of gear at the press of a button. It sends a unique coded signal between the transmitter and receiver on Pan-a-sea-a to control docking functions anywhere on board. “When I used to dock the boat by myself it was a challenge, but Yacht Controller makes it much easier,” says Dr. Seidman.

The remote has a simplistic design with easy-to-use controls and requires very little adjustment time to become proficient. “I also love my Yacht Controller when we have to stop at bridge openings. I use the remote to effortlessly keep us in the same position,” Dr. Seidman says, who explains how the installation process is very simple for all standard powerboats. yachtcontroller.com

Captain Mick Nealey is an experienced Keys captain and guide who launched Active Disabled Americans and Tranquil Adventures over 20 years ago to keep people with disabilities active and engaged in the water through fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, sightseeing, and other eco adventures in Key Largo. Captain Mick suffered from polio as a two-year-old and sometimes still uses a wheelchair to board his 28-foot pontoon boat via a ramp, which he also uses for guests. “I also modified a Jet Ski lift, called The Swinger that allows someone to simply sit in a chair that swings over the side of the boat and lowers into the water for easy access to swim, snorkel and kayak,” he says. “I’ve modified fishing equipment for people who cannot hold a rod and reel, scuba gear, and special kayaks for individuals with specific needs,” he states. Individuals can charter half-day or whole-day experiences that are catered specifically to their needs. activedisabledamericans.org

Two and half years ago husband-and-wife team Andrew and Karen Grego had the idea to build an attractive, versatile aluminum sportfishing boat. When someone mentioned outfitting it for wounded soldiers, Blue Water Warriors was founded with the purpose of helping veterans experience the ocean’s renewal through deep-sea fishing and diving adventures. Alongside marine engineers and innovative boat designers, Blue Water Warriors has developed and built the completely custom 37-foot Warrior—Hull #1 for the couple’s new line of Vision boats. “Our able-bodied brain would choose to do something one way based on what we know, but the guy who is physically injured might think differently,” says Andrew Grego. “I visited Walter Reed [Medical Center] several times to discuss what specifications on a boat would suit them and we have created a boat that someone in a wheelchair can basically board and run independently.”

When you see her, you recognize that Warrior is a vessel worthy of the brave men who will use her. “The guys we are dealing with are type-A personalities who don’t want to look or feel any more physically handicapped than they already are, so our main directive when designing Warrior was to create the feeling of empowerment and independence,” says Grego. Her features include wheelchair accessibility without a hoist, SeaKeeper gyrostabilizer for maximum stability, specially adapted fighting chairs, harnesses and equipment for fishing, transom and side doors that swing open, specially developed non-skid floor surfaces, on-deck wheelchair locks, storage for prosthetic limbs, and a deck-level head with an elevator lift to accommodate people with and without wheelchairs with no assistance.

One of the most inspiring details of this project is the overwhelming support from the local marine businesses. “The majority of this boat—electronics, labor to build, paint, motors, anchor, etc.—have been donated from local business and services who believe in this organization and its purpose,” Grego explains. “We are putting the logos of each donor on the boat and plan to attend as many boat shows as possible to introduce Warrior.” The couple dreams of growing their line of Vision boats by building one of these custom boats for each of the six polytrauma rehabilitation centers at military base hospitals down the East Coast and over to Texas’ Gulf Coast.

These individuals, products and organizations are just a handful of the many that positively impact the quality of life through boating for the disabled. Organizations and initiatives exist throughout the country that offer a multitude of on-the-water adventures. If you or someone in your life is challenged with a physical disability, research opportunities in your cruising area to ensure everyone can benefit from the refreshing, renewing experience that only the water can bring.

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Boating November 2014

2014 Swimsuit

Scouting each year’s photoshoot location for Southern Boating’s Annual Swimsuit Issue begins nearly immediately after the magazine arrives in your mailbox. This year was no different. Last spring we started our search for the ideal location and considered dozens, all of which are spectacular in their own right. When it came down to the shortlist, the decision was unanimous for Cat Cay, Bahamas, located just 50 miles east of South Florida.

Clear, turquoise water and silky, white-sand beaches are just part of what has attracted both the famous and infamous to Cat Cay throughout history, including fearless pirates, Hollywood starlets, British royalty, and American presidents. Even before the small island was converted to a members-only club in 1935, Cat Cay offered protection and privacy—and a dreamlike escape from daily life.

For a few short days in early February, Southern Boating crew and models reveled in the luxury of Cat Cay—an oasis that is so close yet feels so remote.

SB Swimsuit 2014 Sarah Rafting from Southern Boating on Vimeo.

WANT MORE??? Don’t miss the outtakes of the 2015 Swimsuit Photo-shoot – HERE

CREDITS

Sponsored by:
Horizon Power Catamarans
To learn more see our review: Horizon PC60 Skylounge

Producer: Paige Conlan
Assistant to Producer: Kimber Andrews
Photographer: Jim Raycroft
Assistant to Photographer: George Panagakos
Makeup Artist: Michele Winters
Models: Ashley, Sarah, Natasha, and Stevie
Boat Drivers: Michael Allen/Clayton Therrien
Accommodations: Cat Cay Yacht Club
catcayyachtclub.com

Swimsuits provided by:
B.Swim
Sunsets
Swim Systems
Sunsetsinc.com
LeTarte
Pango Pango
Calzedonia
Tavik

Jewelry provided by:
Tees Jewels

2015 Swimsuit Extras

Welcome to the Southern Boating Swimsuit 2015 Extras landing page!

Here’s your chance to have the “behind the scenes” experience of the Southern Boating Swimsuit 2015 photo shoot. Now you can see some of the processes involved, some of the “inside jokes,” outtakes, and the prep and setup of what goes into a photo shoot. And, we have videos that bring the experience a little closer.

Click on the pictures or link to begin your look behind the scenes of the Southern Boating Swimsuit 2015 photo shoot.

Southern Boating Swimsuit 2015 photo shoot. Photo: Sara Vathauer

Click here to see more outtakes from our Swimsuit 2015 photo shoot.

Click here to view the videos from the Southern Boating Swimsuit 2015 photo shoot.

CREDITS

Producer: Paige Conlan

Photographer: Joey Wright

Assistant to Photographer: Chris Hedlund

Makeup Artist: Michele Winters

Assistant to Producer: Sara Vathauer

Production Assistant: Clayton Therrien

Models: Brittany, Michelle, Ria, and Kasia

Swimsuits provided by
LeTarte, letarteswimwear.com
InGear Swimwear, ingear.com
Plunge Swimwear, iswimx.com
Jets by Jessika Allen, jets.com.au
Sunsets Swimwear, sunsetsinc.com
Swim Systems, swimsystems.com
B Swim, bswim.com
Aerin Rose Swimwear, aerinrose.com
Akuali Swimwear, akuali.com
Jypsea Local, jypsealocal.com

Jewelry provided by
Periwinkle Jewelry by Barlow Design
periwinklebybarlow.com

Sunglasses provided by
Costa Del Mar, costadelmar.com

Sponsored by
Everglades Boats
(386) 409-2202
evergladesboats.com

Special thanks to Yacht Works,
Russ Foerkert, Ryan Jacobson,
Mike DeFrancesco

Mary Masri, President of MM Designs

Nine questions for Mary Masri, President of MM Designs

1. SB: How did you become an interior designer interested in yachts?
Mary Masri: My interest in yachts landed in my lap. I had finished a residential project for a longtime client earlier than expected, which is always cause for celebration. She was thrilled with the results and requested I design her son’s yacht.

2. SB: What are some of the signature styles that set you apart from others in your field?
MM: I love color and textures so both are used integrally via hard and soft materials in all of MMDesigns projects. There is always a meaningful amount of color in all of our spaces; it may be strong or muted, obvious or subtle, but it is always there to bring the project to life. Differing textures introduced through fabrics, flooring and hard surfaces give immeasurable visual interest to our interiors. You always want your client to love their yacht the 50^th time they board the same as they did the first time they saw it.

3. SB: What is your favorite part of the interior design process?
MM: There are actually two parts: the initial meeting and revealing the finished project to the client. The initial meeting is the most informative part of the process. That first conversation with the client is where the heart of the project is shaped. You have to ask the right questions, listen to the client’s answers and be able to translate those answers into the client’s vision. If you have done it right the reveal will be nothing less than sensational.

4. SB: How has your company progressed most significantly in the last 10 years? What are some of the most noted changes?
MM: Branching out into the yachting world has been the most significant progression for MMDesigns. Contorting all of the comforts and amenities from a residential setting into the hull of a yacht with all of it restrictions is an intricate puzzle MMDesigns excels at solving.

5. SB: How has your company most notably impacted the boating community?
MM: We are a bit small to have impacted the “boating community” as a whole but we are on our way one boat at a time. With arguably the best service record and turnaround time out there, we are proud of the work we do and look forward to MMDesigns continued growth in the field.

6. SB: How do you see the marine industry evolving in your field over the next few years?
MM: With the economy improving and new overseas markets opening up at an enormous pace, the need for first time designs and refits is growing exponentially. Inventories are still tighter than I would like them to be and the workrooms that survived the economic downturn are at capacity. At this pace there is going to be a need for growth in the sector for the foreseeable future. It will be slow in coming as the bruises from the past are still fresh.

7. SB: How have you seen technology play a role in the advancement of boatbuilding/design in your field?
MM: Technology is allowing yachts to become greener and quieter without sacrificing speed and weight with the added option of remote maneuverability from handheld devices. Soft and hard goods are following suit with more options, offering superior durability against the harsh marine environment without sacrificing luxury and flexible applications, making the marketplace a virtual paradise.

8. SB: How do you marry the desire for performance and seaworthiness with the desire for comfort, elegance, and high design?
MM: Performance and seaworthiness do not have to come at the expense of comfort, elegance and high design. Everything needed to accomplish all of these things is in the market but you have to be willing to search for them. A project is limited only by the imagination and willingness of the professional to go above and beyond for their client. MMDesigns’ reputation was built and is maintained by doing just that for each of its clients.

9. SB: Where and what type of boating/fishing do you enjoy personally?
MM: I was brought up salmon and trout fishing and although I love being out on the open waters, my heart is still on the river, on its shore or on it under oar power!

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure

2015 Innovation Awards

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced the winners of the 2015 Innovation Awards at the opening annual Industry Breakfast of the 2015 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. These awards recognize exceptionally innovative new consumer marine products, and were on display throughout the show from February 12-16, 2015, at the show’s three locations – Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Miamarina at Bayside. This year’s program featured a record number of entries with 97 products—a 68 percent increase in entries compared to last year.

The 2015 Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award winners are:

Alternate Drive Technology (pods, stern drives): Volvo Penta, Forward Drive; volvopenta.com
Deck Equipment & Hardware: Taco Metals, Rub Rail Mounted LED Light; tacomarine.com
Docking & Fendering Equipment: StormFender LLC, StormFender; stormfender.com
Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Yamaha Watercraft, Connext Helm Control System; yamahaboats.com
Inboard Engines: Indmar Products, ROUSH Charged Raptor; indmar.com
Outboard Engines: BRP U.S. Inc., Evinrude E-TEC G2; evinrude.com
Consumer Safety Equipment: Simrad-Navico, Forward Scan; simrad-yachting.com
Watersport Equipment: LilliPad Diving Boards, LilliPad Diving Board; lillipaddivingboards.com
Consumer Electronics, Apps & Software: Navionics, Inc, SonarCharts and SonarCharts Live; navionics.com
Center Console & Walkaround Fishing Boats: Hydra-Sport, 53’ Suenos; hydrasports.com
Cuddy Cabin and Bowrider Boats: Rec Boat Holdings/Four Winns, Horizon 440 Bow Cruiser; fourwinns.com
Deck Boats: Boston Whaler, 320 Vantage; bostonwhaler.com
Jet Boats: Chaparral Boats, Aerial Surf Platform; chapparalboats.com
Personal Watercrafts (PWCs): Yamaha Watercraft, Yamaha RiDE System; yamaha.com
Pontoon Boats: Apex Marine, Inc., Angler Qwest; apexmarineinc.com
Tow Boats: MasterCraft Boat Company, X23; mastercraft.com
Environmental Award: Wake Worx, LLC, Mussel Mast’R Aquatic Invasive Species Filter System; wake-worx.com

The Innovation Awards judging committee is comprised of BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine products and equipment. The committee is chaired by Zuzana Prochazka, freelance writer with regular contributions to SAIL, Sea, BoatUS and Cruising Outpost magazines as well as Boats.com, Yachtworld.com and TalkoftheDock.com. The judging committee includes:

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Nigel Calder: Associate/Technical Editor with Professional BoatBuilder, Sail, PassageMaker, Yachting Monthly and Ocean Navigator; and author of The Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual, Marine Diesel Engines and several other titles.
Alan Jones: Executive Editor of Boating World magazine.
Liz Pasch: Editorial Director of Southern Boating.
Lenny Rudow: Senior Editor for Dominion Marine Media, including Boats.com and Yachtworld.com; Electronics Editor for BoatUS Magazine; and author of six books.
David Schmidt: Electronics Editor at Yachting magazine; Racing Editor at SAIL magazine; U.S. Racing Editor of www.sail-world-com; and Owner and Founder of Alembic Media, LLC.
Ed Sherman: Vice President and Education Director of American Boat & Yacht Council; contributor to Boating, Cruising World, Soundings, Professional BoatBuilder, and Yachting magazines; owner of Ed’s Boat Tips blog; and author of several books.
Alan Wendt: President of BWI and frequent contributor to Lakeland Boating.

Southern Exposure’s Q&A: Jimmy Floyd, Sales Manager at Bradford Marine

SB: You have an extensive history in the marine industry. What sets Bradford Marine apart from competitors? How has it accomplished this and how will it continue to do so?
JF: Bradford Marine has been a leader in the industry since it first opened in 1966. Being a full-service shipyard has allowed Bradford Marine to offer its clients the comfort of having the trades of a shipyard under one roof. Owners and captains have the ease of working with a project manager who is assigned to each vessel, which allows more personal control over the project details and the delivery time of their vessel. Bradford Marine will continue to deliver quality work from our more than 130 tradesmen and continue to improve communication with our clients. It is a very competitive industry today and I believe the only way to set yourself apart is through quality workmanship, good service and great communication.

SB: What attracted you to work for Bradford Marine?
JF: I started at Bradford Marine in 1976 as Dockmaster, which was my first job in the yachting industry. Twenty-eight and a half years later I returned to Bradford knowing its history and reputation, wanting to be a part of a traditional business that I was familiar with and be a part of its continuing growth.

SB: What are you most proud of accomplishing in your position?
JF: In my 35 years of working in the industry, I take the most pride in the relationships I’ve made. I have been very fortunate during my career with the opportunity to work with people that take pride in what they do. You’re only as good as the people backing you up. Offer excellent service, stand behind your work and most of all, stand behind your word. That’s something to be proud of.

SB: What do you love most about what you do and what are your goals for 2015?
JF: I have to say that I most enjoy seeing customers happy when they leave the shipyard and even happier when you see them return to you. Bradford Marine has another facility in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Our goals for 2015 are to continue to offer great service and increase business at both facilities.

SB: How is Bradford Marine making a difference in the marine industry?
JF: Bradford Marine, along with others, has been collaborating with different business in the area to accommodate the ever-growing number of vessels visiting South Florida. The downturn in the economy several years back changed the way a lot of businesses operate, so we are hoping to continuously aid and increase cruisers in South Florida.

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure

Sangria Lolea

This Valentine’s day enjoy the sweet taste of Sangria Lolea’s gourmet sangria from the Mediterranean. Inspired by its region of origin, Sangria Lolea combines tradition and culture to make the perfect combination of wine and fruit, with a frizzante touch. In addition to its fine taste, Sangria Lolea is elegantly crafted and adds a stylish presentation perfect for any date or celebration!

Prepared with either red wine or white wine, Sangria Lolea is made with all-natural ingredients and has a moderate content of alcohol. The makers of this cocktail craft a limited production for consumption each year. The essence of Sangria Lolea’s story is evident with every sip; family and friends are guaranteed to enjoy! MSRP $19.49

Information
1674 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 674-3222
lolea.usa@sangrialolea.com
sangrialolea.com

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure